Crop Connection

Thursday, May 10, 2007 10:19 AM CDT

This week's listing of upcoming industry events and announcements.

Special Potato Pesticide Registration Offered For Public Comment

Wisconsin potato growers will have better control over plant diseases with three special pesticide registrations proposed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The special registrations will allow growers to control early and late blight on full-season potatoes using the fungicides Bravo Weather Stik, Bravo Ultrex and Bravo Zn.

The special registrations also benefit potato growers participating in the "Healthy Grown" potato project. The goal of the Healthy Grown project is to increase the adoption of integrated pest management practices while reducing the toxicity of pesticide products used on potatoes. Use of these products will provide better management of the plant diseases while meeting the lower toxicity criteria.

Bravo Weather Stik, Bravo Ultrex and Bravo Zn are manufactured by GB Biosciences Corporation and are distributed by Syngenta Crop Protection. The products contain the active ingredient chlorothalonil and are already labeled for use on potatoes. The proposed registration will allow an increase of the annual active ingredient, from 11.25 to 16 pounds per acre to control the fungal diseases of early and late blight. Special instructions are included with the label directions to further protect endangered species present in the areas of use.

The special registration process allows the state agriculture department to register pesticide products without prior federal approval, giving the states flexibility to control a plant disease or insect outbreak. Should Wisconsin experience a wet growing season in the coming years, these products will be especially needed.

Special pesticide registrations were previously issued for this use in 2002 and expired in 2006. The preliminary environmental assessment indicates the proposed registrations will not require a full environmental impact statement.

For a copy of the environmental assessment, contact Patricia Kandziora, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911, 608-224-4547 or review the assessment at the department, Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 2811 Agriculture Dr., Madison, Second floor. Comments received on or before 4:30 p.m., May 17, will become part of the preliminary environmental assessment record. Send comments to Pat by mail at the above address.

Polk County Pasture Walks Slated For May 19

Two neighboring farmers in the Cumberland area of Polk County raising sheep and dairy cows will host combined pasture walks on Saturday, May 19, from 1-4 p.m. Ed and Pam Dittbrenner will discuss grazing of sheep and dairy heifers. Andrew Whyte and Doris Mold will discuss rotational grazing of their dairy herd.

The Dittbrenner pasture walk will begin at 1 PM. The farm is located at 309 Hwy 48 just west of McKinley in Polk County about 10 miles west of Cumberland or 14 miles east of Luck. Signs will be posted at the driveway. The Dittbrenners rotationally graze 120 Suffolk ewes and 20 dairy heifers. They are implementing a new grazing plan and extending their acreage. Farm ponds have been added for recreation and watering.

The Whyte/Mold pasture walk will begin about 2:30 p.m. The farm is located at 233 Hwy 48 just east of Dittbrenner. They graze over 50 Holsteins on just 40 acres, moving fences 2-3 times per day. Andrew was born in Cumberland, England and worked as a dairy software programmer at the University of Minnesota for several years. He is a co-author of Dairy Champ software, worked in tech support on Finpack and still does some website management from the home computer. Doris teaches farm agri-business management to international students and is a consultant in legal-economic agriculture. Andrew and Doris brought her father's dairy herd from Minnesota to Cumberland in 2004 and began rotational grazing.

The pasture walks are sponsored by the Northwest Wisconsin Graziers Network in cooperation with UW-Extension, Natural Resources and Conservation Service, and the Land Conservation Departments in Polk, Barron, Rusk, Burnett, Washburn and Sawyer.

Golden Harvest Announces Insight Days Schedule

Golden Harvest Seeds announces eight sites for the 2007 Agronomy Up Front Insight Days in June and July across the Midwest. Golden Harvest will once again share their expertise on agronomic topics, including their vast knowledge of corn on corn.

Agronomy Up Front Insight Days are half-day events that allow farmers to get out into the Golden Harvest test fields and see agronomy research first-hand. Growers also get a chance to ask questions of the company's agronomy research team and hear about the latest local agronomy information available.

Growers have the option of visiting eight sites in seven different states:

July 10 - Renville, Minn.

To register, growers can talk to their local Golden Harvest sales representative or call 800-9GH-Seed.

Backed by over 20 years of agronomy studies, Golden Harvest's Agronomy Up Front program has developed datasets based on multiple years and numerous locations and has earned a solid reputation throughout the industry.

For additional information, visit us online at http://www.goldenharvestseeds.com.

KFC to Post Acrylamide Warnings In California

KFC has agreed to settle with the California Attorney General in their Proposition 65 lawsuit. The California AG sued a dozen snack and fast food companies to seek compliance with Proposition 65, which requires businesses to provide warnings to consumers about potentially harmful substances, of which acrylamide in cooked potatoes is alleged to be. KFC settled the suit without admitting any wrongdoing and will post warnings at only their California locations. Acrylamide in potatoes is formed as a by-product of cooking potatoes at high temperatures. There is no evidence that directly links consumption of acrylamide with cancer in humans. The FDA continues to study this issue and has urged California not to pursue this route.

