VISION Conference to Return in 2026

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Meister Media Worldwide’s The VISION Conference is moving to a biennial event, starting with the next conference in 2026.

According to Show Director Amy Reddington, while the Vision Conference has grown into an important gathering for leaders, innovators, and decision-makers, the ag tech landscape has evolved at an unprecedented rate, resulting in ever-increasing, complex decision-making for the industry. “The surge in significant technology disruptions (including AI, autonomy, and data platforms), coupled with the substantial investments required to implement these advances, has considerably extended the timelines for adoption. Given these dynamics, we are shifting The VISION Conference to bi-annual to deliver the most relevant insights, facilitate deeper collaborations and offer a more impactful experience,” said Reddington.

Meanwhile, Meister’s fifth annual Tech Hub LIVE event for the ag retail space, will be taking place July 21-23, 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa, and registration is already open! Take advantage of early holiday discounts and register early!

ag retailers, AgWired Precision, Precision Agriculture, Tech Hub LIVE, Technology

Precision Ag News 12/11

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • The Biden-Harris Administration announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) supported more than 23,000 climate-focused conservation contracts funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. These investments cover over 11 million acres in fiscal year 2024, contributing to the highest total investment in private lands conservation in any year in the history of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in climate action in history, bolstered funding for NRCS’ in-demand conservation programs for climate-smart practices on farms, ranches, and forests. NRCS also released updated state-by-state data showing where financial assistance went in fiscal year 2024 for resources provided under both the Farm Bill and Inflation Reduction Act.
  • The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) honored Ernie Chappell with the Jack Eberspacher Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of leadership in ag retail. Chappell received ARA’s highest individual honor during ARA’s Conference & Expo general session attended by more than 600 agricultural professionals.
  • The California Energy Commission (CEC) recently published the project report by AgMonitor Inc. on “Programmable Irrigation and Fertigation to Increase Energy Efficiency and Grid Stability in Disadvantaged Agricultural Communities.” The AI-powered platform integrates multiple data sets and domain expertise to boil down complex processes, such as scheduling irrigation or maintaining solar panels, into simple answers in English or Spanish across farming operations.
  • OPI, the global leader in grain storage management, is proud to be celebrating its 40th year of business delivering advanced technology to farmers and commercial grain operations.
  • Syngenta Crop Protection has reached a new milestone in its collaboration with AI-informed crop health company Enko to discover novel weed control molecules, advancing efforts to bring much-needed innovation in herbicide technology to farmers. The collaboration targets a new Mode of Action, which is the way the herbicide controls susceptible plants. The discovery of new leads targeting this MoA was made using Enko’s ENKOMPASS platform, which reduces time and cost compared to conventional agricultural R&D approaches.
  • With reports of high disease outbreaks in 2024, and the World Meteorological Organization (WO) predicting a 60 percent chance of La Niña1 weather in 2025, this could lead to cooler conditions. If this happens, soybean growers will need to be prepared for any weather condition or disease outbreak next season. Thanks to continued research into Saltro fungicide seed treatment, Syngenta has confirmed an additional way for soybean growers to unlock soybean yield potential, as well as their ROI potential, regardless of early-season pressure.
  • Within the portfolio of the National Corn Growers Association‘s (NCGA) Research and New Uses Action Team, the Research Ambassador program aims to build a network of future leaders in the agricultural sector. To qualify, students must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and be involved in research relevant to corn production.
  • Natural pet food brand NUTRO, proudly part of the Mars family of brands, is announcing the recipients of this year’s Soil Growth Grants totaling $300,000. As part of the GREATER GROUND initiative, Soil Growth Grants help select farmers within the NUTRO supply network with the transition costs needed to implement healthy soil practices.
  • BKT, a leading multinational company in the Off-Highway tire industry, renews its partnership with GIANTS Software and returns to star in Farming Simulator 25, the eagerly anticipated new edition of the popular video game saga.
  • MyLand, a soil health company, is proud to announce that its revolutionary microalgae-based Soil as a Service is now compatible with organic growing standards and has received California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) approval.
  • Now farmers can access tied-up phosphorus in their soil through the new enzyme mode of action in PHOSFORCE™ nutrient enhancer from Koch Agronomic Services. This novel phosphorus use efficiency product works immediately to create more plant-available phosphorus in soils, resulting in optimal crop root systems, increased yield and improved soil fertility and health in row crops and more.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Golden Harvest Hybrids Built for the North

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Golden Harvest and GHX are offering new corn hybrids specifically gred for those northern farmers who take pride in their ability to produce corn in a challenging environment every year.

    Each of the individual Hybrids Built for the North product is named for apex predators adapted for success there:

    · Hybrid G00A97-AA – The Hawk: Like a Hawk, G00A97-AA Brand is agile and able to thrive in diverse conditions. It precisely zeroes in on its prey at the right moment, with the right seeding rate.
    · Hybrid G01U74-AA – The Grizzly: A force of nature, G01U74-AA Brand embodies raw power and unwavering strength. Like a Grizzly bear, it adapts to any environment and stands strong all season long.
    · Hybrid G03U08-D – The Wolf: Leading the pack, The Wolf is fiercely protective and resilient. Like the northern predator, G03U08-D Brand thrives in tough terrains and challenges, delivering powerful results.

    According to Rex Gray, Golden Harvest and GHX corn product manager, “To thrive in the North, a farmer needs products built specifically for their environment, with unique characteristics that provide a competitive edge. Our Hybrids Built for the North are strong, fierce and up to the challenge.”

    In an interview at Farm Progress Show this year, Gray talked about the 14 new Golden Harvest corn hybrids for 2025. “So when you have these new varieties, hybrids plus others that are already established, this is just giving your customers a whole lot more options for their specific farm or geography,” said Gray. “Everybody wants more yield, but … it’s really about that consistent yield and harvestable yield. Because what’s in their grain tank at the end of the day is what pays the bills. So each year we continue to bring out new hybrids to meet those needs, but also make sure that we’re continuing to advance a portfolio from a disease or agonomic standpoint as well.”

    The Hybrids Built for the North branding effort focuses specifically on farmers in the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan with products to meet their challenges best and have the potential for higher yields.

    FPS24 - Interview with Rex Gray, Golden Harvest 3:03

    Audio, Corn, Golden Harvest, Seed, Syngenta

    New Tech Provides Non-Invasive In-Ovo Sexing

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Say hello to Cheggy, the first non-invasive in-ovo technology of its kind to determine the sex of a chick before hatching.

    In a groundbreaking development for the United States egg industry, an Iowa hatchery has become the first site to offer an automated in-ovo sex determining solution in the nation. An identical machine is also operational at a hatchery in Texas. Chicks from the hatchery are expected to go to their first customer—NestFresh Eggs—by December 13, 2024, putting eggs sourced from in-ovo sexed hens into the marketplace by June 2, 2025.

    The technology was created by Germany-based company Agri Advanced Technologies (AAT). “We are thrilled to introduce this revolutionary non-invasive in-ovo sexing technology to the United States,” said Jörg Hurlin, Managing Director of AAT. “The high accuracy rate and unparalleled efficiency of this machine will undoubtedly transform the egg production industry with growing demand for welfare and sustainability practices in the poultry industry.”

    In-Ovo Sexed Eggs

    The unveiling event for the Cheggy technology took place on Tuesday, December 10, bringing together industry leaders from the AAT and NestFresh teams to witness a live demonstration of the machine, showcasing the innovative sorting process. Cheggy is the fastest machine of its kind and has the capability to sort up to 25,000 brown layer hatching eggs per hour and unit, significantly increasing efficiency and productivity for hatcheries. In 2019, AAT started the transformation process with its Cheggy in Germany and France and is now the market leader for in-ovo sex determination of brown layer lines in Europe with 12 units in 7 countries.

    Learn more about Cheggy at cheggy.com.

    AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Poultry

    Animal Ag News 12/9

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing the start of its National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), which builds on measures taken by USDA and federal and state partners since the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cattle was first detected in March 2024. Today, USDA is issuing a new Federal Order, as well as accompanying guidance, requiring that raw (unpasteurized) milk samples nationwide be collected and shared with USDA for testing. This new guidance from USDA, which was developed with significant input from state, veterinary and public health stakeholders, will facilitate comprehensive H5N1 surveillance of the nation’s milk supply and dairy herds.
  • Dairy farmers across 15 states can apply for considerable financial support to adopt climate-smart manure management practices through a new initiative aimed at enhancing soil health, increasing herd productivity and minimizing environmental impact. That’s according to Transforming the Farmer to Consumer Supply Chain project leaders. The Dairy Manure Management Incentive Program, part of the USDA-backed $70 million Transforming the Farmer to Consumer Supply Chain project, provides competitive funding to help farmers integrate sustainable manure and nutrient management methods that suit their unique operation’s needs.
  • The dairy checkoff has launched the Dairy Conservation Navigator, an online resource hub designed to provide farm advisors, stakeholders and conservation professionals with science-based information on sustainable farming practices and technologies. The Navigator aggregates science-based information from more than 70 experts, helping users make informed decisions that enhance farm profitability and sustainability efforts. Dairy checkoff scientists and others developed a list of over 80 practices that have a positive environmental benefit in areas including nutrient management, methane reduction, soil health, manure handling and more.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently awarded a grant to Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions Institute (HSI) to significantly expand the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives Projects (HFMI) to more than 1,150 retail stores in 32 states since the program began in 2020. HFMI pilot projects provide SNAP beneficiaries with a dollar-for-dollar match when they purchase healthy fluid milk options, helping SNAP participants stretch their dollar with healthy dairy options.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) recognized six distinguished individuals for their exceptional contributions to food, nutrition, agricultural policymaking and ongoing support of the dairy industry.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) hailed the issuance of a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the Corporate Transparency Act from being enforced on January 1, 2025. This ruling from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas protects millions of family farmers and ranchers from onerous reporting requirements imposed by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) thanked the U.S. Senate for passing the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act (H.R. 5863). In addition to providing much needed relief to victims of hurricanes, this legislation would provide tax relief for cattle producers who received payments due to wildfires. Previously, these payments counted as taxable income, meaning producers who already suffered from disasters were hurt again by having their relief payments taxed.
  • Zoetis announced it has entered a collaboration with Colorado State University’s AgNext to advance research in sustainable animal production. Together, Zoetis and AgNext are poised to shape the future and set new standards for sustainable management practices using animal health and genetic data.
  • The rendering industry’s contributions to animal agriculture’s economic and environmental sustainability is vital, yet often overlooked when food and animal food production is discussed. The International Rendering Symposium, held in conjunction with the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, will discuss the use of rendered products in aquaculture and global trade flows and initiatives of the circular bioeconomy.
  • Updated research, supported by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, was released today quantifying the U.S. poultry industry’s on-farm antibiotic use. The updated report shows continued improved antibiotic stewardship and commitment to disease prevention within poultry production. As part of its commitment to the transparency and sustainability of a safe food supply, the poultry industry aims to strike a balance between the responsible use of antibiotics “medically important” to human health and keeping poultry flocks healthy.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    DWFI Shares Annual Report

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska recently released its 2024 Annual Report celebrating 15 years of progress toward global water and food security.

    DWFI continues to focus on ensuring a sustainable future with access to nutritious food and clean water and is uniquely positioned to advance water management for greater food security. Throughout its 15-year history, the institute has leveraged the world-class research at the University of Nebraska; the state’s expertise in agricultural and water resource management; and private sector partnerships to make real progress toward a water- and food-secure future for all.

    Among this year’s accomplishments, DWFI launched its new USAID-funded Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Irrigation and Mechanization Systems (ILIMS) providing $40 million over the next five years to support the growth of vibrant irrigation and mechanization markets in the Global South. DWFI also welcomed 14 new members to its Faculty Fellow cohort and funded 11 new students working on mission-related research this year, in addition to the 20 returning students who continued their research with the help of DWFI funding.

    The institute is celebrating its 15th anniversary year, culminating in its Water for Food Global Conference April 28-May 2, 2025 in Lincoln, Nebraska.

    “Together, we can create a more water and food secure world, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come,” said Peter G. McCornick, executive director of DWFI.

    Food, Water, Water for Food

    Industry Ag News 12/6

    Carrie Muehling

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is taking steps to streamline and provide flexibilities for environmental compliance requirements for 2024 hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton allowing the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to expedite approval of payments and practice implementation for Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), and Tree Assistance Program (TAP) applicants impacted by these three named storms in 2024. Additionally, USDA is waiving certain requirements for ECP and EFRP to provide restoration cost share assistance payments more quickly to producers impacted by hurricanes occurring Oct. 1, 2016, through Sept. 30, 2023. FSA is waiving the requirement that producers impacted by hurricanes submit receipts and documentation related to land restoration.
  • The annual U.S. Beekeeping Survey indicates the highest colony losses since the 2010-11 beekeeping season, when colony loss rates were first determined. U.S. beekeepers lost an estimated 55.1 percent of their managed bee colonies in 2023-24 – 14.8 percentage points higher than the 13-year average annual loss rate of 40.3 percent. This surge in colony losses was driven largely by losses among commercial beekeepers managing more than 500 colonies.
  • The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) is pleased to announce that Dr. Berit Linnehan Foss will join the organization as the new Vice President, Feed and Sustainability, effective Dec. 18, 2024. With a career spanning roles in feed, regulatory affairs, quality control and sustainability, Dr. Foss brings a wealth of expertise to NGFA and its members.
  • A new report from the Global Forum on Farm Policy & Innovation (GFFPI) highlights the complexities of balancing trade and sustainability objectives, emphasizing the pressing need to align trade rules with sustainability goals while avoiding unintended consequences. The report, Policy and Practice for Sustainable Agriculture and Trade, is based on observations from the second workshop held by GFFPI, held in Washington D.C. in July 2024. The first workshop was hosted at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris in 2023 and focused on the ideal state of agriculture sustainability and trade.
  • The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) gave out awards at its Conference & Expo with more than 600 ag retail industry professionals. Rod Wells with GROWMARK received the ARA Distinguished Service Award, Ernie Chappell was honored with the Jack Eberspacher Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of leadership in ag retail, and Buttonwillow Warehouse Company (BWC) claimed Retailer of the Year award.
  • Nominate the cream of the crop for the Agribusiness Leader of the Year, NAMA Marketer of the Year, Ag Association Leader, or Next Gen NAMA awards. These prestigious awards will be presented at the 2025 Agri-Marketing Conference, April 9-11 in Kansas City. Submit your online nomination(s) by January 31, 2025.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association is proud to announce the addition of two innovative leaders, Edeniq, Inc. and incite.ag, to its growing network of associate members. These forward-thinking companies bring cutting-edge expertise in biotechnology and agriculture, bolstering RFA’s mission to advance sustainable biofuels and promote innovation. Their membership reflects a shared commitment to low-carbon solutions, strengthening the collaboration that defines RFA’s role in shaping the future of renewable energy.
  • Brad Hooker, who has been leading Agri-Pulse Communications’ coverage of food and agriculture policy in California since 2019, has been named the company’s first Sacramento bureau chief. Hooker pioneered Agri-Pulse’s weekly in-depth newsletter coverage of California lawmakers and key agency regulators and produces Agri-Pulse Daybreak West each weekday.
  • Impactful integrated media, outstanding service and deep experience with growers are the key drivers behind Rural Traction Network, a new full service marketing and digital services agency officially launched by veteran ag marketing professional Joe Monahan, principal of the new company.
  • Since being introduced at the end of August, hundreds of Ayrstone AyrMesh HubDuo units have gone into use across the United States and Canada, providing faster, better outdoor WiFi to farmers, ranchers, and other rural homes and businesses. Now there is a new feature for the AyrMesh HubDuo: Meshing Modes. Meshing Modes allow HubDuo users to adjust the Hub for either the traditional AyrMesh long-range meshing, with Hubs at least half a mile apart, or a new close-in mesh.
  • The Nebraska Ag Expo, a trailblazer in advancing agricultural innovation and host of Innovation Hub – a dynamic center for groundbreaking technologies and forward-thinking ag solutions – has invited six companies to compete for cash prizes during the Startup Showcase at Innovation After Hours.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    ALB is All About Climate Smart Sheep

    Cindy Zimmerman

    This month, 150 sheep producers around the country will be selected to participate in the American Lamb Board (ALB) Climate Smart Sheep program starting in 2025.

    ALB Chairman Jeff Ebert of Kansas says producers enrolled in the program will be paid up to $7,000 to develop and implement Climate Smart Sheep management practices and measure and report emissions and life cycle analysis. “We’ve just recently received a $4 million grant from USDA for Climate Smart sheep and right now we’re gathering up producers who want to take part in this,” said Ebert in a recent interview.

    In addition, the grant is helping to educate producers about the benefits of targeted grazing related to carbon sequestration, soil health, and other ecosystem factors. “We’ve seen a lot of these solar panels come up and there’s vegetation underneath them. Sheep are a natural animal to help control that vegetation,” said Ebert. “So we’re working not only with solar grazing companies, but also vineyards and just grazing in general, it’s a way to embrace it.”

    ALB held three workshops in different parts of the country this year on vegetation management for solar arrays, vineyards, and fire suppression, and six are planned for 2025. Learn more on the ALB website.

    Learn more in this interview with Ebert.
    NAFB24 Jeff Ebert, Lamb Board (3:36)

    AgWired Animal, American Lamb Board, Animal Agriculture, Audio, Sheep, Sustainability

    AgGateway Speaker Explores What Ag Can Learn From Others

    Cindy Zimmerman

    One of the keynote topics at the recent AgGateway annual meeting was how other industries might offer lessons for agriculture in navigating sustainability data standards.

    Andrew Selck, Partner with Kearney working in Agriculture and Food Practice, addressed this topic in his presentation, “Sustainability Data Standards: What Ag Can Learn from Other Sectors.”

    “In my role I have been a consumer of agriculture data, and I have seen the benefit when you can leverage that data and pull it together,” says Selck. “I really believe in AgGateway’s mission – you need to make that data more interoperable and more standardized if you are going to create the value the industry needs. And the value can be discovered across the board whether it’s agronomic insights and strategic business information to farmers, efficiency and cost savings to a value chain organization, or improved employee experience.”

    Listen to Selck’s address here:
    AgGateway keynote Andrew Selck, Kearney (54:44)

    2024 AgGateway Annual Conference Photo Album

    AgGateway, Agribusiness, Agronomy, AI, Audio, data

    Precision Ag News 12/4

    Carrie Muehling

  • What better subject than soil for the next ‘Sharing the Knowledge’ webinar, on December 5, celebrating the 10th anniversary of World Soil Day? This year’s theme of “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage” focuses on the role of soil data and information. First session on December 5, 2 am GMT: REGISTER HERE. Second session on December 5, 3:30 pm GMT: REGISTER HERE.
  • Register now for the 36th Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) Annual Conference January 6-9, at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells, CA. Two other meetings will be held at the same location with both GreenLeaf and Inari holding their annual business meetings concurrently. Among the many speakers in the learning sessions will be Han Chen, CEO of ZeaKal.
  • Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS) highlights a wide range of pumps ideal for seed treatment applications. For low-pressure feed pump applications, Watson-Marlow offers Qdos chemical metering pumps, as well as its cased peristaltic pumps. Visit WMFTS at the ASTA Seed Expo 2024 in Orlando, Florida, December 10-13 to learn more about these solutions for seed treatment.
  • Pivot Bio, one of the world’s leading innovative agtech companies, announced Melih Keyman has been elected to the Pivot Bio Board of Directors, effective Dec. 1. Keyman brings to the company more than 40 years of leading expertise in the global fertilizer industry.
  • Advanced Agrilytics, a leading agricultural solutions provider, announced that its Board of Directors appointed Kenny Avery as the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
  • Foliaj Farms, led by first-time grower Bill Reece, has chosen Sollum Technologies‘ dynamic LED lighting solution to power his new indoor farming operation in Muncie, Indiana, USA. Focused on growing leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, and herbs, Foliaj’s large-scale warehouse will leverage Sollum’s advanced lighting technology to optimize plant growth in a fully controlled environment.
  • Stine Seed Company is known for being a trailblazer in the soybean industry. In fact, Stine was the first company in the U.S. to commercially offer Enlist E3 soybeans when the trait launched in 2019. Stine is the second-largest Enlist E3 brand, and Enlist E3 soybeans represent more than half of the soybean acres planted in the U.S.
  • AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, celebrated the grand opening of the AGCO Technician Training Center at Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois. The new 22,000 square-foot facility is the home of the school’s AGCO Agriculture Service Technician Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program, which provides instruction specific to the company’s popular machinery and precision ag technologies. Made possible by a $5 million donation from AGCO Corporation, this advanced training center is set to revolutionize diesel technology education and address the critical shortage of skilled technicians in the agricultural industry.
  • Discover the future of agriculture at the Ag Innovation Forum on February 27, 2025, presented by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and the National Institute for Animal Agriculture. This must-attend event will be held at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center in Kansas City, where agricultural innovators and experts will gather to drive meaningful conversations about technology and innovation in agriculture.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture