Precision Ag News 2/2

Carrie Muehling

  • New West Genetics announces AMPLIFY, a family of hemp varieties with a genetic trait that doubles grain and flower yields. This trait enables the transformation of hemp from a small acre specialty crop to a large-scale, commercially competitive hybrid crop.
  • Bayer announced its 2022 cohort of Grants4Ag grant recipients who were chosen to receive awards ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 Euros to help them complete research on challenges facing agriculture. Twenty-one proposals make up this year’s Grants4Ag awardees with research goals including reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint, understanding social factors that influence innovation adoption, and improving the drought tolerance of plants in the face of more frequent extreme weather events.
  • Farmers and ranchers are facing record-breaking synthetic fertilizer costs heading into the 2022 growing season, compounding already challenging economic conditions for producers throughout the country. In response, the non-profit Soil Health Academy announced it is expanding the organization’s scholarship program so more farmers can attend its on-farm schools and learn how to significantly reduce fertilizer use by implementing low-input, regenerative agricultural principles.
  • AgGateway announced that Karen Oerter has been appointed to the organization’s Board of Directors. Oerter replaces Jeremy Wilson, who vacated the position to join AgGateway staff as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on January 1. She will serve a two-year term.
  • Purdue-affiliated entrepreneurs who commercialize technology that benefits any agricultural sector can apply for $100,000 from the Ag-Celerator Fund. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 11. A virtual callout and information session will be held 11 a.m. ET on Feb. 3. Innovations can impact any related agricultural field including, but not limited to, advancing crop traits, generating higher yields, using big data to improve farm management, new uses of plants, animal health, precision agriculture and advanced breeding techniques. Applicants must become active Purdue Foundry clients. Those commercializing Purdue intellectual property must obtain a full license.
  • Biome Makers Inc., the AgTech leader providing the standard in soil analysis, appoints Sarah Basiri as Global Head of Marketing.
  • In February, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) celebrates National Pesticide Safety Education Month to raise awareness for pesticide safety education and share best practices for using pesticides safely in and around our homes.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new USDA Market News Mobile Application, providing producers and everyone else in the supply chain with instant access to current and historical market information. The initial version of the free app includes nearly 800 livestock, poultry, and grain market reports, with additional commodities added throughout the coming year.
  • The Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF) announced that its annual North American 2022 Plugfest will take place during the Commodity Classic in New Orleans, March 9th -11th at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

Beef Supply Challenges in a Post-Covid World

Cindy Zimmerman

Managing the costs associated with changes happening in the beef supply chain may result in a shift of the historical live cattle and retail beef price ratio, according to a new RaboResearch report, “Beef Supply in a Post-Covid World.”

“While a cattle producer has little or no control over what happens in the beef supply chain post-harvest, it will be important for livestock producers to be aware of changes occurring throughout the supply chain,” writes report author, Don Close, senior animal protein analyst with Rabo AgriFinance. “Any changes, any inventory building, any additional controls and inspections could have a direct impact on the total cost of beef to the end user, which could change historical norms for live-to-wholesale and live-to-retail price spreads.”

Close presented the findings of the report at the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show yesterday in Houston, Texas. He says the area of change with the greatest potential direct impact on cattle producers is meatpacking plants’ embedding more automation into their facilities. The report notes that the initial introduction of advanced technology will not serve as a replacement for labor. It will serve which will require a workforce with different skill sets or extensive retraining.

CIC22 Rabobank press conference 32:52

2022 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show Photo Album

Audio, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference, NCBA

Tony Romo to Speak for Beef

Cindy Zimmerman

From play by play to plate by plate, celebrity athlete and former NFL quarterback Tony Romo has been named the new spokesperson for the iconic “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner” brand, managed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and funded by the Beef Checkoff.