Biodiesel Industry Urges Congress To Close Loophole On Renewable Diesel

What started out as strong U.S. energy policy has been weakened by a recent ruling by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which approved a request by ConocoPhillips to expand the definition of renewable diesel. This ruling means oil companies, like ConocoPhillips, can take advantage of a dollar-per-gallon federal tax incentive for merely adding raw vegetable oils and animal fats into their conventional diesel refining process.

"I see this as a simple question about what makes sound energy policy: Do you take limited government resources and invest them in new energy technologies built from the ground up? Or do you take those dollars and give them to large, mature, highly profitable companies that will use those dollars for their conventional petroleum processes?" challenges Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). "Subsidizing existing capacity does not create many of the benefits that the biodiesel tax incentive has created."

Since the biodiesel tax incentive passed in 2004, biodiesel plants have grown more than four-fold, with 105 plants capable of producing 864 million gallons of domestic biodiesel coast to coast. Another 1.7 billion gallons of capacity is reported to be under construction.

A recent economic study found that the biodiesel industry will add $24 billion to the U.S. economy. That economic stimulus created by biodiesel plants, more than pays for the biodiesel tax incentive, according to the NBB. Further, using existing refining capacity to make renewable diesel doesn't add significant jobs to the U.S., unlike what the biodiesel industry's growth does. Public opinion research shows 82 percent of Americans support a federal tax incentive for biodiesel.

"If oil companies want to subsidize their existing petroleum refineries with this product, then the merits of that process and fuel should be evaluated and debated before Congress, and not through an exploitation of an ambiguity in the tax code," Jobe contends, adding that NBB hopes to see Congressional legislation passed that will close this tax loophole.

Energy Legislation Supports Corn Growers' Policy

Legislation that will strengthen corn ethanol's role in the nation's energy independence was passed by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last week. The bipartisan legislation includes a renewable fuels standard of 36 billion gallons by 2022, of which 15 billion gallons must come from corn, notes the National Corn Growers Association.

"We are very pleased with this legislation and its inclusion of NCGA's goal of producing 15 billion gallons of ethanol by 2015," says Ken McCauley, NCGA president. "Corn will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing the biofuels industry."

In addition to the RFS component, S987, the Biofuels for Energy Security and Transportation Act of 2007, will also look specifically at ethanol pipelines; flex fuel vehicle optimization by pipelines; higher blend level studies; higher blend levels and includes important pilot programs, loan guarantees and grants for renewable fuels.

Follow CRP Conservation Plan

Spring brings the sounds of tractors, mowers and chainsaws from those out maintaining their Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acreage. Ben Brancel, State executive director of the Farm Service Agency, wants to remind CRP contract holders that any maintenance required by their conservation plans must be performed outside of the primary nesting season which starts May 15.

"Review your conservation plan to determine the nesting season dates that apply to you," says Brancel. "Please note that annual mowing, entire field mowing, and mowing for cosmetic purposes are prohibited at all times, and any maintenance that needs to be done should generally be limited to spot spraying or mowing."

"If you have a weed problem on your CRP acreage that requires treatment during the primary nesting season, contact your local FSA office before you do anything," Brancel advises. "They will be able to answer any questions you may have in regard to requesting authorization to clip or control weeds during the nesting period or in regard to other maintenance that your CRP acreage may require."

Brancel notes that most CRP acreage has been managed well - weeds have been controlled, brush and trees removed when necessary and mowing has been limited to areas needed. However, problems have been found such as fields completely over grown with trees, garbage and equipment stored on the fields, as well as areas being mowed for aesthetic reasons only (and often during the nesting season). Brancel reminds landowners those acres are "under contract."

Disney Goes To Biodiesel

Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger recently helped announce Disneyland's new green initiative of using biodiesel in its train engines at an Anaheim event. The park switched over to B98 (biodiesel with 2 percent diesel) recently for all of its trains, and made the announcement as part of a South Coast Air Quality Control Management District event right before Earth Day last month. The engines are authentic (1880s) steam trains that were retrofitted in the 1950s to run on diesel fuel.

May 14 E-CBOT Launch: Mini-Sized Ag Contracts

The Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) announces it will launch CBOT mini-sized Ag futures contracts on its E-CBOT electronic trading platform on May 14. The contracts will include mini-sized corn, soybeans and wheat contracts.

CBOT Senior Vice President of Business Development Robert Ray says, "This is the first time CBOT mini-sized ag contracts will trade electronically overnight, providing global market participants with enhanced trading opportunities and offering customers, particularly in Asia, a contract sized to their needs and in a favorable currency (U.S. dollars)." In addition, market participants can offset mini-sized contracts against full-sized contracts as they near expiration. These mini-sized contracts will benefit from the arbitrage opportunities with the full-sized contracts, and the increasing liquidity during the European and Asian trading day, he adds.

The electronically traded mini-sized "ags" will trade on the CBOT electronic trading platform on the overnight hours beginning at 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Friday. The electronically traded mini-sized ag contracts are one-fifth the size of their full-sized counterparts, or 1,000 bushels, and will trade under the symbols XC (mini-sized Corn), XB (mini-sized Soybeans) and XW (mini-sized Wheat).

For a listing of fees, visit http://www.cbot.com/cbot/pub/page/0,3181,1042,00.html.

Non-Insured Assistance Program Reporting Requirements

Wisconsin Farm Service Agency State Executive Director, Ben Brancel reminds producers of Non-Insured Assistance Program reporting requirements that must be met prior to receiving program benefits.

Producers with 2007 coverage under the NAP on spring seeded crops, forages, small grains, winter wheat, and some perennial crops are required to report 2007 NAP crop acreage by July 16. Failure to report your acreage will result in late filing fees and potential loss of benefits under the NAP program. "There are some exceptions to the July 16 deadline, so producers who feel they will not be able to meet the deadline should contact their local FSA office," said Brancel.

In addition, NAP producers must also certify 2006 crop production at the same time, or prior to, reporting 2007 crop acreage. The final date to report 2006 production of NAP crops is also July 16, for most spring seeded crops. Producer should check with their local FSA offices on production reporting deadlines for crop they have covered by the policies. "If producers fail to report 2006 production by the final reporting date, zero yields or yields reduced by established factors will be used in establishing the crops actual production history for 2008," said Brancel. "This normally results in lower NAP crop approved yields. All production certifications are subject to spot-check." Brancel encourages producers to maintain good production records because crop production must be reported on an annual basis.

"It is also very important that producers report NAP crop losses within 15 days of the date damage occurred or 15 days from the date damage is apparent. Losses to crops need to be reported after each occurrence of damage and in a timely manner to insure continued eligibility for benefits."

NAP coverage is only available for crops where coverage is not available under the Federal Crop Insurance Program. The NAP program is designed to cover losses due to damaging weather conditions. The program covers losses in excess of a 50 percent loss of the producer's established yield. Qualifying losses eligible for payment are paid at 55 percent of the established value of the crop.

Producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office to find out what forms of production evidence are acceptable and to obtain additional information regarding the NAP and NAP production reporting requirements prior to the July 15 deadline. Failure to comply with the requirements mentioned above could result in a loss or reduction in program benefits.

Agent Answers Agrisure Question

On April 25, a Waukesha County corn producer called UW-Extension to review the export status, risks and benefits of growing Agrisure hybrids in 2007. The Agrisure hybrids are available from Syngenta and marketed through NK Brands, Garst and Golden Harvest. In March, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) requested Syngenta withhold Agrisure RW hybrids from the market this season due to the lack of full regulatory approvals from Japan and other major export markets, says Tim Bender with Jefferson County Extension.

The National Corn Growers Association maintains a list of the approval status of biotech corn hybrids. He says the NCGA wants growers to "Know Before You Grow" to minimize any potential export market channel disruption. The Waukesha County grower had learned that some ethanol plants are being selective because some of the dried distillers grain is being shipped to the export markets. There is ample market for biotech corn as some 60 percent of all U.S. corn is fed to U.S. livestock. However, growers should consider any local market, weather, equipment and harvest capacity constraints and/or risks, says Bender. It is uncertain that Agrisure RW MIR 604 and the Agrisure GT/CB Yield Gard/Liberty Link SYTGA21+Bt11 stack technology will receive Japanese approvals prior to the 2007 harvest even though they have full food and feed approvals in the U.S.

The NCGA website lists other hybrids from Dow Agro Sciences, Monsanto and Pioneer Hi-Bred that have not obtained full EU approvals. It's wise for growers to call their harvest delivery points to review their current hybrid acceptance policy as some have changed their position in recent weeks, Bender stresses.

For more information, go to NCGA's website at http://www.ncga.com, American Seed Trade Association at http://www.amseed.com or the UW-Extension. If you have further questions, contact Bender at the Jefferson County Extension Office at 920-674-7295 or tim.bender@ces.uwex.edu.

Wisconsin 2007 REAP Host State

The votes are in and the American Soybean Association (ASA) and program sponsor EMD Crop BioScience have selected Wisconsin and Kentucky to be host states for the 2007 Regional Exchange and Awareness Program (REAP). This program is an opportunity for growers to exchange producer and industry information and enhance their knowledge and skills, as well as make new friends and have some fun. REAP will make it possible for a group of growers from northern states to tour agriculture in Kentucky and a group of growers from southern states to come to Wisconsin and learn about agriculture in that part of the country. Wisconsin and Kentucky have put together unique programs for participants and they look forward to welcoming farmers to their states. Kentucky's tour will be Aug. 1-5, and Wisconsin's tour is Aug. 7-11. The State Associations will each be selecting a candidate from their region. Contact Kathy Grunz at ASA at 800-688-7692, extension 1301, or email kgrunz@soy.org.

Soybean Rust In Crosshairs

January 2007 started off with more reports of soybean rust on kudzu in southern states than in 2005 or 2006. This caused speculation that soybean rust could be a more serious problem in 2007 because of the earlier development of inoculum in the southern states. But the record low temperatures that occurred throughout the Midwest the last of March and first part of April also struck in the South. Previously infected kudzu patches were killed back. There have not been any new reports of soybean rust since late March.

