“This investment demonstrates Yanmar’s continuing commitment to the important Texas market. With this new regional distribution center, Yanmar America is committed to offering exceptional purchase and ownership experiences to our customers and we will continue to support our dealer partners to provide parts and service support.”

said Yanmar America president, Jeff Albright.

The regional distribution center was opened in cooperation with Yanmar Flagship Dealer “Tractor Bob’s” and will distribute Yanmar’s versatile, high-quality YM, YT and SA series tractors and the company’s Bull and Brahma series UTVs. The center, which will also ship a wide range of tractor attachments and spare parts, is expected to streamline dealer operations by reducing the need to maintain high levels of inventory on-site, while at the same time, significantly reducing lead times for delivery of products to customers.

Source: Yanmar

The post Yanmar Opens a New Regional Distribution Center in Gainesville, Texas appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

“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.

The post Family Farms Take Hit from Skyrocketing Fertilizer Prices, Study Shows appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

This popular agriculture trade show took a year off in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will bring more than 400 exhibitors back to the Amarillo Civic Center this year. Companies are exhibiting a variety of products and services at the show including large harvesting and planting equipment for crops such as cotton, corn, wheat, and hay, seed varieties, livestock equipment, tools, and insurance and banking services. Attendees can visit with dealers and see brands such as John Deere, BASF, Case IH, Massey Ferguson, and Can-Am. Admission and parking are free. For a full list of exhibitors, attendees are encouraged to visit AmarilloFarmShow.com.

Programming at this year’s event includes the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension CEU Workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 30. This session will earn attendees five continuing education credits: three credits for general, one credit for Laws and Regulations, and one credit for Drift.

The Texas Wheat Symposium returns on Wednesday, Dec. 1, presented by the Texas Wheat Growers Association, with updates from USDA’s Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service, a market outlook, and farm policy discussion. Full agenda details will be announced in November. Also on Wednesday, the Ag Appreciation Luncheon hosted jointly with the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Ag Council, returns with serving lines open at 11:45 a.m. Central. The keynote address for this free lunch event will be presented by David Wasserman, senior editor, U.S. House of Representatives for The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter.

Back for its third year following a year of virtual education in 2020 is COTTON U, a High Plains Journal and Amarillo Farm & Ranch Show partnership event. Cotton growers will be able to network with other producers and industry leaders about increasing profitability on their farms or ranch. This education session is set for Thursday, Dec. 2 starting at 8:00 a.m. Central and concludes at 11:45 a.m. Central.

Featured speakers for this year’s COTTON U event include David Kerns from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Tas Smith from the National Cotton Council of America. In addition to the speakers, attendees can hear from and ask questions of the cotton producer panel. Cotton U is a free event, however, pre-registration is encouraged. Certified Crop Adviser CEU’s will be available at this event.

The post Amarillo Farm & Ranch Show Returns In-Person Nov. 30-Dec.2 appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Located at 5585 Bay Oaks Drive in Pasadena, TX, the new location was chosen because of its “highly strategic geographic position with easy access to both the Port of Galveston and major airports,” the company said in a statement.

The deal also included 4.15 acres of land which, according to Magni, will be used for future growth as needed.

The Texas facility joins Magni America’s current New Jersey-based U.S. headquarters which, in addition to corporate functions, also serves as a spare part and machine distribution location. Magni has also announced it is scheduled to break ground for a new headquarters in Q1 of 2022.

Source: Magni

The post Magni Opens New Facility in Texas appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

As a member of the Lonestar Truck Group and TAG Truck Center (TNTX) family of dealerships, SelecTrucks of Texarkana is committed to providing customers with unwavering support before, during, and after the sale. Like all SelecTrucks locations, the Texarkana addition, along with its experienced sales staff, offers on-site finance-leasing, and best-in-class truck warranty options and coverages. Used inventory goes through an extensive inspection, service, and make-ready to ensure each unit is brought to the very best condition for customers.

“We have a great and long-standing relationship with Daimler Trucks Remarketing, and we are committed to taking it to the next level with the opening of SelecTrucks of Texarkana approximately a year after the successful opening of our SelecTrucks of Memphis location,”

said Jay Simmons, dealer partner, TNTX.

“Our entire SelecTrucks team has a passion for helping customers make important decisions for their business when purchasing a truck. The new Texarkana location and our partnership with TNTX will only further enhance our dedication and support for our valued customers,”

said Mary Aufdemberg, president and general manager of Daimler Trucks Remarketing.

