Industry Ag News 10/13

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • An overwhelming majority of corn growers from across the United States say that the nation’s farm economy is possibly already in a crisis or on the brink of one, according to a new survey released by the National Corn Growers Association.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation sent letters to President Donald Trump and Congressional leaders to emphasize the severe economic pressures facing America’s farmers and ranchers. Falling crop prices, skyrocketing expenses and trade disputes are creating conditions that are too much for farm families to bear. Read the letter to President Trump here. Read the letter to Congress here.
  • Farm Bureau veteran Dr. John Newton returns to the American Farm Bureau Federation team on October 20, 2025, to serve as Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis. In this role, he will lead AFBF’s government relations and advocacy staff and serve as chief economist, guiding AFBF’s team of economists.
  • Farm Journal, U.S. agriculture’s leading business information and data insights company, has named Ron McCoy as executive vice president, intelligence. He will lead the company’s Intelligence Center of Excellence, developing systems that provide actionable agriculture knowledge and working with clients to understand, integrate and act on that knowledge to better serve their agricultural audiences.
  • The American Feed Industry Association is pleased to announce that the International Feed Industry Federation unanimously elected Constance Cullman, President & CEO of the AFIA, as chair for 2026–27 in Rome, Italy during the annual IFIF meeting last week. She will succeed Ruud Tijssens, who served as chair from 2022 to 2025.
  • The American Feed Industry Association Board Chair Dan Meagher, president and CEO of NOVUS, presented Tim Belstra, chairman of the Board at Belstra Milling Co., Inc., with the prestigious 2025 Distinguished Service Award (DSA) at the AFIA Board of Directors meeting. The DSA honors Belstra’s lifetime commitment to the animal feed industry, his unwavering leadership and exceptional contributions.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association congratulated member company Western New York Energy, based in Medina, N.Y., for reaching an incredible milestone. The company recently produced its billionth gallon of ethanol.
  • As world leaders prepare to convene at COP30 in Belém, Brazil this November, American agriculture stands at a pivotal moment to demonstrate its leadership in sustainable food systems innovation. The Agri-Pulse and JBS forum on October 21 in Washington, D.C., will spotlight how U.S. farmers, ranchers, and their supply chain partners are already delivering the solutions the world needs.
  • In celebration of National Co-op Month and its theme, “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” two Indiana-based cooperatives joined forces on October 6 for a meaningful Day of Service, demonstrating the power of people-centered businesses to strengthen communities and local economies. Sixty-nine volunteers helped provide 10,896 meals by sorting, inspecting, gleaning, and repacking food donations at Gleaners Food Bank in Indianapolis. Wabash Valley Power Alliance, a not-for-profit generation and transmission electric cooperative serving members in Indiana and Illinois, partnered with Keystone Cooperative, a 100 percent farmer-owned cooperative serving Midwest farmers through agronomy, energy, grain and swine production. Together, employees from both organizations rolled up their sleeves to help fight food insecurity, serving neighbors in need right in their own backyard.
  • The U.S. is bracing for a record grain harvest totaling 21.5 billion bushels of corn, soybeans and grain sorghum this fall. The bumper crop arrives during a period of heightened uncertainty surrounding the future of the U.S. trade relationship with China, low export market demand for U.S. soybeans and depressed crop prices. Meanwhile, grain storage and transportation logistics are shaping up to be much more complicated than usual. According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, grain storage space will be extraordinarily tight this fall with grain merchandisers charging higher fees due to limited capacity and strained infrastructure. While grain elevators stand to benefit from buying cheaper basis and capturing wider carries in the futures markets, the profit opportunities are not without risk.
  • Bimi Baby Broccoli, the global sponsor of the World Food Photography Awards, is set to take center stage at next month’s International Fresh Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, California. Visitors to the Sakata America booth #4363 will be treated to live tastings from Chef Thai Dang of HaiSous Kitchen, acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and Bimi brand ambassador.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Syngenta Biologicals are Booming

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Syngenta continues to grow its biologicals business to meet the increased demand for biocontrols, biostimulants and nutrient efficiency products around the world. Just this year, Syngenta Biologicals entered into several strategic collaborations to accelerate product development this year and opened a new facility in Orangeburg, South Carolina to produce 16,000 tons of biostimulants annually.

