ZimmCast 688 – National Ag Day Activities Preview

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmCastHello and welcome to the ZimmCast.

In this week’s program we’ll get a preview of National Ag Day activities in Washington, DC from Amy Bradford, GROWMARK, and Chair of the Agriculture Council of America.

2022 Ag DayMarch 22 is the offical Ag Day but there will be activities on the 21st and 22nd. These include on Monday, a Celebration of Ag with company and association exhibits on the National Mall, the annual Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit, a joint reception at the National Press Club and then on Tuesday the exhibits are open again, Sec. of Ag Tom Vilsack will sign a declaration for Ag Day and there will be a virtual event with several speakers including the Outstanding Young Farmers and the Ag Day Essay Contest Winners. You can go to AgDay.org to register now.

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

Listen to the ZimmCast here:
ZimmCast 688 - Ag Day Preview (14:05)

So, that’s the ZimmCast for this week. I hope you like 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.

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Ag Day, Ag Groups, Audio, Farm Policy, ZimmCast

Animal Ag News 3/21

Cindy Zimmerman

  • FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative scholarships for 2022 are once again available to membership youth pursuing a post-secondary education. The scholarship application deadline is March 31, 2022.
  • The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) awarded scholarships to 10 college students who intend to pursue careers in the U.S. pork industry. The Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship program is sponsored by CME Group and the National Pork Industry Foundation and managed and administered by NPPC. The scholarships were announced the recent National Pork Industry Forum.
  • Registration is now open for three Stockmanship & Stewardship regional events – Blacksburg, Va., May 20-22; Leavenworth, Kan., June 16-18; and Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., Aug. 12-13
  • World Dairy Expo® is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Expo Recognition Awards. Dairy Producer of the Year – John Ruedinger, Van Dyne, Wis., Ruedinger Farms, Inc.; Industry Person of the Year – Shelly Mayer, Slinger, Wis., Professional Dairy Producers; International Person of the Year – Mark Comfort, Cardinal, Ontario, Canada, Udder Comfort.
  • The American Feed Industry Association, in partnership with Feedstuffs and the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association (USPOULTRY), named Sanderson Farms’ Collins, Miss., plant as its 2021 Integrator Feed Facility of the Year (FFY).
  • USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has modified the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP) eligibility requirements. The program — announced last year — provides payments to pork producers who made spot market transactions between April 16 and Sept. 1, 2020. Hog producers will also now be required to submit documentation to support information provided on their SMHPP application, which will now be accepted through April 29, 2022, a two week extension from the previous deadline.
  • In an effort to continue bringing current cattle industry issues into the spotlight and better serve its membership, R-CALF USA has released the R-CALF USA Round Up podcast and announced the True Grit magazine. The R-CALF USA Round Up podcast, launched in October 2021, features approximately 45-minute-long, biweekly episodes with guests from around the cattle industry. The True Grit magazine will be delivered quarterly to R-CALF USA members as a new perk of R-CALF USA membership benefits.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture

2022 Agri-Pulse Ag & Food Policy Summit Underway

Chuck Zimmerman

2022 Agri-Pulse Ag & Food Policy SummitSara Wyant, Agri-Pulse President, kicked off the 2022 live event this morning at the National Press Club. Jamie Johansen, Honey Creek Media, is on location taking photos throughout the Summit, this evenings joint reception with Ag Day and National Ag Day activities tomorrow on the Mall. There are many companies with displays on the Mall and that includes big farm equipment.

You can follow along on social media with the #AgandFood22 hashtag for more information. And if you’re looking for photos there are plenty being added to this online album: 2022 Agri-Pulse Ag & Food Policy Summit Photo Album

Ag Day, Agri-Pulse, Farm Policy

Golden Harvest Corn Wins in Field Trials

Carrie Muehling

Golden Harvest continues to provide genetics that work on farms in a number of geographies, thanks to varieties that are locally bred and tested. The company has hundreds of data points throughout the United States where they develop and test the products that end up on farms across the country.

“As 2021 corn yield trials prove, Golden Harvest offers elite corn genetics and cutting-edge trait packages that outperform the competition when it comes to yield,” said Andy Ackley, Golden Harvest corn product manager. “By listening to farmers and providing strong corn hybrid seed options, we deliver custom seed solutions that farmers can count on when it counts most ― during harvest.”

In this interview from Commodity Classic, Ackley talks about the yield trials and new hybrids for 2022.
Interview with Andy Ackley, Golden Harvest corn product manager. (3:48)

Agribusiness, Audio, Commodity Classic, Corn, Syngenta

Commodity Classic Scores Big Hit in the Big Easy

Cindy Zimmerman

Nearly 8,000 attendees from around the country gathered for the recent 2022 Commodity Classic, as the popular annual event returned to an in-person format March 10-12 in New Orleans.

The 2022 Commodity Classic featured more than 50 educational sessions, a sold-out trade show with nearly 400 exhibitors, a keynote address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and policy meetings of the sponsoring commodity associations. Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of presentations from top farmers and well-known industry leaders along with tours of popular New Orleans attractions. Guests were also treated to the Saturday night Evening of Entertainment with country music entertainer Sara Evans.

Commodity Classic is presented annually by the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

The 2023 Commodity Classic will be held March 9-11, 2023, in Orlando. For information, visit CommodityClassic.com.

2022 Commodity Classic with Syngenta Photo Album

Commodity Classic, Corn

Agri-Pulse Newsmakers – Farm Credit’s Todd Van Hoose

Chuck Zimmerman

Agri-Pulse NewsmakersAgri-Pulse has just published their latest Newsmakers program. You can see it below. Next week the company will be holding their annual Ag & Food Summit. I’m pretty sure that will provide them with lots of good content for upcoming episodes! You can also subscribe to the audio podcast of the series here.

The Federal Reserve announced an increase to interest rates this week in an effort to soften the blow of inflation on the economy. This we talk to Farm Credit Council’s Todd Van Hoose about the impacts the rate hike – and more planned increases in the future – will have on the farm economy.

There’s also a panel discussion on the current state of the farm economy and what a leading panel of experts are watching for indicators on the future of the sector’s financial status and how current factors are impacting the industry.


Agri-Pulse, Audio, Farm Policy, Video

Industry Ag News 3/18

Carrie Muehling

  • The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) is deeply concerned for the personal safety of our friends and colleagues in Ukraine, and all the journalists and communicators who are under threat of bodily harm and professional suppression in both Ukraine and Russia as a result of the current invasion.
  • Don’t miss your chance to get “on point” with your skillset and network of career peers. Register for Ag Media Summit today. Early bird rates end June 1.
  • Adding $10 billion to its total impact since 2015, Florida’s nursery and landscape industry generates $31.4 billion in total output sales and provides more than 266,000 jobs statewide, according to a new economic impact study released jointly by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) and Farm Credit of Central Florida.
  • American Farmland Trust New York Regional Director Erica Goodman has been named director of the Farms for a New Generation program, where she will play a critical role to usher in a diverse new generation of farmers and ranchers to access land and help to transform agriculture.
  • As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s commitment to expanding and diversifying global market opportunities for U.S. agriculture, the Department will sponsor four additional international trade missions in 2022, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced at the Commodity Classic in New Orleans. While final dates are subject to confirmation, the remaining trade missions scheduled for 2022 are: London, United Kingdom: June 20-23; Manila, Philippines: July 18-21; Nairobi, Kenya (including buyers from across East Africa): Oct. 31-Nov. 3; and Madrid, Spain (including buyers from Portugal): Nov. 29-Dec. 3.
  • In February, Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute Executive Director Peter McCornick visited the United Arab Emirates and Jordan as part of a trade mission organized by the Nebraska Secretary of State. McCornick was joined by 25 other delegates from the University of Nebraska, Nebraska commodity groups, state government and private industry.
  • Nicole Berg was elected as the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President. Nicole is a 4th generation farmer from Paterson, Washington, where she farms alongside her dad and two brothers.
  • The American Soybean Association (ASA) recognized John Gordley with its top honor during a ceremony in New Orleans at Commodity Classic. The Pinnacle Award is an industry-wide recognition of a lifetime of work that demonstrates the highest level of contribution and leadership within the soybean family and industry. ASA also recognized Nancy Johnson, North Dakota, with its Distinguished Leadership Award.
  • The National Sorghum Foundation (NSF) and BASF announced NSF/BASF joint scholarships were awarded to Zoe Schultz from Kansas State University and Luke Arthaud from Oklahoma State University. Each winner will be awarded $2,500 to be applied during the 2021-2022 academic year.
  • The National Wheat Foundation welcomes Joe Kejr as its new Chair. Joe farms with his son, brother and nephew west of Salina, Kansas where they raise wheat, corn, soybeans and milo. Joe has been President of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and served as a legislator on the Kansas House of Representatives for three terms.
  • The United States Peanut Federation (USPF) combined advocacy with service during their Spring 2022 Washington D.C. Fly-in. The Georgia Peanut Commission in conjunction with USPF proudly partnered with Peanut Proud, the peanut industry’s humanitarian relief organization, to donate 10,080 jars of peanut butter to serve the Nation’s Capital and surrounding area. The delivery of this donation was made possible by SouthernAG Carriers who graciously donated their truck carrier service to transport the peanut butter.
Zimfo Bytes

Syngenta Receives Registration for Tendovo™ Herbicide

Carrie Muehling

Syngenta’s Tendovo is a new pre-emergence herbicide designed to keep weeds from competing with the soybean crop early in the season. With three sites of action and three different ingredients, Tendovo will provide a broad spectrum control of up to 70 weeds.

“We’ve seen a 4 to 5 bushel an acre advantage in field trials with Tendovo,” said Pete Eure, herbicide technical lead at Syngenta, during an interview at Commodity Classic. “By controlling the tough weeds that compete with soybeans for sunlight, water and nutrients, Tendovo helps growers achieve superior potential yield and return on investment (ROI) at harvest.”

Eure said the formulation also provides lots of flexibility and can be used across trait platforms and in different geographies and soil types, as well with varying tillage systems.

Interview with Pete Eure, Syngenta herbicide technical lead (2:58)

Agribusiness, Audio, Commodity Classic, Herbicide, Syngenta

Precision Ag News 3/17

Carrie Muehling

  • The American Soybean Association (ASA) presented Wayne and Ruth Fredericks from Osage, Iowa, with the 2022 National Conservation Legacy Award during the annual ASA Awards Banquet at Commodity Classic.
  • The International Certified Crop Adviser (ICCA) Program and American Society of Agronomy have awarded Juan Manuel Osorio-Hernandez of Toluca, Mexico 2022 International Certified Crop Adviser of the Year.
  • As challenges in tackling weed desiccation and re-growth escalate for crop farmers, Clariant offers the support of ADJUWEX, a new high-performing set of tested products to tailor-make effective glufosinate formulations for local circumstances and needs.
  • Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC introduced new pest management technology at the 2022 Commodity Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana. The exclusive Protecta™ method promises to build fungicides and insecticides differently, relying on diligent design, expert analysis and verified results.
  • Marking a milestone in ag-tech history, High Speed ISOBUS (HSI) was demonstrated for the first time by the Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF) at its North American 2022 Plugfest during the Commodity Classic trade show in New Orleans.
  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved label amendments that further restrict the use of over-the-top dicamba in Minnesota and Iowa. The amendments, requested by pesticide registrants in consultation with those states, are intended to reduce risks from the use of over-the-top dicamba, an herbicide used to control certain types of broadleaf weeds. To view the label amendments, visit docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2020-0492 at www.regulations.gov.
  • All segments returned to positive in U.S. ag tractor and combine unit sales, while Canadian harvesters and 4WD units fell according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. U.S. total farm tractor sales grew 9.2 percent for the month of February compared to 2021, while U.S. self-propelled combine sales for the month inched up 3.1 percent to 200 units sold.
  • The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) presented the fifth-annual Davidson Prize to the top three innovative products, selected from the AE50 honorees at Commodity Classic in New Orleans, La. Winning entries are: AGCO Corporations’ Fendt Rogator 900 Series Applicator; VeriGrain’s Automated Sampling & Data Management System; and John Deere’s See & Spray Select.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

Syngenta Spotlights Sustainability Standard

Carrie Muehling

A new platform from Syngenta can help farmers to easily assess how sustainable their farming practices are and what changes they can begin to make in order to improve. The Sustainable Outcomes in Agriculture (SOA) standard enabled through its Cropwise™ Sustainability app was in the spotlight at last week’s Commodity Classic.

“Sustainability assessments do not have to be a time-intensive process — users who leverage Cropwise Sustainability typically complete a 20-30-minute farm assessment and receive immediate results,” said Liz Hunt, sustainable and responsible business head at Syngenta. “The insights are compiled in an intuitive, digital dashboard that tracks progress in areas such as crop production, water impact, soil health, biodiversity and habitat, human and animal well-being, and community leadership. Growers also have the unique option to view their results and benchmark against other app users in their area.”

While Syngenta developed the Standard with a farmer focus in mind, it also creates opportunities to share the sustainability story with consumers and stakeholders. Hunt explains more in this interview.

Interview with Liz Hunt, Syngenta Head of Sustainable and Responsible Business (6:05)

2022 Commodity Classic with Syngenta Photo Album

Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Apps, Audio, Commodity Classic, Precision Agriculture, Sustainability, Syngenta, Technology