Preserving water quality while feeding another 2 billion people by 2050 is the challenge facing North America’s farmers and its agricultural supply chain, according to an article on TFI.org. The annual 4R Summit, sponsored by The Fertilizer Institute, was held in Minneapolis June 12 and 13 to share effective nutrient stewardship tenets and practices. Farmers, scientists, manufacturers, field agronomists, state and federal government specialists, and non-profit organizations were among the 238 attendees at the third annual 4R summit. Also present were conservation organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy, the Conservation Technology Information Center and the National Association of Conservation Districts, collaborating to make farming more efficient, sustainable and profitable.

This multi-stakeholder effort champions stewardship and sustainability using “4R” Best Management Practices: applying the right fertilizer source at the right rate at the right time and in the right place. These science-based practices deploy the right types of fertilizers more efficiently, at precisely the most effective rate, time, and place. Many research efforts are underway to identify sustainability and profitability impacts of 4R practices, and the Summit provided an opportunity to hear directly from the experts on the outcomes of their work.

Fourth-generation Wellington, MO, farmer Lynn Fahrmeier, informed the audience on his use of 4R principles. He uses nitrogen stabilizers to protect fall-applied nitrogen fertilizer from fall and winter precipitation, before his crops need them the following growing season. He also uses precision farming technology to tailor his fertilizer rates, seeding rates and hybrid type to each of three soil-productivity zones. He determines these zones with soil tests and GPS mapping technology, which guides applicators and planters as they traverse his fields. He was an early adopter of no-till and reduced tillage, which leave crop residues undisturbed behind to decompose into soil organic matter and make soils more resilient.

Minnesota hosted the TFI 4R Summit because it has a variety of public-private partnerships empowering farmers to identify what works best for their individual farm to use nutrients most effectively: The farmer-led Minnesota/Wisconsin Discovery Farms program collects and interprets confidential edge-of field data on nutrient losses and how to prevent them using the 4R approach. Edge of field water-monitoring equipment gathers surface runoff and tile flow data 24/7 every day to track sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus loss. They use 4R solutions to prevent these going forward.

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association partners with the University of Minnesota to increase farmers’ nitrogen use efficiency. They also fund innovation grants to explore more efficient nutrient use, cover crop use and nitrogen-use modeling.

In the private sector, certified field agronomist Kevin Cruize, with Central Farm Service, helps Southern Minnesota farmers collect and analyze soil data for precision nutrient application prescriptions, and establish replicated test plots to identify what works and what doesn’t with various nutrients, nutrient levels, and by hybrid. Nitrogen models such as Adapt-N and Encirca correlate weather events, soil types and nitrogen rates to improve farmers’ nitrogen-use efficiency. His company also offers advanced strip-till custom and nitrogen sidedressing services, to try reduced tillage and split nitrogen applications without a huge equipment capital outlay.

The 2018 4R Summit will meet in Des Moines, IA, next summer. Look for details next spring.

As the daughter of a peanut farmer, Krysta Harden, Chief Sustainability Officer for DuPont Crop Protection, understands the importance the Environmental Respect program has played in the lives of both the company and its recipients. “This program is an important part of what our company does — recognize good stewards,” said Harden, speaking at the 2017 Environmental Respect Award celebration week, held in Wilmington, DE, in mid-July. “The connection you winners have made as part of this program to our customers is invaluable.”

Recognizing those ag retailers from around the globe that have gone above-and-beyond when it comes to their environmental stewardship has taken on increased importance in today’s world, she said. “Right now, we have a disconnect with consumers across the globe about what agriculture does and stands for,” said Harden.

Read the full story on EnvironmentalRespect.com.

To celebrate their accomplishments in the area of environmental stewardship, award recipients at the 2017 Environmental Respect week spent much of their second day together touring the Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. Spread out over more than 1,000 acres, the Longwood grounds features all manner of horticultural delights, from 100-year-old trees, color-coordinated flower gardens, and a host of water fountains that “dance” to music. Longwood Gardens was founded by Pierre S. du Pont, one of the founders the company that would one day birth DuPont Crop Protection, sponsors of the Environmental Respect Awards.

Once touring the grounds was complete, attendees piled into a pair of tour buses and headed over to the evening festivities at the famed DuPont Country Club. Here, winners gathered for a group photo taken in front of the country club’s iconic DuPont sign, spelled out in a series of different colored flowers.

