2023 IFAJ Congress Preview Interview

Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

ZimmCastHello and welcome to the ZimmCast. I’m Chuck Zimmerman.

IFAJ World Congress 2023It is going to be a very active June into July for ZimmComm, with a variety of on-location events. One of those is the annual IFAJ World Congress which is being held this year in Alberta, Canada. I will be there and I believe this will be my 10th IFAJ Congress. These events are very well planned and packed with business, professional development and farm tours.

To get a preview of the activities I spoke with Jessika Guse, co-chair of the planning committee.

I’ll be taking a lot of photos throughout the Congress and hope to have time and internet to get them up asap. I’ll be doing the same immediately after the Congress when I stay in Calgary for the Alltech ONE World Tour stop.

Listen to the ZimmCast here:
ZimmCast 712 - 2023 IFAJ World Congress (25:59)

Thank you to Alltech for making it possible for me to attend this year’s IFAJ Congress. And to keep up on social media, use this hashtag #IFAJ23.

That’s the ZimmCast for now. I hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening.

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Alltech, Audio, International, Media, ZimmCast

USDA Under Secretary Leads Trade Mission to Japan

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

USDA Under Secretary Alexis Taylor (center) with state ag officials from Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Nebraska, and North Dakota

USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor led a trade mission to Japan this week with representatives from 11 state departments of agriculture, numerous farm organizations, and 40 agribusinesses looking to connect with future business partners in Japan.

“As one of the largest world economies, Japan is one of the top and most reliable trading partners for the United States. Every year for over the past two decades, Japan has imported at least $10 billion worth of U.S. food and agriculture products, reaching a record-high $14.6 billion in 2022. This shows that there is a continuously growing demand for U.S. products in Japan, providing U.S. exporters with a tremendous opportunity to expand their exporting,” said Under Secretary Taylor. “On this agribusiness trade mission, we have many incredible businesses joining this delegation to showcase the strength of U.S. food and agriculture products. Japanese consumers are especially interested in high-quality, health-oriented products, and I am confident that U.S. businesses can meet and exceed these expectations.”

“We enjoy a really strong bilateral trade relationship with Japan,” said Taylor during a phone press conference Thursday. “Japanese consumers are discerning. They are seeking out high quality products.”

USDA Under Secretary Taylor on Japan trade mission 23:09

Audio, Exports, Trade, USDA

Athian Names New VP of Sales and Marketing

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Athian has named Corey Scott of Scandia, Minn., an experienced livestock sustainability professional, as Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Prior to joining Athian, Scott spent 15 years in food agriculture, most recently with Truterra LLC, the sustainability division of Land O’Lakes. She received her Executive MBA and undergraduate degrees from the University of Minnesota and Carlson School of Business. In 2023, she was selected as one of GreenBiz’s 12 Women Cultivating Sustainable Food Systems and earned a U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award for her work in collaborating across the dairy supply chain to provide on-farm investment in sustainable practices and reduce dairy’s overall environmental footprint.

Athian’s mission is to help the beef and dairy value chains capture and claim carbon credits earned through sustainability efforts by aggregating, validating, and certifying, greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, and monetizing those reductions through the sale of carbon credits. The company recently announced the completion of its seed funding round with investments from two strategic partners, DSM Venturing, the corporate venture arm of Royal DSM, and California Dairies, Inc.

AgWired Precision, AI, Dairy, Livestock, people, Precision Agriculture, Technology

