2025 Tech Hub Live

Precision Ag News 3/1

Carrie Muehling

  • AMVAC recently expanded the SIMPAS-applied Solutions portfolio with the addition of MicroSync Pro MINI. SIMPAS-applied Solutions (SaS) are products that are prescriptively applied with patented SmartCartridge container technology through the SIMPAS application system to address unique agronomic needs. Multiple SaS products, such as insecticides, N-fixing solutions, nematicides, and nutrients, are delivered simultaneously, in-furrow, during planting.
  • Heading to Commodity Classic? Don’t miss the GO Seed Climate Smart Hub (Booth 2188) featuring a variety of interactive sessions delving into the latest climate mitigation technologies, the future of carbon markets, and innovations in cover crops. GO Seed will be joined by representatives from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program and American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) offering information on the 2023 SARE-CTIC-ASTA Cover Crop Survey, cover crop educational resources and the latest sustainability trends.
  • In one giant leap for mankind, AgriTech innovator GreenField Inc onboards top tech staff and advisors from industry disruptors SpaceX and Proterra as the Robots-as-a-Service scales to meet the increasing, consumer-driven demand for chemical-free foods.
  • Sentera announced the launch of its agronomic modeling solutions platform, FieldInsights Ag Modeling, to deliver predictive tools to customers seeking deeper insight into crop performance.
  • Indigo Ag announced the completion of its second carbon crop, consisting of more than 110,000 agricultural carbon credits. Issued by one of the world’s most trusted carbon registries, the Climate Action Reserve, Indigo’s second crop of credits was produced by U.S. farmers enrolled in its industry-leading carbon farming program, Carbon by Indigo.
  • From a changing climate and drought to regulation and increasing expectations for sustainability efforts, the development and adoption of technologies to use water more efficiently and effectively is paramount. The Water, Technology and Sustainability Report from Global Ag Tech Initiative dives deep into topics such as the California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, technologies to address drought, digital modeling for weather, and worldwide market views from companies on the front lines.
  • Case IH is adding two models to the lineup of Vestrum series tractors — Vestrum 110 and Vestrum 120 — plus upgrading the Vestrum 100 and Vestrum 130 models. The Vestrum 110 tractor will reach up to 88 PTO horsepower, while the new Vestrum 120 tractor will achieve up to 102 PTO horsepower.
  • Digital agriculture may be an important part of the solution to challenges facing U.S. agriculture, including rising production costs, climate change, and labor shortages, among others. A new report issued by USDA’s Economic Research Service, Precision Agriculture in the Digital Era: Recent Adoption on U.S. Farms, documents trends in the U.S. farm sector’s adoption of digital agriculture technologies between 1996 and 2019, with emphasis on changes since 2016, using data from USDA’s Agricultural Resource Management Survey.
  • ZeaKal announced the appointment of Jay Brumfield as its Board of Directors Chairman and Hank Plain as Board Member. The appointments further validate the market potential of ZeaKal’s novel PhotoSeed trait technology and the broad impact of its ‘NewType’ business model to transform agriculture.
  • Phospholutions is kicking off commercialization of RhizoSorb at Commodity Classic. With more than 200 trial locations across 14 states over the last 3 years, RhizoSorb has been shown to improve phosphorous efficiency by up to 50 percent, resulting in a 10-15 percent cost saving for farmers on their phosphate applications.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

RFA CEO Gives State of Ethanol Industry Address

Chuck Zimmerman

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper delivered his annual “State of the Industry” address at the National Ethanol Conference today in Orlando.

“When faced with challenges, roadblocks, and failure, we don’t give up,” Cooper said. “We continue to innovate. We think outside of the box. We find workarounds. We eliminate the ways that won’t work…and find the way that will work.”

Cooper cited several policy and marketplace successes last year—such as passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, strong RFS volumes for 2022, a growth-oriented RFS proposal for 2023-2025, and greater interest in sustainable aviation fuel—as building momentum toward an even better 2023. He noted that the unanimous net-zero-carbon commitment of the association’s members is leading to a “renaissance moment” for ethanol, including unprecedented interest and innovation in green chemicals, sustainable aviation fuel, and other non-traditional uses.

“We have momentum on our side after some major victories in 2022,” Cooper said. “Now, we need to keep it going. As we continue positioning ethanol for long-term success and growth, we need to be persistent in telling our story to policymakers, regulators, the media, industry stakeholders, and the general public. We can’t let others define us. We define our future—not oil refiners in Delaware; not environmental extremists; not ivory tower academics; not loud-mouthed cable TV talk show hosts.”

Much work needs to be done, Cooper said, including a permanent fix allowing year-round nationwide E15, a recommitment to E85 and flex fuel vehicles, restoring fair trade in major global markets, securing the future of the Renewable Fuel Standard, and the development of future policies like a national clean fuel standard or the Next Generation Fuels Act.

