Syngenta Announces New Biologicals Technology

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Syngenta recently announced new EXORT™ technology, a major scientific breakthrough the company says helps plants make better use of their own biology.

This new technology opens the door to a new generation of biological solutions that can help farmers grow bigger grains and more desirable vegetables and fruits, without changing their normal field routine. Applied at very small doses to the leaf, products with EXORT™ technology work with natural signals that plants already use to regulate biological processes, development, and response to changing conditions.

For farmers, the potential is significant: more productive crops, better quality, and a practical way to support higher yields with lower impact. In one of the largest biological field programs of its kind, EXORT™ technology has delivered consistent yield gains across major crops – rice, soybean, corn, cotton, vegetable and fruits – over multiple years and geographies.

The science behind EXORT™ technology is based on natural microRNAs – tiny molecules found in plants that help regulate how biological instructions are used. Natural microRNAs act like signals that help orchestrate biological processes; EXORT™ technology is designed to apply precisely selected naturally occurring microRNAs at field scale, helping crops optimize how they use their own resources.

According to Syngenta, the first products based on EXORT™ technology are planned for launch from 2027, followed by a phased introduction across approximately 20 countries and multiple crops over the next years. Read more.

AgWired Precision, Biologicals, Crop Protection, Syngenta

ACN Plans Fall Workshop in KC

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

The Agricultural Communicators Network (ACN) will be holding its Fall Workshop, “More Action, Less Distraction,” in Kansas City, Mo., at Farm Journal headquarters on Nov. 17. This full-day event is aimed at agricultural communicators seeking to adapt to the rapidly evolving ag media landscape.

Attendees will experience hands-on sessions focused on leveraging the latest tools in writing, photography, and audience engagement to thrive in today’s fast-paced, distracted world. Sessions include:

– A writing session led by Kevin Draper, agriculture correspondent for The New York Times, covering agribusinesses, farmers, goods, and government policy. Before his current role, Draper worked as a sports reporter.

– “Why You Should Give a DAM,” led by Sam Craft with PhotoShelter, will cover the fundamentals of organizing, archiving, and distributing your visual assets.

– “Industry Trends: Audience Attention,” led by Alyssa Walsh with Sweet Briar Creative, will cover understanding your audience, stronger hooks, visuals, storytelling, and messaging that earns attention.

– “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of AI” is a panel discussion moderated by Tyne Morgan from U.S. Farm Report. The panel will discuss ethical use, moral questions, and legal implications generative AI poses for our industry’s future.

Members of other ag communications organizations — ARC, IFAJ, LPC, NAAJ, NAFB and NAMA — qualify for the ACN member rate, and students qualify for the student rate.

Click here for more information.

ACN, AI, Media

Innovar Ag Products Licensed Across Key Markets

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Innovar Ag SEA LLC has secured a perpetual, exclusive license from Innovar Ag LLC covering a defined international territory spanning Southeast Asia, China, Australia, New Zealand and Azerbaijan.

Innovar Ag technologies are focused on improving fertilizer performance, nutrient-use efficiency and the economic and environmental efficiency of crop nutrition. Through the new license, Innovar Ag SEA intends to expand the commercialization of existing technologies while developing manufacturing, distribution and customer relationships throughout the licensed territory, which includes Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Timor-Leste, the People’s Republic of China, New Zealand, Australia, Tasmania and Azerbaijan.

The agreement represents a major step in the continued international development of Innovar technologies and establishes Innovar Ag SEA LLC as the exclusive licensed platform for the covered Innovar Ag business throughout these markets.

“This agreement gives Innovar Ag SEA a tremendous platform for long-term growth,” said Andrew M. Semple, President & CEO of Innovar Ag SEA LLC. “We have the opportunity to build the business with a long-term perspective—developing local manufacturing, strengthening our relationships with customers and partners, and expanding Innovar technologies into some of the most important agricultural markets in the world. At the same time, Innovar Ag SEA will introduce additional complementary products globally, allowing us to build an even broader agricultural technology portfolio. Our goal is to create a lasting global agricultural technology business built around innovation, performance and strong customer relationships.”

The perpetual nature of the license provides Innovar Ag SEA with the ability to make long-term investments in market development, regulatory registrations, manufacturing capabilities, distribution networks and customer relationships across its licensed territory.

