USDA Predicts More Corn, Less Soybeans and Cotton

Cindy Zimmerman

Corn production is up, while soybean and cotton production is down from 2022, according to the latest Crop Production report issued Tuesday by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Corn production is forecast to be up 10% from last year, at 15.1 billion bushels; soybean growers production is down 3% from 2022, forecast at 4.15 billion bushels; and cotton production is 9% lower than last year at 13.1 million 480-pound bales.

The average U.S. corn yield is forecast at 173.8 bushels per acre, down 1.3 bushels from last month’s forecast but up 0.5 bushel from last year. NASS forecasts record high yields in Ohio and South Carolina. Acres planted to corn, at 94.9 million, are up 7% from 2022. Area to be harvested for grain is forecast at 87.1 million acres, up 1% from last month and 10% more than was harvested last year. As of Sept. 3, 53% of this year’s corn crop was reported in good or excellent condition, one percentage point below the same time last year.

Area for soybean harvest is forecast at 82.8 million acres, up slightly from last month but 4% less than was harvested last year. Planted area for the nation, estimated at 83.6 million acres, is down 4% from last year. Soybean yields are expected to average 50.1 bushels per acre, down 0.8 bushel from last month’s forecast but up 0.6 bushel from 2022. If realized, the forecasted yields in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, and Tennessee will be record high.

NASS forecasts all cotton area to be harvested at 8.02 million acres, 7% below last month’s forecast, but 10% more acres than were harvested last season. Yield is expected to average 786 pounds per harvested acre, up 7 pounds from last month’s forecast, but down 164 pounds from 2022. Area planted to all cotton is estimated at 10.2 million acres, down 26% from last year.

Corn, Cotton, Soybean, USDA

Precision Ag News 9/13

Carrie Muehling

  • Agtech startup FarmSense announced that it has been awarded the top prize in Bayer’s global Grants4Tech Pest Monitor Challenge. The FarmSense team recently spent multiple days demonstrating the capabilities of their FlightSensor technology during the finalists’ event at Bayer’s headquarters in Germany.
  • Rob-See-Co, an independent seed company located in Elkhorn, Neb. announced the establishment of its new forage division and the introduction of an advanced evaluation system, designed to amplify the value delivered to Every Farm, Every Crop, Every Acre. The new division will be led by Scott Harris, Forage Division Manager.
  • Heavy duty row crop tractor unit sales continued to increase in the U.S., while overall farm tractor unit sales in the U.S. and Canada declined in August, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). In the U.S., 100+hp 2WD tractors, and 4WD tractors were the only segments to grow year-over-year. Both those segments, along with self-propelled combines remain positive for the year. The biggest overall growth among tractors happened in 4WD units, growing more than 20 percent in August.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is shining a spotlight on start-up companies focused on advancing agricultural innovation by naming the top 10 teams in the 2024 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.
  • Agricultural technology is affecting row crops and specialty crop production, ag retail, and international agribusiness. Agricultural data and tools have applications that impact the full food value supply chain, from inputs through the farm and all the way to retail and the consumer. But with so much advancements, where are we in the adoption of ag tech? Join five ag tech experts on September 27 at 10 a.m. (Eastern time) for a free one-hour webinar discussing the State of the Ag Tech Industry, hosted by Ag Global Tech Initiative.
  • Rain Bird Agriculture, a leading global manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services, has expanded its dripline portfolio with the addition of the GritX DSV (Dual Seal Valve) and the GritX SDI (Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation) Pressure Compensating Heavywall Driplines. With GritX technology, these products deliver water directly to the plant while preventing debris from clogging emitters through a self-flushing action.
  • Have you ever taken a closer look at your spending and been shocked by how much you pay for subscription services? The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) can be a similar drain on your finances, flying under the radar and chipping away yield potential as years pass. The SCN Coalition’s new SCN Profit Checker tool works like a budget audit, laying bare just how much yield and money SCN is costing you.
  • From high tech, unmanned spraying systems to state-of-the art environmental recycling to business ‘incubator’ facilities that support water, energy and ag-tech innovators – all will be part of local touring opportunities for those attending the 2023 Annual Conference of the American Society of Agricultural Consultants (ASAC) in Fresno, Calif., November 5 – 7.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Ag Innovation Campus Grand Opening Tomorrow

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The new Ag Innovation Campus in Crookston, Minnesota is crossing the bridge into production this week with its long-awaited grand opening on Thursday.

    “I’m looking forward to bringing everybody together to showcase all the time and energy that has been put into this project,” said Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) Chair Tom Frisch, who also serves as AIC treasurer. “It’s a huge win for Minnesota’s agriculture industry.”

