“As part of this study, we conducted a historical analysis going back to 1980 and found that fertilizer costs tend to go up when corn revenues increase. Notably, these prices tend to go up exponentially even after accounting for natural gas prices and higher demand,”

says Joe Outlaw, Ph.D., the AFPC co-director.

Dee Vaughan, a farmer in the Texas Panhandle, says his farm has felt the impact of climbing prices that account for approximately 36% of a farms’ operating cost.

“In just over 2-years, I’ve seen an astonishing 264% increase in the cost of nitrogen fertilizer alone. My farm’s overall fertilizer cost has increased 241%,”

Vaughan says.

Farms are experiencing this price hit regardless of location. Jim Sugarek who farms near Bee County in South Texas also saw a 264% increase in fertilizer costs on his family farm.

“As I prepare to put a seed in the ground in just a few weeks, I couldn’t wait to see if these price hikes would settle to something close to a normal year – much less risk them surging even more,”

Sugarek says.

In the study’s historical analysis of the nitrogen fertilizer industry, four manufacturers, including CF Industries, Nutrien, Koch, and Yara-USA, account for approximately 75% of the total domestic nitrogen fertilizer production.

Inflation and supply chain issues experienced nationwide have been cited by the industry as key factors to the impact on farmers’ fertilizer prices. However, the study shows there are some trends to be considered to the contrary.

Namely, the industry indicates natural gas accounts for 70-90% of variable production costs for nitrogen fertilizer. The study finds that the increase in one type of nitrogen fertilizer, anhydrous ammonia, the value of natural gas accounts for only 15%, or $102, of recent price increases.

“The study shows that once the value of natural gas has been subtracted from nitrogen, the residual tends to closely track the price of corn,”

Outlaw notes.

While this correlation could nod to increased demand for nitrogen products as corn prices rise, it could also be “due to the exercise of market power by nitrogen product manufacturers,” the study asserts.

“Our findings raise serious questions and clearly help explain the frustration with this situation farmers are feeling nationwide,”

Outlaw says.

The study was commissioned by state corn checkoffs and associations in Texas, Missouri, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

As noted in National Corn Growers Association’s release today, looming tariffs would add insult to injury. The AFPC study states,

“Any import tax on nitrogen fertilizers would raise prices for both domestically produced and imported fertilizer by the full amount of the tax rate multiplied by the pre-tax price.

“Fertilizers play an integral role in a crop’s health and success. The steep price hikes hitting farm country are alarming for corn farmers who count on nitrogen and other fertilizers for their plants to thrive. The breadth of how far-reaching this is impacting farmers is telling that something needs to be done to keep America’s farmers from bearing the burden of an industry pushing the limit of how thin they can cut a farms’ margins,”

Vaughan concludes.

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As is done every year in September, planted and harvested acreage estimates for cotton were reviewed based on all available data, including the latest certified acreage data from the Farm Service Agency. Because of the completeness of the data, corn and soybean acreage were also reviewed for this report, a month earlier than usual. As a result, the area planted to corn is estimated at 93.3 million acres, up 1% from the previous estimate; area planted to soybeans is estimated at 87.2 million acres, down less than 1% from the previous estimate; and area planted to cotton is estimated at 11.2 million acres, down 5% from the previous estimate.

The average U.S. corn yield is forecast at 176.3 bushels per acre, up 1.7 bushels from last month’s forecast and up 4.3 bushels from last year. NASS forecasts record-high yields in California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Acres planted to corn, at 93.3 million, are up 3% from 2020. The area to be harvested for grain is forecast at 85.1 million acres, up 1% from last month and 3% more than was harvested last year. As of Aug. 29, 60% of this year’s corn crop was reported in good or excellent condition, 2 percentage points below the same time last year.

Area for soybean harvest is forecast at 86.4 million acres, down less than 1% from last month but 5% more than was harvested last year. Planted area for the nation, estimated at 87.2 million acres, is up 5% from last year. Soybean yields are expected to average 50.6 bushels per acre, up 0.6 bushels from last month’s forecast and up 0.4 bushels from 2020. If realized, the forecasted yields in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia will be a record high.

