Precision | Page 152 | News and reviews from the precision agriculture industry

Think Outside-the-Box with StollerUSA

Kelly MarshallSeptember 9, 2016Agribusiness, Audio, Corn, Farm Progress Show, Soybeans, StollerUSA

Farmers need to start thinking differently about plant yields, says Larry Lintner of Stoller. The inside-the-box approach of managing NP&K and handling weed pressure isn’t enough to truly get that-high-end yield potential out of a plant. Instead he encourages growers to use plant science from germination to harvest to keep the plant healthy, balance hormones, and make yields align to the expectations of the grower.

The people at Stoller make that happen by taking care of a plant throughout its life cycle. It starts with seed treatments to express the growth hormone earlier, and then to encourage root development. Later it involves foliar applications to help control plant stress and ending the season by pulling sugar out of the leaves to fill pods.

These steps helped develop the soybean plants on display at the Farm Progress Show; soybeans grown by Dan Arkels that are expected to break well over the 100 bushel mark. It also led to corn jumping out of the ground early to achieve results worth displaying.

“Quite a dramatic effect when you can add just one to two more kernels per row and maybe one to two rows on the average (its always two rows more), but one to two more rows per ear will tremendously impact your yield,” Lintner told me.

Learn mores about Stoller and how they can help improve genetic potential in my interview here: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/FPS16-Stoller-Linter.mp3″ text=”Interview with Larry Lintner, Stoller”]

2016 Farm Progress Show Photos

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience

USDA Announces Changes for Conservation Program

Kelly MarshallSeptember 9, 2016Conservation, Government, USDA

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is responding to customer and partner input. They are announcing an update to the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the nation’s largest conservation program based on acres. During the new enrollment period later this year CSP will be offering producers more options for improving conditions on working lands.

“After hearing from farmers, ranchers, and partners who wanted to see improvements to the Conservation Stewardship Program, we’re launching this update to make a successful program work even better,” said NRCS Chief Jason Weller. “We’ve redesigned the program to provide for greater local involvement, offer more opportunities for conservation and innovation on working lands, and make the connection between actions and outcomes more accessible to producers. Together, we can help those that grow our food and fiber take conservation efforts on working lands to the next level.”

Updates to the program will help make CSP more accessible and transparent by helping producers better evaluate their conservation options and the impact to their operations. NRCS has developed new CSP tools that function similarly to other standard NRCS tools, which will better integrate CSP into the suite of NRCS conservation programs. With these new tools, producers will be able to see up front why they are or are not meeting stewardship thresholds, allowing them to pick practices and enhancements that work for their conservation objectives.

The new tools also allow producers to see potential payment scenarios for conservation early in the process, allowing them to better evaluate their conservation options. NRCS has addressed producer and stakeholder input requesting greater flexibility to address local resource concerns. Now, NRCS will more effectively utilize input from farmers, ranchers and partners in State Technical Committees and local workgroups to inform and expand conservation strategies under the program. Producers will be better prepared to apply because they will know these local ranking priorities and targeted resource concerns in advance.

“A lot has happened in agriculture and conservation since 2010, and the new CSP allows producers to take advantage of new techniques and technologies to increase conservation while boosting production,” Weller said. “Through the incorporation of new practices and enhancements, we’re making CSP work for more people across the country.”

The updates will nearly double conservation opportunities. New practices are taking into account emerging trends, like using gypsum as a soil amendment, supporting the production of biochar after wildfire or fuel reduction harvests, offering enhancements for on-site carbon storage and expanding monarch habitats.

More information about the improvements will be provided later this year. Producers interested in the program can find at more at www.nrcs.usda.gov/csp or visit their local USDA Service Center.

Kubota Honors Iowa Farmer, Midwest Veteran

Kelly MarshallSeptember 9, 2016Agribusiness, Award, Farm Progress Show, Tractor

Aaron White is now the owner of an L-Series compact Kubota tractor, thanks to the “Geared to Give” program. White was given the keys during a ceremony at the Farm Progress Show last week in honor of his years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps and his dedication to farming.

