2nd Year for USDA Project to Quantify Conservation

Kelly MarshallGovernment, USDA

NASSFarmers and ranchers may be receiving a national survey from the USDA’s  National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to assist in measuring the environmental benefits associated with conservation.  Researchers hope the results will allow them to further develop science-based solutions for improving the agricultural landscape and the environment.

“The survey gives farmers and ranchers the power to provide a more complete and accurate picture of the conservation practices on their operations,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “If contacted, I encourage farmers and ranchers to participate. Their collective responses can directly benefit themselves and all producers by helping leaders focus on what producers need to install conservation practices that are best for their operations environmentally and financially.”

The results of the survey will demonstrate the work of America’s farmers to conserve natural resources while producing the food, fuel and fiber the world requires, participating farmers and ranchers support our cause for continued science-based conservation programs that protect natural resources while supporting farm-related jobs. Survey results will guide USDA conservation policy and program development and help conservationists, farmers and ranchers more efficiently and effectively conserve natural resources.

In addition to helping determine the effectiveness of existing conservation practices, NRI-CEAP analysis provides estimates of resources farmers may need to further protect the soil, water and related resources. Additional information about CEAP is available at the Conservation Effects Assessment Project survey web page.

The survey is being conducted in cooperation with NRCS to gain a better understand, not just of effective practices, but of resources famers and landowners may need access to in order to best protect soil, water and other natural resources.

The survey is set to take place in two parts; the first being to establish eligibility for a second, more in-depth survey.

New Professional Mapping Drones From Lehmann

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, drone

New L-A Series 01Lehmann Aviation is releasing a new L-A Series of professional mapping drones.  The series consists of three fully automatic drones: the LA500 designed for mining and construction, the LA500-RTK for mapping and DEM, and the LA500-AG for precision agriculture.

The new L-A series was totally redesigned from scratch, putting together 10 years of operational experience and customers suggestions, from all around the world. Made of aluminium, carbon fibre and EPP foam, with a new unique modular design and new powerful autopilot, the systems are even more rugged, reliable and easier to use than previous aircraft, at the same ultra-competitive and unmatched prices on the market.

Now totally modular by design, which enables to replace or upgrade any part of the drone if needed without changing the whole system, the new L-A Series will provide the best R.O.I. to its owners, now and in the future. Coming with detachable winglets while keeping the same small weight of less than 1250gr/44oz (maximum, including the camera), the drones are also much more compact and easy to transport.

The drones are programmed and controlled through Windows 10, using OperationCenter V2 software.  The software offers many new features and boasts the world’s most advanced control for fixed wing drones.  The aircraft are compatible with a simple GoPro Hero4 camera or a Sony α6000 (24.3Mp on a large APS-C sensor), multispectral Sequoia (LA500-AG only), thermal Flir View Pro.  It can take pictures at a range of just over 15 miles and can fly for up to 45 minutes.

Delivery of the L-A Series will be available late this year.

New Cover Crop Report Released

Kelly MarshallAg Group, Cover Crops

cover cropsA new report from 2,020 farmers nationwide shows growers find a boost in corn and soybean yields when they use cover crops.  This is the fourth survey conducted by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program and the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) with help from the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) and Purdue University.  Multi-year data highlights the benefits of year after year use of cover crops.

The survey also reveals growth in the use of cover crops.  In 2015 the average acres per farm was 298, while 2016 is expected to grow to 339.  That number is more than double the acreage planted in 2011.

Corn yields rose an average 3.4 bushels per acre, or 1.9 percent, after cover crops, and soybean yields increased 1.5 bushels per acre, or 2.8 percent. Analysis of the survey data revealed that yield increases rose to 8.3 bushels per acre of corn after cover crops had been used for more than four years on a field. In soybeans, the average yield gain increased from 0.1 bushel per acre after a single year in cover crops to 2.4 bushels after four years of cover crops.

“Cover crops really shine in challenging years, when the improvements they influence on soil moisture holding capacity and water infiltration can minimize cash crop yield losses to stress,” notes Rob Myers, Regional Director of the Extension Programs for SARE at the University of Missouri.  “In a favorable growing season, we expect to see less of a yield impact. However, the link between the length of time in cover crops and yield improvements points to the long-term benefits of building soil health.