From there, attendees finally had the chance to tell their stories — in person and through images. As part of any Environmental Respect Award celebration week, DuPont has oversized posters made highlighting the accomplishments of each global winner in words and pictures. Once these are viewed by attendees, all the winners have a chance to address the assembled group to expand upon their company stories, environmental accomplishments, and places in the global world of agriculture.

Read the full story on EnvironmentalRespect.com.

One of the most memorable moments in movie history occurred in the Academy Award-winning 1976 film “Rocky.” Haven gotten his chance at a major fight, the title character spends several weeks training to get into peak fighting shape. One of the inspirational moments happens when Rocky finally sprints up the steps of the Philadelphia (PA) Museum of Art, jumping for joy as he reaches “the top of his game” to the Bill Conti tune “Gonna Fly Now.”

In the spirit of reaching “the top of their game,” the 2017 Environmental Respect Award winners spent part of their third day together scaling these same steps while visiting the city of Philadelphia and posing for a group photo. Same participants even took the time to take a snapshot with the statue of Rocky positioned at the bottom of the Art Museum steps.

“This is a great way to help those exceptional ag retailers from the around the globe celebrate their important accomplishments by recognizing the parallels between them and Rocky from the movie,” said Wendelyn Jones, Project Stewardship and Sustainability Manager for DuPont Crop Protection, which sponsors the annual awards event.

Read the full story on EnvironmentalRespect.com.

Editors Eric Sfiligoj and Paul Schrimpf discuss reports from the field and comments from Monsanto about dicamba drift this season, and discuss what to expect from next week’s InfoAg conference.

After a week of fun, enjoying food, sights, and company information, DuPont Crop Protection representatives and their Environmental Respect guests from around the world gathered at a special gala ceremony in the Gold Room at Hotel du Pont on Thursday, July 20. Although all the gathered attendees had already won regional awards in the annual competition honoring the world’s top environmentally-friendly outlets, visitors were anxious to find out which companies among them were awarded the title of Ambassador of Respect. In all, four ag retailers from around the world were announced as “the best of the best.”

One of the winners, from the Asia Pacific region, was Narayani Agrichems from Andhra Pradesh, India. “I am humbled and contented to have our company named as an Ambassador of Respect,” said the company’s Venkata Reddy. “This is a very great honor for all of our hard working employees.”

The other Ambassadors of Respect included Agro Amazonia Productos Agropecuarios of Brazil, Vadalex-Agro SRL of Moldova, and MFA Agri-Services of Centralia, MO.

“I am flattered that our location was named the North America Ambassador of Respect for 2017,” said MFA’s Brad Toedebusch, accepting the award. “Our company has always worked hard to achieve environmental and safety respect in our operations and it’s nice to be recognized for these efforts, many of which come from the input of our employees.”

To learn more about the achievements of the 2017 Ambassadors of Respect winners and all the Environmental Respect winners, please visit www.environmentalrespect.com.

Lindsay Corp. has  announced the appointment of Timothy Hassinger as president and CEO and a member of its board of directors, effective October 16, 2017. Hassinger will succeed President and CEO Rick Parod, who previously announced he is retiring later this year after 17 years of service to the company.

“The board unanimously agrees that Tim is the right choice to lead this great company into the future,” said Michael C. Nahl, Lindsay’s Chairman of the Board. “He brings global business experience with an exceptional track record of business leadership and creating profitable growth. This, combined with his people and customer focused operating style, has fueled his ability to exceed customer expectations and consistently deliver strong financial results.”

Hassinger, 55, currently serves as President and CEO of Dow AgroSciences, headquartered in Indianapolis, IN. Dow AgroSciences, a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Co., is a leader in seeds and crop protection chemicals with more than $6 billion of sales in 120 countries and 8,000 employees.

“I look forward to working with the board and management team at Lindsay to build on the strong Lindsay brand and innovative products to provide new solutions to customers around the world,” said Hassinger.

A 33-year veteran of Dow AgroSciences, Hassinger has held a series of senior leadership positions throughout his career across a variety of the company’s domestic and international business units. Prior to becoming President and CEO of Dow AgroSciences in 2014, he served as the company’s Global Commercial Leader and Vice President for the Crop Protection Global Business Unit. Previously he served as Vice President for the Dow AgroSciences business in the Europe, Latin America, and Pacific regions. In 2005 he moved to Shanghai, China where he served as Regional Commercial Unit Leader for Greater China. From 1984 to 2005 he proceeded to hold a variety of commercial and supply chain positions of increasing responsibility.

