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Business Briefs - February 7, 2018
 

Apple Farm garners three Case IH Pinnacle Awards

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COVINGTON, Ohio — Apple Farm Service has been awarded Case IH’s highest honor, the Pinnacle Award, in three categories for 2016. Last year Apple Farm Service was awarded this distinguished award for operations, service and Advanced Farming Systems.

The Pinnacle Award is given to dealerships that show top level performance in key categories. Apple Farm Service earned its operations award through excellent management of daily operations, its service award was earned through first-rate customer service and tech efficiency and its Advanced Farming Systems award was earned through exemplary education, training, sales and customer service with AFS technology.

Apple Farm Service has always strived for top-notch customer service with Case IH, receiving the Pinnacle Award in multiple categories for more than five years in a row.

BILL APPLE (president), Curt Mauer (Case IH territory sales manager) and Gary Schumacher (general manager) with their new Pinnacle Award from Case IH.

(Photo provided)

First Farmers Financial Corp. declares record dividend

CONVERSE, Ind. — First Farmers Financial Corp., the parent company of First Farmers Bank & Trust Co., announced that on Dec. 12 the board of directors approved a record quarterly cash dividend for the fourth quarter of 2017 of 36 cents per share, payable on Jan. 12 to shareholders of record as of Dec. 29.

This quarterly dividend represents a 9.1 percent increase over the quarterly dividend declared in December 2016.

First Farmers Financial Corp is a $1.69 billion financial holding company headquartered in Converse. First Farmers Bank & Trust has 27 offices throughout Carroll, Cass, Clay, Grant, Hamilton, Howard, Huntington, Madison, Marshall, Miami, Starke, Sullivan, Tipton, Vigo and Wabash counties in Indiana, and seven offices in Coles, Edgar and Vermilion counties in Illinois.

Indiana Pork donates hams to help feed hungry Hoosiers

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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — More than 2,100 pounds of holiday ham, nearly 800 hams total, were donated by Indiana's pork producers through Indiana Pork to Gleaners Food Bank of Indianapolis in December.

"Protein is critically important for the most vulnerable Hoosiers we serve: senior citizens and children," said John Elliott, president and CEO of Gleaner's Food Bank. "This donation today is going directly into our Cynthia H. Hubert Community Cupboard to serve nearly 400 seniors who will come to us for assistance."

"Meat is not an item donated to food banks in sufficient quantity and families struggle to afford it," added Emily Bryant, Executive Director of Feeding Indiana's Hungry.

The Dec. 18 ham donation was just in time for Senior Shopping Day at the food bank. Gleaners provides food assistance to more than 260,000 people in central and southeastern Indiana.

INDIANA PORK BOARD President and hog farmer Joe Baldwin passes out hams during Gleaner's Food Bank ham donation.

(Photo provided)

Novus campaign raises more than $250,000 for United Way

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Novus International, Inc. smashed its previous records and raised $252,987 for the United Way.

Annually, the Novus offices in North America band together for a fundraising campaign to help support organizations in their communities through the United Way. Events ranging from raffles to bike rides to a special golf tournament brought employees and business partners together to give back.

Novus was able to support the United Way through a combination of employee donations, business partner sponsorships and company matching. Last year, Novus employees across North America including its Missouri, Arkansas and Texas offices and field employees raised more than $125,000, which was matched with company funds.

Monsanto launches website on dicamba training sessions

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Ahead of the 2018 growing season, Monsanto is providing hundreds of free, in-person training sessions to help reinforce proper use of low-volatility dicamba formulations to control weeds in the Roundup Ready Xtend Crop System.

Under the new federal Restricted Use Pesticide label, training is mandatory for all applicators prior to using low-volatility dicamba formulations, including XtendiMax Herbicide with VaporGrip Technology.

This has been approved for in-crop use as part of the Roundup Ready Xtend Crop System in 33 states in 2018. Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina and Tennessee require that applicators attend training sessions provided by the state. In the other 26 states, Monsanto and other low-volatility dicamba registrants are providing training.

Growers are encouraged to visit www.roundupreadyxtend.com/training to review training dates and locations and to register to attend. New training dates are being added to the site regularly.

