Reaction from agricultural organizations on new of a deal between Bayer and Monsanto on Wednesday expressed some concern about what this trend of consolidation will mean for farmers in the long run. From Capitol Hill where National Farmers Union members have been meeting this week, NFU President Roger Johnson “condemned” the merger and called for a “critical review” of consolidation …
ZimmCast on Big Bayer-Monsanto Deal
After months of negotiations, Bayer AG and Monsanto Company today signed a definitive merger agreement to create a “Global Leader in Agriculture.” The $128 per share all-cash transaction, represents a 44 percent premium to Monsanto shareholders and an aggregate value of $66 billion – so it’s a really big deal. Following a one hour global press conference, Liam Condon of …
Bayer and Monsanto Officials Discuss Agreement
Officials with Bayer AG and Monsanto Company held a press conference this morning on the announced merger agreement. Participants in the press conference included Werner Baumann, CEO of Bayer AG; Hugh Grant, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Monsanto (both pictured here); and Liam Condon, head of the Crop Science Division. Download and listen here: Most of Q and A:
Bayer-Monsanto Deal is Done
Bayer and Monsanto today announced that they signed a definitive merger agreement under which Bayer will acquire Monsanto for $128 per share in an all-cash transaction. Monsanto’s Board of Directors, Bayer’s Board of Management and Bayer’s Supervisory Board have unanimously approved the agreement. Based on Monsanto’s closing share price on May 9, 2016, the day before Bayer’s first written proposal …
BASF Meets the Global Press #ShapeAg16
BASF’s Crop Protection business continues to grow and the company is working to provide even more innovation and technology for farmers to keep doing the biggest job on Earth. That’s the message that representatives of BASF gave during a global press conference last week in Germany. Speakers included (LtoR) Vincent Gros, Head of Europe, Africa and Middle East; Dr. Harald …
US Challenges Chinese #Rice #Wheat #Corn Support
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers today announced the launch of trade enforcement action against China at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The action challenges China’s use of “market price support” for three key crops (rice, wheat, and corn) in excess of China’s commitments under WTO rules. “These programs …
BASF Helping to #ShapeAg16
Dozens of journalists from around the globe attended the BASF Global Press Conference last week in Ludwigshafen, Germany, including several from the United States. Given the opportunity to speak with BASF Crop Protection president Markus Heldt, the journalists were most interested in finding out what his thoughts were on the negotiations between Bayer and Monsanto – and he had much …
Five Years of #Propane Farm Incentive Program
After five years of applied research through the Propane Farm Incentive Program, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has some good data to back up the benefits for farmers switching to propane equipment in higher performance, improved efficiency, and significant cost savings. Over 400 producers from 32 states have participated in PERC’s incentive program over the last five years. …
Raven Sidekick Pro™ Tests With Engenia™
When Engenia™ herbicide receives regulatory approval, it is expected to have one of the most detailed labels ever for the application of a crop protection product and BASF has done extensive testing to determine the best methods of application. One product that has received the seal of approval is Raven’s Sidekick Pro™ direct injection system and company representative Denton Schwiesow …
Some Changes in USDA Crop Forecast
The September crop forecast out today from USDA decreases the corn crop a bit, but increases both soybeans and cotton. Corn production is now forecast at 15.1 billion bushels, down less than one percent from the August forecast, but still 11 percent more than last year and still expected to be a record. “Based on conditions as of September 1, …