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Kansas
Grain Sorghum NEWS
KGSPA
NEWS
1-21-10--AGRICULTURE GROUPS DEFEND ATRAZINE AGAINST AGENDA-DRIVEN
ATTACKS
1-15-10--Over 50 Ag Groups Call on EPA to Continue to Use Science, Not
Politics in Atrazine Review
1-14-10--Kansas
Sorghum Growers Recognized Nationally in Yield Contest
11-6-09--Kansas Corn, Sorghum Groups Boost Outreach Efforts with New
Staff Member
11-3-09--Comments on FIFRA SAP on Atrazine Review
10-01-09--Grower
Leaders Voice Atrazine Support
9-11-09--Kansas
Sorghum to Hit Record Yield in 2009 Crop
8-25-09--Kansas Growers Say Activist Groups Twist EPA Atrazine Data to
Alarm Consumers
4-24-09--Growers Say
Out of State Trial Attorneys Miss the Point in Kansas Atrazine Lawsuit
4-23-09--City of
Hillsboro Supplies Atrazine Lawsuit Records to Growers Associations
4-14-09--Kansas
Growers Ask Marion County Attorney to Investigate Open Records, Open
Meeting Violations
4-2-09--Kansas
Farming Communities Targeted by Trial Attorneys for Atrazine Lawsuit
11-20-08--Kansas Sorghum
Producer Named President of United Sorghum Checkoff Board
7-28-08--Kansans Elected to NSP Board
7-1-08--National
Sorghum Checkoff Begins Collections
(National Sorghum Producers News Release)
6-26-08-- First
purchasers alerted to new sorghum assessment process
(Kansas Department of Agriculture News Release)
4-3-08--EPA Grants
Label Allowing Lumax on Kansas Grain Sorghum
3-21-08--Greving,
Short and Siefkes Elected to Grain Sorghum Commission
2-6-08--DuPont Crop
Protection and KSU Research Foundation Partner To Commercialize Sorghum
Herbicide Tolerant Traits
Go To Archived News
Releases
OR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE Contact: Sue Schulte
Date: 1/21/10 Phone: 785-448-6922
1-21-10--AGRICULTURE GROUPS DEFEND ATRAZINE
AGAINST AGENDA-DRIVEN ATTACKS
53 groups representing tens of thousands of farmers in nearly every
state and commodity call for decisions based on science, not politics
Washington, D.C. – A broad coalition of agriculture groups have written
to Lisa Jackson, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency,
in defense of the herbicide atrazine, which has become the target of a
coordinated attack by environmental groups seeking to eliminate its use.
See copy of the letter to the EPA here:
http://www.ksgrains.com/corn/Lisa%20Jackson%20Agriculture%20Letter%201-15-2010.pdf).
Atrazine, a critical tool in growing crops as diverse as corn, sorghum,
sugar cane, and citrus, has been used safely in over 60 countries for 50
years.
The EPA will begin a re-re-evaluation of atrazine as part of a series of
Scientific Advisory Panels, which will begin on February 2nd. Recent
media events by agenda-driven organizations such as the Natural
Resources Defense Council, Land Stewardship Project and Pesticide Action
Network North America suggest a coordinated campaign to call atrazine’s
safety into question and politicize what should be a scientific process.
In fact, in an unprecedented move, the EPA itself identified NRDC
material as part of its justification to launch the new review.
“We want to set the record straight on the agriculture community’s broad
support of this very effective herbicide that has been used by farmers
for more than 50 years,” said Jere White, executive director of the
Kansas corn and grain sorghum growers associations. “Atrazine is used on
more than one-half of all U.S. corn and two-thirds of sorghum. It is one
of the primary elements that make American agriculture so phenomenally
productive. Every EPA Administration since the EPA was founded –
Republican and Democrat – has endorsed atrazine’s safety and that is why
we join together to pledge our support and confidence in this product.”
“Atrazine is the foundation for weed control programs in Florida
sugarcane and has withstood thorough scientific testing in the U.S. and
around the world,” said James M. Shine, Jr., Agriculture Division Vice
President for Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida. “Extensive
research conducted by scientists inside and outside the government have
weighed all the data and concluded that it is safe for the environment,
human health, and crop protection. Our communities should feel confident
that rigorous science has determined its safety.” It is estimated that
atrazine is used in 90 percent of U.S. sugar cane production.
"The use of atrazine and the triazine family herbicides in citrus
production have dramatically reduced the need for cultivation and water
applications, provided protection against freeze damage, and created a
better quality product," said Joel Nelsen, President of California
Citrus Mutual. "Their loss would have a devastating impact on our
growers."
The coalition of agriculture groups will be actively involved in the EPA
re-evaluation of atrazine and will insist that transparent,
peer-reviewed science utilizing accepted practices govern regulatory
decision-making.
For more information on this coalition or on atrazine, please contact
Sue Schulte at sschulte@ksgrains.com or 785-448-6922.
Over 50 Ag Groups Call on EPA to Continue to Use Science, Not
Politics in Atrazine Review
Jan. 15, 2010--Agricultural groups from Kansas and across the nation
signed onto a letter to EPA clarifying growers’ support for atrazine.
The letter was sent to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson today. Earlier
this month, environmental activist groups submitted a letter to EPA
saying growers oppose the use of atrazine.
“It is truly disheartening when political agendas attempt to overturn
scientific process,” the letter states. “Such is the case in the January
5th letter submitted to the EPA by a handful of special interest groups
misrepresenting themselves as the voice of the agriculture community in
an attempt to negate the overwhelming support and confidence in the
herbicide atrazine and to gain media attention for themselves.”
Jere White, executive director of the Kansas corn and grain sorghum
growers associations said farmers have been involved in EPA’s reviews of
atrazine since the mid-1990s. The groups that signed the letter in
support of atrazine represent a very large number of farmers and
agricultural producers.
“Over 50 national, state, and local grower and agricultural groups
signed on to this letter which reaffirms their support of the use of
atrazine. These groups represent hundreds of thousands of farmers from
Hawaii to Pennsylvania,” White said. “Many of these grower groups have
been involved in the EPA’s repeated studies and reviews of atrazine for
more than 15 years. I don’t think the environmental activist groups
understand that there are trade-offs. For example, removing atrazine
would actually hinder many of our row crop farmers’ efforts to use
conservation no-till and reduced-till practices. Without atrazine, many
would have to return to tilling their land, increasing the risk of
erosion and runoff.”
The groups signing the letter asked EPA to understand that the majority
of farmers support the use of atrazine and asked EPA to use science, not
politics, to arrive at a decision on the safety of atrazine.
The letter states: “Our growers have actively participated in the
process and supported the safety and scientific approval of atrazine by
the EPA over the last fifteen years and three White House
Administrations. Mainstream agriculture has participated in every
Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) concerning atrazine since the beginning
of the Special Review in 1994. As stated clearly to the November 3, 2009
SAP, we strongly believe the scientific weight of evidence, based on
EPA's own analysis for decades, shows atrazine to be both safe and
effective and that it is the best kind of tool that farmers can have.
We are troubled by the activist forces that seem to be guiding the very
intensive and urgent re-evaluation (actually a re-re-evaluation) of
atrazine despite its recently completed re-registration, which provided
for its continued safe use.
. . . The benefits of atrazine use to agriculture are well documented
and part of existing EPA record. Recent efforts to downplay these
benefits in the media are simply the wishes of activists who suggest
they have better insight on producing abundant food, fuel and fiber from
their comfortable desk than the farmer who has been doing it all his
life. It should be noted that our farmers consider themselves the
ultimate conservationists, for without the careful cultivation of their
land...their own livelihoods are at risk.”
Read the Ag Groups' Letter to EPA Here
1-14-10--Kansas Sorghum Growers Recognized Nationally in Yield
Contest
The National Sorghum Producers (NSP) has announced winners of its 2009
Sorghum Yield and Management Contest. Kansas sorghum growers are among
the cream of the crop and are showcasing some of the nation’s best
management practices.
Gerald Simonsen, chairman of the NSP Board of Directors, congratulated
the winners, saying that each farmer who entered the contest brought a
great value to the competition.
“These winning yields represent high personal achievement for these
farmers,” said Simonsen. “Every producer who entered the contest was
measured against a county average yield, which levels the playing field
and ensures that the contest honors the best yields compared to local
averages and conditions. Producers who choose to enter the NSP Yield and
Management contest represent a commitment to this crop and the business
of farming.”
The NCP yield contest varies from many other contests. The contest
levels the playing field by scoring a contestant’s yield against his
county’s 5-year county average yield.
Ki Gamble, of Kiowa County, was awarded second place in the Reduced-Till
Irrigated with a yield of 210.73 bushels per acre, beating the county
yield by 107.73 bushels per acre. Stanely Brandyberry Farms, of Graham
County received second place in the No-Till Non-Irrigated category with
a yield of 165.16 bushels per acre, beating the county average by 105.36
bushels per acre. From Saline County, Clayton and Louanne Short obtained
second place in the Conventional-Till Non-Irrigaged category with a
yield of 170.32 bushels per acre and surpassing the county average by
101.02 bushels per acre. In the Conventional-Till Irrigated category,
Bibb-Nighswonger, of Comanche County, received third place with a yield
of 197.75 bushels per acre which was 115.45 bushels per acre over the
county average.
National, state and county yield contest winners will be honored with a
dinner at Commodity Classic in Anaheim, California on March 5, 2010. In
addition, winners will receive plaques and first place national winners
will be highlighted in the Spring issue of Sorghum Grower magazine.
Kansas overall sorghum production was estimated at 224.4 million
bushels, up from 214.5 in 2008. Full contest results are posted at
www.sorghumgrowers.com
11-6-09--Kansas Corn, Sorghum Groups Boost Outreach Efforts with New
Staff Member
GARNETT, Kansas (Nov. 6, 2009)- DeEtta Bohling from Greenfield, Iowa
recently joined the Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain
Sorghum Producers Association as Communications and Marketing Associate.
The associations represent Kansas sorghum and corn producers in
legislative and regulatory issues.
“Our goal was to find a
person who could help us beef up our communications efforts while
boosting our association’s internet presence, especially in social
media,” according to KCGA/KGSPA Director of Communications Sue Schulte.
“DeEtta is a great fit and brings a lot of enthusiasm and knowledge in
these areas.”