“Geared to Give” is a partnership between Kubota and the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) that provides support for military veterans pursing a future in farming. White served as a machine gunner in Japan, the Arabian Gulf and Afghanistan from 9/11 through May of 2005. Now he and his wife, Dana, farm 150 acres of row crops, a garden and cow-calf operation. White was notified of this honor the same day he won “tallest corn” at the Iowa State Fair (21 ft. 9 in.).

“I’m absolutely bewildered and can’t express my gratitude at this point with more than just a simple ‘thank you.’ In farming it seems that there is always a wolf at the door, but I’m a positive person even through the hard times and I’m so thankful to this program for helping my dreams come true,” White said.

Kubota’s philanthropic mission is to “power and empower those who move the earth,” and in that spirit “Geared to Give” was born in partnership with FVC in early 2015. The program works to identify the needs and further the agriculture careers of those who have served their country and are now serving their communities through farming.

“Farmer veterans like Aaron have earned the right to a little help,” said Todd Stucke, Kubota senior vice president of sales, marketing and product support. “They have proudly given back to this country through their military service to protect our way of life, and here at Kubota we are proud to help Aaron continue to make a difference in his community by farming in Iowa for many years to come.”

2016 Farm Progress Show Photos

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by

Bayer is #SoyExcited About Credenz®

Cindy ZimmermanSeptember 9, 2016Audio, Bayer CropScience, Farm Progress Show, Soybeans

Bayer representatives were “soy excited” to talk with farmers at the Farm Progress Show last week about Credenz® soybeans.

Bayer soybean agronomy lead Monty Malone says Credenz was launched in the Midwest in 2015 and expanded this year into the rest of the country. “We have a reputation in the Midwest of being a very innovative development company in crop protection,” said Malone. “A lot of people don’t realize we have the same reputation in seed.”

Malone says Credenz is built on “smart genetics” designed to fit grower production preferences, field conditions, and disease and pest issues with tailored varieties. “We have 57 varieties we sold in 2015, we expanded to 66 this year,” he said, with more to be added in 2017.

With a record crop of soybeans expected this year, Malone says they like to think Credenz soybeans are helping increase grower yields. “We’ve got a lot of high yield varieties,” said Malone. “Yields have been steady on the increase and we have a lot of successful reports from growers all over the Midwest.”

Learn more about Credenz here: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/fps16-bayer-monty.mp3″ text=”Interview with Monty Malone, Bayer”]

2016 Farm Progress Show Photos

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by

IAWA Forms Business Council

Joanna SchroederSeptember 9, 2016Agribusiness, Audio, Conservation, Farm Progress Show, Water Management, Water Quality

The Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA) has formed a Business Council to assist with implementing the state’s water ag quality efforts. The initiative will be co-chaired by Ray Gaesser, a farmer from Corning, Iowa and past-president of the American Soybean Association, along with Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey. Also during the 2016 Farm Progress Show, Northey premiered IAWA’s new conservation strategy.

“Many of the ag businesses located in Iowa and doing business here are already leading the way in integrating water quality efforts into their business and bringing new tools to farmers to help them keep nutrients on their farm,” said Northey during a press conference launching the new initiative. “This new effort is focused on seeing if there are opportunities to support additional business development as we continue to scale-up efforts to improve water quality and maintain the tremendous productivity of Iowa agriculture.”

As part of the effort, the Business Council will identify current gaps in conservation/business infrastructure as well as develop an action plan focused on accelerated implementation of conservation practices focused on water quality. The action plan will focus on identifying economic drivers and market-based solutions to improving water quality and quantifying both the public and private benefits associated with successful implementation of water quality practices.

“Preserving and enhancing Iowa’s resources benefits everyone,” Gaesser noted in his remarks. “This is really figuring out the additional expertise and finance needed to help farmers continue improving water quality while meeting the global needs of feeding people. Adapting requires continual research, inspiration, education and action. There’s opportunity in that for farmers and the business community.”

IAWA Executive Director Sean McMahon said that the IAWA Business Council, will play a key role in helping to shape the conservation infrastructure strategy along with the existing IAWA Advisory Council. “We look forward to partnering with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and our many other highly valued partners to help align public and private efforts and identify business opportunities to improve Iowa’s water quality and strengthen rural communities.”

