Short-Stature Corn Next Big Thing from Bayer

Cindy Zimmerman

“Short-stature corn is the next big thing in agriculture,” said Liam Condon, member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and President of the Crop Science Division, during an investor call this week on the company’s latest progress in delivering customer-focused, sustainable agricultural innovation.

Condon says short-stature corn has several benefits for growers. “First, it has thus far shown unparalleled production stability in high winds, as evidenced by our still-standing plots of short-stature corn in Iowa following last summer’s devastating windstorm, and again at our Field of Dreams plots this summer. Second, it allows for extended in-season crop access due to its shorter height, which enables tailored solutions for precise, late-season applications of fertilisers or crop protection. Finally, we see a more sustainable future with this technology.”

Bob Reiter, Bayer Head of R&D for Crop Science Division, says they are anticipating full launch of short-stature corn in 2024. “That’s of course our first generation of the technology, so that is based on our approach that we use with traditional breeding,” said Reiter. “The biotech version will be launching later in the decade, … and really will be the one that unlocks, I would say, the biggest part of the value proposition.”

Condon: Short-stature corn development (1:35)

Reiter: Short-stature corn release timeline (1:39)

Audio, Bayer, Corn

Cattle Contract Library Act Introduced in House

Cindy Zimmerman

Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX) this week introduced the bipartisan Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021 to create a library for cattle contracts within the USDA’s Agriculture Marketing Service Department equipping cattle producers with market data to make informed decisions in negotiations with meatpackers.

Currently, USDA maintains a pork contract library, and following significant volatility in the cattle market and the release of the July 2020 Boxed Beef & Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation Report, the creation of a library was recommended by experts and stakeholders. In response to this investigation, Johnson introduced sweeping cattle reform legislation to provide more transparency in the market, including the creation of a contract library.

The cattle contract library is widely supported by industry groups and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and the introduction of this legislation comes after more than a year of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) pushing for the creation of the library.

“After more than a year of upheaval, facing everything from extreme drought to supply chain disruptions, many cattle producers have been backed against a wall. We need to act urgently to provide them with relief,” said NCBA President Jerry Bohn. “There is no single, silver bullet solution to the wide variety of needs among our diverse membership, but lawmakers can start by focusing on viable solutions that have broad-base support across the industry. The cattle contract library is one such solution, and it will help our producers command more leverage in negotiations with the packers. We appreciate the work of Congressman Johnson and Congressman Cuellar to move the ball forward on this urgent issue.”

Earlier this month, NCBA Vice President and South Dakota rancher Todd Wilkinson testified before the House Agriculture Committee and underscored the need for greater transparency in cattle markets. One of the solutions he advocated for was the creation of the cattle contract library, as well as full reauthorization of Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR).

House ag hearing - NCBA VP Todd Wilkinson (4:58)

AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Audio, Livestock, Marketing, Markets, NCBA

Bayer Says LA Glyphosate Plant Back in Production

Cindy Zimmerman

The Bayer glyphosate plant in Luling, Louisiana is back on line after being down for five weeks following Hurricane Ida. Bayer Crop Science Division President Liam Condon provided an update during an investor call this week.

“It was actually in the eye of the storm of Hurricane Ida and it is standard practice that when you have a hurricane of that kind of magnitude we had to shut down the facility,” said Condon. “The reason we were offline was less because the plant was heavily impacted but that the surrounding infrastructure was partially destroyed with no access to energy or water.”

The Louisiana plant provides all of the active ingredient for Bayer Roundup products in the U.S. and demand for glyphosate remains high, but Condon says they expect to recover production quickly. “We have lost five weeks of production and this will involve some idle cost and some impact on sales but nothing to any degree that would impact our full year guidance,” he said.

Liam Condon Update on Bayer Louisiana plant (1:39)