The new partnership, which was announced at the opening general session of the 2022 Cattle Industry Conference, will last one year and tap into Romo’s vast fanbase to promote all things beef – from beef nutrition, to how beef is raised, and of course beef’s great taste. Romo played for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and following his retirement from the NFL, he was hired by CBS Sports to serve as the lead color analyst for the network’s NFL telecasts.

“I’m really excited to be your new spokesperson,” said Romo. “Me, my wife and the kids eat beef all the time and I think we’re going to eat it even more if that’s even possible at this point. Hearty and sustainable beef is my new team.”

“Kicking off this partnership in early 2022 is the perfect time to gear up for summer nutrition and grilling, spending time with friends and family and of course, tailgating,” said Jennifer Nealson, NCBA Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and Research. “From his nutrition expertise to his love of beef and family, Romo is the perfect spokesperson for the brand.”

Learn more about the new partnership in this interview with Nealson from #CattlCon22
CIC22 Interview with Jennifer Nealson, NCBA 4:10

2022 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show Photo Album

AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Audio, Beef, Beef Checkoff, Cattle Industry Conference, Food, NCBA

#CattleCon22 Lifts Off in Houston

Cindy Zimmerman

There are more cowboy hats and boots in Houston than usual this week as thousands of cattle producers, industry partners and stakeholders have gathered for the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show.

“This is the first time Houston has hosted convention,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Jerry Bohn of Kansas. “We’re going to have 5-6,000 people here in Houston.”

Over the next few days convention participants will gain insights on market trends during the CattleFax Outlook Seminar, hear a “State of the Industry” update from NCBA, learn about the beef business climate around the world, and wander through the NCBA Trade Show – the industry’s largest, with more than 350 exhibitors on nearly 10 acres under one roof.

Bohn says 2021 started off slowly because of the COVID restrictions that were still in place, which led to last year’s convention being postponed until August. “The last two to three quarters of the year opened up and we were able to travel quite a bit more,” said Bohn, who adds that NCBA had a number of wins for the industry in 2021.

Listen to an interview with Bohn:
CIC22 Interview with Jerry Bohn, 2021 NCBA President 4:19

2022 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show Photo Album

Check out the #CattleCon22 Virtual Newsroom for more interviews, photos and news from the convention.

AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Audio, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference, NCBA

Broadband is Vital for Farming Future VISION

Cindy Zimmerman

One of the big takeaways at the recent VISION Conference was that broadband access in the countryside is imperative for the future of regenerative agriculture, automation, connectivity, and transparency in the food supply chain.

The United Soybean Board sponsors the conference because innovation and technology play a major role in the soybean checkoff strategic plan.

North Dakota farmer Jay Myers, who serves on the United Soybean Board, says a recent checkoff-funded study showed just how much the lack of access to broadband impacts American farmers and the economy. “They did a survey in 2019 that showed 60 percent of the farms didn’t have adequate broadband service,” said Myers.

Collecting, storing and using data on the farm all depend on reliable broadband access and Myers says that becomes even more challenging in the evolving carbon marketplace. “The biggest issue is, how do we measure that?” Myers said.

Listen to an interview with Myers from the VISION Conference.
VISION 2022 interview with Jay Myers, USB 5:28

The VISION Conference 2022 Photo Album

AgWired Precision, Audio, Precision Agriculture, Technology, USB

2022 Biodiesel Conference Ends an Era

Cindy Zimmerman

The 2022 National Biodiesel Conference was the last one that will be held going forward with the official name change for the biodiesel board now being Clean Fuels Alliance America, or just Clean Fuels for short.

“Next year for our 20th conference it will be rebranded in keeping with the organization’s new name,” said Clean Fuels CEO Donnell Rehagen at the closing session of the conference in Las Vegas.

The rebrand to the more inclusive Clean Fuels takes in renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel in addition to traditional biodiesel. “All those markets are a little bit different,” said Rehagen. “We recognize how important the biodiesel brand has been … so we’re not turning our back on biodiesel.”

Listen to Rehagen talk with reporters about the rebranding at the conference.
NBB22 Donnell Rehagen Press Conference (11:29)

“Our industry is diversifying to meet a growing number of needs,” said Clean Fuels Chairman Chad Stone with Renewable Energy Group during his address at the conference. “It’s not about either or, it’s about getting full value for biodiesel, and renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel.”
NBB22 - Chad Stone, REG (13:39)

Find all the photos here:
2022 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Visit the Biodiesel Conference Blog

Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, carbon

Animal Ag News 1/31

Carrie Muehling

  • The 2022 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show is a few short days away in Houston, and the impressive agenda includes speakers ranging from sports heroes to global leaders. Among those speakers, NCBA is proud to welcome Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack virtually, and in person both Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and Conversation Robert Bonnie as well as Dame Karen Pierce, British Ambassador to the United States.
  • U.S. Poultry & Egg Association recognized five companies that have been exhibiting for 50 or more years at the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2022 International Production & Processing Expo. BAADER and Cobb-Vantress, Inc. were recognized for 65 years of exhibiting at IPE. Hubbard LLC was recognized for 60 years of exhibiting. Sanovo Technology Group was recognized for 55 years of exhibiting, and Bettcher Industries was recognized for 50 years of exhibiting.
  • FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative welcomes dairy farmers to attend the cooperative’s Producer Discovery Workshop series as part of its 2022 Annual Meeting taking place on Friday, February 11, 2022 at the Stoney Creek Hotel & Convention Center in Onalaska, Wis.
  • The National Pork Board announced recent staff leadership changes to help ensure its ability to deliver on pork producer priorities for their Checkoff: to build trust in, and add value to, U.S. pork while also protecting the industry’s freedom to operate. Dustin (Dusty) Oedekoven, DVM, will join NPB as the organization’s new chief veterinarian on Feb. 25, 2022.
  • The American Feed Industry Association, in partnership with Feedstuffs, named Kent Nutrition Group’s Mason, Mich., plant as its 2021 Commercial Dry Feed Facility of the Year.
  • DSM and CPF (Thailand) have signed an MOU to implement DSM’s recently launched sustainability service Sustell™, the first of its kind, holistic animal protein sustainability service that measures and provides real data-based, independent guidance and solutions at the farm level for profitably improving the sustainability of animal protein production.
  • Jim Sumner, president & CEO of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, was honored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association during the 2022 International Production & Processing Expo, where he received the Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • Mike Levengood, vice president, Chief Animal Care Officer and Farmer Relationship Advocate for Perdue Farms, was elected chairman of the board of directors of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

Farm Journal Announces The Carbon Council

Cindy Zimmerman

Farm Journal has announced the formation of The Carbon Council, which includes eight farmers and ranchers who actively participate in and advocate for carbon-related programs.

Members of The Carbon Council include:

Rick Clark, Williamsport, Ind.
Meredith Ellis, Rosston, Texas
Lukas Fricke, Ulysses, Neb.
P.J. Haynie, Reedville, Va.
Trey Hill, Rock Hall, Md.
Mitchell Hora, Washington, Iowa
Kyle Mehmen, Plainfield, Iowa
Ben Riensche, Jessup, Iowa
 
“Farm Journal is committed to being an advocate for producers from grassroots efforts to top-down efforts in national and state policies,” said Charlene Finck, president of Farm Journal. “We’re proud to form this prestigious council that will provide knowledge in the carbon arena, practical and factual advocacy and a valuable sounding board.”

The group will include additional members to meet regularly and discuss the latest developments in the carbon space and Farm Journal will use their insights to guide coverage of carbon-related issues on its more than 20 media platforms including print, digital and broadcast.

Farm Journal’s commitment to informing agriculture audiences about carbon-related issues began in 2020 with the launch of the Carbon Innovation Center, which is hosted on AgWeb.com.

carbon, Farm Journal, Farming, Media

Industry Ag News 1/31

Carrie Muehling

  • Exhibitors are booked, speakers are warming up, and Commodity Classic is letting farmers know “The Future Is in Your Hands” March 10-12 in New Orleans. Show officials report the 2022 trade show floor is 99% sold out with very limited space still available. Registration and housing reservations can be made online at CommodityClassic.com.
  • Applications are still open for the 2022 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders Award. Guild nominations are due by February 11, 2022.
  • Enter the Golden ARC (Agricultural Relations Council) Awards contest. This program provides an opportunity for agricultural communicators to have their 2021 tactics and campaigns evaluated by marketing and public relations (PR) experts and receive helpful feedback. See how your work stacks up against the best in the business. To be eligible, entries must be completed in full or partially in 2021. Entries are due March 1.
  • Providing deep analysis with a side of humor, the new podcast “3Squares” features a trio of heavy hitters who dish up the latest food and retail industry news, trends, insights and commentary – and laugh along the way. The bi-monthly podcast features Charlie Arnot, CEO of The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) and president of Look East, Susan Schwallie, president, Food & Beverage Practice at the NPD Group, and Kevin Ryan, founder and CEO of Malachite Strategy and Research, a CPG, retail and foodservice-focused insights and innovation agency.
  • On Thursday, January 27, International Fresh Produce Association Co-CEOs Cathy Burns and Tom Stenzel met with Canadian Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC, to discuss supply chain issues critical to the fresh produce trade.
  • National Corn Growers Association is proud to support 3 scholarship programs for 3 distinct audiences. To apply, students or a parent/guardian must be a member of the NCGA. Past scholarship winners and employees and the families of employees of any division of BASF or their subsidiaries or the NCGA are not eligible for the scholarship. The scholarship application deadline is Monday, January 31, 2022.
  • AgButler announces the 10 collegiate ambassadors committed to being advocates for the agricultural industry. The gig economy platform is in the connections business and serves as a solution to the rural labor shortage in America. The AgButler Ambassadors are tasked with helping connect laborers and employers within the app using their own personal agricultural networks.
  • Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has confirmed that he will speak at the Jan. 31 webinar, “Digging into the ag export supply chain crisis and how to fix it.” The event starts at 1 p.m. ET. Register here.
  • The Alabama Peanut Producers Association and the Florida Peanut Producers Association will hold the Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds in Dothan, Alabama.
Zimfo Bytes

AEM Panelists Share Views on Precision at VISION

Cindy Zimmerman

Deanna Kovar, John Deere: Kurt Coffey, Case IH; Todd Stucke, Kubota

Representatives from three of the largest farm equipment manufacturers shared their views on the precision vision for the future at the The 2022 VISION Conference last week in Phoenix, Arizona. The panel was organized by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and focused on the role that OEMs have in helping agriculture be more sustainable.

“Our job is to make sustainable doable for our customers,” said Todd Stucke with Kubota, who serves as chair of the AEM Ag Sector board. “So we have to provide the equipment, the connectivity, the data management, everything for our customers to practice a more sustainable farming.”

Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) panel interviews:
Deanna Kovar, Vice President, Production & Precision Ag Production Systems, John Deere
Kurt Coffey, Vice President, Case IH North America
Todd Stucke, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Product Support & Strategic Projects, Kubota
VISION 2022 interview with AEM panel 8:15

Last year was a good one for sales of tractors and combines, with gains of more than ten percent in nearly every segment in both the U.S. and Canada, according to Curt Blades, AEM senior vice president, industry sectors & product leadership. “Sales gains over an already-successful 2020 came despite the supply chain issues and workforce challenges that made 2021 a challenging year for manufacturers. Our industry is working hard to navigate these supply chain challenges to deliver equipment and parts to farmers as they approach the 2022 growing season.”

VISION 2022 interview with Curt Blades, AEM 7:49

AEM, Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Audio, Case IH, John Deere, Media, Precision Agriculture