CROP NEWS WEEKLY NEW Penton Media January 7, 2009 Volume 9 Issue 1 If you want to view this on the web go to: http://enews.penton.com/enews/cropnewsweekly/v/306 ---------------------------------------- ADVERTISEMENT Residual control in a glyphosate corn herbicide. Very unexpected. New Halex_ GT gives you everything your current glyphosate does, plus residual weed control. It's the only herbicide specifically designed to improve your glyphosate corn program whether you grow AgriSure(R) GT or Roundup Ready(R) corn. Halex GT stays in the soil to take care of continuously emerging weeds. Its residual control lasts far into the season for better yield potential and a more convenient, more productive glyphosate program. Try Halex GT on your farm and see for yourself www.farmassist.com/Promo/HalexGT/index.asp?nav=index.html ---------------------------------------- EDITOR'S NOTE 01/07/09 With the holiday behind us and a new crop year not that far around the corner, farmers across America are preparing their equipment, purchasing materials and supplies, and trying to get the jump on what most everyone hopes is an early planting season. The way the winter weather has been assaulting the Heartland lately though, getting started too early doesn't seem a likely thing. In the meantime, there's plenty of preparations to make. Best luck in getting all your eggs in order. For those of you just getting back from the holidays, you may notice a very different look to Crop News Weekly. While we're still working the little bugs out, you'll notice there is a lot more substance to each issue. You, our readers, have offered your opinion and input over recent months that inspired us to develop a newsletter more responsive to your requirements, packed full of the kind of news and information you want the most. Thanks for your continued support. Now - dig in and get familiar with the all new Crop News Weekly. Happy reading. ---------------------------------------- ADVERTISEMENT "Waterhemp is a significant problem in soybeans, and the potential for it to be an even bigger problem is huge. I've seen a yield reduction of 40 to 50 bushels per acre when it's taken over the field. It's one of those weeds you have to remove from the field -- physically remove. If you just pull it up and leave it there, it'll re-root and remain or gain as a problem." Ken Dahlenburg, grower, central Illinois. Learn more at http://www.resistancefighter.com ---------------------------------------- FROM OUR EDITORS --No immediate changes for ag sector likely Likelihood of the next U.S. Congress making a mad dash to renegotiate the farm bill passed last summer is remote, but that doesn't mean agricultural interests can afford to let their guard down says Representative Mike Conaway, R-Texas. Conaway said during the 2008 presidential campaign, "we did not hear much about ag policy." He does foresee some changes in trade policy. "I expect relations with Cuba to be relaxed," he said. "But I don't expect NAFTA to be renegotiated." - Ron Smith, Farm Press Editorial Staff To view the full article go to: http://southwestfarmpress.com/news/ag-changes-0102/ --FSA streamlining likely to continue Farm Service Agency Administrator Teresa Lasseter said streamlining the agency will continue under the Obama administration, with fewer offices available to serve ranchers and farmers across the country. "Given the budget situation today, along with the changes and complexity of farm programs and needs for the future, we no longer have the luxury of having an FSA office in every county," Lasseter said during the recent Texas Commodity Symposium, held annually in conjunction with the Amarillo Farm Show. Lasseter said Texas, Georgia, Virginia, Nebraska and Kentucky had taken the "lead in streamlining FSA. There is more to be done across the country." - Ron Smith, Farm Press Editorial Staff To view the full article go to: http://southwestfarmpress.com/news/fsa-budget-0105/ --Corn yield winners double national average Corn growers shattered yield records in a year beset with weather problems, using innovative production techniques and improved seed varieties to achieve top numbers in the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) 2008 National Corn Yield Contest. Not only was the number of entries (6,725) higher than ever before, and double the number in 2006, but several entrants scored yields of more than double the estimated national average. To view the full article go to: http://southwestfarmpress.com/grains/corn-contest-0102/ --Ag groups urge end to antitrust exemptions For much of 2008, corn, soybean and wheat farmers were on the receiving end of a continuous barrage of bad publicity from a campaign that appeared to be mounted by the Grocery Manufacturers