Audio, Bayer, Crop Protection

Precision Ag News 10/20

Carrie Muehling

  • More than 80 agricultural groups filed formal objections to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Aug. 30 rule to revoke all tolerances of chlorpyrifos. Stakeholders, by law, can object to pesticide tolerance changes or cancellations, and the EPA Administrator must then respond.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the winners of the Next Gen Fertilizer Innovations Challenge, the second of a two-part, joint USDA-EPA Partnership and Competition on Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers (EEFs) to Advance Agricultural Sustainability in the United States. The goal of the competition is to improve the efficiency of fertilizers to increase crop yields while reducing the impacts of fertilizers on the environment. More information can be found at: www.epa.gov/innovation/next-gen-fertilizer-challenges.
  • CARBON CYCLE™, a new biological designed to break down tough crop residue, speed up planting and make the most of fertilizer, was announced by Frenchman Valley Coop. A unique collection of bacteria and amino acids, CARBON CYCLE stimulates biological activity that speeds residue decay and releases nutrients faster.
  • Overall unit sales of both ag tractors and combines continue their growth above an already-hot pace set in 2020 according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. U.S. total farm tractor sales climbed 2.5 percent in September compared to 2020, while U.S. self- propelled combine sales jumped 34.6 percent, the third month in a row of growth near or above 20 percent for harvesters.
  • The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has won a $1.5 million competitive Build to Scale grant from the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support the Center for AgTech and Applied Location Science and Technology (CATALST). The project aims to capitalize on the demand for new precision agriculture technologies by tapping into the St. Louis region’s expertise in agtech and location science to fuel innovation and entrepreneurship and to advance commercialization. The Danforth Center is partnering with BioSTL and T-REX to implement the CATALST strategic initiatives.
  • Registration is open for the 33rd Independent Professional Seed Association Annual Conference in Indianapolis, IN, January 24-27, 2022. The IPSA Annual Conference will be held in conjunction with the Corn Belt Seed Conference.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

Animal Ag News 10/18

Carrie Muehling

  • C.W. (Bill) McMillan, a long-time lobbyist and consultant for the U.S. beef cattle industry and briefly an Agriculture Department assistant secretary, died Wednesday of heart failure. He was 95.
  • For more than three decades cattle producers have simplified their recordkeeping with a handy pocket-sized booklet from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). The 2022 version of the Redbook is now available to help cattle producers effectively and efficiently record their daily production efforts, which can help enhance profitability and reduce stress levels.
  • The dairy checkoff is launching a new wave of the Undeniably Dairy campaign to create deeper connections between Gen Z and dairy and give them new reasons to choose it over other products. “Reset Yourself with Dairy” is a youth-centric evolution of the checkoff’s consumer campaign and will use a variety of media channels and marketing strategies, including gaming, social media influencers and digital content, to engage with Gen Z to grow sales and trust of dairy.
  • The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame will welcome five 2021 inductees and two award winners at the 45th Annual Induction Luncheon and Ceremony.
  • USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation have approved $356,000 for five new research grants at five institutions through the comprehensive research program.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

Almond Growers Invited to Participate in BetterSoil Alliance

Cindy Zimmerman

Yara North America, Inc., together with Heliae® Agriculture, has launched the BetterSoil Alliance to help California almond producers in the pursuit of sustainable farming practices to improve water productivity and soil health, while decreasing their carbon footprint.

Almond growers and advisors are invited to participate in implementing the solutions through customized crop and soil nutrition programs that will be developed by mid-November. Participants will be eligible to receive a sustainability reward based on water productivity and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), as well as recognition in the Alliance. Data collected from participating growers’ orchards will be used to better understand the positive impact the solutions implemented in the program can have. Yara North America, Inc. and Heliae® Agriculture will help fund a portion of the sustainability rewards, however to acknowledge as many growers as possible, the companies are calling on the industry to participate through pledges to help fund the sustainability awards.

Participating growers and advisors will have access to the agronomic expertise of Yara North America, Inc. and Heliae® Agriculture and support in implementing crop nutrition and soil management solutions such as YaraLiva® Calcium Nitrate; produced in Norway and featuring a very low carbon footprint, and PhycoTerra® a superior, nature-based soil microbial food, specifically produced to feed the dormant microbes-including fungi and bacteria. The products are designed to drive almond yield and quality while improving soil health and structure. Moreover, independent third-party trials show a measurable improvement in water productivity (crop per drop) when YaraLiva® Calcium Nitrate and PhycoTerra® products are used together.

specialty crops, Sustainability, Water

Get Ready for the 2021 ASTA CSS & Seed Expo

Cindy Zimmerman

America’s largest seed industry conference is back live, in-person and better than ever at the Hyatt Regency Chicago December 6-9, 2021.

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) 2021 CSS & Seed Expo is expected to attract more than 2,000 seed industry professionals from 36 countries. While virtual attendance options are offered, 98-percent of registrants so far have chosen to attend in-person.

The event has been held at the Hyatt Regency for decades, until last year forced ASTA to go virtual. After a year away, ASTA president and CEO Andy LaVigne says attendees will find some new experiences with a chance to visit “Villages” themed to the major segments of our conference sessions and exhibitors.. “We’re going to be moving a little more around the hotel,” said LaVigne. “We’ve got four different Villages between the East and West Towers of the Hyatt Regency.”

The Villages will focus on themes of leadership, innovation, seed treatment, and the field. Each village contains a session theatre, relevant exhibitors to those sessions, networking tables and lounges and “Food Truck” simulations – creating a new small plates food festival around the entire event.

Learn more about what’s in store at the 2021 CSS and Seed Expo in this interview.
2021 ASTA CSS preview with CEO Andy LaVigne (6:56)

ASTA, Audio, Seed

Bayer and Luke Bryan Continue Farm Tour Partnership

Cindy Zimmerman

After donating close to 5 million meals across the United States, Bayer will continue its partnership with five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan in 2021 to celebrate America’s farmers and help fight hunger by encouraging use of the hashtag #HerestotheFarmer on social media to help families in need.

Bryan wrapped his FARM TOUR 2021, playing six concerts between September 9 and September 18 in harvest fields across six different states.

‘Here’s to the Farmer’ supports Bayer’s vision of Health for All, Hunger for None and asks fans across the United States to share the hashtag #HerestotheFarmer on their social media channels to show their gratitude to America’s farmers. For every share, Bayer will provide one meal* to a person in need through Feeding America® with the goal of helping to provide 1 million meals.

Bryan and Beth Roden, SVP and Head of Communications for Bayer U.S., participated in a media call on Friday to talk about the partnership.
Bayer + Luke Bryan media call (27:20)

Audio, Bayer

Industry Ag News 10/15

Carrie Muehling

  • Agri-Pulse Communications is looking for an intern who is passionate about reporting on farm, food and rural policy issues and serving our growing audience. Please send a cover letter, resume and at least three writing samples by Friday, Nov. 19 to Jesse@Agri-Pulse.com.
  • USDA announced the appointments of five Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Directors and seven Rural Development (RD) State Directors.
  • Bushel, an independently-owned software technology company focused on developing solutions for the grain supply chain, today announced its acquisition of GrainBridge, LLC, a joint venture owned by ADM and Cargill Incorporated.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) announced they have entered into an agreement with the goal of increasing minority involvement in agriculture.
  • Case IH announces Scott Harris, current vice president of North America, will lead the brand as Case IH global president. Harris replaces Brad Crews, who will serve as president of North America for CNH Industrial. Kurt Coffey, current global brand marketing manager and marketing communications leader for North America, will lead the brand as Case IH vice president of North America, effective immediately.
  • Following an extensive search, Alltech Crop Science has filled its newly created CEO position. Andrew Thomas has been appointed to lead the global team and further cultivate the strategic growth of Alltech Crop Science.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is rolling out a new insurance option specifically for agricultural producers with small farms who sell locally. The new Micro Farm policy simplifies record keeping and covers post-production costs like washing and value-added products.
  • Travel to the “River City” – Richmond, Va. – for the 2021 Agricultural Relations Council Annual Meeting, Oct. 26-28, in Richmond, Va., at the Courtyard Richmond Downtown.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of four members to serve on the United Sorghum Checkoff Program’s Board of Directors. All four appointees will serve three-year terms starting December 2021 and ending December 2024.
  • The Mid America CropLife Association (MACA) held its annual business meeting virtually this week, and elected officers for 2021-2022. The group also filled several board of director positions at the September 17 meeting.
  • Register now for MEET & Potatoes in Anaheim, the annual Potato Expo. The in-person event is planned for Jan. 5 & 6, 2022.
  • AMVAC®, an American Vanguard® Company, is pleased to announce the third annual Cotton Industry Advancement Scholarship winners. A total of seven students were selected from 17 qualified applicants. Each scholarship recipient was awarded $2,000.
  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced that Matthew Ziegler has joined NCGA as the Manager of Public Policy and will lead the organization’s efforts on transportation, research and new uses policy.
  • Golden Harvest announced today the launch of “We’re All Ears” — a new podcast miniseries with episodes releasing weekly throughout harvest 2021. Farmers can tune in this fall to gain insights on local, national and global topics in agriculture to help them plan for the 2022 season and beyond.
  • Farm Journal Foundation’s next Speaker Series online event will cover the intersection of agriculture and nutrition. This World Food Prize side event will feature a panel of leading international experts who will discuss challenges in our global food system that contribute to malnutrition, and how these challenges ultimately might be solved. The event will take place from 3-4:30 PM CT on Thursday, Oct. 21, via Zoom and Facebook Live.
Zimfo Bytes

Former USDA Economist Comments on Current Trade Climate

Cindy Zimmerman

Farmers for Free Trade held a virtual roundtable Thursday to focus on the current trade landscape, the Biden administration’s trade agenda, and how ag exports are critical to workers throughout America.

On the panel was Dr. Joseph Glauber, currently Senior Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute but well known as former chief economist at USDA from 2008-2014.

Listen to his comments here:
Farmers for Free Trade panel - Dr. Joe Glauber (5:27)

Audio, Exports, Trade