RFA Ethanol Podcast

Industry Ag News 5/7

Carrie Muehling

  • A new soy-based dust suppressant is now available for roads, construction sites, wind farms, and more, offering a sustainable and budget-savvy choice for rural and urban communities as well as businesses to improve air quality for people, pets, livestock, and crops. BioBlend’s EPIC EL Dust Suppressant is the latest industrial use product entering the market after having received research funding from the United Soybean Board and North Dakota Soybean Council.
  • Lani Jordan, communication consultant and former CHS corporate communication director, will share insights on how her work as an international development volunteer has been both personally satisfying and provided meaningful career development. Jordan will talk about her assignments in Africa and Eastern Europe on behalf of the USAID Farmer-2-Farmer program through Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA), an international agricultural development organization, and other similar organizations. Register here.
  • At Growth Energy’s 12th Annual Executive Leadership Conference, CEO Emily Skor announced that Michael Lorenz will join the company as Senior Vice President of Market Development, overseeing the global and domestic expansion of higher ethanol blended fuels.
  • The 2nd Annual Florida Industrial Hemp Conference & Exhibition will be May 19-21, 2021, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Registration is now open.
  • American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful report, also known as 30×30: “AFBF appreciates that the report acknowledges concerns we have raised and recognizes the oversized contributions of farmers and ranchers to conservation while feeding the world. That recognition must carry through implementation. The report is a philosophical document that emphasizes important principles such as incentive-based voluntary conservation, protecting personal and property rights and continued ranching on public lands, but it lacks specifics. I had several positive conversations with Secretary Vilsack about 30×30 and we will work with him and his colleagues to ensure the details live up to promises made to protect American agriculture.”
  • Commodity Classic was recently honored in four different categories in Trade Show Executive Magazine where the trade show took home three “Fastest 50” awards and one Gold award for trade show growth.
  • Access to start-up capital is a big challenge for farmers. A small grant program through the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) is helping. More than 100 farmer veterans received word that they are being awarded equipment thanks to the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund. The grant supports veterans in their early years of farming and ranching. You can view the full list of 2021 awardees here.
  • GROWMARK and Castlen Enterprises announced significant progress on a project that will bring a new large-scale warehouse distribution center in Owensboro, Ky. The new state of the art facility is currently under construction and scheduled to be operational in Fall 2021.
  • FFA awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to 974 recipients, thanks to the generosity of 309 sponsors and donors. A list of recipients is available on the FFA scholarship webpage at FFA.org/Scholarships. Recipients are listed first by the states where their high schools are located and then alphabetically by student first name.
Zimfo Bytes

Farm Content Creator Mobile Kit by Sennheiser

Chuck Zimmerman

Sennheiser MKE 400 Mobile KitThe is for the AgNerd among us. How about some newness from Sennheiser? This kit can be useful for journalists who don’t want to haul around a lot of gear.

Designed for vloggers and content creators on the move, the MKE 400 Mobile Kit includes Sennheiser’s compact MKE 400 compact shotgun microphone and Smartphone Clamp, as well as the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod.

I have not tried this microphone, but confirmed you can use it with a new iPhone using the small lightning adapter. Here is more information.

The MKE 400 is a compact shotgun microphone that provides focus and detail for your recordings. An integrated windscreen and internal shock mount help to prevent handling and wind noise while the provided 3.5 mm TRS and TRRS cables allow for compatibility with DSLR/M cameras and mobile devices.

The Smartphone Clamp is made from solid aluminum and features soft rubber grips that provide a secure fit for nearly all mobile phones. A 180-degree locking dial allows for portrait or landscape positioning so you can switch from one aspect ratio to another with ease.

The Manfrotto PIXI is a durably constructed lightweight, mini tripod. The PIXI features a ball head with a push-button locking mechanism that enables you to position and lock the ball head in one fluid, intuitive motion. Rubber feet ensure a slip-free grip on most surfaces and collapsible legs allow for convenient handheld vlogging that adds stability to your videos.

Audio, Media, Technology

ZimmCast 670 – Alltech ONE in 2021

Chuck Zimmerman

Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast.

In this week’s episode we’re going to hear about the upcoming Alltech ONE Ideas Conference which will be virtual again in 2021. Dr. Mark Lyons, President/CEO of Alltech, says the company has developed its own platform to run the event and all its activities, including a trade show. We’ll get a preview of the trade show portion on May 19, prior to the start of the event itself, which is scheduled for May 25-27. Mark says they have created the Lexington Convention Center into the virtual experience. That ought to be interesting! He also says there will be new opportunities to interact with other participants.

Alltech ONE 2021Alltech was the first major agricultural business to hold a virtual conference in 2020 and set the bar for how to manage a large and diverse array of topics, speakers and sessions. The event continued throughout the year with new virtual content on different topic areas being published monthly.

Registration is open with two levels. Essential: $95 per year and Premium: $195 per year.

Listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 670 - Alltech ONE in 2021 (17:06)

That’s the ZimmCast for this week. In case you didn’t know it you can find more podcasts we produce in all your favorite podcast apps. That includes the Golden ZimmComm Mic Podcast, The Ethanol Report, Field Notes from Koch Agronomic Services and the Daugherty Water for Food Podcast. We hope you enjoy listening to them.

If you would like to advertise in the ZimmCast or become an on-going sponsor please let me know and we’ll work out a plan just for you.

Subscribe to the ZimmCast in:

Agribusiness, Animal Agriculture, Animal Health, Audio, ZimmCast

Precision Ag News 5/5

Carrie Muehling

  • Amanda Carson has been promoted to Sales Manager for the eastern region sales team for Nichino America, Inc. In her new role, Carson will be responsible for the direction and implementation of the sales plans for the east team. Effective May 1, 2021, Brent Byers will assume the position of Senior Manager of Strategic Planning and Business Development. He will manage the strategic planning process and will be responsible for the licensing businesses for Nichino America. This role supports efforts throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
  • Better Life Farming, Bayer’s multi-stakeholder global partnership model, received a commendation honor at the fifth edition of the United Nations Economic Cooperation and Integration International Public Private Partnerships Forum as part of its 2021 Build Back Better Infrastructure Awards.
  • The Corn Utilization and Technology Conference is taking advantage of the virtual circumstances presented during COVID-19 by bringing a special session on “Funding for Research, Development and Commercialization.” This is a FREE event on Thursday, May 13, starting at 10 a.m. CDT.
  • Scientists are developing soybean plants using technologies like CRISPR that could be more resistant to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and southern root-knot nematode (SRKN) in the future, says University of Georgia Nematologist Melissa Mitchum. As part of The SCN Coalition’s “Let’s Talk Todes” video series, their new “Research Collection” series features scientists discussing the latest technology being used to combat parasitic nematodes.
  • Lesaffre announces the acquisition of ABM, a company based in Van Wert, Ohio, specializing in seed treatment with bionutrition products. ABM’s teams will join those of Agrauxine by Lesaffre, Lesaffre’s business unit dedicated to crop protection. Agrauxine by Lesaffre has been developing biosourced solutions for plant nutrition and health for more than 15 years.
  • AgBiome, a leader in developing innovative products from the Earth’s microbial communities, announced Krysta Harden and Alison Lawton have joined AgBiome’s Board of Directors. These appointments strengthen the company’s mission to feed the world responsibly. The appointments will be effective immediately.
  • UPL, a leader in global food systems, announced the launch of a new podcast, “The Root of the Matter.” The series invites the brightest minds in agriculture to an open conversation about topics that affect a North American grower’s operation, livelihood and future. Hosted by Ken Root, a veteran farm broadcaster and agriculture expert, “The Root of the Matter” discusses some of the most pressing topics and features engaging experts in agriculture.
  • Waters Agricultural Laboratories Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Biome Makers Inc. to market the Biome Makers´ soil biology test BeCrop®. The agreement includes a license to operate a wet lab analytical platform to process soil microbiome samples in Waters Ag Lab´ facilities under BeCrop®, the Operational Standard for biological analysis.
  • With entry for the National Corn Growers Association’s National Corn Yield Contest now open, farmers across the country are joining the friendly competition, giving it their best and hoping to top their personal best. For the 2021 Entry & Harvest Rule Book, along with information on changes this year and other resources, click here.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

NCBA Asks, Oh Say, Can you Sing

Chuck Zimmerman

NCBA National Anthem Contest Hey NCBA, ANCW or CBB members or family members, unless you are a former winner of the of the NCBA National Anthem Contest, you are eligible. This is just part of the buildup to the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show which will take place in August 10-12 in Nashville, TN.

The fan-favorite National Anthem Contest, sponsored by Norbook, is back! Enter today for your chance to sing the Star-Spangled Banner at the Opening General Session and at the Cowboy’s Night at the Opry on Thursday, August 12, at the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville!

Entries close May 14th, so head on over to convention.ncba.org before it’s too late!

Find more details here. BTW. You can register for the Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show now.