NASS forecasts all cotton areas to be harvested at 9.92 million acres, 4% below last month’s forecast but 20% more acres than were harvested last season. Yield is expected to average 895 pounds per harvested acre, up 95 pounds from last month’s forecast and up 48 pounds from 2020. Area planted to all cotton is estimated at 11.2 million acres, down 7% from last year.

Source: USDA

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As commodity prices heat up, the race is on for corn and soybean growers to maximize yields and return on investment potential. Enter the first-ever Field Forged Series from NK Seeds. Now available for the 2022 growing season from retailers across the U.S., this combination of proven performers and elite newcomers represents the best in seed innovation from Syngenta Seeds’ leading research and development engine.

The inaugural Field Forged Series lineup features 26 total hybrids, including 10 new NK corn hybrids and four new Enogen corn hybrids, and 20 new NK soybean varieties, each carefully evaluated and hand-selected for top performance.

“This is a big moment for NK, but an even bigger one for farmers. This isn’t just another product launch. The introduction of our first Field Forged Series is the culmination of many years of research and development, testing and working alongside farmers to deliver meaningful innovations for their fields,”

said Quinn Showalter, NK head of sales.

With challenges in agriculture constantly evolving, Syngenta Seeds is accelerating innovation to keep farms running, structuring the organization’s entire R&D process around the farmer. The company’s innovations include the Stalk Crusher, a unique sensor-based technology that’s delivering better-standing hybrids, and investments in trait introgression that are empowering breeders to pair the newest traits with the strongest genetics, faster than ever.

In NK corn, Syngenta Seeds R&D has powered a portfolio of hybrids that reflect both yield and agronomic excellence. Each Field Forged hybrid had to meet a number of strict requirements to be included in the launch class, including strong root rot resistance, stalk strength, tolerance of critical diseases, and broad adaptation.

“Our standards were high. To join the Field Forged Series, these NK hybrids had to outperform key competitors in their areas of adaptation not just once, but repeatedly across multiple years. They’re proven winners,”

said Joe Bollman, NK corn product manager.

The new NK hybrids also offer industry-leading trait choice, with Agrisure Duracade, Agrisure Viptera, and Agrisure Artesian traits to help farmers meet a variety of needs in their fields. Similarly, the lineup of Field Forged soybean varieties features a diverse selection of the latest in-demand traits, including both proprietary Enlist E3 soybean and proprietary XtendFlex soybean varieties.

“The days of one-size-fits-all soybeans are long gone. That doesn’t mean we can’t help keep management relatively simple. With our Field Forged soybeans, farmers can manage their fields with the traits they prefer while still benefiting from the powerful, proven NK genetics they’ve come to expect,”

said Eric Miller, NK soybean product manager.

All varieties in the Field Forged Series launch class have shown consistently outstanding yield performance in variable environments, offer resistance to Soybean Cyst Nematodes, and provide strong resistance to Phytophthora root rot through one or more genes.

Courtesy: Sygenta

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As a joint project of the German harvest specialist Zürn and a French farmer and inventor Romain Bouillé, this mechanical weed harvester presents a brand new development that combines three processes into one operation: cutting the weeds above the crop stand, collecting and carting the seed heads. As such it reduces the weed seed bank in the soil substantially and improves field hygiene.

“We are extremely happy about receiving the prize which is a special success. It reflects on the importance of mechanical weed control and the forward-thinking nature of this technology for all of Europe. The TOP CUT Collect is one machine in our new product line that aims at interfacing organic and conventional farming schemes. We term such developments ‘econventional solutions’,”

explains Rolf Zürn.

One of these solutions is the Seed Terminator which destroys weed seeds inside the combine by using multi-stage hammer mills so the weeds are no longer able to germinate. In addition to that, the vision-guided hoes of our partner company Garford are ideal additions to this product line. Relying on a high-precision camera system, the Garford hoes are able to work close to and extremely accurately along the crop rows. The InRow models use intelligent software in combination with a high-tech camera for even inter-plant weeding.

Source: Zurn

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Archer Malmo, one of the country’s leading independent advertising agencies, will now be responsible for advertising and integrated marketing communication activities for SIMPAS-applied Solutions, available in SmartCartridges which currently includes COUNTER  insecticide/nematicide, AZTEC HC insecticide, Force 10G HL insecticide, and ZINC, a key micronutrient in corn.

