Industry Ag News 3/24

Cindy Zimmerman

  • The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) has named 10 outstanding agricultural journalists to participate in the 2023 IFAJ/Corteva Agriscience Master Class. The 13th annual Master Class will be held in conjunction with IFAJ’s World Congress in Calgary, Alberta from 24 to 26 June 2023. Master Class participants will then participate in the 2023 IFAJ World Congress to be held in Olds, Alberta from 27 June to 3 July 2023.
  • The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City will honor two of the region’s leading agricultural figures on May 18 at a luncheon in the Chamber Board Room in Kansas City’s historic Union Station. The 2023 honorees are Dr. Marty Vanier, K-State National Agricultural Biosecurity Center, Manhattan, Kansas, and Blake Hurst, owner, Hurst Farms and retired president of Missouri Farm Bureau.
  • The National Wheat Foundation (NWF) elected new officers at their Annual meeting on March 7 in Orlando, Florida. Bernard Peterson from Loretto, KY was elected chair. Bernard raises winter wheat, corn and soybeans along with his brothers and nephew.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will hold its biannual Data Users’ Meeting April 18 from 1-4:30 p.m. CT at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City – Omaha Branch. A virtual attendance option will also be available. The meeting is free and open to the public. The Data Users’ Meeting is held to share recent and pending statistical program changes with the public and to solicit input on these and other programs important to agriculture.
  • For the first time, American Farmland Trust has awarded over $1 million dollars in grants in a single year to 190 farmers across the country through the Brighter Future Fund (BFF) and the New England Farmer Microgrants Program (NEFMP). This adds to the $3.5 million awarded since 2020.
  • The Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) partnered with Alabama Ag Credit, First South Farm Credit, Autauga County Famers Federation and Dallas County Farmers Federation to donate Peanut Proud peanut butter to the communities in Dallas and Autauga counties devastated by tornadoes in January 2023.
  • During its quarterly Board Meeting, the Western Growers Executive Committee announced it will bestow D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California CEO/President and Chairman of the Board John D’Arrigo with the 2023 Award of Honor. The Award of Honor is Western Growers’ highest recognition of achievement and is given to individuals who have contributed extensively to the agricultural community.
  • Families, educators and anyone wanting to follow in the footsteps of farmers and ranchers can now pull on their boots for another exciting agricultural adventure with the latest publication from Feeding Minds Press, the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s publishing venture. “Farm Boots” tells the story of several farm families as they work and play throughout the year, in boots for every kind of weather and activity.
  • The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (NCERC at SIUE) is pleased to welcome Steve Ward, PE as its new project management engineer. In his new role, Ward will oversee research projects in NCERC’s pilot- and demonstration-scale research laboratories while working directly with clients from across the world who come to the center to perform scale-up of commercial-bound biotechnologies
  • Over 50 leading ag and food organizations representing all aspects of the food supply chain are asking Congress for Trade Promotion Authority in order to advance new tariff-reducing trade agreements, according to Farmers for Free Trade. The letter notes that when it comes to trade agreements with tariff reduction, the United States is falling behind global economic competitors including China and the European Union.
ZimmNews

Field Notes from Koch Agronomic Services – Episode 27

Chuck Zimmerman

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less.

Discussing Input Costs and Protecting Your Investment

In this episode, we welcome two KAS experts to discuss input costs. Regional technical agronomist, Evan King, and product manager, Brandon Peterson, talk about how not protecting nitrogen inputs can have a negative impact on a grower’s profits. They also share ways growers can overcome limiting factors to ensure their crops are getting the vital nutrients they need to achieve maximum yield potential for the best return on investment.

You can listen to the program here: Input Costs and Protecting Your Investment (21:03)

And to make sure you don’t miss an episode, choose an option to subscribe

For Spotify on your computer download the desktop app

Agribusiness, Audio, Koch Agronomic Services, Soil

#Classic23 Smashes Records

Cindy Zimmerman

According to organizers, the 2023 Commodity Classic was the biggest ever with over 10,400 attendees – farmers as well as exhibitors, industry stakeholders and members of the media. That smashed the previous record of 9,770 attendees for the 2016 Classic in New Orleans.

“The excitement in Orlando was energizing,” said George Goblish, a Minnesota farmer, ASA member, and co-chair of the 2023 Commodity Classic. “We knew going into the event that registration was up 30% over last year, but to have a record-breaking show just blew us away.”

Kenny Hartman, an Illinois farmer, NCGA member, and fellow 2023 co-chair, said, “There’s nothing like connecting in person, and it just felt like everyone was so excited to come together again to see the best agriculture has to offer. I can’t wait to see everyone again at the 2024 Commodity Classic in Houston.”

The 2024 Commodity Classic will be held February 29 – March 2, 2024, in Houston, TX.

Find audio and photos from Classic on AgNewsWire:
2023 Commodity Classic Newsroom

Commodity Classic

Precision Ag News 3/22

Cindy Zimmerman

  • Syngenta Group sales for full year 2022 were $33.4 billion, up $5.2 billion or 19 percent, year-on-year. Syngenta Crop Protection sales grew 27 percent to $12.6 billion in the first nine months of 2022. Syngenta Seeds sales grew 14 percent to $3.2 billion in the first nine months of 2022.
  • The Nominations are now open for the Global Ag Tech Awards of Excellence. Nominations for Ag Technology Educator/Researcher of the Year, Legacy in Ag Technology Award, Precision Crop Adviser/Entrepreneur of the Year, and Precision Farmer of the Year Award must be received by April 15.
  • SEEDLIFE ARMOR-C™, an innovative planter box treatment system, is now available from Seed Life.
  • The Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council (NREC) announces that it is accepting research proposals now until May 15, 2023. Successfully funded projects are for the 2023-2024 funding cycle.
  • Concept AgriTek has announced the addition of Josh Powell as a District Sales Manager to help new and existing customers in Kentucky, southern Illinois, Tennessee, and southern Indiana find their soil’s potential through the use of Concept AgriTek’s portfolio of products.
  • The newly formed Women in Ag Tech will hold its first official meeting on July 24, 2023, at Tech Hub LIVE in Des Moines, Iowa. The group aims to provide women in agriculture technology with a platform to connect, engage, and build a community.
  • Love, Tito’s, the philanthropic branch of Austin-based Tito’s Handmade Vodka, gave a $1.2 million gift to the Davis College Water Center, making Tito’s the leading supporter of the center. This gift will be integral in helping Texas Tech University researchers develop innovative solutions to local and global water issues.
  • Golden Harvest announced its sponsorship of NASCAR driver Sammy Smith. The partnership with Smith is part of Golden Harvest’s 50th anniversary celebration as a seed company, focused on farmer success and reinforcing its commitment to bringing proven corn and soybean products to market faster.
AgWired Precision, Precision Agriculture, Syngenta

Another Successful National Ag Day

Cindy Zimmerman

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) hosted a great celebration Tuesday honoring the 50th National Agriculture Day, which included an official proclamation by President Joe Biden declaring March 21, 2023 National Ag Day. This was only the seventh year that The White House has publicly recognized National Ag Day as a salute to the contributions of America’s farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses.

The proclamation highlights the spirit across America’s ag communities. A respect for tradition, a drive to innovate and a commitment to never giving up. It also highlights the many challenges farmers face and the administration’s commitment to fighting for farms and farm workers. You can view the proclamation here.

Amy Bradford, Growmark, chair of the board for the Agriculture Council of America, the national organization charged with promoting National Ag Day, said receiving this type of recognition from the administration greatly enhances the stature of National Ag Day, as well as the many local and state Ag Day activities planned around the country. “More importantly, it reminds everyone that the safe, affordable, abundant and nutritious food that they depend on every day comes to them thanks to the hard work and resilience of 2 million American farmers and ranchers.”

Listen to Bradford’s Ag Day remarks here:
2023 Ag Day Amy Bradford, GROWMARK (2:22)

ACA Vice Chair Jenni Badding, John Deere, says they were very pleased with all the participation from youth in Ag Day. “The room was full of young people…great to see that next generation of advocates for ag being a part of a great day,” said Badding.

2023 Ag Day interview - Jenni Badding, John Deere (2:58)

2023 National Ag Day Photo Album

Ag Day, Agribusiness, Audio

Venture Capital Platform for Sorghum Launches

Cindy Zimmerman

The Collaborative Sorghum Marketing Transformation Program (cSmart) has announced the launch of the first-ever venture capital platform dedicated exclusively to attracting capital for companies, projects and innovations that create opportunities for sorghum farmers.

cSmart matches private capital with funding to support startups and established companies investing in sorghum and also facilitates a network of private investors seeking opportunities for competitive returns in agriculture.

“To date, cSmart has invested in support of a container facility for specialty sorghum exports, matched private investment with funds for marketing efforts for an all-female run sorghum food startup and facilitated networking and due diligence for an industrial sorghum starch project,” cSmart consultant John Duff said. “The diversity of these investments demonstrates the wide net cSmart intends to cast, supporting and financing innovation in American agriculture—a necessity we are proud to announce this National Ag Day.”

Fueled by relationships across the sorghum industry and the supply chain, cSmart leverages knowledge and financial flexibility to support startups, existing companies and investors bringing innovation to the sorghum industry.

For more information on investing or obtaining support for sorghum innovation, contact cSmart consultant John Duff at john@seroag.com or 806-638-5334.

sorghum

Happy 50th Anniversary to National Ag Day

Cindy Zimmerman

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack celebrated the 50th anniversary of National Agriculture Day Tuesday at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but he said he wasn’t really that interested in celebrating it.

“Why today? Why just one day? Why not every day?” asked Vilsack. “I think we let the country get off the hook a little easy by having only one day. We ought to recognize farmers, ranchers and producers and what they do for this country every single day.”

2023 Ag Day USDA Secy Tom Vilsack (13:04)

2023 National Ag Day Photo Album

Ag Day, Audio, USDA

Agri-Pulse Hosts Most Successful Summit Ever

Cindy Zimmerman

L-R: Spencer Chase, Phil Brasher, Bill Tomson, Andrew Huneke, Noah Wicks, Steve Davies, Sara Wyant, Al Johnson, Hannah Pagel, Paige Dye, Tom Davis, Jason Lutz, Lydia Johnson, Jacqui Fatka

Congratulations to the Agri-Pulse team for the most successful Ag and Food Policy Summit ever on Monday with the theme “Next Gen Farm & Food Policy.”

“It was a great day for attendance and we are so thankful for all of our sponsors who made it all possible,” said Sara Wyant, Agri-Pulse editor and founder. The team picture here represents the majority of the Agri-Pulse staff, but there are a few missing, like Jeff Nalley who was busy doing an interview while the photo was being taken, and Jesse Campbell, among the team members holding down the fort at home.

The agricultural policy news organization is heading into its 20th year and they have been holding an annual summit in conjunction with National Ag Day since 2012, with the exception of 2020.

In addition, Agri-Pulse holds a similar event in California focused on western grower concerns. The 2023 Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Issues Summit will be held June 5 in Sacramento and registration is open to attend either in person or virtually.

Listen to a wrap up with Wyant here.
Agri-Pulse summit wrap up interview with Sara Wyant (5:35)

2023 Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit Photo Album

Agri-Pulse, Audio

ASTA Releases 2023 Farm Bill Recommendations

Cindy Zimmerman

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) recently released its policy recommendations for the 2023 Farm Bill. The recommendations fall under the following priority areas: 1) conservation; 2) agriculture research; 3) trade; 4) innovation; and 5) risk management.

“Farm bills are meant to be a safety net for farmers,” said Janae Brady, ASTA Vice President for Government Affairs. “For us, the number one safety net would be the high quality seed that you place in the ground.”

Research is one of ASTA’s number one priorities for the farm bill, including support for the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) and the re-authorization of the Agriculture Genome to Phenome Initiative and the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AGARDA), as well as gathering and providing access to needed cover crop data.
Read more about ASTA’s priorities and listen to an interview with Brady here:
Interview with Janae Brady, ASTA (2:20)

ASTA, Audio, Farm Bill, Farm Policy, Seed

Secretary Vilsack Addresses Agri-Pulse Summit

Cindy Zimmerman

Agri-Pulse hosted its most successful Ag and Food Policy Summit ever on Monday with some of the biggest newsmakers in the agricultural space, including Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

The agricultural policy news organization has been holding an annual summit in conjunction with National Ag Day since 2012, with the exception of 2020. This year was the first time they were able to welcome Secretary Vilsack in person. Vilsack previously was only able to address the virtual event in 2021.

After his remarks, Vilsack sat down with Agri-Pulse Managing Editor Spencer Chase for a chat about some important topics like meat labeling, fertilizer demand, and trade.

Agri-Pulse summit - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack (34:38)

2023 Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit Photo Album

Agri-Pulse, Audio, USDA