Syngenta Introduces CruiserMaxx APX Soybean Seed

Carrie Muehling

Syngenta recently launched CruiserMaxx APX, a new brand combining components of CruiserMaxx Vibrance seed treatment with picarbutrazox, a novel mode of action.

“With CruiserMaxx APX, best-in-class soybean seed treatment protection is now even better,” said Katie Jaeger, Syngenta Seedcare product lead, at last week’s Commodity Classic. “CruiserMaxx APX combines the proven Vigor Effect and RootingPower that CruiserMaxx Vibrance is known to deliver with supercharged, broad-spectrum, early-season disease and insect protection to give seedlings the strongest possible start from day one.”

Jaeger said the product will be featured in Grow More sites during the 2022 growing season and the first commercial sales will occur in Q4 of this year.

Learn more in this interview from Classic.
Interview with Katie Jaeger, Syngenta Seedcare product lead (3:00)

2022 Commodity Classic with Syngenta Photo Album

Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Audio, Commodity Classic, Crop Protection, Syngenta

Agri-Pulse Newsmakers Charts New Territory

Cindy Zimmerman

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine entered its third week last week, the new weekly agricultural video program Newsmakers from Agri-Pulse released episode five, with Sen. John Thune (R-SD) offering his thoughts on solutions to inflation, why the Ocean Shipping Reform Act is vital to U.S. agriculture, and how biofuels can help make the U.S. less dependent on Russian oil.

Meanwhile, Newsmakers host Spencer Chase, who is currently serving as president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB), was busy gathering more content for future shows at the Commodity Classic last week where Chuck Zimmerman managed to get a quick interview with him about this new program.

“We wanted to produce something that was strictly focused on food and agriculture,” said Chase. “The main thing we want to convey is good, reliable, accurate information that tells folks what is going on in Washington.”

Chase says as the program develops they would like to get more producer interaction.

Classic Interview with Spencer Chase, Agri-Pulse (4:19)

Agri-Pulse, Audio, Commodity Classic, NAFB

Animal Ag News 3/14

Carrie Muehling

  • At Pork Forum, delegates approved a change in the mandatory Pork Checkoff rate. The current rate of $0.40/$100 value per live animal will change to $0.35/$100 effective Jan.1, 2023. This represents a 12.5% reduction in the Checkoff rate.
  • For his 40 years serving U.S. pork producers, including 20 years as CEO of the National Pork Producers Council and his dedication and countless contributions to the pork industry, Neil Dierks was inducted into the National Pork Industry Hall of Fame at NPPC’s annual business meeting — the National Pork Industry Forum.
  • The National Pork Producers Council has hired Dr. Anna Forseth for the newly created position of director of animal health. She will focus on foreign animal disease prevention and preparedness, as well as antibiotic use and resistance issues.
  • The Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations package. In addition to providing funding for a number of programs of importance to U.S. beef cattle producers, the bill also maintained key provisions the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has long advocated for, such as the Electronic Logging Device exemption for livestock haulers, important EPA regulatory relief, and an extension of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting program. Also included in the package is a Cattle Contract Library pilot program, a critical tool as NCBA works to increase market transparency for cattle producers.
  • The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program released its 2021 Year in Review highlighting new initiatives and program area advancements.
  • Dairy Management Inc. CEO Barbara O’Brien provided an overview of four “bold moves” the checkoff has made with farmer and importer directors representing DMI, United Dairy Industry Association and National Dairy Promotion and Research Board at their recent meeting in San Antonio, Texas. O’Brien, who assumed the CEO position in October, spent the last four months gathering input from hundreds of farmers and other stakeholders about the checkoff’s vision and strategy.
  • In response to the introductions of Senate Bills 2716 and 949, R-CALF USA issued an in-depth guide for U.S. cattle producers and consumers to influence the timely enactment of the two key pieces of legislation – the “MCOOL and 50/14 Toolkit”.
  • Kynetec, the global leader in market and customer insights in Agriculture and Animal Health, is delighted to announce that Paul Walker has joined the company’s Executive Committee as Chief Operating Officer for Crop Market and Customer Insights.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

Field Notes from Koch Agronomic Services – Episode 17

Chuck Zimmerman

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (Koch) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less.