    As a not-for-profit crush facility, the AIC will produce an estimated 240 tons of soybean meal daily, equaling a grand total of 62,400 tons of soybean meal per year. With three independently operated mechanic crush systems, the AIC will be able to crush organic, non-GMO and GMO soybeans.

    The crush plant is only the first phase in this three-phase project. Phase two will feature an office complex and research labs. Phase three consists of rentable discovery bays that will be available for short to midterm use. Companies can then use the space to prove their designs at full production scale. The “Crushwalk” will also allow visitors to view the processing facility in a safe and bio secure manner.

    “We are super excited about the Grand Opening,” said Frisch, who also sits on the United Soybean Board. “Once we get the crushing plant up and running, AIC can start on phase two and three, which will bring the entire vision to life.”

    Spearheaded by Minnesota’s farmers, the AIC is changing Minnesota’s agricultural landscape. Expected guests at the AIC’s Phase 1 Grand Opening include Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen; legislators; AIC directors and Acting CEO Tom Slunecka; farmer-leaders; City of Crookston officials; and assorted industry notables.

    There is still time to register to attend the grand opening event, which is made possible by the United Soybean Board, Minnesota Soybean, and the soy checkoff. AgWired will be there on the ground to cover it as it happens, so stay tuned!

    Soybean, Technology

    DWFI Podcast 28 – Ron Yoder, UNL IANR

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Ron Yoder is a pillar of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln community and most recently served as the senior associate vice chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). After nearly 20 years of leadership at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Yoder has announced he will retire this fall.

    Yoder joined UNL in 2004 as the department head for the Department of Biological Systems Engineering before becoming the associate vice chancellor for IANR in 2011. He also served as interim NU vice president and IANR vice chancellor in 2016, after then-IANR vice chancellor Ronnie Green was named the UNL chancellor.

    In this episode, Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute Director of Communication and Public Relations Frances Hayes talks with Yoder about the important role he played in formation of DWFI more than 10 years ago. They also look back on Ron’s storied career on the eve of his retirement.

    Listen here or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:
    DWFI Podcast 28 - Ron Yoder, UNL IANR 19:52

    The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska was founded with the mission to have a lasting and significant impact on achieving more food security with less pressure on scarce water resources by conducting scientific and policy research, using the research results to inform policy makers, and sharing knowledge through education and communication.

    How to subscribe:

    Audio, Food, Podcasts, University, Water, Water for Food

    NAMA 2023 Professional Development Awards of Excellence

    Chuck Zimmerman

    The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) is pleased to announce three marketing and agricultural leaders as winners of the 2023 Professional Development Awards of Excellence.

    The NAMA Professional Development Awards of Excellence honor members of the organization based on outstanding achievement in each of the Professional Development Areas. The awards will be presented in conjunction with the NAMA Fall Conference, October 9-11 in St. Louis.

    This year, NAMA recognizes Laura Svec, Corteva, in the Marketing Communications area, Kenna Rathai, broadhead, in the Public Relations area and Jennifer Saylor, JL Farmakis, in the Sales area.
    Read More

    Ag Groups, Agencies, Agribusiness, Media, NAMA

    Bayer Continues Sponsorship of Luke Bryan Farm Tour

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Luke Bryan Farm TourFive-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan will headline his fourteenth Farm Tour this September and Bayer is returning as the presenting sponsor. The Georgia native will set up stages in the fields of American farms September 14-23, 2023.

    Continuing a partnership that began in 2015, Bayer is once again joining the tour as presenting sponsor and teaming up with Luke to help honor America’s farmers for providing us with access to critical health and nutrition through its #HerestotheFarmer campaign.

    This morning I participated in a media call with Luke and Beth Roden, Bayer’s Senior Vice President & Head of Communications. You can listen to their remarks and my question here:

    Remarks by Beth Roden, Bayer and Luke Bryan: Luke Bryan/Bayer Farm Tour Remarks (2:54)

    Question for Luke Bryan: Luke Bryan question (2:19)

    The campaign supports Bayer’s vision of Health for All, Hunger for None and asks fans to join in by using #HerestotheFarmer on their social media channels now through November 30, 2023.

    As part of the initiative, Bayer will donate up to 1 million meals to people in need through Feeding America®. Since the partnership’s inception, 6 million meals have been donated and more than $180,000 has gone to Feeding America member food banks and local farmers at each of the tour cities.

    Agribusiness, Audio, Bayer

    Tendovo in Action at #FPS23

    Carrie Muehling

    Syngenta gave farmers a closer look at its new soybean herbicide, Tendovo, at the 2023 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill.

