USDA Adjusts Yields in August Report

Cindy Zimmerman

USDA’s first survey-based forecasts for the season slightly lowered yields for corn and soybeans compared to projections last month.

In the August Crop Production report released Friday, USDA puts corn production for 2023/24 at 15.1 billion bushels, down 209 million from the July projection, but ten percent more than 2022 which would be the second highest on record behind 2016/17. The corn yield forecast, at 175.1 bushels per acre, is 2.4 bushels lower than July’s forecast. The report indicates that among the major producing States, yields are forecast above a year ago in Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio, and South Dakota. Yields in Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri are forecast below a year ago.

The USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates for August, also released on Friday, cuts total U.S. corn use for 2023/24 by 95 million bushels to 14.4 billion with feed and residual use lowered 25 million bushels while corn use for ethanol remained the same at 5.3 billion.

Soybean production for 2023/24 is forecast at 4.2 billion bushels, down 95 million from July on lower yields and down
2 percent from 2022. Harvested area is forecast at 82.7 million acres, unchanged from July. The first survey-based soybean yield forecast of 50.9 bushels per acre is reduced 1.1 bushels from last month. If realized, the forecasted yields in Arkansas, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, and South Carolina will be record highs.

Wheat production is forecast at 1.73 billion bushels, up 5% from 2022. Growers are expected to produce 1.23 billion bushels of winter wheat this year, up 2% from the previous forecast and up 11% from last year. Durum wheat production is forecast at 57.4 million bushels, down 10% from 2022. All other spring wheat production is forecast at 450 million bushels, down 7% from last year. Based on Aug. 1 conditions, the U.S. all wheat yield is forecast at 45.8 bushels per acre, down less than one bushel from 2022.

Today’s report also included the first NASS production forecast of the season for U.S. cotton. NASS forecasts all cotton production at 14.0 million 480-pound bales, down 3% from last year. Yield is expected to average 779 pounds per harvested acre, down 171 pounds from 2022.

Corn, Cotton, Soybean, USDA, Wheat

Industry Ag News 8/11

Carrie Muehling

  • Farm Progress, Ltd. announced new editorial leadership that will continue to build on its strong momentum and commitment to agriculture media. Mike Wilson will serve as Senior Executive, Editor and Eric Braun as Senior Executive, Content.
  • The National FFA Organization has a record-high student membership of 945,988, an increase of 11 percent from last year. In addition, the number of FFA chapters continues to grow — increasing by 168 this year, resulting in 9,163 chapters in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association welcomed its newest producer member, CIE Norfolk in Norfolk, Neb. The biorefinery produces 50 million gallons of ethanol each year. CIE purchased the facility, the former Elkhorn Valley Ethanol plant, from Louis Dreyfus in late 2022. The company’s Marion, Ind., location is already a longtime RFA member, and CIE President and CEO Ryan Drook represents the company on the RFA board of directors.
  • Six dynamic women will make up the inaugural Cohort of the American Agri-Women (AAW) Road to influence. The Road to Influence (RTI) is a new program developed by AAW designed to be a bold and innovative personal development experience for members. The program is intended to identify and move beyond limiting beliefs and behaviors, ultimately resulting in stronger leaders for AAW and beyond. The initial cohort will kick off their journey on August 24 in conjunction with the AAW event, Leading, Empowering & Aspiring toward Progress (L.E.A.P.) in Reno, Nev.
  • Benson Hill, Inc., a food tech company unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants, announced the appointment of Kimberly Hurst as its Chief Transformation Officer. This newly created role underscores Benson Hill’s commitment to execute its long-term strategic playbook with a focus on operations, commercial and strategic initiatives.
  • In a letter to National Farmers Union (NFU), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) affirmed that the Clean Air Act (CAA) cannot be used as a basis to restrict independent repair of farm equipment. In their opposition to Right to Repair legislation, equipment manufacturers and dealers have invoked EPA regulations and the CAA – specifically related to tampering with emissions control systems – as justification for their need to restrict repair.
  • If you want to honor a cotton consultant, nominate him or her for the prestigious 2023 Cotton Consultant of the Year (CCOY) Award. Click here to access the 2023 nomination form. The deadline for nominations is August 15.
  • The 9th annual Ag Outlook Forum will feature top economic, policy, business, and government officials presenting their current outlooks and helping you identify the challenges and opportunities you face in these volatile times. Mark your calendars and make plans to join the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and Agri-Pulse for the Ag Outlook Forum on September 25.
  • The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council collaborated to strengthen SOYLEIC soybean acres in New York and Ohio through a powerful partnership with one of the few remaining full-line seed companies, SEEDWAY.
  • The 38th International Sweetener Symposium, held on August 4th to August 9th, 2023, in Napa, CA, brought together key leaders of the sugarbeet and sugarcane industries to discuss challenges facing the American sugar industry. The group gathered in California – the only state that produces sugar from both sugarbeets and sugarcane. The industry heard from a broad and bipartisan slate of members of Congress including leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Wyant Receives Communication Excellence Award

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Congratulations to Sara Wyant, president and CEO of Agri-Pulse Communications, who recently received the Rueben Brigham Award.