The experts we’ve heard from on our previous episodes have covered topics ranging from how different crops use nitrogen to the 4R’s of Nutrient Stewardship and how growers and retailers work together to choose the best input for an operation. If you haven’t checked out the previous episodes, you can find them on your favorite podcast platform.

Role of Micronutrients from Koch Agronomic Services

In this episode, we’re focusing on the essential role micronutrients play in boosting a crop’s performance by helping manage deficiencies and optimizing yield potential. You’ll hear from two experts at Koch: senior agronomist Edwin Suarez and product manager Kassidy Frederick. They will discuss why micronutrients play a critical role in a crop’s balanced nutrition plan and how growers can get the most out of their input investment by improving nutrient use efficiency.

You can listen to the program here: Role of Micronutrients (13:53)

And to make sure you don’t miss an episode, choose an option to subscribe

For Spotify on your computer download the desktop app.

Agribusiness, Audio, Koch Agronomic Services, Soil

Syngenta News at #Classic22

Cindy Zimmerman

Syngenta had so much news to share at the 2022 Commodity Classic that it could barely fit into one press conference.

Syngenta North America Corporate Communications Head Paul Minehart, far right, moderated the panel of company experts, who are from right to left: Eric Boeck, North American Seeds Head of Marketing; Eric Miller, NK Soybean Product Manager; Stephanie Porter, Golden Harvest soybean product manager; Liz Hunt, Syngenta Head of Sustainable and Responsible Business; Al Klapp, Market Development Manager at Valagro USA (acquired by Syngenta in 2020); Katie Jaeger, Syngenta Seedcare product lead; Pete Eure, Syngenta herbicide technical lead Tendovo™; Mark Kitt, corn herbicide technical product lead; and Shawn Hock, AgriEdge Manager at Syngenta. (Click on the photo for a bigger image and check out the photo album for individual photos of each person)

2022 Commodity Classic with Syngenta Photo Album

Syngenta Press Conference
Syngenta Press Conference

We are going to have separate posts on each of Syngenta’s major announcements, but here are links to the press releases and individual interviews on many of the topics.

Syngenta introduces CruiserMaxx® APX soybean seed treatment for unmatched Pythium and Phytophthora protection
Interview with Katie Jaeger, Syngenta Seedcare product lead (3:00)

NK Seeds Introduces 2023 Field Forged Series to Help Farmers Optimize Every Acre
Interview with Eric Miller, NK Soybean Product Manager (2:52)

Syngenta launches new sustainability standard benchmarked against SAI Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment
Interview with Liz Hunt, Syngenta Head of Sustainable and Responsible Business (6:05)

Syngenta announces EPA registration of Tendovo™ soybean herbicide
Interview with Pete Eure, Syngenta herbicide technical lead (2:58)

2021 field trials show Golden Harvest corn delivered stronger yield results
Interview with Andy Ackley, Golden Harvest corn product manager. (3:48)

How producers who feed Enogen® corn can increase feed efficiency by about 5%1 when fed as grain or silage
Interview with Duane Martin, Enogen Head of Marketing and Stewardship (5:33)

Syngenta digital tools for growers AgriClime and AgriEdge
Interview with Heather Volpe, NK Regional Marketing Lead (4:47)

Audio, Commodity Classic, Corn, Seed, Soybean, Syngenta, Technology

Secretary Vilsack Addresses #Classic22

Cindy Zimmerman

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has made very few in-person appearances since becoming the head of USDA for a second president last year, but he did make it a point to attend the 2022 Commodity Classic in New Orleans Friday and address thousands of corn, sorghum, soybean, and wheat farmers.

“I’m here today to talk about the opportunities and challenges facing American agriculture and how confident I am in a bright, hopeful and optimistic future,” Vilsack began.

He talked about the situation in Ukraine and being able to hear from the agriculture minister from that country who was speaking to them from a bunker. “As I listened to him, it impressed upon me the importance of all of us who live in a free and democratic country never to take that privilege for granted,” Vilsack said to applause.

The secretary got a standing ovation when he talked about the role biofuels can play in lowering record high fuel costs. “We know and I know and you know that E15 can do that and B20 can do that,” he said.

Vilsack also announced that USDA will support additional fertilizer production for American farmers to address rising costs by making available $250 million through a new grant program this summer to support independent, innovative and sustainable American fertilizer production to supply American farmers. Additionally, USDA will launch a public inquiry seeking information regarding seeds and agricultural inputs, fertilizer, and retail markets.

Secretary Vilsack remarks (32:11)

Vilsack press conference (24:24)

Audio, Commodity Classic, USDA

Commodity Group CEOs Meet the Press at #Classic22

Cindy Zimmerman

The CEOs of the commodity groups that make up the Commodity Classic, together with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, met the press this week to discuss a variety of issues impacting the industry.

American Soybean Association CEO Steve Censky, National Corn Growers Association CEO Jon Doggett, National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust, National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Chandler Goule, and AEM senior vice president, industry sectors & product leadership Curt Blades dealt with topics from trade relations, to the impact of the conflict in Ukraine, biofuels, and the farm bill.

Listen to the conversation here:
Classic CEOs press conference (56:13)

ASA, Audio, Commodity Classic, Corn, NAWG, NCGA, NSP, sorghum, Soybean, Wheat

Industry Ag News 3/11

Carrie Muehling

  • After a six-month national search, Talmadge “Tal” Coley has been tapped as the next chief executive officer to lead the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.
  • The Farm Credit Administration has created a new webpage regarding its efforts to identify and address the unique challenges facing small associations in the Farm Credit System.
  • The latest episode of Land O’Lakes, Inc.’s podcast Something Greater discusses the critical role that broadband connectivity plays in supporting local economies. The episode features Jeremy Wilhelm, CEO of Frontier Cooperative and Land O’Lakes member-owner, as well as Ken Edwards, an American Connection Corps Fellow. Their efforts, boosted through Land O’Lakes’ American Connection Project, aim to help close the digital divide in their respective communities in Nebraska.
  • Southern Peanut Growers, the organization representing peanut growers in the Southeastern U.S., is launching “Making Sustainable More Attainable,” a new initiative featuring James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef and author Steven Satterfield geared towards educating professional chefs about the sustainability of peanuts.
  • News Corp completed its acquisition of OPIS and related assets including Axxis Software, PetroChem Wire, OPISNAVX, and the coal, metals and mining business, now referred to as McCloskey, from S&P Global and IHS Markit.
  • Register for the 24th annual Ag Media Summit in Raleigh, North Carolina, July 16-20, 2022. Early bird rates end June 1.
  • The Sugar Association submitted a supplemental petition to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to further support its call for sweeping reform of federal regulations governing the labeling of artificial sweeteners used in packaged foods.
  • The American Soybean Association congratulates the regional winners of the 2022 Conservation Legacy Award: Wayne and Ruth Fredericks, Osage, Iowa (Midwest Region); Brian and Jamie Johnson, Frankfort, South Dakota (Upper Midwest Region); Shane Burchfiel, Dyersburg, Tennessee (South Region); and Grier Stayton, Lincoln, Delaware (Northeast Region).
  • The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City will honor two of the region’s leading agricultural figures on May 18 at a luncheon in the Chamber Board Room in Kansas City’s historic Union Station. The honorees will receive the Council’s highest award, the Jay B. Dillingham Award for Agricultural Leadership and Excellence. The 2022 honorees are Jan Lyons, Lyons Ranch, Manhattan, Kansas, and Dr. Abner Womack, FAPRI-retired, University Missouri.
  • Sen. Roger Marshall, M.D., and Rep. Tracey Mann introduced the Emergency Relief from Duties Act. The bill would create emergency waivers for duties levied on fertilizers by the U.S. International Trade Commission.
  • A new book published by UNESCO includes a project from Nebraska’s Central Platte Valley as a case study in effective managed aquifer recharge. The case study was co-authored by Crystal Powers, research and extension communications specialist with the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute and the Nebraska Water Center.
Zimfo Bytes

In Person #Classic22 is Big Success in Big Easy

Cindy Zimmerman

New Orleans is the place to be this week for the 2022 Commodity Classic – live and in person. Like the National Ethanol Conference two weeks ago, the Commodity Classic is seeing only a very modest decline in attendance compared to the last live event in 2020.

