*UPDATED with audio* Here’s some big news of the day. Syngenta announced today that ChemChina has offered to acquire the company for $43 billion. The Board of Directors of Syngenta considers that the proposed transaction respects the interests of all stakeholders and is unanimously recommending the offer to shareholders. There is committed financing for the deal and a strong commitment …
Syngenta Crop Challenge Competition Unveiled
The Syngenta Crop Challenge was unveiled this week at the 2015 INFORMS Annual Meeting; the competition encourages participants to develop a model that will aid farmers in predicting what they should plant next season to maximize yield. Data will be provided for weather, soil properties, and seed variety tests to develop the unique models. Farmers have to make the tough …
Role Model for Women in Agriculture
Krista Lottinsville is the grand prize winner of Syngenta’s Drive to Thrive contest. The contest asked growers to describe how agriculture drives their communities to thrive. Lottinville won the challenge with her essay and video submission describing how agriculture nurtures the talents of young women with leadership skills and how it helped her grow professionally. “I love agriculture, and I …
Monsanto Drops Bid for Syngenta
While I heard talk of a “done deal” due to the newest offer from Monsanto to Syngenta in a group of ag media folks this week, Syngenta wasn’t okay with it according to this announcement from Monsanto this morning. Monsanto says it is no longer pursuing the deal. While Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) continues to believe a combination with Syngenta …
Future of Crop Science Institute Attracts Students
Des Moines, Iowa, recently played host to 62 student delegates meeting for the inaugural Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Crop Science Institute. This news release from the group says this one of four AFA Leader Institutes, which connect passionate, talented college students from 25 universities from 21 different states to various sectors of the agriculture industry. “Career exploration is an …
Dancing Bachelor Farmer Supports Ethanol
He’s been a guy handing out roses to the ladies on “The Bachelor” and wowing everyone with his fancy footwork on “Dancing with the Stars.” Now, Chris Soules says he just a “normal famous guy” back home in Iowa supporting agriculture and getting back to what he loves: farming. He recently served as the grand marshal for the American Ethanol …
Syngenta Rejects Monsanto’s Latest Approach
I really haven’t paid a whole lot of attention to this issue and do not have any details beyond what has been released and publicly stated. But seeing this video just released by Syngenta featuring the Chairman of Syngenta’s Board of Directors, Michel Demaré, prompted me to share it. He outlines the company’s position on Monsanto’s recent approach, which was …
Syngenta Enogen Supporting Ethanol & FFA
It’s NASCAR race time with the American Ethanol 200 presented by Enogen. I’m on location at Iowa Speedway and the race is tonight. Right now we’re in a lull between practice sessions. I’m here courtesy of Syngenta Enogen and will be covering their events. One of this things is the effort Syngenta is doing with Iowa FFA members again this …
Syngenta Rejects Monsanto Bid
The board of directors for Syngenta last week rejected a bid to by the company from Monsanto. The proposal for $481 per share with approximately 45 percent in cash was considered by the Syngenta board to be undervalued. “Syngenta is the world leader in Crop Protection, the number three in Seeds and the first company to introduce integrated solutions for …
Syngenta Drive to Thrive Contest
A new contest announced by a leading plant science company is designed to reward individuals and farming communities. Syngenta says its Drive to Thrive contest is now open and asks growers and other industry professionals to describe how agriculture makes their communities thrive. The 10 best entries will each receive a mini touch-screen tablet and leather case, with one grand …