Emissions

New Holland Continues Its Alternative Energy Future with the T4 Electric Power Tractor

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:38:50 GMT

Boasting an industry first, New Holland introduces the T4 Electric Power Tractor, which is fully electric and is outfitted with autonomous features. The company says this is ushering in a new tractor class–the Utility Electric.

Benefits to the T4 Electric Power include:

74 hp rated power
Emission-free
Quiet operation
High torque, fast response
4-wheel drive
A proven 12x12 transmission
Clutch-less electronic power shuttle reverser
All the regular power outputs of a traditional diesel utility

(Farm Journal)

New Holland developed the T4 Electric Power for mixed farm, hay and forage, dairy, livestock, municipality, greenhouse and specialty crops applications.

The tractor is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack paired with a fully electrified drivetrain. Rated at 74 hp and 65 PTO hp, the tractor features a 110-kWh maximum energy storage capacity in a 400V nominal high-voltage circuit. The power unit delivers gradual power and continuous torque even at the lowest speeds, which is providing a new experience for loader work and farm chores. Its efficient high voltage powertrain has integrated cooling features.

It’s estimated the tractor can provide four hours of average runtime, which can equate to up to eight hours for low-energy demand applications. The battery can be recharged to 100% within an hour when using commercially available fast-charging systems.

“This tractor is a significant step forward for growers, producers and municipalities. The T4 Electric Power addresses a number of challenges they are facing everyday on their operations,” states Lena Bioni, product marketing manager for New Holland Agriculture North America. “What New Holland is bringing to our farmers is a convergence of technology – electric propulsion, autonomous features, better performance – in the body of a utility tractor that’s setting the stage for a more efficient, sustainable and resilient future our customers are striving for.”

The tractors has cameras and sensors mounted on its Smart Roof, and the modes for autonomous operation are active in the cab via touchscreen display.

Autonomous features include:

Follow Me Mode
The Invisible Bucket and 360 Degree Awareness
Over the Air Updates
Live View
Map Maker

New Holland had previously introduced its alternative fuels focus with the “Clean Blue” campaign and product introductions such as the T7 Methane Power LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) and the T6.180 Methane Power.

The T4 Electric Power was designed by CNH Industrial engineering in the United States (Burr Ridge, Ill., Detroit) and Italy (Modena.)

USDA’s Cover Crop Program Would be Made Permanent through Biden's Budget

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 22:23:44 GMT

A $6.8 trillion budget proposal was released by the Biden administration on Thursday with the continued “bottom up, middle out” theme, according to USDA.

“The President’s budget provides USDA with the tools needed to serve all Americans by providing effective, innovative science-based public policy leadership at home and around the world,” Tom Vilsack, USDA secretary said in a press release .

The proposed budget includes:

• $19 trillion to be borrowed through FY 2033
• 10.2 trillion in interest on national debt
• $3 trillion in debt deficit reduction
• $6.9 trillion for spending

So, what’s ag’s stake in the $6.8 trillion plan? As is generally the theme in a farm bill, nutrition would take most of the cake.

Nutrition and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

According to the release, the administration anticipates 6.5 million people will participate in SNAP. To meet these “critical” SNAP needs, the proposal devotes $6.3 billion of a total $7.1 billion in nutrition for SNAP.

“The budget also includes $15 billion over 10 years to allow more states and schools to leverage participation in the community eligibility provision to provide healthy and free school meals to an additional 9 million children,” the release says.

Ensuring SNAP availability is one obstacle. Ensuring food is available for purchase is another issue the budget looks to address.

Supply Chain Resilience

COVID-19 and the Russia–Ukraine war exposed many broken supply chain links. To solder the chain back together, the White House plans to create programs that will:

• Bolster markets through oversight by the Agricultural Marketing Service.
• Safeguard livestock against pests and disease through Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) investments.
• Ensure “safe and healthy” work environments by hiring more inspectors and health officials.

“These programs build on the pandemic and supply chain assistance funding in the American Rescue Plan to address COVID-19 pandemic-related vulnerabilities in the food system,” the plan says.

The supply chain won’t be the only sector to see new or reestablished programs. A similar approach will also be taken up in the climate department.