National Corn Growers Association CEO Jon Doggett says they had 7100 pre-registered for the convention, which was one of the very last events to be live in 2020 before the pandemic shut down the world. “That’s getting pretty close to what we had pre-pandemic,” said Doggett.

And while corn prices are higher, the challenges for farmers are as well. NCGA chairman John Linder of Illinois says they are concerned about fertilizer and crop protection prices in particular. “We all feel it in the pocketbook,” he said. “We’re really looking at the products we’re going to be using.”

While farmers have already been impacted by supply chain issues, the situation in Ukraine has only made matters worse. Linder talked about some of the issues facing corn growers in this interview.
Interview with John Linder, NCGA Chairman (11:52)

Audio, Commodity Classic, Corn, NCGA

Precision Ag News 3/9

Carrie Muehling

  • Syngenta announced its latest Seedcare innovation, CruiserMaxx® APX seed treatment, is now registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The peak of soybean seed and seedling protection, CruiserMaxx APX delivers powerful protection against early-season insects and diseases, including Pythium and Phytophthora.
  • Syngenta, a Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform (SAI Platform) member, announces the release of the Sustainable Outcomes in Agriculture (SOA) standard enabled through its Cropwise™ Sustainability app, a one-of-its-kind tool that places farm sustainability insights into the hands of growers. The platform, available for free download for U.S. farmers in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, empowers farmers and the broader agriculture value chain to demonstrate sustainability and identify opportunities for continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with the objectives of the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA).
  • Syngenta Seeds has unveiled the 2023 Field Forged Series™ from NK Seeds. Rigorous testing and selection criteria, coupled with industry-leading germplasm and genetics, has culminated in a new product lineup to help corn and soybean farmers optimize every acre. For the 2023 growing season, NK Seeds has announced 64 products that span maturity groups and trait packages, ensuring the latest best options for farmers across the Corn Belt and beyond.
  • The agriculture industry collaboration led by Growing Matters launched its fourth annual BeSure! stewardship awareness campaign to promote best management practices when using neonicotinoid products on farms and urban landscapes. The BeSure! campaign uses a wide range of media channels including print, radio, digital and social media to remind farmers, crop protection applicators, urban landscape applicators, agricultural supply retailers and others to ensure label directions and responsible stewardship measures are followed for neonicotinoid products, minimizing any potential impact on pollinators and other wildlife.
  • According to the latest business intelligence data from AEM, the global economy expanded by a robust 5.1 percent in 2021. And while projected growth of about 3.9 percent is expected for 2022, slower growth seems like a foregone conclusion.
  • Sakata Seed America has announced the next milestone in the company’s continued infrastructure expansion. The prominent seed leader recently finalized the purchase of 14 hectares (35.6 acres) of land in Culiacan, Mexico. The land and facilities have been leased by Sakata Seed for the past 3 years. Significant growth in the region led to the decision to secure a permanent location in Culiacan – home to many global seed breeding companies.
  • As producers face new challenges like complying with environmental regulations and reduced herbicide effectiveness or availability, many are discovering the unique benefits offered by propane-powered weeding systems. New propane flame weeding technology uses heat to rupture the internal cells of plants for a clean, highly effective solution for weed control that reduces reliance on herbicides and combats increasing weed resistance issues. According to research supported by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), flame weeding technology is up to 90 percent effective against weeds when applied twice in a growing season to row crops.
  • The American Society of Agricultural Consultants (ASAC) presented the 2021 ASAC Lifetime Achievement Award recently to well-deserving member Sam Bartee. This award recognizes a longtime member of the organization who has provided significant contributions to the organization as well as the agricultural industry.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture