FMC Growing U.S. Biologicals Portfolio

Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

FMC LogoFMC has just submitted two new biological pesticide strains to the EPA for approval. These biologicals, which FMC anticipates will receive EPA approval in late 2020, will be used for seed treatment, in-furrow and transplant application to target diseases like Sudden Death Syndrome, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Phytophthora.

This unique combination of two bacilli strains offers a new option for growers to suppress some difficult to control and yield robbing diseases such as Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) in soybeans as well as Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Phytophthora. FMC is developing biological solutions which are unique to the marketplace and bring consistency in performance and higher yields.

The submission for these strains is for seed treatment, in-furrow and transplant application usages and the Company has filed petitions to establish exemptions from the requirement of tolerances. These submissions are anticipated to receive EPA approval in late 2020.

FMC previously received U.S. EPA registration for a Bacillus licheniformis strain FMCH001 and Bacillus subtilis strain FMCH002, as well as two associated formulated products, in May 2018.

Kaustubh Borah, North America commercial manager and business development lead for plant health at FMC, provides more information about these products. Interview with Kaustubh Borah, FMC

Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, FMC

Animal Ag Bites 7/15

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Improving cow health and production was a common theme of the recent 2019 American Dairy Science Association conference, held in Cincinnati. Researchers from around the globe convened to present findings from recent studies; among them, eight teams presented research specific to Phibro Animal Health Corporation nutritional products, offering a scientific basis and practical advice for integrating the products into feeding strategies.
  • Suzanne Fanning is the lead marketer behind the nation’s most awarded cheese brand and her efforts are being recognized by Deli Business Magazine as “the best of the best in the industry.” Fanning’s achievements earned her a People’s Award, reserved for professionals who have raised the bar in the food industry. With over twenty-five years of marketing experience, Fanning brings a unique approach to her work that has revolutionized how consumers think about Wisconsin Cheese.
  • WATT Global Media recently launched an Instagram channel to celebrate chicken and share the many experiences highlighting the world’s beloved protein. The new account features a wide array of chicken themed photos including chicken dishes, restaurants, clever marketing, retro signage, logos, ads, big chicken statues and more.
  • Poultry industry professionals are invited to attend Chicken Marketing Summit, an annual executive conference, which explores the issues and trends in food marketing and consumer chicken consumption patterns. Chicken Marketing Summit is scheduled for July 21-23, 2019 at the Belmond Charleston Place in Charleston, South Carolina. Registration is now open. For more information, visit, www.ChickenMarketingSummit.com.
  • With the beef industry going through continuous changes and advancements, it is important cattlemen and women across the country are “in the know”, which is where the Cattlemen’s Education Series comes into play. This partnership between the National Corn Growers Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is designed to provide resources to NCBA state and breed affiliates through a grant which allows them to extend outstanding educational experiences locally.
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Zimfo Bytes 7/12

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • American Farmland Trust, the organization behind the national movement No Farms No Food®, has hired Robbin Marks as director of institutional partnerships.
  • IDEAg Group, producers of Farmfest, will showcase a hops demonstration yard at the farm show in August. This is the first year that hops are growing on the Farmfest grounds. The show kicks off Aug. 6 at the Gilfillan Estate in Morgan, Minnesota.
  • Textile executives representing 20 companies from Indonesia should gain a deeper understanding of why U.S. cotton is the world’s preferred fiber when they travel across the U.S. Cotton Belt on July 21-25. This COTTON USA Special Trade Mission is coordinated by Cotton Council International, the National Cotton Council’s export promotions arm.
  • The challenges and opportunities of implementing a new biotechnology regulation review process will be the topic of the Farm Foundation® Forum on Tuesday, July 23, 2019. The Forum will be 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. EDT at the Holeman Lounge of the National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C. A live audiocast will also be available.
  • Broadband is no longer a luxury but a necessity for modern agriculture and the quality of life for rural Americans, Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst told a House subcommittee. Read the entire testimony here.
  • The Association of Equipment Manufacturers released three documentary-style videos that tell the stories of Becky, Paul, and Ray and how decisions made in Washington impact their lives and communities. The videos are part of AEM’s ongoing “Behind Every Product” series that highlights the 1.3 million men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry and how they contribute to the U.S. economy.
Zimfo Bytes

ISPA Definition for Precision Agriculture

Chuck Zimmerman 1 Comment

ISPA LogoThe International Society for Precision Agriculture has publised their official definition of the term, precision agriculture. This is from the ISPA newsletter.

“Precision Agriculture is a management strategy that gathers, processes and analyzes temporal, spatial and individual data and combines it with other information to support management decisions according to estimated variability for improved resource use efficiency, productivity, quality, profitability and sustainability of agricultural production.”

The definition was recently recognized by the Board of directors as the official definition of the International Society for Precision Agriculture (ISPA).

There was clearly a need to clarify what Precision Agriculture really is. A non-exhaustive list (http://www.grap.udl.cat/en/presentation/pa_definitions.html) of definitions assembled by the Research Group in AgroICT & Precision Agriculture reported 27 different contributions from the very beginning of PA to date. As the sole international scientific society completely devoted to Precision Agriculture, the ISPA could not avoid the need to provide clarity and guidance on this important concept. The Precision Agriculture concept emerged in the early ‘90s and was then totally focused on the study and management of spatial variability in crop production. Since then, other components of variability and other sectors of agriculture related to the concept in a duly manner.

The ISPA is proud of both the definition that emerged and the process by which it was achieved. The ISPA Board wants to thank all people who contributed their time and expertise for this important endeavour, and particularly Dr. Alex Escolà from Lleida University and Dr. Viacheslav Adamchuk from McGill University.

AgWired Precision, Precision Agriculture

Nomination Time for NAFB Awards

Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

NAFB AwardsIt’s time to nominate for the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Farm Broadcaster of the Year, the Horizon Award, and the Dix Harper Meritorious Service Award. The process is starting earlier this year to allow all members more time to consider the applicants you deem worthy of these high honors. Your nominations should be carefully chosen, using the criteria listed below.

Farm Broadcaster of the Year
Horizon Award*
Sponsored by Syngenta

These two awards are given based on professional excellence demonstrated in these specific areas:
On-air broadcasting (including news, markets, weather, or special reports)
Leadership in broadcast programming, promotion, and marketing at station/network
Community involvement and leadership
NAFB involvement

* Broadcast Council members with five years or less experience are eligible for the Horizon Award.

Nominate a deserving Broadcast Council member or yourself for either award by filling out the online form by Friday, July 26, 2019.
Winners will be announced Friday, November 15, at the 2019 NAFB Convention Awards Luncheon.

Dix Harper Meritorious Service Award

This is the highest honor NAFB presents an Allied Industry or Management & Sales Council member who has demonstrated exemplary and committed service to NAFB. The award will be presented Thursday, November 14, at the 2019 NAFB Convention Night of Honors Celebration banquet.

Media, NAFB

Soil Health Institute Releases Progress Report

Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Soil Health Institute StudyBased on data from the 2017 U.S. Census of Agriculture, the Soil Health Institute (SHI) has released PROGRESS REPORT: Adoption of Soil Health Systems.

The analysis includes a state-by-state breakdown of changes in adoption from 2012 to 2017 for cover crops and no-till production. Cover crop and no-till practices both support biological activity in the soil. Cover crops are particularly effective at protecting water quality, and no-till is particularly effective at increasing carbon sequestration in soils.

The report was developed by Rob Myers, Ph.D., a University of Missouri agronomist and Co-chair of the Soil Health Institute Policy Action Team, and Joe LaRose, a University of Missouri extension associate.

For further information, visit the Soil Health Institute website.

Ag Group, AgWired Precision, Soil, soil health institute

Precision Ag Bytes 7/10

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Bayer CropScience, The Mosaic Company, Syngenta and the Conservation Infrastructure Initiative co-led by the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance and Iowa’s Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship have signed on as a Diamond-level sponsors of the Conservation Technology Information Center Conservation in Action Tour. The tour, which will be held August 20 and 21 in Des Moines, Iowa, is CTIC’s 12th annual program of its type. Online registration for the tour is quick and easy at https://www.ctic.org/cia_tour/registration.
  • Through the Illinois Corn Growers Association, local farmers are taking a small step with potentially big implications to address food security and crop efficiency and it starts at the farm level. The farmer-led group is working with NASA and University of Illinois researchers to develop a Farmer Data Cooperative that brings together practical farmer knowledge, internationally recognized scientists and the most advanced technology available.
  • Marrone Bio Innovations Inc., a leading developer of bio-based products for pest management and plant health, announced that California almond and grape growers are gaining an edge as they address mid-season pest control issues through the implementation of the company’s novel BioUnite program.
  • Over the last four years, Stuart and Cedar Anderson – second and third generation father-son beekeepers from Australia – have revolutionized the beekeeping industry, making a positive impact on the plight of struggling pollinators through their Flow Hive invention. Regarded as the most significant advancement in beekeeping since 1852, the innovative beehive makes it much easier to harvest honey. For more information about Stuart’s U.S. tour visit http://bit.ly/flow-in-the-usa.
  • At the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and AgTech in Des Moines, the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) will present an update on the plant-based bioplastic, MonoEthylene Glycol (MEG). For more information on ICPB research, click here.
  • Mercaris, the market data and online trading platform supporting the growth of organic and non-GMO agriculture in the U.S., released a Spring Planting Special Report. The report focuses specifically on organic agriculture and details how organic field crop acreage has been impacted by unprecedented cold and wet springtime weather this year, limiting farm management options. To request the Spring Planting Special Report, please email jason.farrell@mercaris.com.
  • AgJunction Inc. has announced that it has received a notice of allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a patent titled “Integrated Multi-Sensor Control System and Method.”
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes

NAFB Unveils 2019 Convention Logo

Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

NAFB 2019 ConventionHere’s the logo for this year’s National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention. The theme is, “Farm Broadcasting: The Engine That Drives Agriculture.”

This verbiage and logo will be used throughout November’s 76th convention to showcase how farm broadcasting plays a vital role in American agriculture each and every day. NAFB will have more information later this summer about the convention. The dates/location are: November 13-15, 2019, at the Westin Crown Center (Kansas City, Missouri). Registration will open Thursday, August 1.

Looking forward to another opportunity to network with so many friends and clients!

Media, NAFB

Consider Corn Challenge Winners Announced

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced the winners of the Consider Corn Challenge II this week at the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and AgTech in Des Moines, Iowa. Three winners were chosen, each with a unique technology to improve a product or process using field corn to produce biobased materials.

ExoPolymer, Inc. intends to create a new profile of customizable, polysaccharide-based hydrocolloids that are domestically produced by microbial fermentation using corn sugar as a feedstock. These new hydrocolloids will meet the growing needs and performance gaps in the healthcare, personal care, food, pharmaceutical and energy industries.

Sumatra Biorenewables, LLC develops and produces novel monomers that are incorporated into polyamides and polyesters to provide uniquely valuable properties: notably tensile strength and low water absorption. These superior performance-advantaged materials have wide-ranging applications in the specialty nylon’s industry. Opportunities include improved hydrophobicity, anti-static, flame-retardant, or have tuned mechanical strength to meet customer specifications.

USDA Agricultural Research Service – National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, IL plans to use emulsifiers, polymer films and coatings made from corn starch and vegetable oil rather than petroleum, which could open the door to new products with a smaller environmental “footprint.” The lab continued research on starch-based emulsifiers, positioning America’s corn farmers to grab a share of a global food emulsifiers market.

Each of the three winners received $50,000.

AgWired Precision, BIO, Corn, NCGA

Animal Ag Bites 7/8

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • USPOULTRY’s Women’s Leadership Conference will focus on effective leadership, professional communication and mental health and wellness to assist women leaders with challenges and develop skills for becoming more successful leaders. The Conference, held Aug. 15-16 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Florida, will include professional women from all levels of the industry who will provide their perspectives and insights on a variety of topics. To register for the Women’s Leadership Conference and to view the full agenda, click here or visit www.uspoultry.org.
  • Dairy producers can now add Aureomycin® from Zoetis to replacement heifer feed for control of bacterial pneumonia. This expanded label provides another option against costly pneumonia for veterinarians and dairy producers. Dairy producers are encouraged to contact their veterinarian for more information about Aureomycin. You also can learn more about the product here.
  • Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is teaming up with the Milwaukee Brewers all season long to build trust in dairy farmers, dairy products and dairy farming practices. The partnership highlights the importance of Wisconsin’s signature industry for consumers and honors Wisconsin dairy farmers, including an August 11th Farmers Appreciation Day and pre-game tailgate.
  • The American Feed Industry Association congratulates Adam Lock, Ph.D., of Michigan State University, for receiving the 2019 AFIA-American Dairy Science Association Nutrition Research Award.
  • Bazooka Farmstar, a manufacturer in the manure and ag industry for 44 years, will hold the first LET’S TALK SH** event for manure applicators and farmers. The event will be held July 16-17 in Washington, Iowa.
  • ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE19) brought together more than 3,500 producers and industry experts from 68 countries to share insights and explore solutions for today’s most pressing issues in agriculture and beyond. The 35th annual symposium featured more than 100 speakers providing their unique perspectives on over 60 topics. Their presentations are now available on the Alltech Idea Lab.
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