AgWired Precision, Fertilizer, Nutrient Management, Precision Agriculture, Technology

Animal Ag News 9/29

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the awarding of over $26 million to farmers and agricultural producers across the country through the USDA Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program. Entities can use these grant funds to develop value-added agricultural products, conduct market research, and implement business and marketing strategies.
  • Following a comprehensive national search, the Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Corey Scott as president and chief executive officer. Scott will become the third president and CEO in DMI’s history, succeeding Barbara O’Brien, who will retire following the 2026 Joint Annual Meeting of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, National Milk Producers Federation and United Dairy Industry Association, Oct. 19-21. The appointment follows a months-long succession process conducted by the DMI Board of Directors to identify the leader best positioned to lead strategies designed to grow dairy sales, strengthen consumer trust and deliver value to the dairy farmers and importers who fund the checkoff.
  • The Public Lands Council (PLC) closed out their 58th Annual Meeting by announcing Nevada rancher Ron Cerri as the new PLC President. Cerri owns and operates a cow-calf operation in Orovada, Nevada. He has previously served as a member of the PLC Board of Directors, President of Nevada Cattlemen’s Association (NCA), Nevada State Grazing Board Central Committee and as a Humboldt County Commissioner.
  • The National Pork Producers Council presented U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-PA) with the inaugural “Bringing Home the Bacon” awards on behalf of America’s 60,000-plus pork producers. The awards were created to recognize members of Congress who have championed the needs of the pork industry and contributed to enhancing or protecting the livelihoods of U.S. pork producers.
  • Zoetis invites attendees to its new location and experience at the 2026 World Dairy Expo. This year, Zoetis is moving from the Exhibition Hall to the Coliseum Lower Level. Designed as a welcoming place for dairy producers, veterinarians, industry partners and experts from across the dairy industry, the new Zoetis space will give attendees multiple ways to connect, engage and experience what’s moving dairy forward. Throughout the week, attendees will be able to hear from visionary dairy leaders and industry experts during the Dairy On stage talks, gather over Wisconsin-inspired favorites at the Milky Whey Lounge, add their farm to the Born of the Bond Wall and explore milestones that have shaped dairy innovation on their way to a railside view of the Coliseum showring.
  • For 20 years, the W.D. Farr Scholarship has created a legacy of helping graduate students pursue careers in meat science, animal science and related fields. Applications are now being accepted for the final year of the program. Eligible students must apply online by submitting a cover letter, curriculum vitae, description of applicant’s goals and experience, a short essay, statement of belief in the industry, as well as a review of the applicant’s graduate research and three letters of recommendation by Oct. 9, 2026.
  • When highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strikes a poultry operation, responding quickly and having the right resources available are critical to controlling the spread of disease. New research funded by USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation has produced a practical tool designed to help poultry producers and animal health officials better prepare for these emergency situations by quickly estimating the resources needed for flock depopulation. The research is part of the Association’s comprehensive research program, which encompasses all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. The research is made possible in part through proceeds from the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo.
  • Focusing on producer priorities is a cornerstone of the National Pork Board (NPB). Six producer-led advisory committees were recently established to align with the NPB strategic plan. Through a rigorous selection process, more than 120 leaders from 33 states will lend their voice, offer their experience and perspective, and provide direction as part of their committee member role. These insights will help board members and staff deliver meaningful progress on behalf of America’s 60,000 pig farmers.
  • The 2026 Women’s Leadership Conference brought together women from across the poultry, egg and agriculture industries for conversations centered on leadership, professional growth, resilience and the importance of supporting one another. From navigating burnout and building a professional reputation to finding mentorship and creating space for the next generation of women leaders, the conference reinforced the value of confidence, connection and community at every stage of a career. The conference was held Aug. 20-21, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Fla.
  • Novus announced a new source of organic trace mineral nutrition available for the animal agriculture industry. RELYZANT™ Bis-Chelated Trace Mineral is the next-generation bis-chelate from NOVUS. Available in zinc, copper, and manganese, the mineral is bound by two lactic acid ligands, forming a stable, neutral molecule that maintains integrity across changes in pH in the gut and interactions with other parts of the diet, ultimately resulting in more mineral being accessible to the animal.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. at USDA headquarters to celebrate America’s ice cream makers’ swift action to meet their commitment to eliminate certified artificial colors from ice cream products made with real milk and sold at food retail by the end of 2027. The IDFA Ice Cream Commitment is the third in a series of industry-wide, voluntary commitments that bring companies across the U.S. dairy sector together around common, measurable goals to respond to consumers and advance shared health and nutrition priorities. The effort follows two successful commitments to reduce added sugar and eliminate certified artificial colors in milk, cheese and yogurt served in schools, creating a record of coordinated action across the industry rather than individual company pledges alone.
  • As of Sept.1, there were 74.3 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, down two percent from September 2025 but up two percent from June 1, 2026, according to the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
  • At the recent Public Lands Council (PLC) Annual Meeting, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced winners of the 2026 Rangeland Stewardship and Rangeland Innovation awards to recognize exemplary management and outstanding accomplishments in restoring and maintaining the health of public rangelands. The Rangeland Stewardship Permittee winner is Jamie Johnson, and Collaborative Team winner is the Deep Springs Resource Management Team, based in Big Pine, California. The Rangeland Innovations Permittee winner is the Hunewill Ranch Land and Livestock, Co., a seventh-generation ranching operation in Bridgeport, California, and the Collaborative Team winner is the Carbon County Weed & Pest District.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Enlist E3 Soybeans Give Growers More Options

