DuPont Pioneer Soil Fertility Study Shows P & K Deficiencies

Jamie JohansenAgribusiness, Corn, Dupont Pioneer, Nutrient Management

dupontpioneerA new DuPont Pioneer study conducted across 12 Corn Belt states demonstrates that growers may be leaving profit potential in the field each season if they don’t carefully manage phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels. The research confirms P and K deficiencies can make a real difference in both yield potential and grain quality and that developing a fertility management plan is essential.

“Growers often think first of nitrogen management when they consider soil fertility decisions because of its important influence on corn production,” said Andy Heggenstaller, DuPont Pioneer agronomy research manager. “However, deficiencies in P and K can inhibit yields over the long term in both corn and soybeans, limiting profit potential over time.”

Comprised of more than 22,000 soil samples, the study demonstrated that P and K were deficient in a significant number of tested fields. These negative balances may be further exacerbated by the higher nutrient requirements of today’s more productive hybrids and varieties.

Many states have modified recommendations for P and K fertility in recent years, and growers need to make sure their programs are keeping pace. Potassium, which is vital for water regulation and enzyme activation, also promotes stalk strength and late-season standability. Phosphorus deficiency can cause issues with early root and shoot growth and can reduce tolerance to drought, disease and temperature stresses.

“There are many things growers can do to ensure that their crops are getting enough P and K each season,” Heggenstaller said. “We encourage growers to make sure they conduct soil testing at the right frequency and use the most current soil fertility standards. We also ask growers to consider using a service like Encirca℠ Fertility service to help ensure precise, efficient fertility management to support maximum productivity.”

US Corn Exports to Malaysian Resumes

Kelly MarshallAg Group, Corn, Exports

usgcIt’s been five years since U.S. grain landed in Malaysia.  Member of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) were recently on hand to welcome the first vessel of corn into the country since the drought in 2012/13.  The grain was loaded from the Pacific Northwest and was sold from one USGC member to another, destined for serval key USGC allies.

“This is an exciting opportunity,” said Kevin Roepke, USGC South and Southeast Asia regional director. “We’re able to build partnerships that help this bit of trade happen, which is a big win for Malaysia and U.S. producers.”

The vessel was seen by the industry as a “trial run” to retest U.S. quality following significant engagement from the Council to encourage readoption of U.S. grains. In particular, USGC’s quality reports issued each year to offer in-depth information to customers about the current year’s crop helped alleviate objections and some nervousness about U.S. corn quality.

According to operations employees, the recently-arrived vessel came in around 1 percent higher in moisture and with similar rates of broken corn as South American origin corn. High moisture has always been a concern for U.S. origin corn in Southeast Asia because hot and humid weather conditions make even short-term storage challenging. The cargo was reportedly loaded at roughly 13.7 percent and arrived at approximately 14.7 percent, close to the threshold of 15 percent.

USCG plans to work in Malaysian buyers to answer questions and help ensure future sales.  “Buyers want the best quality and we work hard to answer their questions and help them have confidence in buying from the United States,” Roepke said.

This is an opportunity for the U.S. to present corn of comparable quality to South America, since their crop is under pressure this year and the United States expect an abundant harvest.  If quality expectations are met the U.S. could see more business from Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries as well.

Agrible Partners with The Equity to Offer New Tools

Kelly MarshallAgrible, Agribusiness, Data

agrible-logo Agrible, Inc. and The Equity (formerly Effingham Equity) are working together to offer the predictive analytics tools inside Agrible’s Morning Farm Report to The Equity’s GoSmart Analytics customers. GoSmart Analytics users can now access industry-leading data insights as well as help with on-farm decision making.

By signing up for GoSmart Analytics, growers receive up-to-date weather forecasts, in-season yield forecasts, and the ability to benchmark yield results with other GoSmart customers. They also receive a Morning Farm Report account with access to forecasts and recommendations on pests, nutrient availability, and more. For an additional fee, growers can add the Morning Farm Report Field Logistics AgriBundle, which includes hour-by-hour field conditions, soil temperatures, wind speed and direction, and a pollinator risk guide.

The Equity“The Equity has built a reputation as a leader in innovation and service,” said Chris Harbourt, CEO of Agrible. “Their philosophy is a perfect fit for Morning Farm Report, and we look forward to bringing the power of big data to their GoSmart Analytics customers.”

The new system will allow GoSmart Analytics customers to use the Morning Farm Report’s predictive analytics for planning and data-based decisions. Then at harvest growers can benchmark their return on investment for each field without needing to add their data to another system.

“With GoSmart Analytics, we are looking to turn big data into value for our customers,” said Tim Bence, Agronomy VP at The Equity. “We’re confident that the predictive analytics tools in Morning Farm Report will compliment the GoSmart system and help us accomplish that goal.”

Learn more from your salesperson or find additional details at www.TheEquity.com.

Case IH Introduces AIM Command FLEX Advanced Spray Tech

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Case IH, Crop Protection, Spraying

Case nozzelsCase IH is bringing the new AIM Command FLEX advanced spray technology for greater application accuracy to their lineup.  They’ll also be celebrating this achievement and the many others in the past 25 years of sprayer leadership with an anniversary model of the Patriot.

The AIM Command FLEX offers operators consistent, flexible and accurate application.  Regardless of speed or terrain the result is a more efficient use of crop protection products.  The Pulse width modulation (PWM) technology means the system can control product flow and pressure with greater accuracy than conventional models.

AIM Command FLEX is a new, advanced and dependable technology that:

    • Adds flexibility to product application. Operators can preset spray rates up to 30 percent higher than the target rate on up to eight nozzles. This feature accommodates sprayer wheel tracks, fencerows and other uneven field conditions.
    • Operates 36 separate boom sections, allowing more precise control across the boom and throughout the field.
    • Maintains consistent application rate over a wider range of speeds. With properly sized tips, AIM Command FLEX accommodates speed ranges up to 8:1 versus 2:1 with rate-controller-only technology.
    • Controls drift on demand by allowing the operator to preset two spray pressures and toggle between them while spraying. For example, one of the settings could deliver the target pressure for the desired droplet size, and the second setting could produce lower pressure for selective drift control in sensitive areas. Or operators could select a higher pressure for the second setting to achieve greater canopy penetration when needed.
    • Compensates for turns by automatically adjusting rates across the boom to prevent over- or underapplication through field curves and turns.

The nozzle valves comes with a diagnostic system to keep growers up and running. The monitor notifies the operator when a valve quits working or wire becomes unplugged and an LED indicator flashes different colors to help sort out the problem.

The AFS Pro 700 or Case IH Viper 4+ can operate the AIM Command FLEX, controlling application rate, spray pressure, boom section status, product tank volume and other parameters.  Together the systems can generate as-applied maps and application reports in a Shapefile formate.  It is also ISO Virtual Terminal compatible.

And upgrade is also available to allow on-off control of individual nozzles through the Viper 4+ controller.  No hardware is needed, simply purchase the upgrade and the system will function immediately.

To take advantage of the special 25th Anniversary Patriot 4440 and 3340 sprayers, purchase the 2017 model with decals highlight the milestone, Micheline tires, Raven Industries technology, Wilger-Rate nozzle bodies, 360-degree lighting package option and AIM Command FLEX standard.

Kinze Introduces Single Auger Grain Cart

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Equipment, Grain

Kinze CartFrom the company that gave the world the first two-wheeled flotation grain cart almost 50 years ago comes another standard in grain handling performance. The new 850-bushel Kinze 851 and 1,050 Kinze 1051 single auger grain carts offer simplicity, reliability and innovation.

“We’ve always had a reputation of building rugged grain carts for the field,” said Susie Kinzenbaw Veatch, President and Chief Marketing Officer at Kinze. “Now our customers have even more options without giving up the durability and performance they have grown to expect from Kinze.”

The new carts feature a front-folding corner auger design that easily extends and folds while right next to the grain truck. The adjustable spout has a 42 degree range of motion and helps control grain flow and precise placement. The innovative design of the frame provides superior maneuverability and line-of-sight visibility of both the combine and cart spout.

The 20-inch Ultraflyte™ auger is a computer balanced auger with concave flighting that has a thickened edge for increased durability and unloads grain up to 450 bushels per minute. Low ground pressure radial tires evenly distribute weight, lessening yieldreducing soil compaction.

“We spent a lot of time visiting with farmers to learn about the features they are looking for in today’s demanding grain handling conditions,” Veatch said. “With the feedback we received, we think customers will be impressed with the durability, simplicity and smart design of these carts.”

Bayer Reviewing Belt® Insecticide Decision

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, Bayer CropScience, EPA, Insecticide

bayer-beltEarlier this month, an appeals board for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) upheld the agency’s decision to cancel registration for Bayer’s insecticide flubendiamide, marketed in the U.S. as Belt®, while still existing stocks to be sold by retailers or used by growers, but Bayer is continuing to evaluate its options going forward.

“We’re currently going through due diligence and vetting all of the information and reviewing that internally,” said Lee Hall, Industry Relations Lead for Bayer. In the meantime, Hall says there is no problem with growers and retailers taking care of existing stocks.
“All the Belt product that was in the channel is allowed to move through the channel as it would in a normal year,” he explains.

“It’s very important to understand that all of our labels are still intact, that Belt can be used in all of the over 200 crops that it’s registered for,” said Hall. “So a grower can use Belt to provide his pest control, he can harvest that crop without a concern of issues with domestic consumption or export to other markets.”

In this interview, Hall provides background on the insecticide and explains some of Bayer’s concerns with how the flubendiamide decision was handled by EPA. [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/bayer-belt.mp3″ text=”Interview with Lee Hall, Bayer”]

New Hay Handling Products from @VermeerAg

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Hay

rotary rake Vermeer remains busy working to provide just what it is farmers are looking for. They’ve just announced the release of a RR140 retry rake, along with the TD100 and TD190, and the TM1210 and TM1410 trailed mowers.

The RR140 comes at a raking width of 13.9 feet and runs efficiently in wet or dry hay in a variety of crops. The size makes it great for mid-sized operators.

“Our customers have asked us to bring a rotary rake back to our rake product line,” said Vermeer Product Manager, Josh Vrieze. “Rotary rake windrows tend to be lighter and fluffier, which allows air to pass through the windrow for quicker dry down. The 13.9 ft (4.2 m) rake is a good fit for small to mid-size operations.”

The RR140 is a versatile, side-delivery rake featuring 11 arms that are each equipped with four double tines, providing uniform raking actions that gently stir the hay for faster drying but also maintain the nutritional value of the crop. Hydraulic adjustments keep the tines off the ground, minimizing ash content in the windrow.

The TD-Series Tedders were designed for growers requiring speed, convenience, reliability and a great price. The TD100 offers a 10 foot tending width and a 19 foot width on the TD190. Each arrives with tool-less height adjustment and a crank for changing pitch angle in only a few seconds.

“We are seeing more and more customers who understand and appreciate the value of a tedder,” said Vrieze. “By using a tedder, a producer can achieve quicker dry down, and the faster they can get their hay off the field, the higher quality forage they’ll be able to harvest.”

trailed mower The new trailed mowers will provide features that reduce operator stress and a quicker mowing time. The TM1210 and TM1210 have even more convenient features than ever before.

“We know there are currently many operations that rely on Vermeer trailed mowers to put up large amounts of hay, so we decided to take a look and see where we could take things to the next level for them,” said Vermeer Product Manager, Josh Vrieze. “Not only are we bringing the largest trailed mower to the market to date, but we are bringing mowers with proven features and heavy-duty components that are built to last.”

While both machines maintain a 9.1 ft (2.8 m) transport width, the TM1210 cuts at 17.7 ft (5.4 m) and the TM1410 can mow up to 20.8 ft (6.3 m). The 10-series trailed mowers are equipped with a Q3® Cutter Bar featuring the Quick-Clip® Blade Retention System and Quick-Change™ Shear Ring that simplify changing blades and repairing sheared discs. The patent pending 2-point Quick-Hitch can make hooking up the machine a one-person process. To achieve a high quality cut, the nitrogen charged accumulator suspension system makes it easy for operators to adjust for various crops and conditions, while maintaining proper cutter bar balance and pitch.

The mower features a 3 year cutter-bar warranty to offer operators peace of mind. Learn more at wwww.vermeer.com.

New Poll Shows Support for TPP

Kelly MarshallAFBF, Ag Group, trade

Farm-bureauThe American Farm Bureau Federation has released the results of a poll from Morning Consult regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. Most participants favor fair trade, which is something AFBF would like to remind candidates running in the 2016 Election.

“Most Americans support free trade,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, “and most farmers do, too. Exports account for almost a quarter of American farm receipts, so opposing fair trade agreements like TPP doesn’t make a lot of sense to rural America.”

Among other things, the August poll found:

· Fifty-seven percent of registered voters have a favorable view of “fair trade.”
· Fifty percent said they would be more likely to support TPP if they knew it would provide new markets overseas for U.S. farm products.
· After Americans were told TPP would increase net farm income by $4.4 billion and agricultural exports by $5.3 billion, 52 percent said they would be more likely to support TPP. More than half (51 percent) say an estimated increase of 40,100 jobs resulting from the agreement would make them more likely to support TPP.
· Fifty-two percent of voters say they would be more likely to support TPP if they knew the deal would increase annual income in the U.S. by $131 billion.
· Sixty-nine percent of voters support trade policies that will open new markets for U.S. products and U.S. farmers while less than one in 10 (8 percent) oppose.

“Most trade deals start out with loud opposition, only to fade away once the details become known,” Duvall said. “We are convinced TPP is no different: The more people know, the more they will support this vitally important agreement.”

GYPSOIL Offers UltraCal Lime from GLC Minerals

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Nutrient Management, Soil

gypsoil-brand-gypsum-logoGLC Minerals of Green Bay, Wisconsin and GYPSOIL Division of Beneficial Reuse Management have an agreement to provide growers with high-quaility, high-calcium agriculture lime.  For the first time GYPSOIL will be offering lime as part of its lineup.  The new product will be labeled GYPSOIL UltraCal Lime, manufactured by GLC Minerals.

“We are very excited to offer our customers the highest value lime available from a reputable manufacturer like GLC Minerals,” says Trevor Schuurman, national sales manager for GYPSOIL.

“GLC Minerals is proud to manufacture the industry’s standard in calcium carbonate products because we select our inputs based on exact chemistry requirements for specific products,” says Holly Bellmund, president and COO of GLC Minerals.  “We’ve built a reputation as a leading agricultural lime manufacturer and our new partnership with GYPSOIL will allow us to better serve Midwestern crop growers as they seek to manage pH in their soils.”

Applying high-quality agricultural lime, such as UltraCal Lime, is an excellent option for managing pH on farmland, according to soil science experts. Raising crops in soils with balanced pH increases nutrient availability and crop productivity, and helps prevent environmental problems like runoff.  Recommended targets for pH in soils vary by crop. For grain corn or soybeans, growers should aim for pH levels of 6 or higher. For alfalfa, pH should be 6.8 or higher, according to University of Wisconsin literature.

UltraCal Lime is a highly-pure, high-calcium lime that is available at GYPSOIL dealers throughout the Midwest. It has a neutralizing index of 90-99, indicating that UltraCal Lime offers the highest relative value available based on purity (percent calcium carbonate equivalent) and fineness (particle size). It is 97 percent calcium carbonate or higher, with 38.2 percent or more calcium. UltraCal Lime is a fast-acting and highly effective liming tool. So farmers can typically apply less product to amend soils than if they opted for lime with a lower neutralizing index.

“We manufacture according to specific quality guidelines, day in and day out so farmers can be assured of what they are purchasing, “ says Bellmund.

The UltraCal Lime works with the GYPSOIL program by adding another important nutrient for optimal soil health.  Since GYPSOIL itself is pH neutral, lime is now an option for growers needing to managed pH.

Vermeer Introduces Two New Balers

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Hay

Vermeer‘s success stems from founder Gary Vermeer’s philosophy; find a need and fill that need with a product built to last.  With a long history of helping growers put up hay efficiently, the company is now introducing the new 504R Signature baler and the 604 Pro silage baler.  These balers continue to offer the convenience, ease of use and durability Vermeer is known for.

Vermeer 504The 504R comes with a camless wide pickup backed by a 3 year warranty.  It features 80 main drive chains, stronger bearings, higher load rating and more torque power.

“The combination of the camless wide pickup and rotor are what initially set this baler apart,” said Vermeer Product Manager, Josh Vrieze. “With fewer wear points than previous models, these two components quietly work together to create faster bale starts and square-shouldered, good-looking bales, all while minimizing the number of parts that may need to be replaced.

This baler is designed for the operator who primarily bales dry hay but also wants to be able to put up a healthy dose of wet hay.  This makes the 504R Signature the ultimate fit for most hay operations requiring 5 ft x 4 ft bales.”

Vermeer balerThe 604 Pro is for operators who need durability for silage bailing and the flexibility to put up dry bales as well.  The Pro balers have a reputation for baling wet or dray in very dense packages. They come with a camless wide pickup that doesn’t need cam tracks or follower bearings.  Four endless belts increase longevity and eliminate lace maintenance.  Large float tires mean a smoother ride.

“Features such as Hydroflexcontrol and the Xtracut17 precutting system have been very effective in baling wet hay and we are now excited to offer those features in another baler size,” said Josh Vrieze.

“Now, the custom operator who needs the ability to precut forage, make multiple size bales, bale wet or dry hay, can do it all with one baler,” continues Vrieze. “The bale density is what sets the Pro balers apart. We have seen operators unroll a 6 ft x 4 ft bale and roll it back up with the 504 Pro in a 5 ft x 4 ft package. The denser the bales, the less storage space, transportation and plastic/netwrap an operator should expect.”