NCBA calling for nominations for quality assurance awards

CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Award applications for the 12th annual National Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Awards are being accepted. The 2019 awards recognize five winners in the areas of beef, dairy, marketing and education.

The winners are selected by a committee of BQA-certified representatives from universities, state beef councils, sponsors and affiliated groups. Nominations are submitted by organizations, groups or individuals on behalf of a U.S. beef producer, dairy beef producer, marketer or educator. Individuals and families may not nominate themselves, though the nominees are expected to be involved in the preparation of the application.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Assoc. manages the BQA program as a contractor to the beef checkoff program. Funding for the BQA Awards is made possible by the generosity of Cargill, which has supported the program since its inception, and Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, which sponsors the BQA Educator Award.

Applications are due by June 1. Find the application and nomination requirements at www.bqa.org

Producers can save up to $5,000 on LP-powered equipment

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) encourages farmers to take advantage of the 2018 Propane Farm Incentive Program (PFIP) as they prepare for the upcoming summer growing season. Interested producers can apply at www.propane.com/farmincentive

PFIP is a nationwide research and demonstration initiative that offers farmers financial incentives toward the purchase of new propane-powered farm equipment. Sponsored by PERC, the program provides incentives to qualifying and selected farmers who purchase equipment in exchange for sharing feedback and real-world performance data.

The program helps offset the costs of new agricultural equipment so farmers can take advantage of propane technology. “We have a limited amount of funds available, so we encourage producers interested in taking advantage of the program to apply as soon as possible to ensure savings,” said Cinch Munson, senior vice president of business development at PERC.

For more information about propane use on the farm and PERC, visit www.propane.com

Elgin named Deere ‘Partner-Level Supplier’ for sixth year

ELGIN, Ill. — One year after Elgin Industries’ induction into the John Deere Supplier Hall of Fame, the company has continued its streak of excellence, earning recognition as a “Partner-Level Supplier” in the John Deere Achieving Excellence Program for the sixth consecutive year.

Partner-Level status is Deere & Co.’s highest supplier rating, awarded to companies that exceed expectations for product and service quality and are dedicated to continuous improvement. A leading global manufacturer of engine and chassis components, Elgin earned the award based on outstanding customer support in 2017 and the high-quality internal engine components it supplies to Deere operations around the world.

RhinoAg, Inc. and Equine Equipment form sales alliance

GIBSON CITY, Ill. — RhinoAG, Inc. has formed a sales alliance with Equine Equipment. Equine offers price savings on equipment that horse owners and ranchers use to maintain their homesteads. The company works with major manufacturers of mowers, tractors and other commercial equipment through existing dealerships and offers price advantages to individual and group farmers.

Under the new agreement, RhinoAG will offer its line of equipment through the Equine Equipment program with pricing discounts up to 25 percent off its manufacturers’ suggested retail prices.

PRRS, PED insurance coverage protects pork producers

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — James Allen Insurance, a family-owned farm and ranch insurance company, announced a first-of-its-kind coverage for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) to pay farmers for a lack of production resulting from either.

"Pork producers have shown concern for both PRRS and PED, as these diseases can severely lower production and have severe financial effects on their operations," said Tim Craig, CEO of James Allen Insurance. "Hearing this need, we have created insurance coverage to transfer the financial risk of a break."

As highly contagious viral infections, PRRS and PED are difficult to treat and easily spread. They are considered two of the most economically damaging diseases for the pork industry. Capacity is limited and coverage will be placed on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, call 317-324-6991.

Two Ohio agriculture dealers form service alliance

BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio — Ohio Ag Equipment announced an alliance with Ag Info Tech LLC, an ag-based technology dealer, to further provide customers with enhanced technology service solutions and capabilities.

Ag Info Tech has a vast knowledge of precision ag products that maximize the ROI and profitability of their customers. Ohio Ag Equipment’s product lineup, consisting of Challenger, Massey Ferguson and Fendt tractors, Lexion and Gleaner combines, RoGator and TerraGator application equipment, White Planters and Sunflower tillage, is reliant on technology applications now more than ever before.