The agency has worked with AMVAC since 2017, focusing primarily on SIMPAS (Smart Integrated Multi-Product Prescription Application System), which is being launched for the 2021 growing season in the U.S. The SIMPAS Closed Delivery System enables farmers, in collaboration with their retailers and agronomists, to precisely and variably apply up to three SIMPAS-applied Solutions in-furrow in one simple pass at planting, targeting specific problems in the field by using only the amount needed.

“As we continue to build our SIMPAS-applied Solutions portfolio for farmers and retailers, we wanted an agency partner to represent our full SIMPAS and SaS lineup, helping us to strengthen and coordinate our marketing efforts and do so in an impactful and forward-thinking way. Archer Malmo’s prior experience with SIMPAS, combined with its deep industry experience and strategic and creative insights, will make them an invaluable partner to help uplift our SaS brands.”

said Jim Lappin, Director, SIMPAS Portfolio at AMVAC.

“Both SIMPAS and SIMPAS-applied Solutions are game-changers in the agriculture industry, and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with them as they bring forth innovative solutions for farmers. We’re extremely humbled to expand our relationship with AMVAC, and we look forward to creating much more success together through this collaboration.”

said Fred Nichols, SVP and Group Account Director.

The agency began transitioning work in November and is already focused on building campaign plans for 2021 to support sales efforts in a variety of channels, including online, digital, and print.

Source: Archer Malmo

The post Archer Malmo is selected as Agency of Record for SIMPAS-applied Solutions appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Next week is National Farm Safety and Health Week (Sept. 20-26), with a reminder that “Every Farmer Counts.” This year’s theme is especially true as COVID-19 lingers, adding to the usual physical and mental health and safety concerns on the farm.

Having farm readiness plans ahead of harvest allows farmers to take the time to slow down and think through necessary safety measures. Through planning and preparation, farmers can easily pivot when faced with the unexpected – including COVID-19.

David Gibson, the executive director for Texas Corn Producers (TCP), says:

“This year has been unique for every American. It can be easy to feel isolated in the wide-open spaces of Texas farmland; yet, we know the pandemic and its impact reach even the most remote Texas communities.”

It’s important for farmers to prepare ahead of time so they can easily accommodate a change of plans due to a farmhand or even family member contracting the illness, in addition to the precautions taken every year.

Gibson says:

“It’s important to do our part in taking the necessary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. As someone who contracted the illness this spring, I know this is not a sickness any farmer wants to battle come harvest time – especially when a halt in operations can be detrimental to the farm business. It’s important to put in place social distancing measures, wear masks in public places, and keep hands clean by using hand sanitizer and washing often.”

National Farm Safety and Health Week organizers note that this year’s theme of “Every Farmer Counts” acknowledges, celebrates, and uplifts America’s farmers and ranchers who have encountered many challenges over the past couple of years, yet continue to work hard to provide the food, fuel, and fiber that Americans need.

TCP encourages farmers to have a farm readiness plan in place, so their operations don’t come to a halt in the event of an accident or illness. Once developed, farmers should place their plans where they can easily be found, and additional copies can be shared with trusted business partners, neighbors, or friends.

FARM READINESS CHECKLIST

Protect Yourself

• Always “take a second for safety.” An extra second could save your life.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Drink plenty of water and get enough rest.
• Make it a point to check in with family and loved ones regularly, especially when fall gets hectic.
• Take time for yourself, even if it’s just a quick walk around the farm.
• Monitor yourself for signs of stress. If you notice something odd, say something.
• Follow all safety guidelines for equipment.

General Farm Information to Include

• Hired help contact information and primary job responsibilities
• Typical machinery dealership and/or repair services used
• Crop advisor and/or farm manager name and phone number
• Crop insurance agent name and phone number
• Ag lender name and phone number
• Locations of equipment needed for harvest

Field Plans

• Field names and locations
  • Highlight in a plat book, if possible
  • Note where the field entrance is and what side is best to start working from
  • Location of hybrids that may be sooner to dry down for harvest
  • Do you have irrigation equipment that needs to be moved?
  • Are there any potential hazards for harvest (deep gullies or pivot stops)?
• What still needs to be done? Do you have pivots that need to be checked?

Stored Crop Plans

• What is your intended location for storage or delivery for each field’s crop?
• Are there any bins that need to clean out? Where do you deliver to?
• Are all bins functioning clearly?
  • Which bins may need to be watched more closely than others?
• Do you have any upcoming delivery contacts? List specific contract information.
• Does anyone help market your crops? If so, list their contact information.

Additionally, TCP encourages farmers to take the extra second to think through the necessary safety precautions that are crucial for every harvest.

Gibson says:

“Taking the time to think through equipment safety, entanglement hazards, fall hazards, fire prevention, grain wagon, and grain bin safety can prevent detrimental accidents. It’s time well spent to step back and ensure a safe harvest.”

The post Texas Corn Producers reminds the “Every Farmer Counts” event appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Kyla Hamilton, a TCPA board member, and her husband Cole attended the presidential visit on behalf of the ethanol and corn industry in Texas. The Shallowater farmers said having the ethanol industry represented in America’s energy conversation is imperative.

Ethanol’s role in energy production is key to ensuring America’s national security. Corn farmers found ways to produce more crops with less land, which has reduced ethanol’s carbon footprint. Now, ethanol is creating 41 percent lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than baseline gasoline. Because of efforts such as these, for the first time since 1970, annual gross energy exports officially passed gross energy imports, which made America the dominant energy-producing nation in the world.

Trump said:

“With the tremendous progress we have made over the past three years, America is now energy independent. Instead of relying on foreign oil and foreign energy, we are now relying on American energy and American workers like never before.”

In addition to the industry’s accomplishments, Trump briefed the recent deregulatory actions taken by his administration. He read his plan to benefit American consumers and the energy sector by lowering costs, expediting projects and extinguishing unnecessary regulatory hurdles.

As a farmer who has traveled to D.C. to advocate for building trade relationships though the United States Mexico and Canada (USMCA) trade agreement, Hamilton was most excited to witness the signing of policy that will lay a fuel pipeline directly to Mexico.

“Even though the event took place in the West Texas dust, it was a breath of fresh air to be in attendance,” Hamilton said. “This was the first time I have seen as many people on the same page in the same place focused on one issue for one hour in a long time.”

Hamilton said she hopes the President follows up by continuing to drive the conversation and efforts to progress the energy industry to utilize environmentally friendly, renewable fuels such as ethanol. Infusing the energy market with clean-burning ethanol supports both America’s energy independence and benefits the environment for generations to come.

Hamilton said:

“Our industry is in the middle of a huge forward push for progressive fuels. I hope ethanol continues to be a part of the conversation for our administration, so farmers feel supported and encouraged to contribute to the movement.”

TCPA remains hopeful that the administration continues its support of this valuable corn market by ensuring the original intent of promoting domestic ethanol production through the Continuing this dialogue with the administration and legislature is a key part of the association’s efforts.

Source: Texas Corn Producers

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“While Texas farmers would prefer earning their livelihoods through an open marketplace, rather than a relief payment, we welcome the administration’s announcement for a relief strategy for the industry weathering the blows from ongoing trade disputes. We appreciate the administration’s commitment to standing behind America’s farmers.

Drawn out trade negotiations and tariffs are hitting the agricultural industry and the nation’s heartland from many angles. The impact for farmers is beyond losing direct markets for corn, but also reducing market opportunities for corn products such as livestock and ethanol, and steadily increasing input costs. The financial certainty for America’s farmers and domestic food production has been put at risk.

Recognizing the role trade disruptions play in the plight of farmers, trade mitigation is gravely needed across the board for all program commodities. TCPA is eager to see this intricate package laid out by the administration and stands ready to work with USDA in ensuring all farmers facing the calamities from trade disputes receive the support they desperately need.

TCPA is pleased the administration is actively acknowledging the detrimental impact trade disruptions have on farmers, their businesses, and the agricultural industry as a whole – ultimately threatening America’s ability to have a thriving domestic food source and rural economy.”

Source: Texas Corn Producer

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Most of the Texas High Plains has a June 5 final planting date for irrigated corn, with some neighboring New Mexico counties having a final planting date of June 15. The map below outlines final planting dates for irrigated corn in Texas.

Source: Texas Corn Producer

The post Still Time for Corn Planting appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.