Click to read Cooper’s state of the industry remarks, listen below.

RFANEC 23 State of the Industry Address Geoff Cooper, RFA (33:17)

Virtual Ag Newsroom for the National Ethanol Conference

Audio, Energy, Ethanol, National Ethanol Conference, RFA

Animal Ag News 2/27

Carrie Muehling

  • In response to FDA guidance on plant-based beverages, which guides manufacturers of plant-based beverages to disclose their nutrient inferiority and acknowledges the public health concern of nutritional confusion over such beverages, the National Milk Producers Federation, which has led the fight for labeling transparency, released a statement from President and CEO Jim Mulhern.
  • Wisconsin again wins more awards than any other state or country during the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest. Wisconsin cheesemakers secure almost half of the 20 finalist honors, including first and second runner-up. Red Barn Family Farms from Appleton, Wisconsin, was named second-best cheese in the country.
  • During its annual National Sales Meeting, Zoetis and Folds of Honor celebrated a successful first year with a $218,000 donation from Zoetis based upon fourth quarter 2022 sales of select Zoetis products. This brings the total donation from Zoetis to $705,000 for Folds of Honor based on sales of select Zoetis products in 2022.
  • The Missouri Beef Industry Council (MBIC) welcomes Erica Graessle-Loethen as its Manager of Communications and Marketing. Raised on a commercial cattle operation in central Missouri (and a current cow/calf producer herself), she is equipped with “boots on the ground” experience and shares in a deep passion to advocate on behalf of Missouri’s beef industry.
  • Ralco announced the launch of Nutri-Graze, a pasture product that helps beef producers reduce off-farm feed costs by increasing their forage production.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

Field Notes from Koch Agronomic Services Episode 26

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.

Nutrient Access is an Important Key to Maximizing Yield Potential

In this episode, we welcome our new Field Notes moderator, Ken Root, as he talks with KAS technical agronomist, Matt Fryer, about nutrient access and the many variables that can affect nutrient availability at critical times in a crop’s life. Matt also discusses the KAS solutions growers can utilize to ensure nutrient access and increase maximum yield potential.

You can listen to the program here: Nutrient Access is an Important Key to Maximizing Yield Potential (24:02)

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, Agronomy, Audio, Koch Agronomic Services, Soil

Industry Ag News 2/24

Carrie Muehling

  • The American agricultural sector posted its best export year ever in 2022 with international sales of U.S. farm and food products reaching $196 billion, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced. Final 2022 trade data released earlier this week by the Commerce Department shows that U.S. agricultural exports increased 11 percent, or $19.5 billion, from the previous record set in 2021.
  • Registration is now open for the IFAJ 2023 Congress in Canada — New Frontiers in the West, hosted by the Canadian Farm Writers Federation. To kick off the start of registration, the 2023 IFAJ planning committee is pleased to offer a welcome week savings of $300 CAD off the base price of $1,323 CAD until March 1, at 11:59 p.m. MST. For one week, members can use the promo code, EAGERBEAVER, to receive the discounted price. After that, stay tuned for an early bird pricing special.
  • At the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 2023 Winter Policy Conference, NASDA CEO Ted McKinney announced the organization is welcoming eight new members since the 2022 midterm elections. Two states elected new commissioners of agriculture, and governors in six states have announced the appointment of new NASDA members.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association announced that BIOFerm and RCM Thermal Kinetics have joined the organization as its newest associate members.
  • For its 56th year, World Ag Expo hosted exhibitors, attendees, and media from around the world in record numbers. This year’s show marked a 10-year high in show attendance with 108,233 people on the grounds over the three-day run. The event ended on Thursday, February 16, and reported 1,225 exhibitors on 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. Attendees represented 49 states, the District of Columbia, and 56 countries.
  • Annie’s Project, a national non-profit to educate and empower women in agriculture, is celebrating 20 years since its founding. The program has over 19,000 graduates across 38 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • The Illinois Agri-Women (IAW) organization is offering 4 scholarships for females studying
    agriculture. One $1,500 IAW Helen Henert Agriculture Education Scholarship will be offered to a student who is an agriculture education major who will be finishing their undergraduate degree in the next year. Three $1,000 WCFA Agent of Change Scholarships are offered to students who have attended at least one Women Changing the Face of Agriculture Conference. Eligible applicants include past WCFA attendees and students who participated in the 2021 WCFA Online Curriculum. One scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior, one will be awarded to a current college student, and one scholarship will be awarded to a current graduate student.
  • The Minore Scholarship Committee of the National Wheat Foundation selected two recipients to receive a $2,500 scholarship each. Christopher Barron is a Texas A&M student pursuing a Plant and Environmental Soil Science degree. Chris intends to pursue a career in plant breeding and is interested in drought-tolerant crops with improved nutrition. Ella Martin is a Kansas State University student pursuing a degree in Bakery Science and Management, Food Science-Industry. Ella is passionate about educating consumers about wheat and agriculture.
  • The National Cotton Council’s 2023 Economic Outlook sees world consumption rebounding but economic pressure remaining.
  • The National Cotton Council’s annual planting intentions survey suggests U.S. producers will plant 11.4 million cotton acres in 2023.
  • The National Cotton Council announced it will be led in 2023 by Shawn Holladay, a Lubbock producer who will serve as chairman of U.S. cotton’s central organization.
  • The Journal of Agromedicine has named Brian Kuhl, president and chief executive officer of the Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF), as its 2023 “Leader in the Field,” for his contributions to agricultural safety and health practice, policy and research.
Zimfo Bytes