As experts in their field, Ag Info Tech will assist Ohio Ag Equipment in supporting Ag Leader, Trimble, Precision Planting and other technologies that help increase its customers’ efficiency, accuracy and profitability.

Ohio Ag Equipment was recently recognized by AGCO Corp. for achieving a Five Star rating in its 2017 Dealer Excellence Program, AGCO’s annual dealer evaluation review. It was one of a small group of dealers across North America to achieve a Five Star rating in 2017.

The program evaluates dealers’ performance in all areas of the business including sales, parts, service, marketing, training, financial management and facilities, with the ultimate goal of improving customer satisfaction.

Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale averages $3,875

URBANA, Ill. — The Illinois Performance Tested (IPT) Bull Sale was the lead-off event of the 2018 Illinois Beef Expo on Feb. 22 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The sale averaged $3,875 on 50 lots.

There were three breeds represented in the 2018 sale: Angus, Simmental and Polled Hereford. A yearling Angus bull was the top seller, going for $9,000. The bull, MG Leupold 11E, was sold by Murphy Angus LLP of Illiopolis to John Brunner of Springfield. Murphy Angus LLP also had the second-highest-selling bull; he was Lot 9 and sold for $6,000.

The top-selling Simmental bull was consigned by Rincker Cattle Co. He sold for $5,800 to Dean Nelson of Oneida. The second-highest-selling Simmental bull and highest-indexing Simmental bull was consigned by Rincker Simmentals, and sold for $5,300 to Thomas Lave of Effingham.

The top-selling Polled Hereford bull was consigned by Sturdy Herefords, Rochester. He sold for $4,300 to Melvin Smith of Effingham. Travis Hagen of Hamburg took home Lot 62 for $4,000. Lot 62 was the high-indexing Hereford bull, consigned by Rabideau Polled Herefords.

The University of Illinois extension, Department of Animal Sciences and consigning breeders sponsored the sale. Also, Vita-Ferm, ABS, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Zoetis 50K, Illinois Angus Assoc. and Illinois Simmental Assoc. provided industry support. Producers interested in viewing a breakdown of all the prices can visit the IPT Bull Sale website at www.IPTBullSale.com

Seedstock breeders interested in consigning to the 2019 IPT Bull Sale should contact Travis Meteer at 217-430-7030 or wmeteer2@illinois.edu to request a copy of the rules and regulations and nomination form. Nominations need to be made by Dec.15.

30th MCA/MSU Bull Evaluation delivers performance, value

CRYSTAL, Mich. — Bulls graduating from the 30th Annual Michigan Cattlemen’s Assoc.-Michigan State University (MCA)-MSU Bull Evaluation Program were sold March 17 in Crystal. The sale averaged $3,486 on 57 lots.

Grand River Download 1917, an Angus bull sired by Baldridge Download Z013 and cosigned by Grand River Angus Farm, LLC of Grand Rapids, topped the sale at $10,500. He was purchased by Hamilton Farms of Cochrane, Alberta.

The bull’s average daily gain during the evaluation was 4.49 pounds. He ranks in the top 10 percent of the Angus breed for Calving Ease, the top 2 percent for Weaning Weight and the top 4 percent for Yearling Weight.

The second-high-selling bull was Lot 30, DF Pedigree E292, an Angus bull sired by SAV Pedigree 4834, consigned by Dawson Farms, LLC of Hanover, sold for $7,500 to Oesterle Brothers of Mason. Other high-selling bulls include Lot 88 consigned by Plank Simmental Farm and sold for $7,000 to Mieske Farms of Linwood, and Lot 29 consigned by Dawson Farms and sold for $7,000 to Gasper Farms of Saranac.

Breed results were as follows: 35 Angus bulls averaged $3,657; 19 Simmental bulls averaged $3,250; and three Red Angus bulls averaged $3,000.

Since the MCA/MSU Bull Evaluation began in 1988, 2,639 bulls have been evaluated and 1,684 have been sold through the program. Each year, bulls are hand-selected by breeders across the Great Lakes region. Following the 112-day evaluation period, each bull is sold with ultrasound data for ribeye area, external fat and percent intramuscular fat.

In addition, all bulls met a minimum average daily gain requirement of 2.8 pounds and passed stringent evaluations for reproductive potential, disposition and structural soundness.

Breeders interested in consigning to the 2019 MCA-MSU Bull Evaluation should contact MCA at 517-347-8117 or visit www.MIBulls.com for details. The next evaluation will begin in October, with nominations accepted until Sept. 1, 2018.

Grants foster growth, promote Indiana livestock industry

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. —The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) recently awarded more than $65,000 to nine projects aimed at fostering growth and promoting Indiana’s livestock industry.

Most of this year’s livestock promotion and market development grants will be used to conduct and support industry shows, educational programs, exhibitions and conferences throughout Indiana. Projects were evaluated and selected based upon those that had the greatest impact across all sectors of Indiana agriculture, listed below:

•Indiana Milk Quality Professionals, $10,000, Indiana Milk Quality Conference

•Elkhart Community Schools, $2,700, Agriculture Days

•Indiana Dairy Producers, $15,000, 2019 Dairy Forum

•Indiana State Fair Foundation, $8,500, various shows/promotional events

•Indiana State Board of Animal Health, $922, Dairy Producers and Meat & Poultry Buyers Guide printing

•All American Junior Sheep Show 2018, $18,000

•Indianapolis Charity Horse Show, $6,000

•Indiana Forage Council, $2,250, Excellent Forage Management Makes a Difference (N. Indiana)

•Dearborn County 4-H, $3,000, education through livestock learning lab kits and banners

For more information about ISDA’s livestock promotion and market development grants, visit www.in.gov/isda/2474.htm or email ISDA Grant Program Manager Ann McCambridge at AMcCambridge@isda.in.gov

New Tennessee rule for goat identification announced

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is announcing a new rule requiring official identification for goats transported within the state.

This change will create consistency with surrounding states and with the USDA’s Traceability and Scrapie rule, allowing for traceability and easier interstate movement of goats. TDA will be working with goat owners and industry stakeholders to gain compliance by July 1.

This rule is for identification purposes only. There are no additional testing or reporting requirements related to scrapie. “Scrapie is a serious disease that must be eradicated,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Charlie Hatcher. “Having official identification for our goats in Tennessee will significantly improve the chances of accomplishing that goal.”

The most commonly used form of identification for goats is a scrapie tag. Tennessee sheep and goat producers can order this metal ear tag for free through the National Scrapie Eradication Program by calling the local USDA office at 615-781-5314.

More information about Tennessee sheep and goat identification requirements can be found at www.tn.gov/agriculture/businesses/animals/animal-health/traceability/sheep-goat.html

First Farmers Financial Corp. declares record dividend

CONVERSE, Ind. — First Farmers Financial Corp., the parent company of First Farmers Bank & Trust Co., announced that on March 9 the board of directors approved a record quarterly cash dividend for the first quarter of 2018 of 41 cents per share, payable on April 13 to shareholders of record as of March 30.

This quarterly dividend represents a 24.2 percent increase over the quarterly dividend declared in March 2017.

First Farmers Financial Corp. is a $1.7 billion financial holding company headquartered in Converse. First Farmers Bank & Trust has 27 offices throughout Carroll, Cass, Clay, Grant, Hamilton, Howard, Huntington, Madison, Marshall, Miami, Starke, Sullivan, Tipton, Vigo and Wabash counties in Indiana and seven offices in Illinois.

Indiana’s Family of Farmers present $10,000 to Gleaners

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — In celebration of National Ag Week 2018, Indiana’s Family of Farmers (IFoF) donated $10,000 worth of meals to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana in March.

IFoF agreed to donate one meal, up to $10,000, each time someone posted to Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with the tag #FarmersProvide. “Farmers in Indiana and across the country play a vital role in providing the food that we rely on to feed our families,” said Jeanette Merritt, chair of the IFOF operations committee and director of checkoff programs at Indiana Pork.

“But for many Hoosiers, hunger is a real problem they face every day. We’re thrilled to be able to help feed some of Indiana’s hungry with the help of Gleaners and everyone who participated in our Ag Day social media campaign.”

IFoF is made up of many agriculture organizations in Indiana that have rallied around the group’s mission to raise the awareness of Indiana’s quality farmers and quality foods.

Select Kroger stores now selling Kentucky-sourced beef

FRANKFORT, Ky. — In May 2017, Beef Solutions, LLC received a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF) to establish a Kentucky ground beef supply management project with Kroger. One-pound packages, as well as 2-pound (four patties) packages, are now available at 85 select stores across the state.

Beef Solutions works in conjunction with KADF-funded projects, The Chop Shop in Hazel Green and Creation Gardens, Inc., in Louisville, to produce the fresh and natural 80/20 ground beef product from Kentucky-sourced cattle. It is expected that every Kentucky farm family producing beef will be impacted by this project.

Produced by local farmers, processed and packaged in Kentucky facilities and distributed to local Kroger stores, this product is available for purchase by Kentucky families all across the state.

MDARD seeks input for 2019 grant priorities by May 22

MACKINAW CITY, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Rural Development Fund Board awarded Rural Development Fund Grants aimed to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure that benefits rural communities.

The department received 85 proposals with requests totaling more than $6.4 million. Of those, MDARD awarded 11 projects totaling $891,905 and leveraging a match of $828,805. Some of these include:

•Connect Nation, of Elk Rapids, $70,000: Conduct a regional analysis with Northeast Michigan Council of Governments on local policies, ordinances and asset inventory for streamlining broadband infrastructure.

•Food for Thought, of Honor, $88,000: Procurement of new equipment for value-added manufacturing to build institutional packaging capacity at its new Traverse City facility.

•Indian Summer Cooperative Inc., of Ludington, $100,000: Conduct facility wastewater system upgrades to meet production needs for fruit juices and sauces.

•Marquette County Road Commission, $100,000: Conduct preliminary engineering for reconstruction of CR492 to improve safety and provide a more reliable route for the mining and forestry industries.

•Michigan Blueberry Commission, of Fennville, $99,300: Infrastructure investment for modern blueberry planting for research, supporting the expansion and sustainability of blueberry growers.

Public comments regarding program priorities for 2019 are now being accepted. Comments must be emailed to mda-grants@michigan.gov by 5 p.m. on May 22.

Koenig Equipment acquires Buchanan Power Equipment

BOTKINS, Ohio – Koenig Equipment, Inc., a John Deere dealer based in Botkins, is acquiring the assets and operations of Buchanan Power Equipment, Inc. With the addition of the Buchanan location in Lebanon, Ohio, Koenig will have 14 dealership facilities serving customers in southwestern Ohio and southeastern Indiana.

“Koenig shareholders and family are honored that Buchanan would choose us to serve the customers, geography and employees they have developed over the last 70 years,” said Koenig CEO Aaron Koenig. “In addition, we appreciate the confidence John Deere has shown in Koenig by choosing our dealership to represent their product in the Dayton and Cincinnati markets.

“Most importantly, we could not have reached this point without our fantastic customers and employees, both past and present.” The first day of business for the combined operation was on April 2.

Tennessee Agriculture announces sensitive crop registry

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Jai Templeton is encouraging those in the state with apiaries and commercially grown crops sensitive to pesticides to register their locations using the online program, FieldWatch, Inc.

Purdue University developed FieldWatch in collaboration with agricultural stakeholders. The registry streamlines communication between producers and pesticide applicators to help protect sensitive crops and apiaries from unintended pesticide exposure.

In October, the U.S. EPA announced new label requirements for the pesticides Engenia, XtendiMax and FeXapan, which included the provision that pesticide applicators consult a sensitive crop registry prior to applying these new formulations of dicamba products.

The FieldWatch registry offers two online platforms. DriftWatch is for producers of commercially grown crops sensitive to pesticides and includes the ability to map boundaries around production fields. BeeCheck is a registry site for beekeepers that designates 1-mile radius boundaries around apiaries.

Producers of commercially grown sensitive crops who also manage apiaries may enter hive locations using either DriftWatch or BeeCheck. The registry will be offered at no cost to participating farmers. The registry also includes commercial vineyards of a half-acre or larger, orchards, fruit and vegetable grow sites, nursery tobacco and Christmas tree production sites and certified organic crops.

To access DriftWatch and BeeCheck, visit www.fieldwatch.com

Family farms receive Hoosier Homestead Award

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — At the Indiana Statehouse in late March, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Director Bruce Kettler presented 65 families with the Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture.

To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year. Indiana farms may qualify for three honors: Centennial Award for 100 years of ownership, Sesquicentennial Award for 150 years or the Bicentennial Award for 200 years.

Since the program's inception in 1976, more than 5,000 families have received the Hoosier Homestead Award. Below is a list of the recipients (preceded by their county of residence, and with establishment year) honored during the spring 2018 ceremony:

Centennial Farms

Allen County, Van Horn farm 1911; Carroll, Reiff farm 1918; Clinton, Bradburn-Strain-Ceo farm 1895; Decatur, The Oesterling Homestead farm 1909; Dubois, Merkel farm 1885; Elkhart, Cobb Family Farm 1909; Fountain, Thomas farm 1918; Franklin, Kolb farm 1917; Fulton, Hendrickson farm 1900; Fulton, Walters-Duffey farm 1904; Grant, King farm 1878;

Hamilton, Marion E. House Farms, Inc. 1917; Huntington, Hosler farm 1906; Huntington, Killen farm 1918; Jackson, Tape Family farm 1863; Kosciusko, Waldbeser farm 1906; Lake, Huseman farm 1883; Madison, Wright farm 1917; Marshall, Motz Family Farm 1915; Montgomery, Oppy farm 1898; Parke, Wilkey farm 1872; Pulaski, Westphal farm 1915;

Putnam, Kenneth Wayne Mason farm 1882; Randolph, Hobson farm 1917; Randolph, The Huffman Family Farm 1918; Ripley, Timke farm 1888; Shelby, Linville farm 1911; Shelby, Dake farm 1918; Spencer, Singer/Scott farm 1918; Steuben, Sugar Grove Farm 1913;

Switzerland, Crandell farm 1908; Switzerland, Romerill farm 1917; Tippecanoe, Claude, Harold, & Ruth Boesch farm 1917; Tipton, Leisure farm 1907; Wabash, Swihart Long farm 1907; Wabash, Walters-Duffey farm 1888 and 1915; Warren, Andrews farm 1907; Warren, Inez F. McDermond farm 1904; and Wells, Laymon farm 1918

Sesquicentennial Farms

Carroll County, Mills farm 1861; Daviess, Ryan farm 1867; Decatur, William S. Emly farm 1837; DeKalb, Hook farm 1848; Dubois, Schroeder farm 1845; Franklin, Rosfeld farm 1855; Franklin, Meyer Family Farm 1867; Gibson, Kennedy Hill Farm 1865;

Howard, Schafer/Gingerich 1865; Howard, Hollingsworth farm 1853; Jay, Hutchens farm 1861; Jennings, Funke farm 1867; LaPorte, Brooks-Bartmessfarm 1860; LaPorte, Lloyd & Helen Steinke farm 1855; Marshall, John Gibson farm 1851; Miami, Kendall farm 1862; Pulaski, Christensen farm 1867;

Ripley, Crum farm 1868; Ripley, Kohlman farm 1867; Ripley, Huber farm 1867; Rush, Francis Graham Farms, Inc. 1846; Spencer, Lee farm 1855; Union, Gavin-Beck Family Homestead farm 1823; Wabash, Merrick farm 1835; and Whitley, Kerch farm 1853

FSA makes administrative change to Livestock Indemnity

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Agricultural producers who have lost livestock to disease resulting from a weather disaster have an additional way to become eligible for a key USDA disaster assistance program.

Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey announced an administrative clarification nationwide to the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). In the event of disease, this change by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) authorizes local FSA county committees to accept veterinarian certifications that livestock deaths were directly related to adverse weather and unpreventable through good animal husbandry and management.

The committees may then use this certification to allow eligibility for producers on a case-by-case basis for LIP, which provides benefits to producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather, disease or by attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government. Eligible weather events include earthquakes, hail, tornadoes, hurricanes, storms, blizzard and flooding.

Platform will streamline tracking of Illinois 4R nutrient practices

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Documenting 4R nutrient application practices for environmental and regulatory purposes is about to get much easier for agricultural retailers in Illinois. The program is being developed by a partnership between the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Assoc. (IFCA) and Champaign-based Agrible, Inc.

Once implemented, the program will capture and document the metrics of all nutrient applications made to meet 4R practices, including the right source, right rate, right time to apply and the right placement.

By 2025, the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (INLRS) will require a reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus losses by 15 and 25 percent, respectively, to improve water quality in Illinois and in the water that leaves Illinois and reaches the Gulf of Mexico. Launched in 2015, the INLRS was jointly developed by state and federal agencies, agricultural groups, water treatment and water supply officials, environmental groups and university scientists.

Thurman Scale in Ohio celebrates a century of success

GROVEPORT, Ohio — Thurman Scale, the leader in the off-road vehicle weighing industry and specialist in scales for ultra-heavy capacity off-road vehicles, announces it is celebrating 100 successful years of product and industry innovation.

On top of highlighting last century’s achievements, Thurman proudly continues to drive innovation in the off-road vehicle and weighing industries. From a machining company founded in 1918 in Columbus, Ohio, Thurman grew quickly by taking advantage of easy access to major transportation routes, such as the Ohio and Erie canals and nearby highways.

Thurman was purchased in 1940 by engineer and entrepreneur Millard M. Cummins, who expanded the business to include scale production. It added a batching scale in 1946, followed by the first Thurman motor vehicle scale in 1948. These rugged, high-quality scale designs proved a perfect fit for the weighing needs of the interstate highway building program of the 1960s, and the coal industry “boom years” from the early 1970s into the 1980s.

By 1960, Thurman had diversified to produce portable, aboveground and pit-type motor truck scales, axle load scales, beam and dial scales and scales specifically designed for hoppers and tanks, livestock, warehousing and forklifts.

For decades, Thurman produced scale products from its manufacturing facility in Columbus, continuously improving its standard scale offerings and its custom designed off-road vehicle scales. In 1995, the Cummins family sold Thurman Scale to the Nordens of Kansas City, owners of Fairbanks Scales.

Under the ownership of Bill Norden and the management of longtime Thurman salesman Neil Copley, Thurman headquarters remained in Columbus.

CattleFax looks back on 50 years of providing market info

CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Challenges to profitability in the cattle industry have been relentless throughout its history. Over the past 50 years, however, an organization created by cattle producers has helped effectively address those challenges.

Started in 1968, CattleFax is a member-owned organization that serves producers in all segments of the cattle and beef business. For half a century, it has been a global leader in beef industry research, analysis and information. Its exclusive industry database has set the standard for market information and analysis.

Increasingly it wasn’t just cattle markets that were getting the attention of CattleFax, its staff and customers. Grain, weather, beef demand and competing proteins – not just domestically but globally – were carefully monitored. Keeping up with the times to make sure producers had quality information on a timely basis, allowing them to make informed marketing decisions, has been a daily test for the staff.

Dow AgroSciences donates $10,000 to Feeding America

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — To encourage farmer usage of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program practices and to support finding solutions for nationwide hunger issues, Dow AgroSciences has donated $10,000 to Feeding America.

The donation was made possible thanks to farmer pledges made at this year’s Commodity Classic. At the Dow AgroSciences booth, farmers were asked to pin the location of their farm on an oversized map of the United States, expressing their 4R commitment.

For each pin on the map, Dow donated $100 to Feeding America, the show’s official charity partner. With 100 total farmer commitments, Dow AgroSciences donated $10,000.

Dow AgroSciences’s donation to Feeding America helps solve hunger issues across the nation via food banks, disaster food assistance and senior-, school- and children-specific programs. Currently, a $10,000 donation would provide 100,000 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of member food banks.