Climate Resilience

Cover crop pilot programs would be made permanent if this budget were to pass.

With $208 million more in conservation funds from the 2023 enacted funding level, the NRCS would work to “increase the voluntary adoption of conservation practices that sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with agricultural production.”

Related article: Producers Eliminate Fungicide and Insecticide Use, Cut Fertilizer 50%

To put the investments in motion, NRCS would use draw on federal, state and private conservationists to hire “thousands” of employees that would be available to rural America.

These employees would also work alongside climate researchers, which will also be funded in the budget.

Ag Research

In the past, many legislative officials have speculated American ag is falling behind in research compared with other countries. But research might finally see its needs met if this budget proposal passes.

“The People’s Republic of China has become the largest funder of agricultural research and development in the world, surpassing the U.S. and the EU” the report says. “The budget restores American innovation in agriculture by providing a total of more than $4 billion, a $299 million increase above the 2023 enacted level, for ag research, education and outreach.”

Some, including Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Ca.), feel these research funds are long overdue.

“This administration is taking an important step toward undoing years of underinvestment – as public funding for agriculture research has declined by one-third since 2002,” Carbajal said in a press release.

A letter sent in February to the Office of Management and Budget by Carbajal and other members of Congress stressed the need for increases in ag research.

If these proposed investments are taken-up, Carbajal says American innovation in ag will be “restored.”

Taxes

Arguably the heaviest hitter in the budget bundle is rooted in tax changes that would make American’s pay “their fair share” toward the nation’s debt, according to Janet Yellen, U.S. treasury secretary.

To ensure the “share” is paid, the budget would:

• Raise the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%. For most farmers this would be almost an 100% tax increase from 2017 when most farmers only paid 15%.

• Include several proposals to eliminate or reduce tax deductions and credits related to oil and natural gas operations.

Many farmers have ground that enjoys oil and gas revenues. This could indirectly reduce those revenues.

• Any farmer with a net worth greater than $100 million would be subject to a minimum tax rate of 25% on all income included unrealized gains not yet tax.

As an example, assume a farmer is worth $125 million and they have $25 million on unrealized gains not yet taxed. They would owe $5 million that can be paid over 9 years in the first year of this proposal or 5 years thereafter.

Plus, if the asset is illiquid, they could make an election to defer the tax until the asset is sold but would owe an “interest charge”. There appears to be no refund if your net worth decreases.

• Increase the Statute of Limitations from 3 years to 6 years for prohibited transactions and material misstatement of assets in a retirement plan.

• Treat all capital gains and dividend income for taxpayers with more than $1 million of taxable income as being taxed at ordinary rates.

As example, assume a farmer had $500,000 of capital gains and $1 million of other net taxable income. All of the capital gains would be taxed at 44.6%.

The administration wants to make farmers and their heirs pay capital gains taxes on any transfers of appreciated property either via gift or at death. They have increased the exemption amount to $5 million per person or $10 million for a married couple and allow portability of any unused amount at the first death.

Related article: Review of President Biden’s Green Book

So, what are the odds of this budget passing? It depends on who you talk to.

Upshot

According to Jim Wiesemeyer , ProFarmer policy analyst, democrats in the House and Senate aren’t sure they’ll produce their own budget documents, saying they’ll review Biden’s proposal and only draft their own resolutions if they need to take a different approach from the president.

Paul Neiffer , farm CPA, believes, with the House in Republican control, there is little chance that much of this will pass in

Four Ag Topics Discussed in Mexico City During USMCA Meetings

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 18:40:59 GMT

Mexico City ran the headlines this week, as Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador hosted President Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the 10th North American Leaders’ Summit.

In their Tuesday meeting, the three leaders shared a conversation including these top takeaways for the ag industry:

1. Semiconductor manufacturing

The three agreed to organize a semiconductor forum with industry representatives and government officials in early 2023 to coordinate semiconductor supply chain needs and investments. Semiconductor companies building new manufacturing facilities in the U.S. would like to put parts of their supply chain in Mexico.

Read more: What to Watch in 2023

2. Methane and food waste reduction

The countries also committed to reducing methane emissions from the solid waste and wastewater sector by at least 15% by 2030 compared with 2020 levels, and to develop a proposal to cut food loss and waste in half by 2030.

3. Energy

Biden, López and Trudeau agreed to create a plan for standards and installation of electric vehicle chargers along their international borders.

The energy topic comes as Mexican officials are in consultations with the U.S. to avoid a U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) dispute panel over Mexican energy policy. Canada has also joined in the complaint.

The U.S. Trade Representative’s office says the policy puts billions of dollars in U.S. investments at risk.

Canada also has concerns over the implementation of an electric-vehicle provision in the Inflation Reduction Act signed by Biden last year.

While Trudeau did not elaborate on his concerns, Biden said Trudeau has “always been there” when he reached out. With that, Biden intends to travel to Canada to discuss the matter in March.

Read more: Title 42 Talks Continue with Biden at U.S./Mexico Border

4. U.S./Mexico Border Wall

Biden, in the meeting, was met with thanks from López Obrador for not building “even one meter of wall.”

“You are the first president of the United States in a very long time who has not built even one meter of wall. We thank you for that, sir,” said López Obrador.

The comments come as the Biden administration announced a program to allow 30,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, collectively, to enter the U.S. legally each month.

Still, López Obrador suggested Biden “insist” Congress regularize undocumented Mexican migrants who work in industries where American employers are struggling mightily to find enough workers.

By the end of the discussion, López Obrador labeled Biden as “a man with conviction.” López Obrador then moved to challenge Biden to improve life across the region, telling him he “holds the key” to change.

“This is the moment for us to determine to do away with this abandonment, this disdain and this forgetfulness for Latin America and the Caribbean,” López Obrador said.

While López Obrador and Biden reserved a moment for a border wall discussion, no commentary was shared regarding GMO corn trade .

Read more: Mexico’s GMO Corn Debate Tabled Until 2025, According to Mexico

California Approves Plan to 'Move State Away From Oil' by 2035

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:44:12 GMT

Noting an urgent need to address climate change while cutting back on air pollution, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted Thursday to require all new cars and light trucks sold by 2035 to be zero-emission vehicles.

Lauren Sanchez, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s climate advisor, called it “a huge day not only for California but the entire world.” The mission, she said: “Move the state away from oil.”

Liane Randolph, chairwoman of the CARB, said the rule is one of the state’s most important efforts yet to clean the air and will lead to a 50% reduction in pollution from cars and light trucks by 2040.

The EV Scoop

Congress gave California permission to set its own rules under the Federal Air Quality Act of 1966 when the state was combatting the toxic yellow-brown smog that hung over Los Angeles.

The Trump administration in 2019 revoked California’s authority to regulate its own air quality, but the Biden administration restored that authority earlier this year.

Already, 15 states , including Colorado and Minnesota, as well as states on the Northeast and West Coast, followed California’s previous zero-emission vehicle regulations.

New York, Oregon, Washington state and Rhode Island officials they plan to adopt California’s rule through their own rule-making process, while New Jersey and Maryland officials said they were reviewing California’s decision. Public comment in Washington state on a similar plan will start Sept. 7.

More than 16% of new cars sold in California in 2022 were zero-emissions vehicles, the state said , up from 12.41% in 2021 and 7.78% in 2020.

What’s Next for America and Electric Vehicles

The rules won’t be immediate and will go into effect in 2026. The mandate forces automakers to phase out gasoline and diesel cars, sport utility vehicles, minivans and pickup trucks in favor of cleaner versions powered by batteries or fuel cells. If automakers do not comply, they could be charged $20,000 per noncomplying car, CARB said.

What if consumers don’t go along? One option: People could still buy internal combustion cars from another state without the mandate. And it will still be legal to buy and sell used fossil-fuel cars and light trucks.

Under the new rules, 35% of new cars must be zero emission by 2026, 51% by 2028, 68% by 2030, and 100% by 2035. The quotas also would allow 20% of zero-emission cars sold to be plug-in hybrids.

The mandate doesn’t cover all of highway transportation: Heavy trucks that burn diesel fuel will have 10 extra years before they are banned. A proposed zero-emission mandate for heavy trucks wouldn’t hit 100% until 2045.

