Vilsack Promises to Press China on Phase One

Cindy Zimmerman

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack promises to press China to fulfill its Phase One trade agreement obligations, but admits it’s complicated.

“We’re involved in a multiple level, complex relationship with China,” said Vilsack during a virtual appearance before the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and Agri-Pulse Ag Outlook Forum Monday. “And it’s not a simple thing to put together how to approach China.”

China is the main reason USDA is forecasting record agricultural exports both this year and next year. The FY 2021 forecast of $173.5 billion is $33.8 billion, or 24 percent, higher than the FY 2020 final total and nearly $17 billion above the previous record set in FY 2014. Next year, U.S. farm and food exports are projected at a record $177.5 billion, topping 2021 by $4 billion. China is expected to remain the United States’ largest export market, followed by Canada and Mexico.

KC Ag Outlook Forum - Vilsack on trade (9:01)

Agribusiness, Audio, Exports, Trade, USDA

Trade Ambassador Addresses NASDA

Cindy Zimmerman

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai spoke to state agriculture officials across the country Tuesday during the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Hybrid Annual Meeting.

“Farmers are always planning for the future and that’s what we have to do together,” said Tai in a pre-recorded conversation with NASDA member Derek Sandison, Washington State Director of Agriculture. “I want to ensure that farmers and agriculture workers have a voice in USTR’s work and I want to hear from them directly.”

Sandison asked Tai about a number of trade issues important to state agriculture officials, including China, biotechnology provisions in Mexico, dairy issues with Canada, expanding market opportunities for agriculture, shipping container shortages, and trade promotion authority.

NASDA21 USTR Katherine Tai remarks (15:01)

Audio, Exports, Trade

EPA Administrator Pledges Transparency in WOTUS Rule

Cindy Zimmerman

U.S. EPA Administrator Michael Regan spoke to the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) hybrid annual meeting this morning and pledged to work with them on rewriting the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.

“Normal farming, silviculture and ranching activities, as defined by the Clean Water Act, will not require a permit,” said Regan. “We are pledging to engage all of our stakeholders, be extremely transparent, learn the lessons of the past, and charge forward with a doable rule that provides certainty, that doesn’t overburden or penalize the small farmer, while protecting water quality and good drinking water.”

Regan says they hope to have a preliminary rule out by November.

NASDA21 EPA Administrator Michael Regan on WOTUS (3:09)

Audio, Environment, EPA, Farming, Water

Animal Ag News 9/20

Carrie Muehling

  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council condemned the Bureau of Land Management’s decision to relocate its headquarters to Washington, D.C. amid multiple, historic environmental crises in the western United States.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council said they are confident that the newly announced review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will confirm what conservation groups, scientists, and ranchers across the West have already observed for years — gray wolves are not endangered.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association urged the Biden administration to maintain an open dialogue with experts in agriculture as the President today announced the Global Methane Pledge as part of an international effort to curb global methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030.
  • Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), for himself and for Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Mike Rounds, (R-S.D.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced the “American Beef Labeling Act of 2021,” which is now officially numbered as Senate Bill 2716 (S.2716). Senate Bill 2716 reinstates beef as among the numerous food commodities currently subject to the United States mandatory country-of-origin labeling (M-COOL) law that was originally passed by Congress in the 2002 Farm Bill.
  • The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) has awarded the 2021 Clean Water Award to Tyson Foods in Nashville, Arkansas, and Tyson Foods in Berryville, Arkansas. The award is presented annually to poultry facilities that go above and beyond in their commitment to sustainable wastewater treatment and water reuse. The winners were chosen by a committee of industry engineers, university personnel and industry media. An announcement of the recognition of the Clean Water Award recipients was made during USPOULTRY’s Environmental Management Seminar.
  • The National Chicken Council (NCC) unveiled the U.S. broiler chicken industry’s first-ever sustainability report, offering a comprehensive overview of the U.S. broiler chicken industry’s progress in its environmental, animal welfare and social impact journey. In fact, the report data shows the U.S. broiler chicken industry’s carbon footprint declined 18% for every kilogram of bird produced from 2010 to 2020. A central component of the new report is the Broiler Production System Life Cycle Assessment: 2020 Update (commissioned by NCC), which reveals the broiler industry achieved significant improvements across all key sustainability intensity metrics between 2010 and 2020.
  • Join Alltech for a webinar panel discussion with industry experts that will provide valuable information about trace minerals for industry professionals, producers and media. Register via this link.
  • As society wrestles with threats to the global food supply and leaders prepare to convene for the United Nations’ first-ever Food Systems Summit, the U.S. dairy community is reaffirming its commitment to be part of the solution, pledging to address its total greenhouse gas footprint and setting goals to achieve carbon neutrality, optimize water use and improve water quality by 2050. In addition, U.S. dairy is strengthening equitable access to nutritious dairy foods around the world while ensuring animal and employee welfare through a transparent production system.
  • The Cattlemen’s Beef Board will invest approximately $38.9 million into programs of beef promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing, and producer communications during fiscal 2022, subject to USDA approval.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

