USDA Allows Dairy Farmers to Opt Out of Program

Cindy Zimmerman

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced that, starting today, dairy producers can enroll for 2018 coverage in the Margin Protection Program – or opt out, a new option granted by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.

To opt out, a producer should not sign up during the annual registration period. By opting out, a producer would not receive any MPP-Dairy benefits if payments are triggered for 2018. Full details will be included in a subsequent Federal Register Notice. The decision would be for 2018 only and is not retroactive.

National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) CEO Jim Mulhern called the news “a welcome development, in that it acknowledges the widespread dissatisfaction among farmers enrolled in the program. Simply put, the way the program was enacted in the 2014 Farm Bill, it does not meet the needs of America’s dairy farmers today, and declining participation levels amply illustrate farmers’ disenchantment with the MPP. Farmers who choose to opt out of the MPP will then be able to enroll in the Livestock Gross Margin program for 2018.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation was also pleased with the action. “Dairy farmers need access to effective risk management tools,” said AFBF president Zippy Duvall. “Approximately 24,000 dairy farms, representing 80 percent of the U.S. milk supply, are currently enrolled in the program, however, this year only 2 percent of the milk enrolled participated at levels above the basic coverage option. The low participation rate is due to the poor performance of MPP in providing a viable safety net to dairy farmers.”

AFBF, AgWired Animal, Dairy, USDA

Credenz Soybeans Launch New Varieties for 2018

Cindy Zimmerman

Soybean growers visiting the Farm Progress Show this week got the news that Bayer is introducing 15 new Credenz® variety options to fight against key agronomic issues in 2018.

The new Credenz® varieties include LibertyLink® traits and feature Bayer smart genetics. In addition, six new Balance® GT varieties have been developed for maturity groups 2.1 to 4.1. Upon approval, the Balance® GT system will give growers the flexibility to use Balance Bean herbicide for burndown or pre-emergence applications. Growers will have access to additional powerful solutions that continue to maximize performance, boost profit potential and increase yield efficiency.

At the show, we got more details Marc Hoobler, soybean seed product manager for the Credenz brand, in this interview. Interview with Marc Hoobler, Bayer

2017 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by John DeereCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by GrowmarkCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience
AgWired Precision, Audio, Bayer, Farm Progress Show, Soybean

Zimfo Bytes 9/1

Kelly Marshall

  • The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska welcomes Howard W. Buffett to the board of directors.
  • To date, 33 corn mazes in 19 states have joined together with Culver’s Thank You Farmers initiative and have planted more than 7 million seeds of gratitude for the hard work of America’s farmers. These mazes are just one of the many ways Culver’s shows charitable support for the future of farming.
  • The Farm Foundation is hosting a forum on the role of innovation in U.S. agriculture and changes needed for global competitiveness.  It will be held Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 9 a.m. EDT at the National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, Washington D.C.  Register here to attend in person or here to participate online.
  • Performance Food Group Company (PFG) and DuPont Pioneer have announced PFG is introducing a new high-performance soybean oil that is helping expand the market for U.S. soybean growers. The primary ingredient in the new oil is Pioneer® brand Plenish® high oleic soybean oil, which has been shown to have superior longevity and taste.
  • Farm Computer Usage and Ownership report released on August 18, 2017 by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is being reissued due to a correction on page 10. The percent of farms in 2017 that purchase agricultural inputs over the internet has been updated.
ZimmNews

Biofuels Voices Comment on RFS Rule

Cindy Zimmerman

The comment period for the EPA’s proposed volume obligations for biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has officially ended and stakeholders in both the biodiesel and ethanol industries made their voices heard.

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) submitted comments “urging the agency to finalize the RVOs that were included in EPA’s first draft of the proposal that was submitted for interagency review in May.” EPA’s initial draft proposed RVO requirements of 384 million gallons for cellulosic biofuel, 4.38 billion gallons of advanced biofuel; and 19.38 billion of total renewable fuel, higher than what the agency ultimately proposed in July.

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) comments emphasized the economic benefits of the RFS, use of the general waiver authority, the potential of a future “reset” of the RFS, and the advanced and cellulosic biofuel levels.