Also, up to 20% of a carmaker’s sales can be plug-in hybrids, which have both electric motors and gas engines, and still count as zero-emission, as long as the minimum battery range is 50 miles or more.

As part of the California mandate, the state will require specific levels of warranty protection for EV batteries and related components.

Notable Hurdles for EV’s

One of them is that an electric car still costs far more than an equivalent gasoline car. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average EV sold for $66,000 in July, compared with $48,000 for the average international-combustion vehicle.

CARB officials pointed to studies that show savings in fuel and maintenance can make an EV a better financial deal over time, and that prices would continue to drop.

Charging is another hurdle. While homeowners can install their own EV charger in a garage, most people who live in apartment buildings and condos don’t have that option. California plans to require multifamily housing landlords to provide some way to charge electric cars.

John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents major automakers, said California’s mandate would be “extremely challenging” for automakers to meet.

“Whether or not these requirements are realistic or achievable is directly linked to external factors like inflation, charging and fuel infrastructure, supply chains, labor, critical mineral availability and pricing, and the ongoing semiconductor shortage,” Bozzella said in a statement. “These are complex, intertwined and global issues.”

State officials said the rule is critical to meeting to state’s goal to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2045, and that resulting emissions reductions would lead to fewer cardiopulmonary deaths and emergency visits for asthma and other illnesses.

Ag Industry Responds

While environmental groups were largely very complimentary, some said the CARB rule didn’t go far enough. The National Corn Growers Assn. (NCGA) released the following statement:

“As NCGA told regulators during the rulemaking process, constraining the vision of a zero-emission future prevents the state from tapping into the immediate and affordable environmental solutions that come from replacing more gasoline with low-carbon and low-cost ethanol, in both current and new vehicles, including new plug-in hybrids,” NCGA wrote. “Ethanol is on a path to net zero emissions, and NCGA will continue to work with and urge California to use all the tools in its toolbox as it addresses climate change and cuts harmful tailpipe emissions. As recent University of California, Riverside, vehicle testing for CARB found, higher ethanol blends, like E15, significantly reduced most criteria air pollutants compared to standard 10% ethanol blends.”

Setting the Farm Bill Stage

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 17:35:50 GMT

COVID-19 Pandemic and Fallout

Supply chain disruptions will likely steal the limelight, says Jonathan Coppess, University of Illinois professor.
Pandemic challenges could change future policy decisions, says Pat Westhoff, director of the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri.

“The question is if we write policies to handle any similar emergency in the future,” he says. “Or we choose what was done this time, where we make policies on the fly.”

Political Turbulence

Elections need to be center stage when considering farm bill outcomes, Westhoff says: “If we have a Republican House and Senate, those implications would be very different compared to Democratic control of both chambers of Congress.”

Coppess agrees. “The current political polarization really amplifies the uncertainty about how the farm bill is going to unfold,” he says.

Climate Focus

Wildfires, storms, drought and intense weather events due to climate shift will be the “single biggest driving influence” in policy debates, Coppess predicts. He says climate mitigation and prevention will likely translate into emergency disaster assistance, crop insurance and farm programs in 2023 and beyond.

The Difference Between Cows’ and Cars’ GHG Emissions

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:51:14 GMT

One can say that there is a millennium of difference between the greenhouse gas emissions from cows and trains, planes and automobiles.

It all boils down, so the speak, to basic science, explains Frank Mitloehner, an associate professor involved with environmental studies at the University of California-Davis.

In the process of digesting forage and other feed, microbes in the cow’s rumen convert the carbon in those feedstuffs to methane, which is then released into the atmosphere. But he notes that methane is destroyed at a rate equal to its creation through a chemical process known as hydroxyl oxidation.

While the process takes 10 years, the amount of methane in the atmosphere remains constant as new methane is created and old methane is destroyed. “Methane [in the atmosphere] stays stable as long as the livestock herd stays stable,” Mitloehner explains.

That’s not true of the carbon dioxide (CO2) created through the burring of fossil fuels. The CO2 created when gas, oil and coal is burned remains in the atmosphere for 1,000 years.

Watch his 6 minute video explaining the difference between cows and cars here .