Industry Ag News 8/26

Carrie Muehling

  • Join NAMA at a reception hosted by the Cornbelt, Cornhusker & Iowa chapters during the 2022 Farm Progress Show. What a great opportunity to take a break and visit with other industry professionals on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Van Wall Building (outside of Gate 6 on the south end of 6th Street). Appetizers and drinks will be provided (yes, adult beverages, too). There is no need to register. Members and non-members welcome.
  • Syngenta announced that Brad Mitchell has joined the company as Northeast region lead for its State Affairs team. Mitchell is responsible for managing legislative, regulatory and stewardship efforts with state policy makers, as well as managing key stakeholder relationships with state commodity and grower organizations, and state and regional agribusiness associations.
  • POET, the world’s largest biofuel producer, announced that it has formally received the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Food Safety Management System Certification (FSSC 22000) at two of its bioprocessing facilities. This certification, which was achieved at POET’s bioprocessing facilities in Shell Rock, Iowa and Fairmont, Nebraska, gives customers in the pet food, aquaculture, and other feed markets even more assurance that POET’s high-protein feed products have been produced and handled according to the highest food safety standards.
  • Growth Energy announced that Jake Comer will join the company as vice president of Market Development. Comer will lead the domestic market expansion of higher ethanol-blended fuel. Comer brings more than a decade of retail fuel experience, having served in leadership positions on the fuel teams at Kum & Go, Murphy USA, and most recently at Casey’s where he served as director of Retail Fuels.
  • GO Seed is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Trent Tate as Plant Breeder.
  • ASTA has big plans in the works for the CSS & Seed Expo 2022, December 5-8. With a theme of “Farewell Chicago,” since after 46 years the conference moves to Orlando in 2023, ASTA is asking for all previous attendees to send along their stories, memories and photos for a special archive collection that’s being created for presentation during the event. Companies can even sponsor a “stepping stone” on the Legacy Walk which will honor the years that their company has been attending. Memories and Legacy Walk sponsorships must be sent in by November 1.
  • Start making your plans to attend the 2022 NAFB Convention today. Join more than 650 agricultural industry leaders November 16-18 in Kansas City for three days of learning, newsmaker sessions, networking, and more.
Zimfo Bytes

ASTA Saying Farewell to Chicago

Cindy Zimmerman

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is saying so long to Chicago once CSS & Seed Expo 2022 is held this December 5-8, after holding the event there every year since 1946. To honor this long legacy, and particularly companies that have been participating in the conference for many years, ASTA will host a special “Legacy Walk.” Companies are invited to sponsor a “stepping stone” floor graphic that recognizes the years that their company has been participating in the conference, which will stretch from the ASTA registration desk to the Seed Expo entrance.

With a theme of “Farewell Chicago,” ASTA is also asking for all previous attendees to send along their stories, memories and photos for a special archive collection that’s being created for presentation during the event. Memories and Legacy Walk sponsorships must be sent in by November 1. In addition to these commemorative elements, a series of pre-conference webinars will be offered to help familiarize prospective attendees with the best ways to maximize value for their attendance, and on specific topics that will be explored in more depth at the event. Don’t miss these upcoming webinars!

“We regularly have members telling us great stories about what year they began attending this conference,” says Jennifer Crouse, ASTA Senior Director of Meetings, “and as we close out our final year in this city, it’s not just ASTA saying a fond farewell, it’s these companies too.”

The ASTA CSS & Seed Expo moves to Orlando in 2023.

Agribusiness, ASTA, Seed

Yield10 Bioscience Honored with AgTech CEO of the Year

Cindy Zimmerman

Yield10 Bioscience CEO Oliver Peoples has been selected as 2022 AgTech CEO of the Year by AgTech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global agricultural and food technology markets.

Peoples serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Yield10 Bioscience, which is developing Camelina as a sustainable platform crop to produce feedstock oil for biofuels, omega-3 oil, and longer-term, PHA bioplastic. He received a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland and is an inventor of over ninety patents and patent applications worldwide.

Under People’s leadership, Yield10 is executing a program for seed scale-up and seed production to launch Camelina as a new commercial crop in the U.S. and Canada. Varieties of both spring and winter Camelina have already been identified for initial commercialization in the North American biofuels market. Through a collaboration with Rothamsted Research, Yield10 is developing Camelina varieties to produce omega-3 (DHA+EPA) oil as a sustainable alternative to omega-3 oil extracted from wild-caught fish. The Company is also working to deploy advanced technology to produce the biodegradable biopolymer PHA in the seed of Camelina.

