Chancellor Perdue Seeks Grower Input

Cindy Zimmerman

The former Governor of Georgia and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture came before the Southern Peanut Growers Conference Thursday in his newest role as University System of Georgia Chancellor.

Sonny Perdue was named UGA Chancellor in 2022, a role which provides leadership in higher education, extension, and research priorities within the state university system, so he wanted to hear what peanut growers think is important. “I need to hear from folks on the ground what’s going on out there from a Georgia perspective,” said Perdue. “As Chancellor, the land grant mission and extension model is one where we’re able to disseminate knowledge out to the field and I think that’s been one of the strengths of our agricultural productivity over the years.”

Perdue said he often gets asked about Donald Trump and what he was like as president. “I didn’t understand fully how somebody that grew up in Queens could have such a genuine affection for people of the land like Donald Trump had,” said Perdue. “What I finally concluded was, in the American farmer and rancher he saw the embodiment of the American spirit.”

Would he be willing to serve as agriculture secretary again if Donald Trump returns to the White House. “I flippantly tell people right now, if the opportunity occurred, I’d rather be married,” he joked.

SPGC24 Chancellor Perdue listening session panel 33:57
SPGC24 Chancellor Perdue press conf 4:42

2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album

Ag Groups, Audio, Peanuts, SPGC

House Ag Vice Chair Addresses Peanut Growers

Cindy Zimmerman

Many of his Republican colleagues are in Milwaukee this week for the convention, but Rep. Austin Scott of Georgia put peanut growers and his family ahead of attending his party’s big party.

“It’s not that I don’t want to be there, it’s that I have a six year old and a ten year old and I had four other things scheduled in the district,” said Rep. Scott.

Scott, who is Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, addressed the conference about the current state of the delayed farm bill. “It’s harder now to get anything done in Washington D.C.,” said Scott. “We’ve got to get a farm bill and that farm bill has got to take care of American production agriculture.”

Several of Scott’s priorities to ensure a strong farm safety net were included in the House version of the farm bill, which passed out of committee in May, and he considers it the best bill for production agriculture. While there is a possibility a bill could pass before the end of the year, he expects it will be put off until 2025 when he is optimistic things might be better.

“I certainly hope that President Trump becomes the president of the United States and he selects someone like Sonny Perdue to be the secretary of agriculture who actually cares about production agriculture,” said Scott.

Listen to Scott’s remarks and press conference below.
SPGC24 Rep. Scott remarks 12:44
SPGC24 Rep. Scott press 5:18

2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album

Ag Groups, Audio, Farm Bill, Food, Peanuts, SPGC

Ready to Roll on the River

Cindy Zimmerman

Peanut growers and industry representatives from Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi are in Savannah, Georgia this week Rollin’ on the River for the 2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference.

The three-day event is sponsored by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, Florida Peanut Producers Association, Georgia Peanut Commission, and Mississippi Peanut Growers Association. Leaders of the state organizations, pictured here, gave us an update on the condition of their crops this year and what they are expecting as far as a farm bill after the 2018 law was extended last year and looks to be delayed again this year.

Listen to comments from each state director below.
Libby Johnson, Executive Director, Alabama Peanut Producers Association
SPGC24 Libby Johnson, AL 2:00
Ken Barton, Executive Director, Florida Peanut Producers Association
SPGC24 Ken Barton, FL 4:32
Don Koehler, Executive Director, Georgia Peanut Commission
SPGC24 Don Koehler, GA 6:26
Malcolm Broome, Executive Director, Mississippi Peanut Growers Association
SPGC24 Malcolm Broome, MS 4:05

2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album

Check out all the content from the Southern Peanut Growers Conference on the SPGC Blog where you can also find past years events going back to 2008.