Since the disease can no longer be found in many of the previously infected kudzu patches in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, those sites on the national soybean rust tracking website (http://www.sbrusa.net) have been turned from red (soybean rust confirmed) to red cross hatch (soybean rust confirmed but not longer found).

Recent dry weather conditions in southern states except for Texas have been unfavorable for the development of soybean rust. Soybean sentinel plots have been planted and are still being planted in the southern states and scouting for soybean rust on both kudzu and soybean in underway in earnest for the 2007. The http://www.sbrusa.net website will provide growers with information on the current status of soybean rust in the U.S.

Critical Period For Weed Control, Consult Tool

Newly emerged crops are especially sensitive to competition from weeds. Crops may suffer irreversible yield loss if forced to compete with weeds shortly after emergence. There is a specific period of time after planting, referred to as the 'critical period of weed control," when effective weed control is imperative. This critical period of weed control varies widely by crop and cultivar. After the designated "critical" period has passed and crops have gained a competitive advantage, timing of weed management is not as crucial.

The "weedometer" is a weed phenology tool developed by Ed Luschei at UW-Madison that allows weed watchers to plot earliest and average emergence and flowering times of 69 familiar Wisconsin weed species. This tool is based on first emergence and flowering data collected at the Arlington Research Station by Jerry Doll from 1998 to 2001. Before improvements to the weedometer were made over the winter months, predictions pertained only to the Arlington area. Now data can be extrapolated to several other Wisconsin locations.

For example, to determine when musk thistle is likely to emerge and flower in Stevens Point, select "musk thistle" from the first drop-down box, "Stevens Point, WI" from the second drop down box (be sure to click on "change my location"), then simply click "make a speedometer" and a graphic resembling the speedometer of a car will appear. The speed equates to days in the year and the color-coded regions represent the first and last emergence and flowering time observations. Visit weedometer.net and read more about the recent updates to the weedometer website at ipcm.wisc.edu/WCMNews/tabid/53/EntryID/242/Default.aspx.

Demand Stimulated Abroad for Corn Through Dairy

U.S. Grains Council programs do more than just grow markets for U.S. grains; they also stimulate demand for other U.S. ag products. In Morocco, the Council's partnership with a local dairy and citrus cooperative illustrates the benefits of high energy ruminant feeds using U.S. corn and sorghum, which in turn resulted in increased commercial ruminant feed production. The Council also worked with the Moroccan Feed Millers Association to educate them on the benefits of commercial ruminant feed, resulting in the launch last year of a ruminant promotion program in coordination with the Council.

"The ruminant promotion program has been so successful we will see ruminant concentrate production increase from 120,000 metric tons to 500,000 tons," says Kurt Shultz, USGC director for the Mediterranean and Africa. Assuming the concentrate formula uses 30 percent corn, this would be an increase of 114,000 tons (4.5 million bushels) worth $17.5 million FOB.

In addition, Moroccan dairy farmers are enlarging their herds by importing 1,570 pregnant heifers from the United States this year. This sale is worth $4 million, including cost, insurance and freight, to U.S. agriculture. The Council was instrumental in bringing the buyers and U.S. breeders together during past team visits to the U.S.

Using its success in Morocco as a model, the Council is working with the Union of Tunisian Farmers (UTAP) to provide technical assistance to build the dairy industry there. As part of these efforts, Pioneer donated 300 pounds of hybrid corn seeds to UTAP to demonstrate the benefits of high quality silage hybrids in Tunisia, where the use of silage in ruminant feeds is limited. The seed is being grown on trial farms as part of efforts to gain the government's approval for commercial use.

"The Council expects this initiative to be only the first step in a larger program to develop dairy and beef feedlots in Tunisia based on the success seen in Morocco," notes Shultz.

Weed Doctors Receive Award For Exhibit At Farm Technology Days

If you think weeds are useless, think again. Giant weeds have made people winners in the annual Biggest Wisconsin Weed Contest at Farm Technology Days. Recently, the sponsors of the weed contest have been honored for their innovative exhibit.

UW-Extension weed scientists encourage people to visit their display at Farm Technology Days by inviting them to bring weeds to enter in the contest. The Weed Doctors, a team of UW-Extension weed scientists, have received an award for their exhibit at the 2006 Farm Technology Days.

The team of Chris Boerboom and Jed Colquhoun, UW-Extension weed scientists, Jerry Doll, emeritus UW-Extension weed scientist, and several county agents received the 2006 Donald R. Peterson Technology Transfer Award. The award recognizes outstanding effectiveness in improving public understanding of new technological advancements; new management tools, processes, or concepts; or contemporary agriculture and natural resources issues via an exhibit at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days.

The Weed Doctors exhibit included a contest with daily prizes for the biggest weed brought in each day of Farm Technology Days. The "donated" weeds remained on display at the exhibit. UW-Extension weed specialists were also available to identify and answer questions about weeds and provide recommendations to improve weed management.

The Donald R. Peterson Wisconsin Farm Technology (Progress) Days Technology Transfer Award was established in honor of Don Peterson, UW-Madison College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) emeritus professor and associate dean. Peterson was long-time general manager of Wisconsin Farm Progress Days. The Award memorializes Peterson's diligent efforts to encourage CALS faculty and staff to convey the fruits of college research and knowledge to the public through Wisconsin Farm Technology Days.

Bioplastics Featured In Taiwan

Environmentally friendly, corn-based bioplastic products are currently on prominent display at one of Northern Taiwan's most popular sightseeing spots, thanks to U.S. Grains Council's efforts. Disposable trays and containers for packaging eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables and bakery products, as well as cups, bowls, plates and dishes made from corn-based polylactic acid (PLA), are featured through December in an educational display center at the Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf, visited by about two million people annually. There's also a display featuring the U.S. corn industry.

Taiwan imported 4,800 metric tons of PLA resin, the equivalent of 12,000 tons (472,000 bushels) of corn, in 2006. As more Taiwanese use and manufacture bioplastics, the country could potentially import about 400,000 tons of PLA a year, an amount equal to one million tons (39 million bushels) of corn.

U.S., EU Officials Discuss Biotech Trade Issues

U.S. and European Union (EU) officials continue to discuss how to resolve issues related to trade in biotech products. The U.S. Grains Council welcomes the efforts of U.S. and EU negotiators to make progress toward the ultimate goal of restarting corn trade with Europe, which came to a halt after a moratorium on biotech products was imposed in 1998. Several issues must be addressed by the EU before normalization of trade in corn and corn products can resume, including the implementation of the EU's existing approval process that provides for timely product approvals for both pending and future applications, and the handling of discontinued products.

The discussions are a result of the World Trade Organization (WTO) finding that the EU had placed a moratorium on the approval of products derived from biotechnology and found member states had implemented unjustified bans on biotech products deemed safe by EU authorities. The ruling was issued in September 2006 by the WTO and was not appealed by the European Union.

U.S. Farmers Address Access Issues With Europeans

U.S. soybean farmers met recently with European policy advisers in The Netherlands, Belgium and Romania to explore options for reducing the impact of the European Union's Traceability and Labeling and the Novel Food and Feed Regulations. This action is in light of the review of both regulations currently being considered by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament and the upcoming questionnaire of the Traceability and Labeling Regulation issued by the European Commission earlier this month.

The group will also meet with European officials and industry stakeholders to determine the status of the EU's biotech-enhanced seed approval process and likely outcomes of pending authorization requests, such as the Liberty Link soybean event. Delays in approving biotech events has the potential to seriously undermine EU supplies of vegetable protein as second generation soybean biotech events come closer to commercialization in the U.S. and other countries.

In Romania, the U.S. contingent met with officials from the Romanian Poultry Breeders Association and the Romanian Grain Traders Association. Prior to joining the European Union earlier this year, Romania was the single largest producer of biotech crops in Europe. However, since their entry into the EU, biotech-enhanced soybeans are banned from being grown locally, and the livestock industry faces challenges in obtaining needed supplies of high quality feedstocks. ASA is working with the Romanian feed industry to upgrade their technical skills and potentially increase the import of U.S. soybean products into that country.

ASA Prepares Korean Tofu Industry For Free Trade

The American Soybean Association (ASA) Korea Country Director Say Young Jo met with Korean tofu industry leaders last month, starting a process to help tofu and other soy food-processing industries prepare to directly import food-grade, Identity Preserved (IP) soybeans from the U.S. Conclusion of the historic Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on April 1, which was backed by ASA, has paved the way for direct imports of U.S. soybeans.

ASA is working ahead of changes that will allow soy food processors to directly import food-grade IP soybeans from the U.S. within the Tariff Rate Quota quantities when the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement takes effect. Korea annually imports 250,000 metric tons of soybeans for soy food processing, and almost all of these soybeans are imported by a Korean government-invested company named aT.

This means that individual soy food processors have no control over the quality and the price of soybeans they buy from aT. If they want to import soybeans directly, they currently have to pay an import duty of 487 percent. This compares to the 5 percent duty aT pays. aT imports soybeans of U.S. No. 1 equivalent with a maximum of 3 percent biotech-enhanced content.

The FTA will break the Korean government import monopoly for the purpose of soy food processing, and give Korean soy food processors market access to U.S. food-grade IP soybeans. The tofu industry is the largest end user of food soybeans with an annual demand of an about 120,000 metric tons. ASA is working with the industry to expand its knowledge about how the U.S. IP soybean marketing system works.

Strong U.S. DDGS Exports Good News

Strong exports of U.S. corn and distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are good news for U.S. producers. According to USDA estimates, corn export inspections are 10.9 percent higher than this time last year. The USDA has forecast 2006/2007 U.S. corn exports will reach 2.25 billion bushels, 4.8 percent higher than the prior year. In addition, U.S. DDGS is making its way to markets around the world.

"About 20,000 metric tons of U.S. DDGS was sold to Asian buyers last week, while buyers in Mexico and Latin America purchased approximately 10,000 tons," says Dan Keefe, U.S. Grains Council manager of international operations forDDGS. "DDGS prices are attractive in feed formulas and the exports are starting to show it."

