Bayer announced this week that the company received conditional approval of its proposed acquisition of Monsanto in South Africa, conditions that include the “divestiture of Bayer’s global Liberty Link trait technology and the associated Liberty branded agro-chemicals business.” Bayer has agreed to these conditions and is evaluating how best to execute the imposed divestiture. As previously communicated, Bayer has been …
Syngenta Shareholders Accept ChemChina Offer
China National Chemical Corporation (ChemChina) announced the provisional interim results for ChemChina’s offer to acquire Syngenta. At the end of the Main Offer Period on May 4, based on preliminary numbers, around 80.7% of shares have been tendered. Subject to confirmation in the definitive notice of interim results scheduled for May 10, the Minimum Acceptance Rate condition of 67 percent …
Set Sail on a Voyage of Better Seed
With the theme “Voyage of Better Seed,” the 2017 American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Annual Convention June 21-24 in Minneapolis will focus on science and policy issues related to the development and free movement of quality seed worldwide. ASTA president and CEO Andy LaVigne says a number of special sessions and tours are planned for the week, including an Opening …
Celebrating 60 years of NAMA
The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) is celebrating 60 years as the nation’s largest professional association for professionals in marketing and agribusiness so we decided to check in with a couple of the more “seasoned” professionals at the annual conference last week on how the organization has grown over the years. The first person we talked to was Gary Vorpahl with …
Deere and Monsanto End Precision Planting Deal
Under pressure from the Department of Justice, an agreement between Deere & Company and Monsanto to purchase Precision Planting LLC was terminated Monday. The department filed suit on Aug. 31, 2016, to block the acquisition, alleging that the transaction was a merger-to-monopoly in high-speed precision planting systems, an innovative technology that enables farmers to accurately plant corn, soybeans and other …
Agribusiness Leader and Marketer of Year Honored
The recipients of NAMA’s Agribusiness Leader and Marketer of the Year are announced months in advance, but they receive those awards and the recognition that comes with them at the annual conference. Mike Stern, CEO of Monsanto’s The Climate Corporation, received the 2017 Agribusiness Leader of the year award, which is NAMA’s highest honor, recognizes outstanding industry leadership. Mike Stern …
Positive Innovation in a World of Sustainability
Elanco Animal Health’s seminar at the Central Plains Dairy Expo highlighted the role of innovation in the dairy industry. Dr. Roger Cady, Global Sustainability Lead, Scientific Affairs & Policy for Elanco talked about the positive impact of innovation on the I-29 Dairy Corridor which includes Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. “Producers along the I-29 Corridor are recognized as leaders …
The Rebrand of AgNewsWire as Ag’s Virtual Newsroom
We would like to introduce AgNewsWire as Agriculture’s Virtual Newsroom for organizations and companies to efficiently distribute materials such as photos and audio to media and other interested parties. “Content is king in today’s world and getting it out quickly to as many places as possible is the best way for a company or organization to amplify their message, whether …
AEM Vice President Announces Retirement
Charlie O’Brien will be retiring from his position of senior vice president at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) later this year. O’Brien has been with AEM since 2007. He will be working with President Dennis Slater to begin phasing out of his position in order to spend more time with his family and a family business. “I care a …
FMC to Acquire Portion of Dupont Crop Protection
In an early morning call FMC and DuPont made a major announcement: FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) and DuPont (NYSE: DD) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement for FMC to acquire the portion of DuPont’s Crop Protection business it must divest to comply with the European Commission ruling related to its merger with The Dow Chemical Company. Additionally, DuPont …