- Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters, launched its one month “Fuel on the Fourth” promotion offering nearly $300 in E85 fuel to Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) owners.
- Iowa men and women with a commitment to the future of Iowa agriculture and an interest in developing their leadership potential are invited to apply for Class V of the Iowa Leadership Enhancement and Development (I-LEAD) class.
- The weed control and yield increase benefits of the BASF CLEARFIELD Production System are now available to a new segment of canola growers using new varieties released in the CROPLAN GENETICS brand.
- Missouri farmers awarded one lucky winner with “Free Groceries for a Year!” as part of an effort to connect consumers with the hands that provide their food. Lois Scudero, a mother of two from St. Paul, was presented with $5,000 in Schnucks gift cards this morning at the Harvester Schnucks store located in Saint Peters.
CropLife America is hosting its first annual national policy conference via webcast next month.
The conference, entitled Modern Agriculture: Exploring its Relationship with Technology, Science & Society, will bring together leading experts in the fields of agriculture, technology and policy to discuss various issues facing modern agriculture.
Panelists will discuss the essential role of technology to produce more food while using fewer natural resources, barriers to and opportunities for progress and innovation, and a foundational discussion of the ethics behind who decides agriculture policy. Marc Gunther, contributing editor at FORTUNE magazine and a senior writer at Greenbiz.com, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.
The one-day conference will be web-cast on CropLifeAmerica.org, free and open to all, July 13 beginning at 9:00 am Eastern. They will also be taking questions via Twitter, and will have an open dialogue going throughout the day via social media. Follow them on Twitter @CropLifeAmerica with the conference hashtag #NPC.
Find out more about the conference here.
VipCot™ cotton has gotten new EPA approval, and the Multi-Pest Complex will soon be ready to fight black and dingy cutworms in the Corn Belt, according to the latest news from Syngenta Seeds.
Syngenta Seeds just announced that EPA has approved a natural refuge option for its VipCot™ cotton technology.
VipCot* cotton contains the transgenic cotton events COT67B, which produces the Cry1Ab protein, and COT102, which features the novel Vip3A protein. Vip3A is the same protein found in Syngenta’s Agrisure Viptera™ trait in corn and is a totally new mode of action in both cotton and corn. The natural refuge option for VipCot affects growers in 16 cotton producing states but does not apply to areas where pink bollworm is a key pest including Arizona, California, New Mexico, and some parts of Texas.
Syngenta Seeds also noted that the first signs of possible black cutworm and dingy cutworm infestations are being seen throughout the Corn Belt as agronomist moth traps have reported significant captures of black cutworm in Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Iowa. Growers are being urged to scout fields now to determine if treatments are necessary, but the arrival of the Agrisure Viptera 3111 multi-pest complex could make that obsolete.
“With Agrisure Viptera 3111, growers will be better able to manage these pests without worrying about costly spraying and scouting,” said Syngenta Seeds agronomy marketing manager Bruce Battles. Once the remaining key import market approvals are received, growers will have the option of planting seed with the new Agrisure Viptera™ 3111 trait stack to protect against black and dingy cutworm damage without scouting.
This was one of my favorite photos from the Shady Dale Rodeo. I took an extra day before the start of the Corn Utilization and Technology Conference which starts tomorrow in Atlanta. It was a fun time with family and friends.
The Shady Dale Rodeo, now in it’s 27th year, is presented by Masonic Lodges Walton #200 and Jasper #50 of Jasper County. The Shady Dale Rodeo is a IPRA sanctioned professional rodeo event. It has been voted the Number One Outdoor Rodeo in the Southeast many times. The Shady Dale Rodeo is put on by an all volunteer crew of local Masons, Shriners, and other citizens of the surrounding area. In addition to the rodeo action you can enjoy a full line of concessions including pit cooked barbecue and fresh baked goods.
Of course I took more photos than this one and put them in a photo album. It was a Zimmerman family and friends day of horses, bbq and rodeo.
Antique tractors are a passion for Michael Hinton. He decided there needed to be a good resource for people who share that passion so he started The Antique Tractor Show. This website is meant to be a place to find information and to enhance the effort he’s teamed up with Frazier Dailey who has Antique Tractors Forum.
The Antique Tractor Show is a site dedicated to Antique Tractor Enthusiasts all over the globe. If you use antique tractors, collect antique tractors, or just enjoy looking at antique tractors, welcome to our site! The Antique Tractor Show chronicles those individuals who indulge their passion for buying, restoring, and displaying Antique Tractors through an expanding series of web-based Shows. Our goal is to carry on the legacy of keeping the great tractors of the past, ever present long into the future.
Listen to my conversation with Michael to learn more about what he’s doing.
Since I just attended the Shady Dale Rodeo the program ends with a song titled, “Rodeo Has Got My Heart” by Trinity Lane from Music Alley.
Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsors, Novus International, and Leica Geosytems for their support.
You can listen to this week’s ZimmCast below.
The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired. Subscribe so you can listen when and where you want. Just go to our a Subscribe page.
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Zachary Larson, Borlaug Summer Intern, is on location at Nanjing Agricultural University and providing us with updates this summer of his trip. Here’s his latest. You can also find a photo album he’s got started here: Borlaug Summer Intern Photo Album
How to become a researcher in a few easy steps, Part 1
So here I now am in China.
Lab life here in China is a bit hectic, and I have certainly been thrown into the middle of it. It is a bit hard to keep your head on straight in a small lab full of 50 grad students, several professors, and a couple of other university students helping out. It is not something that one can get used to quickly, but it is a pace of life that has its own quirks and benefits.
Any time you go into a new working environment there are going to be misconceptions on your own part of what you are going to be doing. Personally, I thought going into the research lab was going to be one of the easier parts of my journey here. Instead it has turned out to be one of the hardest. I have no problem carrying on everyday conversations in Chinese and I have some background in basic genetic techniques from Iowa State. However being in the lab here requires a much greater depth of understanding in both the genetic research that the professors and graduate students here are taking, and the vocabulary that they are using.
So, the last week’s activities can pretty much be summed in that I have learned the functions and experiments of this lab by just following the students here, asking copious amounts of questions, and just getting to know the students and my professor better.
So far, I have learned that this lab, while obviously focused on wheat research, is solely focused with researching and breeding wheat varieties that are resistant against the highly potent red scab and speck wheat diseases. These two diseases are present within wheat populations around the world, but in China they have been traditionally problematic.
While this research seems small, the amount of work in trying to understand a small part of the wheat genome is mindbogglingly. These problems are the main research of the this lab, and the some forty students here all have their own individual problems to research with in this lab. My level of understanding still a bit basic, and it will certainly take me a lot more time to finally get a firm grip on what I am doing as I go further a long in my work here.
DuPont has entered into agreements to acquire AgVenture, Kentland, Ind.; Hoegemeyer Hybrids, Hooper, Neb., and NuTech Seed, Ames, Iowa; as part of its Pioneer Hi-Bred business’ PROaccess strategy. Closings are scheduled to occur in the latter part of 2010. Terms were not disclosed.
The innovation breadth and depth of Pioneer research and development will strengthen the already robust businesses and customer relationships of AgVenture, Hoegemeyer Hybrids and NuTech Seed. The companies have exciting growth opportunities reachable by expanding product choices for growers in geographies where they operate.
The PROaccess strategy continues to be part of the ongoing commitment to expand the availability of Pioneer’s unique, elite seed genetics using Pioneer-owned brands distributed through alternative routes to market. Ultimately, this will result in growers having more choices for high-performing products to increase their yields and income.
The three seed companies will continue to sell products under the Pioneer-owned trademarks following closing:
- AgVenture – VPMaxx® brand corn hybrids and soybean varieties.
- Hoegemeyer Hybrids – HPT® brand corn hybrids and soybean varieties.
- NuTech Seed – G2® brand corn hybrids and soybean varieties.
Broadhead + Co and Drake & Company jointly announced the formation of a “strategic alliance,” effective July 1, between the two firms to expand available services and expertise to their respective association clientele, and to be best positioned for new association business opportunities.
One of the benefits of the strategic alliance will be the sharing of personnel resources, particularly those of industry communications veteran Hugh Whaley, Broadhead + Co’s current director of Industry & Association Relations.
- Hoard’s Dairyman has unveiled a new Web site as a complement to its print publication and as a service to readers across the country and globe. The launch coincides with the magazine’s 125th anniversary and celebratory issue.
- Gowan Company, LLC is pleased to announce the formation of Gowan USA, LLC (GUSA), a wholly-owned subsidiary, with its sole focus on the US Agriculture and Turf & Ornamental Crop Protection Product Business.
- The National Association of Farm Broadcasting Foundation and Pioneer Hi-Bred have joined together to provide funding for an NAFB News Service internship. Seanica Reineke of Edgerton, Mo., returns for her second summer to work with the NAFB News Service.
- Iowa State University’s Research and Demonstration Farms field days which begin June 16, will include the 75th anniversary celebration at the Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm.
NAMA Boot Camp 2010 has been set for August 17-19 at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City. This might be a good opportunity to promote your company.
If you think so and would like more information about sponsoring a session or event, please fill out the sponsorship confirmation form at www.nama.org/programs/bootcamp-spo.htm or contact Jenny Pickett at 913-491-6500 or via e-mail at jennyp@nama.org.
Congratulations to Thad Simons, Novus International, and super AgWired sponsor.
Novus International, Inc., a global leader in animal health and nutrition, announced today that Thad Simons, President and CEO, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2010 Bioscience Award in the Central Midwest region. According to Ernst & Young LLP, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses. Mr. Simons was selected by an independent panel of judges and the award was presented at a gala event at the Overland Park Sheraton on June 2, 2010.
See a full list of winners here.
John Deere is changing the game when it comes to utility vehicles. I will be able to tell you all about it next week when I get to ride and drive some of the new ones at a John Deere east coast event.
The game is changed on 6.10.2010.
The 50-hp engine is humming. The sport-tuned suspension is itching for the challenge. The body is balanced for speed and maximum performance. Your job? 
Press the gas and make monotony eat dust.
I especially like the “make monotony eat dust” part. So tune in to AgWired on June 10 and learn what I learn.
A photo of you with your Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) could win you up to $185 in free fuel.
Growth Energy is encouraging Americans to celebrate Independence Day this year with homegrown “Fuel on the Fourth.”
The ethanol organization has started a new promotion offering nearly $300 in E85 fuel to Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) owners through the “Fuel on the Fourth” contest. Through July 1, FFV owners can enter to win one of two E85 Fuel Credit Cards – equal to $185 and $85 respectively – by submitting a photo of themselves with their FFV along with a caption describing why they choose to buy E85 fuel.
The promotion is designed to show the benefits of Flex Fuel Vehicles – which are capable of operating on any combination of conventional and renewable fuels – and recruit additional members to Growth Force, a group that believes in a cleaner, greener America through the use of biofuels.
The contest will run between June 1st and July 1st and is open to FFV owners. Growth Energy will select a first prize winner at random on July 1st in anticipation of July 4th. A second winner will be chosen based on the creativity of the photo and caption submitted. Photos and submissions will be featured on the Growthenergy.org and Growthforce.org websites. To enter, participants must complete a form located at www.growthforce.org/fuelonthefourth.
Hey Farm Podcasters. There’s a new Zoom in your future. Samson has announced the Zoom H1 which should be available next month. I’m betting this one goes over very well. Retail price expected to be $99!
If you’d like to learn more about gadgets and how they can be used to make you more productive on the job then consider scheduling me for a presentation. I’ll be doing just this in coming weeks for the Cooperative Communicators Association Institute, Association for Communicating Excellence Annual Mtg. and American Farm Bureau Federation Public Relations Conference. I can conduct a show and tell while providing live examples of how these gadgets can be used to enhance your communications efforts. I think I’ll call it Gadget Goodness.
Features:
* Stereo X/Y mic configuration captures perfect stereo images
* Same frequency and SPL handling as popular Zoom H2
* Records Broadcast WAV (BWF) at 96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit
* Records MP3 from 48 to 320kbps for maximum recording time
* Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port
* Built-in reference speaker
* Includes 2GB microSD card and one AA battery
* One AA size battery allows 10 hours operation
* Accommodates up to 32GB microSDHC memory cards
* Track marker function
* Low cut filter
* Built-in tripod mount
* 1/8″ external mic input
* Stereo 1/8″ line output
* Auto record level
* Optional accessory package (APH-1) includes windscreen, AC adapter (USB type), USB cable, adjustable tripod stand, padded-shell case and mic clip adapter
It’s definitely a field of dreams, but instead of building a ball field in a corn field, Illinois corn farmers are growing corn in a ball field.
As part of the landscaping at the new home for the Normal CornBelters, the Corn Crib has small plots of corn planted under the scoreboard. “We wanted to show as much as we could actually what corn is,” said Illinois Corn Growers Field Services Director Jim Tarmann. “So, we’ve got six different mini-plots of field corn that are already coming up and we planted that ourselves.” Local FFA chapters are growing specialty corn, including popcorn and sweet corn, that will be worked into the as-yet-unfinished landscape in and around the ball park. Pioneer and Syngenta are also part of that project as co-sponsors of the new team and stadium.
Jim says the Illinois beef and pork producers and Prairie Farms are sponsors as well. “We’re all very excited about this new venue to talk about modern production agriculture,” he said during an interview we did in the Illinois Corn office this morning.
Nearly 6,000 fans attended the opening home game Tuesday night against the Windy City Thunderbolts, and even though the Cornbelters lost the game 3-2, it was an exciting game in the end and everyone had a great time. Listen to or download my interview with Jim in the player below and check out the rest of the photos from the event.
Normal CornBelters Corn Crib Opener Photo Album
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Throwing out one of the opening pitches for the Normal CornBelters baseball home game at the Corn Crib was Jim Rapp, Illinois Corn Marketing Board. Cindy took a photo of me interviewing him as we came off the mound and you can find more photos in the photo album.
I talked to Jim about the ICMB support for this stadium and team. He thinks it’s great and says he wishes he had a chance to do some practice pitches before getting on the mound in front of the crowd.
Normal CornBelters Corn Crib Opener Photo Album
You can listen to my interview with Jim here.
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It’s opening night for the Normal CornBelters baseball team at the brand new Corn Crib stadium. The Corn Crib is presented by Illinois Corn Farmers and the AgWired team is set up in their suite getting ready for the first pitch.
We’ll be here taking photos and getting some interviews throughout the evening. Of course we’ve already got a photo album started. You can find it here: Normal CornBelters Corn Crib Opener
We’ll be tweeting @AgriBlogger and @FarmPodcaster so you may want to keep an eye there for photos and other notes while we obtain more content to load here.
To get things started Cindy interviewed Rod Weinzierl, Executive Director, Illinois Corn Growers and Illinois Corn Marketing Board. Rod says that the fans in the area selecting the team name and that caught the attention of the Association. They worked out an agreement to name the stadium the Corn Crib.
You can listen to Cindy’s interview with Rod here.
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BASF Crop Protection has filed for registration of three new active ingredients that are expected to influence crop management worldwide.
BASF announced today that it has made multi-lateral, worldwide regulatory submissions for new products — Xemium™ fungicide, and Initium™ fungicide. Both were filed with regulatory authorities in the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. BASF also submitted Alpha-cypermethrin™ insecticide to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for review.
“Ongoing laboratory and in-field research shows these three products will help growers in ways they’ve never been helped before,” said Nevin McDougall, Senior Vice President, BASF Agricultural Solutions, North America. “Xemium and Initium fungicides are the result of the BASF research and discovery process. We are committed to bringing innovative solutions to the market to help growers get the most out of every acre.”
Xemium, a new mode of action in disease protection, is being studied in a wide range of crops including fruits, vegetables and row crops. Initium fungicide is being researched on a number of specialty crops and will bring growers added disease protection. Alpha-cypermethrin insecticide is being tested globally in several row and specialty crops.
I did interviews with Paul Rea, Director of BASF US Crop Protection Division, and BASF Technical Service Manager Rick Chamblee at this year’s Commodity Classic where they talked about BASF’s plans to introduce nine active ingredients in the next four years and 28 new products. Listen to those interviews here.
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The Commissioner of the 
In this week's program Chuck talks with David Armano, Global Innovation and Integration.