Hassinger received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois and grew up on a family farm in Central Illinois. He is also active in a number of industry associations, as well as civic and charitable causes.

Nahl concluded, “On behalf of our shareholders, board and executive team, I want to thank Rick Parod for his many contributions over the past 17 years. Under his leadership, Lindsay has grown from a single plant generating approximately $100 million in revenues to an international leader in irrigation solutions, water management and infrastructure products with revenues of over $500 million. During his tenure he and his talented management team have invested in organic growth opportunities, completed a number of accretive and synergistic acquisitions and created over $1 billion in shareholder value as measured by share price appreciation, share buybacks and dividends. His contributions leave the company well positioned for continued future success.”

BASF on Thursday addressed questions about spreading dicamba drift issues on a media briefing call.

In Arkansas – which is investigating 720 complaints about the herbicide drifting from neighboring farms – Dr. Dan Westburg, BASF technical service manager, observed that in most of the cases he saw, buffer zone guidelines were not followed. The state requires a one-quarter-mile downwind buffer, plus 100 feet on the other three sides of the field, yet Westburg says he saw cases where the buffer was as narrow as a field row or ditch, and at least one case where there was no buffer at all.

Moreover, there was frequently a strong indication that the wrong nozzle was used.

“The one thing I emphasize above all else in making an on-target application is the right nozzle selection. If that’s not done, there is nothing else you can do to improve upon the application,” he said.

He noted that BASF issued more than 600,000 nozzles to applicators in its nozzle giveaway program.

Westburg also saw cases where uniform symptomology suggested some form of tank contamination, as opposed to spray particle drift. However, concrete evidence of this is harder to pin down.

Applications occurring late in the evening or at night during a temperature inversion likely added to the problem. Moreover, the boom height was likely too high in applications done then.

“I think inversions are one of least understood things we’re dealing with from a weather perspective,” Gary Schmitz, BASF technical service manager, said. Not only can droplets can move longer distances, “but movement during inversions can be confused with volatility.”

Specifying that no night-time applications should be made “is maybe a clarity we could add to the recommendations, versus just during temperature inversions,” particularly for parts of the northeast Delta, Westburg said.

He stressed: “I talked to a large number of growers who have had success and had excellent control of Palmer amaranth. They said, ‘We’ve gotten best control of Palmer amaranth that we’ve gotten in 10 years or more.’ The product is being used effectively and on-target, and we’re working through other areas where the restrictions have not been followed.”

Throughout the Corn Belt, Engenia applications were, on the whole, successful in controlling tough and resistant weeds, and without incident, Schmitz said.

More than 10 million acres of soybean and cotton were treated with Engenia this season.

In some of the cases of off-target movement being investigated in the Corn Belt, “it was clear that not all labels were followed, they weren’t using the right nozzles, there was incorrect boom height, or there was spraying during high winds and temperature inversions,” he said.

“BASF is committed to developing fact, science-based recommendations that focus on long-term solutions for farmers. We can only do so once we have further clarity on the ongoing investigations regarding crop responses attributed to dicamba,” Westburg said. The company is working jointly with state regulators, extension weed scientists, consultants, and growers to identify what occurred and “the areas we need to further enhance,” he said.

Schmitz noted that in states where face-to-face training was mandated – including Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina – it has had fewer complaint calls. BASF will continue to reach out to more growers and applicators via its On Target Application Academy to train on application stewardship over the next several years, he said.

Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture these days. And while measuring sustainability and its on-farm impact can seem difficult to define, one nutrient use efficiency company is helping farmers define success with sustainability and adopt new tools, technologies and practices that support it.

“At Verdesian Life Sciences, we define sustainability as continuous agronomic and environmental improvement that is both sustainable and profitable – that means helping farmers outdo what they’ve always done on every acre,” says Greg Thompson, Verdesian president and chief operating officer. “What we define we can measure and, therefore, improve.”

Verdesian is committed to helping farmers maintain and improve water quality and soil health, but without hurting their profit potential. The Verdesian product portfolio includes innovative technologies that help improve nutrient use efficiency and nutrient uptake, helping farmer sustainability efforts, increasing crop quality and yields, and making them more profitable, at the same time.

“Sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive,” says Thompson. “Farmers have to remain in business to implement sustainable practices, so profitability is crucial. Nutrient management and efficiency technologies are designed to enhance crop uptake of inputs, simultaneously improving crop quality and yields while reducing the potential risk of nutrient loss to the environment.”