Ag Groups, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference, NCBA

Corn Farmers Launch Campaign to Open Minds

Chuck Zimmerman

American Corn FarmerIn an effort to provide information about corn farmers and their accomplishments to constantly improve their farming practices, especially as it relates to the environment, a campaign was launched over the weekend.

This Saturday, key public policy influencers in our nation’s capital met the corn farmers of America’s Heartland in their homes, at the airport, and even while listening to their favorite podcasts as the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) launched a campaign highlighting their incredible sustainability story. By reaching “Inside the Beltway,” this campaign, made possible by a collaboration with state associations and highlighting the authentic stories of corn farmers, is designed to open doors and build trust by highlighting the role farmers play in combatting today’s most pressing environmental issues.

“Even in 2021, corn farming remains, at its heart, a family operation rooted in the earth,” said John Linder, NCGA President and a farmer from Ohio. “In many cases, such as mine, this vocation goes back multiple generations. America’s family farmers take great pride in the past, but we are working to build a future with healthy soil, clean air and clean water. Whether you live in D.C. or Edison, work in Congress or a tractor cab, we care about the future of our families and want the best for them. Working together, corn farmers can break down the barriers that stand between us and our goals for tomorrow.”

This campaign, created by National Corn Growers Association and its state affiliates in collaboration, supports ongoing work in Washington to build relationships based on our many common shared values with authentic stories and backed up by facts.

Ag Groups, Corn, Farming, NCGA, Sustainability

2021 World Press Freedom Day Statement from IFAJ

Chuck Zimmerman

World Press Freedom DayThe beginning of a statement on the 2021 World Press Freedom Day, issued by the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Press Freedom Committee, starts with the following:

Yes, we should be enthusiastic about celebrating the International Press Freedom Day on May the third. Unfortunately, there is a risk that the toast we raise this year is a bitter one, and there are several reasons to believe that the situation is not better for agricultural journalists than for journalists in other sectors.

The best thing we can do right now is to try to encourage each other and strengthen our connections with journalists who face threats and repression.

In the statement you’ll find information on decreasing democracy and freedom, public mistrust of journalists and more. This is over the last ten years. Included is a link to the Freedom House report, Freedom in the World: Democracy Under Siege. It shows a significant decline in the United States Freedom Under Siege aggregate score. Reasons include: political corruption and conflicts of interest, lack of transparency in government and punitive immigration and asylum policies. Looking at the overall decline in freedom this past year a significant factor is, as you might think, the whole COVID-19 situation. There is no question that many governments took advantage of this with “excessive or abusive lockdown rules” or “to cover up consolidation of power and suppress dissent.”

I’ll add a point of personal opinion regarding the actions taken by large tech corporations which I believe is also repressing true press freedom. You can argue all you want that Google, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter and others are not “the press.” However, when you see where people are getting their news and a platform like Facebook is at the top you know the power they have. They’ve all shown a willingness to remove anything that doesn’t conform with their views. That’s not freedom.

IFAJ, International, Media

Animal Ag News 5/3

Carrie Muehling

  • Dr. Dennis Nuzback, consultant to Phibro Animal Health Corporation, hosts a free MYCOmpass™ webinar titled “Smart Strategies for Effective Mycotoxin Management,” which is available at Phibro Academy and can be accessed here: https://academy.pahc.com/catalog/info/id:353.
  • Four Midwestern dairy groups announced a Federal Milk Marketing Orders proposal aimed at creating long-term stability in fluid milk pricing and reducing the likelihood of negative producer price differentials that cut into farmers’ revenue last year during the pandemic. The proposal from the Dairy Business Association (DBA), Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, Minnesota Milk and Nebraska State Dairy Association comes after the groups began studying options early this year. They said the proposal, which they’re calling “Class III Plus,” aims to build upon the current pricing system, recent proposals by dairy cooperatives, and dairy farmer petitions to define a better Class I pricing system.
  • A compilation of recent research trials demonstrates that ProsperEO™ improves growth rate and feed efficiency throughout the life of turkeys in both feed and water applications. ProsperEO is an everyday antibiotic-free health additive containing patented essential oils and prebiotics. Ralco is a leading global provider of natural solutions to maximize nutrient conversion in plants and animals.
  • Over 300 NCBA members put “Boots on the Hill” during NCBA’s 2021 Virtual Legislative Conference held April 18-21. While there weren’t any cowboy boots and cowboy hats seen roaming the halls of the Capitol, this year members from across the country participated in meetings with their Members of Congress and agency officials through virtual platforms.
  • The Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. brand, managed by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, launched a new beef campaign highlighting real beef farmers and ranchers. Consumers will be invited to learn more about how cattle farmers and ranchers around the country are employing sustainable practices to care for the land and produce high-quality beef.
  • A national cattle identification system that was first developed at Kansas State University has received a big boost of support from one of the country’s largest food companies. Tyson Fresh Meats, a subsidiary of Tyson Foods Inc., is backing U.S. CattleTrace, a system that uses ear tags with ultrahigh frequency technologies to establish a national animal disease traceability system.

