Last week was really busy attending back-to-back events - Bayer Crop Science's Ag Issues Forum and Commodity Classic in Nashville, Tennesse, USA. Great information came out of both; take a look at last week's Headline News to learn more.
I'm going to dive right into some insights from Commodity Classic, which if you are unfamiliar, is the annual meeting for the US corn, soy, wheat and sorghum associations.
Of note, this year's Commodity Classic attendance shattered last year's record by more than 1,000, hitting just over 6,000 attendees. That alone tells a story.
When asked what farmers were saying at the show, a consistent response was that growers are definitely optimistic, but the unrest in the world is making farmers more cautiously optimistic than last year. There's also a feeling that commodity demand is growing due to increased populations and incomes, but American farmers know they aren't the only game in town, with South America coming on strong especially in the soy market.
One consistent area of concern was the need for improved and, in many instances, creation of better infrastructure. Roads, railways and ports need to be updated and/or built to handle the growing export market. If the US doesn't take action, it's going to miss out on this opportunity.
US Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke to a standing-room-only audience to share his ideas on what should be included in the US Farm Bill. There were no big surprises - crop insurance, commitment to export markets, bio-based opportunities, CRP programs, R&D and farm loans.
Secretary Vilsack was clear in his message that delaying the Farm Bill would not benefit anyone and that farmers should demand action from Congress sooner rather than later. He garnered applause throughout the speech and even a shouted "Amen" when he talked about the need to help the next generation of farmers get a start in agriculture.
To read my article covering his full speech, click here.
Per last week's newsletter, I did follow-up with the Pioneer team about where their Optimum AQUAmax drought-tolerant hybrids will be launched from a global perspective in 2012.
Pioneer representatives said they have strong confidence they will launch in European markets in 2012. They have also seen strong performance in other global markets, and while not in a position to announce country launch details yet, they are confident that in 2013 their Optimum AQUAmax footprint on a global level will expand considerably.
ISU: Cover Crops Increase Corn Yield by 10 Per Cent
The most recent annual results from a four-year Iowa State University study on using cover crops between rows of corn reveals that higher yields - by as much as 10 percent - are possible using the soil-saving approach to farming.
Brazilian Rainforest Caught Between Biodiversity and Business
Brazil is exporting more and more agricultural produce: soya beans and beef in particular, but also corn, rice and sugar. Taken together, these exports represent half of Brazil's total today, writes Gaëlle Courcoux from the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD).
The Real GM Food Scandal
GM foods are safe, healthy, and essential if we ever want to achieve decent living standards for the
world's growing population. Misplaced moralizing about them is costing millions of lives in poor
countries.
Recovery of Cereals for Foods
In 2011, the Extensive Crops team of the IRTA (Institute of Food and Agricultural Research and Technology), of the Department of Agriculture of the Government of Catalonia, has coordinated the implementation of the project 'Model for the recovery and use of cultivated biodiversity for the preparation of food products with high added value.
Cycles in China's Pork Market
The sharp increase in pork prices during 2007 drew attention to the Chinese market’s volatility and cycles, highlight Fred Gale, Daniel Marti and Dinghuan Hu in a report entitled ‘China’s Volatile Pork Industry’ from the USDA Economic Research Service.
Evaluating the Effects of Pelleting DON-Contaminated DDGS
Conditioning temperature and retention time alone did not affect levels of the mycotoxin, deoxynivalenol (DON), in dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) from maize but pelleting DDGS reduced DON levels as the level of sodium metabisulphite (SMB) was increased to 2.5 per cent, according to research summarised in the latest newsletter from the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University.
Bayer Initiates Global "Bee Care Program"
GLOBAL - Bayer initiates a global "Bee Care Program" to further promote bee health. As part of the program, two dedicated "Bayer Bee Care Centers" are to be established. In Europe, one center is scheduled to open in Monheim, Germany, in mid-summer. A second center, which will focus on North America, is planned for later in the year in North Carolina, United States.
John Deere Launches 6R Series Tractors, More Versatility and Power
US - John Deere is expanding its lineup of 6R Series Tractors with three new highly-versatile models perfect for the farm or ranch. The three new models include the 6105R with 105 engine horsepower; 6115R with 115 engine horsepower; and the 6125R with 125 engine horsepower-all in a premium package that replaces the 6030 Premium Tractors.
Growers Gearing Up To Plant Monsanto's DroughtGard Hybrids
US - US farmers across the Western Great Plains this spring will be the first to plant Monsanto's newest drought-tolerant corn system as part of on-farm trials. The hybrids, made available to growers under the new DroughtGard™ Hybrids name, are designed to help farmers mitigate the risk of yield loss when experiencing drought stress.
Baler-Mounted Hay Moisture Tester Available from John Deere
US - Hay producers can now determine the moisture content of the hay they are baling on the go with the Advanced Baler-Mounted Hay Moisture Tester from John Deere.
Duo CS Maize Update Details Positive Grower Experiences
UK - Caussade's Duo CS maize is due to expand further following last year's successful UK trials.
Dow AgroSciences Unveils Enlist™ Ahead Weed Control System
US - Dow AgroSciences has unveiled Enlist Ahead, a first-of-its-kind management resource for farmers, and the newest component of the Enlist Weed Control System.
Cargill Becomes First Grain Handler to Enter Strategic Alliance with CWB
CANADA - Cargill has announced they have entered into a strategic alliance with the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) - making Cargill the first grain handler in Canada to enable the CWB to offer its full range of products, grain pricing pools and services to farmers and end use customers.