News Bits
The U.S. corn and soybean harvests got closer to the finish over the past week.
Weather in most key U.S. growing areas last week was conducive to harvest activity, but snow and bitterly cold temperatures this week in parts of Midwest and Plains might mean that some corn and beans could stay in the field until spring.
The USDA says that as of Sunday 93% of corn is harvested, compared to the five-year average of 85%, with 96% of soybeans harvested, compared to 91% on average.
96% of the U.S. winter wheat crop is planted, compared to the normal rate of 93%, and 81% has emerged, matching the usual pace, with 32% of the crop rated good to excellent, up 2% on the week, but down 14% on the year.
71% of cotton is harvested, compared to 63% on average.
The USDA's next set of production numbers is out December 9th.
Spending time with family and friends at Thanksgiving remains important for many Americans and this year the cost of the meal is also top of mind. Farm Bureau's 37th annual survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year's classic Thanksgiving feast for 10, which is $64.05 or less than $6.50 per person. This is a $10.74 or 20% increase from last year's average of $53.31.
The Scoop magazine reports:
Announced in early November, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) reached a $4.97 million settlement with Amazon.com Services, LLC.
Violations included Amazon selling unregistered pesticides in California, failing to report and pay required mill assessment fees associated with the sale of registered pesticides in California, and failing to hold a valid pesticide broker's license.
As announced by DPR, Amazon will pay $3.69 million in unpaid pesticide sales assessment fees and related late penalties, and $1.28 million in civil penalties associated with retail sales of unregistered pesticides into California.
"It is critical that those selling pesticides in California, especially companies with Amazon's resources, reach and influence, comply with pesticide laws that protect the health of all Californians and our environment," said DPR Director Julie Henderson. "DPR's action should send a message to all pesticide sellers, including online sellers, that California will take action to protect the health and safety of its people and environment."
To read the entire report click here.
A tract of farmland in northwest Iowa has sold at auction for the astounding price of $30,000 an acre. The 73 acres went to a local farmer, according to Zomer Co. Realty and Auction.
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Russia moves to end import dependence on seeds
Vladislav Vorotnikov Eastern European correspondent as appeared in All About Feed
The Russian Agricultural Ministry has disclosed plans to expand state aid to farmers switching to domestic seeds to speed up import-replacement in this field. The earlier plans of introducing import quotas on seeds from countries deemed unfriendly seem to be abandoned for now.
Looking to friendly nations for seeds
In the first half of 2022, Russian agricultural producers experienced certain difficulties associated with imported seeds, Dmitry Patrushev, Russian Agricultural Minister, said during a recent government meeting. “To quickly resolve these issues, we have made full use of the possibilities of our own selection and also switched to supplies from friendly countries,” Patrushev said, not providing any additional details.
Minimum 75% domestic seed use
Under the Russian food security doctrine, the country must meet its domestic demand for seeds by at least 75%. In 2021, this level stood at 63.5%, with most imported seeds being delivered from the European Union. Although agricultural trade was not subjected to sanctions introduced over the military conflict in Ukraine, supplies were disrupted to a certain degree.
Together with the scientific community and business, we are developing systematic approaches to give an impetus to the development of Russian selection.
Domestic seed cultivation a priority
Patrushev said that despite the problems, the sowing season went off without a hitch, and winter sowing is also fully provided with seeds. Still, a significant and most prompt increase in import substitution in this segment is currently seen as one of the main priorities for the Russian agricultural industry. “To do this, we expand the area for laying seed plots. Together with the scientific community and business, we are developing systematic approaches to give an impetus to the development of Russian selection,” he said.
ALSO INTERESTING: Russian grain and feed sectors suffer as war in Ukraine continues -The continuing war in Ukraine is starting to weigh heavily on Russian agriculture, though the middle-term production and export prospects still look optimistic. Read more…
Colossal damage from quota introduction
At the end of August, the Agricultural Ministry proposed establishing a quota for the import of seeds of potatoes, sunflowers, wheat, meslin, rye, barley, corn, soybeans, rapeseed and sugar beets from the USA, EU countries, Canada, Australia, Norway, Ukraine, Albania, Montenegro, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Great Britain and Northern Ireland. However, several Russian business unions wrote an open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin asking him not to take this step, warning about the colossal damage it could do to agricultural business.
Foreign seed use in Russian agri
It was estimated that the share of foreign seeds in Russian agriculture exceeds 97% in sugar beet, 73% in sunflower, 49% in rapeseed, and 45% in non-GMO soybeans.
“Limiting their [imported seeds] use will lead to catastrophic consequences for the [Russian agricultural] industry, given that a significant share of the sown area falls on obsolete inefficient varieties of the Soviet selection,” the authors of the letter warned.
