DWFI Podcast 57 – Lab Director Dan Snow to Retire

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

After nearly four decades of pioneering work in water science, Dan Snow, director of the Water Sciences Laboratory at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, part of DWFI, is preparing to step down and transition into retirement.

From his early days cleaning out his family’s farm well to leading advanced water quality research through mass spectrometry, Dan’s career has significantly advanced nitrate isotope fingerprinting, regional groundwater tracking and global scientific collaboration.

Join Dan and host Frances Hayes as they reflect on his enduring legacy of environmental stewardship and international research partnerships.

DWFI podcast episode 57 32:07

The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska was founded with the mission to have a lasting and significant impact on achieving more food security with less pressure on scarce water resources by conducting scientific and policy research, using the research results to inform policy makers, and sharing knowledge through education and communication.

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Audio, people, Podcasts, Water, Water for Food

USDA Funds Eight Domestic Fertilizer Projects

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins this week announced the selection of eight fertilizer manufacturing projects to receive funding through USDA’s Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-Term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program.

The eight selected projects represent more than $1.34 billion in total proposed investment, including approximately $573 million in proposed USDA funding, to strengthen domestic fertilizer manufacturing, reduce America’s dependence on foreign suppliers, and increase long-term fertilizer availability for American farmers.

“What this means is that 32 thousand farmers, farming over four million acres all across America, they’re going to have fertilizer at a lower cost and made by American hands right here in the United States of America,” said Vance at a campaign rally in North Platte, Nebraska.

The eight projects selected to move forward in the FIELDS funding process include:
TalusAg – Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Tennessee, Nebraska, Illinois, and South Dakota
Peace Valley – Florida
PCI Nitrogen – Texas and Oregon
Intrepid Potash – New Mexico
AdvanSix – Virginia
SUL4R-PLUS Illinois – Illinois
True Organic Products – California, Oregon, and Arizona
Agriculture Project Holdco – Kansas and Indiana

USDA economic analysis estimates that the additional production could reduce nitrogen fertilizer prices by 4.4% and potash prices by 5.3%, while increasing domestic nitrogen production by 3.7% and potash production by nearly 40% once the projects are operational.

During a press briefing on the announcement, Sec. Rollins admitted it will take some time before prices come down significantly. “We used to produce about 80% plus of our own fertilizer in America,” said Rollins. “Now we only produce about 50% of our own, so we think by the time we walk out of office will have shifted that 50% significantly higher, especially with some of these big capacity plants that were breaking ground and building. But I believe we’ll see a significant drop in fertilizer prices once the Iranian conflict is wrapped.”

Listen to the announcement from VP Vance and press briefing by Sec. Rollins below:
JD Vance announcement in Nebraska 4:19

Sec. Rollins fertilizer press conference 24:29

Farming, Fertilizer, USDA

Precision Ag News 10/21

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced a $180 million investment to launch the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Seed Sovereignty Initiative, a major effort to both strengthen U.S. agricultural security by protecting the plant genetic resources that underpin American agriculture and enable breakthroughs in U.S. agricultural innovation.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is issuing approximately $1.8 billion in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) payments to agricultural producers and landowners for their participation in key conservation programs for 2026. These payments include Grassland CRP payments that play an important role in the Trump Administration’s Ranchers First Initiative announced by USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins that includes sweeping actions focused on rebuilding the Great American Cattle Herd and putting America’s ranchers back at the center of our nation’s food supply.
  • BranValt, formerly Bushel Plus, introduces the Dual Narrow Pan, a new field-ready SmartPan System™ add-on that helps farmers accurately and safely measure combine grain loss in crops with tall, dense, or uneven stubble.
  • Oracle and Wild Bioscience announced a collaboration to advance agricultural resilience and crop-based carbon removal using AI. As part of the partnership, Wild Bio plans to use Oracle Cloud and Oracle IoT technology to support its field research.
  • AgGateway members are invited to the next Inside AgGateway webinar on “Harnessing AI Tools to Accelerate Working Groups” October 27 at 10 AM Central Time. Click here to register. Portfolio Manager Ben Craker will share his experiences working with AI, and how it is currently helping to streamline the Working Group process.
  • Syngenta and Kyoyu Agri Co. Ltd. announced a strategic collaboration to bring high-performance herbicide solutions based on the active ingredient Cyclopyranil, which is a novel active ingredient developed by Kyoyu Agri, to selected rice markets across Asia.
  • Kubota Tractor Corporation unveiled its all-new sub-compact tractor line, the BX90 Series. As the pioneer of the sub-compact category, Kubota introduced the original BX Series in 2000, and 26 years later, the company is once again reinventing the segment by introducing five new models with three trim levels: the BX2190, BX2390 Deluxe, and BX2690 Premium, plus the backhoe-equipped BX2390S and BX2690S Premium. The new BX90 Series represents a complete platform redesign built specifically around what property owners want: all-day comfort, real loader power, and exceptional mowing performance, all in one sub-compact machine.
  • Envu® announced the launch of Entune™ Quinclorac herbicide for range and pasture customers, which offers broad-spectrum control of noxious broadleaf and grass weeds like leafy spurge, crabgrass, and foxtail. Entune Quinclorac joins a broad portfolio from Envu, further equipping customers with tools to restore their rangeland and increase healthy forage.
  • Corbet Scientific announced IRRAMAX, a polymer-based irrigation enhancer designed to improve water distribution and moisture retention in the crop root zone. The company introduced IRRAMAX at the California Association of Pest Control Advisers conference in Anaheim, California.
  • Greeneye Technology announced it is establishing its North American headquarters in Salina, Kansas. The investment follows a 2026 season of expanded commercial use: Greeneye-equipped machines have sprayed more than 500,000 acres across 12 U.S. states with a weed detection accuracy rate of over 98 percent. Use of the system’s unique dual-line design achieved an average non-residual herbicide savings of 81 percent, saving an estimated six million gallons of chemical across field operations.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Huma® Enters Granular Fertilizer Market

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Agricultural humic solutions leader Huma has entered the agricultural granular fertilizer market with Gro-Power humic-based fertilizer and soil conditioner products.

    Huma purchased the assets of California-based Gro-Power in 2024 after supplying the company with dry humates for many years. Huma has largely focused on the turf and ornamental market with Gro-Power branded products, based on heavy demand, but now is set to bring those products to farms across the United States.

    “Using humates as our carbon-based platform, Huma continues to expand our footprint across multiple product applications,” says Fred Nichols, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Huma. “The Gro-Power line is an excellent complement to our full line of dry humate products, biostimulants and liquid nutritional products.”

    Leading the integration of Gro-Power into the agricultural market is company veteran Michael Gardner, a former Huma regional sales manager who became General Manager for Gro-Power.

    “Having spent over 25 years growing agricultural crops, as both a farmer and with Huma, I’ve seen the difference Gro-Power products make firsthand,” explains Gardner. “I’ve been in the farmer’s shoes, and I’m excited to offer new and existing customers additional technology, support and resources to optimize crop and soil health.”

    Click here to learn more about Gro-Power.

    AgWired Precision, Crop Protection, Fertilizer, Soil

    Syngenta Submits HiFlex™ Label Expansion

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Syngenta has submitted a proposed HiFlex™ label expansion to the Environmental Protection Agency with the goal of expanding weed management flexibility for corn growers using bicyclopyrone-containing corn herbicides, including Storen®, Acuron®, Acuron Flexi and Acuron GT herbicides. Approval is anticipated for the 2027 growing season.

    The proposed HiFlex label expansion would double the maximum rate of bicyclopyrone growers are allowed to use each year to allow expanded options for customized, overlapping residual herbicide programs.

    “Growers have told us they want flexible programs that allow them to better position active ingredients throughout the season based on their weed pressures and management practices,” said Syngenta Technical Product Lead Mark Kitt. “Once approved, the HiFlex label expansion would give growers the option to use Storen, Acuron or Acuron Flexi preemergence followed by a postemergence application of Acuron GT, which is not permitted on current labels.”

    The proposed HiFlex label expansion would also increase the maximum single application rates of Storen, Acuron Flexi and Acuron GT. Upon registration:

    Storen users will have the flexibility to use up to 3.1 qts./A — 29% more than the current max rate of 2.4 qts./A.
    Acuron Flexi users will have the flexibility to use up to 3 qts./A — 33% more than the current max rate of 2.25 qts./A.
    Acuron GT users will have the flexibility to use up to 4.5 pts./A — 20% more than the current max rate of 3.75 pts./A.

    Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Crop Protection, Herbicide, Syngenta

    New Crop Protection Company Introduces Herbicide

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    A new U.S. crop protection company is introducing its first product for residual weed control in corn, soybean, wheat and other labeled crops.

    Viriterra Inc., based in North Carolina, introduces Perseus™ SC herbicide, giving agricultural retailers and distributors a new source of pyroxasulfone, which the company producers at commercial scale as a vertically integrated basic manufacturer. It is supported by three manufacturing plants and more than 300 people across those operations.

    “Distributors need to know who stands behind a product and who to call when they have a question,” said Jeff Tweedy, president and general manager of Viriterra. “With Perseus SC, they’re working with the manufacturer. We produce pyroxasulfone using a non-infringing process and give distributors direct access to our commercial and technical team. We want to earn their business with dependable supply and people they can reach.”

    Perseus SC is a Group 15 herbicide formulated as a liquid suspension concentrate. It provides residual control or suppression of labeled annual grasses, sedges and broadleaf weeds, including Palmer amaranth, waterhemp and foxtail species. Labeled uses include preplant and preemergence applications; rates, timing and weed spectrum vary by crop and use pattern.

    Learn more about Viriterra and Perseus™ SC in this interview with Jeff Tweedy.
    Interview with Viriterra president Jeff Tweedy 6:56

    AgWired Precision, Audio, Crop Protection, Herbicide, Precision Agriculture, Technology, weed management

    Syngenta Names Jeff Cecil President, NA Crop Protection

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Jeff Cecil at 2024 Syngenta Media Summit

    Syngenta has appointed Jeff Cecil as President, North America Crop Protection, effective October 1, 2026. Cecil succeeds Vern Hawkins, who is retiring as President of the North American Crop Protection business after a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years with Syngenta and its predecessor companies. Hawkins will continue in his role as President of the US parent company, Syngenta Corporation, to provide corporate leadership and external stakeholder engagement through 2027.

    Cecil brings more than three decades of experience with Syngenta and its legacy companies to the role. Most recently, he served as Head of Marketing for U.S. Crop Protection, where he helped shape commercial strategy, portfolio priorities and customer engagement efforts across the business. In that role, he helped align marketing, portfolio and commercial priorities to support business performance and strengthen customer engagement across key crop segments.

    Throughout his career, Cecil has held leadership positions across sales, marketing and product management in North America and at Syngenta’s global headquarters in Basel, Switzerland. As Global Head of Product Management for Seedcare, he led global portfolio strategy and worked across regions to advance Seedcare innovation, strengthen customer solutions and support business growth. Earlier in his career, he led U.S. sales teams and played an important role in the integration of the Seeds and Crop Protection businesses.

    Agribusiness, people, Syngenta

    Hurricane Hits Hard

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Hurricane Isaias damage at ZimmComm HQ in Pensacola

    The hurricane with a name no one can pronounce took a pretty serious toll on the Florida panhandle, especially around Pensacola, where we are located.

    We have lived in Florida most of our lives, except for 20 years in Missouri, and this was definitely the most intense hurricane we have ever experienced. Sally in 2020 did hit us pretty hard – and we did lose our bridge to the beach for eight months – but this storm was different. The winds were more like a tornado than a hurricane and the damage is widespread, mostly trees, signs, and fences. Really not as much roof and home damage as you might expect.

    The tree on our roof punched a small hole right on the edge of the attic and took down the gutter. The tree was a huge oak and was completely uprooted, as were many trees in the area. The soft woods, like southern pines and crepe myrtles, fared better than the hard woods like the oaks and magnolias. Every single road in the entire county has downed trees piled on the sides.

    We did lose power for three days, which was a day and a half less than with Sally, but there are many in our neighborhood still in the dark. Fortunately, we did have a generator and plenty of propane to cook with and heat water.

    Crop damage is being assessed in both Florida and Alabama. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is working with local farm organizations and state and federal government agencies to document agricultural damages made to crops, livestock, buildings, and equipment. Most common losses are fences, timber, and cotton crops still in the field.

    As to the name of this storm, Isaias, the Spanish form of the name Isaiah and pronounced (ee-sah-EE-ahs), we are with Governor DeSantis. “I don’t know how to pronounce this, because it’s not normal,” DeSantis said. “I’m calling it Isaiah. You guys can call it what you want. I know that’s not how you pronounce this, it’s something else but it’s weird and I’m just going to keep butchering it…so I’m calling it Isaiah.”

    Mainly we are just calling it “the hurricane” – which is sad because we like to be on a first name basis with our storms here in Florida. Still, we are safe and sound and that is what matters. Thanks to all of you who were thinking of us and praying for us.

    Weather

    Deltapine® Announces Committed to Cotton Communities Recipients

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Deltapine® celebrated World Cotton Day this month by announcing the recipients of its 2026 Committed to Cotton Communities program, a grower-nominated initiative designed to support local nonprofit organizations making a meaningful impact in cotton-growing communities. The program was launched earlier this year to give cotton growers the opportunity to nominate qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations that are helping strengthen rural America.

    Over 40 non-profit organizations in 12 cotton-producing states were chosen to receive a donation from Deltapine at the recommendation of cotton growers in those states. “At Deltapine, our commitment to cotton extends beyond the field,” said Eric Best, Deltapine Cotton Product Manager. “Through Committed to Cotton Communities, growers identified organizations that are making a real difference in the places they call home. On World Cotton Day, we’re proud to recognize these organizations and celebrate the positive impact they have on families, youth, agriculture, and rural communities.”

    The program reflects Deltapine’s ongoing commitment to supporting cotton growers and the communities that sustain the cotton industry. Growers nominated organizations focused on a variety of causes, including education, youth development, agriculture, community well-being, and local outreach efforts. The selected recipients were chosen based on their demonstrated impact and alignment with the program’s mission of strengthening rural communities.
    See the list of all the organizations chosen the producers who nominated them.

    Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Bayer, Cotton

    Industry Ag News 10/12

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the Farm Service Agency’s Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) will generate approximately $13.8 billion in gross payments to eligible agricultural producers for the 2025 crop year; the largest annual payout by far since these key safety net programs were established in the 2014 Farm Bill.
  • More than 70,000 FFA members, advisors and supporters are expected to head to Indianapolis this month for the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo. This year’s event runs from Oct. 21-24 with activities happening at the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana State Fairgrounds, local hotels, and several other locations around the state.
  • Meyocks has appointed Deborah Toomey as senior market research strategist. In this role, Toomey is responsible for deepening the agency’s research and marketing analytics capabilities, translating insights to help clients make more informed marketing decisions. In addition, Toomey will join Beth Ann Boyd, vice president of digital delivery, in leading Meyocks Research + Insights, the agency’s marketing research arm.
  • Matt Frostic, of Applegate, Mich., began his term as president of the National Corn Growers Association, a farmer-led trade association with offices in St. Louis and Washington.
  • Earned-first creative agency, Racepoint Global, announced that veteran agriculture expert Eric Hodson is joining the company as a Senior Agriculture Advisor.
  • Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode has been named the recipient of a 2026 Trailblazer Award from the U.S.-Mexico Foundation.
  • Cotton Grower, the voice of U.S. cotton and a publication of Meister Media Worldwide (MMW), the leading agriculture media, events and intelligence company serving global specialty agriculture, announced the relaunch of CottonGrower.com alongside an expanded digital advertising portfolio. The redesigned site features faster load times, a fully mobile-responsive layout, improved navigation and AI-powered search, and marks the first phase of a broader digital expansion the company plans to roll out through 2027.
  • Meister Media Worldwide (MMW) announced the launch of the Growing Produce Podcast, a new twice-monthly audio show that expands the Growing Produce digital brand into podcasting. Produced by the editorial teams of American Fruit Grower, Western Fruit Grower, and American Vegetable Grower, the show unpacks the stories, science and business behind every crop, with the growers, scientists and operators shaping American fruit and vegetable production.
  • The Real Christmas Tree Board is sharing its 2026 real Christmas tree market outlook based on results from its fifth annual survey of wholesale Christmas tree growers. The 2026 real Christmas tree forecast is merry and bright with another season of stable wholesale prices, ample supply, and steady demand. That’s based on findings from the organization’s survey of 47 wholesale growers, representing about half-to-two-thirds of the United States’ real Christmas tree market. Of the wholesale growers surveyed, 91 percent said they don’t plan to raise their wholesale prices, including those who may lower them for the 2026 season. That figure is up from 84 percent who said the same in 2025.
  • Thirty years with one organization is an extraordinary milestone, and for Laurie Bonnot, three decades with Brownfield Ag News represents much more than longevity. Her career is defined by relationships, trust, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.
    • Zimfo Bytes