    The award is given by the Association of Communication Excellence (ACE) to a communicator who has made a major contribution in the field of agriculture, natural resources, or life and human sciences. The award is named after Reuben Brigham (1887-1946) who served as an Extension editor and 4-H club agent in Maryland and was called to the Federal Extension Service office in 1917 to develop an editorial and visual aids service for Extension editors.

    The Reuben Brigham award was a pleasant surprise for Wyant, and she was proud to be a recipient. “I was really delighted to be honored by an association that does so much to keep other people informed,” Wyant said. “ACE is an international association of people who offer professional development and networking opportunities so they can extend their knowledge about agriculture.”

    Agri-Pulse, Media

    Rabo AgriFinance at Ag Media Summit

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Rabo AgriFinance“U.S. Agriculture’s Labor Crisis: Can It Be Fixed?” was the topic for the Ag Media Summit Newsmakers session last week, sponsored by Rabo AgriFinance.

    David Magaña, RaboResearch Fresh Produce Analyst, gave some insights into the reduction of the agricultural labor force available due to a declining percentage of young people. “Obviously this has been a challenge for years for agriculture,” said Magaña. “On the supply side of labor, we’ve seen drastic changes in demographics in Mexico. The natality rate has drastically declined from an average of seven children per family in the ’70s, to close to two children per family nowadays.”

    Learn more in this interview:
    Interview with David Magaña, Rabo AgriFinance

    2023 Ag Media Summit photo album

    Ag Media Summit, Agribusiness, Audio, labor

    Precision Ag News 8/9

    Carrie Muehling

  • The USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Grassland, Soil, and Water Research Laboratory, held a dedication and ribbon cutting for the opening of a newly renovated laboratory building that will allow scientists to continue their mission of developing solutions for more efficient use of soil and water resources, enhancing forage and crop production, and supporting sustainable agricultural production in healthy ecosystems by utilizing modern technology.
  • The Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF) announced the increased support from the Polaris Foundation to strengthen education efforts for children on safe riding practices for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs) through the Foundation’s Progressive Agriculture Safety Day (PAF Safety Day) program.
  • American Farmland Trust and Sierra View Solutions released Agricultural Carbon Programs: From Chaos to Systems Change at a recent meeting of the Soil and Water Conservation Society annual conference in Des Moines, IA. Lead authors Michelle Perez, AFT Water Initiative Director and Robert Parkhurst, President of Sierra View Solutions presented their analysis of 22 agricultural carbon market programs and recommended changes that would help these programs succeed.
  • Meristem Crop Performance unveiled the next generation of their patented BIO-CAPSULE TECHNOLOGY delivery system. The reveal came in front of nearly 300 dealers attending Meristem’s Breakthrough to Excellence Dealer/Partner event in Delavan, Wisconsin.
  • The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced a call for concept papers as it launches the first phase of a $90 million program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities.
  • Brandon Neuschafer, co-leader for Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, LLP International Food and Agriculture Team, was elected as President-Elect for 2023–2024 for the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST).
  • BeeHero, the pioneer of data-led precision pollination, introduced their Pollination Insight Platform (PIP), a plug-and-play in-field sensing solution that leverages AI-powered analytics to measure pollinator activity in seed, row, and specialty crops to subsequently improve pollination and increase yields.
  • Bushel, an independently owned software company and leading provider of software technology for the agricultural supply chain, announces a new mobile app and website portal available to all producers selling grain to ADM. The new digital platform gives farmers easy access to near real-time information to increase efficiency in their operations, including scale tickets, contracts, settlements, and cash bids. Commodity balances that will allow better visibility of open storage, delayed price contracts, delivered unpaid balances and more will be coming soon.
  • The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), a 41-year-old agriculture conservation non-profit, is pleased to announce its role as a partner in Farmers for Soil Health (FSH), a new program devoted to increasing the usage of cover crops on corn and soybean acres. Today, cover crops are used on 15.4 million acres, which is only about 6% of U.S. cropland, according to the 2017 USDA Census of Ag.
  • Yanmar America Corporation, a leading provider of tractors, UTVs and industrial equipment, proudly announces the opening of its brand-new Regional Distribution Center (RDC) in Lakewood, WA.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    New Cover Crop Survey Released

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The 2022-2023 National Cover Crop Survey Report was released today the challenges assumptions on the role of incentive payments in cover crop adoption.

    According to the survey, nearly half of the cover crop users participating in the survey reported receiving some sort of payment for cover crops in 2022, and almost 78% of cover crop non-users said incentive payments would be helpful. However, over 90 percent of the farmers who were receiving cover crop incentives reported that they would definitely or probably continue planting cover crops after the payments ended, while only 3.3% said they definitely or probably would drop cover crops at the end of the incentive program. Overall, less than 16% of cover crop users said receiving incentive payments was one of their goals for cover cropping.

    “What the survey showed is that cover crop incentive payments are an important factor in encouraging and helping farmers to transition into cover cropping, but once they see the soil health improvements and other cover crop benefits, most stick with cover crop planting long after the incentives end,” said Dr. Rob Myers with USDA-NIFA North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program and lead researcher for the survey.

    The 2022-2023 report marks the seventh National Cover Crop Survey, issued jointly by SARE, Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), based on insights from nearly 800 farmers in 49 states. The survey series started in 2012, and data from the surveys has been used in academic research, educational programs, policy planning and even testimony to Congress.

    “The National Cover Crop Survey goes beyond acreage statistics by providing insights into what farmers want to achieve with cover crops, what motivates them to try and continue the process, how cover crops relate to other soil-building practices like no-till, and their approaches to using the practice,” says Ryan Heiniger, executive director of CTIC. “We are also just as interested in the perspectives of non-users of cover crops. Understanding their concerns and information needs provide direction for developing better outreach materials, and can help policymakers clear obstacles that hamper adoption or create more attractive incentives.”

    Andy LaVigne, president and CEO of ASTA, adds that the survey provides seed producers with valuable insight on cover croppers’ needs. “Our members are extremely interested in learning about the needs of growers when it comes to which varieties they’re seeking and when and how they make cover crop planting decisions,” LaVigne says. “These perspectives help the seed industry plan ahead to ensure that farmers have the species they want as well as genetics that help them manage their cover crops effectively to achieve their goals.”

    This was the first survey to explore livestock in cover crops, and it found 25% of respondents integrated livestock into their cover crop program. Of those who grazed cover crops, 76% reported a net increase in profit from the practice.

    Get more details on the survey in this presentation with Heiniger, LaVigne, and Dr. Myers – read the full report.
    2022-2023 Cover Crop Survey (39:06)

    Interview with ASTA President and CEO Andy LaVigne
    Cover Crop Survey interview with Andy LaVigne, ASTA (6:12)

    ASTA, Audio, cover crops, CTIC, Seed, Sustainability, USDA

    Field Notes from Koch Agronomic Services – Episode 30

    Chuck Zimmerman

    The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less.

    Vital Tools in Range and Pasture Management

    In this episode, we’re discussing pasture and range management with our KAS experts, Technical Agronomist, Lacie Thomas, and Territory Business Manager, Ryan Walker. They’ll address pasture management and the inputs needed to maximize yield potential and protect soil health on grazing land.

    You can listen to the program here: Vital Tools in Range and Pasture Management 12:48)

    And to make sure you don’t miss an episode, choose an option to subscribe

    For Spotify on your computer download the desktop app

    Agribusiness, Agronomy, Audio, Fertilizer, Koch Agronomic Services, Nutrient Management

    Livestock Publications Council Awards

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Diane JohnsonLPC’s Hall of Fame Award was Established in 1990, to honor distinguished livestock publishing leaders. Presenting the award to Diane Johnson is Molly Schoen, Charolais Journal.

    Diane Johnson, is no stranger the organization, having served more than 20 years as its executive director. During that time, she was a part of the development of the Ag Publications Summit which later became the Ag Media Summit. Diane was an integral part of 21 Ag Media Summit events including two Congresses held in the United States for the International Federation of Agriculture Journalists.

    Bob HoughLPC’s Headliner Award Program, inaugurated in 1980, salutes an individual for meritorious service to the livestock industry. This year’s recipient is Dr. Bob Hough. Presenting the award is Katrina Huffstutler, Grant Company, LLC.

    Hough has served the livestock industry in numerous capacities for almost 50 years but may be best known for his roles as chief executive office of the Red Angus Association of America and executive vice president of the North American Limousin Foundation.

    LPC Awards 2023There are many more awards which you will be able to find a list of on on the LPC website. The Ed Bible Distinguished Service Award was presented to Tim Steinbeck, Modern Litho.

    Ag Media Summit, LPC, Media

    Ag Communicators Network Awards

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Greg LampTwo former presidents of the Ag Communicators Network (ACN), have been named ACN’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients for 2023. Presenting the awards is Cynthia Clanton, CHS, Inc.

    Greg Lamp and Karen McMahon were selected based on their outstanding leadership and professional and personal achievements, emphasizing contributions made toward improving the viability and value of the Ag Communicators Network.

    Lamp, a recent retiree and 40-year media industry veteran, has served ACN through the years in various capacities. Throughout his years as an ACN member, Lamp always has dedicated his time selflessly to the organization and led with integrity.

    Karen McMahonMcMahon leaped into service within ACN after attending her first photography seminar in 1979. Her support and leadership have raised thousands of dollars in sponsorship for the association’s annual conferences.

    Within ACN and the ag communications industry, McMahon’s work has been recognized by ACN and prestigious organizations such as Minnesota Magazine & Publication Association, the Livestock Publications Council, IFAJ Council, American Society of Business Publications, and Oscar in Agriculture.

    Don WirthDon Wirth, an innovative Oregon farmer and promoter of cover crops and forage in the United States and internationally, has been named the Agricultural Communicators Network (ACN) Distinguished Service Award recipient for 2023.

    The Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals who give back to the agricultural community and have demonstrated outstanding leadership efforts in education, science, or public affairs relevant to agriculture. Presenting the award is Michelle Paul, Ag West Farm Credit.

    ACN Awards 2023There are a lot more ACN Awards and you can find a full list here. Some include.

    Of the Year Winners:

    Writer of The Year – Steve Werblow, The Furrow
    Story of The Year – “Making hay was a part of his flight plan”, Amber Friedrichsen, Hay & Forage Grower
    Photographer of the Year – Martha Mintz, Corral Creek Communications
    Photo of the Year – Joel Reichenberger, DTN/The Progressive Farmer
    Designer of the Year – Rachael Davis, Noble Research Institute
    Communicator of the Year – Jamie Cole, Red Barn Media Group

    Andy Markwart Horizon Award Winner:
    Betty Haynes, Prairie Farmer

    ACN, Ag Media Summit, Media

    Animal Ag News 8/7

    Carrie Muehling

  • Alltech announced two additions to its U.S. poultry team. Keith Fleetwood has joined the company as a poultry account manager and feed mill specialist. In that role, he will provide support related to specialty ingredient, nutrition and premix sales for the company’s commercial poultry customers. Additionally, Matie George has returned to Ridley Feed Ingredients, which is part of the Alltech family of companies, as a formulation and pricing specialist. George will provide support in the area of complete feed formulations for Ridley’s poultry customers.
  • U.S. Poultry & Egg Association is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award. The award recognizes exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production. Those eligible for the award include any family-owned poultry grower or egg producer supplying product to a USPOULTRY member or an independent producer who is a USPOULTRY member. Nominations are due Oct. 27.
  • Wayne-Sanderson Farms helped cost-conscious consumers save money, be more creative in their cooking and reduce food waste with the launch of its innovative Search by Ingredient tool. As a result, Wayne-Sanderson Farms was recognized as the 2023 winner of the Chicken Marketer of the Year. The trophy presentation for the award occurred at the 2023 Chicken Marketing Summit, held at Hotel Effie Sandestin in Miramar Beach, Florida, on July 31-August 2.
  • National Cattlemen’s Beef Association member and Missouri cattle producer Charlie Besher testified before the House Natural Resources Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee in support of the Black Vulture Relief Act. Besher, the chairman of NCBA’s Property Rights and Environmental Management Committee, shared how predatory black vultures take a toll on cattle producers’ livestock and livelihoods.
  • Sysco and Certified Angus Beef announced a strategic partnership aimed at promoting animal welfare and beef sustainability. The collaboration will focus on providing Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training and certification to 1,000 farmers and ranchers through nine training events between August 2023 and June 2024.
  • Missouri Beef Industry Council welcomes Monica Thornburg as their new Manager of Industry Relations.
  • Protect American Lamb, a project under the auspices of the R-CALF USA Sheep Committee, with members from nearly 15 states, petitioned United States Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai for relief from lamb and mutton imports which the group says has decimated the United States commercial sheep industry.
  • Smithfield Foods, in partnership with Kroger, donated nearly 30,000 pounds of protein to Feed More to fight food insecurity in Central Virginia.
  • U.S. beef industry supply chain expert and cattle rancher Lamar Steiger will join Protect The Harvest’s advisory committee. We welcome his wealth of experience in, and knowledge of, American beef from farm to fork.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced that 30 emerging leaders of the dairy industry have been accepted into the fifth cohort of the NextGen Leadership Program, a signature program of IDFA’s People Strategy.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites