Pioneer Hi-Bred introduces new refuge system

Pioneer Hi-Bred introduced the first "in-the-bag" seed refuge system to farmers during the Commodity Classic.

Optimum AcreMax is the new insect protection system which will provide corn growers with improved productivity by increasing the number of acres farmers can plant to the industry's most advanced insect control options.

"Pioneer is using innovation and science, the strongest traits in the industry, to give U.S. growers a superior solution to protect crops from yield-robbing insect damage," said Frank Ross, vice president of North American Operations for Pioneer. "For the first time, farmers will be able to plant all their acres with a single product that satisfies refuge requirements."

Pioneer plans to launch the first phase of the system , Optimum AcreMax 1 insect protection in 2009, pending regulatory approval. The product will combine above and below ground problems with corn rootworms, corn borers, western bean cutworms and black cutworms.

"By being able to reduce refuge and maximize yields, we hope to provide growers with another product to maximize profits," said Ross.

USB announces checkoff success stories

"This is a commodity that we have brought back to the heart of America," Matthew Zaluzec, Manager of the Materials and Nanotechnology Department at Ford Motor Company's Research and Innovation Center, said today at the Commodity Classic.

"We are pleased to be the industry leader in soy-foam seating," Zaluzec said.

Ike Boudreaux, USB chairman and soybean farmer from Lebeau, La., said the inclusion of soy in both Ford and John Deere products comes as a direct result of U.S. soybean farmers checkoff investments. 

A partnership between the checkoff and John Deere resulted in the inclusion of soy resin in John Deere tractor body panels and combines. John Deere has expressed an interest in including soy in the seating  applications of some tractors models.

John Deere releases new product

In a press conference today at the Commodity Classic in Nashville, Tn., John Deere introduced a new product, but it did not include four tires and a steering wheel.

It was the industry's first Ethanol Policy designed to provide coverage to corn producers, who have delivery contracts for ethanol production. Offered by John Deere Risk Protection (JDRP), the policy insures yield shortfalls below contracted volumes in the event the price to replace the corn rises above the federal crop insurance coverage.

"This will keep farmers from getting upside-down in their contracts," Dennis Daggett, JDRP manager, said. "It will give them the confidence to contract more corn at higher prices."

With the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) now requiring 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels to be used annually by 2022, the American farmer will be faced with choosing to dedicate more acres of corn for ethanol production and all of the associated risks that go with it. JDRP understands that current federal crop insurance may not adequately address this increased risk, which has led to the development of this new policy.

High Plains Journal columnist speaks at Commodity Classic

High Plains Journal columnist Sara Wyant addressed a packed room at the Pre-Opening Learning Center this morning at Commodity Classic. Wyant, who writes the AgriPulse column, as well as a newsletter by the same name, shared a Tool Kit for Ag Women that is designed to help producers get prepared for farm succession planning. Too often, women find themselves as the owners of the farm and also unprepared to make difficult decisions. The tool kit can be found at: www.iowawomeninag.org. (Journal photo by Holly Martin.)

Seed prices expected to continue to rise

While grain prices are high, so too are the inputs that grain growers are facing in the coming years. Experts at a BASF session at the Commodity Classic, told agricultural reporters that farmers should expect seed prices to continue to climb. In 2002, prices for a bag of seed were around $150. This spring, farmers can expect to pay $250 and by 2012 prices could be as much as $350 to $450 per bag. Part of that increase is due to seed treatments joining germplasm and seed traits to provide increased value for the farmer. (Journal photo by Holly Martin.)

Farm Bill by March 15

"We are in a classic supply and demand situation with big demand and low carryover," Barry Flinchbaugh, Professor of Ag Economics at Kansas State University, said.

Dr Flinchbaugh was speaking at an Ag Issue Forum sponsored by Bayer CropScience prior to the Commodity Classic in Nashville, Tn.

Flinchbaugh said the high prices for wheat, corn, and soybeans is an example of the marketplace working as it should.

On another topic Flinchbaugh said he hopes to see a Farm Bill signed by March 15.

"If the Farm Bill is not done by then there is no excuse for not having it done except incompetence in the U.S. Congress," Flinchbaugh said. "I am mad and I think they need a kick in the butt, but I think it will get done by March 15."

Farmers "Tune Up for Success" at Commodity Classic

The American Soybean Association, the National Corn Growers Association, and the National Association of Wheat Growers gather this week in Nashville. Growers will discuss hot topics and decide policy for to guide their organizations in the coming year. U. S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer will speak to the growers on Friday morning, and hopefully provide insight into the ever-developing farm bill debate. Farmers will also have the opportunity to browse the largest trade show in Commodity Classic history.