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Wheat Prices Climb on Russia Drought News
August 15, 2010 
Extreme drought coupled with wildfire in Russia has dramatically reduced that country's wheat harvest. President Dmitry Medvedev said the events had destroyed a quarter of crops. In response, the Russian government banned wheat exports from August 15 to December 31, which pushed wheat prices to well above $7/bushel in Chicago.

According to this BBC article, last year Russia was the world's third largest wheat exporter, behind the US and Canada, according to the USDA. The BBC also notes that the USDA also cut its wheat production forecasts for Kazakhstan by 18%. Ukraine had its forecast cut by 15%.

In a related article by the American Farm Bureau Federation, John Anderson, an economist with the AFBF, predicted that the US will capture much of the wheat export market that Russia is forfeiting.

“We don’t have to worry about a global shortage of wheat right now, despite the difficulties in the Russian wheat market,” he said. “Overall, global wheat stocks aren’t all that tight, and the winter wheat crops in Argentina and Australia, who are big producers and exporters in the Southern Hemisphere, are looking pretty good so far:"

In addition to more corn going in to ethanol production, USDA is forecasting more corn to go in the export market, to make up for the lost Russian grain exports. USDA is predicting a record US corn crop, and it is expected that export corn will be used as livestock feed in other countries.

Monsanto Claims Victory For Roundup Ready Alfalfa 
July 14, 2010 
In a press release, Monsanto claims a major victory because the US Supreme Court, on June 21, 2010, reversed a 2007 federal district court ruling which stopped the sale and planting of Roundup Ready alfalfa seed. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Monsanto 7-1, and it ruled that the district court's injunction "cannot stand."

Steve Welker, Monsanto alfalfa business lead, is quoted as saying, "This is exceptionally good news received in time for the next planting season. Farmers have been waiting to hear this for quite some time. We have Roundup Ready alfalfa seed ready to deliver and await USDA guidance on its release. Our goal is to have everything in place for growers to plant in fall 2010.”

To read the Supreme Court ruling, please click here. To read the Monsanto press release, click here.  

KSU Conducts Wheat Tours 
July 2, 2010 
The St. Francis Herald newspapaer reported that 60 farmers attended the wheat tour held at the Sunny Crest farm in Cheyenne County, Kansas.

Jim Shroyer and Erick DeWolf , KSU agronomists, talked about various wheat varieties and the striped rust issue. It was noted that the wheat in the plots appeared to have good yield potential.

The methods of combating rust include choosing resistant varieties and treating with fungicides. A locally popular variety, Jagger, was said to have been susceptible to striped rust this year. It was noted that Tam 111, Winterhawk, and Armour were relatively resistant this year to the striped rust.

The KSU agronomists said that if you pick a variety which you think will give a good yield, you can treat it for striped rust with fungicides with good results. They also noted that the lower cost fungicides have a high disease rating and will provide good protection.

Wheat Fungicide Demand At Record Level 
June 5, 2010 
In late May, 2010, many area farmers made the decision to treat wheat with fungicide. A combination of good wheat yield prospects, reports of severe striped rust in  adjacent areas, a humid, warm weather pattern, and inexpensive application options created a near perfect storm of demand.

The warm nights and high humidity, along with strong southeast winds made rust infestation common, and fields with susceptible varieties seemed vulnerable. The fungicide used was mostly tebuconazole, an off-patent fungicide which has very good disease ratings from universities, but which is quite competitively priced.

After three days and nights of strong south winds, Grace Flying Service realized that more application capacity was needed in order to ensure timely treatment, but the availability of pilots and airplanes was scarce. Fortunately, a good friend who is also a conscientious, precise pilot was available: Jeff Chanay in his turbine Thrush S2R (see photo on left).

Chanay joined Grace Flying Service's two aircraft, and several long, hectic days allowed the wheat acres to be covered quickly and efficiently.


John Deere in Russia 
May 10, 2010 
In a press release, Deere & Company announced that it has opened a new manufacturing and parts distribution facility south of Moscow in Domodedovo, Russia. Deere's newest plant is the largest Deere investment in Russia, and the facility will manufacture agricultural, construction and forestry machinery as well as distribute service parts in the region.

To read the press release, please click here.

More on Wheat Rust Threat 
April 23,  2010 
The threat of wheat disease, even on varieties previously considered resistant, is becoming more pronounced.

In an update of the March 31 article posted below, KSU's Erick DeWolf says,"The risk of significant yield loss to stripe rust is high for growers in Central Kansas."

In our area, continued strong south winds, coupled with cool wet weather, combine to create a weather pattern conducive to wheat disease development.

Here is an abbreviated version of DeWolf's  April 20, 2010, comments:

“Stripe rust was observed in North Central Kansas today. The disease was found at low levels in research plots near the town of Belleville (Republic County) and was present in the varieties Jagalene, Jagger, and Santa Fe. The size of the lesions and position in the canopy suggests that the inoculum resulting in these infections likely arrive 3 to 4 weeks ago.

:Wheat at this location was at the end of jointing with flag leaves emerging over the next week to 10 days. This is the first report of stripe rust in Kansas for 2010.

"This find is significant because all the varieties affected should have been resistant to stripe rust. All evidence to date suggests that the population stripe rust population has changed within the Southern Great Plains and that varieties including Fuller, Santa Fe, Overley, Post Rock, Jagalene, and Jagger should now be considered susceptible to stripe rust.

"The risk of significant yield loss to stripe rust is high for growers in Central Kansas. . .Growers in this region should be on alert for potential development of stripe rust in their fields and be ready to apply a fungicide between flag leaf emergence and heading.

"Fields with a yield potential of more than 40 bu/a and seed production fields should be a top priority. . ."

In this April 26 update, DeWolf mentions TAM 112 as a variety which bears close watching, and he specifically mentions tebuconazole as a low cost alternative, especially if it is applied early.

Here is a chart showing comparisons of common fungicides.

New Agro-Culture Plant 
April 22,   2010 
Agro-Culture, the makers of High-NRG N, a top dress fertilizer popular with many of our customers, has announced a they are building a new plant to satisfy increased demand of their products..

The press release says, "To support future growth in the Eastern United States, and strengthen its manufacturing capability across the country, Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers has announced plans to build its flagship, state of the art, manufacturing and distribution facility in Ashley, Mich. The 50,400-square-foot-facility will be Liquid's largest with manufacturing, truck loading and distribution offices all under one roof."