SelecTrucks of Texarkana is a proud member of the Used Truck Association (UTA) and offers all makes of used trucks. The new location for SelecTrucks of Texarkana is 1902 St. Michael Drive, Texarkana, Texas.

SelecTrucks of Texarkana is one of 35 locations in the quickly growing nationwide network of SelecTrucks centers.

The post SelecTrucks Opens Seventh Texas Location in Texarkana appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Kubota Tractor Corporation announced the selection of five new farmer veteran recipients of new Kubota equipment as part of its 2020 “Geared to Give” program in partnership with the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC). In recognition of their current and past U.S. military service and their continued service to their communities through farming, country music singer and songwriter Brantley Gilbert helped Kubota and FVC honor each veteran, inviting those nearby to his farm to bestow the gift of Kubota equipment that will help them achieve self-sufficiency and take their farming operation to the next level.

Alex Woods, Kubota senior vice president of sales operations, supply chain and parts, said:

“It truly is the American dream for many – and certainly those returning or starting a new career in farming – to become a self-sufficient farmer, with the right mix of equipment, drive, and determination to make tending to the land your life’s work. Kubota is proud to work with FVC and with Brantley and his team to recognize the 2020 recipients and help us power and empower them with the right equipment to help them achieve their dreams.”

Kubota’s Geared to Give program has provided equipment and grants to 36 farmer veterans since 2015 through FVC’s Fellowship Fund, which matches veterans’ needs with donated resources to help them further their agriculture careers.

Jeanette Lombardo, executive director of FVC, said:

“Helping veterans achieve self-sufficiency in farming communities across the country is one of the greatest joys of our work. We’re extremely grateful to continue working alongside Kubota to deliver the right mix of much-needed equipment to take our veterans’ farms to the next level; it’s truly the greatest gift, particularly for farmers just starting out.”

Gilbert, a strong supporter of efforts to honor active duty military and veterans’ organizations, wanted to get involved and invited this year’s honorees to his farm in Alabama for a special ceremony and private performance in celebration of National Farmer’s Day.

“We wouldn’t have the abundance or variety of food we have today without our nation’s farmers,”

said Gilbert.

“I’m honored to be able to share in this effort with Kubota and FVC, and to pay tribute to all our active military and especially to these five veterans who have served our country once in the armed forces and who continue serving their communities today through farming.”

The 2020 recipients were carefully selected from each one of Kubota’s five operating divisions:

Midwest Division: Cody Miller of Thayer, Iowa, is a U.S. Army veteran who served more than 16 years with one deployment to Afghanistan from 2009-2010, and was raised on his grandmother’s family farm, the same one he is currently operating. Cody farmed up until the day he joined the Army and resumed once he separated from service, tending to 40 acres of row crops, raising ducks and chickens, and learning about horses. He also rents another 200 acres for raising cattle, hay, and row crops, mostly soybeans, and sells his products to local co-ops and plans to sell his calves at the local livestock market. Cody plans to finish his Ag Business degree, purchase his grandmother’s farm to keep it in the family and purchase more cattle. Kubota will award Cody with a 250-hour lease on a Kubota M7 Ag tractor with a loader and baler to handle virtually every agricultural job for his row crop, hay, and cattle operation.

Northern Division: Joshua Nelson, of Ripley, West Virginia, is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and currently serving as a pilot in the West Virginia Air National Guard with deployments to Kuwait flying combat missions into Iraq and Syria. Josh is a first-generation farmer who turned a hobby farm start-up in 2015 to an approximately 300-acre owned and leased organic grass-based ranch and farm, raising poultry, cattle, pork, bees and other livestock following regenerative ranching practices. The Nelsons sell their products through a store he co-owns called Farm House Naturals as well as through direct farm sales. To help him achieve his future plans to build ponds for irrigation and water sources for his cattle, as well as develop a full line of grocery and local goods to sell at their farm store, Josh will receive a Kubota MX mid-size tractor, with a cab and loader, and versatile enough to handle almost any application.

