Argentine Agriculture Secretary Comments at IFAJ

Chuck Zimmerman

ifaj-13-arg-agWe did get to hear from a high ranking official in the Argentine government during the IFAJ Congress this week – but not in English and there was no opportunity to ask questions.

Lorenzo Basso’s title is Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture of Argentina, so not exactly the equal to Tom Vilsack in the U.S., more like Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden.

Some interesting takeaways from his comments:
Argentina is able to feed ten times its population of 40 million people
Argentina is the number one exporter of soybean oil, soybean meal, biodiesel, pears, lemons, lemon juice, and honey.
Four pillars for “smart agriculture” they are adopting in Argentina are:
– No till practices – 80% of farms now
– Crop rotation – working on that, nearly 50% is soybeans
– Biotechnology, pesticides and stewardship
– Precision agriculture technology – growing rapidly
Poultry production in the country has adopted new technology and become more competitive but beef industry needs to do more to produce more calves since birth rate for calves is the same as it was 50 years ago.

I recorded some of the Secretary’s comments through my headphones with the interpreter. He also discusses ethanol production, dairy, value-added agribusiness and much more: Argentine Agriculture Secretary Lorenzo Bosso
2013 IFAJ Congress Photo Album

Coverage of the 2013 IFAJ Congress is sponsored by Novus International and Dupont Pioneer
Audio, Biotech, IFAJ, International, Livestock, Precision Agriculture

Taking the Guesswork out of Planning a Tile System

Melissa Sandfort

Insights WeeklyThe recently announced SMS Water Management Module from Ag Leader boasts a variety of features to help take the guesswork out of planning a tile system. So what are some of the new enhancements?
• Use the new Tile Plan Editor features to create ideal field tiling plans without the difficulty of manual calculations.
• Easily validate that tile runs are sized appropriately to meet drainage capacities.
• Export premade tile plans to field display for efficient in-field installation.
• Share tile plans with others using mapping programs like Google Earth.
• Edit, move and expand existing tile runs to create an update tile plan.
• Create the best field tile plan by comparing multiple installation plans for cost and drainage efficiency.

Aaron Friedlein, Certified Crop Advisor and Ag Leader product manager, explains the basics of field drainage tile and why it is helpful for growers.

Listen to Friedlein explain

Friedlein gives us an overview of the new enhancements and capabilities.

Listen to Friedlein explain

The Water Management Module is an add-on to the SMS Advanced software; all of the new features will be available with the v13 update coming later this fall.

Become a fan of Ag Leader on Facebook today, and get the latest precision ag videos on the YouTube channel. For more information about Ag Leader products and services, or to visit the blog site, go to www.agleader.com.

Ag Leader, Agribusiness

Corn Communicators Talk Maizall in Argentina

Cindy Zimmerman

ifaj13-cornCommunications directors of three major grain grower organizations in the United States were among those attending the IFAJ 2013 Congress in Argentina this week. It was the first time for Mindy Williamson with the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Marri Carrow with U.S. Grains Council, and National Corn Growers Association Communications Director Ken Colombini to attend the international meeting of agricultural journalists.

“It don’t usually attend meetings like this but we really couldn’t let the opportunity pass by,” Ken said. “We came along to meet with ag journalists from all over the world to talk about issues, especially biotechnology, how their media operates in their countries, and get a sense of how we can communicate better in our partnership called Maizall with the Argentine and Brazilian corn growers.”Interview with Ken Colombini, NCGA

Iowa corn farmer Julius Schaef, chairman of the Grains Council, was recently elected to serve as the first president of the new alliance between North and South American corn growers. “Actually it was very much his idea to move forward with the Maizall alliance between the corn farmers,” said Marri, who noted that the executive team of Maizall was meeting this week in Panama to discuss plans for the group’s first trade mission this fall to Korea and China.Interview with Marri Carrow, USGC

On Thursday, following the conclusion of the IFAJ meeting, Mindy says the three of them had some Maizall meetings of their own set up in Argentina. “We actually have some meetings at the U.S. embassy,” she said. “We’re meeting with Argentina and Brazil.”Interview with Mindy Williamson, Iowa Corn

Ken, Marri and Mindy all talk about their impressions of the IFAJ Congress and what they saw and heard in Argentina.

2013 IFAJ Congress Photo Album

Coverage of the 2013 IFAJ Congress is sponsored by Novus International and Dupont Pioneer
Audio, Corn, Farm Progress Show, Grains, IFAJ, International, NCGA, USGC

The Next Generation Wireless Farm Networking is Here

Jamie Johansen

Ayrstone ProductivityAyrstone Productivity has brought it’s customers faster, longer, easier outdoor WiFi coverage. The next generation AyrMesh Hub2n will include 802.11n connectivity, expanded network security and outdoor range extension of up to 7.5 miles.

This new technology puts farmers into the next phase of productivity improvement via wireless signals and hands-free data capture. With long-range wireless networks farmers can quickly and easily use monitoring and industrial control equipment to streamline operations. All devices are connected to a home router, making them accessible via any Internet-connected device, and without cell phone data expenses.

Visit Ayrstone’s website for more information or if interested in purchasing. Get 20% off the new Hub2n through October 15 when you enter code 913HUB2N.

Internet, Technology

Max Armstrong’s Tractor App Now Available

Talia Goes

mobileNow vintage tractor enthusiasts and fans of nationally known farm broadcaster Max Armstrong can download a free smartphone and tablet app to listen to his twice-daily news updates, test their tractor trivia skills, enjoy stories of classic machines, and more.

The interactive “Max Armstrong’s Tractor App” is available for iPhone, iPad and Android phones and tablets. Download to hear Armstrong’s distinctive voice inviting you to the app version of his popular TV segment “Max’s Tractor Shed,” to play “Tractor Trivia” and “What Engine is This?” games, and tune in to his daily Midwest Digest reports on Farm Progress America Radio. You can also download ringtones featuring Armstrong’s voice.

Agribusiness, Apps, Tractor

Results from GROWMARK Annual Meeting

Jamie Johansen

growmarklogoLast week GROWMARK held their Annual Meeting to discuss the year-end financial results and carry out other business for the cooperative. Business units produced record sales for the 2013 fiscal year, which ended August 31.

I spoke with CEO of GROWMARK, Jeff Solberg, and he reported estimated sales of $10.3 billion for fiscal year 2013. Pretax income is estimated at $220 million, which signifies one of the best years in company history. An estimated $135 million in patronage refunds will be returned to GROWMARK member cooperatives and farmer-owners.

“We began this year coming off a severe drought, but the strength of the FS System pulled us through to a very good 2013 fiscal year. Our business is built around our mission to improve the long-term profitability of our member owners. Our sales will allow us to return significant patronage to our owners. We remain committed to their success and to the unity of our cooperative system.”

Dr. Michael Cook, executive director of the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership at the University of Missouri, was awarded the “Friend of GROWMARK” award. The award recognizes outstanding leadership and commitment to agriculture and the GROWMARK System.

New leadership among the GROWMARK community was also announced. John Reifsteck was elected chairman of the GROWMARK Board of Directors. He replaced retiring Dan Kelley. John has served on the board since 1993 and was one of two vice chairmen. Rick Nelson and Chet Esther were elected the new vice chairmen and Bob Phelps was elected Secretary.

Listen to my interview with Jeff here: Interview with Jeff Solberg

Audio, Cooperatives, GROWMARK

Maximizing Yields With FieldScripts

Jamie Johansen

monsanto-media-fps-13-66-editedMaximizing field yield is the goal of every grower, but is easier said than done. However, Monsanto’s FieldScripts program might be the answer. During the 2013 Farm Progress Show, Monsanto invited the media out to field to discuss the new opportunity and talk with FieldScripts Ground Breaker Growers.

Dale Sorensen, Integrated Farming Systems Field Research Lead, shared with the group the basics of what FieldScripts can offer in terms of precise seed placement and seeding rates. And how genetic and environmental components come into play.

“In 2013 we had our ground breakers program for FieldScripts. We had 150 growers from Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota. Those 150 growers had three to five fields on average. They basically shared the field boundaries, prior yield history and soil test results. And then we developed what we call out FieldScripts Management Zones and created a variable rate seeding zone within that field with the genetics that the dealer and grower had chosen.”

