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Manitoba’s David Hunt and his nearly 30 years of experience working in Canadian ag is the new chief commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC). His four-year term in the role begins on May 13, taking over for Doug Chorney, who retires from the position on April 30. Hunt most recently worked with Environment and Climate Change Canada, helping implement the Protected Areas Initiative for Manitoba, which builds a network of protected and conserved areas that contain biological diversity. He served as an assistant deputy minister for Manitoba Agriculture from 2015 to 2023and has been involved with the Manitoba government since 2007. Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay has “no doubt that Mr. Hunt’s leadership experience and commitment to a competitive, innovative, and resilient agriculture sector will ensure Canada continues to be recognized as a leading producer, processor, and exporter of high-quality grain,” he said in a statement. Multiple industry groups welcomed Hunt to the CGC.

John Deere's Marketing Manager for Precision Upgrades, Kyle Barry, recently unveiled its Precision Ag essentials kit. These comprehensive and multi-tier packages offer farmers the opportunity to upgrade their equipment with high-level precision and efficiency. Barry explains that at the heart of this offering are three core or foundational components: the G5 Plus Display, the M Series modem, and the StarFire 7000 Receiver. Together, these tools form the backbone of the kit, which is available for an upfront cost of $2,000 US. Customers can then choose a license based on their specific needs, with two options available: Precision Ag Basic or Precision Ag Advanced. Precision Ag Basic includes essential features such as AutoTrac, section control, and RowSense, catering to farmers seeking fundamental precision agriculture capabilities. However, Barry highlighted that for those desiring more sophisticated functionalities, Precision Ag Advanced is the go-to option. It encompasses AutoPath, which maps plant rows rather than just tractor paths, AutoTrac Turn Automation for seamless implement handling, and AutoTrac Implement Guidance to maintain the implement on course independently of the tractor's position. Additionally, it offers Machine Sync for optimal grain cart filling and infield data sharing to reduce overlap and reworking of field areas. A notable highlight is the inclusion of SF-RTK, John Deere's satellite based RTK signal offering sub-inch accuracy without the need for radio towers, thus mitigating issues related to shading and terrain. This initiative presents a significant leap towards achieving RTK-level accuracy for a broader range of customers. These Precision Ag Essentials are poised to set new standards in agricultural efficiency and productivity. Watch the video below to learn from John Deere's Kyle Barry, as he talks about the company’s Precision Ag Upgrades. For those interested in precision agriculture and ag technology,

Canada's agriculture sector plays a crucial role not only in feeding the nation but also in bolstering the economy. In 2022, the sector produced a staggering $118.6 billion worth of goods, with $36.8 billion exported internationally. But behind these impressive numbers is a diverse workforce that ensures the wheels of agriculture keep turning. A significant portion of this workforce is seasonal. In 2022, nearly half of the 278,373 individuals employed in this sector worked from May to November, the primary growing season. This seasonal nature of work reflects the fluctuating demand for labour in farming activities, which peak during the planting and harvest periods in Canada. The role of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) is particularly noteworthy. These workers are essential, especially when local labour is insufficient to meet peak seasonal demands. In 2022, the agriculture sector employed 64,660 TFWs, marking a 6.0% increase from the previous year. They represented nearly one in four agricultural workers in Canada, with a significant number working in Ontario's robust greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture industries. Ontario reported 79,852 agricultural workers in 2022, the province is known not just for its volume of workers but also for its substantial agricultural output, generating $21.8 billion in farm cash receipts in the same year. However, securing enough labour remains a challenge, evidenced by the 14,611 job vacancies in the sector in 2022. The reliance on TFWs underscores a critical dependency on external labour sources, predominantly from Mexico, Guatemala, and Jamaica, to sustain agricultural production. As Canada continues to navigate the complexities of agricultural labour, the importance of these workers cannot be overstated. They ensure that Canadian tables are graced with fresh produce year-round and contribute significantly to the nation’s economy through their hard work and dedication. The ongoing management of this labour force is key to maintaining the stability and growth of agriculture in Canada, reflecting a sector that is as dynamic as it is essential.