The go on to say, "Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers is a responsible neighbor; constructing facilities with containment and environmental protection systems that exceed industry standards."


Wheat Rust Threat Worsens Says KSU 
March 31  2010 
In this article, K-State University Extension reports that wheat rust in Texas is now attacking varieties previously thought to be resistant, including Jagger and Jagalene. While it is unclear if the adult plant will have more resistance, the article says that "the severity of disease is cause for concern."

The article also says that Tam 112 is showing signs of severe disease.

Erick DeWolf, KSU, is quoted as saying that, "These are the highest severities for stripe rust in recent years, and the severity of the disease on varieties previously thought to be resistant is also cause for concern."

To read what Grace Flying Service reported concerning wheat fungicide applications in their March newsletter, please click here.

Glyphosate Resistant Kochia Has Arrived 
March 3,  2010 
There are many weeds which now exhibit glyphosate resistance. Sadly, resistant kochia has been found in Western Kansas. 

According to this article, Kansas State University scientists have completed long-term evaluations of a limited number of independent kochia (Kochia scoparia) populations on privately-owned land in western Kansas that are now confirmed to be glyphosate-resistant. These populations have undergone both greenhouse and field testing by K-State and Monsanto personnel.

Read the entire article here.

GM Wheat Would Drop Prices 40% 
February 18, 2010 
The Western Organization of Resource Councils says that introduction of genetically modified (GM) wheat would drastically drop the price of wheat for farmers in the United States.

The report concludes that wheat buyers in Europe, Japan, and other Asian countries are likely to switch to GM-free wheat from other countries if GM wheat is introduced in this country. As a result, the price of U.S. hard red spring wheat would fall 40 percent, and the price of durum wheat would drop 57 percent.

"Consumer attitudes in the European Union and Japan are not ready for GM wheat," according to the report author Neal Blue. "In addition, Asian countries such as South Korea and Taiwan are leery about importing GM wheat. Major customers of U.S. wheat, particularly the EU and Japan, have labeling and traceability requirements that make it difficult to sell GM wheat."

"In 2004, Monsanto withdrew its application to introduce GM hard red spring wheat because of strong consumer resistance by foreign consumers to genetically modified organisms. Despite that consumer resistance, a coalition of some wheat industry stakeholders in Australia, Canada and the United States agreed in 2009 to pursue commercialization of wheat with GM traits. The coalition includes some wheat grower groups, the National Association of Millers, and technology providers."

To read the entire AgriProfessional article, please click here.

Free $25 Gift Certificate
February 8, 2010 
BASF, the maker of Headline fungicide,  is  offering a $25 gift certificate (at Cabelas or BP fuel stations) if you will watch a 15 minute video which includes testimonials from farmers who use their products. The Flash based video is  interesting, but you may need a broadband connection to view it.

Don't wait: BASF only promises the $25 to the first 15,000 viewers. The URL is PlantHealthEducation.com, but you can simply click here.

Industry Alleges EPA Bias
February 3, 2010 
Yesterday, the EPA began a re-evaluation of atrazine. According to herbicide industry groups, this additional testing has no scientific basis, but rather is driven by a media blitz by environmental groups instead of hard science. “We want to set the record straight on the agriculture community’s broad support of this very effective herbicide that has been used by farmers for more than 50 years,” said Jere White, executive director of the Kansas corn and grain sorghum growers associations.

This article from the industry says, "53 groups representing tens of thousands of farmers in nearly every state and commodity call for decisions based on science, not politics" and continues to say, " Recent media events by agenda-driven organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, Land Stewardship Project and Pesticide Action Network North America suggest a coordinated campaign to call atrazine’s safety into question and politicize what should be a scientific process. In fact, in an unprecedented move, the EPA itself identified NRDC material as part of its justification to launch the new review." The industry has written a letter of protest to the EPA, which you can read here.

Here is an August 25, 2009, article from the Washington Post which is purportedly one of many which were driven by the environmental groups' allegations against atrazine.

Monsanto-DuPont Update
January 20, 2010 
We recently reported that the US Justice Department was questioning Monsanto in response to claims by DuPont that Monsanto was misusing patent rights in RoundUp Ready seed.

Now, according to this Agprofessional.com report, the U.S. District Court has ruled that the Roundup Ready license agreements between DuPont and Monsanto contain an unwritten ("implied") term that prohibits DuPont from stacking its Optimum GAT trait with Monsanto's Roundup Ready trait in soybeans or corn. DuPont says that this narrow ruling does not affect the ongoing DOJ antitrust investigation of Monsanto, and that DuPont will continue to press patent and antitrust claims.

"This litigation is just beginning; we will now vigorously pursue our antitrust, license and patent fraud claims," said Thomas Sager, DuPont senior vice president and general counsel. "By gathering further evidence through the discovery process and proceeding quickly to trial, we will demonstrate that DuPont has the legal right to provide farmers with the best-yielding, most innovative seeds. . ."

To read the Agprofessional article, please click here. To read the DuPont press release, please click here.

Record Corn Crop
January 14, 2010 
Despite difficult harvest conditions, the USDA reports that US corn farmers produced a record harvest in 2009. The Department of Agriculture estimates 13.2 billion bushels, and a record average yield of 165.2 bushels per acre. The average price is low, at $3.70 per bushel.

The record crop was produced on less acres than the previous record in 2007: 86.6 million acres versus 93.5 million.

The estimate is that corn stocks are up 9 percent over December, 2008, and that 4.2 billion bushels of corn will be used in ethanol.

To read the entire article, please click here.

Associated Press Slams Monsanto
December 28, 2009,  
A recent Associated Press article accuses Monsanto of using near-monopoly power in the seed market to stifle competition and raise seed pricing to farmers.

"They have the capital, they have the resources, they own lots of companies, and buying more. We're small town, they're Wall Street," said Bill Cook, co-owner of M-Pride Genetics seed company in Garden City, Mo., who also declined to discuss or provide the agreements. "It's very difficult to compete in this environment against companies like Monsanto." Click here to read the AP article slamming Monsanto.

Monsanto emphatically denies the AP's allegations, and has posted a point-by-point rebuttal on their website. Click here to read the Monsanto rebuttal.