Keefe also notes DDGS was also recently purchased by Canadian swine producers who had not previously used the product.

Greenhouse Growers: Add Silicon

Modern greenhouse production methods have often eliminated conventional earth as a growth medium and, with that, eliminated silicon, a mineral naturally found in soil. Greenhouse growers might do well to add silicon back in their nutrient applications, irrigation or potting mixes, according to USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists. That's because a growing body of research suggests that silicon boosts yields and protects plants from toxicity and fungal diseases. This means silicon may reduce the need for plant growth regulators and disease-control pesticides.

Over the past three years, ARS researchers in Ohio have studied silicon uptake in a variety of ornamentals, including begonia, carnation, geranium, impatiens, marigold, orchid, pansy, petunia, snapdragon, verbena and zinnia. X-ray analysis has shown that some of these plants - such as New Guinea impatiens, marigold and zinnia - accumulate silicon in significant concentrations in unique cells in their leaves. The researchers want to see which crops put nutrients where they are most useful to the plant.

The scientists also tested some of these plants to see if silicon imparts resistance to two widespread pathogenic fungi, gray mold and powdery mildew. They found that it helps reduce symptoms of powdery mildew in zinnia but has no effect on species such as begonia and geranium, which do not accumulate silicon. Such knowledge about plants' silicon use will help breeders choose promising lines for creating new varieties of flowers and ornamental plants that will need fewer pesticide applications.

Read more about the research in the May/June 2007 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, available online at http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/may07/plants0507.htm.

Reassess Forage Seeding Options

Mena Hautau, Extension Educator in Berks County, Penn., says if you're planning to seed pastures or hay fields this spring but it gets too late because the field is too wet or there are higher priorities elsewhere on the farm, consider planting a crop that grows well in the warm season and plan ahead for a late summer/early fall seeding. Warm season annuals, such as sorghum sudangrass, forage soybeans or millet can be planted. For example, sorghum sudangrass provides lots of versatility. It can be: planted once the soil temperature is 60 degrees and up until the end of June; used as a smother crop for weeds; used as a soil builder if the soil lacks organic matter; taken as baleage; or strip grazed by ruminants.

Select the brown midrib types for palatability. Make sure planting dates are staggered which results in different maturities.

The goal is to keep the field covered with a crop that produces dry matter during the warm growing season. If establishment activities such a soil testing, liming and fertilization need to be done ahead of seeding time, then plan the end life of the rotation accordingly. Be ready to seed in mid-August to mid-September when permanent seeding is best done.

For more information on growing summer annuals, go to the Penn State Agronomy Guide; Agronomy Fact Sheet No. 23, Summer Annual Grasses for Supplemental or Emergency Forage, is linked on this page: agguide.agronomy.psu.edu/cm/sec8/sec87a1.cfm.

WISHH-Cargill Project Highlighted

The American Soybean Association (ASA) World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) program Director Jim Hershey was at the podium with Gregg Nelson, Cargill Soy Protein Development Lead, at a recent International Food Aid Conference, sponsored by USDA and USAID. The topic was Global Development Alliances. Hershey and Nelson described the WISHH-Cargill-USAID project in Honduras. Cargill funding for this project, begun in 2003, has exceeded $350,000. USAID funds have totaled more than $200,000 since 2005. The project has sought to improve the nutrition of Honduran citizens, especially children, through various feeding programs, and to develop the Honduran food industry's ability to put soy-fortified products on the local market and into the food aid programs.

WeedSOFT Yield Loss, Tank Mix Calculators on Web

Bill Curran, Penn State University weed specialist, says WeedSOFT yield loss and tank mix calculators are now available on the web free of charge at weedsoft.unl.edu/weedsoftApps.htm. These calculators are the same tools offered as components of the WeedSOFT software which typically costs users $50 to purchase. If you are not familiar with WeedSOFT, this program is a decision support system designed to assist growers, consultants, and extension agents in making both proactive and reactive weed management decisions. WeedSOFT provides you with the treatment information you need according to your specific field conditions while factoring in economic and environmental principles. The software also contains other management tools such as the yield loss and tank mix calculators.

The yield loss calculator is a tool that enables you to estimate the season-long yield loss, as well as the yield loss that has already occurred, for corn and soybeans that are at a particular growth stage. It will also estimate the additional yield loss that may occur if you delay treatment.

The tank mix calculator is a tool that enables you to calculate the amount of herbicide needed for a field and the amounts to add per tank load. More information on the WeedSOFT software can be found at weedsoft.unl.edu/.

ETHANOL: 2007 PICKS UP WHERE 2006 LEFT OFF

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) announces that U.S. ethanol production and demand continue to set records. According to the Energy Information Administration and the RFA, production of ethanol in January 2007 averaged 375,000 barrels per day while demand averaged 414,000 barrels a day. The increases in production and demand represent a rise of 87,000 and 143,000 barrels a day, respectively, from January 2006.

Currently, 114 ethanol biorefineries nationwide have the capacity to produce more than 5.6 billion gallons annually. There are 80 ethanol refineries and seven expansions under construction with a combined annual capacity of more than 6 billion gallons. For more information, visit the Renewable Fuels Association website at http://www.ethanolRFA.org.