CommoditAg announces partners, initial warehouse locations

EFFINGHAM, Ill. — CommoditAg is an easy-to-use online ordering platform using an extensive network of local warehouses offering high-quality agriculture products at low prices direct to the farm. The power of CommoditAg is driven by the strategic partnership with large innovative ag retailers like The Equity in Illinois, and Sunrise Cooperative in Ohio.

CommoditAg will use its vast infrastructure to provide easy pickup and quick delivery from multiple warehouses located throughout each state. CommoditAg.com is now live and accepting online orders.

CommoditAg is offering free delivery for a limited time within the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio and Wisconsin for orders over $5,000. After the initial launch period CommoditAg will offer free delivery within 50 miles of any participating warehouse location before March 15. Growers are also welcome to pick-up their online order at any one of the warehouse locations.

USDA funding for underserved groups and beginning farmers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The USDA’s Farm Service Agency reminds producers that FSA offers specially targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers.

USDA defines underserved applicants as a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of the group without regard to their individual qualities. For farm loan program purposes, underserved groups are women, African-Americans, American Indians and Alaskan Natives, Hispanics and Asians and Pacific Islanders.

In order to qualify as a beginning farmer, the individual or entity must meet the eligibility requirements outlined for direct or guaranteed loans. Additionally, individuals and all entity members must have operated a farm for fewer than 10 years. Applicants must materially or substantially participate in the operation.

For more guidelines and application information, contact your local FSA office.

AGCO reports third-quarter results, with $2B in net sales

DULUTH, Ga. — AGCO, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, reported net sales of approximately $2 billion for the third quarter of 2017, an increase of approximately 12.8 percent compared to the third quarter of 2016.

Reported net income was 76 cents per share for the third quarter of 2017, and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring expenses, was 79 cents per share. These results compare to reported net income of 50 cents per share and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring expenses, of 51 cents per share for the third quarter of 2016.

Excluding favorable currency translation impacts of approximately 2.7 percent, net sales in the third quarter of 2017 increased approximately 10.1 percent compared to the third quarter of 2016. Net sales for the first nine months of 2017 were approximately $5.8 billion, an increase of approximately 8.7 percent compared to the same period in 2016.

Long-term growth continues to be a key focus, and the company is working to expand product offerings through internal product development efforts and bolt-on acquisitions. It recently completed two acquisitions – in September, Precision Planting, a leader in innovative planting technology, and in October, the forage division of the Lely Group, which significantly enhances AGCO’s hay and forage product line in Europe.

Clean Water Indiana grants awarded to 25 counties

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and the State Soil Conservation Board (SSCB) awarded nearly $900,000 in Clean Water Indiana (CWI) grants to 25 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). These grants will help fund conservation projects designed to improve water quality across the state.

“We’re starting to see a significant reduction in the amount of sediment and nutrients prevented from entering Indiana’s waterways, as a result of Clean Water Indiana,” said Melissa Rekeweg, ISDA interim director. "There is still much work to be done to improve our water quality, and these grants are critical to that effort."

The CWI program is administered by ISDA’s Division of Soil Conservation, under the direction of the SSCB, and funded, in part, by the state’s cigarette tax revenue. It was established to provide financial assistance to landowners and conservation districts, as an effort to reduce non-point sources of water pollution.

The following includes the CWI grants for 2018. The lead SWCD on the project is listed first, followed by the partnering district(s), if applicable, and the award amount. The total funding was $897,034.50.

•Allen County: $24,300

•Blackford County (Adams, Jays, Wells counties): $154,500

•Dearborn County (Ohio County): $107,000

•Dubois County (Daviess, Martin counties): $95,250

•Fulton County: $55,500

•Jefferson County (Clark County): $66,990

•Knox County (Pike, Sullivan, Dubois, Daviess, Warrick counties): $52,500

•Marion County: $60,000

•Pike County (Gibson County): $84,000

•Rush County (Shelby County): $4,912.50

•Steuben County: $25,750

•Vanderburgh County (Gibson, Pike, Posey, Warrick counties): $95,000

•Wabash County: $22,300

•Warrick County (Posey, Vanderburgh counties): $49,032

Agency launches with a strategic, creative focus for agriculture

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — A new agriculture-focused agency, Blank Page Marketing, LLC announced its launch with a dedicated team driven to generate client results with a fresh perspective. Led by Tiffany Obrecht-Johnson, BLNKPG offers marketing and communications services ranging from strategy to experience management.