We featured Dr. Peoples in a recent episode of the ZimmCast. Listen to learn more about him and the company.
ZimmCast 696 - Yield10 Bioscience and Camelina (21:01)

AgWired Precision, Audio, Biofuels, Biotech

Precision Ag News 8/24

Carrie Muehling

  • FarmLogs, a farm management software for growers from Bushel, an independently owned software company and leading provider of software technology solutions for agriculture, announced an in-app integration to allow growers to easily enroll in Nori’s blockchain-backed carbon removal marketplace.
  • Ceres Imaging announced a long-term partnership with Soiltech Wireless under which Soiltech Wireless will deliver critical enabling technology for the Ceres platform which helps farmers build more profitable and sustainable operations.
  • Golden Harvest announced the addition of 12 new hybrids to its corn portfolio for the 2023 season. The new corn seed products, which include 10 corn hybrids and two conventional corn hybrids, feature improved agronomics and increased yield potential. The new hybrids join a game-changing Golden Harvest® corn portfolio that outperforms competitors in fields across the Corn Belt.
  • The Walmart Foundation announced it has provided a $2,000,000, three-year grant to the Soil Health Institute’s (SHI) U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund (USRCF) to scale activities of the project and expand the initiative to Alabama and South Carolina. The USRCF is a farmer-facing, science-based initiative designed to empower farmers and their advisors with the tools, resources, and networks they need to successfully adopt regenerative soil health systems, with the goal of eliminating one million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) from the atmosphere by 2026.
  • Rod Snyder, agricultural adviser to the administrator of US EPA; Scott Herndon, president of Field to Market; Louis Aspey, associate chief of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); and Bruno Pigott, deputy assistant administrator of US EPA’s Office of Water will headline the presenter list at the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) Conservation in Action Tour September 12 and 13 in St. Louis, Missouri.
  • The Andersons, Inc. has released a new mobile app, The Andersons AgConnect, for both Android and iPhone devices to allow producers easy access to real-time information, including electronic scale tickets, contracts and on holds. The Bushel platform helps agribusinesses quickly share accurate information to producers through a custom-branded application on their smartphone. The Andersons AgConnect app is currently available for customers of The Andersons in Idaho, Colorado, Louisiana and New York.
  • Share the story of how conservation is part of your farm operation and you could be recognized with a Conservation Legacy Award. The awards recognize farm management practices of U.S. soybean farmers that are both environmentally friendly and profitable. More information on past winners and how to submit an application is available in the “About” section under “Awards” on the ASA website. All applications must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2022.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

RIP Dr. Harold Reetz, Precision Ag Pioneer

Cindy Zimmerman

We are saddened to report the passing of precision agriculture industry pioneer Dr. Harold Reetz on August 15.

Reetz was a champion of technology and precision agriculture throughout his career, starting out in Extension in the Purdue University system in the 1970s. Reetz initiated the InfoAg Conference in the mid-1990s as a way of getting people together to build a community of technology vendors, users, and service providers. He spent 28 years with the International Plant Nutrition Institute (formerly Potash and Phosphate Institute), where he served as Midwest director, then became president of the Foundation for Agronomic Research and director of External Support until his retirement in 2010. He continued to advise on agronomic practices with his consulting company, Reetz Agronomics LLC. In 2010, Reetz received the Meister Media Worldwide PrecisionAg Legacy award.

Harold is survived by Christine Reetz, his wife of nearly 49 years; daughter, Carrie (Doug) Walsh of Kansas City, Mo.; sons, Wes (Alisa) of Washington, Ill., and Tony (Katie) of Tolono; sister, Cheryl (Jim) Hasting of Hoopeston; sister-in-law, Vicky Reetz; and nine grandchildren, Adrien, Zack, Isaac, Anna, Seth, Hannah, Cobie, Carli and Kaiser.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Evelyn Reetz; and brother, Michael Reetz. Services will be scheduled at a later date to celebrate Harold and the lives he touched and the minds he influenced. Condolences may be sent to the family at mackey-wrightfuneralhome.com.

Here is one of many interviews we have done with Dr. Reetz over the years.

Harold Reetz, InfoAg Conference
AgWired Precision, Info Ag, obituariess, people, Precision Agriculture, Technology