Manitoba Pork, in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba, and in collaboration with Manitoba’s agricultural sector, is pleased to announce that the Squeal on Pigs Manitoba initiative will receive over $2.6 million over the next four years to further the work of tracking and removing wild pigs from Manitoba’s landscape. “Wild pigs continue to thrive across Manitoba and are vectors for many diseases that have a devastating impact on both domestic pigs as well as other animals,” said Dr. Wayne Lees, project coordinator, Squeal on Pigs Manitoba. “Together with our partners in both the provincial and federal governments, as well as Manitoba’s agricultural sector and stakeholders across the province, this new funding will allow us to further our efforts to track, trap, and remove wild pigs from the landscape and protect our province.” The goal of the Squeal on Pigs campaign is to identify where wild pigs are in Manitoba, control their spread, and remove as many pigs as possible from the landscape. Ultimately, the goal is to eradicate this invasive species from the province. Squeal on Pigs employs field technicians across the province that work with landowners to coordinate tracking and trapping activities and provide tools to partners who work collaboratively on this effort. Squeal on Pigs also has a robust communications and public relations campaign that is ongoing. “Wild pigs can spread disease and cause serious damage to cropland and natural habitats,” said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This vitally important campaign, backed by federal and provincial investments under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, will help manage the population of wild pigs and keep our land and livestock safe.” “Wild pigs pose a significant threat to animal health, environmental health and human health and this program takes critical proactive measures to protect Manitoba’s pork industry,” said Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn. “This important initiative also addresses challenges caused by wild pigs to pastures, forages, crops and other aspects of Manitoba’s agriculture sector.” Manitobans are asked to report evidence of wild pig sightings or any signs of activity so that movements can be better tracked, and eradication efforts can be furthered, either through squealonpigsmb.org or the 1-833-SPOT-PIG hotline. Manitobans are also being asked not to hunt wild pigs on their own, as hunting disperses wild pig populations over wider areas, changing movement patterns and harming trapping efforts. The Manitoba Invasive Swine Eradication Project, later rebranded as Squeal on Pigs Manitoba, was announced in January 2022 as a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, and Manitoba Pork, through funding from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The Sustainable CAP is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5 billion agreement between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

The last few years have been challenging for the pork sector with higher interest rates, lower hog prices, global instability cutting into export demand,and higherfeed prices. The General Manager for Manitoba Pork Cam Dahl says we are coming through that, addingthat things are looking up for the pork industry. "We're seeing support for demand, we areseeing a reduction ininput costs. So things are looking much better now, than they were a couple of years ago." More consumers have been turning to pork at the meat counter due to the increasing cost of food at the grocery store, and the fact that pork is less expensive than beef and chicken. Farm Credit Canada's Deputy Chief Economist Desmond Sobool says we'll likely see that trend continue for a while. "Over the next two years, I am very optimistic. We're seeing strength in hog prices, beef prices are still really high for the farmer and at the retail level. We're seeing a huge contraction in the beef herd in both Canada and the US over the past number of years - like decade-low levels. Ithink these prices are going to stay elevated for a couple of years because there's no incentive right now to rebuild the beef herd. So we're going to see strong beef prices over the next couple of years, which will support pork demand because of the price advantage pork would have over beef. " He notes that with the demand for pork, increases in hog prices and lower feed costs istranslating into some opportunities for better margins. "We've seen feed costs come down significantly from the last few years. Feed costs are the one main cost that producers face, representing about 50 to 60 per cent of their overall total cost." Analysts predict pork will continue to have an advantage at the retail market, due to the elevated beef prices at the grocery store, and the huge contraction happening in the beef herd both in Canada and the U-S.

Giving egg production residue a second life using insects is what a PhD candidate from Université Laval is studying. Mariève Dallaire-Lamontagne is focusing on finding alternative methods for managing byproducts and waste material like carcasses, unmarketable eggs, manure and other organic residue. “We collect the residue and apply a fermentation process,” she told Farms.com from Switzerland where she’s collaborating with colleagues on the economic viability of this idea for farmers. “It’s almost like if we were making a kimchi or a yogurt. We then take the fermented product and feed it to black soldier flies.” Black soldier flies can convert organic waste into protein and fat. These insects can then be fed to poultry or fish or used in the pet food market. The process to create the feed for the flies takes about one week and has a paste-like consistency. And her previous research showed black soldier flies that ate the diet of hatchery waste had more protein in them compared to insects that ate food high in carbohydrates, which resulted in more fat.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is now including livestock resources on its webpages about highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This response comes after the United States Department of Agriculture has confirmed cases of bird flu in multiple dairy herds in the country. As of April 23, herds in eight states have tested positive for avian flu. “Affected cows are showing clinical signs that include a decrease in milk production or feed consumption and thicker consistency milk,” the CFIA says on its webpage. “The animals appear to recover after a period of illness.” The CFIA encourages producers to stay on top of biosecurity measures and says veterinarians should watch for multiple signs in cattle. These include dry manure or constipation, a decrease in feed consumption and a drop in rumen motility. Wild birds appear to be the main source of HPAI, the CFIA says. But when the virus infects another animal, that can create challenges, said Scott Weese, a veterinarian and professor at the University of Guelph. “Any time it moves into a different species, you’re creating more of an opportunity for that virus to change,”

ByDevin Lashley Farms.com Risk Management Intern Will there be a shortfall in the total South American corn crop production, and if so, how will this impact corn commodity prices in the United States. What should farmers be watching to ensure their commodity marketing strategy prepares them for this South American impact? The sub soil moisture over a meter deep is the lowest since record keeping began especially for central Brazil and the 23/24 Brazil Safrinha corn crop as the wet season ends sooner than expected mid-April of 2024. What does the Safrinha corn crop refer to. Safrinha refers to Brazil's 2nd corn crop which is planted right after soybean harvest. Safrinha is normally planted in the midwest and center-south regions of Brazil in January and February. Safrinha means “little harvest” in Portuguese, as initially this harvest was smaller than the first harvest. According to NOAA as of April 10, 2024, nearly all regions within Brazil's Safrinha corn cultivation areas exhibited soil moisture deficits ranging from 30-50%. While some areas in southern Goias and Mato Grosso experienced comparatively milder dryness, they too remained below typical moisture levels. The 1st planted corn crop that pollinates by mid-April to mid-May could survive the less than desirable sub soil moisture as we enter the dry season in May, but the 2nd planted corn crop may not. History shows that a drought with a lack of moisture could result in lower yields by as much as 15 to 20 percent and take production lower, potentially pushing Brazil production below 100 MMT for the world's largest corn exporter. Adding to the mix, Argentina's corn harvest faces further significant cuts due to an unprecedented outbreak of leafhopper insects spreading spiroplasma disease. The weather has not been ideal either and losses in the worst-hit regions are reaching a staggering 40-50%. USDA is reducing the Argentine corn harvest to 55 MMT, but remains well above both the Rosario grain exchange and the Buenos Aires exchanges which have cut their harvest estimates to 50.5 and 52 mmt. A record harvest seems no longer possible for the world's 5th largest corn producer and 3rd largest exporter after last year’s drought-stricken corn crop at 36 mmt. The USDA decided to kick the can down the road in the April crop report and left the Brazil corn crop unchanged at 124 mmt respectively vs. Conab at 110.9 mmt. (Conab is the Brazilian National Supply Company (Conab).) The big debate on the street is who is wrong? USDA says their satellite imagery is showing more corn acres in Northern Brazil, but Conab is saying those corn acres were planted to a different crop. At the end of the day, we may never know but the trade will want to know from the “gold standard” or the “gospel truth” the USDA whether its 124 or something much lower. The current difference is 13.1 mmt or 516 million bushels and a game changer if Conab is right and will move the needle on corn prices in the coming months. The next scheduled USDA May crop report is May 10th, 2024. Combined, these factors could lead to a shortfall in the total South American corn crop by as much as 30 million metric tons or about 1 billion bushels at 140 mmt vs. last year’s total at 173 mmt. The funds have ignored the news