Precision Ag News 6/7

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) President & CEO Andy LaVigne gave this statement regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of its final rule on Plant Incorporated Protectants (PIPs).
  • As part of an expanding 2023 webinar series, the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) invites you to join them June 9 at 1:00 pm Eastern for “Scaling Up Conservation Agriculture: An Exploration of Challenges and Opportunities in Michigan.”
  • Trilogy Networks, the leader in AI-powered precision agricultural infrastructure and data-driven farming solutions, and MLGC, an ultra-high-speed broadband and business services provider, announced the Dakota Innovation Corridor Project (Dakota*ICP), a multimillion-dollar commitment to dramatically advance the adoption of data-driven farming practices across North Dakota.
  • To meet the demands of today’s high-yielding rice varieties and tighter harvesting windows faced by farmers, John Deere offers a new rice package for model year 2024 X9 1000 combines that can harvest up to 3,200 bushels per hour. The rice package features enhanced wear parts of key components inside the combine. The tougher coatings and stainless-steel parts can better withstand the abrasiveness of hybrid rice varieties when compared to previous models.
  • John Deere is offering a new 1725C CCS 12-row/30 stack-fold planter along with four 1725C non-CCS planters that include 12-row/30, 12-row 36/38, 12-row 38/40 or 16-row/30 configurations. Each 1725C planter features an enhanced John Deere designed frame with convertible hitch, giving farmers more compatibility options between various tractors fitted with a Cat 3 or 4N hitch.
  • CJB Applied Technologies, LLC, announces the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted a residue tolerance exemption for benzyl alcohol when used in pesticides applied to crops and raw agricultural commodities pre- and post-harvest. Trials show enhanced active ingredient (AI) performance of products formulated using the patented art specific to benzyl alcohol, which CJB Applied Technologies intends to license to agricultural chemical formulators and product manufacturers.
  • Syngenta Crop Protection’s Seedcare business introduces EQUENTO, a novel seed treatment that provides outstanding control of various soil pests while helping farmers increase the sustainability of their farming operations.
  • Precision Laboratories, LLC, a provider of specialized chemistries for the agricultural industry, and Direct Enterprises, Inc. (DEI), a distributor focused on value-added products for seed producers and conditioners, have entered into a distribution agreement that expands market access for seed-applied technologies.
  • FieldWatch, Inc., a non-profit company that promotes improved communication and stewardship among crop producers, beekeepers and pesticide applicators, announces the expansion of its SeedFieldCheck registry into new states for the 2023 growing season.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes

BioLumic and Gro Alliance Bring UV Light Technology to Row Crops

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

BioLumic™ and Gro Alliance today announced a partnership to utilize ultraviolet (UV) light seed treatment technology for corn and soybean seed production.

Based on 20 years of science and seven years of large-scale field validation, BioLumic’s proprietary light treatment technology regulates genetic expression in plants to improve yield, crop quality, root growth and plant resilience across specific cultivars.

Since 2021, BioLumic has tested light-treated corn and soybeans seeds on more than 3,000 United States field plots, averaging yield increases of 15% in corn and 12% in soybeans.

“UV light signaling is the next frontier in plant science, changing the paradigm of crop production gains without solely relying on genetic modification, chemical inputs or time-intensive breeding programs,” said Steve Sibulkin, CEO of BioLumic. “Based on their longstanding record of rapid adoption of scalable innovation, partnering with Gro Alliance and their network of corn and soybean farmers and seed companies means we can rapidly deploy light-activated seeds that increase farmer profitability and contribute to a more sustainable global food production system.”

BioLumic founder and Chief Science Officer Jason Wargent, Ph.D. in front of a BioLumic light-treatment unit

The partnership will deploy BioLumic’s light treatments platform in the seed production facilities of Gro Alliance, North America’s largest independently-owned contract corn and soybean seed producer, supplying seed production and breeding services for more than 100 different organizations around the world.

“We are excited to partner with BioLumic to bring this game-changing technology, which delivers a step-change in crop yields and quality, to market,” said Jim Schweigert, president of Gro Alliance. “This innovation enables farmers to improve their financial and environmental performance, helps seed companies deliver on their ESG goals and creates more climate-resilient crops.”

The technology was first developed for seedlings in large-scale specialty crops, such as lettuce, broccoli, strawberries and tomatoes. “Discovering that the same technology activated seeds as well as seedlings was a ‘eureka’ moment,” said Jason Wargent, Ph.D., founder and Chief Science Officer at BioLumic. “It opened the door to broad-acre, commodity production of crops like soybean and corn benefiting from the same remarkable results of UV light treatment that we had developed for seedlings.”

The partnership will start at Gro Alliance’s Mt. Pulaski, Illinois production facility and expand across the Midwest starting in 2025. Later this year, select seed companies will be given access to BioLumic Light Treatments for their cultivars and the in-seed treatment will be commercially available to the broader market in 2024.

Learn more about BioLumic in this interview with CEO Steve Sibulkin.
Interview with BioLumic CEO Steve Sibulkin 11:40

AgWired Precision, ASTA, Audio, Corn, Crop Protection, Precision Agriculture, Seed, Soybean

Keynote Speakers Announced for AgriBusiness Global Trade Summit

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

The AgriBusiness Global Trade Summit for crop protection, biologicals, and plant and soil health, is pleased to announce the opening keynote presentation by Derek Oliphant and Allister Phillips of AgbioInvestor. The summit will take place on 9-10 August 2023, at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa in Aventura, Florida, United States.

The keynote presentation titled, “Recent Developments and Future Outlook for the Crop Protection and Seed Industries,” will provide a comprehensive analysis of the current market trends and a detailed look at the key drivers behind future developments in the crop protection and seed sectors. Oliphant and Phillips, Founding Partners of AgbioInvestor, will share insights into regulation, crop economics, biologicals, new technologies, and more.

“We are thrilled to welcome Derek Oliphant and Allister Phillips as keynote speakers at the AgriBusiness Global Trade Summit,” said Renee Targos, Conference Chair and Editor of AgriBusiness Global. “Their expertise and insights will provide invaluable perspectives on the current state and future directions of the crop protection and seed industries. Delegates can expect to gain valuable knowledge and networking opportunities to further their business interests.”

For more information and to register for the AgriBusiness Global Trade Summit, please visit the event’s official website at www.TradeSummit.com.

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Animal Ag News 6/5

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • The World Pork Expo returns to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, June 7-9. Presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), this year’s Expo will give attendees a packed schedule of events, including an expansive tradeshow, educational seminars, and numerous networking events.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for H.R. 3419/S. 1666, the Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act of 2023. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation would continue making critical investments in foreign animal disease response programs currently overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
  • The National Milk Producers Federation applauds USDA for proposing its “Action Plan” to move toward a national hearing based on NMPF’s proposal to modernize the Federal Milk Marketing Orders. The largest representative of U.S. dairy farmers and farmer-owned dairy processors is eager to begin the next phase of creating a federal order system that better reflects today’s market conditions and dairy producer needs.
  • The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program Excellence Awards are back for the third year. The prestigious awards recognize farms and evaluators who demonstrate excellence in their engagement with the FARM Program. Awards are presented in four categories: Animal Care & Antibiotic Stewardship, Environmental Stewardship, Workforce Development and FARM Evaluator. Nominations are open until 11:59 p.m. PDT Aug. 1 and should be submitted using the online form on the FARM website.
  • World Dairy Expo recently welcomed Brian Paul, Milton, Wis., as the organization’s new Trade Show Manager. In this role, Paul will work on all aspects involved in planning and executing the world’s largest dairy-exclusive trade show, including working closely with Expo’s trade show exhibitors and the Commercial Exhibitor Committee.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced the annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party will take place on the National Mall on June 21, 2023. The celebration on the National Mall just outside the U.S. Capitol Building is one of Washington’s most anticipated for professionals working in food and agriculture, bringing together thousands of guests, including members of Congress and officials from the executive branch, in a fun event showcasing America’s favorite frozen treats.
  • The inaugural class of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s (NIAA) Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders completed their 16-month leadership training program at NIAA’s Annual Conference.
  • DARI LLC, a trailblazer in the dairy industry, announces a new taste challenge, “Approve of MOO’V,” supporting Children’s Hospitals in the upper Midwest. To celebrate June Dairy Month, DARI will donate $1 to Children’s Hospital for each social media post by people experiencing the new MOO’V ultra-filtered, lactose-free, high-protein, low-sugar, naturally flavored, whole milk beverage.
  • In a new study published in the journal “JDS Communications,” scientists at the University of Florida have discovered that human interaction with calves helps to reduce abnormal oral behaviors and increase rest during early life. As part of an ongoing effort to enhance dairy cows’ lifelong welfare, this research is related to a previous study looking at how housing young calves in pairs and larger social groups may allow them to develop better social skills and produce more milk as a cow later in life. Building off these aims, this latest study sought to learn whether human contact provided additional complexities and enrichment in dairy calves’ environment during weaning.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Industry Ag News 6/2/23

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

  • Agri-Pulse is pleased to announce that Rep. Brad Finstad, the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture and Horticulture will be the luncheon keynote speaker at this year’s Food & Ag Issues Summit in Sacramento on June 5. First elected in 2022, Finstad is a farmer, soil lab business owner and a former state Rural Development director in Minnesota. He will be speaking virtually at the Summit. In person and virtual registration for the event is available here.
  • Michelin has announced its plan to invest more than $100 million into its Junction City, Kan. operations over the next five years to increase production capacity of tracks for agricultural equipment. The investment, part of Michelin’s global growth strategy, will increase the output of Camso agricultural rubber tracks to better respond to market evolution.
  • A group of 13 Southern Land Grant University Extension Programs in collaboration with the Southern Extension Economics Committee, the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M, and the Southern Risk Management Education Center at the
    University of Arkansas officially launched Southern Ag Today, a new digital platform to provide timely, concise, insightful analysis on issues facing southern agriculture. The platform distributes a daily digital periodical that features a short peer-reviewed article on a different issue of interest. The topics follow a set schedule and include crop marketing, livestock marketing, farm management, agricultural policy, trade, and agricultural law.
  • Five FFA members were recently named U.S. Presidential Scholars — one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students — for their academic accomplishments, the arts, and career and technical education. Congratulations to Madison Echols of Hattiesburg, MS; Isabella Herrod of Shinnston, WV; Hannah Rice of Brunswick, MO; Cecelia Rogers of Bardstown, KY; and Alaina Whittington of Diagnol, IA.
    • Uncategorized

    Bio Huma Netics® Marks 50 Years with Rebrand to Huma®

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Bio Huma Netics® is celebrating its 50th anniversary by officially rebranding the company as Huma®, Inc. Inspired by the word “humus,” which is the highly fertile, organic layer of topsoil that brings life to the soil and our planet, Huma® seeks to deliver “Humic Solutions with a Human Touch®.”

    Founded in 1973, the three-generation, employee-owned company is a global leader in sustainable humic-based products and technologies, with distribution across the world. The new Huma® brand name will now consolidate six current agricultural, turf and environmental brands — HUMA GRO®, HUMA GRO® TURF, FERTILGOLD® ORGANICS, Mesa Verde Humates®, PROBIOTIC SOLUTIONS® and Alpha Synectics.

    Through company-owned humate mining rights, and a proprietary extraction and development process, Huma® provides groundbreaking technology to boost beneficial microbial activity, helping lead to premium crops, healthy soils and clean water. Micro Carbon Technology® is the foundational building block of Huma®, resulting in innovative biostimulant products that naturally increase nutrient availability and uptake, improve soil and plant health, and offer zero-residue crop protection against pests and diseases.

    According to the announcement, the company is also renaming the world-class Alpha Synectics Laboratory to Huma® Research & Development, and will be hosting the Huma® World Conference in Gilbert, Arizona, in November 2023.

    Visit huma.us to learn more.

    AgWired Precision, Precision Agriculture, Soil, Technology

    Preview of the 2023 AgGateway Mid-Year Meeting

    Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    2-23 AgGateway Mid-Year MeetingIt is almost time for the 2023 AgGateway Mid-Year Meeting and you can still register. To get a preview of the program I spoke with Brent Kemp, President and CEO of AgGateway. Besides some interesting keynote speakers and working group meetings there will be plenty of networking time. That will include racing at Prairie Meadows!

    The AgGateway Mid-Year Meeting, June 12-15, 2023, is the place where the work of digital connectivity gets done. Getting together in-person catalyzes the progress that member Working Groups have made to that point on existing projects, while new work is identified and prioritized through Meet-Ups. Ample networking opportunities throughout the event provide time for attendees to share ideas and discuss solutions.

    More than 200 stakeholders from across the industry attend the Mid-Year Meeting to gain insight into the state of digital connectivity, and to find out more about the work of AgGateway.

    Listen in here to learn more about this year’s meeting in my interview with Brent.
    2023 AgGateway Mid-Year Meeting Preview 18:13

    AgGateway, AgWired Precision, Audio, Precision Agriculture, Technology