In a related story, Forbes reports that a coalition of seed industry companies are trying to head off a Justice Department investigation of allegations that the seed industry is unfairly restricting trade and raising prices unfairly. They cite a coalition of 34 farm organizations which claim a tripling of some seed prices. Read the Forbes article here.

Finally, a coalition of farm groups is asking the Supreme Court to review a district court ruling concerning the safety of biotech alfalfa. The lower court issued an injunction against planting the biotech hay. To read more, please click here.

FMC and Monsanto Go To Court
November 5, 2009,  
In a strongly worded press release, FMC announced that it will take the EPA to court to fight the Agency's proposed ban of Furadan (carbofuran).

"EPA's unprecedented attempt to deny any review of its science deprives the registrant and the growers who use carbofuran the right to prove that the product is safe, and represents a bold abuse of power in contradiction of the agency's earlier commitments to transparency and good science," said Dr. Michael Morelli, FMC.

Click here to read the entire FMC press release.

In an unrelated story, Monsanto is asking the Supreme Court to review a lower court's decision which required farmers to stop planting of Roundup Ready alfalfa until an environmental review is complete. Monsanto thinks this decision is too harsh: "We feel the court took some real drastic actions when it didn't need do," company spokesman Garrett Kasper said.

The article also notes that Monsanto's genetically modified sugar beet seed might also be temporarily banned.

To read the entire Monsanto article, please click here.

Monsanto Questioned by Justice Department
October 22, 2009,  
A recent Bloomberg article reports that the US Justice Department is questioning Monsanto over a complaint by rival DuPont concerning patent rights on Roundup Ready seed.

DuPont reportedly accused Monsanto of misusing its patent rights to control the markets for “virtually every commercially important agricultural biotech trait in corn and soybeans.”

A Monsanto spokesperson said the claims are "baseless" and said Monsanto is complying with the requests from the Justice department.

To read the entire article, please click here.

Farm Bureau Strongly Opposes Climate Change Bill
October 6,  2009
In a recent press release, the American Farm Bureau strongly opposes the US Senate's Boxer-Kerry climate change bill, commonly known as cap-and-trade.

“America’s farmers and ranchers did not fare that well in the House-passed climate change bill and they fare even worse in the Senate bill,” said AFB Federation President Bob Stallman.

The press releases lists several specific objections to the legislation, including the lack of agriculture credits for carbon sequestration, allowing the EPA to regulate carbon dioxide under the Clean Air Act, and the lack of mandates for alternative energy sources.

“Both the Senate and House bills would bring higher fuel and fertilizer costs to American farmers and ranchers, which puts us at a competitive disadvantage in international markets with other countries that do not have similar carbon emission restrictions,” Stallman said.

To read the press release, please click here.

Monsanto Announces Price Cuts
September 30, 2009
In a recent press release, Monsanto announced that it is substantially increasing US-based production of Roundup, along with dramatic price cuts: “We anticipate farmers will see Roundup prices that are 50 percent of what they were last year,” said Glenn Stith, North American crop protection lead.

Monsanto said it is investing hundreds of millions of dollars into increased production facilities, and argues that the China based glyphosate products are sometimes less effective than the Roundup branded product: ". . .some quality issues from Chinese suppliers that led to crop safety concerns and failures in weed control.”

To read the entire Monsanto press release, please click here.

In a related story, a four year-long Canadian research project showed that herbicide mixtures are more effective than rotations in slowing the evolution of herbicide resistance. Since glyphosate resistance in the US is being reported on more and more weeds every year, studies which increase knowledge of the best ways to combat resistance are welcome.

To read the Weed Technology summary, or see the complete study, please click here.

Volunteer Wheat Control  
August 27, 2009
Controlling volunteer wheat is important for a variety of reasons. This article from UNL Nebraska gives hard data on yield increases and explains how the wheat curl mite acts as a vector for the mosaic virus. It also discusses other insects which are spread when the "green bridge" of volunteer wheat is not broken.

Click here to read the article.

Triple Stack Hybrids Exacerbate Corn Rootworm Resistance  
July 22, 2009
In a classic case of unanticipated consequences, a new Purdue study says that triple-stack corn hybrids may accelerate the evolution of Bt-resistant rootworm populations.

The problem occurs when glyphosate resistant volunteer corn appears in soybean fields, something which happens at a much higher rate with the Roundup Ready trait. The volunteer corn plants have a reduced level of the Bt gene, which allows corn rootworm larvae to survive and likely results in resistant offspring.  To read the entire story, please click here.

GMO Wheat Opposed  
July 12, 2009
In carefully worded statement, fifteen global agricultural and consumer organizations have restated their opposition to genetically engineered (GMO) wheat. The Canada, US, and Australian organizations cite historical, political, and economic objections to the technology, and they claim that it does not decrease world hunger nor increase yields.

To read the full text of the statement in a pop-up window, please click here.

No Ethanol Subsidies?
June 21, 2009
A recent Ipsos survey showed that a majority of Americans--56%--think that the US government should not subsidize ethanol production.

A careful reading of the article indicates some uncertainty on the subject, and perhaps the most interesting result of the survey is buried at the end of the article: fully two thirds say that lower gas prices are more important to them personally than reducing the emissions from gasoline and nearly that many say that lower food prices are more important to them personally than reducing the emissions from gasoline.

To read the entire article, please click here.

Drought Tolerant Corn Seed
 June 11, 2009
 A naturally occurring gene has been discovered which will allow corn and other crops to have greater drought tolerance, according to a joint BASF-Monsanto press release. They claim that the new seed will produce the first biotechnology-derived drought-tolerant crop in the world.
 
 The cspB gene, from Bacillus subtilis, allowed yield enhancements of 6-10 percent in field tests in the Great Plains last year. The companies call this seed a "first generation" product and expect their $1.5 billion collaborative effort to yield even greater results in the future. The seed may be available as soon as 2012 if regulatory hurdles cause no undue delay.
 
 In 2008, Monsanto pledged to double yields in its three core crops - corn, cotton and soybeans - by 2030 compared to a base year of 2000. To read the entire article, please click here.

K-State Sues Farmers
May 25, 2009
In a headline story on May 23, 2009, the Salina Journal reported that Kansas State University is suing several farmers over alleged misuse of wheat seed developed by KSU. The article also says that similar suits against farmers have been filed by the Kansas Wheat Alliance.