Project Manager Lindsey Lawyer will provide client satisfaction with a client-first focus. She brings not only an agriculture education from Purdue University, but past agency experience and a boots-in-the-mud farm background. Raised on a family swine and crop operation, she farms with her husband in rural Hancock County.

A niche-agency model, BLNKPG concentrates on starting from scratch for each client objective without a templated approach. The BLNKPG team brings years of agriculture and agency experience to the table, with a continued focus in the agriculture industry.

To learn more about BLNKPG and its offerings, visit blnkpg.com

Land O'Lakes announces increased third-quarter 2017 results

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. — Land O'Lakes, Inc. announced increased third-quarter 2017 financial results with quarterly net earnings of $47.5 million, up from third-quarter net earnings in 2016 of $8.1 million.

Similarly, year-to-date net earnings were also higher, at $270.4 million on sales of $10.2 billion versus net earnings of $246.4 million on sales of just under $10 billion for the same time period in 2016, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 9.8 percent. Third-quarter sales remained constant at $2.8 billion for both 2017 and 2016.

Third-quarter earnings benefitted from strong performance in crop inputs and animal feed, which were partly offset by lower earnings in dairy foods and investments in Land O'Lakes SUSTAIN. Earnings in crop inputs were driven by higher volumes in alfalfa and improved margins in crop protection products.

Animal feed volumes were lower than 2016 levels but margins and product mix improved across the portfolio. Dairy foods benefited from strong volumes in foodservice but overall margins were lower due to declines in global milk powder markets, which impacted pricing.

Top dairy co-op rebrands to give dairy farmers an Edge

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Milk is getting a new voice in America’s Heartland. Meet Edge, the dairy farmer cooperative taking a fresh approach to representing its members.

Edge, formerly known as the Dairy Business Milk Marketing Cooperative, has been a game-changer for dairy farmers since its inception in 2010. Tim Trotter, Edge’s executive director, describes the cooperative as an energetic and progressive organization representing all dairy farmers equally.

As Dairy Business Milk Marketing Cooperative, the organization led a cost reduction for farmers in verification co-ops throughout the market and broke away from traditional bloc voting by giving each member a vote. The cooperative also elevated the voice of farmers in federal policy discussions about global markets, supply management, immigration reform and other issues.

Now with nearly 800 members from farms of all sizes in nine states, the co-op is one of the top in the country for milk volume, sitting at No. 5 on the Hoard’s Dairyman Top 50 list. During the past two years, the cooperative accelerated its progressive development and increased its value for members.

Over the next several months, the former company and name will be phased out. Farmers who are not currently members have a fresh opportunity to join the cooperative. In addition to further strengthening its members’ influence on Capitol Hill, Edge will continue to fulfill requirements of Federal Milk Marketing Orders as a verification cooperative and provide market information. For more information, visit www.voiceofmilk.com

Pilgrim’s Pride reports 3Q operating income of $372M

GREELEY, Colo. — Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. reported its third quarter 2017 financial results. Consolidated numbers reflect Moy Park for the entire quarter, including historical data in accordance to U.S. GAAP.

Net sales were $2.79 billion, 37.4 percent higher than the same quarter the previous year of $2.03 billion, excluding Moy Park. Net income was $232.7 million.

The company reported adjusted operating income margins of 16.6 percent in the United States, 13.4 percent in Mexico and 4.1 percent in Europe operations, and an adjusted EBITDA of $463.6 million (or a 16.6 percent margin) and adjusted EPS of 98 cents.

Excluding Moy Park, net sales were $2.28 billion, adjusted operating income was $367.7 million and adjusted EBITDA was $427.6 million, or an 18.8 percent margin. The acquisition of Moy Park positions Pilgrim’s Pride as the global leader in chicken and prepared foods, and aligns with its strategic priorities while providing a strong platform for future growth, the company stated.

