Precision Ag News 7/5

Carrie Muehling

  • This summer, the Conservation Practice Adoption Motivations Survey (CPAMS), a joint project between USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), will be mailed to 43,000 forest and grazing landowners and managers across the nation. The CPAMS gathers information to understand why people choose to use different conservation practices, and whether they continue to use practices over time. The data will help improve voluntary conservation programs. NASS will mail an invitation to respond early online at agcounts.usda.gov starting June 24. NASS will mail questionnaires on July 8 with the option for survey recipients to respond online, by mail, or fax. If NASS does not receive completed questionnaires by July 28, they may reach out to schedule interviews. A data highlights publication is scheduled for October 2024 and will be published at nass.usda.gov.
  • Scientists at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Southwest Climate Hub and California Climate Hub have developed a browsable map-based tool that addresses water scarcity in the U.S. Southwest. The Water Adaptation Techniques Atlas (WATA) consolidates over 200 case studies on research and practices that water managers and producers can use to find location-specific and topical information to make informed decisions regarding water management.
  • The Association of Equipment Manufacturing (AEM) embarks on its largest public engagement initiative in 130 years with the introduction of the ‘Manufacturing Challenge’ on its ‘Manufacturing Express’ bus tour. This innovative online video game, created exclusively for AEM, invites participants to tackle industry-themed questions for a chance to win prizes, including the grand prize of a Ford F-150. The game and the chance to win the grand prize is available to anyone in the continental U.S. that visits www.manufacturingexpress.org.
  • With funding from the Illinois Nutrient and Research Council (NREC) and other collaborators, the Agroecosystem Sustainability Center has released the updated MRTN (maximum return to nitrogen) management tool. The updated version was created using more robust software, many more data points and now has a feature to print out results.
  • Share the story of how conservation is fundamental to your farm operation and you could be recognized with a Conservation Legacy Award. This honor celebrates U.S. soybean growers who are maximizing the profitability and longevity of their farm through a variety of conservation-minded management practices. Examples include but are not limited to cover crops; reduced tillage; nutrient management; irrigation management; diversified crop rotations; buffer implementation; terraces and waterways; precision agriculture and consumer engagement. All U.S. soybean farmers are eligible to apply. Entries are judged on soil, water, input and environmental management, conservation and sustainability. To apply, fill out the form here. To nominate someone else for the award, please fill out this form.
  • More than 8,500 acres in the Myakka and Peace River watersheds will now be preserved forever thanks to the Florida Cabinet’s approval of two conservation easements at its meeting today. The Florida Conservation Group partnered with the state’s Florida Forever program and cattlemen in two southwest Florida counties to achieve these key purchases.
  • The American Seed Trade Association elected its 2024-25 officers at the 2024 ASTA Leadership Summit, which took place in Nashville, Tennessee June 15-19. The 2024-2025 officers, which begin official duties on July 1, are: Chair – Dan Foor, DLF North America; First Vice Chair – Dave Treinen, Syngenta; Second Vice Chair – Bryan Gerard, JoMar Seeds.
  • Join the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) this December 10 – 13 in Orlando for the Field Crop Seed Convention, an unparalleled seed business networking and educational opportunity. The Field Crop Seed Convention is the place to see and be seen amongst the global community of companies working in all field crops, from corn and soybean, to wheat, rice, cotton, sorghum and so much more.
  • OPI, the global leader in grain storage management, is pleased to announce the addition of seasoned ag business innovator Daniel Portela as Vice President of Product.
  • John Deere announced the launch of the new gas Gator XUV 845 and diesel Gator XUV 875 utility vehicles designed to assist farmers and ranchers improve productivity by helping with a variety of jobs around the farm. The new Gator XUV 845 and Gator XUV 875 utility vehicles include a larger, more customizable cargo box and additional comfort and convenience elements – all adding a helping hand to getting jobs done around the farm.
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