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ALB is All About Climate Smart Sheep

Cindy Zimmerman

This month, 150 sheep producers around the country will be selected to participate in the American Lamb Board (ALB) Climate Smart Sheep program starting in 2025.

ALB Chairman Jeff Ebert of Kansas says producers enrolled in the program will be paid up to $7,000 to develop and implement Climate Smart Sheep management practices and measure and report emissions and life cycle analysis. “We’ve just recently received a $4 million grant from USDA for Climate Smart sheep and right now we’re gathering up producers who want to take part in this,” said Ebert in a recent interview.

In addition, the grant is helping to educate producers about the benefits of targeted grazing related to carbon sequestration, soil health, and other ecosystem factors. “We’ve seen a lot of these solar panels come up and there’s vegetation underneath them. Sheep are a natural animal to help control that vegetation,” said Ebert. “So we’re working not only with solar grazing companies, but also vineyards and just grazing in general, it’s a way to embrace it.”

ALB held three workshops in different parts of the country this year on vegetation management for solar arrays, vineyards, and fire suppression, and six are planned for 2025. Learn more on the ALB website.

Learn more in this interview with Ebert.
NAFB24 Jeff Ebert, Lamb Board (3:36)

AgWired Animal, American Lamb Board, Animal Agriculture, Audio, Sheep, Sustainability

AgGateway Speaker Explores What Ag Can Learn From Others

Cindy Zimmerman

One of the keynote topics at the recent AgGateway annual meeting was how other industries might offer lessons for agriculture in navigating sustainability data standards.

Andrew Selck, Partner with Kearney working in Agriculture and Food Practice, addressed this topic in his presentation, “Sustainability Data Standards: What Ag Can Learn from Other Sectors.”

“In my role I have been a consumer of agriculture data, and I have seen the benefit when you can leverage that data and pull it together,” says Selck. “I really believe in AgGateway’s mission – you need to make that data more interoperable and more standardized if you are going to create the value the industry needs. And the value can be discovered across the board whether it’s agronomic insights and strategic business information to farmers, efficiency and cost savings to a value chain organization, or improved employee experience.”

Listen to Selck’s address here:
AgGateway keynote Andrew Selck, Kearney (54:44)

2024 AgGateway Annual Conference Photo Album

AgGateway, Agribusiness, Agronomy, AI, Audio, data

Precision Ag News 12/4

Carrie Muehling

  • What better subject than soil for the next ‘Sharing the Knowledge’ webinar, on December 5, celebrating the 10th anniversary of World Soil Day? This year’s theme of “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage” focuses on the role of soil data and information. First session on December 5, 2 am GMT: REGISTER HERE. Second session on December 5, 3:30 pm GMT: REGISTER HERE.
  • Register now for the 36th Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) Annual Conference January 6-9, at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells, CA. Two other meetings will be held at the same location with both GreenLeaf and Inari holding their annual business meetings concurrently. Among the many speakers in the learning sessions will be Han Chen, CEO of ZeaKal.
  • Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS) highlights a wide range of pumps ideal for seed treatment applications. For low-pressure feed pump applications, Watson-Marlow offers Qdos chemical metering pumps, as well as its cased peristaltic pumps. Visit WMFTS at the ASTA Seed Expo 2024 in Orlando, Florida, December 10-13 to learn more about these solutions for seed treatment.
  • Pivot Bio, one of the world’s leading innovative agtech companies, announced Melih Keyman has been elected to the Pivot Bio Board of Directors, effective Dec. 1. Keyman brings to the company more than 40 years of leading expertise in the global fertilizer industry.
  • Advanced Agrilytics, a leading agricultural solutions provider, announced that its Board of Directors appointed Kenny Avery as the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
  • Foliaj Farms, led by first-time grower Bill Reece, has chosen Sollum Technologies‘ dynamic LED lighting solution to power his new indoor farming operation in Muncie, Indiana, USA. Focused on growing leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, and herbs, Foliaj’s large-scale warehouse will leverage Sollum’s advanced lighting technology to optimize plant growth in a fully controlled environment.
  • Stine Seed Company is known for being a trailblazer in the soybean industry. In fact, Stine was the first company in the U.S. to commercially offer Enlist E3 soybeans when the trait launched in 2019. Stine is the second-largest Enlist E3 brand, and Enlist E3 soybeans represent more than half of the soybean acres planted in the U.S.
  • AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, celebrated the grand opening of the AGCO Technician Training Center at Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois. The new 22,000 square-foot facility is the home of the school’s AGCO Agriculture Service Technician Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program, which provides instruction specific to the company’s popular machinery and precision ag technologies. Made possible by a $5 million donation from AGCO Corporation, this advanced training center is set to revolutionize diesel technology education and address the critical shortage of skilled technicians in the agricultural industry.
  • Discover the future of agriculture at the Ag Innovation Forum on February 27, 2025, presented by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and the National Institute for Animal Agriculture. This must-attend event will be held at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center in Kansas City, where agricultural innovators and experts will gather to drive meaningful conversations about technology and innovation in agriculture.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    MyLand Expands Soil as a Service to Organic Growers

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Soil health company MyLand announces that its microalgae-based Soil as a Service™ is now compatible with organic growing standards and has received California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) approval.

    MyLand’s Soil as a Service™ offers a regenerative solution to soil health by using microalgae to enhance the natural microbial activity within the soil. This innovative solution empowers organic farmers to build healthier, more productive soils and enhance soil biology and fertility while adhering to the strict standards of organic certification. The MyLand Service integrates with a grower’s existing irrigation system to deliver algae to the field on a continuous basis.

    Dane Hague, CEO of MyLand, emphasized the importance of expanding this service to organic growers: “Organic farmers are stewards of the land, and it’s crucial that they have tools that work in harmony with nature. The MyLand Service is a perfect fit for organic farming because it uses the land’s own organics – native microalgae – to enhance soil biology. We’re proud to offer a one-of-a-kind soil health solution that shows impact year after year, contributing to the success of our growers for generations to come.”

    In the soil, microalgae act as a food source for the soil food web at the very base level, setting off a natural chain of events that enriches the microbial community and contributes to increased soil organic matter and improved soil function.

    To learn more, visit www.myland.ag

    AgWired Precision, Organic, Precision Agriculture, Soil

    Farm Income Continues to Fall

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The USDA Economic Research Service 2024 Farm Sector Income Forecast shows farm income is down again this year, but not as much as it was last year.

    While the report compares different measures of farm income, the bottom line is that, adjusted for inflation, net farm income is forecast to decrease by $9.5 billion (6.3 percent) from 2023 to 2024. Net cash farm income is forecast to decrease by $5.7 billion (3.5 percent). That compares to a 19 percent decline in net farm income last year and a 23.5 percent decrease in net cash income.

    Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) on Monday urged Congress to provide emergency economic assistance to agricultural producers facing market losses.

    “It’s clear the pain our farm families are living through,” Boozman said in remarks on the Senate floor. “For some producers, this is the second or third consecutive year of negative cash flow. This means many farm families are ending 2024 in the red, unable to pay off this year’s operating loan, unable to get the loan to farm in 2025, and face the reality of being the generation to have lost the family farm due to extreme market conditions beyond their control.”

    Sen. Boozman 12-2-24 (6:01)

    In reaction to the farm income report on Tuesday, Boozman and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) called on Congress to also take action on a farm bill. “Reauthorizing a five-year farm bill with significant improvements to the safety net is critical to restore certainty to our producers,” they said in a statement.
    “America’s farmers and ranchers are in serious trouble, and the outlook remains grim. From 2023 to today, row crop producers alone have lost more than $50 billion, and stand to lose even more next year. Immediate action is required to stabilize the farm economy and prevent a crisis that will only become more costly to address over time.”

