DWFI Podcast 52 – New Executive Director Joe Sanders

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Joe Sanders, the new executive director of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska, brings more than 27 years of experience in international agricultural development to his role. In this episode, hosted by Arianna Elnes, he reflects on his career path—from serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Bolivia to leading USAID-funded projects across Africa, Asia and Latin America—and shares how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership, problem-solving and working across diverse agricultural systems.

DWFI Executive Director Joe Sanders

Sanders also offers early insights from his first months in Nebraska, highlighting the state’s strengths in agriculture, water management and collaboration. He discusses the importance of building on DWFI’s strong foundation, deepening partnerships and identifying practical, scalable solutions. His perspective underscores the value of combining global experience with local expertise to strengthen water and food systems in Nebraska and beyond.

DWFI podcast episode 52 20:59

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, International, Irrigation, Water, Water for Food

Animal Ag News 4/28

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Alltech, a global leader in the agriculture industry, has released its 2026 Agri-Food Outlook, a report that includes the results of the company’s annual global feed-production survey. Based on that data, global feed production in 2025 reached an estimated total of 1.44 billion metric tons (mt) — representing an increase of 2.9 percent and 40.136 million mt from 2024. Most regions and sectors experienced growth, and the numbers suggest a strong recovery phase for animal agriculture; however, the data show that growth was uneven, increasingly regionalized and driven less by herd expansion than by structural change, productivity gains and shifts in how production is measured and recorded.
  • Arizona dairy farmer Robert T. Van Hofwegen and his sons are taking dairy farming to the next level, promoting sustainable, cost-efficient farming in a place where it’s necessary. Paloma Dairy in Gila Bend, AZ, has been producing high-quality milk since its founding in 2006. It’s managed by Robert and his four sons: Allan, Robert Jr., Arie and Kyle. The farm participates in the National Dairy FARM Environmental Stewardship Program to measure and monitor its data. It uses energy audits and FARM data to shape capital investments and business strategies. To view this and other stories in the Farmer Focus series, check out the National Milk Producers Federation’s Sharing Our Story page. 
  • Equipped with brand new retail and U.S. Department of Agriculture data reinforcing California Proposition 12’s detrimental impacts on both producers and consumers, 105 American pork producers from 23 states took to Capitol Hill, advocating for their livelihoods with federal lawmakers. Researchers at the North Dakota State University Agricultural Risk Policy Center found that Prop.12-driven price increases have persisted, even two years after the law was fully implemented. On average, prices for covered products are 20 percent higher due to Prop. 12, calculated by comparing price increases in California to the rest of the United States. Specifically, Prop 12 has driven prices for pork loins up 32 percent, ribs 22 percent, shoulders 16 percent, and bacon 16 percent, according to the latest data.
  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins alongside U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan, and Maine Senator Susan Collins announced the creation of the new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Seafood. This first of its kind office will prioritize customer service and ease of navigation for American seafood cultivators, producers, and processors to access USDA programs.
  • Members of both the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) participated in a Tax Day press conference hosted by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. This event focused on the Working Families Tax Cuts included in the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). The legislation expanded the estate tax exemption, commonly referred to as the Death Tax, and also enacted permanent increases to the Section 199A Small Business Deduction and Section 179 Deduction, and restored 100 percent Bonus Depreciation.
  • Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) President, Ford Drummond, and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President, Gene Copenhaver, released the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma’s rejection of the state of Oklahoma’s negotiated settlement with four poultry companies in the decades-old State of Oklahoma v. Tyson Foods, Inc., et al., lawsuit regarding the application of chicken litter in the Illinois River Watershed. “Cattle producers across Oklahoma and the Illinois River Watershed are greatly disappointed by the U.S. District Court’s rejection of a settlement between Oklahoma poultry producers and the state of Oklahoma. The decades-old lawsuit relies on outdated information and fails to consider the adoption of nutrient management plans, increased efficiencies, and the adoption of voluntary conservation practices,” Drummond said.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced that Maggie McClain will join the organization as vice president, communications, effective April 20, 2026. McClain brings nearly two decades of strategic communications and public affairs experience across the food, agriculture and health sectors, with expertise in media relations, executive positioning, issues management, and translating complex regulatory developments into strategic guidance.
  • Zoetis further strengthens its commitment to working with dairy producers to help improve profitability, animal well-being and environmental stewardship with the launch of additional traits with CLARIFIDE® Plus and updates available in the Dairy Wellness Proft Index® (DWP$®). These new traits include predicting environmental stewardship and heat resistance. Additionally, these new elements of CLARIFIDE Plus reinforce the strategic partnership between Zoetis and Danone, a collaboration formed in 2024 to advance innovations toward sustainable production.
  • The Meat Institute released a new report entitled, “Greenhouse Gas Accounting: Emissions Factors Brief,” offering a closer and comprehensive look at how companies across the animal agriculture supply chain are currently measuring and reporting upstream greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Bold ideas and unexpected flavors took the spotlight as ice cream and cultured dairy innovators gathered for the International Dairy Foods Association’s Innovative Flavors and Products competition. This contest, co-sponsored by Dairy Foods magazine and held during IDFA’s Ice Cream & Cultured Innovation Conference, is widely regarded as the premier showdown for frozen-treat creators across the country (and beyond). The conference brought more than 300 dairy professionals to the Sunshine State this week to sample and celebrate the next wave of dairy creativity. Entries in both the ice cream and cultured dairy space spanned the spectrum, mixing sweet and nutty flavors like Pistachio Cherry Chunk and Honey Roasted Peanut, alongside adventurous spicy profiles including Tropical Mango Fire and Chocolate Chili Crisp, all reflecting the creativity shaping what’s next for frozen and cultured dairy.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Passing of Randy Krotz

    Chuck Zimmerman 1 Comment

    Randy Krotz interview with Cindy ZimmermanRandy Krotz became a good friend of Cindy and mine. Over the years we’ve not only interviewed him in different roles like the original USFRA but many more. In this photo Cindy is doing an interview with Randy in the golf cart we were using at Farm Progress Show in 2017. You can listen to the interview here.

    Here are the companies Randy worked for including FMC, Monsanto, v-Fluence Interactive, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, National Corn Growers Association, and U. S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance. Since 2018, Randy has served as CEO of AgWiki, a global social media platform committed to informing and uniting farmers, researching agronomists, and guiding all people on their food and agricultural needs. Randy liked good cigars and I enjoyed some with him whenever we could.

    His family has posted his obituary and it will show you how much he loved his family and his work.

    Visitation will be Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, Belleville, KS starting at 1 p.m. A rosary/vigil service will be held at 7:00 that evening with a visitation with the family to follow, at the funeral home.

    Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Edward Catholic Church, Belleville, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 24. Interment will follow at the Belleville City Cemetery.

    Memorials are requested to Evelyn’s Hospice House of Creve Coeur, MO, or to the Republic County High FFA to benefit the NCK Free Fair Kiddie Barn and may be mailed to Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, PO Box 566; Belleville, Kansas 66935.

    Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Audio

    House Ag Committee Member Dies

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Congressman David Scott (D-GA), long-time member and former Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, passed away Wednesday at the age of 80.

    Committee leadership praised the Georgia lawmaker for his advocacy for agriculture in Congress. Chair Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) said, “His legacy will live on in the policy he shaped over the years, including the 1890s Scholarship Program…and I know he will be missed in the halls of Congress.”

    “He was a strong voice for Georgia’s farmers, hungry veterans and young people — who he helped shape into the next generation of agricultural leaders through his fierce advocacy for the 1890 Scholarship Program at historically Black colleges and universities.,” said Ranking Member Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN).

