Jassid's Threat to Cotton and Ethanol Production Higher
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**The arrival of the cotton Jassid has quickly become one of the most significant emerging threats in the Southeast.
Phillip Roberts, University of Georgia Extension entomologist, helped lead a response from lab benches to grower fields to county meetings.
Overall, about 60% of Georgia's cotton acreage was treated, an added cost in a year already defined by high inputs and low commodity prices.
Despite that, Georgia cotton still posted the second-highest yield on record.
**U.S. ethanol production increased to the highest output in several weeks, in the latest report, signaling stronger demand for the corn-based biofuel heading into the spring driving season.
Production averaged about 1.126 million barrels per day during the week ending March 6, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Higher ethanol production typically boosts demand for corn.
The ethanol industry consumes roughly one-third of the nation’s corn crop each year.
**The National Cattlemen's Beef Association is aware of online rumors alleging a new or unknown animal disease is circulating in a Texas Panhandle feedlot, but want you to know, these claims are false.
Animal health officials from USDA, state of Texas, along with leaders at Texas Cattle Feeders Association, have confirmed there is no such disease present.
NCBA encourages everyone, producers, media, and the public, to rely on credible sources and verified information.