Ag Groups, Audio, Food, Peanuts, SPGC

Precision Ag News 7/17

Carrie Muehling

  • Syngenta Crop Protection, a leader in agricultural innovation, and Ginkgo Bioworks, which is building the leading platform for cell programming and biosecurity, announced a new cooperation aimed at accelerating the launch of a new biological solution. The two companies have previously collaborated on next-generation seed technology.
  • Following the launch of the SpotOn Turf Soil Moisture Meter last July, Innoquest Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of precision meters for the agriculture, turf and greenhouse industries, has announced the release of a compact, handheld meter. The SpotOn Pocket Soil Moisture is an innovative device designed to provide greenhouse growers and potted plant enthusiasts with quick and accurate readings of soil moisture, pore & bulk electrical conductivity (EC), and temperature, ensuring optimal plant health and growth. Delivering quick and accurate measurements, the meter links via Bluetooth technology to their SpotView Mobile App (available for download on Google Play and Apple Store).
  • Ecorobotix announced its participation in the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Congress 2024 August 14-18 in Interlaken, Switzerland. This event brings together agricultural journalists from around the world to explore the latest advancements in agricultural technology and journalism.
  • U.S. sales of Ag tractors and combines in June 2024 fell below reported sales from the same month a year ago, according to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). June sales of 2-wheel-drive tractors dropped 16.3 percent compared to 2023, while 4-wheel-drive tractors fell 1.3 percent within the same timeframe. Combines sales declined as well, finishing the month 31 percent below June 2023.
  • The Biostimulants World Congress is scheduled for November 13-15, 2024 in Miami, USA (with workshops on the 12th). The Strategic and Commercial Track will provide valuable knowledge and networking opportunities to enhance strategic initiatives and commercial success in the biostimulant industry.
  • Researchers and leaders from more than 40 nations will visit Manhattan, Kansas, to learn the latest significant research and information on precision agriculture at the International Conference on Precision Agriculture. ICPA brings together brightest minds from around the world, under one canopy to share and advance science and technologies of precision agriculture. The conference is in partnership with the International Society of Precision Agriculture and Kansas State University.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Taranis Introduces AI-powered Agronomic Assistant

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Taranis today announced the launch of the industry’s first AI-powered agronomic engine, Ag Assistant™.

    Using multimodal AI, Ag Assistant promises to revolutionize service and management opportunities for ag retailers and the growers they serve by providing unprecedented timeliness and accuracy in addressing in-season threats. The advancement introduces a new approach to AI-powered farm management.

    Jason Minton, Chief Commercial Officer for Taranis, explains, “Ag Assistant is the culmination of years of data collection, analysis and development. Our GenAI model was trained on a growing library of more than 500 million leaf-level data points, collected exclusively by Taranis, along with relevant, vetted industry information. Ag Assistant will enhance the speed, accuracy and quality of service agronomists can provide growers.”

    In addition to Taranis’ ever-expanding proprietary agronomic data library, Ag Assistant also captures, analyzes and contextualizes information from weather maps, machinery data, university research, crop input companies, and other peer-reviewed, credible sources. The Taranis multimodal Ag GenAI model then cross-references and applies all gathered information to the detected threat(s) in the grower’s field. Culminating is a report that categorizes and summarizes all identified threats, providing the agronomist with a recommendation for remedy. This solution is delivered to the Taranis platform, where both the agronomic advisor and enrolled grower are alerted to management opportunities in hours rather than days.

    Read more about this exciting new ag tech innovation.

    Agronomy, AgWired Precision, AI, Precision Agriculture, Technology

    Industry Ag News 7/15

    Carrie Muehling

  • Syngenta announced the appointment of Susan Luke as senior communications manager for Syngenta U.S. Crop Protection and Corporate Communications, effective July 8. She will report to Kathy Eichlin, head of U.S. Crop Protection and Corporate Communications.
  • Submit nominations for the National Agri-Marketing Association Professional Development Awards by August 1. Who do you know moving the industry forward while making a significant, positive impact within NAMA? Take the time to recognize them and submit a nomination. Nominating someone is easy–just fill out the online form. Don’t wait – nominations are due by August 1. Get complete details here.
  • JCB is proud to announce a special long-term partnership with multi-GRAMMY award winning musician and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Joe Walsh and his national 501(c)3 non-profit veterans organization and annual benefit festival, VetsAid. The partnership will raise awareness and funds for U.S. veterans through the power of rock and the transformative process of rebuilding.
  • Corn growers were responsible for a $151 billion boost to the U.S. economy in 2023, according to a new report released by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).
  • A select group of 50 FFA alumni from across the country will convene in Des Moines, Iowa, July 21-25 to discuss future issues and opportunities in the field of production agriculture. The annual New Century Farmer Conference convenes FFA alumni ages 18-24 who have demonstrated leadership in their studies and work experience, earning them a sought-after spot at the conference.
  • Bayer and Kroger joined forces with country music star Luke Bryan and Feeding America to bring healthy food to more families who need it. According to Feeding America’s latest data, more than 44 million people in the United States are food insecure, including a nearly 30 percent increase – more than 10 million – compared to the previous year.
  • Farmers Union youth from across the nation recently gathered for the 86th National Farmers Union (NFU) All-States Leadership Retreat, held at the Lake Sarah Campground, managed by the Minnesota Farmers Union in Polk County, Minnesota.
  • The Georgia Peanut Commission is hosting a photo contest through Oct. 1, 2024, featuring peanut farms from across the state to fill the pages of the 2025 Georgia Peanut Calendar. Photos will also be selected to be used in various promotional projects by GPC throughout the year.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Rivulis Announces Josh Dixon as New CEO

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Global irrigation leader Rivulis has announced industry veteran Josh Dixon will become Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in September, replacing Richard Klapholz who has served as CEO for over a decade.

    With over 25 years of industrial experience, Dixon is a proven leader and strategist who has guided market-leading public and private companies through periods of rapid commercial growth and strategic business development in highly competitive global marketplaces.

    During the transition, Dixon will work alongside outgoing CEO Richard Klapholz, whose deep institutional knowledge and steady hand have guided the Company over the past decade. Dixon begins as CEO effective September 16, 2024.

    Dixon is the former president of Valley Irrigation, an international subsidiary of publicly traded Valmont Industries, Inc., and he spent more than nine years with the Company. He previously held business development and operational, commercial, and industrial manufacturing roles at Belden, Danaher Sensors and Controls, and General Electric.

    Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Irrigation, people, Precision Agriculture

    Precision Ag News 7/11

    Carrie Muehling

  • Cargill and the Forever Green Initiative, a research platform in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota, are partnering to study winter camelina and domesticated pennycress. The collaboration will focus on the development of high performing seed varieties and farming techniques adapted for the unique growing conditions of the Upper Midwest.
  • Join the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) on Thursday, July 18 at 6:00pm Central for a free, 1-hour, live webinar: Grazing Cover Crops for Healthy Soils and Healthy Profits. Kody Aesoph of Ree Heights, SD, will describe his family’s success with haying and ensiling cover crops for their cattle, and Brady Wulf of Starbuck, MN, will discuss how his family grazes their Simmental and SimAngus herd on cover crop mixes. Tanse Hermann of SD NRCS will share insight on best practices and how he and his family build soil health with cover crops on their horse and hay operation. Click here to register for the free July 18 webinar.
  • The American Soybean Association invites soybean farmers to attend a new event designed to help them evaluate the many conservation incentive programs available to them—and to connect with the organizations and ASA industry partners offering these opportunities. The ASA Farmer Forum: Building Your Conservation Program and Profit Potential will be August 26 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa, the day before the annual Farm Progress Show. All farmers who register by August 20 will receive a free one-day admission to the Farm Progress Show in nearby Boone, Iowa. The event agenda and registration link are available by clicking here.
  • Rantizo, the largest drone spraying network in the country, has achieved a significant milestone in drone operations with the approval of an amendment to Exemption No. 18929B, allowing Rantizo service hub operators to swarm up to 3 drones over 55 pounds, without a visual observer (VO), and at night.
  • Syngenta announced that its newest online resource for all things disease management and planning is now available on www.BoostYourBushels.com. This latest website update will enable users to discover a variety of tools that can help them make the most educated decisions for improving the overall health of their corn, soybean and wheat crops.
  • Syngenta Biologicals, a leader in cutting-edge agricultural biological solutions and Intrinsyx Bio, a Silicon Valley biotech company that promotes sustainable agriculture, announced a collaboration to bring a novel biological solution to agricultural markets globally.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Animal Ag News 7/11

    Carrie Muehling

  • Grassroots members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) concluded a successful Summer Business Meeting in San Diego, CA. Cattle producers discussed top issues facing the cattle industry including risk management, taxes, and business regulation.
  • The Public Lands Council (PLC) announced a rolling notice of funding availability that accompanies the existing grant funding process for Fiscal Year 2025. This two-track process allows individuals and organizations to submit proposals at any point during the year to be evaluated on an as-received basis. Additionally, PLC will maintain the traditional call for involvement through issuance of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) that address specific PLC needs and objectives throughout the year. Both types of funding availability support partnership and research capacity that address unique needs of federal lands ranchers and the grazing community. Both RFPs and any rolling submissions must meet PLC’s Guidelines for Distribution and any other associated requirements.
  • Andrew Jerome has been promoted to Vice President, Communications for the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). Jerome joined IDFA in February 2020 as Director, External and Member Communications. Andrew’s new role will allow him to expand his responsibilities managing the organization’s communications, marketing of events, and reputation management activities for IDFA members and the broader dairy and food industries. Jessica Matsko has been promoted to Manager, Executive Office & Special Projects, and Victoria Pender has been promoted to Manager, Events & Programs.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is now accepting nominations until July 26 for its Liquid Feed Hall of Fame Award, which will be presented on Sept. 11 at its Liquid Feed Symposium in Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) acknowledged 73 graduates from its biennial Feed Industry Institute (FII) in Minneapolis, Minn. Attendees took part in a four-day, intensive educational forum to learn about the feed, pet food and feed ingredient industry from those who know it best – industry experts. In addition to the educational program, attendees mingled with colleagues from across the industry and stepped out of the classroom to attend a Minneapolis Twins baseball game.
  • The 2024 National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry is specifically tailored to poultry facility and corporate safety personnel, providing key insights on important industry topics and government policy. The conference, sponsored by the Georgia Tech Research Institute/ATRP and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), is scheduled for Aug. 19-21 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Fla.
  • U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) announces the appointment of Hannah Keck as director, communications. She will be responsible for the planning and coordination of communication activities for USPOULTRY and its family of organizations, including the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). She will report to Gwen Venable, executive vice president – expo & communication services.
  • The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program released new versions of the Animal Care and Workforce Development Programs, refining, updating and improving agriculture-leading benchmarks for animal care and workforce best practices.
  • Jan Lyons of Manhattan, Kansas will be honored with the Cattlemen’s Beef Board’s (CBB) fourth annual Beef Checkoff Visionary Award during the General Session of the 2024 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in San Diego, California. This award recognizes an individual in the beef industry who has demonstrated exemplary support of and commitment to the Checkoff’s goals and vision.
  • Maggie Thompson began her role as the poultry veterinarian for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System June 10. This position showcases a unique partnership between Alabama Extension, the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment System (AAES).
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Intrinsyx Bio Partners with Syngenta for Nutrient Use Efficiency

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Syngenta Biologicals and Silicon Valley biotech company Intrinsyx Bio are partnering on a new biological solution to boost crops’ nutrient use efficiency.

    The collaboration will boost farmers’ access to a custom selection of Intrinsyx Bio’s proprietary endophyte formulations. Endophytes – small microorganisms that colonize in plants – fix atmospheric nitrogen directly into the plant, increasing the availability and uptake of key nutrients such as phosphorus and micronutrients that are important for plant health. This reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, offering farmers greater flexibility in their nutrient management strategies while lowering the environmental impact of farming. Formulations will be offered as seed treatment and foliar application in key agricultural crops.

    “This agreement represents another opportunity to expand the reach of our ‘biology that works,’” said Greg Thompson, CEO of Intrinsyx Bio. “Partnering with Syngenta allows farmers around the world to benefit from endophytes proven mode of action and extensive field testing that improves nutrient use efficiency and increases crop yields.”

    AgWired Precision, Biologicals, Precision Agriculture, Syngenta, Technology