2023 Agri-Pulse Summit Preview

Cindy Zimmerman

With debate on a new farm bill formally underway, the upcoming 2023 Agri-Pulse Ag & Food Policy Summit will explore some of the forward-looking ideas under development that will drive policy discussions for both this year and the decades ahead.

Sara Wyant, Agri-Pulse editor and founder, says the theme of this year’s summit is Next Gen Farm & Food Policy. “It’s an opportunity for anybody interested in a farm bill, farm policy, and food policy in general to really come together around some of the new ideas that are emerging,” said Wyant.

Agri-Pulse is pleased to welcome the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) as the Platinum sponsor for the 2023 Ag & Food Policy Summit which both offers in-person and virtual attendance. Numerous other organizations and agribusiness companies are also helping to sponsor the event. “It’s kind of a who’s who of agriculture in one room,” said Wyant.

The summit is being held March 20 at The National Press Club in-person with virtual registration options available as well. Click here for registration.

Learn more about the summit in this interview with Sara Wyant.

Agri-Pulse summit preview (3:45)

Agri-Pulse, Agribusiness, Audio, Farm Bill, Farm Policy

Ag Day Names 2023 Essay Contest Winners

Cindy Zimmerman

2023 Ag DayThe Agriculture Council of America (ACA) has announced the 2023 National Ag Day video and written essay winners based on the theme “Growing a Climate for Tomorrow: How American Agriculture Does It Every Day.”

The national written essay winner, Timothy Hill of Orlando, Florida, receives a $1,000 prize and will read his winning essay at the virtual Ag Day event on March 21, 2023. The contest also named three merit winners who receive $100 and blog posts featuring their essays. They are Sophie Griswold of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania; Libby Ramge of Marysville, Ohio; and Elsha Valluru of Highland Village, Texas.

This year’s video essay winner, Olivia Lee of Aliso Viejo, California, wins a $1,000 prize. The winning entries can be viewed online at https://www.agday.org/2023-contest-winners.

The Ag Day Essay Contest is sponsored by CHS Inc., National Association of Farm Broadcasting, Farm Progress and Successful Farming.

Find out more about National Ag Day activities at AgDay.org

Ag Day

FACA Coalition Makes Farm Policy Recommendations

Cindy Zimmerman

The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance, a broad-based coalition of organizations, this week released policy recommendations for the 2023 farm bill.

FACA’s recommendations, developed by the 23-member Steering Committee, are divided into six categories:
Conservation, risk management and credit
Energy
Food waste
Forestry
Livestock and dairy
Research, extension and innovation

Founding members of the alliance include both the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union, as well as many other organizations that traditionally disagree on aspects of farm policy. Leaders of both AFBF and NFU praised FACA’s recommendations.

“Climate change continues to be a serious threat to farmers, ranchers and their communities. Farmers are already implementing practices to address the climate crisis and make their farms more resilient,” said NFU president Rob Larew. “FACA’s farm bill recommendations will establish a strong foundation to support farmers and ranchers in sequestering carbon, building soil health and reducing emissions for years to come.”

AFBF president Zippy Duvall said, “Despite a pandemic, severe weather, volatile markets and rising costs, farmers continue to meet the growing needs of America’s families, and the farm bill helps make that possible. We look forward to working with Congress to strengthen Title One programs, improve risk management tools, and utilize these FACA recommendations to advance our sustainability mission in a manner that respects farmers and ranchers as partners.”

FACA is an 80+ member coalition with organizations represents farmers, ranchers, forest owners, agribusinesses, manufacturers, the food and innovation sector, state governments, higher education associations, sportsmen and sportswomen, and environmental advocates.

Click to read the recommendations.

AFBF, Ag Groups

Neil Caskey Named National Corn Growers CEO

Cindy Zimmerman

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has promoted from within again in selecting a new chief executive officer and chosen Neil Caskey to fill the position vacated when Jon Doggett retired at the end of 2022. Caskey will steps into the role on Monday, February 27, just in time for the annual Commodity Classic next month.

Caskey has served as NCGA’s vice president of communications and industry relations for over four years and spent over a decade promoting agricultural issues as executive vice president at OBP Agency, a leading advertising and public relations firm. His professional background also includes work for the American Soybean Association and as a legislative aide for a U.S. member of Congress.

“It is quite an honor to lead an organization that I care so much about,” said Caskey. “We have a great team in place, and I look forward to forging full-speed ahead and pushing for wins on some of our top issues, like the Next Generation Fuels Act, fighting Mexico’s ban on genetically modified corn and securing reauthorization of the farm bill. NCGA is on the move.”

As vice president of NCGA, Caskey has been at the forefront of some of the organization’s top issues. Most recently, he has played a leading role in challenging Mexico on its efforts to ban genetically modified corn. Thanks to the efforts of NCGA on that front, the Biden administration has threatened to file a dissent decree if Mexico doesn’t reverse its actions.

Congratulations, Neil!

Corn, NCGA, people

Precision Ag News 2/22

Carrie Muehling

  • NK Seeds revealed their soybean lineup for the 2023 growing season, offering a diverse soybean class with the trait choices farmers want and need, including Enlist E3 and XtendFlex soybean technologies.
  • U.S. ag tractor sales finish January 2023 in the negative, while all segments of ag equipment grew in Canada according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Total U.S. ag tractor unit sales fell for the month of January in all segments except one, with 100+hp 2WD tractors growing 22.8 percent. U.S. self-propelled combine sales, however, continued its growth streak, climbing 132.7 percent year-over-year. All other segments fell, with the sub-40hp segment continuing to lead losses for the month of January. Total farm tractor sales in the U.S. for the month fell 14.1 percent versus January 2022.
  • Two North Carolina-based agriculture technology providers, FieldX Inc., and GROWERS announced the integration of their platforms, FieldX and The GROWERS App. The integration brings enhanced value to farmers who work with agronomists enabled by the FieldX platform. FieldX, an independent agricultural software platform for agronomists, and The GROWERS App, a free input management platform for farmers, are now integrated to allow farmers to turn agronomic recommendations from their agronomists into input purchases.
  • Case IH is expanding the lineup of Farmall N series tractors with two new models — the Farmall 90N and 120N — in addition to existing 80N, 100N and 110N tractors. All five Farmall N models offer new styling and advanced displays; upgraded cab comfort and controls; and improved fuel tank capacity. Reinforcing the brand commitment to emissions reductions, these tractors are improved to now meet Tier 4 B/Final emissions. The Farmall N series tractor is known for wide flexibility and a narrow footprint where space is at a premium, such as in orchards and vineyards.
  • Case IH is also proud to build on the legacy of AFS Soil Command and AFS Harvest Command with AFS Furrow Command downforce automation — designed to maximize producers’ yield potential. Available to order for spring 2023, the Precision Disk series air drill with AFS Furrow Command will help producers get the most out of every seed. AFS Furrow Command adds to the accuracy of our patented parallel-link row-unit by helping automate downforce setting and maintain consistent seed depth regardless of terrain.
  • The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) administered oaths of office to its new Officers and Executive Board members. Kim LaFleur of Plympton, MA, was sworn in as president of the association.
  • The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) also recognized winners of its national service awards at the association’s 77th Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA. The Hugh Hammond Bennett Conservation Planner Award was presented to Pamela Pavek of Moscow, ID. The Hugh Hammond Bennett Conservation Producer Award was presented to Charles Holmes of Marion, AL. The Olin Sims Award was presented to Wade Troutman of Bridgeport, WA. The Friends of Conservation Award was presented to Brian Ponder of Tifton, GA. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Brian Sneeringer of Gettysburg, PA.
  • Producers selling grains, pulses, oilseeds, and organics to Columbia Grain International now can take advantage of an improved digital experience with a new mobile app and web portal on the Bushel platform. The new mobile app, named Columbia Grain International, is available in both Android and iPhone devices to allow producers easy access to real-time information, including electronic scale tickets, contracts and on holds.
  • The world-record-holding crop production partners at Total Acre will present the latest information on advances in farm equipment and crop production insights during two upcoming sessions designed to help farmers secure a higher return on investment for their 2023 crops.
  • Thunder Seed of Dilworth, Minn. has selected Meristem Crop Performance to be their marketing partner for specialty crop input products, including the newly patented BIOCAPSULE and MICROBILIZE biological delivery systems.
  • The Global Ag Tech Awards of Excellence — North America, program sheds light on some of the most important people and programs that have helped agriculture realize the full benefits of technology to improve agronomy, efficiency, and stewardship in crop production. The nominations for the 2023 Awards of Excellence must be received by April 15, 2023.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture