CHS Grain Trading App

Chuck Zimmerman

CHS Grain Trading AppCHS, Inc. just announced a new app for mobile grain trading. This sounds pretty handy. So you grain trading agnerds out there have another app tool for your device and speaking of devices, there are lots more new ones to choose from like the new iPads announced by Apple this week!

The free app allows easy access to CHS grain terminals, soybean processing plants and select service center bids. It enables producers to make, monitor and manage offers to sell corn, soybeans and wheat electronically. The app also provides market information with the ability to create and manage futures-only, basis-only and cash offers.

Offers through the CHS grain trading mobile app are monitored during futures market hours from 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 7:45 a.m. Utilizing the CME Group electronic markets, the app also facilitates an automatic connection between grower-approved offers and CHS hedge orders. With patented e-Pit® services provided by Farmstech, the app can place a hedge order, receive confirmation of the fill, execute the cash purchase, and notify both buyer and seller in seconds.

The CHS Grain Trading mobile app is compatible with both Android™ and iPhone® devices. Download the free mobile app at the App Store™ or Google Play store. Follow the registration process to link to your CHS account and create a grain trading mobile account. Enhanced login and security features ensure information privacy.

Agribusiness, Apps, Farming, Grains

Pre-harvest Calibrations, During Harvest!

Melissa Sandfort

Insights WeeklyFarmers across the Midwest are in the thick of corn harvest right now, but still keep in mind that there are some pre-harvest calibrations that you should run. Even if you don’t think you need to recalibrate everything on the combine, it is a good idea to check to make sure everything is functioning properly.

The first calibration you need to do is the temperature calibration. The yield monitor needs an accurate temperature in order to calculate moisture accurately. It is a good idea to leave the combine parked in the shade for an hour or so before doing calibration, or do it first thing in the morning. It is best to have the combine the same temperature as the air around it.

The next calibration you need to do is the vibration calibration. For this calibration, the combine header needs to be attached. The vibration calibration teaches the yield monitor the difference between grain hitting the impact plate and the vibrations of the combine going through the impact plate. You will need to do this calibration for each crop type.

Calibrating the header stop height is next. You will need to teach the yield monitor the maximum and the minimum header heights, and then you will set a height at which the area logging on the yield monitor will turn off. When you pick your head up at the end of the pass, the yield monitor will quit logging area and keep your yield more accurate. You will need to do this calibration for each crop type.

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Ag Leader, Agribusiness

John Deere Supports Global Harvest Initiative

Cindy Zimmerman

wfp13-jd-coryOne of the many agricultural companies represented at the World Food Prize symposium last week in Des Moines was John Deere, which is a member of the Global Harvest Initiative (GHI) along with companies such as Elanco, DuPont Pioneer, and Monsanto.

I spoke with Cory Reed, Senior VP of John Deere’s Intelligent Solutions Group, about the release of GHI’s 4th annual Global Agricultural Productivity Report® (GAP Report®). “The primary metric we use to look at productivity is total factor productivity – how much are you growing outputs versus the inputs you are putting into it,” he said, adding that technology is a great way to enhance that which is why John Deere is focused on being able to make it easier for farmers to grow the productivity of their operations.

Cory talks more about increasing productivity in this interview: Interview with John Deere's Cory Reed


2013 World Food Prize photos

Agribusiness, Audio, Elanco, John Deere, Technology, World Food Prize

Monsanto Research Center Groundbreaking

Cindy Zimmerman

monsanto-gb-1Monsanto celebrated the groundbreaking of a $400 million Chesterfield Village Research Center expansion this week, marking what they are calling the “next generation for agriculture and St. Louis.”

According to the company, the new global hub for research, development and agricultural innovation will create 675 new jobs in St. Louis over the next three years.

“Our Chesterfield expansion is focused on strengthening our world-class capabilities in the discovery and development of innovations for farmers around the world,” said Hugh Grant, chairman and CEO of Monsanto during the event which included Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. “As we look to the future, and work begins to expand this research facility, I’m reminded how important our mission to work together to help farmers produce more nutritious food in a sustainable way will continue to be.”

monsanto-chalk“Today solidifies Missouri as the leading agriculture innovation hub in the country,” said Nixon. “Monsanto’s decision to expand its footprint and create hundreds of high tech, high paying jobs in this region is good for our state, our economy and our citizens.”

Instead of the traditional hard hats and shovels, the groundbreaking celebration featured the unveiling of an interactive 3D chalk mural with an agricultural theme.

Agribusiness

Does Farm Size Matter?

Talia Goes

zp-nhOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, ”What is most important to you when buying food?” Given the economy, it’s only fitting that price won out in our poll, but also tied with whatever you’re hungry for. Guess it just depends on your mood!

Our poll results:
· Price – 29%
· Whatever I’m hungry for – 29%
· Organic – 14%
· Brand – 12%
· Other – 9%
· Special diet – 7%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Does farm size matter?” which was also the topic of the USFRA Food Dialogues in Boston this week. Increasingly, consumers are hearing they should be concerned about the size of farms, and may be making purchasing decisions without understanding how food is grown and raised on farms of any size. What do you think? Let us know!

ZimmPoll

Future of Ag Technology and Investment

Cindy Zimmerman

wfp13-elanco-robExecutives from DuPont Pioneer, Elanco and Monsanto all participated in a panel discussion at the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue last week on “Research and Returns: The Future of Agricultural Technology and Investment.”

“In general, we’re talking about the importance of continued investment and innovation and taking it even further to consumer acceptance,” said panelist Rob Aukerman, President of US/Canada Operations at Elanco Animal Health. “We’re very good at the science … the productivity story is incredible. But today we have so many consumers that are far removed from agriculture, that do not understand where their food comes from, and we have to enter into more of a conversation with the consumer to have the social license to move ahead to employ the technologies we need to feed the world.”

While the cost of putting a new product on the market for animal health or crop production is extraordinarily high due to the number of agencies involved, Aukerman believes a strong regulatory process is important for consumer confidence. “That’s one of the things that gives us license to move ahead,” he said. “We always are challenged to make that efficient as well and to make our investments pay off but there is great incentive to continue to invest because the need is great.”

Elanco’s product line includes antibacterials, anticoccidials, vaccines and parasiticides for both food and domestic animals, as well as a productivity enhancers, safety tools and analytical services. Even though they don’t directly produce food products or even animals, Aukerman says they consider themselves a food company. “Our vision of enriching lives through food has changed our company and has compelled us to be part of forums like this and dialogues throughout the entire food chain,” he added, noting that taking part in the World Food Prize events has “re-energized” him.

Listen to or download my conversation with Rob here: Interview with Elanco's Rob Aukerman

Join the ENOUGH movement at SensibleTable.com and tweet about the future of feeding a global population of nine billion people by 2050 by using the hashtag #FeedThe9.


2013 World Food Prize photos

Animal Agriculture, Animal Health, Audio, Elanco, Food, World Food Prize

Farm Size Depends on Many Factors

Chuck Zimmerman

USFRA Food Dialogues BostonThe Boston Food Dialogues are underway here at The Station. Getting us started with opening remarks was Dr. A. Richard Bonanno, farmer and President of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation. I visited with him before we got started and asked him about his thoughts on the the topic here today of farm size and does it matter. He says “Everyone has their own situation . . . Farm size is all across the board.” For example he says some people can make a living on 4-5 acres of herbs in a greenhouse because of the profit margin. But depending on the type of farm you have you may have to have a lot more acres to make a profit. He says “A lot of it is out of necessity, based on what you’re growing and what your ability is to stay in business, produce a good product, follow all the rules and to eventually have something people want.”

You can listen to Richard’s opening remarks here: Dr. Richard Bonanno Opening Remarks

You can listen to my interview with Richard here: Interview with Dr. Richard Bonanno

I’ve got photos from the event here: Boston Food Dialogues Photo Album

Ag Groups, Audio, Food, USFRA

Farm Size: Does it Really Matter

Chuck Zimmerman

Food Dialogues BostonIt’s Food Dialogues day in Boston. The city seems to be pretty happy about some baseball game last night. Wonder what that was all about (C’mon Cards!). Back to food though.

The moderator for today’s live event is Bloomberg News’ Alan Bjerga and our topic is “Farm Size: Does It Really Matter.” The event will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT at the State Room.

Today’s panel discussion, which will be streamed live online, will feature opening remarks from Dr. A. Richard Bonanno, Ph.D., president of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau. Panelists include:

Leah Beyer, Farmer and Consultant, Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Soybean Association, Columbus, Ind.
Jamie Cruz, Owner/Grower, Springdell Farm, Littleton, Mass.
Michael Jacobson, Founder, Food Day and Executive Director, CSPI
Bill Luckey, Farmer, Columbus, Neb.
Lori Renzi, Vice President, Brand Strategy and Development, Charlie Baggs Culinary Innovations
Bruce Rominger, Farmer, Rominger Brothers Farm, Winters, Calif.
Michael Swanson, Ag Economist, Wells Fargo Bank

To watch today’s panel discussion or for more information on farm size, ownership and sustainability you can visit FoodDialogues.com. Follow USFRA on Twitter @USFRA using #FoodD or on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/usfarmersandranchers.

Ag Groups, Farming, Food, USFRA

Farming Simulator Coming to North America

Chuck Zimmerman

Farming SimulatorThere’s a new farming “game” coming to a Playstation or Xbox near you just in time for your holiday shopping.

Farming Simulator invites you to the fun yet demanding world of a modern day farmer. Take on all the challenges of farming life, including animal husbandry (breed cows, chicken, and sheep), planting and harvesting crops, and managing the sales of your bounty! It’s up to you to create your own farm in a huge open world which includes an all-new American environment. As your career progresses, you will control over 100 farming vehicles and machines, faithfully recreated from the biggest names in the industry (Case IH, Deutz-Fahr, Lamborghini, Grimme, etc.), with all new vehicles exclusive to Farming Simulator on consoles!

With an engaging experience, a large open world, and a huge fleet of vehicles, Farming Simulator invites you aboard the largest farming simulation ever created!

Farming Simulator will be available digitally and in stores on PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360® on November 19, 2013.

Farming Simulator was released in Europe and Asia first with much success.

Farming, Gadgets

The Fields Are A’fire

Melissa Sandfort

I know I’ve said it before, but I love this time of year – it’s invigorating. The sound of combines in the field; ladies taking PB&J sandwiches and coffee to the men who are harvesting and sitting on the tailgate for a few minutes to chat; the warmth of the sunshine on my face during my walks; sweatshirts and light jackets and jeans; the color of the trees and crunching of leaves under foot; chili and stews for dinner; the smell of cider and honey and cinnamon candles; the list could go on and on.

Where I live, once harvest is over farmers start fixing fence to put cow herds out to graze the corn stalks. Or, they go in with round balers and bale the stalks for feed. It’s just another “season” in Nebraska but it gives the bare fields a little beautification for the winter and just another thing that tops my list of favorite fall scenes.

In the 1920s, they had single-row riding stalk cutters with blades that turned and chopped the stalks into smaller pieces. That’s a little different than the combine my son gets to ride on with our neighbor. Listen to Grandpa as he describes his memories of this harvest time of year.

Listen to Grandpa explain

So to all the farmers working in the fields, to all of those fixing the equipment when it breaks down so they can get back out in the fields, to the women who understand and appreciate the long hours these farmers work in order to feed our families and our neighbors, I wish you a bountiful, safe harvest and say ‘Thank You’.

Until we walk again …

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