Liquid or Dry Fertilizer: Not An Issue

Producers don't need to worry about whether liquid or dry fertilizer products are better. Fertilizer form simply doesn't matter, maintains a Kansas State University agronomist.

"Farm-level decisions probably should come down to what's available in terms of equipment and product. Of course, product cost matters, too, as do any related farm practices or your own personal preferences," says Dale Leikam, nutrient management specialist.

For example, a liquid UAN solution is simply a mixture of urea, ammonium nitrate and water. "And not much water, at that," Leikam notes. "By weight, each gallon of 32 percent UAN solution is only 20 percent water. By volume, each gallon contains roughly a quart of water. So, since a UAN solution is mainly dissolved urea and ammonium nitrate, it's agronomically equal to dry urea and ammonium nitrate. It has the characteristics of those two dry ingredients."

A liquid 10-34-0 fertilizer is a mix of ammonium polyphosphates and ammonium orthophosphates, dissolved in water.

"The fertilizer industry didn't develop polyphosphates because of any performance issues. It did want to raise the nutrient analysis of its liquid phosphate fertilizers. Even more, though, it wanted to improve the storage characteristics of its fluid phosphates and derived fertilizers," the agronomist says.

Soil enzymes quickly convert water-dissolved ammonium polyphosphates into orthophosphates.

And, dissolved ammonium orthophosphates are identical to the dry formulations of mono-ammonium phosphate or MAP fertilizers (i.e. 11-52-0). They're also the same as the di-ammonium phosphate or DAP fertilizers (i.e. 18-46-0).

"Wet or dry, they'll all do the same job so long as they're applied at equal phosphate rates and in a similar manner," Leikam maintains.

Hero Insecticide From FMC Combines Fast Knockdown, Longer Control

Broad-spectrum insect control in many crops has just gotten easier with new Hero EC insecticide from FMC Corporation. Hero delivers fast knockdown and longer control of many foliar pests and has just received EPA registration in field, seed and sweet corn, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, head lettuce, head and stem brassicas, succulent peas and beans and more.

Hero is approved for control of mites, aphids, bean leaf beetles, corn rootworm adults, corn earworms, corn borers, Western bean cutworms, Japanese beetles and many others.

FMC recommends applying Hero at a rate ranging from 2.6 and 10.3 ounces per acre, depending upon the pest spectrum and pressure. Growers can apply Hero with only a 12-hour re-entry interval.

Biorationals: Ecological Pest Management Database

The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service in Fayetteville, Ark., has created a new, online pest management tool for farmers. This database highlights reduced-risk materials that can be integrated with ecological pest management strategies. The database may be searched by pest category, pest name, pesticide trade name, or active ingredient.

There are four different drop-down menus. You can search for materials to control a specific pest-by-pest category and pest name. Additionally you can select either the pesticide trade name or active ingredient/beneficial organism to refine your search. If you simply want information about a material/formulation, you have the option of searching pesticide trade name or active ingredients/beneficial organism. Go to http://www.ncat.org.

All-Things-Biodiesel New Website

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is the industry clearinghouse for biodiesel information. Now, the trade association has launched a one-stop marketplace for biodiesel interests to do business over the Internet. The NBB launched the biodiesel commerce website, AllThingsBiodiesel.com, at the National Biodiesel Conference and Expo. The new site will complement its information site, http://www.biodiesel.org. New team members are helping to accomplish projects such as this.

AllThingsBiodiesel.com takes its place as the world's largest biodiesel marketplace, focusing on products, services and industry-related companies. A variety of services assembled within it include online ads and classified ads, the biodiesel store and a biodiesel directory, in which companies can be listed for free.

Additional features on AllThingsBiodiesel.com include: a biodiesel store with offerings that range from apparel to books and promotional materials; a continually-updated biodiesel directory that is searchable various ways (businesses can sign up now at AllThingsBiodiesel.com for a free spot in the directory); services include real estate listings, business services, feedstock purchases and shows and meetings. For more information, contact Doug Whitehead, NBB project manager, at dwhitehead@biodiesel.org.

Groups Push For Alfalfa As Fuel Feedstock

The National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance (NAFA) has been in Washington, D.C. seeking more funding for research to develop alfalfa as a feedstock for bioenergy and bioproduct production, reports Jon Dockter, who serves on the NAFA staff.

"Washington is abuzz with biofuels production, biodiesel production and ethanol production," he says. "We want to make sure forage crops have a seat at the table during the discussion about cellulosic ethanol. While there isn't necessarily one magic crop when it comes to producing cellulosic ethanol, it's important to make sure alfalfa is part of that discussion."

Brigade 2EC Insecticide/Miticide Label Expanded

FMC Corporation announces that Brigade 2EC insecticide/miticide has received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for uses on additional crops to control a wide range of insect pests. Newly-labeled crop uses include: succulent peas and beans; brassicas; canola, corn, crambe and rapeseed; cucurbits; eggplant; head lettuce; caneberries; artichoke; peppers; hops; pears; citrus; tomatoes; spinach; grapes; okra; cilantro and coriander; dried beans and peas; leafy brassicas; tobacco, tuberous and corm vegetables including potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Brigade 2EC insecticide/miticide is a pyrethroid that provides longer residual control.

O2Diesel Breakthrough

Ben Franklin Transit of Richland, Wash., is making its namesake proud by becoming the first transit system in the U.S. to use a 28 percent blend of two clean and renewable fuels - biodiesel and ethanol. Emissions data of the new blend reveals a reduction in fine particulate matter in excess of 30 percent.

The two renewable fuels were previously used only as separate fuel supplements, but with an emulsion created by O2Diesel of Newark, Del., the fuels can be cross blended with the federally mandated Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD).

Studies have documented that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust can have serious health effects. Particulate matter has been shown to impair the lungs and can contribute to diseases like emphysema and bronchitis.

The fuel consists of 71 percent ULSD, 20 percent biodiesel, 7.7 percent ethanol with the remainder O2Diesel's patented additive technology, equating to an over 28 percent reduction in fossil fuel.

Transit and school transportation systems in many areas of the U.S. have experienced problems this winter when frigid temperatures caused ULSD and biodiesel fuel to thicken, clogging fuel filters and rendering buses temporarily inoperable. The new fuel blend created using O2Diesel's proprietary additive technology is designed to weather the winter months, when temperatures dip well below freezing, as well as the summer, when the thermometer can hit triple digits.

"We're pleased to report that there have been no performance issues during our operational assessment," says Richard Ciccone, special projects manager at Ben Franklin Transit. "This fuel blend is further evidence that one doesn't have to sacrifice performance or reliability for environmental benefits."

Ben Franklin Transit will conduct a 210-day operational assessment of the fuel blend in a test fleet of 20 vehicles, representing four different chassis manufacturers that run six different diesel engines.

U.S. Soy Exports Exceed Billion Bushels

U.S. exports of soybeans plus soybean meal reached 1.1 billion bushels for marketing year 2005-06, including over 947 million bushels of soybeans and over 154 million bushels equivalent of soybean meal. China continues to be the No. 1 market for U.S. soybeans, buying just over 356 million bushels. Mexico came in as the top export market for both soybean meal and soybean oil. One reason for the increase in exports to the Latin America region is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which enables the U.S. to maintain nearly 100 percent market share in Mexico.

Pocket Guides Now Available

The Michigan State University Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program has three, new, pocket IPM scouting field guides - Herbaceous Perennials, Weed Identification in Nurseries and Landscapes and Weed Identification in Christmas Trees. To order, call 517-353-6740 or visit ipm.msu.edu.

Japanese Natto Delegation Heading to U.S.

Planning is underway with the Japanese Natto Association for a visit to the United States this fall, according to the American Soybean Association (ASA). Natto is a fermented soy food that has a market size of about $1.64 billion, with skyrocketing demand up 38.1 percent and 11.5 percent respectively in January and Febuary this year. Some of the natto growth was attributed to a television show on natto and diet. Natto is perceived as a "super healthy" food; Japanese are highly health conscious; the impact of media is very strong in Japan; and although natto is a mature market, growth can be boosted by innovative marketing activities that increase media coverage. Natto has a potential to grow as a global functional food, according to ASA, which would like to support natto market growth.

Miller-St. Nazianz Acquires Spray-Air Technologies

Miller-St. Nazianz, Inc. recenlty announced that it has purchased from Spray-Air Technologies Ltd. the technology and manufacturing rights to its agricultural sprayer products, including the patented Spray-Air Shear Guard PLUS Nozzle technology. The acquisition will strengthen Miller's already comprehensive line of self-propelled and pull-type spraying equipment, while opening several new lines of distribution for Miller's existing products through Spray-Air and their current dealers.

Miller manufacturers a full line of spraying equipment including the Nitro and Mechanical Drive self-propelled units, the Center Ride floater chassis, and a line of pull-type sprayers. Spray-Air, based in Carseland, Alberta, Canada, is an industry leader in applying air delivery spraying technology to self-propelled and pull-type machines.

Steve Pesik, Miller's vice president of sales & marketing, anticipates great benefits to manufacturing and distributing the Spray-Air field sprayers and air technology. "This investment allows us to further complement our extensive line of spraying equipment by merging the Spray-Air Trident Boom technology with our rear-boom Mechanical Drive sprayer as early as this summer and our Nitro front-mounted boom machines next year. We are also excited to incorporate Spray-Air's wider non-air conventional Advantage Series booms into our self-propelled and pull-type line-up. Miller now has the ability to immediately extend boom length offerings on the Mechanical Drive to 120' by using Spray-Air's Advantage Series boom."

Randy Faulkner, president and CEO of Spray-Air, predicts significant opportunities for Spray-Air dealers and Miller as a result of this new agreement. "As a result of our sprayer now being manufactured by Miller, the Spray-Air product line will benefit from Miller's quality Research & Development, manufacturing efficiencies, synergies with the existing Miller application products, and overall greater exposure through a larger, global distribution network and marketing reach."

 

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