Syngenta Seeds Helps Farmers Address Challenges

Cindy Zimmerman

Increased corn rootworm pressure is being seen around the Midwest this year but hybrids with the Agrisure Duracade trait have proven effective in limiting the impact of the pests. Syngenta Seeds recently announced results from a field study on the effects of corn rootworm (CRW), In July, the Syngenta Seeds agronomy team conducted a series of root digs across Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois to inspect traited hybrids that were planted in the spring.

The average root injury score of the untreated check was 1.5 nodes damaged (higher root scores indicate more corn rootworm damage). Using that same scale, the Agrisure Duracade-traited plants had 0.35 node damaged. Qrome®, SmartStax® and Agrisure Duracade trait stacks rated similarly across locations.

At the Farm Progress Show last month, Syngenta Seeds Head of Marketing Eric Boeck discussed challenges facing growers and how Syngenta Seeds is addressing them, including CRW. He also spoke about Syngenta Artesian which is helping drive yield in drought conditions in the west.

FPS21 Interview with Eric Boeck, Syngenta Seeds (6:41)

2021 Farm Progress Show Virtual Newsroom

Audio, Corn, Farm Progress Show, Syngenta

Congratulations to Ted McKinney – CEO, NASDA

Chuck Zimmerman

NASDA Ted McKinneyWe are glad to see that our friend Ted McKinney has been selected as Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

He will lead NASDA in amplifying the voice of state departments of agriculture in Washington, D.C., seeking policy solutions for our food system and expanding and deepening NASDA’s partnerships.

“Representing a unified voice from all 50 states and four territories, NASDA is a leader and problem solver on our nation’s most important agricultural issues. I am honored to be chosen for this position, and I am delighted to continue serving our country through advocating for state departments of agriculture,” NASDA Incoming CEO Ted McKinney said. “Moving forward, I’m excited to set new horizons for NASDA and ensure agriculture thrives in our states and territories.”

McKinney most recently served as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. He led the development and implementation of the department’s trade policy, facilitated foreign market access and promoted opportunities for U.S. agriculture through various trade programs and high-level government negotiations. Prior to USDA, McKinney held the position of Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, and during his time as a NASDA member, he served on multiple committees for the NASDA Foundation. He also brings over 30 years of experience to NASDA from agriculture’s private industry, including 19 years of experience from NASDA’s partner Dow AgroSciences (now Corteva Agriscience) and 14 years from NASDA’s partner Elanco Animal Health. Prior to his career in agriculture, McKinney grew up on a family farm in Tipton, Indiana.

Ag Groups

Industry Ag News 9/17

Carrie Muehling

  • “Renewal and Rebirth” is the theme for the 2021 American Agri-Women (AAW) convention. Women in agriculture from around the country will convene in Phoenix for the AAW 47th annual convention.
  • The National Biodiesel Foundation warmly welcomes newly elected Director Todd Ellis to the NBF Board. Ellis currently is the Executive Director, North American Sales, for Renewable Energy Group, Inc.
  • More sessions have been announced for the NAMA Fall Conference, October 4-6 in St. Louis. Join NAMA to hear from industry leaders, hear about the latest agri-marketing trends and leave with a fresh perspective to finish out the year. Something’s Brewing, so sign up today!
  • National Farm Safety and Health Week has been recognized during the third week of September for seventy-seven years to help bring attention to the risks of working agriculture. This year, AgriSafe has daily webinars for agricultural health and safety professionals, healthcare providers, producers and farmworkers. Our partners at the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) coined this year’s theme “Farm Safety Yields Real Results,” reminding all of us that safety is a vital part of agriculture.
  • Dr. Roger Cryan will join the American Farm Bureau Federation on October 4th as chief economist.
  • The American Society of Agricultural Consultants (ASAC) selected Corner Window Communications (CWC), owned by Kristy Mach, to serve as its interim management company – from Sept. 1-Dec. 31, 2021. CWC, an association management/marketing firm based in New Prague, Minn., will carry out ASAC’s day-to-day management needs. Renee Brod, a member of the CWC team, will serve as the ASAC executive vice president.
  • The board of directors of the Global Farmer Network is growing with the addition of farmer members from Iowa and the United Kingdom. Mark Heckman grows corn and soybeans and raises cattle and hogs in a family partnership that places a strong focus on soil health, carbon sequestration and sustainability. Paul Temple farms in the north of England in the United Kingdom. The farm practices conservation agriculture on a mixed beef and arable family farm. Paul grows wheat for seed, barley, oilseed rape, vining peas and beans, recently adding grass leys back into the arable rotation.
  • On behalf of all of the World Food Prize Laureates and our Council of Advisors, the World Food Prize Foundation extends its deepest condolences to Janis Ruan and the entire Ruan family for the loss of John Ruan III, the Foundation’s Chairman, who passed away on September 11, 2021.
  • The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference returns to Savannah, Ga. January 6-9, 2022 and will celebrate its 20th anniversary. In 2020, the educational event and trade show hosted more than 3,300 attendees and 290 vendor companies.
  • A new children’s book is now available for families searching for a captivating agriculture story to share. “Barn at Night,” featuring lyrical poetry and glowing watercolors, is now available from Feeding Minds Press, the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s publishing venture.
  • The Mid America CropLife Association recognized Pamela Smith, Crops Technology Editor, DTN & Progressive Farmer, with the Ruth White Media Award.
  • The Mid America CropLife Association (MACA) honored Dr. Samuel Markell of North Dakota State University with the MACA Educator of the Year Award.
Zimfo Bytes

Precision Ag News 9/15

Carrie Muehling

  • Registration is open for AgGateway’s 2021 Annual Conference, November 8-10, in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. The in-person conference will feature an array of sessions and networking opportunities for companies seeking to realize the many benefits of digital agriculture. Details are available on the Annual Conference meeting page at www.AgGateway.org.
  • Indigo Ag announced the disbursement of initial payments to the inaugural cohort of Carbon by Indigo participants. The 267 paid growers are the first to implement on-farm practice changes and provide the data required to ensure the rigorous measurement and validation of resulting emissions reduction and removals according to registry protocols. In doing so, they have helped pave a path for the scaled production of carbon credits as a new income stream for farmers, demonstrating the emerging market’s potential as a real and meaningful instrument for mitigating the drivers of climate change.
  • Purdue University’s Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE) undergraduate program has earned the No. 1 ranking in its category in the annual U.S. News & World Report undergraduate program rankings for the 11th consecutive year. U.S. News also ranked Purdue’s ABE graduate program No. 1 earlier this year. The department includes 382 undergraduate and 191 graduate students.
  • All segments return to the black for August in the U.S., while Canada ekes out small gains according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). U.S. total farm tractor sales climbed 9.9 percent in August compared to 2020, while U.S. self-propelled combine sales jumped 19.8 percent, the second month in a row of growth near 20 percent for harvesters.
  • Ingredion Incorporated and S&W Seed Company announced the companies have entered into an exclusive U.S. stevia pilot production supply agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, S&W will leverage its proprietary stevia plant portfolio and production techniques to supply Ingredion and its PureCircle by Ingredion group of companies, with high-quality, U.S.-sourced stevia plants.
  • CLAAS has launched the next generation of center-delivery rakes with various models ranging from 20 feet 4 inches to 49 feet 2 inches and a completely new 13 foot 9 inch rear-mounted mower. The distinctive features of this new range include a low transport height, excellent ground-contour following and ease of handling.
  • California specialty crop growers and trusted advisers are invited to a free virtual event exploring practical and economical ways they can apply sustainability practices to address local conservation needs. The event is set for Thursday, Sept. 23, from 9 to 11 a.m. PDT, and will include growers and other experts sharing tips and insights on topics such as fire-risk management, improving water quality, irrigation efficiency and advancing nutrient management. To learn more or to register for the event, go to https://events.farmjournal.com/calleguas-creek-2021.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