Animal Ag News 8/22

Carrie Muehling

  • Alltech has released data from a new meta-analysis, published in Poultry Science, that demonstrates the impacts of mycotoxins on broiler productivity and the positive effect of yeast cell wall extract supplementation during a mycotoxin challenge on the performance, livability and environmental sustainability of broiler production. The first study of its kind in boiler production, the meta-analysis consists of 25 studies carried out across 11 countries with a total of 10,307 birds.
  • The 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show is headed to the Big Easy, and funding is available to offset some costs for producers. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is offering a variety of scholarships and grants to help producers attend CattleCon23, which will be held Feb. 1-3, 2023, in New Orleans.
  • The hog sector began a major transformation in the early 1990s, and since then, it has experienced productivity growth and structural change, increased output, and expanded exports. A report issued by ERS, U.S. Hog Production: Rising Output and Changing Trends in Productivity Growth, examines changes in hog production from 1992 to 2017. During this period, production contracts became the most common business model in hog production, and hog farms grew larger and more specialized.
  • As nearly 50 million children return to public school, a group of dairy and nutrition advocates is encouraging parents and policymakers to prioritize the health of students by making milk and dairy options more accessible in the coming school year. A fact sheet released by the group highlights that milk is the top source of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in kids ages 2-18. However, according to the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, American children over four years old and adolescents are not consuming enough dairy to meet the recommendations in the federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), thereby under consuming a variety of nutrients they need to grow.
  • The International Poultry Expo is celebrating 75 years of trade show excellence to the poultry and egg industries. Sponsored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), the first poultry convention was attended by 200 poultry leaders in Atlanta in 1948, with suppliers exhibiting in the halls of the convention hotel in the early years. From there, the event began its phenomenal run of steadily growing and expanding year-after-year to become what is today’s annual International Poultry Expo.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

Industry Ag News 8/19

Carrie Muehling

  • Louis Dreyfus Company Agricultural Industries LLC announced the opening of its new soy liquid lecithin plant in Claypool, Indiana, positioning the site as the country’s largest facility integrating soybean processing, biodiesel production, and glycerin and lecithin refining operations, as well as a food-grade packaging line and canola oil distribution terminal.
  • Jenni Badding, formerly the Digital Technology Go-to-Market Manager for John Deere, has been named Production & Precision Ag Public Relations Manager for North America. Badding replaces Chad Passman who was named Tactical Marketing Operations Manager at John Deere.
  • GROWMARK, Inc. is excited to announce Orange Madison Cooperative as the newest FS Member Company to join the GROWMARK System. Orange Madison Cooperative is based in Orange, Virginia.
  • The National FFA Organization announced a record-high student membership number of 850,823, an increase of 15% from last year. In addition, chapter numbers increased by 178, resulting in 8,995 chapters in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • Six students recently received 2022 Accelerating a Generation Syngenta Scholarships. These students, who are acquiring degrees focused on agricultural pursuits, will each receive a $2,500 scholarship. The selected winners and their designated charities are: Taylor Baggett from Jay, Florida, a sophomore at the University of Florida ― Farm Aid; Regan Draeger from Lindsey, Ohio, a senior at The Ohio State University ― The Roper’s 4-H Club; Luke Heupel from Kalispell, Montana, a sophomore at Montana State University ― Field of Hope; Johanna Hooten from Red Bud, Illinois, a senior at Murray State University ― The Arboretum at Murray State University; Deziree Lee from Coffeyville, Kansas, a freshman at Kansas State University ― Montgomery County 4-H Fair; and Ashlyn Persyn from Hondo, Texas, a freshman at Texas A & M University ― Medina Valley FFA Boosters.
  • The Georgia Cotton Commission, Georgia Peanut Commission and the University of Georgia Extension Cotton and Peanut Teams, will co-sponsor a joint research field day on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Tifton, Georgia.
  • Troy Schroeder may not be quite ready to include the number 1884 in his next Powerball Lottery ticket, but the President + Founder of CLUTCH is justifiably proud of where the Minneapolis firm landed on the Inc. Magazine 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. CLUTCH, a hybrid consultancy and agency with a roster of clients across the agriculture and food value chain, has experienced over 300 percent growth in revenue in the last three years.
  • After years of establishing relationships, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council investment has paid off. This week – for the first time – Uzbekistan traders imported 700 MT of U.S. soymeal.
  • Parker Migliorini International, a $3 billion enterprise that annually supplies 1.6 billion pounds of beef, chicken, pork, eggs, and seafood products all over the world, announced a partnership with CityServe International to provide protein to Ukrainian refugees. PMI Foods first delivery of desperately needed food to CityServe’s warehouse included 32,400 cans of shelf stable food that will go directly to assist those suffering in Ukraine.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that the Department will begin accepting applications on September 6 for funding to expand access to high-speed internet for millions of people in rural America nationwide, part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to investing in rural infrastructure and affordable high-speed internet for all. USDA is making the funding available under the ReConnect Program, which received new funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Zimfo Bytes

Farm Podcaster Tool – DJI Mic

Chuck Zimmerman

DJI MicI have lost count of the various types and brands of microphones I have purchased in search of simple, good quality, wireless and tailored for iPhone or DSLR and not a budget breaker. But I have found it thanks to DJI. It is the DJI Mic.