    “A lot of herbicides out there control the weeds. They do what they’re supposed to do. But some sacrifice the crop safety piece, and that’s really important,” said Jonathan Furasek, Soybean Product Marketing Lead, Herbicide Portfolio. “When we have cool, wet soils early in the season – farmers are planting earlier – we need a herbicide that’s not only going to control the weeds, but not thin our stands or hold our crop back so it can ultimately achieve canopy faster.”

    Furasek said Tendovo has three unique active ingredients that provide three modes of action against weeds. It controls more than 70 weeds including Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, as well as common and giant ragweed and cocklebur.

    “It’s never to early to start thinking about weed control,” Furasek said. “If you’re not controlling weeds, you’re sacrificing yield.

    Syngenta Tendovo herbicide – interview with Jonathan Furasek, Soybean Product Marketing Lead
    2023 Farm Progress Show interview with Jonathan Furasek, Syngenta Tendovo 3:39

    Audio, Farm Progress Show, Syngenta

    Animal Ag News 9/11

    Carrie Muehling

  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced it has joined the steering committee of the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA). FACA consists of more than 80 organizations representing farmers, ranchers, forest owners, agribusinesses, manufacturers, the food and innovation sector, state governments, sportsmen and sportswomen, and environmental advocates.
  • The National Milk Producers Federation announced a significant staff reorganization as it transitions to new leadership, as incoming President & CEO Gregg Doud began work with the organization this week as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, a position he will hold until current President & CEO Jim Mulhern retires in January.
  • Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative announced changes in two strategic roles in its federal policy advocacy area. The organization named Karen Gefvert as director of government affairs. Travis Senn will serve as director of public affairs.
  • The Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) New Product Competition for college students is accepting entries for 2024. The competition seeks innovative dairy product concepts and is open to undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. The deadline entry is Jan. 15 and winning teams will be recognized at the American Dairy Science Association’s annual meeting in June. More information is available at www.usdairy.com/research-resources/new-product-competition.
  • North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Aggie cows will mooo-ve into the age of “precision agriculture” as the University Dairy hosts an open house for its new, state-of-the-art Automated Milking System (AMS) on Wednesday, Sept. 20.
  • Could your freezer beef carry the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) brand logo? Perhaps. With the launch of a new program, Angus farmers and ranchers have the option to market their beef directly to consumers as CAB product. Ranch to Table, a direct partnership program between CAB and cattle operations using Angus genetics, allows ranchers to use the brand’s trusted reputation for increased gain.
  • Livestock Marketing Association members have a front-row seat to a disturbing trend: the continued loss of livestock producers across the U.S. They see this as a critical threat, not only to the livestock industry, but to the nation’s food supply. That’s why they’re launching an initiative to strengthen producers’ bottom lines and incentivize the next generation of farmers and ranchers. To join the conversation, visit producerprofitability.com or contact your local LMA member livestock marketing business.
  • As a global leader in animal nutrition and sustainable ag solutions, Alltech is proud to partner with companies that share its commitment to Working Together for a Planet of Plenty. Alltech announced this week that it is partnering with National Dairy Farms and Masakin Dairy Farms, two prominent companies owned by Emirates Food Industries (EFI), to bring leading-edge carbon footprint benchmarking and methane-reducing technologies to the Middle East.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) welcomes Jessica Morse as its new director of meetings and events and Emily Alvarez as its fall communications intern.
  • The Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2023 College Aggies Online (CAO) program kicks off on September 11. Influencers Emily Schaapman, known online as @DairyGirlFitness, Natalie Kovarik (@NatalieKovarik), Brandi Buzzard (@BrandiBuzzard), Jessica Peters (@SeeJessFarm), and Ryan Goodman, known online as @BeefRunner, are among the list of 2023 student mentors. More than $20,000 in scholarship awards are available to participating students and clubs.
  • Ralco Nutrition, Inc. announced that Glenn Bader has been promoted to the role of President & CEO, replacing current President & CEO Brian Knochenmus. Brian will continue as owner and chairman of the board in addition to his duties as chairman of the board of The trū Shrimp Companies, Inc.
  • WATT Global Media has launched its new Feed Mill of the Future website. FeedMilloftheFuture.com features articles, video, expert insights and leading-edge information exploring emerging feed manufacturing technologies and trends, spanning equipment innovations, automation, animal feed formulation and, nutrition and, sustainability in feed production.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Syngenta Sustainability

    Carrie Muehling

    Syngenta continues to work across the agriculture industry with clients, farmers and legislators to increase sustainability in all areas.

    “Sustainability is certainly something that we are very actively engaged with, everything from Operation Pollinator to soil health to bee health,” said Kathy Eichlin, Corporate and Crop Protection Communications with Syngenta. “I think one of the biggest things we are very proud of is our associations, all of our partnerships.”

    Eichlin said the biggest key for Syngenta is doing more listening than talking, as the needs of customers change from year to year. But it’s also important for the company to convert those messages into action in places like Washington, D.C.

    “We need to listen, but then we also need to be leaders and agvocates for our customers,” Eichlin said.

    Syngenta Sustainability Commitment

    Kathy Eichlin, Corporate and Crop Protection Communications, Syngenta
    2023 Farm Progress Show interview with Kathy Eichlin, Syngenta 3:39

    Audio, Farm Progress Show, Sustainability, Syngenta

    Industry Ag News 9/8

    Carrie Muehling

  • Daren Williams, a veteran public relations and marketing leader with significant experience across food and agriculture, has been named to lead the PR and reputation management practice at Curious Plot.
  • Syngenta Group announced financial results for the first half and the second quarter of 2023. Sales for the first half of 2023 were $17.5 billion, down $0.6 billion or 3 percent year-on-year, compared to an exceptionally strong 2022.
  • Farm Journal Foundation and the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets, with support from the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Foundation, celebrated the grand opening of the New York Voice of the Farmer Garden at the Great New York State Fair. The New York Voice of the Farmer Garden, which offers visitors the opportunity to learn about U.S. agriculture and crops grown in New York and around the country, is the very first statewide garden of its kind to open in the country.
  • DLF, the worldwide market leader in forage and turf seed, announced its acquisition of the Corteva Agriscience alfalfa breeding program effective September 1. This includes Corteva’s global alfalfa germplasm and breeding program, the Alforex Seeds brand name and trademarks including Hi-Gest alfalfa technology, Hi-Ton performance alfalfa, Hi-Salt salinity tolerant alfalfa, and msSuntra hybrid technology, current commercial alfalfa varieties and select Corteva personnel supporting the alfalfa program.
  • In August, American Seed Trade Association President & CEO Andy LaVigne was re-appointed to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade (APAC), a committee jointly managed by the USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. APAC provides advice and information to the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative on the administration’s trade policies. Over the next four years in this role, LaVigne will work to ensure that U.S. agricultural trade policy objectives reflect public and private-sector interests in the global seed marketplace.
  • Ag Partners Coop, a leading agricultural cooperative and retailer of agricultural inputs, energy, grain, and agronomy services, announced its decision to join The GROWERS Retail Network. This collaboration connects Ag Partners to farmers on The GROWERS App, a cutting-edge digital platform that enables farmers to connect with retailers, explore and purchase input products.
  • Protect The Harvest is positioning itself for ongoing growth as it focuses on issues associated with food security, agriculture, property rights, and animal welfare. In addition to rebranding efforts that include a new logo, new tagline (A Free and Fed America), and refreshed website, the organization’s leadership is being restructured to accommodate growth and future needs. Effective September 1, Dr. Mike Siemens assumed the role of executive director, with a focus on strategic development, growth and meeting constituent needs. Theresa Lucas McMahan moved from executive director to the newly created chief administrative officer position, focused on organizational effectiveness and operations.
  • International Fresh Produce Association’s 2023 Washington Conference, September 12-15, is packed with high-impact education, collaboration, and advocacy designed to prepare attendees for influencing the policies and perceptions of produce and floral on Capitol Hill and around DC.
  • Scouts participating in the recent Pro Framer Crop Tour found sporadic and highly variable yields for both corn and soybeans, especially across the western Corn Belt. According to a new research brief from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, soybeans have a much tighter supply situation than corn due to the loss of planted acres. USDA estimates soybean planted acreage fell 4.6 percent year-over-year this spring to the lowest level since 2020.
  • Producer sentiment was notably lower in August, as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index dipped 8 points to a reading of 115. This month’s decline was fueled by producers’ weaker perception of current conditions both on their farms and in U.S. agriculture. The Index of Current Conditions fell 13 points to a reading of 108. The Index of Future Expectations also declined 5 points in August to a reading of 119. This month’s Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from August 14-18.
  • The Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) named 20 industry professionals to its 2023-2024 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) class. This is the largest class of Emerging Leaders since the program’s inception in 2015. The Emerging Leaders Program allows crop insurance and reinsurance professionals to increase their knowledge of advocacy and communications and provides networking experiences with industry leaders.
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