Association. Somehow, food processors and manufacturers and the oil companies seemed to escape the criticism although grocery prices have remained high long after grain and oil prices fell to levels half what they were last spring. Another group that seems to have escaped consumer anger -- the nation's railroads -- is now bearing the brunt of a campaign aimed at ending its antitrust exemptions. The campaign is being mounted by such members of Congress as the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and farm and agricultural supply organizations. - Forrest Laws, Farm Press Editorial Staff To view the full article go to: http://deltafarmpress.com/legislative/rail-rates-0105/ --The case for alternative fuels Low gas prices should not be the end of alternative energy programs. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) was quoted saying, "basing our energy priorities on this ever-fluctuating price (gas prices) would be foolish. With so many global unknowns, we need to take ownership over our nation's energy future and capitalize on the domestic resources that we can guarantee." If we neglect energy policy and the promise of biofuels and other renewable energy developments now, we will again pay the price of our addiction to oil. We need to capitalize much further on biofuels, particularly cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel, than relying too much on domestic oil reserves that are non-renewable. - Farm Industry News To view the full article go to: http://blog.farmindustrynews.com/biofuellines/ --New tool fertilizes, reduces runoff A new field tool developed by Agricultural Research Service scientists applies poultry litter to fields in shallow bands, reducing runoff of excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. The tool, developed by ARS agricultural engineer Thomas R. Way and his colleagues at the agency's National Soil Dynamics Laboratory in Auburn, Ala., offers a solution. The tool digs shallow trenches about 2 to 3 inches deep in the soil. It then places the poultry litter in the trenches and covers it with soil. Burying the litter significantly reduces the risk of runoff. To view the full article go to: http://deltafarmpress.com/news/fertilizer-runoff-0105/ --The Big Think When Mike Boehlje speaks, people listen. The distinguished professor in agricultural economics at Purdue University has spent his career watching and analyzing agriculture. Today, Boehlje focuses his attention on helping growers and producers position their businesses and themselves for long-term success. - Farm Industry News To view the full article go to: http://farmindustrynews.com/biofuels/farming_big_think_0105/ --Nanotechnology for food safety A microscopic biological sensor that detects Salmonella bacteria in lab tests has been developed by an Agricultural Research Service scientist and university colleagues. The sensor could be adapted to detect other foodborne pathogens as well. The sensor is part of an evolving science known as nanotechnology -- the study and manipulation of materials on a molecular or even atomic level, measured in billionths of a meter, which is about 10 to 100 times thinner than a human hair. There are examples of biosensors in nature. Insects detect tiny amounts of sex pheromones in the environment and use them as a beacon to find mates. And fish use natural biosensors to detect barely perceptible vibrations in the surrounding water. To view the full article go to: http://deltafarmpress.com/news/nanotechnolofy-safety-0105/ ---------------------------------------- "RFD-TV Live! Monday, Jan. 12, 2009 (7 p.m. CST) Experts Discuss Revolutionary New Research Emphasizing the Importance of Early-Season Weed Control RFD-TV can be found on Dish Network channel 231, DIRECTV channel 379 and Mediacom, Comcast, Charter, NRTC, Bresnan, and NCTC cable systems. http://www.lumax-herbicide.com ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Prefix(R) pre-emergence herbicide offers two modes of action to help combat glyphosate- and ALS-resistant weeds like waterhemp, common ragweed and Palmer amaranth. With nine confirmed glyphosate-resistant weeds in 20 different states, Prefix helps achieve a weed-free field all season, maximizing the potential for higher soybean yields at harvest. Click here to learn more. ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- When it comes to protecting yield, all it takes is one-pass of Lumax(R) pre-emergent herbicide. A single pre-emergent spray stops weeds before they emerge - something research shows is critical to maximizing yield. To learn more, visit lumax-herbicide.com. Lumax is a Restricted Use Pesticide. http://www.lumax-herbicide.com/ ---------------------------------------- KENT THIESSE ---------------------------------------- As we look ahead to 2009, crop revenues are likely to remain strong; however, rapidly rising crop input and land costs will reduce profit potential, and add more risk to 2009 crop production. The livestock sector is also likely to remain highly volatile, with varying profit potential during the next twelve months. The short-term operating credit needs for agriculture are likely to increase in the coming year, and the cost of credit may increase slightly. Credit availability for agriculture should remain good for farm businesses that are on a solid financial base. However, credit could get tighter if the overall U.S. and World financial situation continues to worsen, especially for farm businesses in a "higher-risk" financial position. http://cornandsoybeandigest.com/kentthiesse/management_strategies_0106/ ---------------------------------------- RICHARD BROCK ---------------------------------------- Brazil's National Commodities Supply Corp., or CONAB, said on Monday it will release its latest official estimate of that country's 2008-09 soy crop on Thursday. CONAB in December narrowed its estimate of Brazil's 2008-09 soybean crop to 58.8 million metric tons from a previous estimate of 58.4-59.3 million tons. That estimate compares with estimated 2007-08 production of 60 million tons. Private estimates indicate that Brazil's soy production could be further impacted by continuing tight credit and dry weather in Parana state, the No. 2 producer, and Rio Grande do Sul state, the No. 3 producer. http://cornandsoybeandigest.com/richardbrock/brazille_soy-crop_0106/ for more. ---------------------------------------- AUDIO/VIDEO FEATURES ---------------------------------------- When Mike Boehlje, Purdue ag economist, says be ready for big opportunities, it might be wise to listen. Boehlje says farmers should expect a big upside to this down economy. As a result, farmers should save their money and be ready to invest when the time is right. Some of today's most successful farmers started buying land in the early 1980s. Hear what Boehlje has to say in the video "Future of Farming Part II" at: farmindustrynews.com ---------------------------------------- MORE MAGAZINE HIGHLIGHTS ---------------------------------------- The fifth annual Conservation Tillage Conference is little more than a month away. The two-day event is scheduled for Jan. 28-29 at Jackpot Junction, Morton, MN. Leading industry and university experts will cover topics like: planting corn in cooler soils, placing fertilizer close to seed, tuning up your planter and getting the most out of your nitrogen fertilizers. Plus, you won't want to miss the general session which will include a farmer panel discussing the latest conservation tillage practices. Cost for the conference is $100 until Jan. 9. After that, the price is $125. For more details and registration, log on to http:www.tillageconference.com, or call Jodi or Mary Jo at the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Office, 507-337-2800. The conference is brought to you by the University of Minnesota and Corn & Soybean Digest. http://www.tillageconference.com 100-bu. Beans "Soybean King" Kip Cullers surpassed the 100-bu./acre soybean yield mark with record harvests in 2007 (154 bu.) and 2006 (139 bu.). But when will soybean growers see varieties consistently break the 100-bu./acre barrier? Probably not anytime soon, says Brian Diers, University of Illinois soybean breeder. Between 1973 and 2007, the average yield gain has been just .448 bu./acre/yr. The current national average is about 41 bu./acre. You do the math. But that's not to say there isn't room to increase the size of these yield gains. With molecular-assisted selection, breeders are making strides. http://farmindustrynews.com/seed/bu_beans_0101/?smte=wl ---------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER You are subscribed to this newsletter as #email# To subscribe to this newsletter go to: http://subscribe.cropnewsweekly.com/?tc=NLSUB To unsubscribe from this newsletter go to: http://subscribe.cropnewsweekly.com/?tc=NLSUB&cid=#message_id#&lid=#list_id#&email=#email# For information on advertising in Crop News Weekly, please contact: Roger Randall at mailto:roger.randall@penton.com For questions concerning delivery of this newsletter, please contact our Customer Service Department at: US Toll Free: 866-505-7173 International: 847-763-9504 or mailto:cropnewsweekly@pbinews.com To get this newsletter in a different format (Text or HTML), or to change your e-mail address, please go to your profile page here: http://subscribe.cropnewsweekly.com/?tc=NLSUB&email=#email# Penton Media | 249 W. 17th Street | New York, NY 10011 Copyright 2009, Penton Media. 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