Bohling is a 2009
graduate from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Here she received her
Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts with an emphasis in Public
Relations. She received a minor in Business Administration and a
Leadership Education Program certificate.
Bohling has been an
active member of 4-H, FFA, Adair County Youth Action Committee, Friends
of the Library, Wartburg College Student Senate, Entertainment ToKnight,
the Volunteer Action Center, Tower Agency Public Relations, Wartburg
Television, and served as an ambassador for Wartburg College.
In 2003, Bohling
received the Iowa Governor’s Youth Leadership Award. In 2004 she was
inducted into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame and in 2007 she was
awarded with a Wartburg College Nobility Award for her service and
leadership.
Before joining the Kansas corn and sorghum associations, Bohling was the
Marketing and Social Networking intern for the Iowa 4-H Foundation in
Ames, Iowa.
Comments on FIFRA SAP on Atrazine Review
Docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0759-0001
November 3, 2009
Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, my name is Jere White. I am the
executive director of the Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas
Grain Sorghum Producers Association and also serve as chairman of the
Triazine Network. My expenses to be here are covered by Kansas farmers.
The Triazine Network was formed in 1995 as a response by growers of over
30 commodities and from over forty states, to provide input to the US
EPA special review of the triazine herbicides. Our objective is to
ensure that EPA has and utilizes the best science. That's why we are
here today. We have participated in every SAP concerning atrazine since
the beginning of the Special Review in 1994. We believe the scientific
weight of evidence shows atrazine to be both safe and effective and that
is the best kind of tool that farmers can have.
Last month EPA announced their decision to pursue a very intensive and
urgent reevaluation (actually a re-reevaluation) of atrazine, in
disregard to it’s recently completed reregistration which provided for
its continued safe use. It clearly appears the normal process which
included internal review (i.e. data evaluation records) of new studies
by EPA, and when deemed appropriate, a further review by its SAP, has
been cast away. It seems now that the an NRDC seeded story in the New
York Times is all the peer review needed in order to tee up a minimum of
five SAPs in just over a year (four indicated in the FR Notice and a
minimum of one additional in FY-2011 indicated in the Agency's
stakeholder conference call).
The Agency describes this as a "kickoff" meeting which was certainly new
terminology in my fifteen years of participation. This seems highly
unusual. Perhaps even festive and goal oriented.
Some countries abandon science in their process and subscribe to a
precautionary principal that puts at risk their own people. The benefits
of atrazine to agriculture are well documented and part of existing EPA
record. Recent efforts to downplay the benefits in the media are simply
the wishes of activists who suggest they have better insight on
producing abundant food, fuel and fiber from their comfortable desk than
the farmer who has been doing it all his life. It should be noted that
farmers have been some of the best early adopters.
The Triazine Network is disappointed that there appears to be a major
departure in process at EPA in regards to the recently announced SAPs
re-reassessing atrazine. However, we commit to engage all processes and
all options in order to see a science based outcome continue during all
Administrations and keep all those we represent and all that represent
us informed of the progress.
Oct. 1,
2009--Grower Leaders Voice Atrazine Support
Growers from Kansas and four other states left their combines this
week to talk to leadership from Syngenta Crop Protection about the
importance of atrazine to their farming operations. A roundtable
meeting was held at the National Corn Growers Association office in
Chesterfield, MO, followed by an informal meeting at the Keith Witt
farm in Warrenton, MO.
While atrazine was successfully re-registered by EPA in 2006, recent
attacks by environmental activists including the Natural Resources
Defense Council (NRDC) have brought the issue to the forefront. Trial
attorneys also continue their efforts for legal action against the
makers of atrazine.
Growers represented at the meeting included four past NCGA Presidents:
Ron Litterer, Iowa; Ken McCauley, Kansas; Dee Vaughan, Texas and Fred
Yoder, Ohio. Three past presidents of the National Sorghum Producers
were present: Greg Shelor, Kansas; James Vorderstrasse, Nebraska, and
Bill Kubecka, Texas.
Atrazine is used to help farmers grow crops in a way that protects the
environment, especially with no-till practices, McCauley said.
“Environmental activists would like you to believe that farmers don’t
need atrazine, so we might as well get rid of it. Nothing could be
further from the truth. Not only is it important to our growers’
bottom lines, it is vital to the practices we use to protect the
environment,” McCauley said. “The NRDC says we can use another
chemical, but ask NRDC what chemicals they do approve of.”
Southwest Kansas sorghum producer Greg Shelor told the group that his
no-till practices would not be possible without atrazine. “I can’t
no-till without atrazine,” he said. “With no-till there is not near
the runoff and without no-till I will have 50 or 60 bushel sorghum
instead of the 100 to 120 bushels I have now.”
Iowa grower Ron Litterer said many people don’t understand atrazine’s
role in reducing rates of herbicides. “For me atrazine is an enhancer
for weed control. Years ago, my dad used it as his sole product. Now
we use much lower rates and have better weed control. As an enhancer,
atrazine has allowed us to reduce the rates of other chemicals and has
made them more effective.”
Atrazine allows Nebraska sorghum farmer James Vorderstrasse to use
moisture conserving no-till practices on his farm. “There is no
alternative to atrazine,” he said. “Every time you till the soil you
lose an inch of moisture. Without atrazine, you’d have to till two or
three times pre-plant plus cultivate a couple of times and that
amounts to a loss of 5 inches of moisture.”
Ohio Grower Fred Yoder said atrazine has been important to his family
farm for years. “I’m trying to remember if we have ever grown corn
without atrazine. It’s been around such a long time. But does that
mean we need to look at something else? I don’t think so,” he said.
Syngenta CEO Mike Mack and President of Crop Protection Valdemar
Fischer participated in the roundtable discussion by phone. Travis
Dickinson, Vice President of Marketing; Tim Pastoor, Principal
Scientist; Steven Goldsmith Senior Communications Manager and Todd
Barlow, State Government Relations Manager participated in a meeting
with growers at the National Corn Growers Association offices in
Chesterfield, MO. The Syngenta executives reaffirmed their commitment
to defending the use of atrazine.
9-11-09--Kansas Sorghum to Hit Record Yield in 2009 Crop
The September 11 crop production report pegs the Kansas grain sorghum crop
at 221.4 million bushels with a record yield of 82 bushels per acre.
Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association Executive Director Jere White
said the sorghum crop looks good across the state.
“All you have to do is drive down the road to see the quality of this
year’s sorghum crop. You can see some beautiful sorghum fields across the
state,” White said. “Sorghum has always been a popular choice for Kansas
growers because it can produce a crop in the worst years. This year, it is
really shining because of the excellent conditions throughout the growing
season in most parts of the state.”
Efforts are underway to improve sorghum through research funded by the
United Sorghum Checkoff Program. The checkoff completed its first year of
existence in July. Research is a priority with the checkoff which hopes to
make sorghum more profitable by improving genetics and making improvements
in areas like cold tolerance, nitrogen use, and new herbicide options.
The U.S. sorghum harvest is expected to be at 389.6 million bushels, with
a national yield of 65.5 bushels per acre. Kansas is the leading producer
of grain sorghum, and will harvest more than 56 percent of the nation’s
crop this year.
Sorghum remains an important part of many Kansas growers’ crop rotations
and is valued by ethanol plants and livestock producers and has a strong
export market.
The Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association is a member-based
organization that represents growers on the state and national level. For
more information, visit www.ksgrains.com.
8-25-09--Kansas Growers Say Activist Groups
Twist EPA Atrazine Data to Alarm Consumers
Three media events on
August 23-24 highlighted activists’ efforts to raise public concern
about the herbicide atrazine. The New York Times, Huffington Post and
National Resources Defense Council all release reports about atrazine
on Sunday and Monday. The stories were based on data from a monitoring
program that Syngenta, the maker of atrazine, entered into with EPA in
2003. The Atrazine Monitoring Program (AMP) is an intensive monitoring
program currently focusing on about 100 community water systems
located primarily in the Midwest.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum contaminant level (MCL)
for atrazine at 3 parts per billion (ppb) based on an annual average
in public drinking water. Atrazine is among a list of 87 drinking
water contaminants routinely monitored by the EPA. Jere White,
executive director of the Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas
Grain Sorghum Producers Association said results of the two testing
programs should not be used to confuse consumers. READ MORE!
“The focus of the AMP program is different than the normal water
sampling that is done to determine the annual MCL for drinking water
systems,” White said. “This study is focused on areas with higher
atrazine usage—basically a closer look. The EPA set a guideline under
this program of 37.5 ppb atrazine plus three metabolites (breakdown
products) over a 90-day period as a benchmark for a level of concern.”
The activist groups used two sets of data to cause concern among
consumers, White said.
“You can do anything with numbers. There are spikes, but those spikes
were taken into consideration by EPA when the 3 parts per billion
annual drinking water level for atrazine was set. That’s why it is an
annual average and not a daily or weekly number. But to then take data
from an entirely different program, and suggest that the levels were
above the EPA’s MCL for atrazine is simply misleading.”
In its July 2009 update, EPA stated, “Through its review of this data,
the Agency has confirmed that none of the systems have exceeded OPP's
level of concern, a 90-day average of 37.5 parts per billion (ppb) of
atrazine and its degradates. Concentrations below this 90-day average
are considered to be safe.”
“If you look at the data, you see that atrazine levels in raw
(untreated) water have decreased. Farmers are using practices that
reduce the amount of runoff from fields, and that keeps chemicals out
of surface water,” White said. “This is actually very good news, which
has gone unreported.”
Atrazine is crucial to the success of no-till farming operations that
have a wide range of environmental benefits. No-till is a practice
that leaves crop residue, like corn stalks, in the field to cut down
on soil erosion and runoff of fertilizers and farm chemicals.
“When you talk about soil conservation and reducing runoff, you have
to talk about no-till farming practices,” White said. “This practice
is making a real difference when it comes to conservation. But many
growers say without residual weed control that atrazine offers, they
would not be able to continue their no-till practices. Farmers have a
good story to tell, producing more with less. For example, look at
what corn producers have done in the last 10 years. For the same
bushel of corn produced in 1987, today our land use is down 37
percent, soil loss is down 69 percent.”
For more information and
background on this issue, visit this
Atrazine Blog
4-24-09--Growers Say Out of State Trial
Attorneys Miss the Point in Kansas Atrazine Lawsuit
Two out-of-state law firms are now saying that two Kansas grower groups are
simply trying to protect the financial success of a Swiss chemical company
after the corn and grain sorghum associations blew the whistle on an effort
to sign up Kansas towns to join a lawsuit against the maker of atrazine.
Nothing could be farther from the truth, according to Jere White, executive
director of the Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum
Producers Association. Instead, corn and sorghum farmers are working to
protect access to an important herbicide that has been safely used to
control weeds on Kansas farms for years.
“The financial success we are concerned about is a lot closer to home. It is
in the corn and sorghum fields of Marion County, Kansas,” White said. “A
frivolous lawsuit like this can result in taking atrazine off the shelves in
Kansas and throughout farm country. That would have far reaching
consequences with our growers who rely on atrazine for weed control and
conservation tillage.”
KCGA and KGSPA were surprised to learn earlier this month that the farming
communities of Hillsboro and Marion had signed on to a lawsuit against the
makers of atrazine alleging contamination of their drinking water. Atrazine
levels in the drinking water of both cities are well below the 3 parts per
billion drinking water standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
In a statement to the media, the trial attorney firms of Baron and Budd,
P.C. and Korein Tillery claimed that Kansas corn and sorghum farmers are
only interested in protecting the financial interests of a Swiss company.
“Law firms whose office locations include Dallas, Chicago, Beverly Hills and
St. Louis are claiming that they are just trying to protect the little guy
in Marion County? I find that hard to swallow,” White said.
According to published reports, the law firms, headquartered in Dallas and
St. Louis, will retain a third to a half of all the winnings if the lawsuit
is successful.
“It sounds to me like these big city lawyers are the ones protecting their
financial interests in this case,” White said. “They are in Kansas trolling
for water systems to sign on to their lawsuit because it is in their
financial interest to do so.”
Kansas farmers use atrazine to control broadleaf weeds in corn and sorghum.
Growers have funded research in Kansas to develop best management practices
that help keep atrazine on the fields and away from sources of drinking
water. In addition, atrazine is a crucial tool for conservation tillage in
Kansas.
“We’re in this to protect our growers’ interests,” White said. “Atrazine is
a safe, effective and affordable herbicide that helps our growers control
weeds in their crops. What’s more, our growers are using practices that are
keeping the levels of atrazine well below EPA’s drinking water standard.
That means even according to EPA’s extremely strict standards, atrazine at
these levels presents no threat to drinking water.”
The trial attorneys have told cities they are only after compensation from a
foreign herbicide maker and no one else will be hurt by this lawsuit.
“I’m not so sure that is true,” White asserted. “The contract entered into
by the cities of Marion and Hillsboro states that damages may be sought not
only from the maker of atrazine, but also anyone who sells it. They are
talking about the ag retailers in our state, the local dealers like farmers
cooperatives who provide our farmers with their crop protection tools.”
The Baron and Budd and Korein Tillery law firms asserted that cities are
required to add filtration systems just to get atrazine levels within
federal standards.
“If your atrazine levels are well within the federal standards anyway, why
would you invest in new filtration systems to meet those standards,” White
said. “Their premise is flawed in that they believe water should be
completely free of all levels of contaminants. The list of contaminants that
EPA monitors is six pages long with a total of 87 contaminants with maximum
contaminant levels designated. That’s good news for Baron and Budd and
Korein Tillery—once they are done with atrazine, they have a lot of other
moneymakers to go after.”
The trial attorneys in their statement asserted that Syngenta, one of the
makers of atrazine is boosting its efforts to sell the herbicide in the U.S.
since they no longer sell it in Europe.
“I listen to a lot of ag radio and read a lot of ag publications, and I
can’t remember the last time I heard or saw an ad for atrazine,” White said.
“It’s an ingredient in several herbicide products, but you just don’t see
companies out there pushing atrazine on our farmers. Ads are focused on
newer technologies. Farmers are already aware of atrazine because they have
used it safely for years.”
City officials claim that their communities’ drinking water is safe, but are
seeking damages in a lawsuit that claims that atrazine at any level makes
drinking water unsafe.
“Hillsboro and Marion are suing on the assumption that the drinking water is
contaminated with atrazine. The cities signed on to the lawsuit over
drinking water contamination, but then say their water is safe. They are
right, their water is safe because atrazine levels are far below the federal
drinking water standard. So why are they in this lawsuit?”
The law firms also commend the cities for their compliance with the Kansas
Open Records Act and Kansas Open Meetings Act. The growers associations have
formally requested that the Marion County Attorney’s office investigate
alleged violations of the open meetings and records act.
“It shouldn’t take almost a month and filing a formal complaint to get
public documents,” White said. “If these out-of-state law firms think that
is commendable, maybe they need to become more familiar with Kansas law.”
The growers associations are continuing their dialogue with cities and water
systems in Kansas. “We are encouraging cities and other water systems to
talk to the experts at EPA or the Kansas Department of Health and
Environment before jumping onto the trial attorneys’ bandwagon,” White said.
4-23-09--City of Hillsboro Supplies Atrazine
Lawsuit Records to Growers Associations
After nearly a month of efforts, the Kansas Corn Growers Association and
Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association received information used by the
Marion and Hillsboro city councils when they joined a lawsuit against the
makers of the herbicide atrazine.
On April 13, the associations asked the Marion County Attorney to
investigate alleged violations of the Kansas Open Records Act, and the
Kansas Open Meetings Act by the cities of Marion and Hillsboro. The city
councils met in a closed session last month to discuss entering into a
lawsuit against the manufacturers of atrazine. Later, both cities voted in
open sessions to join the lawsuit being initiated by the Texas law firm
Baron and Budd, P.C.
“I made an informal request to Hillsboro city manager Larry Paine for
certain meeting materials on March 27. On April 2, I mailed to both cities a
formal request asking for the materials in accordance with the Kansas Open
Records Act,” White said. “The City of Marion denied the existence of
documents, and the City of Hillsboro denied us access, although the
documents were given to the local newspaper. This led to our request to the
Marion County Attorney for an investigation into open records and meetings
violations.”
The associations received the requested materials from the City of Hillsboro
on April 23. The City of Marion has told us through their legal counsel that
certain requested items were not retained after the March 12 meeting.
It is a fundamental right to all Kansans to have access to records and
meetings of their elected officials in a timely manner. The state law gives
only a small set of circumstances in which access may be denied and the
state law requires that public bodies respond to an open records request
within three business days.
“We began requesting these materials nearly a month ago, and we were ignored
until we asked for an investigation by the county attorney,” White said.
The growers associations are hoping other communities that are contacted
make better informed decisions on the atrazine lawsuit.
“We are trying to let other communities know about this issue so they can
make informed decisions on whether to join the lawsuit, urging them to talk
to experts at EPA or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment who
understand the drinking water standards,” White said.
In his request to the Marion County Attorney, White also questioned the
legality of the two councils meeting together in a closed session to discuss
the lawsuit. To date, the Marion County Attorney has not responded to the
association’s request, but County Attorney Susan Robson told the Marion
County Record that she is looking into the matter.
“Regardless of the recent receipt of materials, we fully expect that the
issue of compliance with our states “sunshine” laws will be explored and
determined,” added White. “Citizens should not have to jump through so many
hoops to have access to public documents.”
4-14-09--Kansas Growers Ask Marion
County Attorney to Investigate Open Records, Open Meeting
Violations
The Marion County Attorney has been asked to investigate
alleged violations of the Kansas Open Records Act, and the
Kansas Open Meetings Act by the cities of Marion and
Hillsboro. Kansas Corn Growers Association Executive Director
Jere White made the request on Monday. The city councils of
Marion and Hillsboro met in a closed session last month to
discuss whether to enter into a lawsuit against the
manufacturers of atrazine, a herbicide used by corn and grain
sorghum farmers.
White requested from both cities copies of all materials
relating to the health effects of atrazine that were provided
to the Councils. The City of Hillsboro did not respond to the
formal request, but in response to an earlier informal
request, City Administrator Larry Paine said the documents
were reviewed in executive session and were protected by
attorney-client privilege. The City of Marion denied the
existence of any documents.
“Although one city official denied the existence of documents,
and another denied us access, these documents were provided to
the local media,” White said. “You can’t pick and choose. You
can’t deny one person the documents, and then give them to
someone else.”
White also requested and did not receive a response to his
request for a copy of the contract that the City of Hillsboro
entered into with the law firm. In his letter to the county
attorney, Susan Hobson, White also challenged the legality
under the Kansas Open Meetings Act for two separate councils
to meet together in executive session.
“I’ve served in local government myself and I understand how
important it is to follow the open records and open meetings
laws,” White said. “We have tried to do things properly by
making formal requests for information to the cities. When we
were denied or ignored, we talked to the Kansas Attorney
General’s office which recommended asking the Marion County
Attorney to investigate the matter.”
The Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum
Producers Association became involved when the two cities
agreed to join in a lawsuit against the makers of atrazine.
Both towns’ water systems fall well below the 3 parts per
billion drinking water standard for atrazine. City officials
were reportedly told that atrazine is more dangerous at even
lower levels. White, who has been involved in EPA’s Special
Review of atrazine since 1995, said he had not heard any
substantiated research to back those claims.
“Basically you’ve got trial attorneys looking to make some
money by convincing people their drinking water is unsafe,”
White said. “EPA sets stringent standards for safe drinking
water and the water that is provided to the people of Marion
and Hillsboro is well within those standards. Instead of
taking the word of these Texas trial attorneys, the city
councils should have also consulted with the Kansas Department
of Health and Environment or EPA.”
4-2-09--Kansas Farming Communities
Targeted by Trial Attorneys for Atrazine Lawsuit
News that two Kansas agricultural communities have signed on
as participants in a class action lawsuit against the maker of
the farm herbicide atrazine came as both a surprise and a
disappointment to the Kansas Corn Growers Association and the
Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association. The cities of
Hillsboro and Marion were selected by a group of Texas trial
lawyers seeking drinking water systems to sign on to their
case.
Jere White, executive director of KCGA and KGSPA has been
involved with atrazine issues on a national level since 1995
when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began a
Special Review of the triazine herbicides including atrazine.
“What concerns me is that these city councils only heard
one-sided information provided by the Texas law firm of Baron
and Budd, which will reportedly collect a third of any
winnings of the lawsuit,” White said. “Why not also get
information from experts that don’t have a monetary interest,
like Kansas Department of Health and Environment or EPA?”
In 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency gave a favorable
risk assessment to the triazine herbicides including atrazine
concluding that they pose no harm that would result to the
general U.S. population, infants, children or other consumers.
After the EPA’s positive science-based findings on atrazine,
activists have turned to the legal system in hopes of finding
another way to ban the herbicide, White said.
“When we became involved in the Special Review of atrazine, we
simply wanted EPA to make a decision on scientific fact
regardless of the outcome,” he said. “Now the debate has moved
into the legal arena, where fear and misinformation can
sometimes carry more weight than proven scientific fact. EPA
assembled numerous expert science panels to review and advisee
the agency in its decision. Their science is sound.”
Media reports state that the city officials were told their
communities had nothing to lose by getting involved in the
lawsuit.
“From reading the news reports, it appears the councils had
been convinced that no one loses in this lawsuit except for a
big foreign-owned chemical company. That could not be further
from the truth. Farmers rely on atrazine for safe and
economical weed control, and lawsuits like this threaten their
ability to buy and use this product. Any costs incurred with
this lawsuit will be borne by farmers, regardless of the
outcome,” White said. “The Texas trial attorneys made it sound
like the lottery—but the jackpot will go to Baron and Budd.”
Water testing shows that both communities fall well below the
3 parts per billion standard for atrazine in drinking water.
This Federal standard is an annual average based on lifetime
exposure. However, Hillsboro city manager Larry Paine was
quoted in news stories saying that even lower levels of
atrazine are a concern to public health, claiming that lower
levels seem to be more dangerous to higher levels.
“I have personally been involved in the EPA Special Review and
Reregistration of atrazine since 1995. I have heard a lot of
wild claims, but I have never heard anything like that,” White
said. “EPA performed a science-based review of atrazine that
spanned well over a decade and concluded that atrazine does
not pose a risk even at levels three times higher than those
reported at Hillsboro.”
Communities and their water systems also have a stake in
making sure that water standards are science-based.
“It is in the best interest of water systems and to public
safety to have standards that are set by science-based
methods, rather than litigation,” White said. “Water systems
themselves add chemicals to the water to make it safe to
drink. Those water disinfectants create contaminants, yet
within the standards, they are considered safe. If
science-based standards are not protective in the eyes of
Hillsboro and Marion city leaders, how can they expect their
constituents to accept their assurance that their drinking
water is safe? Water consumed by their citizens will always
contain more than hydrogen and oxygen.”
Cities should be wary of trial lawyer’s tactics and seek
information from a neutral party, like KDHE or EPA. “There are
volumes of peer reviewed science available on atrazine that
were generated throughout EPA’s Special Review of the triazine
herbicides, which include atrazine,” White said. “Our growers
have worked for years to make sure that we are using atrazine
responsibly on our fields. We have funded research at K-State
to establish and implement practices to keep atrazine from
running off our fields into rivers and streams. Now we have
trial attorneys from Texas coming to our rural Kansas towns
and apparently feeding them a lot of misinformation to get
them to sign on to their lawsuit. Cities and other water
systems in Kansas should use diligence if approached by trial
attorneys on any issue, including this one.”
12-14-09--Kansas
Growers Excel in NSP Yield Contest
Kansas had a first or second place winner
in each of the major categories in NSP's
Yield and Management Contest. Contestants entered the contest in one of
five production categories, and each entry must have harvested for contest
purposes a plot of at least five contiguous sorghum acres. The Yield
Contest is hosted annually by NSP to recognize outstanding production
practices and yield accomplishments by sorghum growers nationwide.
This
year’s national winners from Kansas include: In the Conventional-Till
Irrigated Category, Ki Gamble, of Kiowa County placing second; in
Conventional-Till Non-Irrigated, Clayton and Louanne Short of Saline
County placing second; in Mulch-Till Non-Irrigated, Steve Richard of Cloud
County, Kansas placing first; in No-Till Non-Irrigated, Jarrod Spillman of
Sheridan County, Kansas; and in Reduced-Till Irrigated, Roger Johnson of
SheridanCounty placing 2nd. Mike Fischer of Thayer County, Nebraska took
home the first place price nationally in the Food Grade category.
Each
national winner will receive a trophy and will also be honored at a dinner
at Commodity Classic with the NSP Board of Directors and staff. A
breakfast awards ceremony for all county, state and national honorees will
be held during Commodity Classic, the premier convention and trade show of
the U.S. sorghum, corn, soybean, and wheat industries. The 2008 Commodity
Classic will be held in Grapevine, Texas at the Gaylord Texan resort and
hotel February 26th through 28th, 2008.
Sorghum-specific programming begins on February 25th.
11-20-08--Kansas Sorghum Producer Named President of
United Sorghum Checkoff Board
Bill Greving of Prairie View, Kansas was elected chairman of
the United Sorghum Checkoff Board of Directors at its first
meeting in Washington, DC in November. The Board accomplished
many tasks that will allow the checkoff program to efficiently
move forward The Board members were sworn in by Secretary of
Agriculture Ed Schafer on Tuesday morning and immediately
began their meeting, including orientation by USDA’s
Agriculture Marketing Service and election of officers.
“We had a very productive meeting this week at USDA’s
headquarters and were able to make important decisions that
will allow this checkoff program to accomplish its mission of
improving profitability for sorghum producers,” said
newly-elected President of the Board, Bill Greving, of Prairie
View, Kansas. “I am honored to have been elected President of
this Board and look forward to serving sorghum producers
nationwide in this critical transition time for the sorghum
industry.”
Other officers include Vice President, Bill Kubecka of
Palacios, Texas; Secretary, Jeff Casten of Quenemo, Kansas;
and Treasurer, Dale Artho of Wilderado, Texas. Besides
electing officers, the Board also officially named the program
the United Sorghum Checkoff Program. They approved a Request
for Proposal process that will enable sorghum research
projects to get underway this winter and deliver new
technology to sorghum growers’ fields as quickly as possible.
The Board also approved bylaws and an initial budget.
Other members of the USCP Board include Gary Kilgore of
Chanute, Kansas; Earl Roemer of Healy, Kansas; Greg Shelor of
Minneola, Kansas; Billy Bob Brown of Panhandle, Texas; James
Vorderstrasse of Hebron, Nebraska; Troy Skarke of Claude,
Texas; Louise Rigdon of Blackwell, Oklahoma; Stewart Weaver of
Edmonson, Arkansas; and Jerry Van Zee of Platte, South Dakota.
The United Sorghum Checkoff Program commits to invest sorghum
checkoff dollars efficiently to increase profitability for
sorghum through research, promotion and information.
12-1-08--Kansas Commodity
Classic Is Tuesday, December 9 at Salina!
As Kansas farmers look
ahead to 2009, a number of key questions are looming: can
commodity prices rebound to near-historic highs of 2008? Will
input prices stabilize?
Answers to these questions may be
found at the annual Kansas Commodity Classic, slated for Dec.
9 at the Holiday Inn, Salina. The Commodity Classic is an
annual joint convention of the Kansas Association of Wheat
Growers, Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain
Sorghum Producers Association.
The day’s educational sessions
begin at 9 a.m., when Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Adrian
Polansky leads off with a recap of 2008 and 2009 outlook. The
general session continues with a keynote presentation focusing
on the “Strength of the Agricultural Economy,” followed by an
Ag Production Issues panel discussion on the relationship
between agricultural credit, grain marketing and crop inputs.
The morning session concludes with a post-election update on
federal government issues.
Following a complimentary
luncheon, a series of breakout sessions will allow farmers to
gain valuable insight into the 2009 crop year. Sessions
include:
--Fertilizer Supply, Demand and
Costs;
--Alternative Land Lease
Agreements
--End of Year Tax Planning for
Farmers
--Rural Development Opportunities
--Marketing Strategies
An ice cream
break featuring Call Hall Ice Cream from Kansas State
University - a Kansas Commodity Classic tradition – separates
the first and second breakout sessions. The Commodity Classic
is free to farmers, but pre-registration is encouraged, by
calling the Kansas Wheat office at 866-759-4328.
Follow this link for an agenda of Classic events
KGSPA Annual Meeting 3:45
p.m. Tuesday, December 9 at the Salina Holiday Inn
7-28-08--Kansans Elected to NSP Board
National Sorghum Producers (NSP) recently elected a new nine member Board
of Directors. The new Board will focus solely on legislative and
regulatory issues as a new national sorghum checkoff board will assume
research, promotion, and education responsibilities this fall. NSP will
still work in conjunction with the national checkoff board to advance the
industry. Toby Bostwick, the new NSP Chairman of the Board, resides in
Melrose, NM. Toby regards his new position as “humbling and exciting”. “I
know with the new focus of NSP, that we can and will be even more active
in influencing future legislative decisions.” The previous Chairman, Dale
Murden, will remain on the new board as the Past Chairman. “It’s been a
good two years,” said Dale. “I’ve been proud to be associated with this
association and the great people who are its members and leaders.” During
his time as Chairman, the industry started a national checkoff on sorghum,
made it through the Farm Bill process, and strengthened its membership
base.
The seven additional members of the board are: Ken Georg, a sorghum
producer from Sabetha, KS; Eric Mork, Director of Domestic Business, ICM,
Inc. in Wichita, KS; Daniel Krienke, a sorghum producer from
Perryton, TX; Brian McCuiston, the General Manager of Planters Grain Coop
in Odem, TX; Gerald Simenson, a sorghum producer from Ruskin, NE; Terry
Swanson, a sorghum producer from Walsh, CO; and David Thomas, an owner of
Sorghum Partners, Inc. in New Deal, TX.
NSP
will remain the voice of the sorghum industry. NSP is focused on
representing sorghum producers in Farm Bill implementation and work to
continue support for the ethanol industry. Since the checkoff board can
focus on research and promotion, the NSP Board can now place more emphasis
on legislative and regulatory issues. NSP represents U.S. sorghum
producers. The organization works to ensure the profitability of sorghum
production coast to coast through legislative representation, regulatory
representation, and education. To learn more about NSP, visit
www.sorghumgrowers.com.
7-1-08--National Sorghum Checkoff Begins Collections
(National Sorghum Producers News Release)
This morning, July 1, 2008, the Sorghum Promotion, Research and
Information Order officially began collections for a program that will
ultimately contribute to the improved development of the sorghum industry.
The National Sorghum Producers Board of Directors has been working toward
the creation of a nation-wide sorghum checkoff program for over two years.
“The first checked-off load represents a milestone for the sorghum
industry,” said NSP President Dale Murden of Monte Alto, Texas. “This step
will lead to more research on sorghum, better markets for sorghum, and
eventually more acres for this crop.”
The checkoff rate for grain sorghum is 0.6 percent of value and is
collected at the first point of sale. The checkoff rate for forage sorghum
is 0.35 percent of value. In many states, a previously-existing state
checkoff was suspended upon commencement of national checkoff assessments.
“We have watched the decline of sorghum acres and the sorghum industry for
the last 28 years,” said Gerald Simonsen, farmer from Ruskin, Nebraska.
“To the producers for whom sorghum is an important part of their
operation, the national sorghum checkoff is without any doubt the most
positive move we have seen in those 28 years.”
Sorghum, deemed the “water-sipping crop,” is especially adaptable in
semi-arid climates and uses one-third less water than some of its
counterpart grains. It is used for animal feeding, for high-output ethanol
production, as a gluten-free alternative food, and has many niche markets
such as birdseed and wallboard. Much of the U.S. sorghum crop is also
exported to Mexico and Europe for animal feeding and ethanol production.
“We have watched as public and private funding for the industry has been
cut,” said Simonsen. “To me, it is inspiring that producers have taken it
upon themselves to invest in their own industry.”
NSP represents U.S. sorghum producers. The organization works to ensure
the profitability of sorghum production coast to coast through education
and legislative and regulatory representation. To learn more about NSP,
visit www.sorghumgrowers.com.
6-26-08-- First purchasers alerted to new sorghum assessment process
(Kansas Department of Agriculture News Release)
TOPEKA -- First purchasers across Kansas will receive information by mail
this week explaining a new process for collecting assessments on sorghum
that becomes effective July 1 when the state switches from a state-level
assessment to the national sorghum checkoff system.
The mailing from the Kansas Department of Agriculture explains how first
purchasers must calculate the assessment to comply with the national
checkoff. For those who have experience with it, it is similar to the
national soybean checkoff.
Under the national sorghum checkoff, the assessment is based on net market
value rather than bushels. Net market value is bushels multiplied by price
per bushel after adjusting for any premium or discount. The national
checkoff is set at .6 percent of the net market value received by the
farmer.
Sorghum forage is included in the national checkoff, and its assessment is
set at .35 percent of its net market value.
A first purchaser is any entity that buys more than 1,000 bushels of grain
sorghum in a year, while a forage first purchaser buys more than 5,000
tons of sorghum forage, hay, aylage, billets or silage.
Also in the mailing is a revised monthly remittance form, which first
purchasers must begin using in July and submit by August 20.
The national sorghum assessment has a new refund procedure that can be
explained by Craig Shackelford with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He
can be reached at (202) 720-1115.
Assessment and refund procedures for corn, soybeans, sunflowers and wheat
remain unchanged.
Kevin Lickteig of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission will answer
questions about the new grain sorghum assessment procedure. He can be
reached at (866) 457-6456. Or, questions can go to Erik Wisner, Kansas
Department of Agriculture, at (785) 296-3210.
4-3-08--EPA Grants Label Allowing Lumax on Kansas
Grain Sorghum
After a multi-year effort to add Lumax to the grain sorghum grower’s
toolbox, the Environmental Protection Agency has labeled the pre-plant
herbicide to be used on grain sorghum in Kansas and Nebraska. The Kansas
Grain Sorghum Producers Association thanked those who worked for approval
of the label including the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas State
University and the National Sorghum Producers.
Lumax includes the active ingredient mesotrione and can be used as a
pre-plant herbicide. EPA granted emergency exemptions allowing the use of
Lumax on grain sorghum in Kansas in 2006 and 2007.
“Having Lumax labeled for use on sorghum in Kansas and Nebraska reduces
the uncertainty you have when you are waiting for an exemption,” according
to KGSPA Executive Director Jere White. “Now that Lumax is labeled for
grain sorghum in our state, our growers will be able to plan better when
making their weed control decisions.”
Because grain sorghum is considered a minor crop, producers have a limited
number of crop protection options.
“We’ve been working on getting a label for Lumax on sorghum ever since it
was approved for corn. When EPA approved the label for Lumax, that was
very good news for our sorghum producers who need pre-plant broadleaf weed
control for their crop especially in cases where they are experiencing
herbicide resistance issues,” White said. “As with all crop protection
tools, we strongly encourage our growers to read and follow label
instructions and restrictions.”
Lumax Herbicide, which is manufactured by Syngenta Crop Protection, must
be applied following all label directions, restrictions and precautions.
Restrictions and Precautions include:
--Use Lumax only on Concep-treated grain sorghum seed.
--Do not apply to emerged grain sorghum.
--Do not apply to grain sorghum on coarse textured soils (i.e. sand, loamy
sand or sandy loam).
--Apply Lumax to grain sorghum only. Lumax is not labeled for other types
of sorghum.
--Minimize disturbance of the herbicide treated soil barrier during the
planting process.
--Lumax is not approved for aerial application or application through any
type of irrigation system.
--Do not harvest within 60 days of application.
The label information for Lumax and other information is available at the
KGSPA website at www.ksgrains.com/sorghum
3-21-08--Greving,
Short and Siefkes Elected to Grain Sorghum Commission
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of
Agriculture today announced the names of producers from the central third
of the state who were elected to the state’s five grain commodity
commissions – corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers and wheat.
This was the third election cycle for districts four, five and six under
the new law that privatized the commissions in July 2000. District Four
commissioners represent north-central Kansas; District Five commissioners
represent central Kansas, and District Six commissioners represent
south-central Kanas.
Ballots were cast between January 15 and March 1 and were counted at the
Kansas
Department of Agriculture on March 7. The newly elected commissioners will
take office April 1 and will serve three-year terms.
Commissioners-Elect for the Kansas Corn Commission
District four – Mike Brzon, who grows corn, soybeans, sorghum and wheat in
Republic County. He currently serves on the Kansas Corn Commission and is
a director on the U.S. Grains Council and Farmway Cooperative Inc. Brzon
also is active in water issues in the Republican River basin in Kansas and
Nebraska.
District five – Terry Vinduska, who grows corn, grain sorghum, soybeans,
wheat and alfalfa on a family farm in Marion County. He currently serves
on the Kansas Corn Commission and is a member of the U.S. Grains Council,
Kansas Farmers Union and Kansas Farm Bureau. Vinduska has a bachelor’s
degree in agricultural technology from Kansas State University.
District six – Kent Moore, who grows corn, wheat and soybeans in Pratt
County. He is a member of the Kansas Corn Growers Association and the
Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, and he is on the board of directors
for the Pratt County 4-H Foundation. Moore has a bachelor’s degree in
agricultural economics from Kansas State University.
Commissioners-Elect for the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission
District four – William Greving, who grows corn, sorghum, wheat and hay in
Phillips County. He currently is secretary-treasurer of the Kansas Grain
Sorghum Commission, serves on the board of the National Sorghum Producers
and is a member of the Kansas Livestock Association, the Kansas
Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Corn Growers Association.
Greving has a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Fort Hays State
University.
District five – Clayton Short, who grows corn, sorghum, wheat and soybeans
in Saline County. He currently serves on the Kansas Grain Sorghum
Commission and is a member of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Association and
Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. Short has a bachelors degree in
agriculture from Kansas State University.
District six – Dennis Siefkes, who grows corn, grain sorghum, soybeans and
wheat in Stafford County. He is a member of the Kansas Grain Sorghum
Producers Association, the Stafford County Farm Bureau and the Great Bend
Cooperative Association, and a past member of the Kansas Corn Commission.
Siefkes has a bachelor’s degree in agriculture mechanization from Kansas
State University.
Commissioners-Elect for the Kansas Soybean Commission
District four – Steve Clanton, who grows corn, grain sorghum, soybeans,
sunflowers and wheat in Ottawa County. He currently serves on the Kansas
Soybean Commission. He has been involved in many organizations, including
the local extension and soil conservation board and the Kansas Soybean
Association. He is a past president of the Kansas Association of Wheat
Growers. Clanton has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Kansas State
University.
District five – Harold Kraus, who grows corn, grain sorghum, soybeans and
wheat in Ellis County. He has served on the Kansas Soybean Commission
since 1999, is a member of Kansas Farm Bureau and is a voting member of
the National Biodiesel Board. Kraus has a bachelor’s degree in business
from the University of Kansas.
District six – Jerry Wyse, who grows wheat, corn, grain sorghum and
soybeans in Reno County. He currently serves on the Kansas Soybean
Commission and is past president and CEO of Kauffman Seeds Inc. Wyse has
an associate’s degree in liberal arts from Hesston College.
Commissioners-Elect for the Kansas Wheat Commission
District four – Steve Clanton, who also was elected to the Kansas Soybean
Commission.
He grows corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers and wheat in Ottawa
County. He currently serves on the Kansas Soybean Commission. He has been
involved in many organizations, including the local extension and soil
conservation board and the Kansas Soybean Association. He is a past
president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. Clanton has a
bachelor’s degree in engineering from Kansas State University.
District five – Dean Stoskopf, who grows wheat, grain sorghum and alfalfa,
and has a cow-calf herd in Barton County. He currently is finishing his
second term on the Kansas Wheat Commission, he is a past president of the
Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and is a current member of Kansas Farm
Bureau. Stoskopf has a degree in agriculture from Kansas State University.
Distinct six – Scott Van Allen, who grows sorghum and wheat in Sumner
County. He is a past president and current member of the Sumner County
Farm Bureau. Van Allen has also been on Kansas Farm Bureau’s wheat
advisory board for the past two years. Van Allen is a graduate of
Clearwater High School.
Commissioner-Elect for the Kansas Sunflower Commission
There were no candidates for commissioner in districts four, five and six.
Commissioners will be appointed by the Kansas Sunflower Commission.
2009 Election Will Cover Western Third of State
Corn, grain sorghum, soybean, sunflower and wheat growers in the western
third of the state can expect to receive information by mail this fall
outlining the 2009 election procedure.
District one includes Cheyenne, Decatur, Graham, Norton, Rawlins Sheridan,
Sherman and Thomas counties.
District two includes Gove, Greeley, Lane, Logan, Ness, Scott, Trego,
Wallace and Wichita counties.
District three includes Clark, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Hamilton,
Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Meade, Morton, Seward, Stanton and Stevens
counties.
Grain growers who plan to campaign for a seat on one of the commissions
must collect on an official petition form 20 signatures from eligible
voters to be included on the 2009 ballot. Official petition forms will be
available through the Kansas Department of Agriculture or one of the grain
commodity commissions.
No more than five signatures from any one county will be used to qualify a
candidate. Eligible voters are Kansas residents who will reach age 18
before the election and have been growing corn, grain sorghum, soybeans,
sunflowers or wheat during the last three years. The filing deadline for
candidates is November 30, 2008.
2-6-08--DuPont Crop Protection and KSU Research
Foundation Partner To Commercialize Sorghum Herbicide Tolerant Traits
(KSU News release)
WILMINGTON, Del. – DuPont and Kansas State University Research Foundation
have signed an agreement giving DuPont exclusive commercialization rights
to two new herbicide-tolerant traits in sorghum.
The new traits, developed by Kansas State University researchers, include
an ALS-herbicide-tolerant trait and an ACCase-herbicide tolerant trait.
Both traits will provide growers with new, more flexible post-emergence
herbicide options for grass control in sorghum with no restrictions on
export marketing.
Growers will benefit from new herbicide solutions developed with the
unique blends technology from DuPont Crop Protection for use on sorghum
with the new ALS-tolerant trait. Seed companies will have the opportunity
to sub-license both traits from DuPont.
“Our partnership with Kansas State will allow us to deliver solutions for
grass and broadleaf weed control in sorghum that have never before been
available,” said James C. Collins, vice president and general manager –
DuPont Crop Protection. “We are pleased to work with Kansas State
researchers as we continue to deliver products that increase grower
productivity.”
“One of the greatest challenges sorghum growers have faced over the years
is control of weeds in the crop,” said Forrest Chumley, K-State Research
and Extension associate director for research. “To solve the problem, we
needed to work with a company, such as DuPont, that has optimal herbicide
chemistry, access to good crop genetics, and the willingness to make the
innovation available broadly. This is a huge step for sorghum production.”
Growers currently rely on pre-emergence grass herbicides that require
rainfall for activation. These treatments can be inconsistent, especially
in the High Plains where annual rainfall frequently is limited. The new
ALS-tolerant and ACCase-tolerant traits will provide sorghum growers with
post-emergence grass and broadleaf weed control options needed for more
versatile application timing. The new traits, developed using conventional
methods, will also allow growers greater rotational flexibility to sorghum
from other crops.
The traits were developed by K-State agronomy researchers including Kassim
Al-Khatib and his former colleague Mitch Tuinstra (currently at Purdue
University).
K-State’s Chumley said the effort was made possible by strong support from
the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission and the National Grain Sorghum
Producers.
“Through their checkoff dollars, sorghum farmers have provided steady
support for research and educational programs aimed at improving this
important crop. It’s nice to see this payoff for sorghum farmers,” he
said.
Kansas has long been the leading state in grain sorghum production,
accounting for nearly half of the U.S. crop. The United States is the
world’s largest producer of grain sorghum at about 300 million bushels per
year. In 2006, grain sorghum sales pumped $487 million into the Kansas
economy, according to the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association. The
latest projections by the Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service indicate
that Kansas growers produced about 212 million bushels of grain sorghum in
2007.
The mission of the Kansas State University Research Foundation is to
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DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802,
DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to
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construction, communications, and transportation.
12-20-07--Energy Bill Ensures Strong Biofuels Future for
Kansas
Kansas corn and grain sorghum growers cheered the signing of H.R. 6, the
energy bill this week. The bill includes a 36 billion gallon Renewable
Fuels Standard by 2022. 15 billion gallons of that RFS will be grain based
ethanol, creating a strong foundation for ethanol production in Kansas.
The remainder of the RFS will be met by other biofuels including
cellulosic ethanol.
The Kansas Corn Growers Association (KCGA) and Kansas Grain Sorghum
Producers Association (KGSPA) both supported passage of the bill. The
Kansas ethanol industry currently provides a market for 117 million
bushels of corn and grain sorghum. The state’s corn and sorghum growers
produced 710 million bushels of grain this year.
“If you want to see the opportunity for cellulosic ethanol to move
forward, you need to maintain a strong grain-based ethanol industry,”
according to Jere White, executive director of KCGA and KGSPA. “When the
president signed this bill into law, it provided needed stability for the
future of ethanol and other biofuels.”
The Energy Bill had strong bipartisan support in both the House and the
Senate. Senators Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback both voted in favor of the
Energy Bill. On the house side three of our four representatives voted for
the Energy Bill. Representatives Jerry Moran, Dennis Moore and Todd Tiahrt
all supported the bill. Second District Representative Nancy Boyda voted
against the Energy Bill.
“Kansans are fortunate to have a senators and representatives who
understand the importance of renewable fuels to the economy of our state,”
White said. “The ten ethanol plants in Kansas are having a dramatic impact
on rural development in Kansas. This industry is bringing jobs and
economic activity to communities across the state and has created a strong
and stable market for our grains. At the same time, these plants are
producing a clean, renewable refined fuel that adds to our fuel supply and
stabilizes prices we pay at the pump.”
The bill also includes provisions that will advance E85, 85 percent
ethanol fuel, including a provision that prohibits franchise agreements
from restricting the sale of renewable fuels.
Kansas currently has 10 plants in operation that produce 329 million
gallons of ethanol, creating a market for about 117 million bushels of
corn and grain sorghum. Ethanol blended fuels are available across the
state of Kansas as E10 for use in all gasoline powered vehicles; and 28
stations now offer E85 fuel for flexible fuel vehicles. For more
information on ethanol and locations of E85 fueling sites, visit
www.ksgrains.com.
12-9-07--E85 Fuel Now Available at 28 Kansas Stations
Not too long ago, drivers of flexible fuel vehicles were lucky to find a
handful of Kansas fuel stations that carried E85, 85 percent ethanol fuel.
Today, motorists can find E85 in 28 stations across Kansas, with more on
the way.
The newest stations are located in Arkansas City, Burlington, Oakley,
Parsons, Thayer and Topeka.
“Our association staff drives flexible fuel vehicles. Thanks to the
increase in the number of E85 stations, we can now drive on E85 fuel no
matter where we go in Kansas,” according to Sue Schulte, communications
director for the Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum
Producers Association.
While E85 fuel has many benefits, most drivers notice the price first.
“There are so many reasons to use E85 fuel. It is domestically produced
ethanol, made from corn and grain sorghum. It burns cleaner and is better
for the environment. But it is the price that is attracting the most
attention right now. At 40 to 60 cents below regular unleaded, E85 fuel is
a great deal,” Schulte said.
While there is a drop fuel economy for E85 fuel because ethanol contains a
lower energy content, KCGA and KGSPA staff have not found the dramatic
decreases in fuel economy that is reported by some sources.
“We’ve been using E85 in flexible fuel vehicles for year, and while we see
about a small loss in fuel economy, the price of the fuel will normally
more than make up for that difference,” Schulte said. “If you live near an
E85 station, it will be worth your time to check your owners manual to see
if you have a flexible fuel vehicle.”
E85 is 85 percent ethanol fuel that can be used in flexible fuel vehicles
(FFVs) that operate on any combination of gasoline and ethanol up to 85
percent ethanol. There are over 6 million FFVs on the road today.
For a complete list of E85 stations in Kansas, visit the Kansas Ethanol
website at www.ksgrains.com.
11-9-07--November Crop Estimate Shows 45% Increase
for Kansas Feed Grains
45 percent. That’s the increase in Kansas Corn production over last year’s
crop, according to Kansas Agricultural Statistics monthly crop production
estimates. Ag Statistics boosted the 2007 Kansas corn crop estimate to
500.4 million bushels, 45 percent over last year’s harvest of 345 million
bushels. The estimate is 7 million bushels over last month’s estimate
thanks to an increase in expected yield to 139 bushels per acre.
45 percent is also the increase for Kansas grain sorghum this year. Ag
statistics increased its estimate by 4 million bushels over last month’s
guess. The November estimate is at 210.6 million bushels which is 45
percent more than last year’s harvest of 145 million bushels. The November
yield estimate is 81 bushels per acre, compared to 58 bushels per acre in
2006. The yield estimate is also 3 bushels per acre higher than the
October estimate.
Combined feed grain production for Kansas now stands at 711 million
bushels of corn and sorghum, compared to a combined 2006 feed grain
harvest of 490 million bushels.
8-27-07--Kansas Corn
and Sorghum Growers Applaud Announcement of Abengoa’s Conventional and
Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Project
A new ethanol plant project that would make both grain based ethanol and
cellulosic ethanol will be good for Kansas and its agriculture industry,
according to corn and sorghum growers. Abengoa Bioenergy announced on
Aug. 23 that it would build a hybrid ethanol project that would feature
an 85 million gallon grain-based ethanol plant and a 30 million gallon
cellulosic ethanol plant. Abengoa officials pointed to the unique
synergy between the two ethanol processes. Leaders of the Kansas Corn
Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association
agree.
“Conventional ethanol has created a good market for my grain sorghum.
The cellulosic ethanol would be made from the crop residue, like sorghum
and corn stalks, and that can create an additional revenue stream for
growers,” KGSPA President Greg Shelor of Minneola said.
Cellulosic ethanol can also be made from grasses, forage sorghums and
other cellulosic materials.
“There is a lot of interest in some of the forage sorghum varieties that
would produce a very large amount of material for cellulosic
production,” he said. “Obviously sorghum producers are following that
closely.”
Abengoa officials have said they would place a strong emphasis making
sure the right amount of crop residue remains in the fields because it
is in their best interest for growers to continue to use the best
agronomic and conservation practices.
The Abengoa said the Hugoton plant will be the first cellulosic ethanol
plant in the U.S. . The development of the cellulosic ethanol industry
will help America meet its goals for producing domestic renewable
energy, according to KCGA President Bob Timmons, Fredonia.
“It’s exciting to see companies beginning to move forward in developing
cellulosic ethanol plants,” Timmons said. “Our country is setting some
aggressive goals for renewable fuels, and cellulosic ethanol will play a
big role in meeting those goals.”
Timmons said corn growers see cellulosic ethanol as a new opportunity
for those involved in agriculture.
“Some people automatically assume that as a corn grower, I would not be
interested in cellulosic ethanol production,” Timmons said. “Whether
you’re selling your grain, your stover or both to an ethanol plant, that
is a benefit to you as a farmer. Cellulosic ethanol won’t replace
conventional ethanol, it will complement it.”
Kansas now has 9 ethanol plants that use 96 million bushels of corn and
sorghum to produce over 270 million gallons of ethanol per year. Those
ethanol plants are operating in Garden City (2 plants), Russell,
Phillipsburg, Campus, Garnett, Colwich, Atchison and Leoti. Plants in
Pratt, Hayne near Liberal, Lyons, Scandia and Goodland are under
construction. Other plants are in various stages of planning. Visit
www.ksgrains.com for more information on Kansas ethanol, KCGA and KGSPA.
June 7, 2008
Lumax now can be used on sorghum until June 30
TOPEKA -- The Kansas Department of Agriculture today announced that
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved its request to
extend until June 30 the Section 18 emergency exemption for Lumax
herbicide use on Kansas grain sorghum.
An earlier emergency exemption allowed Lumax to be used until June
15. Sorghum growers may now use it until June 30.
"Given the planting delays many farmers experienced due to ongoing wet
weather, we asked that the deadline to use Lumax be extended from June
15 to June 30," said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky.
When applied according to label directions – and after proper
activation – this herbicide controls broadleaf weeds and annual
grasses (excluding shattercane) in grain sorghum. The controlled
weeds include triazine-resistant, glyphosate-resistant, and
acetolactate synthase (ALS)-resistant
Palmer amaranth and waterhemp.
The emergency exemption does outline special conditions for Lumax use
on sorghum. Users must have the label at the time of application, and
they must accept responsibility for failure to perform and for crop
damage. Applicators can access the label online at
www.farmassist.com. For those who do not have Internet access, their retailer will help
them through the process.
The Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association asked the Kansas
Department of Agriculture to apply for the exemption, and it was
originally granted until June 15, 2007.
Lumax Herbicide, which is manufactured by Syngenta Crop Protection,
must be applied following all label directions, restrictions and
precautions on the federal label and as outlined in the authorization
notice.
The exemption has several conditions which include:
-
Application of Lumax® is allowed on grain sorghum fields
and has 7-14 day pre-plant application requirement.
-
Apply at the rate of no more than 2.5 quarts per acre.
-
A 60-day pre-harvest interval must be observed.
-
Because Lumax is a restricted-use pesticide, farmers and
applicators must be certified and maintain record of applications
following standard restricted use pesticide record keeping rules
- June 7, 2008
Lumax now can be used on sorghum until June 30
TOPEKA -- The Kansas Department of Agriculture today announced that
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved its request to
extend until June 30 the Section 18 emergency exemption for Lumax
herbicide use on Kansas grain sorghum.
An earlier emergency exemption allowed Lumax to be used until June
15. Sorghum growers may now use it until June 30.
"Given the planting delays many farmers experienced due to ongoing
wet weather, we asked that the deadline to use Lumax be extended
from June 15 to June 30," said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture
Adrian Polansky.
When applied according to label directions – and after proper
activation – this herbicide controls broadleaf weeds and annual
grasses (excluding shattercane) in grain sorghum. The controlled
weeds include triazine-resistant, glyphosate-resistant, and
acetolactate synthase (ALS)-resistant
Palmer amaranth and waterhemp.
The emergency exemption does outline special conditions for Lumax
use on sorghum. Users must have the label at the time of
application, and they must accept responsibility for failure to
perform and for crop damage. Applicators can access the label online
at www.farmassist.com. For those who do not have Internet access,
their retailer will help them through the process.
The Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association asked the Kansas
Department of Agriculture to apply for the exemption, and it was
originally granted until June 15, 2007.
Lumax Herbicide, which is manufactured by Syngenta Crop Protection,
must be applied following all label directions, restrictions and
precautions on the federal label and as outlined in the
authorization notice.
The exemption has several conditions which include:
Application of Lumax® is allowed on grain sorghum fields and has
7-14 day pre-plant application requirement.
Apply at the rate of no more than 2.5 quarts per acre.
A 60-day pre-harvest interval must be observed.
Because Lumax is a restricted-use pesticide, farmers and applicators
must be certified and maintain record of applications following
standard restricted use pesticide record keeping rules
April 27, 2007--
EPA Grants Exemption Allowing Lumax on Kansas Grain Sorghum
The Environmental Protection Agency approved a specific exemption
that will allow the use of Lumax, a pre-plant herbicide to be used
on grain sorghum in Kansas. Lumax includes the active ingredient
mesotrione.
“This is good news for sorghum producers who need pre-plant
broadleaf weed control for their crop especially in cases where they
are experiencing herbicide resistance issues,” according to KGSPA
Executive Director Jere White. “Our growers were able to use Lumax
last year through an emergency exemption.”
The Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association had requested that
the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) apply for the exemption.
KDA received a specific exemption for Lumax this week from EPA. KDA
is responsible for making sure the conditions of the specific
exemption are met. The exemption is in effect until June 15, 2007
(extended to June 30).
Lumax Herbicide, which is manufactured by Syngenta Crop Protection,
must be applied following all label directions, restrictions and
precautions on the federal label and as outlined in the
authorization notice.
The exemption has several conditions which include:
*Application of Lumax® is allowed on grain sorghum fields and has a
7-14 day pre-plant application requirement.
*Apply at the rate of no more than 2.5 quarts per acre.
*A 60-day pre-harvest interval must be observed.
*Because Lumax is a restricted-use pesticide, farmers and
applicators must be certified and maintain record of applications
following standard restricted use pesticide record keeping rules.
For more information, contact KGSPA at 800-489-2676.
Steps to Access the Lumax on Sorghum Indemnified Section 18 (Kansas)
Access to the Indemnified Label
1. Go to the http://www.farmassist.com website
2. If first time user, then register as a new user. Click o the "I
accept" button.
3. On the left side of the screen select Products then Syngenta Crop
Protection then Special Labels
4. At the top of the ensuing screen, click the "here" (If searching
for indemnified labels, click here.)
5. Click the Section 18 box, select Kansas, select Lumax
6. Click the Submit button near the bottom.
7. On the next window you should see information on the Section 18.
Then click on sorghum.
8. Final step is to accept the terms and conditions of the
indemnified label by clicking on the “I accept” button. Now the
label will be available for viewing and printing.
Note: If you have trouble getting the label, make sure you did not
miss Step 4. If you still have difficulty, then call the Syngenta
Customer Resource Center at 1-866-796-4368 (option 2).
4-20-07
Kansas Sorghum Producers Welcome Return of MiloPro 4L Herbicide
After being off the market for several years, MiloPro 4L, is once
again available to Kansas grain sorghum growers. For over a decade,
the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association (KGSPA) and National
Sorghum Producers (NSP) have worked to return this important
preemergent weed control chemical to the grower’s toolbox.
The product, which contains the active ingredient propazine, has
received a section 3 conditional label. The section 3 label is a
conditional label for three years while the manufacturer Albaugh
Inc. and the National Sorghum Producers (NSP) work with the
Environmental Protection Agency to document water safety in certain
areas of the Sorghum Belt.
“This is important for our sorghum producers in Kansas,” according
to KGSPA Executive Director Jere White. “Our growers need options
when controlling weeds,” he said. “It is an important accomplishment
to have the use of MiloPro again.”
White is chairman of the Triazine Network, a nationwide coalition of
state and national commodity and farm organizations, as well as
hundreds of individual farmers who have been instrumental in
ensuring the growers concerns were considered in the regulatory
effort. The special review is coming to an end with a positive
outcome for growers who use triazine herbicides like atrazine,
simazine and propazine.
In 2006, EPA released a tolerance assessment for propazine which led
to its actions to issue a label allowing the use of propazine on
grain sorghum. KGSPA submitted comments in favor of the propazine
tolerance assessment.
“Propazine is one of the triazine herbicides that can be of great
use to grain sorghum producers. Few crop protection tools have been
made available for grain sorghum because of relatively small
acreages,” KGSPA stated in its comments to EPA. “A label for the use
of propazine on grain sorghum would be a positive step forward for
our producers.”
NSP CEO Tim Lust said that sorghum growers have expressed interest
in using MiloPro 4L again.
“Producers have continued to ask us over the years to bring this
product back to the market. We are excited to communicate that this
product is available again for producers who are looking to add
sorghum back into their crop rotations.”
Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association represents sorghum
growers in regulatory and legislative issues. KGSPA is affiliated
with the National Sorghum Producers. Visit www.ksgrains.com for more
information.
5-14-07--Corn and Sorghum Growers Applaud New Kansas
Renewable Fuels Standard
Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has signed legislation that will give
a 6.5 cents per gallon tax credit to fuel retailers who meet a Renewable
Fuels Standard (RFS) beginning in 2009. The legislation will play a
major role in increasing the use of ethanol-blended fuels and biodiesel
in Kansas. The Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum
Producers Association supported the creation of an RFS.
“While Kansas is becoming an increasingly influential player in the
biofuels industry, the use of biofuels in our state lags behind. It
makes sense that our state would encourage the use of these homegrown
fuels,” KCGA and KGSPA stated in joint testimony in support of the RFS.
The ethanol RFS will begin in 2009 at 10 percent and would increase
annually. A dealer reaching the target would receive a 6.5 cents per
gallon tax credit. A retailer coming within two percent of the target
would receive a 4.5 cents per gallon tax credit. Retailers that do not
meet the RFS will not be penalized, but will not receive the tax credit.
The target will increase by one percent every year until 2024 when the
RFS target would reach 25 percent ethanol.
“Our associations have endorsed the 25 x 25 initiative that calls our
nation to get 25 percent of its energy from renewable resources by the
year 2025. By passing this legislation, Kansas will be moving
assertively toward that goal.,” KCGA Executive Director Jere White said.
Biodiesel is also a part of the Kansas RFS. The bill gives a tax credit
of three cents per gallon of biodiesel if the retailer meets the
standard. The biodiesel standard begins at 2 percent in 2009 increasing
two percent annually until 2017. Then, the standard would increase one
percent annually until 2025, when it would reach 25 percent.
Kansas currently has eight ethanol plants producing 215.5 million
gallons of ethanol fuel annually. This summer two more plants, Pratt and
Garden City, are expected to begin production adding an additional 105
million gallons per year, bringing the Kansas production total to 320.5
million gallons per year. Plants in Hayne near Liberal, Lyons, Goodland
and Scandia are currently under construction and will add another 195
million gallons per year of production.
6-7-07--Lumax now
can be used on sorghum until June 30
TOPEKA -- The Kansas Department of Agriculture today announced that the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved its request to extend
until June 30 the Section 18 emergency exemption for Lumax herbicide use
on Kansas grain sorghum.
An earlier emergency exemption allowed Lumax to be used until June 15.
Sorghum growers may now use it until June 30.
"Given the planting delays many farmers experienced due to ongoing wet
weather, we asked that the deadline to use Lumax be extended from June
15 to June 30," said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky.
When applied according to label directions – and after proper activation
– this herbicide controls broadleaf weeds and annual grasses (excluding
shattercane) in grain sorghum. The controlled weeds include
triazine-resistant, glyphosate-resistant, and acetolactate synthase (ALS)-resistant
Palmer amaranth and waterhemp.
The emergency exemption does outline special conditions for Lumax use on
sorghum. Users must have the label at the time of application, and they
must accept responsibility for failure to perform and for crop damage.
Applicators can access the label online at www.farmassist.com. For
those who do not have Internet access, their retailer will help them
through the process.
The Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association asked the Kansas
Department of Agriculture to apply for the exemption, and it was
originally granted until June 15, 2007.
Lumax Herbicide, which is manufactured by Syngenta Crop Protection, must
be applied following all label directions, restrictions and precautions
on the federal label and as outlined in the authorization notice.
The exemption has several conditions which include:
Application of Lumax® is allowed on grain sorghum fields and has 7-14
day pre-plant application requirement.
Apply at the rate of no more than 2.5 quarts per acre.
A 60-day pre-harvest interval must be observed.
Because Lumax is a restricted-use pesticide, farmers and applicators
must be certified and maintain record of applications following standard
restricted use pesticide record keeping rules
4-27-07--EPA Grants
Exemption Allowing Lumax on Kansas Grain Sorghum
The Environmental Protection Agency approved a specific exemption that
will allow the use of Lumax, a pre-plant herbicide to be used on grain
sorghum in Kansas. Lumax includes the active ingredient mesotrione.
“This is good news for sorghum producers who need pre-plant broadleaf
weed control for their crop especially in cases where they are
experiencing herbicide resistance issues,” according to KGSPA Executive
Director Jere White. “Our growers were able to use Lumax last year
through an emergency exemption.”
The Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association had requested that the
Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) apply for the exemption. KDA
received a specific exemption for Lumax this week from EPA. KDA is
responsible for making sure the conditions of the specific exemption are
met. The exemption is in effect until June 15, 2007 (extended to June
30).
Lumax Herbicide, which is manufactured by Syngenta Crop Protection, must
be applied following all label directions, restrictions and precautions
on the federal label and as outlined in the authorization notice.
The exemption has several conditions which include:
*Application of Lumax® is allowed on grain sorghum fields and has a 7-14
day pre-plant application requirement.
*Apply at the rate of no more than 2.5 quarts per acre.
*A 60-day pre-harvest interval must be observed.
*Because Lumax is a restricted-use pesticide, farmers and applicators
must be certified and maintain record of applications following standard
restricted use pesticide record keeping rules.
For more information, contact KGSPA at 800-489-2676.
Steps to Access the Lumax on Sorghum Indemnified Section 18 (Kansas)
Access to the Indemnified Label
1. Go to the http://www.farmassist.com website
2. If first time user, then register as a new user. Click o the "I
accept" button.
3. On the left side of the screen select Products then Syngenta Crop
Protection then Special Labels
4. At the top of the ensuing screen, click the "here" (If searching for
indemnified labels, click here.)
5. Click the Section 18 box, select Kansas, select Lumax
6. Click the Submit button near the bottom.
7. On the next window you should see information on the Section 18. Then
click on sorghum.
8. Final step is to accept the terms and conditions of the indemnified
label by clicking on the “I accept” button. Now the label will be
available for viewing and printing.
Note: If you have trouble getting the label, make sure you did not miss
Step 4. If you still have difficulty, then call the Syngenta Customer
Resource Center at 1-866-796-4368 (option 2).
4-20-07--Kansas
Sorghum Producers Welcome Return of MiloPro 4L Herbicide
After being off the market for several years, MiloPro 4L, is once again
available to Kansas grain sorghum growers. For over a decade, the Kansas
Grain Sorghum Producers Association (KGSPA) and National Sorghum
Producers (NSP) have worked to return this important preemergent weed
control chemical to the grower’s toolbox.
The product, which contains the active ingredient propazine, has
received a section 3 conditional label. The section 3 label is a
conditional label for three years while the manufacturer Albaugh Inc.
and the National Sorghum Producers (NSP) work with the Environmental
Protection Agency to document water safety in certain areas of the
Sorghum Belt.
“This is important for our sorghum producers in Kansas,” according to
KGSPA Executive Director Jere White. “Our growers need options when
controlling weeds,” he said. “It is an important accomplishment to have
the use of MiloPro again.”
White is chairman of the Triazine Network, a nationwide coalition of
state and national commodity and farm organizations, as well as hundreds
of individual farmers who have been instrumental in ensuring the growers
concerns were considered in the regulatory effort. The special review is
coming to an end with a positive outcome for growers who use triazine
herbicides like atrazine, simazine and propazine.
In 2006, EPA released a tolerance assessment for propazine which led to
its actions to issue a label allowing the use of propazine on grain
sorghum. KGSPA submitted comments in favor of the propazine tolerance
assessment.
“Propazine is one of the triazine herbicides that can be of great use to
grain sorghum producers. Few crop protection tools have been made
available for grain sorghum because of relatively small acreages,” KGSPA
stated in its comments to EPA. “A label for the use of propazine on
grain sorghum would be a positive step forward for our producers.”
NSP CEO Tim Lust said that sorghum growers have expressed interest in
using MiloPro 4L again.
“Producers have continued to ask us over the years to bring this product
back to the market. We are excited to communicate that this product is
available again for producers who are looking to add sorghum back into
their crop rotations.”
Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association represents sorghum growers in
regulatory and legislative issues. KGSPA is affiliated with the National
Sorghum Producers. Visit www.ksgrains.com for more information.
1-31-07--National Grain
Sorghum Producers Foundation Announces Alliance with Valent to Develop
Herbicide Tolerant Grain Sorghum
Innovative Non-GMO with High Crop
Tolerance to Valent's Leading Grass Herbicide
San Diego, California; Walnut Creek,
California (January 31, 2007)—Cibus LLC, the U.S. plant breeding
technology company and The National Grain Sorghum Producers Foundation (NGSPF),
which is affiliated with the National Sorghum Producers, today announced
a partnership with Valent U.S.A. Corporation, a leading provider of
innovative crop protection products, to develop non-GMO herbicide
tolerant grain sorghum.
Valent brings its expertise in herbicide development and management to
an alliance between Cibus and NGSPF. The collaboration pioneers a new
standard for providing valuable traits to farmers while avoiding the
unknown and potentially unintended consequences associated with GMO
crops. Cibus’ proprietary gene conversion technology, known as the Rapid
Trait Development System (RTDS), will be used to develop this new trait
in grain sorghum, providing high tolerance levels to Valent’s leading
postemergence grass herbicide brand, Select Max® Herbicide with Inside
Technology™. This will significantly enhance the productivity and
profitability of sorghum farming operations.
“With both Valent and Cibus’ missions to provide innovative and
sustainable technologies to the agribusiness community, this
collaboration will benefit growers and be a natural fit for us,” says
Trevor Thorley, President/COO, Valent U.S.A. Corporation. “Cibus’ proven
technology opens new doors for all parties, and will help growers more
easily produce safe and abundant food. Given the global reach of
Valent’s parent company, Sumitomo Chemical Company, Ltd., a world leader
in the discovery of crop protection and plant enhancement products, we
look forward to exploring opportunities with Cibus for other crops
around the world.”
“Sorghum producers have needed some new grass control options for quite
some time,” said NGSPF President Bruce Maunder. “Our partnership with
Cibus and now Valent will allow for much-needed technology development
in our crop. Once it makes its way into producer fields, it should help
increase both yields and profitability for sorghum producers.”
“This is an exciting project,” said NSP CEO Tim Lust. “With new grass
control options, producers will begin considering planting sorghum in
fields where that may not be an option now. This is a clear win for
sorghum producers.”
NGSPF plans to use revenues derived from this partnership to reinvest in
sorghum research and development as part of a long-term program for
sorghum improvement. And since RTDS can develop non-GMO traits faster
and at lower cost than transgenic alternatives, this will save farmers
an estimated $25 million per crop.
The RTDS process works through the cell’s natural process of gene
repair. Every time a cell copies DNA, it makes “scrivener” errors or
spelling mistakes. These variations happen all the time, which is how
natural variation occurs. Cibus’ technology harnesses the cell’s own
natural DNA repair machinery to correct such spelling mistakes, thus
directing DNA repair enzymes to correct and repair the targeted gene in
a specific way in order to produce a desired trait. The process, in its
precision, is similar to altering a single letter in a word contained
within a large book. Nothing in the genome, other than the changes
directed by the process, is altered by this approach.
“RTDS promises a revolution in genetics—a limitless range of value added
new products that are acceptable to environmentally-conscious consumers
and governments, and help farmers solve their toughest pest management
problems,” says Dr. Keith Walker, President of Cibus. “RTDS technology
can be used to create non-GMO plants tolerant to most herbicide
chemistries currently marketed to farmers, such as a Select Max®
tolerant grain sorghum. But the opportunities also include healthier
oils and nutraceutical oils in crops such as canola and soybeans plus
many other valuable traits.”
“A recent Kansas State University survey of more than 600 sorghum
producers from across the United States identified grassy weed control
for grain sorghum as their No. 1 research priority. Select Max® provides
fast and complete control of emerged annual and perennial grassy weeds
in over 100 crops, including soybean, sunflower, cotton, and sugar
beets,” says Joseph Short, Product Manager for Valent. “Sorghum
producers will see increased convenience, yield and profits when they
can selectively control grasses with an over-the-top application of
Select Max®.”
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