Listen to my interview with Dale here: Interview with Dale Sorensen

GRAINCO FS dealer, John Walsh, was also on hand to share his insights from the dealer perspective. John went through the steps to become FieldScripts certified to add specific value to his customers.

“It’s not a dealership certification. Each individual gets certified. My main job is with the seed portion and this was going to differentiate us from a lot of other seed dealers. You can buy that same bag of seed at several different places. We try every year to come up with something to add value to our dealership.”

Listen to my interview with John here: Interview with John Walsh

I also took the opportunity to talk with one of John’s growers, Doug and Justin Durdan. The father and son team farm about 100 miles from the Farm Progress Show location and shared why they jumped at the chance to increase yields with this new technology.

“We always just try and stay on top of new technologies and we thought that this was a good avenue for use to stay ahead.”

“The biggest benefit is putting the proper plants in the proper areas. We really felt we were over populating our lighter soil, which we were. Now we feel we can get a better averaged yield.”

Listen to my interview with Doug & Justin here: Interview with Doug & Justin Durdan

Check out photos from the event here: 2013 Monsanto Ground Breakers Media Event Photo Album

Audio, Farming, Seed

Where Have All The Flowers Gone?

Melissa Sandfort

flowersAunt Jeanette writes this week:

We had grandchildren visiting us this summer for a while. In fact, all four of them were able to spend some time together and we had a wonderful time!

As we were driving into our garage after delivering the two older grandchildren to their parents, this Peter, Paul, and Mary song (from the 60s!) popped into my head. About the only signs of living things are the plants on our deck, and they were gone. If you have been reading my posts, you know we have had terrible storms here in Edgar, Neb., this summer. Our crops and gardens have pretty much been wiped out by heat, lack of rain, high winds and hail.

As we entered the garage, there were my plants, neatly lined up against the wall and protected from the elements. Now, you need to know some important background information. Every time there is a storm, Dan insists on putting all of my flowers inside. As the last storm was preparing to strike, I told him to just leave them on the deck because there wasn’t much time before the winds and hail hit. He did not listen to me and put them inside anyway – probably getting pounded with a few hailstones while moving them.

After Dan and I left to take grandkids home, the weather started looking rather nasty at our house. Our brother-in-law, Steve B., who works with us, must also appreciate the plants, because he moved them into the garage this time so nothing would happen to them.

I am so thankful I have people watching out for my plants and me! I guess I will try and keep this little corner of our world blooming a while longer.

Until we walk again …

Uncategorized

Reasons for Attending Farm Shows

Talia Goes

zp-nhOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, ” Why do you attend farm shows?”

Our poll results:

· To “window shop” new equipment 27%
· To ask questions about existing equipment 19%
· Other 19%
· To purchase new equipment 16%
· For the freebies 11%
· For the food 8%

Among the “other” responses were: For kids to learn about agriculture, networking and for new ideas. For exhibiting companies, trade shows seem to be time well spent according to our poll results.

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question “How important is it to learn about farming in other countries?” The ZimmComm team is currently attending the 2013 International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress, learning about agriculture in Argentina and networking with our colleagues from around the world. So what do you think – is it valuable for us to learn about ag outside our borders? Let us know!

ZimmPoll

Argentina Meat on the Grill

Chuck Zimmerman

Argentina Beef on GrillHere in Argentina they like to eat meat. I’ve learned a few things from grilling done gaucho style. This is one of the grills for our lunch yesterday on the livestock tour. It was excellent with all the trimmings that include what I’m now calling the official beverages of the Congress, Malbec and Quilmes. I really wasn’t expecting to eat good beef but it has mostly been flavorful and tender. These big leg on roasts over an open fire were excellent.

Cindy and I are still experiencing a lack of good wifi but we’ve been collecting lots of photos, videos and interviews to share. Most will probably have to wait until we get back stateside. This morning Cindy is covering activities at the Rosario Chamber of Commerce while I’m uploading photos back at the hotel and getting some other online work done.


2013 IFAJ Congress Photo Album

Coverage of the 2013 IFAJ Congress is sponsored by Novus International and Dupont Pioneer
Food, IFAJ, International, Meat