    Farm Bill, Farming, USDA

    Pivot Bio Appoints Melih Keyman to Board of Directors

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Melih KeymanPivot Bio, one of the world’s leading innovative agtech companies, announced today Melih Keyman has been elected to the Pivot Bio Board of Directors, effective Dec. 1. Keyman brings to the company more than 40 years of leading expertise in the global fertilizer industry.

    “I have known Melih for several years and he is one of the most admired leaders in the global fertilizer industry, with significant experience in the broader ag industry as well,” said Pivot Bio CEO Chris Abbott. “Melih’s vast leadership experience with global operations, strategy and M&A will be important to Pivot Bio as we continue our growth trajectory. Additionally, as Pivot Bio continues to build strategic partnerships, including with our fertilizer partners, Melih’s deep understanding of the global fertilizer market and commodity fundamentals will be a significant benefit to our team. I am thrilled to have him join the board and confident that his global experience will be a great addition to our dynamic board leadership.”

    Keyman currently serves as president and chief executive officer, and founder of Keytrade AG, which is one of the world’s leading fertilizer trading companies that caters to the needs of suppliers, distributors, retailers and end users on a worldwide basis and across all fertilizer products. Beside the trading and marketing of conventional fertilizer products, it is engaged in bringing the next generation of fertilizer technologies to market through its subsidiary WeGrow, which provides customers with innovative sustainable crop nutrition solutions.

    Keyman has devoted his career to the fertilizer industry. Prior to founding Keytrade, he held leading positions in ENKA Marketing of Turkey and Transammonia. He also has significant board experience, having served on the board of directors for The Fertilizer Institute and as a council member of the International Fertilizer Association. He also served on the board of FertGrow, as well as Transammonia and Ferpro AG, a joint venture between Sinochem and Transammonia.

    Keyman was named the first international trustee of Northwestern University, a position he has held since 2012. An active philanthropist, he endowed the Keyman Modern Turkish Studies program at Northwestern University and is funding its Center for Synthetic Biology as it works to develop novel crop nutrition technologies and approaches to farming that will aid in the nourishment of a rapidly growing global population.

    Keyman, who has a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from the University of New Hampshire, studied at Switzerland’s prestigious University of St. Gallen, a research university that specializes in business administration, economics, law, international affairs and computer science. After beginning his professional career, he chose to broaden his educational background as a Kellogg Executive Scholar in Leadership and Management at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.

    A native of Turkey and a citizen of Switzerland, Keyman has been living in Zurich since 1984.

    Agribusiness, Technology

    Advanced Agrilytics Names New CEO

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Agricultural solutions provider Advanced Agrilytics announced today the appointment of Kenny Avery as the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

    Avery previously served as President and CEO of Verdesian Life Sciences, leading the company in delivering sustainable crop nutrition solutions. Before that, he held several key leadership positions at Monsanto, including Vice President of Global Vegetables. Avery’s extensive experience leading large-scale agricultural initiatives and his proven track record in driving growth and innovation make him an ideal fit for Advanced Agrilytics.

    Avery holds a master’s and bachelor’s degree in accounting from Mississippi State University and is a retired Certified Public Accountant. He serves on the board of Hopeful Community Outreach and previously served on the boards of the Mississippi Children’s Museum, United Fresh Produce, and Habitat for Humanity Wake County, NC.

    Advanced Agrilytics is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2025. “This is an exciting time to be a part of Advanced Agrilytics as we build from our existing foundation and chart our path to the future,” says Avery. “We want to bring our ‘best in class’ agronomic solutions to progressive, business-minded growers and agribusinesses worldwide.”

    Read more about Advanced Agrilytics.

    Agribusiness, Agronomy, AgWired Precision, Precision Agriculture

    Animal Ag News 12/2

    Carrie Muehling

  • Targeted livestock grazing is a successful and cost-efficient method to manage cheatgrass in the U.S. western Great Plains when timed to coincide with cheatgrass growth rather than based solely on the time of year, according to a recent study published by USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL).
  • The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) issued a statement after the unveiling of Senate Democrats’ 2024 Farm Bill text by U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).
  • Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA), the largest and oldest livestock association in the Southwest, opened the application window for the 2025 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo internship held April 8-13, in Fort Worth. This internship program allows college students to gain experience and knowledge in the beef industry while making connections with some of the industry’s highest leaders. Students will build their communication and networking skills, acquaint themselves with a wide range of work departments and get a behind-the-scenes look at hosting the largest agricultural event in the Southwest. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation. Submissions are due Dec. 31, 2024, to education@tscra.org.
  • Americans consumed record amounts of dairy products in 2023 led by surging demand for butter and cheese. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that per capita consumption of dairy products reached 661 pounds per person in 2023, an increase of 7 pounds per person over the previous year and matching the all-time record set in 2021. Butter and cheese consumption each surpassed all previous records, reaching all-time highs of 6.5 pounds (butter) and 42.3 pounds (cheese) per person, respectively, in 2023. For context, a typical package of butter containing four sticks weighs 1 pound (16 ounces) and a standard bag of shredded cheese is half a pound (8 ounces).
  • Leading political analysts, ag experts, innovative farmers and business strategists will be among featured speakers at the Dairy Business Association’s 2025 Dairy Strong conference. The conference will be held at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay on January 15-16. It will kick-off with a party at Lambeau Field and conclude with the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin’s Master Cheese Reception and a special celebration for DBA’s 25th anniversary.
  • As dairies progress, so do their data and technology needs. Similarly, the dairy insights suite from Nedap, a global leader in automated dairy herd monitoring and management technology, is also advancing in depth and breadth. The SmartSort sort gate features one recognition point with an unmatched degree of accuracy, few moving parts to reduce cow stress, low maintenance and high-capacity operation. Based on specific goals, you can decide which cows need to be separated or routed and the location to where they need to be sent.
  • When Rosalind Kidwell said all she’s ever known is the beef industry, she really meant it. If the title of fifth-generation Angus breeder wasn’t enough, Kidwell recently earned the famous red blazer of Miss American Angus when she was crowned during the annual American Angus Association® Awards Dinner and Reception held Sunday, Nov. 3 in Fort Worth, Texas, as part of Angus Convention.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Syngenta’s Victrato® Getting Closer to Registration

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Syngenta Seedcare technical lead Dr. Dale Ireland has been working on developing TYMIRIUM technology for over a decade and it is finally approaching the finish line.

    “We’re nearing registration for soybeans and once it’s registered, it will be called Victrato®. And that’s for soybeans for nematodes, sudden death syndrome, red crown rot and several other early season diseases that it suppresses,” said Ireland during an interview at the recent NAFB Convention. “So we’re very excited about this product. It’s going to set a new standard of protection against nematodes as well as SDS and Red Crown rot of anything that’s on the market today.”

    Approval of Victrato® by EPA for both soybeans and cotton is anticipated by the 2025 growing season. Learn more in this interview.

    NAFB24 Dale Ireland, Syngenta (3:33)

    Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Audio, Corn, Cotton, Crop Protection, Seed, Soybean, Syngenta, Technology

    AgGateway Latin America Outreach

    Cindy Zimmerman

    AgGateway Regional Director Jose Alexandre Loyola represented the Latin America region at the AgGateway North America Annual Meeting last month in Austin, Texas.

    Loyola, who is from Brazil, has been regional director since 2017. “Most of the people that participate in AgGateway in Latin America, especially in Brazil, they see a lot of value in the group that we form, the network, the discussions that we provide,” said Loyola in an interview at the meeting. “My goal now is to bring more people from Argentina, from Paraguay. We have a kind of barrier of language, but now with the technology we promote in our virtual meetings we have translation next year and this with this tool my expectation is to bring people in from other countries.”

    Loyola participated in several Working Group sessions to update members in the region on the status of ongoing projects, and accepted the AgGateway In Action Award for the Latin America region on behalf of member Flávio Barros of Proagrica.

    AgGateway Latin America Regional Director Jose Loyola (6:35)

    AgGateway, Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Audio, cover crops, data, International