9-28-2021

Drainage water management (DWM) can benefit new or existing tile drain systems, help with water management in-field

• Michigan’s soils, hydrology, and topography make tile drain systems an essential element of agricultural systems in many areas of Michigan.

• Swings in precipitation patterns make in-field water management more difficult.

• Drainage water management (DWM) systems allow for the adjustment of the water table elevation in fields.

Michigan’s soils, hydrology, and topography make tile drain systems an essential element of agricultural systems in many areas of Michigan, and the precipitation pattern seen in 2021 in our state spotlights opportunities to use this technology as a risk mitigation tool. This year, and in several recent years, periods of substantial drought are broken up by major rainfall events, delivering several inches of rain in a short period of time. This complicates management of water in fields, and can exacerbate dissolved P and N losses through tile drains.

Drainage water management (DWM) systems allow for the adjustment of the water table elevation in fields, allowing for a naturally high-water table during non-cropping times of the year. This allows for greater water infiltration to groundwater while keeping unnecessary water out of drainage systems. During the growing season, the water table can be lowered to the typical functional level of the drain tile system, providing all the same benefits of tile drainage that growers expect.

DWM systems also allow for raising the water table during drought events, retaining moisture in the soil profile for crop use. Unlike some other nutrient loss reduction practices, DWM systems don’t take farmland out of production or require changing in-field agronomic management. And they require minimal time to adjust water levels, taking just minutes to add or remove boards in the control structure.

Cost-share assistance programs are available in many counties. Growers are encouraged to contact their local conservation district offices to learn more about improving their tile drainage systems with drainage water management technology. As a conservation practice, DWM retains flexibility of in-field agronomic management, does not remove land from production, offers immediate yield increase potential, and has assessable cost-share opportunities – a unique combination and something to be considered in planning for 2022 and beyond.

This newsletter is brought to you by the Michigan Agri-Business Association and the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. For more information, visit miagbiz.org.

9-21-2021

Bruce Sutherland honored with 2021 Exceptional Service to Michigan Agriculture award

Sept. 21, 2021 — At our recent Outlook Conference, the Michigan Agri-Business Association honored Bruce Sutherland, the recently-retired president of Michigan Agricultural Commodities (MAC) with the 2021 Exceptional Service to Michigan Agriculture award. The award recognizes industry leaders who go above and beyond in their service to our agriculture sector.
“Everyone at MAC, and across our Michigan agriculture industry, has known Bruce for his integrity, his can-do attitude and his passion for the success of agriculture,” said Robert Geers, Vice President of Marketing at MAC and 1st Vice Chair of MABA. “It is my privilege to join MABA in honoring a good friend who has done so much to advance Michigan agriculture during his long career.”
Sutherland’s retirement this spring from his role as President of Michigan Agricultural Commodities capped off a career spanning more than 35 years at MAC. He started as a grain merchandiser, then served as merchandising manager and vice president before being named president in 2016.
Sutherland has been an active participant in activities of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, including service on the Board of Directors, where he was Board Chairman in 2014.
Bruce also served on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the National Grain and Feed Association, as a member of the Federal Grain Inspection Service Advisory Committee and National Rail Car Council; and was recently named a Trustee of the 4-H Foundation. Congratulations to our friend Bruce, and thank you for your leadership!
9-14-2021

Planning for the 2022 Crop Starts with Fall Fertilizer Management

  • Fall is an excellent time to test soils for nutrient levels, both for fertilizer applications that might be made yet this fall, as well as complete nutrient management plans for the following year’s crop.
  • As growers begin to prepare for the 2022 crop year, consulting with a crop adviser to implement purposeful fertilizer management plans is important

The fall harvest season marks the start of planning for the 2022 crop, beginning with nutrient management. Fertilizer application plans combine soil test information, yield performance in the field, and detailed fertilizer recommendations to create nutrient management that optimizes crop performance while limiting environmental impacts. With fertilizer prices at higher levels than in past years, comprehensive nutrient management plans are more important than ever.

Nutrient management decisions should be driven by data, including assessments of existing soil nutrient levels. Intensive sampling approaches such as grid or zone soil testing provide high levels of resolution to precisely identify optimal nutrient application rates.

Fall is an excellent time to test soils for nutrient levels, both for fertilizer applications that might be made yet this fall, as well as complete nutrient management plans for the following year’s crop. Soil test data becomes even more powerful when combined with yield data to assess crop removal. Modern technology allows for nutrient application rates to closely match what’s been removed from the field through grain. Multiple years of data also allow for the identification of productivity zones in the field and provide a better determination of future yield targets than one year’s data alone.

Today’s fertilizer recommendations are the result of long-term determination of crop response to nutrient application rates, timing, and placement. Underpinned by scientific measurement, these recommendations are also the product of observed crop response in the field.

Putting all these pieces of nutrient management together is where crop advisors excel. Not only are these certified professionals current on new advances in nutrient management, but they also can see trends across a region that might not be seen on a farm level. As growers begin to prepare for the 2022 crop year, consulting with a crop adviser to implement purposeful fertilizer management plans is an important first step.

This newsletter is brought to you by the Michigan Agri-Business Association and the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. For more information, visit miagbiz.org.
9-3-2021

Biobased products industry pumps $3.5 billion into Michigan’s economy, supports thousands of jobs: New USDA report

LANSING, Mich. – A recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture – announced on the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Government’s BioPreferred Program – shined a spotlight on the positive economic impact of innovative, biobased products in Michigan and across America. Biobased products include those manufactured with agricultural products, including Michigan-grown soybeans.

“Michigan’s soybean farmers are proud to contribute to a biobased products industry that generates billions of dollars in economic activity for our state and reduces America’s reliance on oil,” said Janna Fritz, CEO of the Michigan Soybean Committee. “From auto components, to cleaning supplies, to construction materials and beyond, Michigan-grown soybeans are used in thousands of products Americans use every day – providing renewable options for consumers and helping to bolster our state’s economy.”

The report noted Michigan is in the top ten states in direct value added to the biobased chemicals sector (9th), and direct value added in the biobased plastic bottles and packaging sector (6th). According to the report, the biobased products industry:

  • Supports 4.6 million American jobs – including nearly 50,000 Michigan jobs – through direct, indirect and induced contributions.
  • Contributes $470 billion to the U.S. economy, including more than $3.5 billion to Michigan’s economy
  • Generates 2.79 jobs in other sectors of the economy for every biobased job.
  • Displaces more than 9 million barrels of oil a year.
  • Potentially reduces greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 12.7 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents per year.

“This USDA report affirms the importance of biobased product manufacturing as a pillar of our economy here in Michigan, and across America,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “When new markets are developed for Michigan’s soybean farmers, rural businesses also benefit. This new report clearly demonstrates the value delivered back to our state by the creation of innovative new biobased products, including those made with Michigan-grown soybeans.”

To see a list of biobased products created using soybeans, visit soybiobased.org/products.

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About the Michigan Soybean Committee: The Michigan Soybean Committee’s mission is to manage checkoff resources to increase return on investment for Michigan soybean farmers, while enhancing sustainable soybean production. They utilize the combined investment of Michigan’s 12,000+ soybean farmers to drive demand, address production issues and promote Michigan soybeans across a variety of audiences. Learn more about the soybean checkoff by visiting www.michigansoybean.org

About the Michigan Agri-Business Association: The Michigan Agri-Business Association serves as a strong advocate and dedicated resource for Michigan’s food and agriculture sector. The Association’s 400 members span the agricultural value chain. They include agricultural retailers that provide seed, fertilizer, crop protection and technology to farmers; businesses that handle and export grain; animal feed suppliers; food processors; logistics companies and beyond. Learn more at www.miagbiz.org.