IPSA 2023 SEED TREATMENT / ENHANCEMENT / BIOLOGICAL TRIALS ARE OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT

IPSA Seed Treatment & Enhancement Trials have been a members benefit for over a decade.

Each year, we strive to offer IPSA Members the highest quality data in our independent trials, while building relationships with some of the best in treatment / enhancement / biological companies.

We would like to recognize the 2022 IPSA Trail Participating Companies:

• Agrauxine
• Albaugh
• BASF
• Ceradis
• Concept Ag
• Dakota Bio
• Heads Up Plant Protection
• MBFI
• NuFarm
• Spraytec Fertilizers
• Syngenta Seed Care
• UPL

A Special "Thank You" to Syngenta Seed Care and NuFarm for 10 consecutive years of supporting IPSA Trials!

In 2023, we are evolving our offerings by partnering with Groalliance to manage our trials.

We are open for trial enrollment now!

Welcoming New Members

All-In-One Farm Management Tool for your seed growers.  

Running a farm business can be challenging. With AGI Compass, you can manage your farm business, improve visibility across your farm operation, and find efficiencies to improve your bottom line. From record keeping & crop management to custom fertilizer blends & profit assessments, AGI Compass can assist you with live support focused on our farm's needs. No limit on farms or acres, one monthly fee, for any sized farm. Growers can manage it internally or share a portal with their seed companies for transparency and ease of data sharing.  

For IPSA Members' Seed Growers, AGI Compass is offering a 10% discount, if you sign up by March 31st, 2023.

Independent Seed Companies can also use AGI Compass for traceability and assessing grower potential. By using Compass as a record keeping and reporting tool, you have found a professional way to report on seeded acres, map your farms, work with your agronomists and growers by giving them a portal into your system. Best of all, the data you enter is yours, AGI Compass allows you to freely download your information at any time for analysis or sharing.

https://www.startcompass.com/#Home

Visit with us today! 

Mexico President Says Country Declined to Buy US Corn: In a somewhat confusing address, Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Wednesday that the US wanted to sell Mexico more yellow corn and Mexico declined because the country does not want genetically modified (GM) corn. Mexico has a controversial presidential decree that seeks to ban genetically modified corn in 2024 and phase out the herbicide glyphosate, found in Roundup. Like most countries, the overwhelming amount of corn purchases in Mexico are made by private companies, including major commodities traders like Cargill and Bunge. Lopez Obrador did not specify who made the request to sell more corn, the amount of the requested sale or the time frame. The Mexican Ministry of Agriculture and a spokesman for the president declined to comment when asked for details. Mexico is ready to halve its US imports of yellow corn when the decree goes into effect and is considering direct agreements with farmers to secure non-GM yellow corn imports, the country's deputy agriculture minister said in October. The country imports some 17 million tonnes of U.S. corn a year and is on track to import even more this year, experts have said. Read more at Reuters.

US Revokes Russia's Market Economy Status: The United States will no longer treat Russia as a market economy country, the Commerce Department said on Thursday, revoking the status granted two decades ago that limited the calculation of anti-dumping duties on Russian goods. The Commerce Department said its analysis found "extensive" government involvement in the Russian economy had led to distorted prices and costs, which it said did not accurately reflect whether Russian companies were fairly pricing imports into the United States. Washington granted Russia market economy status in 2002, an essential step for Russia's admission to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2012. 

Cash Rents on the Rise in 2023: A few farm operators have offered $500- to $600-per-acre cash rent in eastern Iowa, said Mike Hein, vice president of Liberty Trust and Savings Bank in Durant, Iowa, at the Agricultural Bankers Conference earlier this week. Banker Nick Luchsinger, with First Dakota National Bank in Columbus, Nebraska, said cash rent on excellent irrigated farmland in eastern Nebraska may top $300 per acre for 2023. In southeast Iowa, cash rents are up +30% heading into 2023, reported Dan O'Rourke with County Bank in Sigourney, Iowa. Cash rents are following land values higher. Four out of five ag lenders reported rising land values in 2022, according to a survey of 300 agricultural bankers conducted by the American Bankers Association and Farmer Mac, a secondary market provider for ag loans. Looking forward, lenders in all regions expect generally steady land values in the coming year, with a slight tilt toward small gains. These results are consistent with the average expected change in land value of 3.5% for 2023. The rising interest rate environment is likely a major factor in the slowing of land value appreciation, but lenders still see some upward pressure, the report noted.

Rabobank Forecasts Food Prices Will Dip in 2023 but Still Remain High: Prices for agricultural commodities like coffee, feed grains and oilseeds could dip next year as many major economies enter recession, but they will remain high in historic terms, Rabobank said in a report on Wednesday. The bank said consumers face a darkening macro-economic picture, with energy shortages, geopolitical danger and ongoing shortages of some key commodities like wheat boding ill for global food security. Wheat remains acutely affected by the Russia-Ukraine war and the bank sees a -6 million metric ton deficit next year, thanks also to uncertain weather prospects in the European Union, the United States and Argentina. Elsewhere, Rabobank sees coffee demand growing well below average levels at 1.5%, with benign weather leaving the market in a 4 million bag surplus. It sees relatively low sugar prices meanwhile thanks again largely to benign weather. "Agricultural prices might recede (yet) that’s not because production will improve significantly but because demand is set to be so weak," said Carlos Mera, the bank's head of agricultural commodities market research. With energy, labor and other costs surging, agricultural commodity prices are about +50% higher than pre-pandemic times, the bank noted.

USDA to Permanently Move Crop Acreage Adjustments to September Report: The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will permanently include updated acreage estimates for corn, soybeans, sorghum and sugarbeets in its monthly US crop production reports every September, a month earlier than in most prior years, an official with the agency's statistical arm said. Before 2021, the USDA published acreage updates for those crops in its October reports. But for the last two years, the government said its data was "sufficiently complete" to include in its September editions. The USDA will not release acreage adjustments for those crops in October or November, unless unusual circumstances, such as a weather event, require revisions, according to Lance Honig with the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

THANKSGIVING DAY

NOVEMBER 24, 2022

THE UNITED STATES

TODD'S BIRTHDAY

NOVEMBER 30, 2022

FAYETTEVILLE, AR

ASTA CSS

DECEMBER 5-9, 2022

CHICAGO, IL

CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 25, 2022

EVERYWHERE

FARMCON

from Kevin Van Trump

JANUARY 4 & 5, 2023

KANSAS CITY, MO

34TH IPSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

JANUARY 23-27, 2023

TUCSON, AZ

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT CROP CONSULTANTS

JANUARY 24-26, 2023

NASHVILLE, TN

62ND VEGETABLE & FLOWER SEED CONFERENCE

JANUARY 27-31, 2023

ORLANDO, FL

US GRAINS COUNCIL

FEBRUARY 11-15, 2023

SAVANNAH, GA

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

FEBRUARY 13-16, 2023

NEW ORLEANS, LA

COMMODITY CLASSIC

MARCH 9-11, 2023

ORLANDO, FL

ASTA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

JUNE 10-14, 2023

SACREMENTO, CA

35TH IPSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

JANUARY 15-18, 2023

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

Send us your events to be added to the IPSA Calendar!

IPSA Board Nominations are Now Open

In January, we recognize the retirement of Brad Taylor of Taylor Seed Farms and Tim Greene of Burrus Seed from the IPSA Board of Directors.

Both Tim and Brad have served two 3 year terms on the Board of Directors, and have been great to work with during that time.

We have good candidates coming forward, but in accordance with IPSA By-Laws, nominations are open from the membership. Remember, in order to serve on the IPSA Board of Directors, you must be an IPSA Regular Member, which means you must be an Independent Seed Company or Producer.

If you have someone in mind that would be a great asset to our Board, please send them via email to todd@ipseed.org.

Reflecting on IPSA Strategy

"What keeps you awake at night?"

That has been our key question at our Strategic Planning Session for the last 5 years.

In 2017, IPSA changed the dynamic on the Strategic Plan and started looking in 5 year segments. Instead of looking inward, we turned our focus outward. Our focus was not about IPSA per se, but instead was on Independent Seed Companies, the Seed Market, Competitors and Suppliers.

Our belief in this process - as we look forward 5 years (to 2027/2028 in this session) we align predictions on current market movements and ultimately adjust IPSA to the focus of greatest need for Independent Seed Companies.

Shrinking Margins are the #1 item that keeps Independent Seed Companies up at night.

This is one reason IPSA has been very vocal in expressing our concern about competition in the seed industry to the USDA as part of President Biden's Executive Order on Competition.

We are continuing to process the feedback and findings from our strategic meeting. Please be on the look out for some additional information and a survey heading to seed company owners/managers to help us continue to move IPSA to the right place.

THROWING DOWN AT TUCSON. YES. I SAID THROWING DOWN.

THE IPSA CHAMPIONSHIP CHILI COOK-OFF SPONSORED BY PETERSON GENETICS NEEDS YOU.

I KNOW MY REPUTATION AS A MULTIPLE WORLD CHAMPION CHILI CHEF AS YOU TERRIFIED.

AND FRANKLY, IT SHOULD. I AM THE GREATEST ON THE PLANET.

Eat your turkey this week. Think about all the ways you can beat me at Tucson in the Chili Cook-Off and then get your team together and SIGN UP. Don't be a wimp, Shane! Bring it!

This is going to be a great time, with the benefit have bragging, swaggering and lording your victory over all you survey!

I know you want in on this huge opportunity to lay all your friend lows by being the IPSA WORLD CHAMPION CHILI CHEF.

"But Todd, how do I sign up?"

EASY! Sign up on line when you register, or send Catherine an email at cat@ipseed.org!

Taking a Closer Look at Tucson

IPSA is gearing up for our 34th Annual Conference in January in sunny Tucson! While we wait for warmer temperatures, let's take a closer look at what is planned for Tucson...

Today, we are focusing on a brand new addition to the conference this year. Historically, Wednesday night has been dinner on your own and then coming back to enjoy hospitality suites. In January, we are introducing a reception onsite called The Legends of Independence.

Let's paint the picture for you... imagine a crisp night, with fire pits going and IPSA attendees enjoying the beautiful view of stars and desert landscape with Seguaro cacti scattered about. Among this picture, there's teams of Members racing against each other to make the best chili, there's more teams cutting tomatoes for salsa, and there's Members enjoying freshly made margaritas. The air is filled with sounds of a singer/songwriter playing music... and maybe Todd in "jail"?

We know that caught your attention! While all of these pieces are going (the chili cookout, the salsa competition, and a delicious margarita bar) we will have our Legends of Independence (that's you!) looking out for those who are "WANTED" and they will be thrown in jail! They can be bailed out... but at a price of a donation to the Scholarship Fund...

Let's just say, you won't want to miss this event! Western wear is fully encouraged! This event will give us all another opportunity to gather together as Independents and enjoy the evening. We can't wait to see everyone! Only one question remains... who's going to be the Sheriff? You'll have to wait to find out!

You can view the agenda by going to www.ipseed.org and plan your time at this memorable conference! 

Introducing IPSA Annual Conference Speaker, Paul Mobley

In 2005 Paul set out to capture the soul of rural America. Traveling across the country Mobley and his camera were welcomed time and again into the homes of over three hundred farm families who graciously shared their personal histories and private thoughts, along with the fruits of their labor. 

Paul's presentation is an entertaining, inspiring pictorial journey of a city boy who traveled 100,000 miles and spent three years photographing hundreds of farmers and ranchers all over America. 

While showing photographs, Paul tells the stories behind the pictures of America's unsung heroes; the men and women who put food on our table. Audiences laugh, cry, and are inspired as he moves from story to story, farm to farm, ranch to ranch from Alaska to Louisiana and Florida to Maine. 

From Walter Jackson, a 104-year-old Florida citrus farmer; to Patsy Fribley, a stockyard dealer from Montana; to Aaron Bell, a young 9th generation organic dairy farmer in Maine, Mobley's exquisite photographs and narrative reveal the true face of American farming and remind us what it means to live with simplicity, contentment, and decency in a world that so often forgets. Visit after visit, Mobley came to know the independent farmer's spirit from both behind the lens and across the dinner table. The result, American Farmer: The Heart of Our Country, won the 2009 Western Heritage award for "best photography book" from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

ASTA CSS is Approaching and it Will Be Our Last Time in Chilly Chicago

Join more than 2,000 seed industry professionals from over 30 countries for one of the largest seed industry conferences! A time-honored tradition each December, this year's CSS & Seed Expo will be the last year ASTA holds the event in Chicago, where it has been held since 1946. Don't miss this special year when we bid a fond farewell to this historical host city! 

After 77 years of holding this event in Chicago, and specifically, 45 years at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 2022 will be the last year that this historic event will be held in that location before it moves to the Hyatt Regency Orlando in 2023.

If you haven't registered for ASTA yet, follow this link!

IPSA Seed Companies are at the End of the Rainbow!

As we near the cold months, here's a reminder of the Goodness and Beauty of Nature. While winter has beauty in it too, there's nothing like green fields and rainbows after a storm.

Thank you Chris Cornelius for this beautiful photo!

When you are out, please share some of the beauty you see and send us your pictures!

Diesel Market in Perfect Storm as Prices Surge, Supply Dwindles Ahead of Winter

A perfect storm is taking place in the diesel market, with dwindling diesel reserves, a drought on the Mississippi River pushing more product to rail and truck, and a possible rail strike leading to a surge in prices that is expected to continue. Diesel prices have increased by 33% for November deliveries.

“The national average price for diesel today is $5.30 per gallon and is expected to go up 15 to 20 cents in the next few weeks,” said Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, LLC.

Reserves for diesel this time of year have not been this low since 1951, with the greatest shortfall in the Northeast region including New York and New England. Diesel inventories in the New York/New England markets are facing an acute crisis, down over 50% since last year and at the lowest level since 1990, according to Lipow. He also notes that East Coast refineries are making as much diesel as they can and dependent on tankers and barges for supply, any weather delay causes a terminal to run out of product.

“Last week, they operated at 102% of capacity,” Lipow said. “No more supply is forthcoming from the four East Coast refineries.”

Traders are diverting tankers away from Europe to the U.S. because the price of U.S. diesel is now higher than in Europe so they can make a larger profit. So far, two tankers have arrived and unloaded. Read more at CNBC.

Iowa Ag Department Cancels Live Bird Exhibitions

On Thursday, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced it is ordering the cancellation of all live bird exhibitions at fairs and the gathering of birds due to the continued threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The Department’s order begins immediately and is effective for a minimum of 30 days, and until 30 days have passed without a confirmation of a new infection of HPAI in domestic poultry in the state. The order also prohibits live birds from being sold or transferred at livestock auction markets, swap meets, and sales. The agency announced confirmation of two more HPAI cases in the state on Monday, one in a backyard flock and another in a commercial layer flock in Wright County which has one million egg-laying chickens.

AgReliant Genetics announces $18 million investment in Decatur, Illinois foundation seed facility

AgReliant Genetics today announced it will invest $18 million in capital improvements at its Decatur, Illinois, foundation seed facility. Scheduled over the next three years, the improvements will expand capacity and add the latest technology and automation to better serve farmers across the U.S. and Canada.

“These investments are part of our commitment to deliver one-of-a-kind, high performing corn hybrids to farmers through our AgriGold, LG Seeds and PRIDE Seeds brands,” said Drew DuBois, AgReliant Genetics Vice President Operations and Supply Chain.

DuBois said the investments will include state-of-the-art seed drying and processing systems, warehouse and office expansion, and equipment optimization – all with a goal of producing parent seed with more efficiency and at higher volumes. Parent seed forms the genetic foundation for the company’s unique product lines. New systems will optimize seed processing and add flexibility to supply farmers’ needs.

AgReliant Genetics’ significant investment reinforces the company’s presence in the Decatur community, DuBois said. New technologies and automation will lead to skilled employment opportunities, and construction will utilize regional contractors and local labor.

“The operations and employees at our Decatur site are critical components of our company’s future growth strategies,” he said. “AgReliant Genetics is committed to growth, innovation and customer service, and we believe this is a benefit to the Decatur community, as well as farmers across the country.”

Big Turkeys Scarce Ahead of Thanksgiving

Cooks may have to put away their oversized platters for serving turkey this Thanksgiving. Birds weighing in at a hefty 18 to 20 pounds (8.2 to 9.1 kg), enough to feed more than one dozen people, are in short supply this year as a US outbreak of avian flu has wiped out flocks nationwide, just as many Americans plan a big gathering for the November holiday. Avian flu has eliminated about 8 million turkeys, representing almost -4% of the nation's flock, according to U.S. government data. The National Turkey Federation acknowledged that cooks in some geographic areas could see limited supplies of big turkeys. But the industry group noted there is not a shortage nationwide. According to Kevin Lindgren, director of merchandising at Baldor Specialty Foods in New York, shoppers are resuming traditional purchases of turkeys around 18 pounds, after downsizing their birds for smaller gatherings over the last two years. Just 23% of respondents to a NielsenIQ survey plan to celebrate Thanksgiving with fewer than six people, compared with 70% during the first year of the pandemic in 2020, the firm said.

Farm Bureau Survey Shows Thanksgiving Dinner Costs Up +20%

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 centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – costs more than last year, at $28.96 for a 16-pound bird. That’s $1.81 per pound, up 21% from last year, due to several factors beyond general inflation. Farm Bureau “volunteer shoppers” checked prices Oct. 18-31, before most grocery store chains began featuring whole frozen turkeys at sharply lower prices. According to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service data, the average per-pound feature price for whole frozen turkeys was $1.11 the week of Nov. 3-9 and 95 cents the week of Nov. 10-16, a decline of 14% in just one week; and the share of stores offering feature prices rose from 29% to 60%. This means consumers who have not yet purchased a turkey should be able to find one at a lower cost than the Farm Bureau average.