    “Syngenta Biologicals builds upon the track record of success that Syngenta has had for a long time in developing products,” said Seedcare and Biologicals Product Lead at Syngenta Joe Ben Bogle at the 2025 Farm Progress Show. “A lot of people describe the biological marketplace as fragmented with lots of companies in it, and a lot of noise, and I hear customers say that they have a different biological company in there every week to pitch them on a product. Syngenta is a company that puts a scientific process, research and testing behind all of our products. And so I hope that gives customers more assurance when they’re working with Syngenta versus a lot of the other companies in the marketplace.”

    In this interview, Bogle talks about two Syngenta Biologicals products – Boosten, which supports crop resilience under stress, and YieldON, which helps plants push more sugar and starch into seed to increase yield.

    FPS25 Interview with Joe Ben Bogle, Syngenta Seedcare (5:15)

    2025 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

    AgWired Precision, Audio, Biologicals, Farm Progress Show, Syngenta

    Precision Ag News 10/8

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC, a global leader in agricultural innovation, and Taranis, a global leader in AI-powered crop intelligence, announced they are formalizing their successful collaboration into a strategic partnership across the Midwest. The partnership will equip agricultural retailers with AI-powered crop management solutions, delivering innovative digital technologies that create significant value for both retailers and their grower customers.
  • GROWMARK’s newly launched myFS Agronomy platform utilized data from 4.9 million acres of farmland throughout the Midwest in 2025 through remote sensing technology using airplanes, drones, and satellites, to generate corn yield estimates ranging from a high of 255 bushels per acre in Central Iowa to a low of 193 bushels per acre in Southern Illinois. At the individual farmer level, the application has achieved results with yields of at least 95 percent accuracy at key estimate timings in late July and early August.
  • October 6 marked the third National Nematode Day, a day that’s especially exciting for the winners of The SCN Coalition’s $250 sweepstakes: Logan Paschke, Brad Gerten, and Erika Consoli. These winners qualified for the drawing by participating in The SCN Coalition’s “Are You Smarter Than a Nematode?” quizzes. This fun, engaging and informative series sponsored by BASF, Indigo, and Syngenta challenged participants to test their nematode knowledge.
  • Summit Agro USA announced the launch of its BioPowered™ product portfolio, marking a major evolution in the company’s lineup of innovative crop protection and field health solutions.
  • The higher cost of agricultural equipment is a large concern for U.S. farmers, and has led many decision makers to shift their replacement strategies and pursue retrofitting existing equipment or purchasing used equipment, according to a new study, “Vertical Market Outlook Series: Agricultural Equipment,” released by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. The study provides an overview of the U.S. agriculture vertical and addresses issues that will impact the sector and its equipment needs.
  • Nutrien Ag Solutions has expanded the capabilities of its Nutrien HUB, an online portal designed to bring retail services, agronomic recommendations, environmental insights, and financing together in one streamlined platform for US farmers. This innovative tool offers a faster, simpler, and more connected way for farmers to manage their operations.
  • The Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation is now accepting applications for the Beth Calabotta Sustainability Education Grant. Established in 2018, the grant aims to support student scientists dedicated to sustainable research, offering a $3,000 award to a deserving recipient. To qualify for the grant, students must be a U.S. citizen and provide two references when completing the application on the Foundation website.
  • In a major win for working lands and conservation, the Florida Cabinet has approved two Florida Conservation Group projects through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). These approvals include the permanent preservation of 2,559 acres at Bentley Ranch in southeastern Hardee County and nearly 6,000 acres in Okeechobee County.
  • A new thematic map depicting primary water rights systems across the U.S. has been developed by a collaborative team from the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI), the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) and the Department of Agricultural Economics, all at the University of Nebraska. This innovative tool provides a clearer understanding of the variability of surface water and groundwater rights systems, which are crucial for effective water management and policy development by researchers, policymakers and landowners alike.
  • Now in its 19th year, the UAS Summit & Expo will be held October 14-15, 2025 at Alerus Center, Grand Forks, North Dakota. The event brings together policymakers, defense contractors, technology innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to showcase the latest UAS developments, investment opportunities, and policy discussions shaping the industry.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Animal Ag News 10/7

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Shoppers preparing for upcoming fall holidays, including Thanksgiving, should brace for higher turkey prices this year. New analysis from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Market Intel series says economic factors as well as disease challenges have driven wholesale turkey prices up about 40 percent. While prices may be higher, the analysis shows there will be enough birds to meet consumer demand and Thanksgiving specials are likely to be offered by retailers.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) encourages college students pursuing careers in the beef industry to apply for the 2026 CME Group Beef Industry Scholarship. Ten scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded. The application deadline is Nov. 7, 2025, at 5:00pm Central Time. For more information and to apply, visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org. Scholarship winners will be announced during CattleCon 2026, Feb. 3-5, in Nashville, Tennessee.
  • Certified Angus Beef honored seven producers at its recent annual conference in Austin, Texas. Tehama Angus Ranch in California was recognized for Seedstock Commitment to Excellence; Commercial Commitment to Excellence went to Willis Ranch in Utah and Wyoming; Feedyard Commitment to Excellence – 4K Cattle LLC, Minnesota; Canadian Commitment to Excellence – Cross Cattle Co.; Sustainability Award – Means Ranch Company, Texas; Ambassador Award – Maplecrest Farms, Ohio; and the Progressive Partner went to Zybach Angus, Texas.
  • America’s dairy processors are responding to surging demand for their products by investing more than $11 billion in new and expanded manufacturing capacity across 19 states, according to data released by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). With U.S. milk production expected to grow 15 billion pounds by the end of the decade and dairy consumption and export demand rising as consumers seek out wholesome protein and nourishment, dairy processors have undertaken more than 50 individual building projects between 2025 and early 2028. These new and upgraded facilities add to the billions-of-dollars of new processing capacity that has come online in the past decade as consumers seek out foods and beverages that boost strength and endurance, enhance health, and reduce illness.
  • The National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council and the Dairy Association of Taiwan signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in a milestone step to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Taiwanese dairy sectors.
  • The members of the American Butter Institute elected a new leadership slate at their 2025 Board of Directors meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. Cheslie Stehouwer, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Continental Dairy Facilities in Coopersville, Michigan, begins a two-year term this fall.
  • The National Pork Industry Foundation (NPIF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and education in the pork industry, is now accepting applications for the 2026 Neil Dierks Scholarship. For full eligibility requirements and to apply, check out NPPC’s online form.
  • With more than 60 percent greater attendance than last year, the 2025 USPOULTRY Environmental Management Seminar provided attendees with insights tailored to the specific challenges that environmental managers face daily. Ranging from legal and regulatory challenges to developing talent and reporting sustainability progress, this year’s seminar was loaded with valuable information to empower attendees to positively impact their facilities. The 2025 Clean Water Awards were also announced.
  • Attendee registration and general housing for the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) opened Monday, Oct. 6. IPPE remains the world’s largest annual showcase of technology, equipment, supplies and services for the production and processing of eggs, meat, poultry and animal food manufacturing. The upcoming 2026 IPPE is already set to break records, with the largest trade show floor in its history at more than 651,000 square feet of exhibit space and 1,250+ confirmed exhibitors. Attendees are encouraged to register online early to take advantage of the discounted rate of $85 (USD) through Jan. 9, 2026. Beginning Jan. 10, the registration fee will be $135.
  • Zoetis announced that Dectomax®-CA1 Injectable is the first and only parasite control product to receive conditional approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention and treatment of infestations caused by larvae of Cochliomyia hominivorax (myiasis), and prevention of reinfestation for 21 days. This conditional approval applies to beef cattle, female dairy cattle less than 20 months of age, pregnant beef cows, newborn calves and bulls.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Sen. Fischer Addresses Farm Crisis on Senate Floor

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    During a speech on the Senate floor Monday, Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) addressed the economic crisis facing ag producers across America, stressing the need for long-term solutions for farmers and ranchers.

    “Producers of corn, soybeans, and other top commodities are under crushing pressure. Rising input costs and uncertainty have driven farm finances to levels reminiscent of the 1980s crisis, which bankrupted thousands and hollowed out rural communities,” said Fischer.

    Fischer highlighted that Congress must work to build new markets through both increased exports and the year-round, nationwide sale of E15. “That’s why I reintroduced my Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act earlier this year. When I first introduced this bill nearly a decade ago, it felt like an uphill climb. Today, momentum is finally on our side.”

    Listen to Fischer’s comments here:
    Sen. Deb Fischer - senate floor speech 6:56

    AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Audio, Ethanol, Exports, Farming

    Summit Agro USA Unveils BioPowered™ Portfolio

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Summit Agro USA today announced the launch of its BioPowered™ product portfolio, marking a major evolution in the company’s lineup of innovative crop protection and field health solutions.

    “Today’s action aligns with our mission to help growers maximize profitability by improving both crop and field health,” said Justin Gayliard, CEO of Summit Agro USA. “This forward-looking strategy was honed through extensive conversations with customers and partners across the U.S., and it will guide our team as we continue building a portfolio of next-generation biological technologies combined with cutting-edge synthetic ones.”

    Summit Agro’s BioPowered products leverage the power of biological chemistries to achieve higher yields, reduce risk, maintain healthier fields and improve profitability. They easily fit into existing programs, complementing diverse production practices while addressing key grower challenges such as resistance management, chemical load, residue levels and sustainability. Above all, they have been proven highly effective in hundreds of field trials over several years.

    “This is a new era of agricultural chemistry,” Gayliard added. “We have reached a point where we have biologically derived active ingredients able to be combined with lower volumes of conventional actives to bring consistency and performance in a way growers expect. With our BioPowered products, growers gain impactful solutions backed by science, not speculation.”

    The current Summit Agro BioPowered portfolio includes the BioPowered fungicides Regev and Regev HBX. Summit Agro has other biologically derived actives which perform exceedingly well and are being developed into future BioPowered Chemistry. These include fungicides Timorex ACT and Aviv; Seican insecticide; and biostimulants Tarma and Spurt.

    More information on BioPowered products can be found at www.summitagro-usa.com.

    AgWired Precision, Biologicals, Crop Protection

    Industry Ag News 10/6

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Old crop corn stocks on hand as of Sept. 1, 2025, totaled 1.53 billion bushels, down 13 percent from Sept. 1, 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Grain Stocks report released today. Old crop soybeans stored in all positions were down 8 percent from Sept. 1, 2024, and all wheat stocks were up 6 percent from a year earlier.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will hold its biannual Data Users’ Meeting in West Des Moines, Iowa, on October 21, starting at 1 p.m. CT. The free and open-to-the-public event will also have a virtual attendance option. For both methods, registration is required.
  • As world leaders prepare to convene at COP30 in Belém, Brazil this November, American agriculture stands at a pivotal moment to demonstrate its leadership in sustainable food systems innovation. The Agri-Pulse and JBS forum on October 21 in Washington, D.C., will spotlight how U.S. farmers, ranchers, and their supply chain partners are already delivering the solutions the world needs. Join us at the National Press Club from 2-5 p.m. ET for “U.S. Agriculture and Food Systems on the Global Stage,” followed by a networking reception from 5-6 p.m. This timely forum will showcase real-world success stories and policy recommendations from the Sustainable Business COP (SB COP)—a global collaborative of private-sector companies—demonstrating how American agriculture is proving that productivity and sustainability go hand-in-hand. Complimentary registration is available here.
  • The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) announced that Sam Kieffer has been selected to serve as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer starting November 1, bringing more than 20 years of experience in agricultural leadership and farm policy to the role.
  • World Ag Expo, the largest annual outdoor agricultural exposition, is gearing up to make its return in February, naming Ron Clark as the 2026 Show Chairman.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation announced the opening of general registration today for the 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention. The convention will be held Jan. 9-14, 2026, in Anaheim, California. The theme of the 107th consecutive American Farm Bureau Convention is “Imagine. Grow. Lead.” It will empower attendees with forward-thinking perspectives and policy insights to navigate the future of agriculture.
  • As concern for energy reliability surges nationwide, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) celebrates National Propane Day by encouraging farmers to explore propane as a reliable, on-site energy solution that can support greater peace of mind in uncertain times. October 7 marks the fourth annual National Propane Day, and this year’s theme, “Prepare with Propane,” is a reminder of propane’s reliability when other systems may fail. A recent report from the U.S. Department of Energy warns that blackouts in the United States could increase 100-fold by 2030 as the electric grid struggles to meet growing demand. Because propane is stored on site and never degrades, it remains ready even during widespread power disruptions. To help producers prepare, PERC offers planning resources, equipment incentives, and connections to local propane suppliers at Propane.com/Agriculture.
  • Jed Bower, a fifth-generation corn and soybean farmer from Washington Court House, Ohio, began his term as president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) saying the challenging rural economy will be his top priority in the year ahead.
  • The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Global Foundation for Agricultural Journalism (GFAJ) will be held on October 15 from 16:00 to 17:00 Eastern Africa Time (13:00–14:00 GMT) as part of the IFAJ Congress in Kenya. We welcome all IFAJ members and interested participants to join. Click here to register for online participation.
  • The Agricultural Communicators Network Professional Improvement Foundation (PIF) is now accepting proposals for 2026 grant funds. The submission deadline is October 31.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Precision Ag News 10/3

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Global agriculture technology leader Corteva announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved a plan to separate the company into two independent, publicly traded companies, one comprising its current Crop Protection business and the other comprising its current Seed business.
  • GreenLight Biosciences announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s registration of Norroa, the first-ever nature-based treatment specifically designed to combat varroamites, the leading threat to honey bee colonies. This groundbreaking innovation provides beekeepers with a powerful new tool proven to protect these pollinators, which are critical to U.S. agriculture.
  • John Deere announced it is expanding its iconic Gator™ utility vehicle lineup with the introduction of the all-electric Gator GX and GX Crew, built for reliable and quiet performance across residential, rural and light-duty commercial jobs.
  • InnerPlant, the seed technology company engineering crops that communicate their needs, announced the world’s first real-time detection of an early fungal infection in soybeans through its CropVoice™ disease alert network currently deployed across Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota.
  • Nutrien Ag Solutions has expanded the capabilities of its Nutrien HUB, an online portal designed to bring retail services, agronomic recommendations, environmental insights, and financing together in one streamlined platform for U.S. farmers. This innovative tool offers a faster, simpler, and more connected way for farmers to manage their operations.
  • Corn rootworms, pests responsible for billions of dollars in yearly crop losses, are evolving resistance that weakens even the latest biotechnology controls, according to a new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Drawing on decades of data across multiple states, University of Arizona entomologists found that field-evolved resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, is undermining the effectiveness of corn that targets rootworms with the combination of Bt and RNA interference, or RNAi, a new biotech control that turns the rootworms’ own genetic instructions against them.
  • Registration is now open for the ARA Management Academy, happening January 20-22, 2026, at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. Offered in partnership with the Agricultural Retailers Associations and ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business, this three-day program provides ag retail professionals with the tools to lead with confidence, create value and deliver results.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Preview of the AgGateway Annual Meeting

    Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    2025 AgGateway Annual Meeting and ConferenceTo get a preview of this year’s AgGateway Annual Meeting and Conference, I talked with Brent Kemp, President and CEO. The event will be held November 3-5 at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

    Throughout 2025, AgGateway has been celebrating two decades of achievement in fulfilling its core mission: To develop the resources and relationships that drive digital connectivity in global agriculture and related industries.

    This celebration concludes at the North America Annual Conference, where the industry gathers to understand the state of interconnectivity in agriculture, what the association and its membership has accomplished over the past year, and the core initiatives on deck for the year ahead.

    The Annual Meeting and Conference combines real working sessions on advanced initiatives, meet- ups and committee gatherings to discuss new and longer-term projects, and a host of conference sessions designed to create discussion and infuse enthusiasm for the AgGateway Mission.

    Along with learning and working sessions, the conference features multiple networking breaks and receptions, as well as a welcome luncheon for first-time attendees.

    Annual Conference attendees include leading agribusiness managers, IT professionals, and other representatives from the entire crop production channel, including input and equipment manufacturing, software and data service providers, ag retailers and distributors, in addition to professionals in precision ag, academia, agricultural organizations, students, and ag media.

    Listen to my interview with Brent here to get all the details: Interview with Brent Kemp, President/CEO, AgGateway

    AgGateway, Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Audio, Technology

    Tendovo Redefines Soybean Weed Management

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

    At the 2025 Farm Progress Show, Syngenta Crop Protection Agronomist Matt Geiger shared information about Tendovo, the flagship pre-emergent soybean herbicide for that area.

    “You need to start clean. You don’t want to have weeds at the time you plant or right after the beans come up. You want to stay clean early. Then you put that residual down to prevent new weed emergence,” said Geiger. “Herbicides in general are there so your weeds don’t compete with the crop. You don’t want competition at any point in the season.”

    Geiger said weed prevention is key to maximizing yield. While post-emergence chemistries can be inconsistent, using a broad spectrum product like Tendovo that activates easily and lasts long enough that you can overlap your second residual before more weeds come up is a more reliable approach.

    Geiger said complementary ingredients mean the product can activate with very little rainfall, but also with more rainfall. Varying solubilities provide consistency, while also ensuring an admirable crop safety profile.

    Syngenta Crop Protection Agronomist Matt Geiger – Tendovo broad-spectrum residual soybean herbicide
    FPS25 Interview with Matt Geiger, Syngenta Crop Protection (5:16)

    Agribusiness, Agronomy, AgWired Precision, Audio, Farm Progress Show, Herbicide, Syngenta, weed management