According to the company, during Q3, its U.S. operations were robust across all business units and Mexico performed even better than expectations. “Despite greater availability of alternative protein, we saw strong demand for chicken during grilling season and we expect a continuation of chicken as a choice protein in domestic and international markets,” said Bill Lovette, CEO.

“We closed the acquisition of Moy Park last September and are very excited about the potential opportunities in Europe because it creates a stronger, more diverse and more stable global chicken and prepared foods leader in Pilgrim’s.”

RFD-TV’s ‘Rural Tractor Brigade’ wins a Cablefax Award

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — RFD-TV News announced that its “Rural Tractor Brigade” was awarded a 2017 Cablefax Award for Best Branded Content. RFD-TV organized the “Rural Tractor Brigade” as part of its continuing effort to “reconnect city with country.”

RFD-TV brought eight different tractor brands together to unite under the American flag to showcase hardworking rural American farmers and highlight modern agriculture production. All tractor brands were invited. In addition, members of the National FFA carried the “Rural Tractor Brigade” banner in front of a colorful tractor display.

The RFD-TV and RURAL RADIO news teams covered the “Rural Tractor Brigade” on “Market Day Report” and “Rural Evening News” leading up to the inauguration and day of with live hits and online. In addition, the coverage was simulcast on RURAL RADIO Channel 147 on SiriusXM.

Several leaders of agriculture associations represented their organizations by driving a tractor in the parade: Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation; Ron Moore, president of the American Soybean Assoc., and his wife, Deb; Randy Krotz, CEO of U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance; John Weber, president of National Pork Producers Council; and Jim Odle, co-founder of Superior Livestock Auction. Past and current presidents of the National Assoc. of Farm Broadcasting, Mark Oppold and Max Armstrong, also served as drivers to represent rural media.

AEM announces its ‘I Make America’ award winners

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A record number of equipment manufacturing industry companies were recognized for their outstanding commitment to advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry at the Assoc. of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM) recent Annual Conference.

Thirty companies received AEM’s highest honor for their participation in “I Make America,” its national grassroots campaign that advances the equipment manufacturing industry’s policy priorities. Twenty-two companies were recognized as Gold level supporters of I Make America, while an additional eight were honored as Legacy Award winners for reaching Gold level for five consecutive years.

Legacy Award Winners: Blount International, Carlson Paving Products, Deere & Co., InQuest Marketing, Ken Cook Co., Stellar Industries, Terex Corp. and Vermeer Corp.

Gold Award Winners: AGCO Corp., Astec Mobile Screens, Calder Brothers, Caterpillar Inc., CLAAS of America Inc., CNH Industrial, Cummins Inc., Custom Products of Litchfield Inc., Doosan Bobcat, General Kinematics, Gradall Industries, Hardi North America Inc., JCB Inc., JLG Industries, Johnson Crushers International, KOBELCO Construction Machinery USA Inc., Kolberg Pioneer, Kondex Corp., Manitou Americas Inc., Sioux Corp., Volvo Construction Equipment and Weiler.

New Holland wins six ASABE, Agritechnica awards for 2018

NEW HOLLAND, Pa. — The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) has named five of New Holland Agriculture’s most recent technological advancements as recipients of 2018 AE50 awards.

These awards honor the year’s most innovative designs in engineering products or systems for the food and agriculture industries. The Dynamic Command transmission for T6 series tractors, the CustomSteer feature for select T6 and T7 tractors, the IntelliTurn end of row turning automation feature, the Optispread Plus residue management system for CR combines and the Guardian SP310F high clearance self-propelled front boom sprayer were last year’s winners.

Companies from around the world submit entries and up to 50 of the best products are chosen by a panel of international engineering experts. The judges select innovative products that will best advance engineering for the food and agriculture industries.

In addition, the New Holland T6.175 Dynamic Command tractor was crowned Machine of the Year for 2018 in the Mid Class Tractor category at the Agritechnica trade show in Hanover, Germany, in November. The machine received the coveted award for its technical innovation and the benefits it brings to customers, with selection criteria focusing on innovative features, performance, productivity, cost of operation, ease of use and operator comfort.

AGCO rewarded with prestige at Agritechnica for 2018

DULUTH, Ga. — AGCO achieved remarkable success with 17 major awards at the prestigious Agritechnica 2017 event in Hannover, Germany. As a result of the votes cast by an independent expert committee, AGCO stated it was once again one of the most successful manufacturers at Agritechnica 2017 by way of the number of innovation awards received.

The new Fendt Track Tractor 943 Vario MT won the treasured award Machine of the Year 2018 in the Category XXL Tractors. AGCO also received the following other awards:

•Tractor of the Year 2018: Valtra Versu T254 SmartTouch

•Tractor of the Year 2018 Best Design: Valtra Versu T254 SmartTouch

•Tractor of the Year 2018 Best of Specialised – Fendt 211 V Vario

•Tractor of the Year 2018 Finalist: Massey Ferguson 5709 Dyna 4

•Tractor of the Year 2018 Finalist: Massey Ferguson 3710

•Tractor of the Year 2018 Finalist: Valtra A114

•Machine of the Year Combine Harvester: Fendt & Massey Ferguson IDEAL

•Machine of the Year Audience Choice Award: Fendt & Massey Ferguson IDEAL

•Machine of the Year Tractor Upper Class Tractor: Valtra T Series

•Machine of the Year Tractor XXL: Fendt 900 Vario MT

•DLG Agritechnica Silver Innovation Awards: Fendt & Massey Ferguson IDEAL Combine Harvester, Fendt VarioPull System, Fendt e100 Vario, Fendt MARS/Xaver Mobile Agricultural Robot Swarms, AGCO agrirouter, GSI FlexWave Grain Silo Unloading System

•Agrarmarketing Prize 2017, Finalist: Fendt IDEAL advertising campaign

Rodale receives $150,000 grant supporting veterans, families

KUTZTOWN, Pa. — Rodale Institute has been awarded a $150,000 grant from Newman’s Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman.

Newman’s Own made the award to Rodale Institute’s Veteran Farmer Training Program as part of a broader commitment to support military personnel, veterans and their families. This funding will help Rodale continue its Veteran Farmer Training Program, which helps train returning military veterans for new careers in organic agriculture.

The program offers hands-on training to military veterans on an organic farm, which could include vegetable production, raising livestock, beekeeping and greenhouse production.

Newman’s Own recently provided grants to 26 nonprofit organizations that assist veterans and their families as part of a $6.7 million commitment to honor those who serve. These organizations provide a wide variety of support, including education, career development, mentoring, guide dogs, adaptive vehicles and other services.

The Foundation continues Newman’s commitment to give all profits and royalties from the sale of Newman’s Own food and beverage products to charity. Since 1982, more than $495 million has been donated to thousands of charities around the world.

FarmLead adds price discovery to online grain marketplace

CHICAGO, Ill. — FarmLead, North America’s largest and fastest growing online grain marketplace announced the launch of its newest feature, Price Discovery. Price Discovery provides an accurate, comprehensive view of historical and future grain price trends specific to the user’s geography, empowering farmers to make the smartest decision possible when selling their grain.

It is difficult for North American farmers to properly access cash grain data that gives them an understanding of where local prices have been and where they are going. Access to such data is either expensive and cumbersome or extremely time-consuming, preventing farmers from improving their ability to manage the cash (basis) price they receive for their grain.

FarmLead’s Price Discovery feature saves farmers time and money by providing the data in an appealing and easy-to-use format, with no upfront or subscription costs. When coupled with access to thousands of verified buyers on the FarmLead Marketplace, Price Discovery allows grain farmers to close deals faster.

On average, FarmLead says the total process adds 6 percent more value to the final selling price of a farmer’s grain.

For more information, or to register for your free account, go to www.FarmLead.com

AGRON sells California biodiesel plant to Western Iowa Energy

WATSONVILLE, Calif. — AGRON Bioenergy, LLC closed the sale of its biodiesel plant located in Watsonville to Western Iowa Energy, LLC. Ocean Park acted as exclusive advisor to the seller.

WIE President and General Manager Brad Wilson said, “We are excited to begin biodiesel production in California. We have been very successful in Iowa and plan to increase the value of our members’ investment with this acquisition.”

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The assets include a biodiesel refinery designed to produce 15 million gallons of biodiesel per year and patents encompassing AGRON’s centrifuge system and distillation steps to eliminate water washing in the production of biodiesel.

ASABE names Praxidyn Mixmate a 2018 AE50 award winner

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) has named The Praxidyn Mixmate portable ag chemical blending and recordkeeping system as a winner of a 2018 AE50 award.

Mixmate, Praxidyn’s first product, is a fully automated chemical blending and recordkeeping system with modular options for portable or stationary installations and to measure by weight and flow. The patent-pending jug process drains, weighs, rinses, records and reconciles the data from a jug in about 12 seconds.

The Android app controls the system and captures the records automatically. The app synchronizes with the Intersect cloud service to back up data and provides access from the office. Intersect has CSV and API data connections for easy data transfer with other recordkeeping systems.

New swine research facility promises valuable insights

SLEEPY EYE, Minn. — The strategically developed Leavenworth Livestock Research Center has been two years in the making. Although the heavily anticipated facility opened its doors only weeks ago, the 2,500-head, wean-to-finish center is already expected to make big advancements in the research sector of the swine industry.

Located near Sleepy Eye, the research site boasts two 1,250-head rooms and is fully equipped with 96 pens (48 per room) and innovative technologies like the Big Dutchman DryExact feeding system. And, while it may look similar to a commercial barn, the facility is fully filtered. The system removes dust and pathogens before they get into the barn, thereby alleviating many biosecurity concerns.

The team can gather large amounts of statistical data with the number of pigs on-site and connect those results to similar situations for swine producers. This will better help customers achieve their production goals, increase profitability, reduce risk and improve their overall competitive advantage.

Hubbard Feeds is proud to partner with parent company Alltech on this endeavor. Hubbard Feeds is also proud to source high-quality pigs for their Leavenworth Livestock Research Center from premier pork producers Schwartz Farms, Inc. of Sleepy Eye.

For more information on this exciting new facility and how it might benefit your operation, email Ernie Hansen, Hubbard Feeds’ manager of swine nutrition and technical services, at Ernie.Hansen@hubbardfeeds.com

Growmark reports 2017 year-end financial results

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Growmark announced its audited financial results for fiscal year 2017, which ended August 31. Growmark reported $7.3 billion in sales, up from $7.0 billion in 2016. Pre-tax income of $91 million is down from $116 million in 2016.

Collective efforts resulted in estimated patronage refunds of $59 million, distributed in a combination of cash and stock, followed by stock redemption. Operational highlights for the company’s business units include:

•The Crop Protection Division recorded record chemical sales. Nitrogen stabilizer and adjuvant sales were up substantially compared to 2016.

•The Crop Nutrients Division had record sales volumes led by best-in-history shipments of phosphate and potash. This represented record sales volume in six of the last seven years.

•Overall System seed acres remained relatively flat with an uptick in soybean sales, while corn sales were down slightly compared to 2016.

•The Energy Division’s sales volumes were up compared to 2016 and the third highest on record, led by increases in distillates and propane.

•Retail Grain Units reported record-high bushel volume and improved earnings compared to 2016.

USRSB unveils sustainability tools for the beef community

DENVER, Colo. — The U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) announced the release of its Sustainability Metrics, the latest tool helping those who raise, buy and sell beef understand ways to balance and improve their environmental impact, social responsibility and financial bottom line.

In 2016 the USRSB released High Priority Indicators to address areas of sustainability most important to the beef industry. USRSB Sustainability Metrics accompany High Priority Indicators and will serve as a self-assessment tool to aid the beef community as producers examine their sustainability footprint and share their personal stories.

The USRSB hopes this tool will move the curve for beef sustainability ensuring the industry continues to be a global leader in beef sustainability. To learn more about the USRSB and explore the USRSB Indicator and Metric Summary, visit www.USRSB.org

DuPont, Sumitomo announce seed-applied tech agreement

DES MOINES, Iowa — DuPont and Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. announced a global agreement to collaborate on the development, registration and commercialization of seed-applied technologies for use in key crops around the world.