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Golden Harvest showcased 22 new soybean varieties at the recent Farm Progress Show, with 15 of those being Enlist E3s, according to Clay Cole, soybean product manager for Golden Harvest.

    “So from our Enlist E3s, 20% of those are actually going to be Peking varieties,” said Cole during an interview at the show. “So we’re happy to bring the grower more options to manage SCN. But we’re also increasing yield in a lot of these products, and we also focus on agronomics as well.”

    Enlist E3 soybeans contain the most advanced trait technology, with tolerance to 2,4-D choline, glyphosate and glufosinate, offering maximized application flexibility and tank mix options to manage resistant weeds.

    Learn more in this interview.
    FPS26 Clay Cole, Syngenta Soy NA Product Manager 3:14

    Audio, Farm Progress Show, Golden Harvest, Soybean, Syngenta

    Industry Ag News 9/24

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • A new report digs into the biggest drivers of on-farm adoption for agricultural innovation. North American agri-marketing leader AdFarm has released the 2027 AgIntel Index Report, offering agri-marketers and agribusiness leaders an unfiltered look at farmer perspectives on innovation, adoption barriers and what it takes to move products and practices from promise to real-world results.
  • American Seed Trade Association‘s Forage, Turf, & Conservation Seed Conference (FTC) returns to Kansas City on November 17, 2026 for another year of programming in partnership with the Western Seed Association Convention. The meeting gathers attendees in the conservation and grass seed sector to learn about the latest industry news, share the obstacles and the strategies to mitigate them, and explore business opportunities for the seed industry.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association announced that Sukup Manufacturing Co. and Blackburn Construction, Inc. (BCI) have joined the organization as associate members. The two companies bring decades of experience serving agriculture and industrial markets, with Sukup specializing in advanced grain storage, drying and handling equipment and BCI providing construction, fabrication and installation services for ethanol plants and other industrial facilities.
  • During the 2026 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Annual Meeting, members elected their 2027 officers. Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison will be NASDA’s 2026–2027 President.
  • The Corn Refiners Association Board of Directors has chosen Paul Noe, an experienced Washington advocate with strong regulatory and legislative expertise, as the organization’s next President and CEO. Noe succeeds John Bode, who earlier this year announced his retirement after 13 years at the helm of the organization.
  • The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) named Dr. Karimbhai M. Maredia, professor, associate dean and director of the World Agriculture Center at Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), as the 2026 recipient of the Borlaug CAST Communication Award (BCCA).
  • From pig cuddling in rural Texas, to a vegetable farm stay in Missouri, and an Alpine goat hike in Maine, the demand for agricultural travel is rapidly growing, and so is the need. Agritourism turns working farms and ranches into places people can visit, learn from, and stay, strengthening farm income while connecting communities to agriculture—enabling exactly the kind of belonging Airbnb was built for. As economic pressure squeezes American farms and ranches, a new Airbnb report finds hosting on the platform earned the typical farm stay host close to $8,000 last year, with U.S. farms on Airbnb earning nearly $120 million in 2025. To help make this opportunity even more accessible, Airbnb and American Farmland Trust are announcing the ‘Farm to Stay’ Grant Program, which will offer farmers and ranchers up to $10,000 per grant to start or expand an agritourism stay or experience.
  • As American farmers face mounting economic pressures, a new Farm Journal Foundation report finds that emerging markets could create new demand for U.S. agricultural trade while supporting long-term global development. Emerging markets, largely in Africa and South Asia, represent the biggest growth opportunities for American agricultural trade, according to a new report commissioned by the Foundation, “Building the Next Generation of U.S. Agricultural Export Markets.”
  • More than 400 researchers, producers and industry leaders from 20 countries gathered Sept. 14-18 for the 2026 Global Sorghum Conference, sharing research and market opportunities that could help U.S. farmers grow a more competitive crop and reach more customers. Hosted by Texas Tech University in partnership with the Global Sorghum Association, the conference brought the global gathering to the United States for the first time. The United Sorghum Checkoff Program supported the event as a platinum sponsor and highlighted producer-funded work to improve sorghum and expand its use.
  • AgCareers is pleased to announce the return of its annual Feed Your Future Scholarship program, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the next generation of agriculture professionals. For 2026, the program has been expanded to provide scholarship opportunities to both a U.S. college student pursuing an agriculture-related degree and a high school senior planning to do so.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    2026 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Recipients of the 2026 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leader Award at the IFAJ Congress in Croatia with representatives from IFAJ and Alltech.

    The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and Alltech honored young leaders in the field at the IFAJ International Congress this past week in Croatia

    Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition, has partnered with IFAJ since 2005 to support the Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Awards, which recognize the leadership potential of young members (under 35 years of age). The Young Leaders participate in a unique professional development workshop immediately prior to the IFAJ Congress, led by IFAJ’s Presidium, featuring seminars, career guidance and agricultural tours. They then had the opportunity to meet and network with more than 200 agricultural journalists from around the world during the IFAJ Congress.

    The 2026 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders include:
    Juan Ignacio Alaise, Argentina
    Kaitlin Berger, Canada
    Katrin Bremer-John, Germany
    Andrew Castillo, United States of America
    Job Hiddink, The Netherlands
    Breifne O’Brien, Ireland
    Emelie Werme, Sweden
    Josiah Pailay, Liberia
    Emmanuel Bright Quaicoe, Ghana
    Milliam Murigi, Kenya

    “The IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders program is not just about recognizing and nurturing individual talent, important though that is, but also to bring together those with the ability to apply that talent to lead and develop the wider profession,” said Adrian Bell, IFAJ secretary general. “Since its inception, the dozens of Young Leader alumni have consistently shown what can only be described as a robust return on investment. Through leadership, influence, insight, inspiration and innovation, they are the ones who will carry forward the flame for IFAJ and agricultural journalism.”

    “Alltech is proud to have partnered with IFAJ for more than 20 years to support the Young Leaders program for promising agricultural journalists and communicators, it’s an excellent opportunity to connect with these young leaders early in their careers and to learn more about engagement and media in their countries and how they are using different tools and technologies to share stories of agriculture and food,” said Jenn Norrie, Alltech Communications Manager, North America and Europe

    Agribusiness, Alltech, IFAJ, Journalism

    Precision Ag News 9/22

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has launched AgInsights, a new data dissemination tool that will serve as a key component of NASS’s ongoing modernization strategy.
  • BW Fusion has named Dean Williams chief executive officer. Williams brings nearly four decades of agricultural industry experience to the company as it enters its next phase of growth in biological crop solutions and data-driven, precision agronomy.
  • Agriculture is about more than what happens in the field, it’s about the people, challenges and innovations shaping the future of farming. Those are the conversations behind the new podcast “Beyond Irrigation.” Sponsored by Reinke, the world’s largest privately held irrigation company, the podcast takes the conversation beyond irrigation—and brings it full circle for listeners.
  • A groundbreaking research project conducted by an Agtools internship team, culminating in the “Follow the Land and You Can Follow the Source of Food” investment guide, reveals a highly detailed and nuanced approach to evaluating investment opportunities in Latin American agriculture. This comprehensive analysis identifies the most promising regions within key countries – besides the United States – particularly Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico – offering specific data on land costs, establishment costs, and projected revenue streams, all centered around the critical intersection of specialty crops and land trends.
  • CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE: CNH), a global leader in agricultural and construction equipment and technology, today announced the release of the inaugural CNH Farmer Pulse: The AgTech Adoption Edition. The new proprietary Farmer Pulse report captures how farmers across North America are responding to the forces shaping modern agriculture through research and firsthand insights from the field. The inaugural edition explores AgTech adoption, examining how farmers are using precision technology today, where they see measurable value, and what will influence future investment.
  • For more than a decade, John Deere Operations Center has helped farmers connect their field, machine, and operational data in a centralized platform. And now it’s being taken to the next level with JD, the artificial intelligence (AI) assistant built into Operations Center that gives farmers an entirely new way to put their data to work: by simply asking it a question. As AI makes farm data more useful and valuable, John Deere is also highlighting its Farmer Data Commitment reinforcing that farmers’ data belongs to them, it remains under their control, and it should create value for their operation.
  • Corteva recently unveiled the corn pipeline for its advanced seed and advanced genetics spin-off, Vylor. The multi-year innovation roadmap will strengthen Vylor’s corn market leadership across core geographies, expand farmer choice and flexibility, and deliver long-term, royalty-advantaged growth.
  • At the 2026 Farm Progress Show in Iowa, the company announced the launch of Farm Progress AGTech, a comprehensive year-round ecosystem connecting farmers, technology innovators, and industry stakeholders to accelerate agricultural transformation. Farm Progress AGTech will facilitate collaboration across the entire agricultural value chain through live events, media products, and community building. As the global leader in agricultural media and events, Farm Progress creates a definitive platform where agricultural innovation meets practical applications.
  • Results of the 2026 National Cover Crop Survey released Sept. 1 at the Farm Progress Show indicate strong interest in cover crops among many farmers who produce a wide range of crops and livestock. Among respondents to the survey, the average acreage planted with cover crops was 397.9, and their projections anticipate crossing the 400-acre mark by next year. Almost half of the cover crop users in the survey had 10+ years of experience with cover crops.
  • Bayer is implementing its previously announced ambition to bring 10 blockbusters to market over 10 years, beginning to launch major Crop Science innovations in key agricultural regions around the world. A blockbuster is a product that is expected to deliver a peak sales potential of at least 500 million euros. Plenexos™ insecticide and the Preceon™ Smart Corn System have already started to be commercialized. In soy, Vyconic™ 1 is expected for introduction next year in the United States and Canada, and Intacta 5+™1 introduction is expected for the 2027/2028 growing season in Brazil.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    DWFI Podcast 56 – Water, Climate and Health

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    In this episode of the Water for Food Podcast, Taylor Dahl talks with Dr. Jesse Bell about his recent trips to Mongolia for COP17 and Sweden for World Water Week. They explore how drought, water resilience and human health are connected, and why communities need to move from reacting to drought to planning and preparing for its impacts. Jesse also shares insights on global collaboration, capacity building and knowledge sharing, while reflecting on how lessons from around the world can strengthen drought resilience here in Nebraska.

    Dr. Bell is director of the Water, Climate and Health Program at UNMC and the director of Water, Climate and Health at the University of Nebraska’s Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute. Taylor Dahl is Communications and Community Outreach Specialist at the Water, Climate & Health Program.

    Learn more about the Water, Climate and Health program at https://www.unmc.edu/publichealth/research/multidisciplinary-programs/wch/index.html

    DWFI podcast episode 56 33:33

    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.

    How to subscribe:

    Audio, climate, Water, Water for Food

    Preview of the 2026 AgGateway Annual Mtg. & Conference

    Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    AgGateway Annual Meeting & Conference 2026The 2026 AgGateway Annual Meeting & Conference is coming up November 9-11 in Nashville, Tennessee.

    The theme of the meeting this year is Driving The Future of Connected Agriculture and the key words are Implement, Impact and Advocate, according to AgGateway President and CEO Brent Kemp. “Our members and Ag Gateway don’t just develop standards. We implement standards and resources, Member companies implement them within their businesses and among their trading partners. And when they do, they produce real measurable efficiencies and savings,” said Kemp.

    Kemp says the annual meeting is the one place where digital connectivity stakeholders from across the agriculture value chain come together to share ideas, work on key projects, assess the state of connected agriculture, and set a course for the future of the organization.

    Learn more about what’s in store at the meeting in this interview.

    Interview with Brent Kemp, AgGateway 10:46

    As AgGateway’s many digital connectivity and interoperability projects continue to move forward, the constantly evolving impact of artificial intelligence technology presents myriad challenges to the work of our member volunteers and staff. How can the organization harness this powerful tool to improve how standards are developed and implemented, and what role will the organization play to help members successfully navigate their own internal AI development?

    This and many other critical industry topics around digital connectivity and interoperability will be in focus at the 2026 AgGateway Annual Meeting and Conference this November in Nashville, TN.

    AgGateway, AgWired Precision, AI, Audio, Technology