Conservative MP Philip Lawrence asked the government on April 15 if it would pass Bill C-234 in its original form to lower the price of food. Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay answered, citing his experiences as a farmer, and witnessing the effects of climate change. “Being a farmer, I am fully aware that farmers are on the front line of climate change,” the minister said. “They see the devastating impacts of climate change in this country and the destruction of barns, killing cattle.” The minister also cited the price on pollution and the Canada carbon rebate. In his follow-up, Lawrence pressed on about Bill C-234 and asked the government to send a message to people lining up at food banks. Steve MacKinnon, the government House leader, responded. He told the House that Bill C-234 is in the Conservatives hands and they can bring the bill to a floor vote. Also on April 15, Damien Kurek, the Conservative MP for Battle River-Crowfoot, asked about Bill C-234. He cited Vermeer’s Dairy near Camrose, which estimates will be paying $1,500 per month in additional carbon taxes by 2030.

The Coordinator of Squeal on Pigs Manitoba is confident the province's feral pig population will ultimately be eliminated.The Squeal on Pigs campaign was launched in Manitoba in 2022 to inform the public about the damage caused by wild pigs and what to watch for and to provide a mechanism to report sightings. Squeal on Pigs Manitoba Coordinator Dr. Wayne Lees told those on hand last week for Manitoba Pork's 2024 annual general meeting the risks posed by wild pigs fall into three categories. Quote-Dr. Wayne Lees-Squeal on Pigs Manitoba: They affect animal health and those risks are mainly due to their ability to transmit diseases.There's an environmental risk and then finally there's a human safety risk because these animals can be quite aggressive and if they are cornered they can pose a risk to human safety.Probably the most well know populations of wild pigs are in the southern U.S. In those southern states wild pigs are really out of control and their populations are estimated to be in the millions and they cause a lot of damage down there.Our situation in Canada is a bit different.The Eurasian wild boar, that were brought into this country in the 1980s and 1990s have escaped or were released and now have established breeding populations, usually in the agricultural or the semi agricultural areas of the province. Our pigs tend to survive the winter much better.These wild pigs in Canada are adapted to cold climate conditions and so our strategies have to be different. They tend to travel in smaller groups in this country, they tend to travel around more and they tend to be more elusive, they're harder to find than pigs in the U.S. Dr. Lees says the goal of the Squeal on Pigs campaign is to eliminate feral pigs from the landscape and, although he acknowledges that will take time, he is confident that goal will be achieved.To report a wild pig sighting visit squealonpigsmb.org or call 1 833-SPOTPIG. For more visit Farmscape.Ca.

The Swine Health Information Center and the American Association of Swine veterinarians are helping prepare livestock producers for dealing with highly pathogenic avian influenza. In response to the identification of highly pathogenic avian influenza in livestock in the United States including goats and dairy cattle, the Swine Health Information Center in collaboration with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians will host a webinar on influenza A viruses April 19th. SHIC Executive Director Dr. Megan Niederwerder says the webinar will feature an overview of the pathogen's global distribution, research outcomes for highly pathogenic avian influenza experimental infections in swine, experiences and perspectives of the dairy industry and details on the standardized outbreak investigation tool. Quote-Dr. Megan Niederwerder-Swine Health Information Center: We really try and present timely and responsive webinars to inform the U.S. industry on potential emerging disease threats and, of course, generate new knowledge on changes with regards to risks as well as mitigation strategies.We want to provide this information as a comprehensive overview of the influenza A virus as well as risks to the swine industry but also to identify potential biosecurity practices that producers can put in place now. That includes things such as limiting wild bird and wildlife scavenger access to swine farms as well as limiting access to feed such as open feed bins or feed spillage.We also want to identify potential areas in which producers can monitor risk, such as nests or bird dropping near air inlets or entry locations into the swine barn, thinking about what's the risk of surface water and feed contamination from wild bird access and limiting those risks to limit the risk of introduction of any influenza virus into our hog barns. Anyone interested in participating in the April 18th SHIC AASV webinar can register through the Swine Health Information Center website at swinehealth.org.

Pork producers will have an opportunity to learn more about research being conducted in the area of swine welfare as part of the Prairie Swine Centre's upcoming spring producer meetings. "Advancing swine welfare practices to empower your industry: what the Chair in Swine Welfare is doing for you" will be among the topics discussed as part of the Prairie Swine Centre's series of spring producer meetings planned for Strathmore, Alberta April 30, Swift Current, Saskatchewan May 1 and Niverville, Manitoba May 3. Dr. Martyna Lagoda, a Post-doctoral Fellow Swine Behavior and Welfare with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, says the program will be of interest to pork producers, veterinarians and other pork sector stakeholders. Quote-Dr. Martyna Lagoda-Western College of Veterinary Medicine: The NSERC IRC in Swine Welfare is a five-year research program led by Dr. Yolande Seddon at the University of Saskatchewan as the Chair and it's a strategic initiative in response to the need for practical solutions to swine welfare pressures that the industry is faced with.The research program is designed to deliver innovative research to allow the industry to proactively address swine welfare challenges. The key aspect to note here is the applied nature of this research.The highly qualified team developed as part of the NSERC IRC works to align science with industry needs to deliver really practical solutions for the industry.Ultimately the program supports sustainable and ethical food production which positions the Canadian swine industry as a responsible and a trusted pork producer both nationally and globally as an exporter of pork as well. The program is funded by 14 industry partners representing pork boards, producers and genetics companies and this has been matched by NSERC's government funding and we also have funds from the University of Saskatchewan.It's important to mention that the industry's investment in this work demonstrates their commitment to welfare and understanding of the need to proactively address welfare. To register for the Prairie Swine Centre's Spring producer meetings, contact Donna.VanGorp@zoetis.com, Steffen.Klenk@genusplc.com or Ken.Engele@usask.ca.

A new tool being developed by the Western College of Veterinary Medicine will help pork producers and veterinarians assess the economics of their animal welfare practices. The Western College of Veterinary Medicine is conducting a study under which pork producers and veterinarians are being interviewed about management decisions that influence animal welfare and how that relates to business sustainability. Dr. Yolande Seddon, an Associate Professor Swine Welfare and Behavior with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Swine Welfare, says information gathered through this survey will be used to create a tool to support decision making related to animal welfare. Quote-Dr. Yolande Seddon-Western College of Veterinary Medicine: What prompted this work was to help the global swine industry review the bigger picture on interactions between animal welfare, environmental emissions and business sustainability and profitability and market access and how they fit together in a business sustainability model.The outcome of this work is that we aim to produce a tool that will support on farm decision making surrounding decisions that will influence animal welfare but also with the knowledge of how it interacts with business profitability and environmental emissions and therefor overall business sustainability goals that could influence market access. What prompted this work was that there have been increased calls for the swine industry to respond to animal welfare challenges and to make improvements, some of which are resulting in major facility changes as we can see with, for example, the conversion to group sow housing.At the same time there will be, if there is not already, increasing pressure regarding environmental standards that must be met.And we continue to have market pressures which drive the need for efficiency and different market channels. Dr. Seddon says many factors are at play and it isn't necessarily broadly considered or understood how animal welfare and environmental factors are interacting with the overall business sustainability model. For more visit Farmscape.Ca.

The General Manager of Manitoba Pork says how retailers respond to new U.S. labelling requirements for meat, poultry and egg products will determine just how disruptive the regulations will be. Last month U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced U.S. voluntary country of original labelling will come into effect by January 1, 2026. Last week representatives of the Canadian pork sector met with federal agriculture minister Lawrence McCauley to express their concerns and discuss strategy moving forward. Cam Dahl, the General Manager of Manitoba Pork, says the fear is that this change will disrupt the integrated nature of the North American market and result in discrimination against Canadian pigs, as was the case with U.S. Mandatory Country of Origin Labelling which was successfully challenged at the World Trade Organization. Quote-Cam Dahl-Manitoba Pork: We see retailers like Costco, for example, that label their pork products, even here in downtown Winnipeg, as Product of the USA and today the two million pigs that go into Iowa to be finished and processed and packaged are eligible for that Product of the USA label because most of the effort to produce that pork is actually done in the United States. When this change in regulation comes into effect, that would no longer be the case and someone buying Manitoba pigs in Iowa is probably going to think twice about that purchase because their processor is thinking twice about buying animals that don't conform to the Product of the USA labelling.Perhaps the most important question there is what retailers are going to be doing. We really haven't had the opportunity to have those in-depth conversations as of yet.Those discussions really did need to wait until after the final rule was published.That's part of the work that we'll be doing in the next year and a half before the new regulations come into effect. Dahl says the benefits of an integrated market are apparent to producers on both sides of the Canada U.S. border and Mexico and they'll be working together to seek alternatives.

In the quest to redefine agricultural practices, 360 Yield Center unveils 360 RAIN a pioneering robotic irrigation system designed to meet the specific needs of dryland row crop farmers. Farms.com recently spoke with Justin Koch, Innovation Engineer with 360 Yield Center, about this game-changing robotic system. This innovative irrigation system represents a significant advancement in technology, promising to optimize water usage, enhance crop yields, and improve nutrient application efficiency. Robotic Irrigation Unleashed 360 RAIN is equipped with 3,000 feet of hose and a 3-inch diameter, boasting the capability to pump 200 gallons of water per minute. It covers a 160-acre field in about five days, delivering a precise 0.3 inches of precipitation. This meticulous application ensures that crops receive just the right amount of water, optimizing growth conditions without waste. Targeting Dry Land Farmers Koch says the system caters to dryland row crop farmers who already achieve decent yields but know that an additional four inches of water annually can significantly impact their crops. With 360 RAIN farmers can expect an average yield increase of 30 to 50 bushels per acre, highlighting the system's effectiveness in boosting productivity. Enhancing Nutrient Management Beyond irrigation, 360 RAIN excels in nutrient management. The system allows for the injection of clear nutrients directly into the water stream, maximizing the efficiency of fertilizer use. It also introduces an innovative approach to manure management by blending and applying hog or dairy manure at rates of 700 to 1,000 gallons per acre. This method, applied in several split applications throughout the season, presents a substantial cost-saving opportunity by reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. A Holistic Approach to Irrigation Koch explains that 360 RAIN stands out not only for its irrigation capabilities but also for its contribution to sustainable nutrient management. This dual functionality underscores 360 Yield Center's commitment to developing solutions that enhance a

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) recently conducted an analysis illustrating that farmland rental rates are closely aligned with the appreciating values of farmland across Canada. The study analyzed the rent-to-price ratio for cultivated farmland, which reflects the relationship between cash rental rates and farmland values. A stable or increasing ratio suggests that rental rates are either keeping pace or rising faster than land values, an important factor for both current farmers and new entrants considering the financial aspects of farming. In 2023, the national rent-to-price ratio was reported at 2.52%, showing minimal change from the previous year, indicating a continued alignment between rental rates and farmland values. This ratio is particularly significant in regions like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec, which recorded the highest increases in farmland values along with a corresponding rise in rental rates. J.P. Gervais, FCC's chief economist, highlighted the importance of renting as a strategic option amidst rising land values and interest rates. Renting allows new and expanding farmers to avoid the heavy upfront costs associated with purchasing land. The detailed provincial breakdown provided by FCC shows variations across different regions, with some areas like Ontario and select Atlantic provinces experiencing slower growth in rental rates compared to land value appreciation. FCC's insights aim to assist those in the agriculture sector by providing economic knowledge and forecasts to help them make informed decisions regarding land management. This guidance is crucial for producers evaluating the trade-offs between renting and purchasing land, considering factors like cash flow, financing options, and long-term growth potential. For more information and to access the full analysis, visit FCC Economics at fcc.ca/Economics.

Water and nitrogen are the primary limiting factors for corn crops. Nitrogen, in particular, is both the largest volume nutrient supplied and the most expensive. However, its application can be unpredictable due to its mobility in the soil, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. Around 75% of the nitrogen uptake by the plant occurs after the V10 growth stage, with the remainder used later in the season. Thus, early signs of nitrogen deficiency, such as kernel abortion and stalk cannibalization, indicate that the plant has already responded to shortages. To improve nitrogen efficiency, it's crucial to adopt a "spoon-feeding" approach, providing just enough nitrogen at the right time. This requires understanding how much nitrogen the corn plant needs at various growth stages and how to measure and apply it accurately. Ron Lloyd, an agronomist, and the 360 Yield Center have been studying nitrogen usage in corn plants to develop better application strategies. Modern hybrids utilize nitrogen later in their growth cycles, meaning that a V10 corn plant requires about three-quarters of its total nitrogen requirement by mid-season. To ensure this, it's essential to monitor nitrate levels in the soil throughout the growing season. Traditionally, this process has been slow and expensive. However, the 360 Soil Scan from 360 Yield Centre offers a solution by providing nitrate readings and nitrogen forecasts within minutes, allowing farmers to make timely and informed decisions. The 360 Soil Scan machine connects wirelessly to an iPad and comes with a user-friendly app that guides farmers through the testing process and helps interpret the results. Additionally, the app includes a nitrogen needs calculator that estimates the amount of nitrogen required to reach a specified yield goal based on factors such as crop stage and soil organic matter. Sampling soil from representative locations within the field is crucial for accurate nitrate level assessment. The Yield Patrol app assists in tracking sample locations and ensures consistency in sampling methods. Proper sample collection, including depth and location considerations, is essential for obtaining reliable data. For banded nitrogen applications, care must be taken to avoid sampling from the concentrated zone. The 360 Soil Scan tool offers farmers a comprehensive solution for nitrogen management, helping them optimize nitrogen application practices, reduce input costs, and increase crop yields. With its user-friendly interface and real-time data insights, the tool empowers farmers to make informed decisions that maximize the potential of their corn crops.

In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, Ag Leader stands out with its RightSpot pulsing technology and its BoomLoop system. Farms.com recently chatted with Russ Morman, Ag Leader Marketing Representative, about its RightSpot pulsing technology and its BoomLoop system advancements. According to Morman, these technologies promise to transform how farmers approach the crucial task of spraying, making it more efficient, accurate, and productive. RightSpot: A Leap in Spraying Precision The RightSpot technology introduces a pulsing system that controls the duty cycle of each nozzle independently. This breakthrough allows for consistent droplet size regardless of the sprayer's speed or the pressure changes, ensuring optimal coverage and preventing drift or inadequate weed control. Especially beneficial when navigating uneven terrains or varying speeds, RightSpot maintains perfect droplet size, enhancing the effectiveness of applications. Tailored Coverage with Individual Nozzle Control A standout feature of RightSpot is its individual nozzle control, which rectifies common issues such as under or over-application when turning. This capability ensures uniform coverage across the entire boom, dramatically improving the application's precision and reducing the risk of crop damage or insufficient weed control. Efficiency Redefined: Saving Time and Resources RightSpot also addresses the challenge of spraying around waterways, which is often a time-consuming task. With its precise nozzle control, farmers can drive through these areas without worrying about off-target spraying, significantly cutting down on time and increasing productivity. Introducing BoomLoop: Continuous Chemical Efficacy Complementing RightSpot, its BoomLoop technology offers an automatic recirculation feature. This ensures that chemicals stay mixed and ready for applicati

Water and nitrogen are the primary limiting factors for corn crops. Nitrogen, in particular, is both the largest volume nutrient supplied and the most expensive. However, its application can be unpredictable due to its mobility in the soil, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. Around 75% of the nitrogen uptake by the plant occurs after the V10 growth stage, with the remainder used later in the season. Thus, early signs of nitrogen deficiency, such as kernel abortion and stalk cannibalization, indicate that the plant has already responded to shortages. To improve nitrogen efficiency, it's crucial to adopt a "spoon-feeding" approach, providing just enough nitrogen at the right time. This requires understanding how much nitrogen the corn plant needs at various growth stages and how to measure and apply it accurately. Ron Lloyd, an agronomist, and the 360 Yield Center have been studying nitrogen usage in corn plants to develop better application strategies. Modern hybrids utilize nitrogen later in their growth cycles, meaning that a V10 corn plant requires about three-quarters of its total nitrogen requirement by mid-season. To ensure this, it's essential to monitor nitrate levels in the soil throughout the growing season. Traditionally, this process has been slow and expensive. However, the 360 Soil Scan from 360 Yield Centre offers a solution by providing nitrate readings and nitrogen forecasts within minutes, allowing farmers to make timely and informed decisions. The 360 Soil Scan machine connects wirelessly to an iPad and comes with a user-friendly app that guides farmers through the testing process and helps interpret the results. Additionally, the app includes a nitrogen needs calculator that estimates the amount of nitrogen required to reach a specified yield goal based on factors such as crop stage and soil organic matter. Sampling soil from representative locations within the field is crucial for accurate nitrate level assessment. The Yield Patrol app assists in tracking sample locations and ensures consistency in sampling methods. Proper sample collection, including depth and location considerations, is essential for obtaining reliable data. For banded nitrogen applications, care must be taken to avoid sampling from the concentrated zone. The 360 Soil Scan tool offers farmers a comprehensive solution for nitrogen management, helping them optimize nitrogen application practices, reduce input costs, and increase crop yields. With its user-friendly interface and real-time data insights, the tool empowers farmers to make informed decisions that maximize the potential of their corn crops.

Risk Management Intern 1. USDA’s Crop Progress The USDA’s crop progress report will be released on Monday April 22nd which could show that the U.S. 2024 corn, soybean, and spring wheat planting will start to fall behind in planting as a result of rainstorms that are predicted to last through April 26th. The record fast planting pace is no longer part of the narrative. If some regions cannot plant early, top end yields will start to come down. Those regions that were dry will welcome the moisture, but many would have preferred it 2 to 3 weeks from now after planting was complete. The western U.S. remains dry while the east is too wet. The 5-year average for next week for U.S. corn is 11 percent, soybeans 4 percent, cotton 11 percent, oats 42 percent (already at 43 percent as of April 13, 2024) and spring wheat 12 percent. Look for improvements in U.S. topsoil and subsoil moisture with 1-3 inches of moisture that fell this week. 2. U.S. Q1 GDP The U.S. Q1 GDP figures will be released on Thursday April 25th.The 4th quarter of 23 GDP was a + 3.3 percent, far above the 2 percent gain wall street was looking for. Overall it exceeded most predictions at the beginning of the year. Fed forecasts for Q1 GDP for 2024 show a 2.1 percent increase in real GDP, increased from previous estimates of around 1.4 percent in December. The strong U.S. economy is not provided any clues to the U.S. Fed to lower interest rates and is why the rates are not comingdown. The earliest is now September of 24 -- 6 months after the fact. 3. Crude oil Keep an eye crude oil prices on any Israeli plans to retaliate and attack Iran in the Israel-Hamas-Iran war. Higher crude oil prices could spill over into a higher commodity complex and drive grain prices along for the rise. However, Iran is trapped as they cannot afford to stop shipping oil exports to China, it’s not in their best interest to disrupt 31 percent of global oil exports through the Strait of Hormuth and they can’t win a war with Israel and the U.S. 4. USDA Cold storage Wednesday April 24th marks the next release date for the USDA cold storage report. Last month's cold storage report showed natural cheese stocks rose slightly compared to the previous month and 2 percent from a year ago. Butter stocks surged by 19 percent month-on-month and slightly increased year-on-year. However, frozen poultry supplies dipped by 1 percent from the previous month and 5 percent from last year, with chicken stocks down 5 percent month-on-month and 9 percent from last year. Turkey stocks saw a notable 9 percent increase from last month and 4 percent from February 29, 2023. Despite declines in frozen fruit and vegetable stocks, red meat supplies also fell, with beef and pork stocks decreasing month-on-month and year-on-year. With the HPAI virus in the U.S. dairy cow herd look for a build up in beef in cold storage. For daily information and updates on agriculture com