Maximizing nutrient efficiency means making more fertilizer accessible for plant uptake, where it can be used for plant growth and performance, rather than lost to the environment or moved offsite. One way to maximize nutrient efficiency is for farmers to adopt the 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship program, meaning they apply fertilizer from the right source, at the right rate, right time and right place.

Another way to maximize nutrient efficiency is to use advanced technologies like NutriSphere-N Nitrogen Fertilizer Manager to protect applied nitrogen (N) from loss to the environment, or AVAIL Phosphorus Fertilizer Enhancer to reduce the fixation of applied phosphorus, keeping more of it available for plant uptake. These are just two examples of how the Verdesian product portfolio encourages profitability and sustainability at the same time.

“We believe farmers can improve water quality and soil health through more efficient nutrient stewardship,” says Thompson. “That means getting more nutrients directly into the plant, where they can be used by a crop that needs them. We must maximize nutrient efficiency at both the macro and micro level, ensuring that nutrients are available for plant uptake.”

In addition, Verdesian works with agronomists, farmers and industry partners to look at agronomic issues like soil health and ensure their technologies and practices are sustainable and profitable. Unlike older nitrogen stabilizer technologies, Verdesian technologies address soil health concerns by providing N management technologies that do not kill beneficial soil bacteria and microbes that contribute to crop health and yield.

“Many sustainability challenges can be addressed as agronomic opportunities – if we can help farmers address the needs of their crops, their soil and their water, we can improve the impact they have on the land and on our communities,” says Thompson.

With planting season just around the corner, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) reminds farmers to follow five basic steps for stewardship of treated seed:

1. Follow Directions: Follow directions on treated seed container labels for handling, storage, planting, and disposal practices.
2. Eliminate Flowering Weeds: Eliminate flowering plants and weeds in and around the field prior to planting.
3. Minimize Dust: Use advanced seed flow lubricants that minimize dust.
4. BeeAware: At planting, be aware of honey bees and hives located near the field, and communicate with beekeeper when possible.
5. Clean and Remove: Completely clean and remove all treated seed left in containers and equipment used to handle harvested grain, and dispose of it properly. Keep all treated seed out of the commodity grain channels.

“Seed treatment technologies are an effective agronomic tool that provides seeds with the necessary protection for a strong, healthy start,” said ASTA President & CEO Andrew W. LaVigne. “It’s important to always follow proper handling procedures to ensure seed treatment solutions result in success for everyone involved and minimize the risk of exposure to non-targeted organisms.”

For more information, visit the newly redesigned seed-treatment-guide.com. The Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship is a partnership between ASTA, Agricultural Retailers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, CropLife America, National Corn Growers Association, and National Cotton Council.

This year, Iowa State University is celebrating 10 years of service to the seed industry through its online Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business (STB) and will be commemorating this milestone with the roll out of several initiatives in the coming years, including a football tailgate party this fall to be held before an Iowa State Cyclones football game, according to an article on SeedWorld.com.

The Seed Technology and Business program enrolled its first graduate students in the fall of 2007. Since that time, the program has grown exponentially, with students from more than 22 states and 11 different countries. This fall, the program will celebrate its 50th graduate. There are currently more than 60 students working toward completing their master’s degree or certificate in Seed Science and Technology or Seed Business Management.

“We take a lot of pride in each of our students and understand that it is quite an accomplishment to complete a master’s degree while continuing to work full time and still have an active family life,” says Lori Youngberg, Seed Technology and Business graduate program coordinator. “We are looking forward to acknowledging all of our students, alumni, faculty and staff in a 10-YEAR celebration this fall.”

The Seed Technology and Business graduate program attracts students from Iowa who are employed by seed companies. Yet, because the STB program is delivered completely online, the program’s enrollment of out-of-state and international students has increased steadily during the past 10 years.

Individuals interested in the graduate program can submit their application for the spring 2018 semester through November. Orientation courses are offered every summer. For more information about the STB online graduate program or online learning in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University, contact Lori Youngberg at 515-294-9137 or seedgrad@iastate.edu.

As the daughter of a peanut farmer, Krysta Harden, Chief Sustainability Officer for DuPont Crop Protection, understands the importance ag retailer-centric programs such as the company’s Environmental Respect Awards has played in the lives of both the company and its recipients. “This program is an important of what our company does – recognize good stewards,” said Harden, speaking at the 2017 Environmental Respect Award celebration week, held in Wilmington, DE, in mid-July. “The connection you winners have made as part of this program to our customers is invaluable.”

Recognizing those ag retailers from around the globe that have gone above-and-beyond when it comes to their environmental stewardship has taken on increased importance in the today’s world, she said. “Right now, we have a disconnect with consumers across the globe about what agriculture does and stands for,” said Harden.

To combat this attitude, Harden encouraged ag retailers to share their positive stories with everyone they possibly could. “Talk about the good things you know farmers are doing in your areas of the world,” she said. “The consuming public needs to have more information about where their food comes from.

“I also encourage you to be leaders in your communities, especially in those that don’t fully understand what agriculture is all about and how it goes out of its way to protect the land and water around it,” she concluded.

AGCO and The Climate Corp. announced today that a definitive agreement has been signed for AGCO to acquire the Precision Planting equipment business.

“Precision Planting is a strong business that plays an essential role in the growth and adoption of innovative precision ag practices that help farmers enhance their productivity,” said Mike Stern, chief executive officer for The Climate Corporation. “As a leading global equipment manufacturer, AGCO is uniquely positioned to enable broader distribution of Precision Planting technology and will continue the development of innovative products that improve the efficiency and productivity for farmers around the world.”

“The acquisition of Precision Planting will solidify AGCO as one of the global leaders in planting technology and strengthen our position as a full line partner for professional farmers across the globe,” said Martin Richenhagen, AGCO’s chairman, president and chief executive officer.

The Climate Corporation’s Climate FieldView digital agriculture platform will retain connectivity with Precision Planting’s 20/20 SeedSense monitor.

The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.

Read industry reaction from InfoAg 2017 on PrecisionAg.com.

Editors Eric Sfiligoj and Dan Jacobs discuss news from the recent Biocontrols Conference in South Africa, the first dicamba-related lawsuits, and the events coming up in the next few weeks.

Trials across the Midwest and Midsouth conducted by farmers and retailers through Dow AgroSciences’ Field Forward on-farm research program showed superior burndown control on tough broadleaf weeds using Elevore herbicide.

Powered by a new Group 4 growth regulator herbicide developed by Dow AgroSciences called Arylex active, Elevore is proven to effectively control labeled broadleaf weeds, including glyphosate- and ALS-resistant marestail, lambsquarters, cutleaf evening-primrose and henbit.

Elevore, which will be labeled for use prior to planting soybeans, corn and cotton, will be available to farmers for the 2018 spring burndown season.

“We targeted glyphosate-resistant marestail between 5 and 8 inches in trials through Field Forward trials and are seeing superior control,” says Jeff Ellis, Ph.D., field scientist, Dow AgroSciences. “Elevore provided excellent activity on marestail across a wide range of geographies and at various heights, including 8-inch-tall marestail, preventing regrowth so farmers can plant into a clean field.”

Marestail is the first annual broadleaf weed with documented glyphosate resistance. If left uncontrolled, herbicide-resistant marestail can present huge challenges for farmers at planting and throughout the growing season. A single female marestail plant can produce approximately 200,000 seeds that are transported by wind, perpetuating the spread of herbicide-resistant populations.

The low use rate of 1 ounce per acre makes Elevore an excellent fit in reduced- and no-till production systems for burndown applications before planting soybeans, corn and cotton. The no-till fit has retail agronomists like Levi Lehmkuhl, Hiawatha, Kansas, eager to incorporate Elevore herbicide into burndown program recommendations for his customers. More than 90 percent of soybean and corn acres in his northeastern Kansas trade territory are no-till.

“I went to the field every day after application and, the first three days, I questioned if anything was going to happen because nothing had really changed in the appearance of the weeds,” Lehmkuhl says. “And then I went over the next day, and things were completely wilted. The appearance had changed drastically — overnight. Elevore had smoked everything in its path.”

Visual signs of control don’t appear immediately because the active ingredient in Elevore herbicide, Arylex active, is absorbed by the plant’s cells, where the herbicide binds with specific auxin receptors in the cell’s nucleus. The delayed response is due to the gradual, albeit complete, absorption process. Once absorbed by the plant’s nucleus, Arylex active halts growth and the plant dies, providing complete control.

“Arylex active provides systemic control and does a great job of virtually eliminating the chance for regrowth of targeted plants,” Ellis says. “Symptoms on targeted plants are shown as typical auxin responses followed by necrosis and death. This type of plant control gives growers peace of mind that their fields will be cleaner at planting.”

Elevore should be applied with commonly used residual herbicides, such as Surveil® herbicide, and burndown tank-mix partners, including 2,4-D and glyphosate, up to 14 days before planting soybeans.

For more information, visit ElevoreHerbicide.com or contact your retailer or Dow AgroSciences sales representative.

AMVAC Chemical Corp. has announced collaboration with the J. R. Simplot Co. to field test the proprietary SIMPAS prescriptive application equipment from AMVAC. SIMPAS stands for Smart Integrated Multi-product Prescriptive Application System. This technology enables Simplot Grower Solutions (SGS); a division of the J. R. Simplot Co. and leading full-service agronomic input supplier, to test run the application equipment as part of the SGS comprehensive services provided to their growers. SIMPAS allows growers to apply multiple differentiated products to only the portion of the fields needing specific inputs. This is possible by using new SmartCartridge container technology to utilize on-the-row RFID-tagged containers for application.

The collaboration allows AMVAC to install hardware and software at select SGS retail locations in order for those retailers to handle and process the SmartCartridges used by SIMPAS equipment to prescriptively apply products. SGS will then be able to pre-commercially test SIMPAS SmartCartridge hardware and software at multiple SGS locations during the 2018 crop cycle in anticipation of the soft launch of the technology in 2019 by AMVAC.

According to Dave Dufault, Vice President and General Manager, J. R. Simplot Co., “We’ve been big and early supporters of 4R Nutrient Stewardship to ensure growers use the right fertilizer in the right amounts at the right time and in the right place and this technology expands these services to a total solution. Combining SmartFarm data-driven agronomy solutions from Simplot and SIMPAS technology from AMVAC, we can enable farmers to apply crop protection, nutrition and specialty products to only those areas of their fields where they’re needed. That’s good stewardship and it helps farmers maximize their return on investment.”

Bob Trogele, AMVAC COO, says, “Simplot Grower Solutions is one of the premier precision ag organizations in the world so we’re thrilled with the opportunity to make pre-commercial SIMPAS systems available to their leading-edge, innovative farmers. Simplot crop advisors, utilizing the Simplot SMARTFARM program, know where and at what rate each product should be applied. The opportunity to combine SIMPAS application technology with SmartFarm prescriptions and post-harvest analysis will give participating farmers and their advisors a head start in the process of scouting for location-specific problems, identifying solutions, developing and applying prescriptions, and assessing the results.

Installed as “after-market” equipment on a wide range of planter brands and models, SIMPAS equipment will prescriptively apply multiple in-furrow products from on-the-row SmartCartridges in a manner that is similar to the way a printer dispenses ink from multiple ink cartridges. The system uses software to control the application rate of each product on every row at every location in the field with an accuracy of +/- 1%. Each SmartCartridge is a self-contained closed-delivery container that is equipped with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag that confirms each cartridge is authorized for use, properly installed, and in the correct position on the planter. The RFID tag also “links” individual cartridges with the purchaser, enabling farmers to receive credit for unused SmartCartridge contents when returned to the original place of purchase.

More than 40,000 customers and almost 9,000 Indiana and Michigan farmers will begin doing business with the new Ceres Solutions Cooperative, effective September 1.

That’s because, at the recommendation of their Board of Directors, hundreds of members voted in favor of the merger between Wabash-based North Central Cooperative, and Crawfordsville-based Ceres Solutions LLP late last fall. Since the almost unanimous positive vote, employee teams have been going about the business of serving agronomy, energy and feed customers as usual… plus working behind the scenes on what all hope will be a smooth transition.

For local customers, who will still be served by the same local teams in the same locations, the main difference they may notice is a new logo on the North Central side, and on the Ceres Solutions side, a renewed commitment to the business philosophy of being centered on the customer.

“There was not much geographic overlap, so our employees have been reaching out to each other to tighten the service network we have across Indiana and up into Michigan,” says new Board Chairman Rob Versprille from his family farm near Cicero, IN. “We are certain to go to market stronger as one. Plus, we are fortunate; this partnership is between two financially sound, successful entities with two very like-minded cultures.”

A group of 12 representative directors has been elected to support and champion key initiatives of the cooperative. They are: (alphabetical order): David Bayne (Twin Lake, MI); Rick Brubaker (Warren, IN); Norm Gable (North Manchester, IN); Dale Johnson (Clarks Hill, IN); Rex Marchino (Vincennes, IN); Howard Rippy Jr. (Ladoga, IN); Rick Risley (Kentland, IN); Tom Schwenk (Rochester, IN); Del Unger (Carlisle, IN); Rob Versprille (Noblesville, IN); Randy Waling (Rensselaer, IN); and Gary Wilson (Wabash, IN).

Ceres Solutions Cooperative President and CEO Jeff Troike shared the enthusiasm both teams feel for the merger. “We believe the strengths to be gained will be significant, and our customers should know: our local commitment to serving their needs remains the same.”

For more information about the organization, visit www.ceresllp.com and www.ncc.coop. After September 1, please visit us at www.ceres.coop.

Aligned Ag Distributors LLC has announced that Green Valley Farm Supply, Inc., of Gonzales, CA, will be joining Franklin Holding Co., LLC, effective October 1, 2017. They join six founding owners and the four that have been added since Aligned Ag Distributors was formed in early 2015. Aligned Ag Distributors is jointly held by Franklin Holding Co. and WinField® United and provides crop protection procurement and rebate management services exclusively to the owners of Franklin Holding Co.

“We are delighted to have Green Valley Farm Supply join our ranks,” said Mary Tolke, CEO of Aligned Ag Distributors. “They are well positioned in key vegetable growing areas in California and Arizona and will help us expand our reach and our portfolio of product offerings on the west coast.”

“They are joining several other highly reputable retail distribution businesses that influence and serve key markets in the U.S.,” said Steve Watts, Chairman of Franklin Holding Co. “This is an important next step as we continue our efforts to provide superior market influence and access in support of the manufacturers of our crop protection products.”

Further inquiries may be directed to: info@alignedagdistributors.com.

The new Case IH Trident 5550 liquid/dry combination applicator is the industry’s fastest converting combination applicator on a row-crop chassis. It’s engineered from the ground up to be changed from liquid to dry and back again throughout three seasons of use.

“Efficient use of capital and resources is a priority for everyone in agriculture these days,” said Mark Burns, Case IH Application Equipment Marketing Manager. “So is timely application and nutrient delivery. The Trident 5550 combination applicator delivers on both fronts.”

No. 1 on the priority list for Case IH, Burns said, was to design a true combination applicator from the ground up.

“Other so-called combination applicators simply are adaptations of an existing spray rig or other application equipment,” Burns explained. “The Trident 5550 is an all-new, single-chassis applicator that quickly converts from liquid to dry and back to liquid, making it a valuable piece of equipment across three seasons of use.”

The Trident 5550 combination applicator gives producers and commercial applicators the flexibility in a single piece of equipment to meet the demands of fertilizer and crop protection applications.

A quick-change tool that works fast

A combination applicator that takes several employees the better part of the day to convert isn’t a true combination applicator, Burns said. Fast changeover times for the Trident 5550 combination applicator starts with the new Case IH Aerial Lift Device.

“We’ve switched the Trident 5550 from liquid to dry in as little as 42 minutes with three people — and that was outside using a telescoping telehandler,” Burns said.

Precise, accurate liquid applications

The Trident 5550 Liquid System offers the latest Case IH application technology, including AIM Command FLEX advanced spray technology. AIM Command FLEX delivers:

• Precise product flow and spray pressure
• Efficient, effective applications by eliminating overapplication and underapplication
• Turn compensation for accurate, precise application across the boom, even around corners or on contours

Precise dry applications

The Trident 5550 combination applicator features the optional New Leader®​ NL4500T G4 Edge variable rate dry nutrient applicator and a new level of precision dry-product application.

“The NL4500T G4 Edge uses patented precision spinner technology,” Burns said. “It spreads dry product faster, wider and more consistently.” And it does so with outstanding flexibility.

The MultApplier option increases productivity by allowing application of two dry products simultaneously or independently at straight or variable rates in one pass.

“Micronutrients continue to gain popularity,” Burns said. “The MultiBin option increases application options to four products in a single pass. That means fewer trips across the field for reduced soil compaction, labor and fuel consumption.”

Unique, new technology smooths the ride

“Since the new chassis on the Trident 5550 can carry liquid or dry application systems, it requires a suspension package capable of carrying high-capacity loads and applying those loads over a wide range of speeds,” Burns explained. The solution: an exclusive new load-compensating suspension.

The system features a pneumatic cylinder at each suspension joint to help maintain ride quality and load leveling. An engine-powered air compressor supplies the air to cylinder, which automatically adjusts according to operating mode and load weight.

Enhanced applicator features

Features and capabilities of the Trident 5550 liquid/dry combination applicator include:

• High-capacity productivity. The Trident 5550 combination applicator provides the capacity necessary for long run times between fills. The Trident 5550 Liquid System features a 1,400-gallon tank, and the NL4500T G4 Edge offers a bin up to 330 cubic feet.
• Easy axle adjustment. Right from the seat in the cab, the Trident 5550 combination applicator lets operators quickly and easily adjust axle settings in ½-inch increments — no manual stops required.
• Surveyor cab. Luxury or deluxe Case IH Surveyor®​ cab options include features and options designed to keep an operator fresh and productive.
• Automatic and in-cab adjustments. Automatic and in-cab adjustments, such as load-compensated suspension, independent axle adjustments and an optional automated rinse feature help reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity.
• Efficient power. With 390 engine horsepower, the Trident 5550 combination applicator is the highest-horsepower high-clearance combination applicator available.
• Hydrostatic drive for complete control. The in-cab speed control knob lets the operator infinitely adjust speed and helps maintain appropriate load:speed ratios whether in the field or in transit.
• Integrated precision farming technology. The Trident 5550 combination applicator brings together all that Case IH Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) offers, including the latest, most advanced precision technology, such as AccuBoom automatic boom section control, AutoBoom automatic boom height control and AccuGuide autoguidance.

Factory-available duals

“Compaction is a big concern these days,” Burns said. “A larger footprint on the ground can help make wet fields more accessible and reduce soil compaction.”

The Trident 5550 combination applicator is the first applicator featuring factory-available duals in row crop tire sizes. A variety of tire options help support operating over three seasons in a variety of ground conditions, crop types and sprayer or spreader configurations.

For more information, visit your Case IH dealer or caseih.com​.

The fact that new corn hybrids require an ever-increasing yield potential, and therefore a growing appetite for nitrogen and other nutrients, is well documented. Recent research appears to indicate that the timing of nitrogen applications may need to shift to get the most from newer corn genetics.

“Some research appears to indicate that post-flowering applications of nitrogen will increase grain fill and grain weight,” says David Lankford, agronomist with Yuma, Colorado, based Agri-Inject. “In fact, one seed company recommends applying at least 30 pounds of nitrogen after pollination is complete.”

Lankford is referring to plot research from Beck’s Hybrids¹. In a 2015 two-hybrid trial, Beck’s researchers determined that 30 lbs. of UAN applied through fertigation at VT stage boosted yields by almost 30 bu/A over irrigation alone.

Over the past few years, seed companies and universities have conducted extensive research into nitrogen-use patterns in modern corn hybrids. Both confirmed that 37% of the total nitrogen needed by the corn plant will be taken up during the grain fill period (R1 to R6).

DuPont/Pioneer notes that in high-yield environments, 140 to 210 lbs. of nitrogen per acre is needed to support grain development². Only 38% of this need is supplied by remobilizing nitrogen from vegetative tissue. That means the corn plant needs to take up roughly 85 to 130 lbs. of nitrogen from the soil for optimum grain fill.

Agri-Inject is conducting research to determine the impact of late-season nitrogen. “We’re looking at the impact of late-season nitrogen on these hybrids under six pivots this summer,” notes Lankford.

Late Application Options

Feeding corn plants additional nitrogen as they need it to achieve optimum grain fill and kernel weight makes agronomic sense — particularly with the newer high-yielding hybrids. How to apply that nitrogen most effectively is the question. Ground application equipment cannot travel over tasseled corn. Center pivot owners, however, do have a late-season application option.

“Fertigation can be used very effectively to apply additional nitrogen post flowering,” says Erik Tribelhorn, Agri-Inject CEO. “We do have some customers who have installed center pivots and injection systems specifically for this purpose.”

If you have a center pivot system, are interested in applying late-season nitrogen to your corn but don’t have an injection system, it’s relatively easy to make the move.

“We’ve made our systems simple to set up, calibrate and use,” Tribelhorn states. “Technology has made the transition even easier, and we have resources on our website to help.”

1 Beck’s 2015 Practical Farm Research Results, Pivot Irrigation Study, pg. 32
2 Nitrogen Uptake in Corn, Crop Insights,DuPont/Pioneer