2016 NCGA Corn Contest Winners Announced

Kelly Marshall

This year’s entires into the National Corn Growers Association 2016 National Corn yield Contest showed some of the highest results ever, with a record five entries surpassing the 400 bushel per acre mark.  Six production categories mean there is no overall winner, but the top three entries in each of the six categories averaged more than 375 bushels per acre.  When narrowed down to the top three yielding entries, that number jumped to 521.3968!

“The contest provides farmers more than just an opportunity for friendly competition; it generates data that impacts future production practices across the industry,” said Brent Hostetler, chair of NCGA’s Stewardship Action Team. “The techniques first developed by contest winners grow into far-reaching advances, helping farmers across the country excel in a variety of situations. Our contest emphasizes innovation both from growers and technology providers, thus enabling us to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber.”

Winners will be recognized at the NCGA Awards Banquet and the NCYC State Winners Breakfast during the 2017 Commodity Class.  Visit www.ncga.com for a list of the national and state winners.

Ag Groups, Corn, NCGA

BASF Engenia Registered by EPA

Cindy Zimmerman

basf-tn-cottonLate yesterday BASF announced that Engenia™ herbicide has received registration for use in the United States in dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton.

“Soybean and cotton growers now have a new tool at their disposal to manage glyphosate-resistant weeds,” said Neil Bentley, Director of Marketing, U.S. Crop, BASF. “Engenia herbicide is our most flexible and advanced dicamba for dicamba-tolerant crops. It’s a product that will help growers better manage weeds to get the most out of every acre.”

Engenia herbicide controls more than 200 broadleaf weeds, including glyphosate-resistant weeds, and will be available for use in the 2017 growing season. BASF has been preparing for registration of the unique product since 2012 when it was first revealed at Commodity Classic. BASF Technical Marketing Manager Chad Asmus gave us the most recent update last month at the NAFB Trade Talk. “Engenia herbicide is part of a complete weed management program that starts with a residual herbicide and utilizes multiple, effective sites of action to control even the toughest weeds,” Asmus says.

BASF continues to support growers through ongoing stewardship and education efforts, including on-target application and other technical support. Launched in 2012, the On Target Application Academy has provided stewardship training for more than 13,400 applicators across 31 states and an online version of OTAA will be made available by the end of this year.

BASF, Crop Protection, weed management

First Wheat Yield Contest Winners in 20 Years

Cindy Zimmerman

The winners of the first National Wheat Yield Contest in 20 years used new techniques, advanced seed varieties, and innovative production practices to produce an average of 135 bushels per acre.

The National Wheat Foundation recently announced the winners of the 2016 National Wheat Yield Contest, sponsored by Monsanto, BASF, John Deere, and Winfield, which drew nearly 170 entrants.

The National Wheat Yield Contest winners were split into two categories and two subcategories, of Winter Wheat (Dryland and Irrigated) and Spring Wheat (Dryland and Irrigated). The 14 national winners in these production categories had a yield average of 135 bushels per acre, far surpassing the county averages for the winning growers.

The top yield nationally for the Bin-Buster award came from Phillip Gross, a grower out of Warden, Wash., who grew irrigated hard red winter wheat variety Keldin from WestBred to a final yield of 192.85 bushels per acre, 216.15% above the county average.

Learn more from NWF about all of the top winners who will be recognized at the 2017 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, as guests of the National Wheat Foundation.

Wheat

See the Future of Plant Breeding from #ASTACSS

Cindy Zimmerman

Gene editing could be as revolutionary for plant breeders as cut and paste editing has been for the print industry. The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) held a press conference at the recent CSS & Seed Expo in Chicago to talk about new innovations in the industry that have great potential. We already posted the audio from that press conference but a couple of presenters used slides to help explain the new techniques that are very helpful. Watch it here:


ASTA CSS 2016 Photo Album

Coverage of ASTA CSS and Seed Expo brought to you by
Coverage of ASTA CSS and Seed Expo brought to you by the American Seed Trade Association and Coverage of ASTA CSS and Seed Expo brought to you by BASF Ag Products
ASTA, Video

Why #Farmers Grow #GMOs

Cindy Zimmerman

Maryland farmer Chip Bowling agrees with a new survey that finds the main reason farmers have increased their use of genetically modified (GM) crops is sustainability.

“We’re better at what we do because of technology, whether it’s seeds and traits or through the equipment that we use,” says Bowling, who farms on the Chesapeake Bay. He is also chairman of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and vice chairman of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) which recently released a survey of farmers on their attitudes towards GM technology.

The survey found that farmers like Bowling believe biotechnology helps them raise crops more efficiently, and that the environment and sustainability practices will suffer if GMO technology utilization is reduced in crop production in the future. Moreover, when asked about farmers’ ability to lessen their environmental footprint, GMO seeds ranked top of the list (98%).

“With GMOs and advances in agricultural technology, we’re utilizing our resources much more precisely today and have pinpoint accuracy when applying fertilizer, nitrogen and chemical applications. This is especially important on my farm in the Chesapeake Bay watershed,” said Bowling. “The farmers’ perspective in the survey findings are a direct indication of how important genetic engineering technology is for the environment and our food supply, and how it benefits farmers and consumers alike.”

Bowling says they are hoping to help consumers understand the beneficial link between GMO technology and sustainability. “Only 11 percent of consumers see GMOs as being favorable,” he said. “But if you talk to them about increased yields and efficiency, then 50 percent believe GMOs are on the right path.”

Learn more about Chip believes GMOs are sustainable in this interview: Interview with Chip Bowling, USFRA vice chair

Audio, Biotech, Corn, GMO, NCGA, USFRA

Alltech Acquires Spanish Ag & Hort Crop Company

Jamie Johansen

Joaquín Martínez, managing director at Solbiosur, is pictured alongside Jomi Bernad Blanch, Iberian regional director for Alltech, at the acquisition signing.

Alltech has acquired Solbiosur, a specialised agricultural and horticultural crop solutions company in Spain. Solbiosur is a provider of innovative agricultural and horticultural solutions dedicated to improving yield and efficiency for the producer. Solbiosur manufactures and distributes solutions that are respectful to the environment and are cost-beneficial for the producer.

“Solbiosur has worked in collaboration with Alltech for the past five years,” said Jomi Bernad Blanch, Iberian regional director for Alltech. “Our coming together will mean an ability to deliver greater value to our agricultural and horticultural farming customers. Between Alltech’s primacy in science and Solbiosur’s distribution strength and reach, we have a winning combination for delivering greater crop efficiency and profitability directly to our customers.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for the growth of our business, not just in Europe, but around the world,” said Steve Borst, general manager of Alltech Crop Science. “We are excited to have Solbiosur join with the Alltech Crop Science team and we look forward to the customer support this will enable us to provide in the region. Both companies have a very progressive mindset on the future of agriculture and the technologies needed to improve the health of crops while maintaining a high standard of environmental stewardship. This is a thrilling time for both of our businesses, and we look forward to the growth opportunities it will provide.”

“Joining the Alltech family creates an exciting future for Solbiosur,” said Pedro Navarro, commercial director at Solbiosur. “Alltech is a well-respected agricultural leader providing nutritional solutions across animal and crop production. Solbiosur’s new journey with Alltech will further strengthen our ability to deliver crop and horticultural nutrition solutions to a wider market given Alltech’s reach in more than 120 countries worldwide.”

Agribusiness, Alltech, Crop Protection, Nutrition

#Ethanol Reaction to Trump Team Mixed

Cindy Zimmerman

Some ethanol interests are getting a little nervous about the oil industry ties of several Trump administration cabinet selections. Those include former Texas Governor Rick Perry for energy secretary, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt for EPA administrator and ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State.

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) issued a call-to-action to its grassroots membership last week, urging them to ask their senators to work during the confirmation process to get some reassurance that Pruitt will support ethanol. “We are asking ethanol supporters from all walks of life to contact their senators and vet Scott Pruitt properly, and make sure they are comfortable on where he stands on ethanol issues before casting a vote to confirm him to lead EPA,” says ACE Executive Vice President Brian Jennings in this interview: Interview with Brian Jennings, ACE

Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen says in his opinion all that really matters is who is in charge. “While these people may not be strong ethanol advocates themselves…it’s the Donald J. Trump presidency and he has made it perfectly clear that he supports American energy and wants to see ethanol being used,” said Dinneen. “It’s going to be Scott Pruitt’s responsibility to implement Donald Trump’s agenda.” Interview with RFA CEO Dinneen

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, who has accepted the position as Trump’s ambassador to China, says he has gotten assurances about Pruitt from the president-elect himself. During his weekly press conference last week, Branstad said he talked to Trump during his recent “Thank You” tour in Des Moines. “First thing Trump told me is ‘don’t worry about him, he’s going to be for ethanol.'” Gov. Branstad on Trump and RFS

Meanwhile, agriculture secretary is one of the very last cabinet level positions for the president-elect yet to announce a choice. The latest name in the news is Idaho Governor Butch Otter, after much speculation revolving around on Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and South Dakota Republican Kristi Noem, and earlier talk of Texas ag commissioner Sid Miller.

Audio, Ethanol, politics

Happy Holidays from Water for Food

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmComm loves holiday greetings, including Merry Christmas messages.

At this time of year we like to share random examples of the ones we receive.

Let’s start with the Water for Food Daugherty Global Institute at the University of Nebraska.

Wishing you a warm holiday season and a New Year filled with joy, peace and prosperity.

Uncategorized

Raven Showcases New Products At #ARA2016

Lizzy Schultz

Raven Industries was at this year’s Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) Conference & Expo to showcase three main products during this year’s event.

“We have a long history with ARA, they’re a great customer of ours and we’ve been providing a lot of technology to make their businesses more efficient for many years, and this year we’re just bringing them the next evolution of tools to help them better serve the farmer,” said Tim Heins, Director of Product Management, during an interview with Chuck at the 2016 conference.

Raven’s Hawkeye Nozzle Control System has been on the market for two years, providing a pressure based product control system that allows for precise sprayer application and a reduction in spray drift, allowing farmers to get the most out of every nozzle. Individual pulsing valves control each nozzle, giving a consistent spray pattern as speed and conditions change.

Also on display was the AgEagle RX60 UAV, the drone distributed through Raven that offers growers the ability to greatly improve field insights.

“You can fly your field, get an NDVI image and start to see crop stresses before you would normally,” said Heins. “It’s a great tool that provides information that may help you make some timely decisions on your operation.”

An exciting new product on display was the Raven Rate Control Module (RCM), which offers the next generation in precision application rate control. It uses Raven’s innovative control algorithms, making it the most precise application controller on the market today.

Learn more in Chuck’s full interview with Tim here:
Interview with Tim Heins, Raven Industries

View and download photos from the event here: 2016 ARA Conference Photo Album

Coverage of the ARA Conference and Expo is sponsored by Coverage of the ARA Conference and Expo is sponsored by FMCCoverage of the ARA Conference and Expo is sponsored by Ag Retailers Association
Agribusiness, ARA, data, Equipment, Precision Agriculture

Sorghum Checkoff Board Directors Sworn in

Cindy Zimmerman

The Sorghum Checkoff Board swore in one new and three returning directors this week at the annual board meeting in Lubbock, Texas.

Returning to the board are Martin Kerschen of Kansas; Daniel Krienke of Texas; and Clayton Short of Kansas. Newly appointed to the board is Kent Martin of Oklahoma. The newly sworn in board members were appointed by the U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in October and will serve a three-year term.

New leadership was also elected during the December board meeting with David Fremark of St. Lawerence, South Dakota now serving as chairman, Krienke as vice chairman, Short as secretary, and Verity Ullibarri of New Mexico as treasurer.

sorghum