    Ag organization leaders also commented on Scott’s devotion to farmers. “Throughout his five decades of public service at the state level and then in Congress, Representative Scott kept the well-being of others at the center of his efforts. I had the pleasure of getting to know David during his time in the Georgia Assembly, and our relationship grew during his tenures as the ranking member and chair of the House Agriculture Committee,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, a farmer from Georgia. “He was committed to improving conditions for America’s farmers and was willing to reach across the aisle to get the job done.”

    Scott’s death comes after three members of Congress have resigned in the past week over misconduct allegations, bringing the current number of vacancies in the House to five, including Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) who died in January and was also a member of the House Agriculture Committee.

    people, politics

    2026 Alltech® Agri-Food Outlook

    Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    2026 Alltech Agri-Food OutlookAlltech, a global leader in the agriculture industry, has released its 2026 Agri-Food Outlook, a report that includes the results of the company’s annual global feed-production survey. Based on that data, global feed production in 2025 reached an estimated total of 1.44 billion metric tons (mt) — representing an increase of 2.9% and 40.136 million mt from 2024. Most regions and sectors experienced growth, and the numbers suggest a strong recovery phase for animal agriculture; however, the data show that growth was uneven, increasingly regionalized and driven less by herd expansion than by structural change, productivity gains and shifts in how production is measured and recorded.

    Now in its 15th year, the annual survey that serves as the foundation of the Alltech Agri-Food Outlook report collected data from 142 countries and 38,837 feed mills in late 2025. By analyzing compound feed production and prices — collected by Alltech’s global sales team and in partnership with feed associations and official data-collecting organizations — the survey provides a comprehensive snapshot of global feed production. These insights serve as a barometer for the overall livestock industry, highlighting key trends across species, along with regional challenges and opportunities for growth.

    Look at more details here.

    Agribusiness, Alltech, Food

    2026 Earth Day – Our Power, Our Planet – #EarthDay2026

    Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    2026 Earth DayHere’s a quote from my first Earth Day post on AgWired. This was April, 2006.

    Who are better stewards of the land than the people who farm it?

    I still believe that. We’ve posted about Earth Day many times over the years. Here’s a link to find them if you are interested.

    In case you’re looking for information and a variety of resources, you can find them on this Earth Day website.

    climate, Conservation, Environment, Farming

    #NAMA26 Best of NAMA Awards Ceremony

    Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Grand Champion – Idaho Potato Commission, Evans Hardy + YoungThe Best of NAMA Awards Ceremony took place yesterday at the end of the first day of the 2026 Agri-Marketing Conference. You can find photos in the NAMA Flickr album taken by Curt Dennison, Curt Dennison Photography.

    2026 Agri-Marketing Conference Photo Album

    There are many awards in the ceremony and that includes the Best of Show awards. The one here in the post is the Grand Champion – Idaho Potato Commission, Evans Hardy + Young. Here are the other Best of Show awards.

    • Best of Show Adv – Idaho Potato Commission, Evans & Hardy + Young
    • Best of Show PR – Dairy Management, Paulsen
    • Best of Show Digital – Bayer Crop Science Climate Group, Coolfire Studios
    • Best of Show Consumer – Florida Department of Citrus, Padilla
    • Best of Show Specialty – Land O’Lakes Food Service, Curious Plot

    Here is the full list of winners.

    Advertising, Ag Groups, Agencies, Media, NAMA, Public Relations

    Support the NAMA Foundation Silent Auction

    Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Plaud AI NotePin SIt is time for the 2026 Agri-Marketing Conference. During the conference you can help support the NAMA Foundation through the silent auction that will be held in the Connection Point. ZimmComm has donated a new device that would be very useful for ag journalists (broadcasters, podcasters, publications, web and social media influencers) and all other members who would like to use an AI device that allows you to record and transcribe your interviews or meetings or any variety of speeches and more. Stop by the silent auction for something different.

    It is the Plaud NotePin S, which is a wearable device that is hands free. My son-in-law told me about this device and he uses it in his work. True AgNerds would love it. Here’s some more information:

    Includes lanyard, wristband, magnetic pin, clip, and 300 free AI transcription mins/mo.

    • Plaud Intelligence: AI transcription in 112 languages with speaker labels and custom vocabulary. Generate multidimensional summaries with 10,000+ templates, mind maps, and workflow integrations.
    • Data security: Compliant with ISO 27001/27701, GDPR, SOC 2, HIPAA, and EN 18031 to help keep your data private and secure.
    • Multimodal input: Capture audio, notes, images, and highlights for richer context.
    • Multidimensional summaries: Transform one conversation into multiple role-specific summaries.
    • Plaud Desktop: Access Plaud Desktop with any Plaud device to record online and in-person meetings, then manage all your audio in Plaud App and Plaud Web.
    • Multiple ways to wear and capture: Use as a necklace, wristband, clip, or pin for all-day comfort and hands-free recording.
    • Lightweight design & powerful performance: At 0.61 oz light, enjoy 20 hours of continuous recording, 40 days of standby, and 64GB of storage.
    • Complete kit: Includes Plaud NotePin S, magnetic pin, clip, lanyard, wristband, charging dock, and USB-C cable.
    • Free starter plan: 300 mins/month of transcription included. Upgrade to Pro or Unlimited for more minutes and advanced AI features.

    I hope everyone will check this out. AI is becoming more and more useful in many ways. Here’s one that can simplify and save time in your work. So, bid high and often! Thank you.

    Update: Congratulations and thanks to Angi Bunn, AgroLiquid Marketing, for winning the Plaud NotePin S!

    Ag Groups, Agencies, Agribusiness, AI, NAMA, Technology

    Industry Ag News 4/14

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • The Corn Refiners Association joined 34 other food and agriculture organizations in releasing the 10th annual Feeding the Economy report, a comprehensive farm-to-fork analysis of the entire food and agriculture supply chain. The report measures the direct and indirect contributions of America’s food and agriculture industries to U.S. jobs, wages, economic output, and tax revenue. This year’s report underscores the immense reach of the food and agriculture sector across the U.S. economy. America’s food and agriculture industries generate more than $10.4 trillion in economic activity, representing nearly 20 percent of total U.S. economic output. These industries support more than 48.7 million jobs nationwide, including nearly 24.3 million direct jobs, demonstrating their importance to communities in every region of the country.
  • In celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer initiative, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership program, together with a strong coalition of U.S. agrifood system stakeholders, will host a landmark national gathering to honor the vital role women play in agriculture and the supply chain. Registration is open for the International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE (Advocate, Cultivate, Empower) Summit, which will take place in Washington, D.C., June 1–3. The summit is open to all women farmers from across the country, regardless of Farm Bureau membership. Learn more and register by May 6 here.
  • With a record corn crop to move, the corn industry is on the hunt for new and innovative uses for America’s crop. And one solution may be found in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the clothing and textiles sector—athleisure wear. The popular clothing style—yoga pants, joggers, hoodies and more—combines high fashion with high functionality and comfort, and has been gaining in popularity for years. But as with any product that is sourced from petrochemicals, there is an opportunity to replace the oil-based feedstock with one that is sourced from corn. And at Qore, a joint venture between Cargill and HELM, they’re working on making this a possibility. In this podcast episode, Andrea Vanderhoff, Director of Technology and Sustainability at Qore, shares more about how their QIRA technology is opening new avenues for corn-based products to penetrate the textiles market, including in athleisure wear. And, National Corn Growers Association Director of Outputs and Measurements Harley Janssen talks about the potential impacts and benefits for the corn industry.
  • During the United States Identity Preserved Alliance Annual Meeting in Chicago, three board directors were reelected – Jake Noll with Richland IFC, Chuck Kunisch of Michigan Agricultural Commodities and Curt Petrich with H.C. International – and officers were selected for 2026-27, with Bryan Severs reappointed chair.
  • The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced the agency is reopening the 2025 crop acreage reporting period required for specialty crop producers who want to apply for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program. Announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins on Feb. 13, the ASCF program is designed to help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and market losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports. Specialty crop producers now have until April 24, 2026, to report 2025 acres to FSA.
  • Agri-Pulse will host another “Great Tomato Challenge” in Sacramento, California. The competition is open to members of the California Senate and Assembly members and their staff members.
  • The Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation has awarded Janice Shiu the 2026 Beth Calabotta Sustainability Education Grant. Shiu is a graduate student at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, pursuing a degree in Computer Science and conducting research that applies statistical and artificial intelligence (AI) methods to improve the reliability and resilience of soybean and corn yields in the Midwest—key feedstocks for biomass-based diesel.
  • Advanced Biofuels USA is pleased to announce that Jenna Bloxom has been elected President of the Board of Directors. She took office upon the March 23, 2026, formal resignation of Advanced Biofuels USA President, Doug Root.
  • As the United States recognizes National Agriculture Month, the American Biogas Council released new data showing U.S. farms are capturing 166 percent more biogas – a source of energy created by recycling organic waste like manure and food scraps – than they were just five years ago. Yet most of the nation’s potential to produce domestic energy from agricultural waste on farms remains untapped. According to the ABC, 631 farms today operate biogas capture systems – more than double the number in 2020. Those farms can produce over 61 million MMBtu of energy annually, compared to about 23 million MMBtu five years ago. In 2025, 41 new systems came online, representing $835 million in investment. Total investment in farm-based biogas capture systems has now reached $6.4 billion.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Syngenta Urges Well Rounded Approach to Disease Pressure

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Growers are facing many challenges this season, making it critical to protect yield potential and their bottom line in an environment defined by unpredictable weather and compounding disease risks. Syngenta is urging farmers to face those risks with a well-rounded approach.

    Jesse Grote, Syngenta agronomic service representative

    “My overarching message is don’t get caught up in just one disease and manage towards one, because I think that can lead us maybe to being reactive instead of proactive,” said Jesse Grote, an agronomic service representative for Syngenta in Iowa.

    At Commodity Classic, Grote used the example of what he’s seen in Iowa recently. “In the last two years, we’ve had southern rust, and I can’t remember a time in my career that I’ve ever seen southern rust so bad. But it doesn’t overwinter once you get up north…So don’t only manage for rust,” he said. “We’ve seen that with tar spot. We used to call it tar spot tunnel vision.”

    Last year, corn and soybean growers lost nearly 1.5 billion bushels to disease in the United States, with tar spot a persistent concern across the upper Midwest, contributing to 188 million lost bushels in 2025. Southern rust expanded farther north and appeared earlier than expected, while ear rots and mycotoxins are also becoming a larger part of disease planning conversations, according to Syngenta.

    Kevin Scholl, agronomic service representative

    With harvestable yield directly tied to profitability, Syngenta encourages growers to think beyond reactive disease control and toward season‑long risk mitigation. Miravis® Neo corn and soybean fungicide is designed to deliver consistent, broad‑spectrum protection — helping safeguard yield potential across a wide range of diseases and environmental conditions such as heat or drought.

    Illinois agronomy rep Keven Scholl says the goal is to protect profit no matter what happens. “When you get this healthy soybean plant growing out there, protect it to the end. And so that means using a fungicide to be able to control any diseases that come in late and also have that plant health benefits to be able to control any stress,” said Scholl.

    For corn, Grote says, “I would navigate towards getting that premium fungicide on at tassel time….So the best defense and the best ROI is going to be, when you think about fungicide, that premium Miravis Neo at tassel time.”

    Learn more in these interviews:

    Jesse Grote, agronomic service representative – How 2025 disease pressure is informing risk decisions for 2026
    Classic26 - Jesse Grote, Syngenta (4:54)

    Kevin Scholl, agronomic service representative – Reshaping planting strategies for a stronger soybean start
    Classic26 - Kevin Scholl, Syngenta (6:00)

    Agribusiness, Audio, Commodity Classic, Corn, Fungicide, Soybean, Syngenta