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) called for higher volumes of advanced biofuels and biomass-based diesel, which were cut or frozen in the proposal. NBB asked EPA to increase the advanced biofuel volume for 2018 to at least 4.75 billion gallons and the biomass-based diesel volume for 2019 to at least 2.5 billion gallons.

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) comments asked EPA to maintain the proposed amount of conventional ethanol blended into the nation’s gas supply for 2018, and to raise the amount of cellulosic, advanced, and total biofuels.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association commented that EPA should “follow the law” and set a 2.75 billion gallon biodiesel level and a 384 million gallon cellulosic level in the final rule.

ACE, Biodiesel, Biofuels, Corn, Ethanol, RFA

GROWMARK Leading in Nutrient Loss Reduction

Cindy Zimmerman

Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey talks with GROWMARK CEO Jim Spradlin (L) and chairman John Reifsteck

GROWMARK and the FS System have been leaders in the state of Illinois when it comes to helping farmers adopt best management practices to reduce nutrient losses, contributing to the success of the state’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. At the Farm Progress Show this week, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey visited the GROWMARK FS tent to learn what he can adopt in his state.

Northey is particularly interested in growing adoption of cover crops. “For a farmer to go out there and spend a significant amount of money to start cover crops, you’ve got to figure out how it’s going to work,” he said.

Ben Nuelle with Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network and I had a chance to talk with Northey about that and various other topics.

audio file: Interview with IA Ag Secretary Bill Northey

The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Biennial Report was released this week at the Farm Progress Show, describing actions taken during the last two years to reduce nutrient losses and influence positive changes in nutrient loads over time. GROWMARK chairman and Champaign, Illinois farmer John Reifsteck says they have been very involved with making sure farmers do the right thing in their fields. “We’ve been using the science-based approach, the 4R program is really the cornerstone of what we are implementing,” he said.

audio file: Interview with GROWMARK chairman/president John Reifsteck

View and download photos from the event here: 2017 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by John DeereCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by GrowmarkCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience
AgWired Precision, Audio, Farm Progress Show, FS System, GROWMARK

House Ag Committee at #FPS17

Cindy Zimmerman

LtoR: Reps. Glenn Thompson, Mike Bost, Mike Conaway, Darin LaHood, Collin Peterson, Cheri Bustos, Rodney Davis

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX), Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-MN) and members of the committee hosted a farm bill listening session at the Farm Progress Show Thursday in Decatur, Illinois. It was the fifth such session the committee has held so far.

“This was a terrific listening session that will benefit us as we write the next farm bill,” said Chairman Conaway at a press conference following the session.

“Today’s listening session was a continuation of the Agriculture Committee’s efforts to hear directly from the varied interests, across all regions of the country, who are impacted by the farm bill,” said Ranking Member Peterson.

Others who took part in the listening session were Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania, and Illinois Representatives Mike Bost, Darin LaHood, Cheri Bustos, and Rodney Davis.

House Ag Committee presser

View and download photos from the event here: 2017 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by John DeereCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by GrowmarkCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience
AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Audio, Farm Bill, Farm Policy, Farm Progress Show

Versatility, Durability & Comfort from John Deere Gators

Jamie Johansen

John Deere hosted ag media during the 2017 Farm Progress Show to give us a chance to get behind the wheel of their new Gator utility vehicles, highlighting a redesigned cab, three-wide seating, and heating and A/C.

Designed for customers who need all-day comfort with off-road terrain capability in all seasons, John Deere introduced the new gas-powered Gator XUV835 and diesel-powered Gator XUV865 Utility Vehicles. Chuck spoke with Michael Prada, a John Deere product engineer, who is the man behind this redesigned cab.

“We listened to our customers and realized they wanted to have three passengers, so we made it wider. In addition, we have a full cab built by John Deere including the doors and windshield rear panel. It also has HVAC which is a big step forward. We took a lot of time to develop the ceiling of the vehicles to make sure the performance of the air conditioning and heat is best in class,” said Prada.

Listen here to get the full scoop: Interview with Michael Prada, John Deere

Deere also introduced the gas-powered Gator HPX615E and the diesel-powered Gator HPX815E models that offer four-wheel drive for improved terrain capability and superior payload, cargo capacity, towing and overall stability.

Jamie was able to test drive the fully-loaded gas-powered Gator XUV835 and was a big fan of the power steering, A/C and adjustable seats. Join her for the ride.


View and download photos from the event here: 2017 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by John DeereCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by GrowmarkCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience
Agribusiness, AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Audio, Equipment, Farm Progress Show, John Deere

Satshot’s Platform Improves Farm Efficiencies

Kelly Marshall

Airbus Defense and Space is now providing high-resolution SPOT 6/7 satellite data as part of the Satshot platform. The imagery coveres a large portion of the corn and wheat belt of the United States and can be used for deep analysis of specific farmland to improve operations and efficiency.

SPOT 6/7 data provides 1.5 meter high resolution natural color and near infra-red information with daily collection opportunities making the data a valuable source for analysis and decision-making in the ag industry. The large swath and coverage capabilities of the twin satellites allow for mapping from a national level down to fragmented farmland parcels at a very competitive price point. This trade-off between resolution, coverage and revisit is key to monitor crop growth and needs more closely and make better informed decisions.

“We are thrilled to have a partner like Satshot, who is leveraging the SPOT 6/7 sensors for information collection in the US agriculture industry” said Francois Lombard, Head of the Intelligence Business Cluster at Airbus Defence and Space. “Disseminating imagery and data into the hands of our partners that can provide near real time solutions for farmers, agribusinesses and others will have a positive impact on food production and sustainability.”

Satshot President and founder, Lanny Faleide, says this level of quality and resolution is the first for the agriculture industry. Airbus and Satshot plan to continue the partnership and provide more imagery and data in the future.

AgWired Precision

Crop Water Use App Makes Farmers More Efficient

Kelly Marshall

Matthew Rhine from the MU Fisher Delta Research Center presented information about a new app at the recent Missouri Rice Council annual Rice Field Day at the Rice Research Farm in Campbell, Missouri. The Crop Water Use app, available from CropWater.org, is helping growers make the best use of their irrigation systems.

“What we’ve done with the development of the Crop Water Use app is, we want to make it more efficient for farmers to irrigate each of their crops. So they can put each of their fields into the app, they can put in the soil type, the crop they’re using, planting date, rooting depth that they want to use and it’s going to essentially give us the soil/water balance for that particular field, so they can monitor what they’re loosing in evaporation, transportation, and what they’re putting back with irrigation. So it’s going to tell them exactly the day they’re going to trigger their irrigation for that crop,” Rhine explained.

The app takes into account water lost through evaporation, transpiration of the plant, and ground water. It factors in how much water the plant can use based on the growth stage of the crop and it triggers a signal for irrigation.

In addition, researchers are working to establish ideal root depth for various crops. Roots that grow longer can wait longer for water, but at what depth is the yield optimal? Trials last season suggested irrigation necessary to keep cotton roots near the 6 inch mark caused a loss of yield, while 18 inches may be too inefficient for rice.

Learn more about the Crop Water Use app and irrigation scheduling in Jamie’s full interview here: Interview with Matthew Rhine, MU Fisher Delta Research Center

View and download photos from the event here: Missouri Rice Field Day Photo Album

AgWired Precision, Apps, Audio, Irrigation, Rice

Verdesian Life Sciences Introduces FlexConnect™

Cindy Zimmerman

Verdesian Life Sciences introduced FlexConnect™, the first closed transfer system for soybean inoculants, at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois this week.

Combined with a mixing port, FlexConnect enables applicators to handle and mix inoculants of any volume straight from the packaging, without transferring to a separate tank. This saves applicators time and money by minimizing the waste normally associated with inoculant mixing.

If a picture is worth 1000 words, here are 69,000 words worth of photos from the FlexConnect launch:
Verdesian FlexConnect Launch photo album

And a video must be worth at least a few pages, so watch and learn more about FlexConnect from Verdesian Life Sciences.


AgWired Precision, Farm Progress Show, Seed, Verdesian, Video