Unspecified settlements occurred in some cases, but in the article says that Clayton Fisher, Okeene, OK, paid $50,000 in damages, agreed to destroy all disputed seed, and that he is subject to ongoing inspections of his seed and crops. The lawsuit alleges Fisher sold "brownbagged" wheat in violation of the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) certificate which accompanied the seed. The PVP offers patent-like protection to some seeds, and it prohibits resale of harvested seed.

The entire article and a copy of the lawsuit in PDF format are available by clicking here.

Fungicide Improves Corn Yield, Again
April 25, 2009
A three year study by the University of Tennessee and Pioneer Hi-Bred showed yield increases of up to 23.5 bushels per acre on gray leaf spot susceptible corn varieties after fungicide treatment.

Moderately susceptible varieties had a 12.5 bushel increase, and tolerant varieties increased 6 bushels per acre.

"Depending on commodity prices, the data from this study suggests spraying tolerant hybrids in a very heavy disease environment can be a viable practice for growers," said Greg Luce, Pioneer.

The crops were treated with a single fungicide application at full tassel stage. The article cautions against treatment prior to full tassel.

Melvin Newman, plant pathology specialist, University of Tennessee, advised that farmers should consider three things when considering a foliar fungicide application: "These are 1) knowing the susceptibility rating of the hybrid, 2) factors that can increase potential for the disease, such as, corn-after-corn, no-till or minimum-till fields and 3) the weather environment--ample rainfall and humidity or irrigation."

To read the entire article, please click here.

Roundup Resistance is Real
April 18, 2009
Bill Johnson, Purdue University, adds his voice to the growing chorus of people concerned about Roundup (glyphosate) resistance. Exclusive use of glyphosate on crops creates weeds that are resistant, and chemical companies do not have alternative products in the pipeline, according to this article.

"Farmers do not think resistance is a problem until they actually have it," Johnson said. "And they think the chemical companies can turn on the spigots and produce a new herbicide whenever they want. The problem is, since Roundup is so effective, there's not been any money for new herbicide discovery."

Solutions include rotating between conventional and Roundup Ready crops and using herbicides other than glyphosate to slow the development of resistant weeds. Read the entire article by clicking here.

Corn Fungicide Tests
April 6, 2009
A 2008 University of Minnesota corn yield test showed that applying fungicides to the corn, even when there was no disease pressure, resulted in 5-6 bushel yield increases and slightly wetter corn at harvest. The test was not "statistically significant at the 10% probability level", according to the study, and more testing in 2009 is expected. Click here to read the article.

Grassland Sale Results
March 27, 2009
A section of Kansas grassland sold today in Goodland for $375 per acre. The pasture is located in the southwest corner of Cheyenne county, on the Sherman county line. The sellers were Herbert and Carolyn Schritter. The property included two windmills, 81.6 acres of crop base, and 82.6 acres of CRP. The legal description is 35-5-42.

Russian Wheat Aphids Appearing
 March 11, 2009
In this article, Texas A&M Extension says that Russian Wheat Aphids are appearing in high numbers in wheat in the panhandle of Texas. There are other reports of light infestations in wheat in eastern Colorado. The article quotes Dr. Ed Bynum, extension entomologist in Amarillo, who says the RWA "seem to be heavier and more widespread than we've seen in quite some time."

The article has a formula for calculating economic yield: For every 1 percent of the tillers infested, there is a 0.5 percent yield loss. Using 50 bushels of $5 wheat, this formula would require 10% of the tillers infested.

To see photos of RWA and read more about them, click here.

Should You Grow non-GMO Corn?
 February 25, 2009
In a recent newsletter, Ohio State University's ag department offers strong evidence that non-transgenic corn seed yields comparably with stracked trait hybrid seed. The article notes that the reduced seed costs, along with the 50 cent per bushel price premium available to non-GMO corn makes non-transgenic seed desirable and profitable for some corn growers.

The key to success seems to be control of corn borer and rootworm, along with careful herbicide selection. The proper use of herbicides is covered in the newsletter. OSU's ag department documents their conclusion with a large number of yield tests when they say, "A comparison of average OCPT plot yields of the non-transgenic hybrids with that of hybrids containing one or more events (16 different events and combinations of events) revealed that the non-transgenic corn yielded as well as most events and better than some."

To read the entire article, please click here.

Insecticides Boost CRW Hybrid Yields
 February 13, 2009
Soil insecticides increased corn yields significantly, even in corn seed which had the CRW trait, according to a recent two year, 11 university study. The study included 64 yield comparisons, and the average yield increase was 9.1 bushels per acre. In 27% of the trials, yield increases exceeded 15 bushels per acre. To read more, click here.

New White Winter Wheat
  February 7, 2009
Anton, a hard white winter wheat which was developed by the ARS and the University of Nebraska, is now available for production. According to this article, Anton was developed over 15 years and has reduced levels of the enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO). The lower PPO levels result in better color stability in bread and noodles and presumably improved marketability.

According to the USDA ARS article, yields were competitive: "During 2007 trials conducted by NAES, Anton averaged 50 bushels per acre compared to 57, 53 and 54 bushels for, respectively, Millennium, Jagalene and Wesley,"

Anton grows to 31 inches tall, and is somewhat resistant to stem and leaf rust diseases, moderately susceptible to stripe rust, and tolerates wheat soil borne mosaic virus.

To learn more, click here.

EPA Considering 2,4-D Ban
  February 6, 2009
The Environmental Protection Agency was recently petitioned by the National Resources Defense Council to ban all uses of the herbicide 2,4-D. Jim Gray, executive director for the Industry Task Force II on 2,4-D, responded to the NRDC request by saying, "Extensive research, independent scientific reviews and regulatory evaluations worldwide have consistently found that authorized uses of 2,4-D do not pose risks of concern for human health or the environment."
 
2,4-D is used commonly in this area to improve the uptake and effectiveness of several newer herbicides. The loss of 2,4-D would presumably result in increased use rates of those products and reduced weed control. 
 
The comment period ends February 23, 2009, and the docket number is EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0877. If you would like to read the EPA post, click here, and if you would like to comment, please click here.