The survey also revealed a high number of farmers who saw profit increase as a result of cover crops.  Thirty-three percent saw profit benefits, while only 5.7 percent said it decreased.  Other growers reported no change in profit, or not enough data to evaluate profit impact.

“The vast majority of cover crop users report the most important benefits of cover crops to be improved overall soil health, reduced erosion and increased soil organic matter,” says Chad Watts, executive director of CTIC. “Though the yield benefits, profitability and resilience provided by cover crops are widely recognized by the farmers in the survey, the benefits they highlight most are long-term soil health impacts.”

The report also covered species of cover crops and asked growers what would motivate others to adopt the practice.  You can read more in the full online report.

EFC Systems Announces Data Solutions

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Data, technology

efc-systems-tmEFC Systems, Inc. offers technology solutions for agribusinesses, providing seamless data connectivity for growers to their service providers.  Now the company has announced users of FieldAlytics and Merchant Ag will have access to the new “CDMS Inside.”  CDMS gives their customers real time crop protection and nutritional product databases.  The new relationship means customers have access to all-inclusive software, with product look up and Quick Check chemical validation at the ready.

Ernie Chappell, President and Founder of EFC Systems says,“CDMS represents the most complete and accurate compliance data available today. We are proud to partner with CDMS in this relationship. We believe the integration is a perfect fit for customers that want an all-inclusive software solution. The integration with CDMS provides comprehensive solutions to better serve our clients.”

CDMS-logo_headerScott Mueller, Senior Vice President at CDMS says, “This partnership will allow EFC Systems to better serve their customers by providing the most accurate and current product information available for crop protection and nutritional products.” EFC Systems is leading by integrating various product database components throughout the EFC Systems portfolio to meet the changing demands of agriculture.

NRCS Adds Gypsum to List of Conservation Practices

Kelly MarshallAg Group, NRCS, Nutrient Management

nrcsEarlier this week, director of research for GYPSOIL Division of Beneficial Reuse Management, Ron Chamberlain explained the NRCS program to ag writers and broadcasters at Ag Media Summit.  The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has added gypsum to the list of conservation practices, making it possible for farmers in a growing number of states to receive financial assistance to amend soils with the product.

Wisconsin has recently joined Ohio, Indiana, Alabama and Michigan in adopting the new national Conservation Practice Standard, Amending Soil Properties with Gypsum Products Code 333.  The code was approved in June of 2015 with the purpose of improving soil health and surface water quality.  Each state’s program guidelines can be found in NRCS’ Field Office Technical Guide under each state’s Section IV.

In most cases, financial assistance for applying gypsum is available through conservation programs such as Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) or other water quality grant intiatives in at-risk watersheds and locations.

The Wisconsin NRCS has adopted the standard as an interim program for farmers and landowners in the Lower Fox River Basin, which includes all or parts of Brown, Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago counties, says Chamberlain. The program is available through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for phosphorus reduction priority watersheds. Farmers and landowners who are interested in this program should talk with their local NRCS staff.

“Wisconsin NRCS follows an integrated systems approach for amending soils with gypsum,” says Chamberlain. “A farmer who is no-tilling, seeding cover crops and applying gypsum may realize additional benefits.”

Gypsum is beneficial because it reduces phosphorus that otherwise binds to soil particles and ends up as runoff.  It also offers nutrient values of somewhere around 20 percent calcium and 16 percent sulfur and can help improve the physical qualities of soil, especially when it has a high clay content.

Pioneer.com Relaunched

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Dupont Pioneer, Website

Dupont PioneerPioneer.com has received an update.  The new and improved website now provides tools to learn about products that help maximize yield and more access for growers to manage their accounts.  The new site works with a variety of devices, so users can access the information they need from the field or in the office.

“The addition of a new, easy-to-use online seed guide gives growers the ability to create custom lists of products based on relevant product details such as crop maturities, key technology traits and agronomic scores by geography,” said Drew Porter, director, U.S. & Canada product marketing, DuPont Pioneer. “These new mobile tools, along with support from the local DuPont Pioneer teams, are helping growers choose the best high-performing products to manage their farms profitability and efficiently, season after season.”

An interactive seed guide needs only a zip code to unlock information about products that perform well in the area.  Every Pioneer brand product is listed with valuable information to help growers pick the right combination of products for their farm.

The secure site means growers can log in to their accounts with the touch of a button and use programs like TruChoice Financing deferred payment program.  Grower can also use the site to sign up for tools like Walking Your Fields electronic newsletter.

Visit the updated site at www.pioneer.com.

Voters Don’t Trust Trump-Pence Stand on Ag, Biofuels

Joanna SchroederZimmPoll

zp-nh1Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Is the Trump-Pence Republican ticket good for agriculture, energy?”

During his campaigning Trump has been supporter of biofuels and has repeatedly said he could “be a farmer.” Indiana Governor Mike Pence has vocally supported the ag industry understanding and supporting small farms and large agribusinesses. However, this week’s pollers seem to think differently with a majority believing the pair will be bad news for both agriculture and biofuels.

Here are the poll results:

  • Good for ag & biofuels – 30%
  • Good for ag but not for biofuels – 5%
  • Good for biofuels but not for ag – 0%
  • Not good for ag & biofuels – 55%
  • Could go either way – 10%
  • Other – 0%

Our new ZimmPoll is live and asks the question, Is the Clinton-Kaine Democratic ticket good for agriculture and/or energy?

During her campaigning, Clinton said she is for biotech, the Farm Bill, animal welfare, climate and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). What about Senator Kaine? He is from a state, Virginia, where ag is the largest industry but he seems wishy-washy on the Farm Bill, but in 2013 he was a vocal supporter of the legislation. He has come out in support of renewable energy and in 2015 he visited his state’s only ethanol plant, Hopewell, to learn about ethanol production as the future of the RFS was then, and is today, hotly contested. What do you think? Vote now.

AgWired Editors Travel to Vietnam

Kelly MarshallInternational, ZimmComm

Vietnam group photo

ALOT at the Vietnam National university of Agriculture. Precision editor, Kelly Marshall 1st row, 4th from the left. Animal editor, Jamie Johansen 2nd row, 2nd from the right.

Missouri Agricultural Leadership of Tomorrow (ALOT) has nearly completed their two year program.  As a wrap-up of their study of agriculture the group recently visited Vietnam to gain a global understanding of the industry.  The 20 member participants include two of AgWired’s editors, Jamie Johansen and Kelly Marshall.

Vietnam fish farm

Farmers move catfish to larger ponds with these boats, buckets, and boards. Catfish is a major export in Vietnam.

The trip lasted two weeks and included three major cities in Vietnam.  In the capital city of Hanoi we visited with officials from Vietnam’s Agricultural Extension Center, heard from professors of soils, crops, and animal science at the Vietnam National University of Agriculture, learned about alternatives to the massive overuse of antibiotics at Biospring.  We also ate lunch at DEBACO, a vertically integrated company handling everything from egg production to the processing facility to grocery stores and restaurants.

Vietnam rice fields

Rice research faces its own issues in Vietnam. Only corn and soybean GMOs are allowed.

Flying 1,000 miles south we landed in Can Tho in the heart of the Mekong River Delta.  At Can Tho University we grasp a better understanding of water quality (or lack thereof!) in a country with international rivers.  Despite misgivings about the river, we got to experience a sunrise trip to one of the world’s most interesting sights, the Mekong River Market.  We also made stops at the Cuu Long Rice Research Institute, an elementary school, a rice processing plant, a forestry processing plant, an import/export seafood company, and a fish farm.

Veitnam dairy farm

Most farmers own 3-5 diary cows, making it difficult for researchers to convey best practices to the many small-scale producers. This demo farm is slowly helping to improve production in the area.

Our final destination was the city of Ho Chi Minh, formerly Saigon.  There we saw experiments in dragon fruit production, toured a furniture factory, walked through an Israeli-run Diary Demonstration Farm, and drove through the mangrove forest.  We saw our first soybean and corn fields, which made us nostalgic for our home climate and beans that yield more than 20 bushel/acre, and gratefully tasted Australian beef at our first McDonald’s sighting.