DuPont and Sumitomo formed this collaboration out of a shared objective to accelerate development and commercialization of novel seed-applied technologies to improve early plant growth and yields. The global agreement leverages the strengths of both companies, combining the conventional chemical and biological pipeline from Sumitomo with the advanced seed technology and development and commercialization capability of DuPont Crop Protection, a business unit of DowDuPont Agriculture Division.

By combining the pipeline from Sumitomo Chemical with DuPont’s technology and capability, there is an opportunity to evaluate these technologies together, at much earlier stages, to understand the complementary characteristics of various product combinations. This early-stage collaboration will enhance current and future commercial products for seed-applied technologies.

Collaborations between DuPont and Sumitomo’s regional affiliate, Valent U.S.A. LLC., will focus on the North American region with potential expansion opportunities to multiple crop markets globally.

Indiana business joins Massey Ferguson dealer network

DULUTH, Ga. — An Indiana business recently became a dealer for Massey Ferguson, a global brand of AGCO Corp., and will be marketing compact and utility equipment. Diversifying for business growth and the Massey Ferguson brand reputation were two of the reasons it joined the dealer network.

Chris Wooldridge, general manager at Tom Wood Outdoor Equipment in Martinsville, Ind., said the parent company, Tom Wood Automotive Group, made the move into power sports and agricultural equipment in 2014, seeking business opportunities with greater growth potential.

The business continued to diversify by adding Massey Ferguson brand compact and utility tractors and Hesston by Massey Ferguson hay equipment. Wooldridge stands behind the new line of Massey Ferguson compact and utility products, as he was the first customer at the dealership to purchase one.

Kentucky Farm Bureau wins Four Awards Of Excellence

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Kentucky Farm Bureau (FB) took home several organizational awards presented at this year's American Farm Bureau Federation's (AFBF) 99th annual convention. Each year state FBs are presented awards in different categories related to several programs and initiatives.

KFB was honored with an array of AFBF Awards of Excellence in all four categories given, including Advocacy; Engagement and Outreach; Leadership and Business Development; and Membership Value. KFB President Mark Haney, who led the 500-plus Kentucky member delegation to the convention, accepted the awards on behalf of KFB presented by AFBF President Zippy Duvall.

Deere equipment big winners of 2018 ASABE awards

OLATHE, Kan. — Various John Deere equipment has been honored by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) with the AE50 Award for 2018. The awards highlight the year’s most innovative product-engineering designs in the food and agriculture industry, as chosen by a panel of international engineering experts.

Introduced in 2016, the ExactApply Nozzle Control system provides sprayer operators a comprehensive solution that improves the coverage and control of spray applications due to an industry-exclusive Pulse Width Modulation (30 hertz pulsing) and automatic A/B nozzle switching from the sprayer cab.

John Deere Connected Support – Expert Alerts utilizes JDLink machine connectivity and data analytics to predict service needs, reduce diagnostic time and minimize downtime. Connected Support with Expert Alerts is factory installed on new Deere self-propelled equipment, and can be dealer-installed on late-model machines.

Introduced in 2017, the Gator XUV835 and Gator XUV865 utility vehicles are designed for customers who need all-day comfort with off-road terrain capability in all seasons.

Deere 5R Series Tractors, introduced in 2017, leverage existing technologies normally found in large tractors and feature four models ranging from 90- to 125-engine hp.

Two hay tool innovations from John Deere Ottumwa Works have been honored by ASABE as well. The awards are for the BalerAssist feature on the large square balers and the Plus2 Bale Accumulator for large round balers, both introduced in late 2017.

The BalerAssist option on the L331 and L341 Series Large Square Balers was recognized for allowing the operator to more quickly and easily clear plugs between the baler pickup and rotor, without leaving the tractor cab. Also receiving an award are the A520R and A420R Plus2 Round Bale Accumulators, which give customers the ability to carry up to two round bales behind the baler while making a third bale in the chamber.

Deere grain and cotton harvesting equipment have been honored as well. The S700 Series Combine was recognized for its significant innovations in “smart” technology, improved operator comfort and data capabilities for more efficient grain harvesting.

In addition, the CP690 Cotton Picker and CS690 Cotton Stripper were recognized for innovations in precision cotton-harvesting technologies that include moisture sensing, round module weighing, Harvest Identification, Cotton Pro and John Deere Operations Center Field Analyzer.

General Mills deepens investment in soil health with $735,000

WASHINGTON, D.C. — General Mills continues to invest in soil health practices on U.S. farmland with its latest contribution of $735,000 to the National Wheat Foundation, which, together with the Soil Health Partnership (SHP), will advance widespread adoption and implementation.

The funds, equally distributed over the next three years, will be used to conduct soil health research on wheat farms and education outreach to more than 125,000 wheat farmers across the Northern and Southern Plains. This latest contribution brings General Mills’ recent financial commitments to nearly $3 million for promoting the expanded adoption of soil health practices.

Using the established network of farms enrolled in the Soil Health Partnership, the National Wheat Foundation will increase grower participation in the partnership, and share data and sustainability metrics for wheat production. The outreach will be conducted over the course of three years, encompassing three growing seasons.

As part of this agreement, General Mills has partnered with the SHP and the National Wheat Foundation to provide on-farm mentorship for the farm operators. SHP farmers and the farmers' agronomists, and SHP field managers will train new and existing farm staff in advanced nutrient management and tillage methods.

Scientists create new ‘toolbox’ to better study alfalfa

ARDMORE, Okla. — Alfalfa is the fourth-most widely grown crop in the United States and an important crop throughout the world. Known as the “Queen of Forages,” alfalfa can be grown alone or in mixtures with other plants.

Alfalfa hay alone is valued at more than $8 billion annually in the United States. Agricultural researchers want to better understand and enhance the many positive attributes of alfalfa. To help accelerate alfalfa research and cultivar development, scientists at the Noble Research Institute have developed the Alfalfa Breeder’s Toolbox.

This comprehensive, web-based portal serves as a community resource that will allow alfalfa breeders and the research community to share, access and visualize data about alfalfa. The Toolbox website includes the alfalfa genome sequence generated through collaborations between the Noble Research Institute, the National Center for Genomic Resources, The University of Minnesota, The J. Craig Venter Institute and The University of California.

Plant breeders can visualize gene sequences, determine which genes are activated during stress conditions such as drought and identify specific DNA sequences referred to as molecular markers to highlight and tag those genes of interest. The Toolbox also includes information on the best strategies for field site preparation, planting, managing and harvesting alfalfa, as well as approaches to identify the best varieties for planting based on the target environment.

To learn more, visit www.alfalfatoolbox.org

Brandt expands relationship with Tunisia ag leader

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Brandt, a leading manufacturer of specialty products for the agriculture market, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Solagri Tunisia to distribute Brandt’s proprietary nutrition and sustainable products throughout the African country.

The focus of this agreement is on Brandt’s proprietary foliar nutrient line, Manni-Plex, as well as additional specialty humic acid and seaweed nutritionals. The products will be targeted to the wheat, grape, vegetable and olive markets throughout Tunisia. The rollout and sales efforts will be led by Didier Bassaber, Business and Sales manager for Brandt’s Middle East and North Africa regions, as well Akil Fersi, general manager at Solagri.

Solagri is a leading supplier of agricultural chemicals and plant nutrients in Tunisia. It is a subsidiary of the Rose Blanche Group, which serves the agriculture and food processing industries in Africa. Before the agreement with Solagri, Brandt had a distribution agreement with another Rose Blanche subsidiary, CMA Tunisia, since 2013.

FDA provides information on use of antimicrobials in bees

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the availability of a Question and Answer document about the use of medically important antimicrobials in bees to provide helpful information to beekeepers and veterinarians.

The Q&A, titled Using Medically Important Antimicrobials in Bees, responds to some commonly asked questions about the appropriate use of approved Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) and prescription (Rx) drug products for bees. It can be found online at www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/ucm589399.htm

Questions not addressed in the Q&A document may be emailed to AskCVM@fda.hhs.gov

 

2/8/2018