Listen to the press conference here: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/fps-16-IAWA-presser.mp3″ text=”IAWA Launches Conservation Strategy Presser”]

2016 Farm Progress Show Photos

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by

Conservation Legacy Awards Deadline Just Ahead

Kelly MarshallSeptember 8, 2016Ag Group, ASA, Award

The deadline for submission for the Conservation Legacy Award is just ahead! The applications must be filled out by September 15, 2016.

The Conservation Legacy Awards program showcases farm management practices of U.S. soybean producers that are both environmentally friendly and profitable. Three regional winners and one national winner will be selected. All U.S. soybean farmers are eligible to enter to win a Conservation Legacy Award. Entries are judged on soil management, water management, input management, farmstead protection and conservation and environmental management.

Winners will be selected from three regions – the Midwest, the Northeast and the South. One of these award recipients will be named the national winner during the American Soybean Association (ASA) Awards Banquet at Commodity Classic.

Winners will receive at trip for two Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas on March 2-4. Winners will also be recognized at the American Soybean Association Awards Banquet during Commodity Classic. Corn & Soybean digest will also feature the winners.

The Conservation Legacy Awards are sponsored by the ASA, BASF, Corn & Soybean Digest, Monsanto, the United Soybean Board/soybean checkoff and Valent.

Rabo AgriFinance Wants to Partner with Growers at FPS

Kelly MarshallSeptember 8, 2016Agribusiness, Farm Progress Show, Financing

Rabo AgriFinance made an appearance at the recent Farm Progress Show and I had the opportunity to speak with Chris Olsen, a regional vice president for the company.

Olsen took the time to tell me about the company’s goal of being a financial partner with growers. Commodity prices being what they are, Rabo AgriFiance recognizes the tough times farmers are facing. They have 15 region mangers who are, as Olsen puts it, “boots on the ground” to really get in there with a customer and sit down at the kitchen table to find out what needs to be done.

“The market is struggling right now. I think most operations have questions about what do we need to do differently right now to survive. Borrowed capital is going to be more used than it has in the past because commodity prices are oppressed and guys are looking for answers about what they can do different. So a lot of things we’re talking about right now are costs. How can you manage your costs? How can you become more efficient in your operation?”

Rabo AgriFinance does nothing but farm loans, so the company understands the current climate at every level of the organization. Olsen encourages famers to look at them as a different solution than perhaps lenders have been in the past– more of a consultant or a partner.

“Ultimately we want to sit down and go through the numbers with them and see what makes sense,” Olsen says. “What can their operation afford to help survive the current economic conditions?”

Olsen’s advice for growers is to get through harvest and then have a sit-down with your lender to talk about 2017. You can listen to his full interview here: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/FPS16-Rabo-Olsen.mp3″ text=”Interview with Chris Olsen, Rabo AgriFinance”]

2016 Farm Progress Show Photos

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by

Bayer Announces Poncho/VoTiVO 2.0 at #FarmProgressShow

Kelly MarshallSeptember 8, 2016Agribusiness, Audio, Bayer CropScience

You’ve probably heard of Poncho/VoTiVO seed treatment, guesses Greg Ginisty, product manager for Bayer. What you may not know is that it’s relaunching in 2019, better than ever. It starts with the same trusted solutions that have worked for growers for the past six years: insecticide control, nematode protection and additional plant growth. The 2.0 version, however, adds a complimentary, second biological that breaks down plant tissue in the soil.

This breakdown of tissue attracts more microbes into the root zone, Jennifer Riggs, Bayer product development manager told me at the Farm Progress Show. That results directly in providing more nutrients for the plant to take up. More nutrients mean a more mature plant earlier in the growing season. Growers can expect an even greater increase in yield over the previous version’s 10 bushel bump.

“Across a three year period, field trials in the US have shown Poncho/VOTiVO 2.0 can increase yields by an average of 4 bu/A over Poncho/VOTiVO. That’s 14 bu/A more than commercial fungicide systems.” said Riggs. “This seed treatment will bring new benefits to growers by increasing microbial activity in the soil and nutrient availability for the plant.”

Much of the yield potential for corn is determined within the first 4-6 weeks after planting. During this phase, protecting plants against above and below ground insects and plant pathogenic nematodes, as well as improving water and nutrient uptake, contributes to healthier plants and greater yields. Poncho/VOTiVO 2.0 will bring benefits in all of these areas to help corn plants reach their full genetic potential.

“With this seed treatment, growers will be more able to give their plants the best chance at a healthy start. This leads to a more uniform crop and provides a great foundation for achieving the best yields,” said Greg Ginisty, Bayer product manager. “The introduction of Poncho/VOTiVO 2.0 clearly demonstrates Bayer’s commitment to innovation that delivers value for growers.”

Growers can learn more about the Poncho/VOTiVO family and other innovations from Bayer by visiting https://www.cropscience.bayer.us/products/seedgrowth/poncho-votivo or contacting their local Bayer sales rep.

Hear more about Poncho/VoTiVO 2.0 in this interview: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/FPS16-Bayer-RIggsGinistry.mp3″ text=”Greg Ginisty and Jennifer Riggs, Bayer”]

2016 Farm Progress Show Photos

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by

Commodities Come Together on Phenotyping Initiative

Kelly MarshallSeptember 8, 2016Ag Group, NCGA, Phenotyping

The National Corn Growers Association has helped to launch at Multi-Commodity Phenotyping Initiative. The project began with an educational webinar for member organization about the current state of phenotyping science and the current programs in the U.S. The NCGA believes this is a strong first step for the coalition.

“With this webinar, we took a first step together in a long journey toward a brighter future for so many farmers,” said NCGA Research and Business Development Action Team Chair Larry Hoffmann, a farmer from North Dakota. “American agriculture as a whole needs strong work in the area of phenotyping to ensure both our farmers and environment continue to thrive. By collaborating in our efforts, we will reach our goals of ensuring sustainable food for families and a strong farming sector for our country.”

The Initiative brings together groups representing citrus, corn, cotton, fruit tree, peanut, sorghum, soybean, sunflower, vegetable and wheat farmers with The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in a joint effort to support technology development that will allow farmers to monitor crops in a way that provides unprecedented decision-making ability in real time. Through this data, farmers will be able to make precise, informed production decisions that will increase yield and benefit the environment, through improved water and fertilizer-use efficiency and carbon sequestration, while producing a more sustainable food supply. Additionally, the group expects these new technologies will aid seed companies in the development of improved cultivars and hybrids.

The educational webinar featured a presentation from Duke Pauli, a post-doctoral associate from The Gore Lab at Cornell University, reviewing the science of phenotyping. Following Pauli, Dan Northrup, an associate with U.S. Department of Energy contractor Booz Allen Hamilton, provided an overview of current DOE programs relevant to this scientific area.

The response for this program came about due to concerns that the United States has fallen behind Europe and Australia in its work in agriculture phenotyping. The aim of the group is to place the U.S. in a leadership position in this important area.

Comment Deadline on Sulfonylureas Approaching

Cindy ZimmermanSeptember 8, 2016ARA, EPA, Herbicides

September 12 is the deadline for public comment to the EPA on a Proposed Interim Decision (PID) for regulating the class of herbicides known as sulfonylureas.

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is urging farmers and other stakeholders to provide comments on the class of herbicides currently used on millions of acres in the United States.

Using the most conservative models and endpoints to predict exposures of concern, the EPA has determined that risks to non-target plants warrant additional label restrictions when products are applied either by ground or air. The proposed label requirements include using equipment delivering an Extremely Coarse droplet size; prohibiting application when wind speeds at the application site exceed 10 MPH, and mandatory swath displacement and nozzle orientation for aerial application.

According to ARA, “there is general support for spray drift advisory language on labels but placing specific restrictions on equipment types, configurations and their operating parameters may discourage applicators from investing in newer technologies designed to better manage drift. The economic investment that applicators may be required to make in order to continue to apply sulfonylureas appears to have been overlooked.”

ARA notes that the EPA has established a different Public Docket for each of the 22 sulfonylureas currently registered for use in the USA. The complete PID may be found in any of the 22 Dockets and comments applicable to any sulfonylurea may be submitted to any one of the dockets.

Find out more here.

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