Southeast Division: Kara Rutter of Aiken, South Carolina, retired from the U.S. Army this year after more than 23 years of service. She last served as the Army Central Food Service Sergeant Major overseeing subsistence operations in the Middle East. Her husband, Matt, also retired this year as a Command Sergeant Major after 22 years of service and now serves as president of the FVC South Carolina chapter. Together, they own Project Victory Gardens, a 20-acre farm with chickens, ducks, turkeys, goats, pigs, beehives, fruit trees, berry bushes, a 1,000-foot greenhouse, a raised bed, and traditional vegetable gardens. Kara has plans to be fully operational in the next 12 months with an aquaponics facility and training lab and teaching kitchen. Her future goals include improving veterans’ mental health and helping them gain employment in agriculture. Kubota will award Kara with an LX Series compact tractor with a cab and loader designed to easily tackle any needed job on the farm.

Western Division: Bodhi Anderson of Honomu, Hawaii, is a U.S. Navy veteran who served five years on active duty as a Corpsman for the Marines with deployments to the Adriatic Sea during the Bosnian War and the Middle East. Bodhi was also commissioned as a Navy Reserves MSC Officer (Physician Assistant) providing medical support to the 4^th Force Recon Battalion in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Bodhi grew up on an organic vegetable farm and now he and his wife, Brittany, own Sugar Hill Farmstead, an a15-acre farm that specializes in sustainably raised regenerative meats, sold direct-to-consumer for Hawaii Island families. Cattle, sheep, pigs, rabbits, and meat chickens are all processed on-farm and sold as part of a meat CSA. Bodhi will be awarded a Kubota Sidekick RTV-XG850 utility vehicle, built for durability to move up to 1,000 lbs. in its cargo bed, to more easily distribute feed and spent produce currently hand-carried across the farm. He will also receive a $10,000 grant to assist in the expansion of his pastured poultry production to reach his goal of feeding 100 families each month.

Central Division: Andrew Edelen of Alice, Texas, served five and a half years in the U.S. Marine Corps as an aviation equipment mechanic. As a second-generation farmer, he has taken over his family’s 350-acre farm, Edelen Farms, where he produces grass-fed beef, pastured poultry, free-range eggs, and vegetables to sell at local farmers’ markets. Andrew has future goals, which include starting an additional farmers’ market, building new greenhouses, and expanding his products to include pork and goats. To assist in these efforts, Andrew will be awarded a Kubota L Series tractor to replace his ailing 40-year-old tractor to meet his most pressing needs on the farm.

Source: Farmer Veteran Coalition

The post Farmer Veteran Coalition and Kubota announce new five new farmer veteran recipients 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

The post Texas Corn Producers attends presidential visit to Texas appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Commissioner Miller said:

“I am urging folks to take this matter seriously. An invasive plant species might not sound threatening, but these small invaders could destroy Texas agriculture. TDA has been working closely with USDA to analyze these unknown seeds so we can protect Texas residents.”

If you receive a foreign package containing seeds do not open it or plant the contents. Keep contents contained in their original sealed package.

An invasive species is an organism that is not native to a particular region. The introduction of this “alien species” can cause economic or environmental harm. In agriculture, an invasive species can destroy native crops, introduce disease to native plants and may be dangerous for livestock.

Source: Texas Department of Agriculture

The post Warning on Mistery Seeds from China appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Within days of the release of the Food Safety Best Practices Guide for the Growing and Handling of Mexican Papaya document in April 2020, Mexican papaya growers, packers and importers were requesting and downloading the document from the Texas International Produce Association’s (TIPA) and the United Fresh Produce Association (UFPA) website. Sparked by a Salmonella outbreak in June of 2019, it was evident that measures were needed to identify and address risks, and to bring the entire industry up to a higher base-line for food safety.

In order to help any company handling papayas answer questions concerning this new best practices guide and how to begin implementation, TIPA and UFPA will host a webinar scheduled for June 4^th. Speakers include Dante Galeazzi, President & CEO of TIPA, and Emily Griep, Food Safety Manager of UFPA. This webinar will also discuss how this broad international collaboration plans to make the guide an on-going effort, with an education and research component, and how partners can help drive early adoption on a large scale.

“We’ve received incredible feedback from retail and foodservice companies, particularly during the development of the best practices document. During this webinar, we expect more questions from all the various buyer entities in North America. As an industry, we want those further up the supply chain to not only embrace but to promote this effort and encourage their suppliers of Mexican papayas to participate in this guidance. After all, it’s a FREE document!”

said Dante Galeazzi.

Source: Texas International Produce Association

The post Texas International Produce Association will offer a free webinar about Mexican Papaya for retailers and growers appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.