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ADAMA'S SORGHUM CROPPING SOLUTION DOUBLE TEAM RECEIVES PRODUCT AWARD
Source: PRNewswire
RALEIGH, N.C., /PRNewswire/ -- ADAMA US was recognized by the judges of the Crop Science Forum & Awards for its Double Team Sorghum Cropping Solution with FirstAct Herbicide in the category for Best New Crop Protection Product or Trait this year. It was given High Commendations by the judges who acknowledged that it was virtually a tie with Syngenta Crop Protection (the winner) in this category. The Crop Science Forum & Awards took place on November 10, 2022 and is the crop science industry's premier global event which recognizes excellence in the crop protection and production markets.
"Double Team is a unique collaboration between ADAMA and S&W Seed Company, that solves an unmet need for sorghum growers by providing a simple and efficient solution," said Dave Feist, Seed and Product Collaboration Strategy Leader for ADAMA US. "It provides unparalleled, over-the-top grass control in sorghum, with excellent crop safety."
Until now, if growers had any significant amount of grass weeds or volunteer crop in their sorghum crop, they essentially had to destroy the crop. The grasses and weeds out-compete the crop by monopolizing the moisture and nutrients in the soil.
With water increasingly scarce, sorghum - used heavily in feed and bioethanol-synthesis - is becoming a more desirable crop to growers due to its ability to tolerate drought and extreme temperatures more effectively. And with FirstAct herbicide controlling grass weeds, growers can now gain a higher potential ROI from their sorghum fields.
"The recent drought and declining irrigation water has growers looking to sorghum as a solution on the High Plains," said Scott Staggenborg, Sorghum Product Marketing Director for S&W Seed. "Our customers tell us that because of grass weeds, the only way sorghum will work is with Double Team Sorghum."
S&W developed the non-GMO DT Trait Sorghum that is tolerant to the ADAMA FirstAct herbicide, and when used together, they lead to the highly effective Double Team Sorghum Cropping Solution.
To learn more about the Double Team Sorghum Cropping Solution with FirstAct herbicide, visit doubleteamsorghum.com
About ADAMA
ADAMA Is one of the world's leading crop protection companies. We strive to Create Simplicity in Agriculture - offering farmers effective products and services that simplify their lives and help them grow. With one of the most comprehensive and diversified portfolios of differentiated, quality products, our 5,000-strong team reaches farmers in more than 100 countries, providing them with solutions to control weeds, insects, and disease, and improve their yields. For more information, visit us at www.adama.com.
About S&W Seed Company
Founded in 1980, S&W Seed Company is a global agricultural company headquartered in Longmont, Colorado. S&W's vision is to be the world's preferred proprietary seed company that supplies a range of forage and specialty crop products and supports the growing global demand for animal proteins and healthier consumer diets. S&W is a global leader in proprietary alfalfa and sorghum seeds, with significant research and development, production, and distribution capabilities. The company's Sorghum Partners brand provides high-quality sorghum seeds that are planted on millions of acres around the world. For more information, please visit www.swseedco.com and www.sorghumpartners.com.
Editor's Note: S&W Seed Company is a valued member of the Texas Seed Trade Association
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UPL'S ADVANTA SEEDS AND BUNGE TO ACQUIRE STAKE IN BRAZILIAN SOYBEAN GERMPLASM CO. SEEDCORP HO
Source: UPL Ltd. news release
LONDON -- UPL Ltd. (NSE: UPL & BSE: 512070 LSE: UPLL) ('UPL'), a global provider of sustainable agricultural solutions, today announced that its company, Advanta Seeds UK, and Bunge (NYSE: BG) have signed an agreement to acquire a 20% stake each in SEEDCORP|HO.
This intended investment is part of UPL Group's OpenAg purpose to drive collaboration to offer a complete package of solutions for farmers. It also underscores the company's commitment to supporting every stage of the agricultural process, from sowing to post-harvest.
Bhupen Dubey, CEO of Advanta Seeds said: "As we continue to grow our global footprint, this investment will not only expand our market access in Brazil but also strengthen our product portfolio as SEEDCORP|HO is Brazil's third largest Soybean Germplasm company".
Through the agreement, Bunge intends to expand its barter portfolio to reinforce its grain sourcing position in Brazil.
Rossano de Angelis Jr, Vice President of Agribusiness at Bunge, said: "With this transaction we will further solidify the relationship with our partners during harvest planning. Combined with our technical expertise and market knowledge, we will be able to advise on the adoption of seed varieties that best meet demand, including meeting the demand for more sustainable solutions with a focus on reducing the carbon footprint of the entire growing process."
The deal also expands the portfolio of products and services to be offered by Orígeo, a recently announced joint venture between Bunge and UPL, which will provide complete and sustainable solutions for farmers in Brazil.
Mário Sérgio Carvalho, CEO of SEEDCORP|HO, said: "SEEDCORP|HO has achieved strong results over the last few years, and the partnership with Bunge and UPL's Advanta Seeds has the potential to further strengthen our growth strategy thanks to our robust portfolio and R&D capacity for seed production."
SEEDCORP|HO was established in partnership between GDM, Produtiva Sementes, and Sipar. The agreement with Advanta Seeds and Bunge is subject to customary precedent conditions agreed by the parties, including approval from competent Antitrust Agencies.
Editor's Note: Advanta is a valued member of the Texas Seed Trade Association
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