 

AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

Industry Ag News 4/30

Carrie Muehling

  • The Georgia Peanut Commission’s referendum received reaffirmation with a vote of 94.43 percent, the highest the commission has received in its nearly 60-year existence. The 2021 referendum was held March 15 through April 16, 2021.
  • Farm Journal Foundation strongly supports the America Grows Act of 2021, a bipartisan bill introduced that would significantly increase U.S. public investment in agricultural research and development. The bill, introduced by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), would increase funding for agricultural research by 5% annually on an inflation-adjusted basis at four agencies at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the next 10 years. The bill is modeled after the successful 21st Century Cures Act, which passed in 2016 and spurred additional funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
  • IFAJ will be presenting 3 webinars in the month of May in partnership with the Swedish, Finnish and Argentinian guilds, all the details available on the IFAJ website.
  • The National Farm Machinery Show will begin accepting online applications for new exhibitors Friday, April 30 at 9 a.m EST. Applicants will be added to the exhibitor waitlist and be informed if potential space is available. Exhibitors that participated in the 2020 National Farm Machinery Show have their space automatically reserved for the 2022 show. The new exhibitor application form will be posted at farmmachineryshow.org/waitlist-application. Information regarding contract renewals, attendee registration and media credentials will be announced in late-May.
  • The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) submitted comments in response to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) request for public comment on a climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy. ASTA’s comments focused on the crucial role of plant breeding innovation and variety development in addressing climate change and creating new economic opportunities along the agriculture and food value chain.
  • Land O’Lakes, Inc. reported net sales of $3.9 billion and net earnings of $136 million for the first quarter ending March 31, 2021, compared to net sales of $3.8 billion and net earnings of $37 million in 2020. Each business unit delivered strong results and increased net earnings compared to the prior year.
  • The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is joining the TextileGenesis™ platform as the world’s first sustainable cotton fiber to offer full transparency across the supply chain on the platform.
  • Syngenta Group reports strong results for the first quarter of 2021. First quarter sales were $7.1 billion, up 20 percent compared to Q1 2020. The Group’s growth accelerated with seed and crop protection innovations that enable regenerative agriculture practices which help protect against drought and flooding and enhance soil health. Modern Agriculture Platform (MAP), which provides farmers access to market-leading technologies, tripled in revenue from Q1 2020. Biologicals more than doubled in size, supported by the recent acquisition of Valagro.
Zimfo Bytes

Study Shows Health Benefits of Biodiesel

Cindy Zimmerman

A new study released this week by the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) shows switching to biodiesel results in significant health benefits such as decreased cancer risk, fewer premature deaths and reduced asthma attacks.

The study, conducted by Trinity Consultants, was sponsored by NBB with support from the Nebraska Soybean Board, South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, California Advanced Biofuels Alliance, Iowa Soybean Board and the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board. It used well established EPA air dispersion modeling tools coupled with health risk assessments and benefit valuations to assess the public health benefits and resulting economic savings of converting from petroleum-based diesel to 100% biodiesel, known as B100, in 13 sites and communities in the U.S. exposed to high rates of petroleum diesel pollution.

Researchers found that switching to 100% biodiesel for home heating oil and transportation would annually bring the 13 communities studied:

340 fewer premature deaths.
46,000 fewer lost workdays.
$3 billion in avoided health care costs.

In the transportation sector, benefits included a potential 45% reduction in cancer risk when heavy-duty trucks such as semis use B100 and 203,000 fewer or lessened asthma attacks.

When Bioheat® fuel made from 100% biodiesel is used in place of petroleum heating oil, the study found an 86% reduced cancer risk and 17,000 fewer lung problems.

National Biodiesel Board CEO Donnell Rehagen, NBB Director of State Governmental Affairs Floyd Vergara, and Matt Herman, Director of Environmental Science, presented the findings during a virtual press conference Thursday.

NBB presents biodiesel health benefit study findings (26:05)

NBB biodiesel study Q and A (20:26)

Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, Soybean