Biofuel in Bolivia
 January 27, 2009
According to this Public Radio report, recently harvested soybeans in Bolivia, South American, are rotting in the field because of a shortage of diesel fuel to transport them to market. Many Bolivian farmers would like to use the soybeans to produce biodiesel, but Juan Pablo Ramos, Bolivia's Vice Minister of Environmental Affairs, will not allow biofuel production. Ramos says biofuel cuts into food supplies and harms the environment.

Some Bolivian farmers are reportedly banding together to produce biofuel, despite the law prohibiting such actions.

IGUCA Public Meeting
 January 17, 2009
The Kansas Department of Agriculture has published new proposed regulations for Intensive Groundwater Use Control Areas (IGUCAs) (pronounced eye-gook'-uhs). You may read about the new regulations here, and there will be a public meeting in Topeka on February 12.

Furadan Available in 2009
 January 14, 2009
In a strongly worded letter to its customers, FMC's Rick Kesler announced that FMC will continue to battle the EPA concerning cancellation of all uses of Furadan (carbofuran). In the January 8, 2009, letter, FMC says that it has voluntarily cancelled some uses, but insists that the uses which are "most economically important to growers" should be retained. The use of Furadan for corn rootworm rescue treatments is included in this category of "important."

This is significant in our area, as farmers use carbofuran for corn rootworm rescue treatments on a regular basis. FMC emphasizes that it will engage in a "protracted" and "intensive" legal battle with the EPA if cancellation of all uses is proposed.

Kesler also asserts that all uses of Furadan will be available throughout the 2009 growing season, including uses which have been voluntarily withdrawn by FMC.

To read the letter, please click here. (pdf, 23 Kb)

Record Farm Net Income
 December 15, 2008
Doane's says that US farmers will have a record net farm income in 2008 of $86.9 billion, slightly above last year's all time high. "Prices have declined in recent months as the 2008 harvests have occurred but are still high by historical standards." The value of crops produced was 20% above last year, at $181 billion. Livestock, dairy, and poultry was forecast to be about one fifth less than crops at $143 billion.

Production costs are forecast to rise $38.2 billion in 2008 to a record-high $292.5 billion, USDA also forecast farmers would get direct government payments of $12.5 billion in 2008, up from $11.9 billion in 2007.

BASF Announces TwinLine Wheat Fungicide
 December 13, 2008
BASF's new wheat fungicide, TwinLine, has two active ingredients: pyraclostrobin (the active ingredient in Headline) and a triazole. BASF says that TwinLine will control aggressive wheat diseases, including stripe rust, and has some curative activity. Plant Health benefits include stronger stands, higher harvest efficiency, drought tolerance and improved yields.

In 27 replicated plots in 2008, TwinLine gave an average yield increase of 10 bushels per acre over untreated wheat. Labeled for barley, oats, rye, triticale and wheat, TwinLine is designed to be applied immediately after flag leaf emergence. More information? Click here.

Commodity Prices Revisited
  December 11, 2008
We recently posted a BBC news article which showed that commodity prices, after adjustment for inflation, are not currently high.
 
By looking up historical wheat prices and using a CPI inflation calculator, we were able to emphasize the point made in the previous article.
 
For example, the 1971 wheat price of $1.61 per bushel in 2008 dollars equates to $8.34. Strikingly, the 1974 wheat price of $4.24 comes out to $18.63 per bushel in today's dollars.
 
It is difficult to use these figures to determine how profitability in 1974 compared to today, since increases in production efficiency and the cost of inputs affect that calculation. But it is clear that consumers will tolerate higher food prices than we currently enjoy: Americans continued to eat bread in 1974 when wheat was over $18 per bushel in today's dollars.

Groundwater Meeting Held
 November 4, 2008
Cheyenne county, Kansas, farmers met on Monday, November 3, 2008, with Wayne Bossert, Groundwater Management District 4 (GMD 4) manager, to discuss management of a local High Priority Area (HPA).

HPAs are specific areas identified by the GMD as areas requiring special water management. More information is available in the this recent GMD newsletter. While the only HPA in Cheyenne County is the 5-40 township, there are several others in northwest Kansas. To see a map of these areas, click here.

To read more about the meeting, please click here.

Big Rains!
 October 13, 2008
A slow moving upper level low dumped significant rain on the tri-state region on October 11 and 12, 2008. The largest rainfall amounts were in Cheyenne county, Kansas, and Dundy county in Nebraska, with rainfall amounts reported between 3 and 4 inches. By comparison, Armel, Coloado, reported 1.4 inches. The rain came slowly so there was minimal flooding and run-off damage.

Headline Fungicide On Sunflowers
 July 6, 2008
A recent article in Sunflower magazine suggests that applying Headline fungicide at early bloom stage can significantly improve yields. The article cites yield increases as high as 544 pounds per acre, with a three year average of 205 pounds per acre. Plant health is improved, according to the article, so that disease prevention is likely not the only reason for increased yield.

According to Vince Ulstad, BASF Ag Products, Headline suppresses the amount of nighttime respiration going on within the green plant cells, and this increases the concentration of an enzyme called nitrate reductase, which is the enzyme responsible for helping the plant convert nitrate-nitrogen — the form the roots take up from the soil — into the amino form, which is the one laid down in amino acid and proteins. The result is a smoother transition in the plant’s nitrogen conversion process.

Sunflower growers should read the entire article: click here.

KDA Wheat Embargo Lifted
 June 25, 2008
Almost immediately after the June 25, 2008, Salina Journal reported that the Kansas Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the EPA, was embargoing wheat in three elevators from approximately 20 fields, Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky announced the bans will be lifted based on test results that show no detectible traces of fungicide residue on the grain.

The suspect wheat allegedly was harvested within a time frame prohibited by the Quilt fungicide pesticide label.

In the Journal article, Polansky, is quoted as saying, "We hope this is entirely precautionary to protect the integrity of Kansas wheat." Polansky added, "I really don't believe there is a need for alarm, but we believe there is a need to be cautious and verify that situation before it moves beyond where it is at this point." Polansky also that the fungicide in question is "very safe" and that it has a "low toxicity for humans."

It was noted that if wheat tests showed higher than the recommended levels of residue, the wheat would be used for animal feed and not human consumption.

Are Commodity Prices Really High?
 June 14, 2008
A recent BBC article showed a graph of food prices in real (inflation adjusted) dollars from 1970 to the present. The graph shows that despite many current  headlines, food prices are now less than half what they were in 1973, and about equal to their 1995 levels.  To see a popup of the graph, please click here. To read the entire BBC article, click here.

Nebraska Land Prices Rise Dramatically
 March 24, 2008
Bruce Johnson, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln economist, says that Nebraska land values rose 23% last year, and that agricultural land values have risen 88% in the last five years. The new values are a record high, even in real (inflation adjusted) terms. The last peak occurred in 1981. To read the entire article, complete with extensive tables which show values by region and land type, please click here.

Ug 99 Stem Rust Threatens US Wheat
 February 25, 2008
In an effort to protect the US wheat crop from a a new, virulent wheat stem rust named Ug99, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is counting on the "southern strategy" to work. Ug99, a strain which has spread from Uganda, Africa, (Uganda, hence "Ug") to the Arabian Peninsula. First discovered in 1999, Ug99 is spread by wind-blown fungal spores. The ARS strategy is to plant highly resistant wheat varieties in the southern US to form a barrier against invasion. You can read more here.

First Bt Resistance Documented
 February 11, 2008
Bollworm in cotton has the honor of being the first insect to exhibit resistance to the Bt toxin commonly used in seed to prevent insect damage, according to a new research report by University of Arizona entomologists.

Bt-resistant populations of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea, were found in more than a dozen crop fields in Mississippi and Arkansas between 2003 and 2006.

"What we're seeing is evolution in action," said lead researcher Bruce Tabashnik, professor and head of the UA entomology department and an expert in insect resistance to insecticides. "This is the first documented case of field-evolved resistance to a Bt crop.”  You can read the complete article by clicking here.

Wind Energy and You
 January 13, 2008
The Kansas Farm Bureau reminds farmers to carefully examine any contract they might sign with a wind energy company, since most agreements are legally binding and have long-term consequences. Some questions to ask include these:

-How much land is required, and for how long?
-How much will I be paid, and when will the money be sent?
-What rights will I give up and what activities will I be able to continue?
-Does the energy company provide adequate liability protection?
-What are the tax consequences to my farm?
-Will the company develop the property, or are they simply tying it up?
-Can the energy company sell or assign their interest without your consent?
-Can the company terminate the contract without penalty?
-What happens to the wind energy structures is the contract is cancelled?

BASF: Headline Fungicide Pays
 December 31, 2007
According to BASF, the maker of Headline fungicide, the practice of treating corn and soybeans is quite profitable for farmers. A recent press release says, "On-farm trial results released by BASF confirm that the outstanding disease control with plant health benefits of Headline fungicide helped corn and soybean growers yield more. In the more than 1,150 on-farm trials conducted in locations across the country in 2007, the average yield increase of Headline treated corn ranged from 12 to 16 bushels per acre, while Headline treated soybeans increased by an average of 4 to 8 bushels per acre. That works out to an extra profit of $34 to $51 per acre for corn growers and $28 to $74 per acre for soybean growers, estimated at current commodity prices and average application costs." To read the entire press release, click here.

Iowa Land Values Skyrocket
 December 31, 2007
The average value of an acre of farmland in Iowa increased by just more than $700 during the past year, to an all-time high of $3,908 per acre, according to an annual survey conducted by Iowa State University (ISU) Extension. The land boom is being driven by the developing biofuel economy, according to Mike Duffy, ISU Extension farm economist who conducts the survey. Read the entire article here.

Drought Resistant Corn
 December 20, 2007
Seed companies are working diligently to develop corn seed that will provide high yields with less water, something that will provide major benefits to our area. Wayne Fithian, Syngenta, says, “Water optimization technology could revolutionize corn production in the western and central Corn Belt where moisture is usually the limiting factor to yields and irrigation is a major expense."  To read more, click here.

Bt Corn May Damage Aquatic Life
 October 20, 2007
The National Science Foundation has published a new study which has evidence that genetically modified corn, commonly known as Bt corn, creates toxins which may travel long distances to harm stream insects that serve as food for fish.

The study was published in the October 8 edition of The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and web link is available here.

The EPA's earlier studies had not predicted this sort of downstream damage. However, collected field data indicates that Bt corn pollen is being eaten by caddisflies, which are close genetic relatives of the targeted Bt pests, and increased caddisfly mortatlity from Bt toxins has been observed in laboratory studies. Todd V. Royer, a member of the research team from Indiana University, says that caddisflies "provide a food resource for higher organisms like fish and amphibians." There is also concern that stream flows containing the toxins might impact lakes further downsteam.

The study notes that the extent of the impact of Bt corn on aquatic systems is unknown. Previous studies of Bt corn have shown that corn-grown toxins may harm beneficial insects living in the soil.

Wheat Stubble Treatments Are Occurring
 August 16, 2007
Many local farmers are treating their wheat stubble for weeds. Recent rains coupled with high temperatures have created conditions conducive to rapid weed growth. Since farmers can now contract their 2008 wheat crop at more than $5 per bushel, any loss of future yield due to weeds is likely an expensive proposition.

2007 Farm Bill Passes House
 August 12, 2007
The House of Representatives recently passed the 2007 Farm Bill. The five year bill funds commodity payments to farmers, food stamps, and rural development and conservation programs.

More than 67 percent of the funding in the Farm Bill will go to food stamps. Representative Jerry Moran, Republican, KS, says that in the 2002 Farm Bill, 27 percent of the funds went to providing a safety net for America's farmers. In the current bill, this percentage was more than halved.

Moran adds that partial counter cyclical payments were abolished in the 2010 crop year, advanced direct payments were abolished in the 2011 crop year, and crop insurance was cut by $3 billion dollars.

Dicamba Resistant Crops
 June 18, 2007
Broadleaf crops resistant to dicamba herbicide may be available commercially in a few years. Monsanto has purchased the rights to such technology from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and is actively seeking EPA approval for the process. To see a photo of soybeans plants which have been treated with dicamba, click here.

Bush to Veto Farm Aid
 May 14, 2007
A bill which contains $3.5 billion in weather-related disaster aid for farmers and ranchers has passed the House by a 302-120 vote margin, according to a May 12, 2007, Salina Journal article.

Farm state legislators describe the aid as badly needed, but President Bush has threatened a veto, calling the aid "unnecessary and unwarranted." Bush added that the 2002 Farm Bill, when coupled with crop insurance, "already provides a generous safety net" designed to eliminate the need for ad hoc disaster assistance.

The Senate has promised to couple the farm aid bill with the controversial Iraq war funding, a strategy designed to prevent a veto by the President. Since Bush recently vetoed a $100 billion war funding bill, it is unclear if either bill will survive a presidential veto.

Tornadoes Wreak Havoc
 April 7, 2007
On March 28, 2007, at least ten tornadoes moved through the tri-State area, causing extensive damage to several homes. The strongest tornado, rated as an EF2, narrowly missed Bird City, Kansas. This storm had a 26 mile ground path and was estimated at 1/4 mile wide. It is possible that wind speeds reached 170 mph in this tornado. Power poles were ripped out, wildlife and domestic animals killed, and center pivots were twisted and destroyed.  To read more, click here.

Tansy Mustard in Area Wheat
March 16, 2007
Wheat fields in NW Kansas and Eastern Colorado are showing infestations of tansy mustard and other winter annuals. These weeds are best controlled early. For more information on control, click here.


U.S. Judge Stops Sale of RR Alfalfa
March 14, 2007
A preliminary injunction by a U.S. District Court in California has stopped Monsanto from selling RoundUp Ready™ alfalfa seed. However, growers who purchased their seed by March 12 may plant that seed until March 30, 2007.

Federal Eminent Domain Protection Bills Introduced
February 28, 2007
According to USAgNet, a bipartisan team in the House reintroduced a bill to withhold federal funds to municipalities that seize private property for economic development reasons.

Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Stephanie Herseth (D-SD) hope that H.R. 926 will be a disincentive for local governments to use eminent domain for economic revitalization. Goodlatte says that the bill is necessary to protect homes, farms and businesses from "abusive land grabs." The 2005 Supreme Court decision in Kelo vs. New London has received criticism from a broad coalition of property rights advocates and civil rights activists.

The new house bill would allow a property owner to sue the local government in federal court to prevent land seizure. A similar Senate bill, S. 48, will require political entities which apply for federal funds to certify that the money will not be used for eminent domain actions for economic development reasons. (previous articles on this issue)

Headline Fungicide Increases Corn Profits
February 14, 2007
BASF corporation has released exciting corn yield data from the 2005 and 2006 growing seasons which show dramatic yield increases in irrigated corn from the application of Headline fungicide at tassel.  The yield increases occur even when disease is not present, and in varieties considered disease resistant. 

To read more, click here.

Prion Free Cattle
 January 4, 2007
 A Sioux Falls, SD, biotechnology firm, Hematech, announced on December 31, 2006, that in partnership with the Japanese beer maker, Kirin Brewery Company, they have produced genetically engineered cattle incapable of producing the prions (brain proteins) which host BSE or "mad cow disease." So far, the resultant bovines appear to be immune to the disease, as expected.
 
 The immediate impact of this research is unclear. One source said that cattle used to genetically create pharmaceuticals, for example, would greatly benefit from this development. However, since the disease is extremely rare and since there are vast numbers of cattle in the world, applying this technology broadly will likely be problematic. The FDA's stance on this development is also unclear.

Glyphosate Resistant Amaranth in Cotton
 December 27, 2006
 "It is potentially the worst threat since the boll weevil," said Alan York, weed scientist at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, referring to the voracious beetle that devastated Southern cotton crops in the early 1900s and forced farmers to switch to alternatives such as peanuts.
 
 The resistant weed that is causing concern is Palmer amaranth, a type of pig weed that grows 6 to 10 feet tall. Amaranth that resists the most common herbicide used in cotton, glyphosate, has been confirmed in North Carolina and Georgia, and is suspected in Tennessee, South Carolina and Arkansas. For the complete story, please click here.

Angry Nebraska Farmers
December 21, 2006
"Farmers angry with water deal" is the page one headline in the December 16, 2006, Salina Journal newspaper.

The article describes a heated debate at a McCook, Nebraska, meeting with nearly 100 farmers and natural resource officials attending. The proposal, which would reduce ground water pumping by 15% across the Republican River basin, is scheduled to take effect in 2008.

For irrigators within 2 miles of the river and its tributaries, the reductions would be much more draconian: 50%. For the complete story, please click here.

EPA Regulates Dust
 October 11, 2006
 The EPA recently tightened Federal standards on fine and coarse particulate matter in the US. These regulations concern particulate matter of many types, including that expelled from tailpipes, factory smokestacks, and farm equipment. It also includes substances such as dust produced from tilling of soil, planting and harvesting crops, cattle moving in feedlots, and mixing of livestock feeds.
 
 The ruling was controversial, with the AMA, the American Lung Association, and other groups asking for even tighter regulations than the EPA passed, while industry groups claimed the cost of compliance will be immense and that the health benefits the EPA predicts are not scientifically valid.
 
 The fine Congressman from Kansas, Rep. Jerry Moran (R), has invited EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson to Kansas to see "firsthand the implication of the EPA's recent ruling." Moran is a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee.

To read more about EPA's dust regulations, please click here.
 
New Dairy Announced
 August 33, 2006
The Century II Fund in Bird City, Kansas, is bringing a dairy to northwest Kansas. At a well-attended meeting on August 23, 2006, Tom and Judy McCarty, the owners of the new dairy, introduced their 4 sons, all of whom are full-time dairy men. One of them, Mike McCarty will manage the new 1,800 cow dairy, which will be located 3.5 miles east of Bird City. (article continues here)

EPA Proposes Furadan™ Ban
 August 3, 2006
Today the EPA proposed a ban-- with a four year phase out--of carbofuran, the active ingredient in the insecticide Furadan™.
 
Philadelphia-based FMC company manufactures Furadan™. EPA claims "millions of bird deaths" and some farmer worker illnesses as dangers of the insecticide.  FMC has vowed to defend Furadan™ during the 60 day public comment period, alleging that the EPA has overstated risks and understated the benefits of carbofuran. The American Bird Conservancy supports the ban.
 
Farmers in this area use Furadan™ on corn and alfalfa.  We'll keep you posted on developments as they occur.
 
Heavy Rains Arrive
 July 10, 2006
 Beginning on July 4th, much of Northwest Kansas has gotten heavy rains. Several rain events exceeded 3 inches, and over 5 inches was reported at Bird City on July 9, 2006. The combination of low welocity winds aloft and high humidity allowed large thunderstorms to build and move slowly, so the rains were spotty but often substantial.  Eastern Colorado and the western edge of Cheyenne county, Kansas, got somewhat less moisture.
 
 In many places dryland corn is now thriving. Sadly, the rains came too late for most of the dryland wheat, which was especially difficult since the harvest-time price was good, near $4.75/bushel.

Wheat Disease
 May 9, 2006
 Treating your wheat for disease can return significant returns, according to Jim Swart, Texas A&M.  He says, “If a fungicide is properly timed and the disease is a present threat, a $2.50 return on every dollar spent is likely.” To read the entire article, click here.

Drought Update
 May 2, 2006
On April 23rd, the National Weather Service in Goodland, Kansas, issued a drought information statement for the tri-state area. They said that moderate drought conditions continue across the entire area.
 
They reported that for Yuma county, Colorado, the 1 month precipitation was 60% of normal, the 3 month was 40% of average, and the 12 month was 110%. For Cheyenne county, Kansas, the 1, 3, and 12 month averages were 110%, 90%, and 100%. . .(click here to continue)

Pea Aphids in Alfalfa
April 13, 2006
We have treated several alfalfa fields for pea aphids. High infestations will cause the hay to yellow and wilt. KSU says that ten inch tall alfalfa should be treated if it has 50 aphids per stem. Scout by laying paper or cloth on the ground and shaking the plants.

Moisture Arrives!
March 21, 2006
Badly needed moisture, in the form of a major snowstorm, dumped between 8" and 12" of snow on the tri-state area on the first day of spring.  Highways and airports were temporarily closed. The total moisture was between 3/4" and 1".

Roundup Ready Alfalfa
March 2, 2006
Dealer Update newsletter reported that Monsanto has announced the launch of new Roundup Ready Alfalfa. Monsanto Marketing Manager Chris Peterson said, “With Roundup Ready Alfalfa system, growers will become familiar with a system that will allow them to produce cleaner, more yield, higher-quality alfalfa,  . . ."  No details as to when the product would be available were given.

Farm Land Values
February 20, 2006
The AgProfessional Weekly newsletter gives this report on local land values for Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas:

FNC Real Estate Sales Associates Sandi Groshong and Gary Joseph from Cambridge, Neb., report: "Large tracts of high quality non-irrigated cropland are selling up to a high of $800/acre with irrigated tracts selling from $1,250 to $1,750/acre. . .  (click here to continue)

Blue Angel Photos
February 7, 2006
If you would like to see a collection of photos of the Navy's aerial demonstration team, the Blue Angels, click here.

Farmers With Internet?
 January 29, 2006
 Slightly more than  half the US farms have internet, according to the February, 2006, issue of Successful Farming magazine. In 2003, the number was 48%, and it is now 51%, a slight increase.
 
 Of the farms which have internet, 69% have dial-up, instead of the faster broadband service.

Farm Subsidies Compared
January 25, 2006
In a recent Washington Post online article, Robert J. Samuelson argues for the elimination of farm tariffs and subsidies. He says this: "Few economic laws are so clear. Cheap and efficiently produced food relieves poverty. As farming becomes more productive, people eat better; workers move into better-paying industrial and service jobs."  (click here to continue)

Iowa Farmers Buy Land in Brazil
January 6, 2006
Iowa leads the US in production of soybeans, hogs, and corn, and Brazil is in second place behind Iowa in global soybean production.  According to NPR, some Iowa farmers are now buying large plots of farm ground in Brazil, and are moving to Brazil to farm their ground. (click here to continue)

EPA Allows Human Testing of Pesticides
December 27, 2005
The EPA has issued new guidelines concerning testing of humans with pesticides. 
 
The rulings are controversial, because they specifically discuss tests of children and pregnant women. (click here to continue)

Water Meters Required On Irrigation Wells
December 16, 2005
Northwest Kansas irrigators will be required to equip their irrigation wells with meters to monitor water flow, announced Ray Luhman of the Northwest Kansas Groundwater Management
District No. 4 (GMD4).  (click here to continue)

Cheating Farmers Go To Prison
November 17, 2005
Farmers who cheat on government programs are going to prison. A special report on NPR says that while most farmers are honest, the small minority who cheat face serious punishment in a recent government crackdown.

USDA's Risk Management Agency is using sophisticated tools, like LandSat satellite imagery, to monitor farm ground and insurance claims by farmers.  (click here to continue)

House Passes Eminent Domain Bill
November 10, 2005
On November 3, the US House of Representatives passed the Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2005.

The new bill is aimed at the controversial U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. City of New London which allows governments to use eminent domain to condemn property for economic development purposes.  (click here to continue)

New Ethanol Production Technology
 October 27, 2005
The website www.ethanol.org annouced that a "remarkable new ethanol production technology is being unveiled today at the Mead Cattle Company near Mead, Nebraska." The E3 BioFuels Complex is a new closed-loop system that combines ethanol production, livestock production, and waste management. (click here to continue)

Customer Appreciation Lunch Announced
 October 19, 2005
Grace Flying Service invited all of our ag customers to a customer appreciation steak sandwich lunch on Friday, October 28, at 11:30 CT at the St. Francis Fairgrounds. (click here to continue)

Finally, A Big Rain
October 11, 2005
The tri-state area received a badly needed rain over the last 48 hours.  Goodland, Burlington, and St. Francis got between 2.5 and 3 inches of slow rain.  Despite this, the National Weather Service in Goodland  reports the total rainfall for the year at 15.25", below the average of 17.82"   

FDA Proposes New Mad Cow Disease Rules
October 3, 2005
The Food and Drug Administration has proposed new rules to prevent the spread of mad cow disease, according to the New York Times. FDA proposes banning brains and spinal cords from older cows in all animal feed. (click here to continue)

Glyphosate-Resistant Palmer Pigweed Found
September 24, 2005
Roundup™ resistant pigweeds (Palmer amaranth) have been confirmed in central Georgia, according to Dealer and Applicator magazine.

Glyphosate is commonly used in our region for weed control, including control of this pigweed species. This announcement is the second of its type this year: In April, we reported on the existence of glyphosate-resistant common ragweed in Missouri, the first summer annual to be proven resistant to glyphosate. (click here to continue)

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