Illinois Farmer Mental Health Grant Announced at #FPS21

Cindy Zimmerman

During the 2021 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois this week, state officials led by Gov. JB Pritzker announced a grant award of $500,000 to increase farmer stress-related mental health initiatives statewide. The Illinois Department of Agriculture applied for the grant in coordination with Southern Illinois University Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development and University of Illinois Extension.

In 2019 the Farm Family Resource Initiative (FFRI) was established in Illinois to specifically address mental health needs of the farming and agricultural communities. The FFRI Committee consists of members from government, commodity groups, academic institutions, healthcare and industry. Led by Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, the FFRI launched a six-county pilot program to provide resources to Christian, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Morgan and Sangamon counties through a telephone hotline connecting farmers with mental health resources and providers. This grant will allow for the expansion of the pilot program to the entire state.

“I’m proud to expand our Farm Family Resource Initiative to all 102 of our counties to ensure our rural communities are getting the care they deserve,” said Pritzker.

FPS21 Ill Gov. JB Pritzker press conference (26:35)

Audio, Farm Progress Show, Farming

Precision Ag News 9/1

Carrie Muehling

  • The co-founder of the Soil Health Academy (SHA), David Brandt, has stepped down from his position as president. Brandt, an Ohio farmer, cover crop innovator and soil health pioneer, has served as president of the regenerative farming education organization since its inception in 2017. Dawn Breitkreutz, who currently serves on the SHA board of directors as treasurer, has been selected to replace Brandt.
  • Farmers Edge Inc. and Merit Functional Foods have launched a pilot program aimed at improving the production, quality, traceability, and marketing opportunities of Canadian protein crops. Merit is a Canadian producer of non-GMO pea protein and is first to market in the world with non-GMO canola protein.
  • Grower organizations representing a variety of crops are disappointed with the Environmental Protection Agency’s draft biological evaluation (BE) for several neonicotinoid products, including imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and clothianidin. The groups representing farmers across the country say that failure to consider real-world usage data in the analysis conducted as part of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) could limit growers’ ability to protect their crops and livelihoods and not assure endangered species are any safer. The American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Cotton Council and Minor Crop Farmer Alliance say ESA analyses are, by law, required to “use the best scientific and commercial data available” to ensure endangered species and their habitats will not be adversely affected by an agency’s action.
  • Nebraska farmers and landowners are encouraged to join their peers from Antelope, Knox and Pierce counties to explore conservation and nutrient management practices at the Bazile Demonstration Site Field Day, set for Thursday, Sept. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CDT. The event is hosted by Bazile Groundwater Management Area. To learn more or register for the event, go to https://events.farmjournal.com/bgma-field-day-2021.
  • Show support and appreciation for those who have worked so hard to make our industry a success by celebrating their accomplishments at the 2021 ARA Conference & Expo in San Antonio, Texas.
  • NewLeaf Symbiotics® and Meristem Crop Performance Group, LLC announced a new strategic alliance designed to efficiently bring new biologicals to more farmers faster. Under the new relationship, Meristem and NewLeaf will work together to make this yield-enhancing technology reliable, accessible and easy-to-use.
  • Case IH is introducing the WD5 series windrowers to its lineup of self-propelled harvesting equipment. These new models offer more consistent drydown and the fastest speeds in the industry, making them the most productive and efficient hay-harvesting solution on the market.
  • Case IH is adding the AFS Connect™ Optum® series tractor to its lineup of all-purpose farming equipment. The AFS Connect Optum series tractor is engineered to deliver the muscle and horsepower needed for extensive roading and haulage — plus enhanced comfort for high-volume hay and forage operation — in one all-purpose tractor.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

Day Two of the 2021 Farm Progress Show

Chuck Zimmerman

2021 Farm Progress ShowHello from Decatur, IL and the second day of the Farm Progress Show. It’s another beautiful day with some cooler temperatures and lots of excitement in the air.

The Golden ZimmComm Microphone got off to a great start yesterday with the current president of the National Corn Growers Association, John Linder, a farmer from Ohio. Linder and other association leaders stopped by the media tent to talk with reporters as the show was getting underway.

There is no shortage of important topics for corn growers right now, like ethanol and WOTUS, for example. But Linder also had some good news to share like the great strides corn growers are making in sustainability.

FPS21 Interview with NCGA president John Linder (6:34)

2021 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Ag Groups, Audio, Corn, Farm Progress Show, NCGA

Conversation with Secretary Vilsack Webinar

Cindy Zimmerman

USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack joins Farm Journal Editor Clinton Griffiths Thursday September 2 at 2:00 pm Central for conversation and audience questions in a town hall-style virtual event webinar.

During this very special Farm Journal Farm Country Update, Secretary Vilsack will discusse policy priorities, COVID assistance, trade, climate, market transparency and goals for the upcoming year.

Click here for more information and registration.

Farm Journal, USDA, webinar

Day One of the 2021 Farm Progress Show

Chuck Zimmerman

2021 Farm Progress ShowWelcome to Day One of the 2021 Farm Progress Show. I’m here all by my lonesome for a change. However, I’ve got plenty to do which includes working with Syngenta and some of our other clients like the Renewable Fuels Association. I’m going to do my best to take care of them while also getting interviews and lots of photos today and tomorrow.

I really wanted to have a FPS sunrise photo but the fog did not allow it. However, this nice traffic guide posed for me on his horse so I’m good with that. We’re about to open up the gates on a new day and a new world. Due to Illinois Covid restrictions an “indoor” facility holding 50 plus people requires face masks. The media tent qualifies for that so you’ll be seeing some folks in my photos wearing them. If we could lift some tent sides we wouldn’t be required but that defeats an air-conditioned tent!

Here are some photos I’ve just started with: 2021 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Agribusiness, Farm Progress Show, Farm Shows, Media

RIP NAFB Member Brian Allmer

Cindy Zimmerman

Farm broadcasters around the country are saddened to hear about the passing of Brian Allmer, 55, of Briggsdale, Colorado on Thursday, August 26.

Brian was always involved in agriculture; managing the family farm, working at Lextron Animal Health, Colorado Equipment and then for 1010 KSIR radio. He was a trailblazer in ag radio, creating The BARN™ (Brian Allmer Radio Network), FarmCast Radio™, and Colorado Ag News Network™. He participated in FFA and 4-H as a youth and continued supporting those organizations professionally throughout his life. Brian was a member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB), the Colorado FFA Foundation, the Colorado 4H Foundation, the Colorado Farm Show Committee and many more organizations.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Connie Allmer; children, Samantha (Nate) Munson; three grandchildren and Tucker Allmer (fiance Lindsay Miller); mother, Lillian Allmer; brothers and sister Gerald Allmer, Steve (Penny) Allmer and Brenda Durland; uncles and aunts, Duane, Bonnie and Eddie Durland, Arlene Neese; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Brian believed heavily in the investment of the youth of the world, our nation, our state and our local communities. His countless hours and unsurpassed dedication to the success of this insurmountable and noble task he took on with great pride and heart. The numerous individuals he impacted in his wake is simply unfathomable.

A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at Adamson. Life Celebration to be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Island Grove Event Center, 501 N. 14th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631. Memorial gifts may be made to “Brian Allmer Memorial Ag Media Scholarship Fund” in care of Adamson, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634. Friends may leave condolences at AdamsonCares.com.

NAFB

Preview of 2021 Farm Progress Show

Chuck Zimmerman

Farm Progress ShowIt is time for the 2021 Farm Progress Show. The activities kick off Tuesday morning and I’ll be on-site.

To get a preview of this year’s live and in-person event I spoke with Show Manager, Matt Jungmann. Conditions in the fields look great, the exhibitors are finalizing set up and it looks like a big crowd will be on hand.

For over 50 years, the Farm Progress Show has connected farmers from across the globe with agriculture’s leading companies. With hundreds of exhibitors, there’s no better place to engage with the latest farm products and the specialists who developed, tested and designed them. Whether you are looking to innovate with the latest ag-technology, learn from industry experts, or share your farming legacy with your family, the Farm Progress Show has it all.

Interview with Matt Jungmann, National Events Manager, Farm Progress Companies
Interview with Matt Jungmann (10:02)

Audio, Farm Progress Show, Farm Shows

Animal Ag News 8/30

Carrie Muehling

  • Harris Teeter announced that the company is selling its Hunter Farms dairy processing plant to Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, Inc. The sale is expected to close Aug. 30, 2021.
  • With less than five months before the Commonwealth of Massachusetts intends to enforce its proposed Regulations Implementing the Act to Prevent Cruelty to Farm Animals, the North American Meat Institute has urged the Commonwealth to delay enforcement and allow time for the proposed rule to be made final so livestock producers and packer processors can understand the final rule and make any required changes to their operations.
  • Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is recognized as the 2021 Training Partner of the Year by IPAP. The award recognizes the dairy checkoff’s efforts to educate food industry professionals across the country about the Wisconsin dairy story, from farm to menu.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is offering college students a unique behind-the-scenes experience through its annual convention internship program. The 2022 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, the largest annual meeting of the U.S. beef cattle industry, will take place Feb. 1-3, 2022, in Houston.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh announced the establishment of a $400 million Dairy Donation Program on a call with Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow. The DDP, established by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, aims to facilitate timely dairy product donations while reducing food waste.
  • Protein is a critically important part of a basic diet but how can the global animal protein sector continue to sustainably feed a growing and increasingly hungry world? That question is at the core of the upcoming forum, Sustainable Solutions for Zero Hunger by 2030: A Vision for Animal Agriculture, scheduled virtually for 12-5 p.m. ET on September 14, 2021.
  • The 2021 Cattle Industry Convention may have just wrapped up after moving to August, but the 2022 event is returning to its regularly scheduled time slot in February. The 2022 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show will be held Feb. 1-3, in Houston, with the theme of “Gone to Texas”. With only a few short months until the next convention, planning is already underway to create a unique experience in a new host city.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

Industry Ag News 8/27

Carrie Muehling

  • Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a proclamation declaring the decade of 2020-2030 as The Decade of Agriculture in Idaho. He is the first U.S. governor to issue such a proclamation. Gov. Little’s announcement is part of an effort spearheaded by U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action, which calls upon leaders across the food and agriculture sector to endorse a shared vision: A resilient, restorative, economically viable, and climate-smart agricultural system that produces abundant and nutritious food, natural fiber, and clean energy for a sustainable, vibrant, and prosperous America.
  • NAMA has extended the entry deadline for the Best of NAMA awards to allow for additional challenges in preparing entries. The Call for Entries is live on the web now. You can view all the rules online and print out a PDF of the Call for Entries. The deadline is October 22. Don’t forget, you must be a NAMA member to enter.
  • Start making plans to attend the 2021 NAFB Convention. Join more than 650 agricultural industry leaders November 17-19 in Kansas City for three days of learning, newsmaker sessions, networking, and more.
Zimfo Bytes

Pro Farmer Estimates Top USDA Forecasts

Chuck Zimmerman

Pro Farmer Crop Tour 2021Prior to this week’s Farm Journal Field Days, Pro Farmer, a division of Farm Journal, conducted it’s 29th annual Pro Farmer Crop Tour. To learn about the results I spoke with Brian Grete, Pro Farmer, about the data they collected across seven key midwestern states for corn and soybeans. You can listen in here.

Interview with Brian Grete, Pro Farmer – Summary of 29th Pro Farmer Crop Tour
Interview with Brian Grete (6:33)

Here are some estimates:

Corn: Pro Farmer estimates the 2021 U.S. corn crop at 15.116 billion bu. based on an average yield of 177 bu. per acre. That would be up from USDA’s August estimate of 174.6 bu. per acre.

“Areas east of the Mississippi River are pacing to have very strong yields based on what we saw during Crop Tour,” said Pro Farmer’s Brian Grete. “The drier and drought-stricken areas to the west still have a lot of potential if they receive additional moisture in the coming weeks.”

Soybeans: Pro Farmer estimates the 2021 U.S. soybean crop at 4.436 billion bu. with a national average yield of 51.2 bu. per acre, up from the 50 bu. per acre USDA estimated Aug.12.

“From what I’ve seen, the soybean pod counts have been pretty rock solid so far,” said Grete. “On some of the soybeans, I would say we’re still measuring yield potential because they still need to plump up and if they get rains to plump up those pods, the yield is going to rise.”

The Pro Farmer Crop Tour, which informs the Pro Farmer national yield estimates, concluded successfully Thursday. The Tour was carried out by a dedicated group of crop scouts that sampled more than 3,300 fields across seven key Midwest states, a record number of samples in the Crop Tour’s 29-year history. For additional information on the 2021 Crop Tour go to www.profarmer.com and www.agweb.com.

You can find more interviews I’ve conducted with Farm Journal Field Days participants on AgNewsWire here.

Audio, Corn, Farm Journal, Soybean