As we arrive back in the states and again immerse ourselves in topics like TPP, the trip has certainly opened our eyes to see things from another vantage point.  I find I am more thankful than ever to live, farm and raise my family in rural America, and at the same time I have greater respect for a life lived in a plywood shack on the banks of a dirty river.

When I come back to my desk and write about topics of interest to AgWired’s readers I see that Vietnam was different, but in many ways, at the core, we are the same.

The Corporate Commitment to Sustainability

Lizzy SchultzAg Group, Audio, Conservation, environment, sustainability, USFRA, water, Water Management, Water Quality

fd-16-kenow The latest installment of the Food Dialogues, held this week in Minneapolis as part of a joint effort from the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) and the Farm and Food Alliance of Minnesota, kept the focus on water sustainability. The diverse panel of professionals highlighted the many ways that water conservation is present in their professions and the companies they represent, and engaged in a productive dialogue that focused on ways to find applicable, real solutions to the problems facing our nation’s water quality.

One panelist was Becky Kenow, Director of Sustainability for Land O Lakes, Inc.. Kenow works to engage businesses in company-wide sustainability strategies, and has made extensive efforts to collaborate and lead cross functional business teams to develop and implement initiatives that maximize economic, environmental and social sustainability on a corporate level.

Her focus during the panel was on the powerful role that technology has played in improving the environmental sustainability of productive agriculture, as well as the ways that working to improve sustainability can be incredibly profitable, and incentivized, by agriculture producers.

“Technology has improved every industry known to man, and agriculture is not an exception to that fact,” said Kenow during the Food Dialogue event, as well as in an interview following the discussion. “There are so many different things that businesses are doing to try to address both water quantity and water quality, and I think that its so important to share that information and help people understand that the agriculture industry has been focused on this for many years, and holds a continued commitment to conservation efforts,” said Kenow in an interview after the panel discussion.”

Her belief in the power of engaging the public and private sectors to work together was evident throughout her portion of the dialogue, and was centered in her biggest takeaway from the event.

“We are all interested in working together to figure out how to address these issues. We have to engage more people in the more proactive approach to this and work together to solve these problems instead of pointing fingers and being afraid of working together and talking about it. None of us can do this alone, we have to work together,” she said.

Listen to Lizzy’s full interview with Becky here:
[wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/fd-16-lol-kenow.mp3″ text=”Interview with Becky Kenow, Land O Lakes”]

View and Download Photos from the Event here: Food Dialogues: Minneapolis Photo Album

Farmers Talk Water Security at #FoodD

Lizzy SchultzAg Group, Audio, Conservation, environment, sustainability, USFRA, water, Water Management, Water Quality

fd-2016-collins At the latest Food Dialogue from the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) and the Farm and Food Alliance of Minnesota, a panel of experts kept the focus entirely on water sustainability, an issue that has continually placed significant blame on production agriculture. The lone producer on the panel was Nathan Collins, who raises Angus cattle and grows corn, soybeans, and alfalfa on his farm in West Central Minnesota. His perspective brought fresh insight into the conversation about sustainability, a controversial topic that remains without a formal definition.

“I think it’s important that everyone understands that water problems are not just due to agriculture. This is such a broad issue that covers every industry,” he said in an interview following the event. “Farmers have become an easy target because we aren’t always willing to speak up against the misconceptions, but we’re doing so many good things right now. We’ve always had water quality as a top priority, and we wouldn’t be able to continue farming the same land for multiple generations if we weren’t taking care of the land.”

Nathan’s takeaway from the event was the importance of engaging more people in the efforts to finding solutions to the nation’s complex issues surrounding water quality and security, and the fact that telling his story as a producer remains an absolute necessity in the continued efforts towards improving our environment.

“It’s so important for farmers to have conservations with people. Its quite easy and it can be a lot of fun, because a lot of people don’t understand what farmers do on a day to day basis, and the business of agriculture is so diverse that it’s paramount that you share your story with people,” he said.

Listen to Lizzy’s full interview with Nathan here:
[wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/fd-16-collins.mp3″ text=”Interview with Nathan Collins, MN Farmer”]

View and download photos from the event here: Food Dialogues: Minneapolis Photo Album