Farmers Receive $1.2 Million from CarbonNOW®

Cindy Zimmerman

Over 40 farmers around the country are celebrating the rapid receipt of over $1.2 million in carbon payments, upfront on a per-acre basis through CarbonNOW®, a globally recognized carbon farming program from Locus Agricultural Solutions® (Locus AG). Farmers received the initial compensation within 8 months of joining CarbonNOW, making it the fastest prepayment from any agricultural carbon farming program.

“It’s important for farmers to see financial compensation early on for the time dedicated to a carbon farming program, plus co-benefits to help ensure a successful growing season,” said Travis Kraft, Locus AG’s director of row crops and CarbonNOW carbon farming expert. “With CarbonNOW, farmers don’t have to wait years for payment. They get guaranteed money upfront with no program fees, plus the chance for bonuses.”

CarbonNOW also provides access to novel microbial soil amendments, or soil probiotics, that count as a required regenerative agriculture practice change.

In addition to broader eligibility, the soil probiotics also accelerate profitability for the farmer and enable potential performance bonuses by:
– increasing carbon sequestration
– enhancing nutrient uptake
– boosting crop productivity / yields

Locus AG’s CarbonNOW experts help farmers track these co-benefits through free-of-charge, on-farm soil testing and third-party validations.

The CarbonNOW program was recently expanded to 1.32 million acres and growing interest from farmers and carbon credit buyers is leading to additional plans for further reach.

Find out more from LocusAG.com/CarbonNOW.

carbon, Farming

Precision Ag News 8/10

Carrie Muehling

  • Bayer’s national flagship brand DEKALB is proud to announce its new partnership as the Official Corn Seed of MLB at Field of Dreams presented by GEICO. On August 11, the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs take the field next to the legendary filming site in Dyersville, Iowa, surrounded by none other than DEKALB corn.
  • As harvest begins across the country, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) reminds farmers about the importance of taking precautions to ensure treated seed does not enter the grain supply. To learn more about seed treatment stewardship, visit seed-treatment-guide.com. For information about treated seed benefits and safety, visit betterseed.org/treated-seeds/.
  • Growers looking to provide the critical nutrition needed for early crop establishment can now turn to PROTIVATE nutritional seed enhancer from Koch Agronomic Services. With proprietary blends of nutrients applied directly to the seed, PROTIVATE is tailored to provide early season nutrition needed to maximize emergence and resilience for a variety of crops, from corn and soybean to cotton, wheat, canola, alfalfa and more.
  • The 2022 Irrigation Issues Report from Ceres Imaging, a precision agriculture data provider, is now available. As a follow up to their inaugural 2021 report, this year’s report further analyzed data from 350,000 acres of specialty crops across California to quantify the extent and impact of drip irrigation issues.
  • At its annual Specialty Products Conference, AgriGold revealed significant new offerings in seed products that give farmers opportunities to generate greater net income through premium programs.
  • Meristem Crop Performance Group and Stoller announced a strategic product development and marketing alliance focused on distributing Stoller’s biostimulant technology while offering even more quality solutions through Meristem’s growing network of dealer-partners.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

Ethanol Report on Inflation Reduction Act

Cindy Zimmerman

The Inflation Reduction Act passed Sunday afternoon by the U.S. Senate retained important provisions that will stimulate growth and investment in the use of low-carbon renewable fuels, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. The legislation now moves back to the House of Representatives, where a vote is expected as soon as Friday.

In this edition of The Ethanol Report podcast, RFA Vice President of Government and Public Affairs Troy Bredenkamp breaks down some pieces of the legislation that include funding for clean fuel production and enhanced opportunities for ethanol to play a greater role in sustainable aviation fuel, and carbon capture, utilization and storage.

Ethanol Report 8-7-22 (13:25)

The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

Choose an option to subscribe

Audio, Ethanol, Podcasts, RFA

Animal Ag News 8/8

Carrie Muehling

  • FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative is hosting an exclusive webinar on Thursday, August 11 at 12 noon for cooperative members to learn more and discuss the issues being discussed to modernize Federal Milk Marketing Orders. The webinar is being hosted in conjunction with the National Milk Producers Federation, and registration is free.
  • Prompted by a call from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to get as many people involved in dairy as possible in one room to discuss solutions to Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) shortfalls, the American Farm Bureau Federation is hosting a forum Oct. 14-16 in Kansas City, Missouri. Registration is open through Sept. 22. on the Federal Milk Marketing Order Forum website.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is seeking nominations for three top awards presented annually to leaders in the dairy industry. Nominations will close on Friday, Oct. 28. Winners will be announced and recognized at Dairy Forum 2023 in Orlando, Fla. Nominations are now open for the following awards: The IDFA Laureate Award, the 2023 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year Award, and the IDFA Food Safety Leadership Award.
  • Verility Inc., led by co-founder and CEO Liane Hart, has closed Series A funding worth $3.5 million. The round was led by Mountain Group Partners of Nashville, Tennessee, and includes a previous investment from Purdue Foundry.
  • The 2023 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) has surpassed 500,000 square feet of exhibit space and secured more than 940 exhibitors, with six months remaining until the Expo. Made up of three integrated trade shows – the International Poultry Expo, International Feed Expo and International Meat Expo – IPPE is the world’s largest annual poultry and egg, meat and animal food trade show and is sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the American Feed Industry Association and the North American Meat Institute.
  • Zoetis announced it has received expanded label approval from the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) on three beef implant products. Synovex Choice® is the foundation of new reimplant labels that are now available to feedlot operations, which also include Synovex Plus® and Synovex® One Feedlot.
  • To better capture current market values and the investments producers have in the livestock they raise, USDA’s Farm Service Agency recently announced increased Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) disaster assistance payment rates for beef, beefalo, bison and dairy animals less than 250 pounds. These now-updated payment rates are reflective of the substantial increased cost of these non-adult livestock in 2022.
  • Cargill is continuing their legacy and commitment to fighting food insecurity through a new $4.9 million donation to the Feeding America® network of member food banks. The company’s donation comes at a moment when the need for food assistance remains high from continued pandemic and economic impacts.
  • The Animal Agriculture Alliance’s annual College Aggies Online scholarship competition is returning this year on September 12. Now in its 14th year, the program is open to undergraduate, graduate students, collegiate clubs and classes who will learn how to engage about food and agriculture online and in their communities over the course of the nine-week program. Last year students were awarded more than $20,000 in scholarships.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

Update on Global Ag Tech Initiative

Cindy Zimmerman

The Global Ag Tech Initiative, launched in June by Meister Media Worldwide (MMW), was in the spotlight at the recent Tech Hub LIVE in Indianapolis.

“The initiative will leverage all MMW domestic and international markets and diverse platforms to build out new global and region-specific programs to advance the new generation of digital data-driven agriculture around the world,” said Global Ag Tech Initiative managing director Eric Davis.

The initiative includes a portfolio of events and informative products which can be found on the GlobalAgTechInitiative.com website. It also includes the Global Ag Tech Alliance North America, a partnership with industry-leading technology and crop input organizations supporting the activities, research, and outreach that facilitate the adoption of precision and digital agriculture products and practices.

Learn more in this interview with Davis.
2022 Tech Hub LIVE interview with Eric Davis, Global Ag Tech Initiative 4:28

AgWired Precision, Audio, Precision Agriculture, Tech Hub LIVE, Technology

DWFI Podcast 16 – Erin Haacker – Nebraska Groundwater

Cindy Zimmerman

Erin Haacker is a hydrogeologist and assistant professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. As Erin would say, her professional path has been a winding road. She has two bachelor’s degrees – zoology from the University of Montana and geology from University College Cork in Ireland. She ventured to Michigan State University for her Ph.D., double majoring in environmental science and policy and is now teaching in UNL’s Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences.

Erin is interested in groundwater management, especially in terms of profit and risk. She likes to ask thought-provoking questions such as how people adapt to natural resources and how that can be represented in physical and statistical models.

In this episode, Frances Hayes, DWFI director of communications and public relations, and Erin discuss the interconnections of groundwater and surface water in Nebraska, as well as the role agriculture plays in the equation.

Listen here or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:
DWFI Podcast 16 - Erin Haacker - Nebraska Groundwater 26:59

The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska was founded with the mission to have a lasting and significant impact on achieving more food security with less pressure on scarce water resources by conducting scientific and policy research, using the research results to inform policy makers, and sharing knowledge through education and communication.

How to subscribe:

Audio, Irrigation, Water, Water for Food

Industry Ag News 8/5

Carrie Muehling

  • U.S. Wheat Associates has hired Brenda Taylor as Director of Information Technology in its Arlington, Va., headquarters office. Taylor is an experienced information technology manager having worked primarily in a local law firm. USW is the export market organization for the U.S. wheat industry.
  • U.S. Wheat Associates has promoted Catherine Miller to Director of Programs. Miller joined USW in 2018 as Program and Planning Coordinator and shifted to Programs Coordinator in 2021 to reflect structural changes.
  • The Progressive Agriculture Foundation welcomes Toby Neal of Rochester, Minnesota, as its new program support specialist. Bringing more than 10 years of experience in volunteer management and youth development, Neal will officially begin his role with the Foundation on Monday, August 8.
  • Start making your plans to attend the 2022 NAFB Convention. Join more than 650 agricultural industry leaders November 16-18 in Kansas City for three days of learning, newsmaker sessions, networking, and more.
  • In celebration of its 50th anniversary in the U.S., Kubota grows its Kubota Hometown Proud community grant program sixfold in its second year, awarding $600,000 in grants to deserving communities across the country. “Kubota Hometown Proud” – which encourages cities, towns, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations to partner with their local Kubota dealership and apply for consideration – launched a call-for-entries in April and Kubota selected its five regional grant winners in May. Each regional winner is awarded $100,000 to support their community revitalization project. Then, all five community projects were put up for a public vote to determine one lucky community that would receive an additional $100,000 with the program’s “Community Choice Grant,” which ultimately went to Homesteads for Hope, a community garden for adults with disabilities located in Rochester, New York.
  • The Controlled Environment Agriculture Food Safety Coalition announced that it has retained The Stenzel Group LLC to provide management services, with the appointment of former United Fresh Produce Association President & CEO Tom Stenzel as its new Executive Director.
  • Farmers Risk ushers in the next generation of tools for farmers through their trade execution tool. Originally founded in 2021, Farmers Risk is a platform that helps growers track their current financial position and profitability. With this product launch announcement, farmers on the platform will not only be able to track their financial position and risk portfolio, but they can now also actively trade futures and options through their own account, with a small convenience fee of $10 per turn.
  • Anthony Bush, an Ohio farmer, has been appointed to serve as a director on the board of MAIZALL, the international alliance of maize growers and exporters from Argentina, Brazil and the United States. He joins John Linder, National Corn Growers Association’s chair, representing NCGA to the board.
  • Agricultural Retailers Association is proud to announce that Andrea Mowers is being promoted to the position of Director, Communications and Member Experience, effective August 1, 2022. In this role, Andrea will lead all digital and print communication efforts and ensure that all aspects of member interaction and engagement are the best that can be delivered.
Zimfo Bytes

Precision Ag News 8/4

Carrie Muehling

  • Bayer, Bunge and Chevron U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, have signed a shareholders’ agreement in connection with Bayer’s acquisition of a 65 percent majority ownership of the winter oilseed producer CoverCress, Inc. The remaining 35 percent of CCI will continue ownership under Bunge and Chevron.
  • Veteran ag industry leader John Gertz has joined the senior management team at Meristem Crop Performance as Chief Operating Officer. In the new role, Gertz will apply his deep experience in agribusiness, manufacturing and global supply chain operations management to boost Meristem’s efforts to build the most efficient platform for driving farm business success and accelerating innovation.
  • Valley Irrigation has partnered with Farmers National Company to complete the company’s first ag solar installation within North America. The installation, which is located in south-central Nebraska on a farm managed by Farmers National Company, will provide sustainable power to the landowner by efficiently converting the sun’s rays to clean energy.
  • Corteva Agriscience announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved the registration of Resicore XL herbicide. The improved Resicore XL herbicide formulation will be available for use in the 2023 growing season.
  • The Soil Health Institute has released the agenda for its upcoming annual meeting to be held virtually on Aug. 11-12. Attendees at this year’s annual meeting of the Soil Health Institute can expect a content-rich program ranging from scientific results to their translation and implementation, all designed to increase on-farm and environmental benefits by “Scaling Up Soil Health.”
  • The Illinois Soybean Association has named Stephanie Porter as Outreach Agronomist and Deanna Burkhart as Agronomic Programs Coordinator.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

Concept AgriTek Field Day Showcases Product Successes

Cindy Zimmerman

Concept AgriTek recently held its 2022 field day at the Seyer Farm in Oran, Missouri to showcase leading research on the company’s micronutrient and biological product portfolio and answer questions farmers have regarding implementing plans that include biology and micronutrient management.

“We decided a couple of years ago, that if we were going to do plots, we were going to do them right. We wanted them to be as close to what growers were seeing in the field as we could get them,” Regional Sales Manager, Mark Glastetter told attendees as the event kicked off.

The in-field portion offered an in-depth look at the biology being used in the Concept AgriTek agronomic program with Agronomist, Bert Riggan, discussing the importance of Buncha Bugs and Biovate® XP as a foundation for any crop. The afternoon delivered an introduction of the Concept AgriTek team, a display of nationwide product success amongst various crops, including rice, corn, soybeans, sweet potatoes, and melon. The afternoon concluded with a product giveaway of 100 acres of CALBOR and BioHealth.

Concept AgriTek owner, Trey Curtis, addressed attendees. “We are growing at an incredible rate and with that growth, we are adding to our sales and support teams to make sure that we are able to provide the level of service and agronomic support our team has become known for,” he said.

Visit the Concept AgriTek website to learn more about the education shared at the 2022 Field Day, or to schedule an on-site visit with an agronomist.

Agronomy, AgWired Precision, Biologicals, Nutrient Management, Precision Agriculture

Animal Ag News 8/1

Carrie Muehling

  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced that JY Ferry & Son, Inc. in Corinne, Utah, is the 2021 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) national winner. The award, which annually recognizes the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle producers, was presented to the Ferry family during the cattle industry’s Summer Business Meeting in Reno.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the Food and Energy Security Act introduced by Sen. John Thune, R-SD. The bill would require federal regulators to disclose how proposed rules would impact food and energy prices.
  • Dr. Billy Powell of Washington County, Alabama was presented with the Cattlemen’s Beef Board’s second annual Beef Checkoff Visionary Award during the General Session of the 2022 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in Reno, Nevada. This honor recognizes an individual in the beef industry who has demonstrated exemplary support of and commitment to the Checkoff’s goals and vision.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is increasing the amount of funding available for the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP) and expects to issue approximately $62.8 million in pandemic assistance payments to hog producers starting this week. SMHPP assists eligible producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale from April 16, 2020, through Sept. 1, 2020. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) accepted SMHPP applications through April 29, 2022. Terry Wolters, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) president and owner of Stoney Creek Farms in Pipestone, Minnesota, shared a statement on behalf of NPPC in support of this action.
  • Dr. Janet Remus, senior technical director with Danisco Animal Nutrition & Health, was recognized with the 2022 Poultry Science Association Distinguished Poultry Industry Career Award, sponsored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY).
  • Wisconsin cheese, butter and yogurt makers win the most awards of any state, totaling more than one-fourth (26%) of all awards at the 2022 American Cheese Society Judging and Competition in Portland, Ore. That’s twice the awards won by the next closest competing state.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites