GROWMARK: Agriculture Background Not Required

Carrie Muehling

Although GROWMARK and its FS Member companies are clearly rooted in agriculture, a farming or agribusiness background is not required to thrive as an employee there. GROWMARK’s Director of Talent Management Tom Swearingen is a prime example of that. Originally a commercial airline pilot, Swearingen left that industry after the events of 9/11/2001 changed it forever, and came back to …

AgWired Precision, Audio, GROWMARK

ZimmCast 584 – More NAMA, Farm Bill & Precision Ag

Chuck Zimmerman

There is a mix of topics in this week’s ZimmCast. In this week’s program you will hear: Interview with Marina Menendez, Distillery Madison Interview with Diane Riley/Brenda, Kondex Interview with Chuck Spencer, GROWMARK USDA story on Precision Ag Advancement We have new members of the #GoldenMic Club, some discussion on sustainability as it relates to the Conservation Title of the …

AgWired Precision, Audio, Farm Bill, Farm Policy, GROWMARK, NAMA, Precision Agriculture, ZimmCast

GROWMARK Talks Farm Bill Priorities

Carrie Muehling

The House version of the farm bill is expected to come to the floor this week, and GROWMARK is among those weighing in with policymakers about priorities for the legislation. The cooperative is particularly looking for support of the Conservation Title, among others. “Important to conservation is to make sure that we have program funding to put conservation practices on …

AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Conservation, Farm Bill, GROWMARK, Sustainability

GROWMARK and FS Announce Enduring Farm Award Winners

Cindy Zimmerman

GROWMARK and local FS member cooperatives are recognizing 26 sustainable farming operations for the inaugural Enduring Farm awards. These farms were nominated for the award for their implementation of sustainable nutrient management practices such as following the 4R principles for all nutrient applications, monitoring nitrogen levels through soil sampling, and implementing variable rate technology for phosphorous applications. Nutrient management cropping …

AgWired Precision, Audio, GROWMARK, Sustainability

An Audio Magazine as Podcast?

Chuck Zimmerman

When I see a creative idea it is worth sharing. I have lots of people ask about how to come up with ideas for regular podcast episodes. I don’t think it’s difficult but I understand that concern. So here’s an idea that I think worked really well. Matt Wetterson, GROWMARK (AgWired sponsor), produces a regular podcast, The GROWMARK Podcast, and …

Audio, GROWMARK, Podcasts

GROWMARK, NRCS Partner for Conservation

Cindy Zimmerman

GROWMARK and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently signed a national Memorandum of Understanding to further sound agronomic and conservation practices. Ryan White, Dir. of Agronomy Marketing and Agronomy Information Services for GROWMARK, says the MOU is about the GROWMARK system commitment to working with farmers in a profitable and sustainable way. “We both have the same customer and …

Audio, Conservation, FS System, GROWMARK, USDA

ZimmCast on GrainXchange and Supporting Checkoffs

Chuck Zimmerman

In this week’s program you’ll get to hear the lates episode of the GROWMARK Podcast. GROWMARK has been a long term sponsor of the ZimmCast and we thought we’d feature one of their own podcasts. You can subscribe to the podcast in iTunes and Google Play. Additionally, I talk with Rob McLelland and Heidi Nelson of FLM Harvest about their …

Agencies, Audio, FLM Harvest, GROWMARK, Podcasts, ZimmCast

Manito Transit Acquires Lobdell Transportation

Cindy Zimmerman

Manito Transit of Bloomington, Illinois has acquired the assets of Lobdell Transportation, Inc., a family-owned trucking company based in Lena, Illinois. The acquisition comes with 21 tractor units, 22 fuel tankers, and eight pressure vessels capable of hauling propane and anhydrous ammonia, as well as a two-bay maintenance shop. Manito Transit now operates 120 trucks, serving customers in 13 states. …

Audio, Biofuels, GROWMARK, transportation

Builta Named GROWMARK Vice President, Energy and Logistics

Carrie Muehling

GROWMARK has named Mike Builta the new Vice President of Energy and Logistics. He will replace Kevin Carroll, who will retire on February 15 after 32 years of service. GROWMARK’s energy and logistics division includes lubricants, propane, diesel and gasoline products. It also encompasses the warehouses for storage and transportation of those products. “It’s a huge portion of the business. …

Audio, GROWMARK