Animal Ag News 9/13

Carrie Muehling

  • Trust In Beef is a new effort to empower beef producers on their sustainability journey and provide consumers with real-life proof of the continuously improving environmental performance of American beef. The program is led by Farm Journal‘s social purpose initiative, Trust In Food, and its industry-leading beef brand, Drovers.
  • Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Mike Rounds, (R-S.D.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) jointly announced they are introducing a bill in the U.S. Senate to reestablish mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef. The legislation will reinsert “beef” and “ground beef” into the current MCOOL law that requires country-of-origin labels on many food commodities, including meat from chickens, sheep, goats, and deer.
  • In response to the severe drought conditions in the West and Great Plains, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its plans to help cover the cost of transporting feed for livestock that rely on grazing. USDA is updating the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) to immediately cover feed transportation costs for drought impacted ranchers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will provide more details and tools to help ranchers get ready to apply at their local USDA Service Center later this month at fsa.usda.gov/elap.
  • Jim Monroe be joining Smithfield Foods on September 20 as vice president of corporate affairs. Monroe’s responsibilities will include corporate communications and working with media covering the U.S. pork industry, agriculture and food.
  • The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is celebrating the 10th year of the annual IPPE Young Leaders Under 30 Program with the launch of the 2022 program. Interested applicants must apply to the program by Oct. 1 and meet select requirements, including being a member of at least one of the following IPPE sponsor organizations: the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), North American Meat Institute (NAMI) or U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY). No more than two applicants from a single member organization may be nominated.
  • National Pork Board is launching a mythbusting campaign featuring Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet. The new video series introduces consumers to the “Rural Dictionary,” which redefines common pig-related idioms and phrases to showcase the innovation of modern pork production. The inaugural video, When Pigs Fly, launched earlier this week online and on NPB’s social media channels.
  • As Co-Chair of the Tax Aggie Coalition, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association spearheaded a letter to House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committee leadership urging them to consider the implications that changes to federal tax policy will have on family-owned agricultural businesses. Nearly 330 trade associations representing family-owned food, agriculture and related businesses agree that, when drafting legislation to implement President Biden’s “Build Back Better” agenda, it is critical that the “American Families Plan” must also support family farms and ranches.
  • The North American Meat Institute issued the following statement about inflammatory statements regarding the meat and poultry industry and the price of consumer goods during a labor shortage and a pandemic. “As with almost every industry, meat and poultry packers and processors of all sizes have been, and continue to be, affected by the global pandemic and the inflationary trends that challenge the U.S. economy,” said Mark Dopp, Chief Operating Officer for the North American Meat Institute. “American consumers of most goods and services are seeing higher costs, largely due to a persistent and widespread labor shortage. The meat and poultry industry is no different. Issuing inflammatory statements that ignore the fundamentals of how supply and demand affects markets accomplishes nothing. Meat and poultry markets are competitive and dynamic with no one sector of the industry consistently dominating the market at the expense of another.”
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

ZimmCast 677 – Preview of the 2021 NAMA Fall Conference

Chuck Zimmerman

Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast.

In this program we’re going to learn all about the 2021 NAMA Fall Conference from the head of the conference committee, Michele Tibodeau, CHS, Inc. Michele walks us through a preview of the program which includes the presentation of the annual Professional Development Awards of Excellence, network opportunities like on and off-site receptions and great speakers and sessions. It is an in-person event that will take place October 4-6 at the St. Louis Ritz Carlton.

You can get registered here.

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

Listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 677 - Preview of 2021 NAMA Fall Conference (12:50)

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.

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