USDA deregulates Monsanto drought-tolerant trait
Monsanto received deregulation from the USDA for MON 87460, the company's first-generation drought-tolerant trait for corn. Full story.
Still time to vote for the best new product of 2011
There's still time to vote for your choice of the best new product introduced in 2011 from the Top 10 Editors’ Choice list compiled by the editors of AgProfessional magazine. Voting is open to anyone! Full story. DOT bans cell phone use for Hazmat, CMV drivers
Effective Jan. 3, 2012, drivers of commercial motor vehicles and drivers of placarded quantities of hazardous materials will be restricted from using mobile phone devices. Full story.
New tool offers advanced root studies
A new technology developed jointly by Carnegie and Stanford University could revolutionize root research. Full story.
Former Dow scientist sentenced for espionage
The lawsuit against an ex-Dow AgroSciences researcher who stole trade secrets worth approximately $7 million from the company and gave them to a Chinese university ended with a prison sentence of seven years and three months, according to prosecutors who spoke with Businessweek.com. Full story.
AEM launches ag precision sales statistics program
After a year and a half of development, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers' Statistics Department announced the launch of a new Ag Precision Guidance Program. Full story. Current land value spike is not like the 80s
Although farmland prices have been increasing, Iowa State University economist Mike Duffy says the current run up is not the same as the one that occurred prior to the credit crisis of the 1980s. Full story. AgGateway Seed Connectivity deadline Jan. 16
AgGateway’s Seed Connectivity-II Project deadline for signing a commitment letter has been extended until Jan. 16, 2012. Full story. Impact of climate change on agriculture
A new book, "Handbook on Climate Change and Agriculture" explores the interaction between climate change and agriculture. Full story.  BIG PICTURE
By Doane EconomistStrong export demand has contributed to tightening domestic supplies and higher prices. Beef exports through October are up 27 percent from a year ago. Exports for all of 2011 are forecast at 2.8 billion pounds, up 22 percent from 2010. With the increase this year, beef exports will shoot past the pre-BSE peak in 2003 at 2.5 billion pounds. Mexico remains one of the largest destinations for U.S. beef, but exports to Mexico are relatively flat in 2011. Exports to Canada and Japan now rival Mexico.
Crop Fertility Resource Center
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Increasing sulfur a concern in field crops
Decreased atmospheric deposition, the many light-colored sandy soils in Michigan, intensive cropping systems and the lack of sulfur impurities in major fertilizers may have contributed to the need for supplemental sulfur on several field crops. Full story.
For more, visit the Crop Fertility Resource Center.
Preparing for revised nutrient management standard
With best management practices already under way, Illinois soybean farmers are well-positioned to meet the requirements of new federal rules to improve on-farm nutrient efficiency and water quality, according to Illinois Soybean Association Sustainability Vice Chairman Ron Moore. Full story.
For more, visit the Soybean Resource Center.
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VAULT® HP Is Standard Practice For Minnesota Soybean Grower
No matter what the growing conditions may be, the use of VAULT® HP plus INTEGRAL® has become a best management practice for Chris Staub of West Concord in southeastern Minnesota. Staub had all the seed for his 1,110 acres of soybeans treated with VAULT HP plus INTEGRAL last spring.
“We have heavier soils and lots of disease in our area, and VAULT HP has been a popular product to use from the get-go,” Staub says. “We’ve seen a good response.”
Wet conditions delayed planting in Staub’s area last spring and then the rain stopped in mid-July. “A strong, healthy root structure was especially important this year and getting plants off to a good start helped minimize the stress associated with late planting,” he says.
Staub recognizes that having the right combination of products is pretty important to get soybeans off to a good start. “When you look at the whole scheme of things, VAULT HP plays an important role — we know it works and it’s part of our seed treatment regimen,” says Staub.
The triple BioStacked® VAULT HP plus INTEGRAL system pairs a patented biological performance enhancer and a high-count rhizobia inoculant with INTEGRAL biological fungicide. Collectively, these components work together to deliver improved nitrogen fixation; help extend protection from key soil-borne diseases; and enhance root vigor, nodulation and nutrient uptake.
Learn more about the VAULT HP plus INTEGRAL soybean seed treatment system and other soybean seed enhancements at www.BeckerUnderwood.com or call 1-800-892-2013.
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How to be a memorable leader
If you look back over your career, chances are you can identify one or two people who stand out as memorable leaders. Even if these people didn’t hold an official leadership role, their actions and words rallied people together to achieve a common goal. And whether that goal was large or small, far reaching or contained, you remember these leaders for a long time. Full story.
For more Focus on Business articles, click here.
Look at decline in U.S. wheat export
In recent years, export levels have been extremely variable. In most cases, the U.S. is the supplier of last resort so our export level is closely linked to production in other major exporting countries. Full story.
For more, visit the Wheat Resource Center.
First Iowa confirmation of resistance to WCR
Recently published research from Iowa State University shows the first time a western corn rootworm beetle has evolved resistance to a Bt crop in the field. Full story.
For more, visit the Corn Resource Center.
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