I’ve tried shotgun mics, a few brands of wireless lav mics and none have come close to the various options available to use this two mic set. My first thought when it was announced was that someone had heard my wish list of all the ways I’d like to be able to record audio that matches the quality of the video I’m shooting. Here are some of the things I love:

  • Small size.
  • A charger case that let’s you quickly re-charge if needed. (receiver/mics run up to 15 hours!)
  • Various adapters for the camera being use.
  • Simple set up.
  • You can use the receiver to just record audio without connecting to a camera. (up to 14 hours of audio)
  • Separately adjust record levels on the mics.
  • Touchscreen display on receiver.
  • Clip mics on or use a small magnet to attach it.
  • Windscreen.

My first opportunity to use the DJI Mic on location was a Facebook Live video at Ag Media Summit. You can see and hear the video online. We weren’t plugged into my iPhone but that doesn’t matter.

During the Bayer Field Technology Showcase last week I had a great chat with an ag editor from Brazil who was using his DJI Mic. He loves it for all the same reasons I do. I’m looking forward to putting it to use during the Farm Progress Show later this month.

Read all about it here.

Audio, Podcasts, Technology

Huber Signs Agreement to Acquire Biolchim Group

Cindy Zimmerman

J.M. Huber Corporation, a specialty engineered materials manufacturing company, has signed an agreement to acquire the Biolchim Group from NB Renaissance, Chequers Capital and the Biolchim Group management team. The Biolchim Group has its main operating base in Italy and is a leading producer and distributor of a full range of specialty plant nutrition and biostimulants.

The Biolchim Group operates eight production plants globally and its products – biostimulants, trace elements, and water soluble, liquid and foliar fertilizers — are present in over 70 countries worldwide. The Biolchim Group has a rich 50-year history of serving the agricultural industry.

Upon close of the sale, the Biolchim Group will become part of Huber Engineered Materials (HEM), a company within the Huber portfolio of businesses. The Biolchim Group will be a key part of the strategic foundation of the Huber AgroSolutions (HAS) business unit of HEM that currently includes Miller Chemical & Fertilizer (Miller).

Leonardo Valenti, CEO of the Biolchim Group since 2008 and a pioneer in the plant nutrition industry, will remain committed to lead the Biolchim Group through the next phase of growth and the integration. “The strategic combination of the Biolchim Group and Huber AgroSolutions will be transformative since the companies have complementary commercial and product offerings, as well as industry-leading technologies and research capacities,” said Valenti.

Huber AgroSolutions’ vision is to become a leading formulator of sustainable, high-performing agricultural products globally. The acquisition of the Biolchim Group, which has achieved impressive growth due to its broad offering of biostimulant and specialty nutritional products, significantly advances this vision by bringing an innovative and entrepreneurial workforce and culture to HAS.

The sale is expected to close by the end of 2022 pending all customary closing conditions and approvals.

Read more.

Agribusiness, AgWired Precision

ZimmCast 697 – Bayer Crop Science Field Technology Showcase

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmCastHello and welcome to the ZimmCast.

Getting close to episode 700!

I’m sharing two of the interviews I conducted during the Bayer Crop Science Field Technology Showcase last week. We had multiple in-field demonstration plots and presenters. I was most interested in one about small stature corn which you’ll hear is the core of Bayer’s Smart Corn strategy. Then on the soybean side of things you’ll hear about new technologies coming to help farmers with weed control and also a description of their investment in CoverCress which is planted in the fall and harvested just ahead of spring planting. The product works as a good cover crop and has opportunities for farmers to obtain additional income from the harvested crop. Bayer recently purchased a majority stake in CoverCress, Inc.

I talk with Kelly Gillespie, VP Digital Ecosystems Services, Bayer Crop Science, about her corn presentation. And then turn to soybeans in my interview with Jennifer Ralston, Global Soybean Seed & Traits Portfolio Manager, Bayer Crop Science.

Listen to the ZimmCast here:
ZimmCast 697 - Bayer Field Technology Showcase (11:56)

My next stop on the agriblogging highway will be the Farm Progress Show in Iowa. But before that Cindy and I will be spending a few days seeing our grand children in Missouri. Looking forward to seeing them.

So, that’s the ZimmCast for this week. I hope you enjoyed it and thank you for listening.

Want to sponsor the ZimmCast? Just let me know and we can talk through ideas for your company. I’m AgriBlogger on Twitter or just email me at chuck@zimmcomm.biz.

Subscribe to the ZimmCast in:

Agribusiness, Audio, Bayer, Corn, cover crops, Crop Protection, Crop Science, Soybean, Sustainability, Technology, ZimmCast