Pressure Continues on Illinois Farmland Values

Joanna Schroeder September 9, 2016

Pressure continues on farmland values in Illinois according to research released during the 2016 Farm Progress Show. Prices have been reduced on average between an estimated 3.3 percent and 7 percent with projected low net returns and softening commodity prices cited as the primary cause of the decrease in value. The results of the Mid-Year “Snapshot Survey” was provided by David Klein, with Soy Capital Services, and conducted on behalf of the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and the Illinois Farm and Land Chapter of the REALTORS Land Institute.

Klein said per the survey below $4 per bushel prices paid for corn are expected to continue into 2017 with some decreases in production costs expected. In addition, cash rents are expected to drop about $20 per acre.

Survey respondents indicated that for the first half of 2016:

Land values decreased 3.3 percent for excellent-quality farmland and estimated prices paid for an acre averaged $11,100.
Land values decreased 4.5 percent for good-quality land with an average sale price of $9,400 per acre.
Land values decreased 5.6 percent for average-quality land with an average price per acre at $7,600.
Land values decreased 7 percent for fair-quality land at an average sale of $5,800 per acre.

Respondents also indicated that they expect the decrease in land values to continue throughout the remainder of 2016.

To learn more about the Land Values Survey, listen to the press conference here: Land Values Press Conference

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Shipping Soy and Other Specialty Grains

Jamie Johansen September 9, 2016

For the 4th year in a row U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) has joined forces with the Midwest Shippers Association (MSA) to host the U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange and Midwest Specialty Grains Conference. Sometimes it’s easy to forget how our products get from point A to point B. We put our heart and soul into production and neglect the in’s and out’s of shipping domestic and international. Executive Director, MSA, Bruce Abbe, took time to shed some insight on shipping by truck, rail, barge and ocean liner.

A fairly new organization, MSA was started in 2002 with a core focus on specialty grains and food-grade soybeans are their leading commodity. “We have three priority areas our organization focuses on. One is transportation. We seek competitive shipping for our upper Midwest region. We have a key focus on international containerized shipping creating more exporting opportunities for specialized food and feed ingredients. And we are a networking organization.”

Bruce said it was the 13th year for the specialty grain conference and this joint venture allows them to provide a number of shipping informational sessions along with breakouts on food and feed grade soy products with a focus on international markets. “USSEC does such a great job of going out and identifying, supporting and bringing in the buyers and trade teams. The event has really grown since we have gotten together.”

Listen to my complete interview with Bruce to hear more about a few key issues impacting the shipping industry. Interview with Bruce Abbe, Midwest Shippers Association

Indiana Railroad Co.’s, Intermodal and Economic Development Manager, Eric Powell, spoke during one of those breakout sessions on the new developments for export container shipping through the inland intermodal rail service. Indiana Railroad has a collaboration with Canadian National Railroad (CN) on international intermodal.

“It is part of a growing business for us. We are averaging about 35% year-over-year growth with our service with CN. We want to make sure to get the word out to soybean growers, in terms of our capabilities.”

Eric said they are in a container shortage at the moment because of the steep demand. Listen to my complete interview with him to learn more about that and what the future looks like in the transportation industry. Interview with Eric Powell, Indiana Railroad Co.

View and download photos from the event here: 2016 US Soy Global Trade Exchange Photos

Agribusiness, Audio, Exports, Feed, Food, International, Soybean, transportation, USSEC

NCGA Tells EPA to Leave Atrazine Alone

Joanna Schroeder September 9, 2016

Atrazine is once again under attack with a recent report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highly critical of the ag herbicide. National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has been fighting for the right of growers to use atrazine and to learn more I spoke with Kevin Skunes, the first vice president elect for NCGA and a farmer from Eastern North Dakota, during the 2016 Farm Progress Show. He says the state’s corn crop is really good and the soybeans look good as well.

Back in June of this year, EPA released its draft ecological risk assessment for atrazine as part of the herbicide’s re-registration process. Skunes says that if the assessment stands, then atrazine will effectively be banned from use. This is a big negative for the ag industry, because, says Skunes, the herbicide plays an important role in conservation cropping systems that help reduce soil erosion.

In addition, says Skunes, there are no other herbicides that do what atrazine does in relation to combating weed resistance. Regarding EPA’s recommendation to limit the use of atrazine, Skunes, says, “It’s just a horrible decision on their part in my opinion because they are not basing their decision on sound science. There are over 7,000 studies out there that show atrazine is safe as an effective crop protection tool.” He noted that even the World Health Organization has studies showing atrazine is safe.

Bob Hartzler, professor of weed science at Iowa State University, notes that atrazine has allowed better soil conservation programs for growers, especially no-till and conservation tilling. Prior to atrazine, he says, tillage was the primary mechanism for weed control – weeds that waste water and nutrients.

“Atrazine isn’t the only tool used today, but it has a unique chemistry that makes other chemicals work better,” says Hartzler. “That synergy is documented, and the benefit is it allows farmers to manage weeds effectively, especially problem weeds, and it allows reduced use of these other chemicals.”

Skunes is calling on growers across the country to fight for atrazine. The EPA comment period goes until October 4, 2016. He says if a grower would like help voicing his or her concerns, he or she can go to www.ncga.com/atz to submit comments directly to the EPA or one can sign a petition at FightEPA.com.

Learn more about EPA’s atrazine assessment by listening to my interview with Kevin Skunes: Interview with Kevin Skunes, NCGA

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USSEC Provides Sustainability Verification

Jamie Johansen September 8, 2016

Sustainability is in nearly every conversation concerning agriculture these days. Therefore, it was no surprise the U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange tackled the topic as well. The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) held a Sustainability Forum focused on how to practice sustainability throughout the entire soy value chain. USSEC Marketing Director for Market Access, Rosalind Leeck, spoke with me about the sustainably grown U.S. soybean and their Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP).

“SSAP really evolved out of a demand placed upon the industry from the European Union. When we started looking at what the European customers were asking us we realized we had a great story to tell. We soon started to document everything the farmers were doing from a regulatory standpoint that they were required to do as well as the voluntary actions they did on their farm to make sure they maintained a sustainable business.”

Rosalind reminded those in attendance how sustainability encompasses more than just the environment. She said we should picture a three legged stool. Social sustainability, economic sustainability and environmental sustainability are all equally important.

Through SSAP, USSEC has created tools for customers around the world. These tools answer their questions about the soy products they buy because they understand different parts of the world are concerned about different things. “We have tried to capture all the good things we are doing so when our customers buy U.S. soy they can verify how the product was produced.”

Listen to my complete interview with Rosalind to learn more about SSAP here: Interview with Rosalind Leeck, USSEC

View and download photos from the event here: 2016 US Soy Global Trade Exchange Photos

Ag Groups, Audio, Soybean, Sustainability, USSEC

AEM Talks Right to Repair at #FarmProgressShow

Cindy Zimmerman September 8, 2016

As the farmer’s “right to repair” farm equipment has become a headline story even in mainstream media, manufacturers are trying to get the facts out to dispel the hype.

At the Farm Progress Show, representatives from the Equipment Dealers Association (EDA), the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), and the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) held a press briefing to talk about the issue.

AEM Senior Director of Government and Industry Relations Nick Tindall says proponents of right-to-repair are spreading the myth that farmers can’t even change the oil in their own equipment. “Farmers today can do the vast majority of what they need to do on the farm,” said Tindall. “They own their machines and they can work on them.”

To an extent, that is. “To where there are a few instances – and we’re talking about computer codes mainly – where it is restricted, a lot of it has to do with the Environmental Protection Agency and emissions standards,” said Tindall. “It’s the law and we can get in some serious trouble if our equipment doesn’t meet it and our dealers can get in some serious trouble, even if a third party makes a modification to it.”

The other important issue to consider is proprietary coding. “Because in today’s equipment, that’s where all the research dollars are,” Tindall explained. “It’s extraordinarily technical work that requires dealers to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in training and equipment to keep up with the standards.”

Learn more in this interview: Interview with Nick Tindall, AEM

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Zimfo Bytes

Lizzy Schultz September 8, 2016

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has announced plans for the department’s annual USDA Data Users’ Meeting, where statistical and non-statistical agencies will update data users on recent and pending changes in various data and information programs important to agriculture, and will seek comments and input on these programs.
Osborn Barr has announced three new hires. John Meyer was named the agency’s new business development director, Nicole Phillips will serve as Group Director and will lead the Monsanto account and equipment portfolio of business for the agency, and Zach Arnold was hired into the position of Group Creative Director at Osborn Barr.
FFA chapters from 42 communities in 26 states recently received up to $1,200 in funds from the National FFA Organization’s Living to Serve: Environmental and Emergency Preparedness Grant Program and have begun their semester-long projects that intend to tackle an environmental or emergency preparedness issue in their communities.
The deadline to submit your application for a Conservation Legacy Award has been extended until Sept. 15. Make sure to apply today to win a trip to the 2017 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas.

Zimfo Bytes

Apply for the Global Youth Ag Summit

Lizzy Schultz September 8, 2016

Bayer, along with two Belgian young farmers associations, Groene Kring and Fédération des Jeunes Agriculteurs (FJA), are inviting young thought leaders from around the world to apply to attend the third Global Youth Agriculture Summit from October 9 to 13, 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. Interested young leaders, aged 18 to 25, are invited to apply for participation. Essay applications will be accepted here until January 13, 2017.

At the summit, about 100 selected young delegates from around the world will engage in an open discussion on one of the world’s most challenging questions: How do we sustainably feed a hungry planet?

Applicants are asked to submit an essay on the underlying causes of food insecurity and the effect it can have on a growing population. Key selection criteria include the ability to demonstrate original ideas and passion to help shape the future.

“We are delighted to co-host the next Youth Ag-Summit in Brussels,” says FJA’s secretary general Guillaume Van Binst. “FJA aims to mobilize stakeholders, organize advocacy, and address both farmers and the general public. And where better to do so than at this prestigious global event?” Groene Kring national chairman Giel Boey agrees. “Brussels, is an ideal location for this seminal gathering of young farmers to help us face up to the future of agriculture and of feeding the world,” he says.

The Summit’s long-term goal is to inspire delegates to act on the challenges facing our global food supply, and action is clearly needed to improve young people’s knowledge about agriculture, since many young people are disconnected from farming and give little thought to where their food comes from.

“Bayer is committed to encouraging young people to learn about agriculture and to inspire the next generation of ag visionaries. With initiatives like the 2017 Youth Ag-Summit, agricultural scholarships and experimental learning at our student labs and online, we want to encourage young people to learn more about sustainable agriculture and food supply whereby the vital role of science and innovation is highlighted,” says Bernd Naaf, Head of Business Affairs & Communications and Labor Director at Bayer.

Ag Groups, Bayer, International

USFRA Research Focuses on Consumers and Sustainability

Cindy Zimmerman September 8, 2016

Sustainability is the biggest buzz word of the day when it comes to food. That’s why the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) has spent a lot of time this year researching just what sustainability means to consumers and their food choices.

USFRA Randy Krotz says they found out that while there seems to be no consistant definition of sustainability, most consumers associate sustainability with four key areas. “We found out if you talk about air, soil, water and habitat, it connects with consumers,” said Krotz during an interview at Farm Progress Show last week. “They’re wondering what we as agriculturalists are doing that impacts the environment.”

The research finds that younger consumers in particular are literally hungry for information about food. “Millennials are looking for information at a rate that we almost can’t keep up with,” said Krotz. “We’ve got to be transparent, we’ve got to tell our story, and we need to do it because 75 percent of consumers are concerned about where their food is coming from.”

USFRA was sharing this sustainability research with producers at Farm Progress Show and providing training on ways to use it to create productive, positive dialogue about the industry.

Learn more from Randy in this interview: Interview with Randy Krotz, USFRA

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#IFAJ2016 Tour – Part 11 – Bayer Wheat

Chuck Zimmerman September 8, 2016

In this next episode of my stories from the 2016 IFAJ Congress Bayer Tours we’re going to learn about wheat production. In this ForwardFarm tour stop Cristiane Henk talks about Bayer crop protection products for wheat on the Damianshof Farm. Wheat is the biggest crop in the world in case you didn’t know that.

Wheat can be affected by many different pathogens and the wheat product portfolio for Bayer addresses many of them like fungi and insects. Christiane shows us how Bayer’s products helped this farm deal with yellow rust which was especially prevalent this year.

Besides crop protection Bayer is also working on new wheat hybrids but not at this farm. However, the company does have 7 R&D locations around the world for this type of research.

You can listen to the presentation here or watch below to learn more: Christiane Henk, Presentation

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Agrible Alien Rooster Lands at #FarmProgressShow

Cindy Zimmerman September 8, 2016

The Agrible alien rooster and MiniZ became good friends at the Farm Progress Show last week and helped us learn more about Agrible’s “alien technology” on the farm.

“It really is so far ahead and so foreign to a lot of people that it just seems alien,” said Agrible sales director Jason Little.

Among Agrible’s alien technology products is the free Find My Seed™ tool which combines searchable data from over 300,000 third-party seed trial plots covering 23,000 different seed varieties. “It’s an independent seed trial aggregator,” said Little. “Based on the criteria, it will search the data base and come back with the hybrids that have the highest yield advantage.”

Agrible just expanded Find My Seed™ to include five additional crop types. In addition to corn and soybeans, Find My Seed now includes thousands of varieties of wheat, barley, peanuts, oats, and cotton. Find My Seed makes it easy for growers to find the right seed based on the factors that are important to them, such as location, soil type, seed technology, brand and more.

Learn more about Agrible in this interview: Interview with Jason Little, Agrible

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