Bayer and Monsanto today announced that they signed a definitive merger agreement under which Bayer will acquire Monsanto for USD 128 per share in an all-cash transaction. But “no comment” was the refrain last week when agricultural journalists were at Bayer headquarters in Leverkusen, Germany last week to talk about the future of farming. It was a fantastic event coordinated …
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 …
The Sustainability of #USSoy
Over 300 attendees at the 2016 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange came from nations outside of the United States, and Belinda Burrier, United Soybean Board Director for Maryland, made sure to utilize this global event as an opportunity to talk to international buyers and learn more about what properties of U.S. soy are making the greatest impact on buyers throughout …
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 …
GROWMARK Sustainability Efforts Focus on Farmer
GROWMARK’s commitment to sustainability was made evident during the 2016 GROWMARK Annual Meeting & Agribusiness Symposium, and Mark Orr, GROWMARK’s Vice President of Agronomy, sat down with AgWired during this year’s event to discuss the ways that the company is working directly with farmers to implement sustainable practices that will improve the long term profitability and success of their farms. …
Putting a Face on the American Soybean Farmer
Missouri soybean grower, Todd Gibson, has worn many leadership hats throughout the soy community at the state and national levels. His farm is located just east of Kansas City in the heart of Midwestern crop country. He was just elected to the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) board and shared more about his commitment to the industry during the 2016 …
Aquaculture Explodes & #USSoy Meets Nutrient Demand
I sat down with Sebastian Bell, Executive Director of the Maine Aquaculture Association, during the 2016 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange, to talk about the role soy protein is playing in the formulation of aquatic feeds as the industry of aquaculture continues to explode globally as an agricultural production system. “Aquaculture is the largest growing food production activity in the …