Animal Ag News 11/21

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, recently reintroduced the Real Marketing Edible Artificials Truthfully (MEAT) Act to end deceptive labeling practices for alternative protein products. The Real MEAT Act would clarify the definition of beef and pork for labeling purposes by requiring alternative proteins to clearly display the word “imitation” on their packaging. The legislation would eliminate the consumer confusion that results from misbranding and ensure that the federal government is able to enforce labeling standards.
  • Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) CEO and President Barbara O’Brien outlined a series of checkoff-led successes, including more science-based and partnership driven results, to 780 dairy farmers and industry representatives attending the 2023 joint annual meeting of the United Dairy Industry Association, National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and National Milk Producers Federation held in Orlando, Fla, Nov. 14-15.
  • The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) honored Connie Seefeldt and Steve Maddox as the 2023 co-recipients of the Richard E. Lyng Award for their contributions and distinguished service to dairy promotion.
  • Leaders of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) and the United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA) announced election results to lead national dairy checkoff strategies and programs to protect and grow sales.
  • The future of U.S. dairy farming is bright as global growth and American capacity for innovation and production combine to create a powerhouse, the National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) incoming president and CEO and the organization’s economists highlighted in presentations at NMPF’s annual meeting in Orlando, FL.
  • CowManager, a revolutionary ear sensor system that provides information about fertility, health and nutrition is pleased to introduce a new, intuitive dashboard that adds improved functionality and ease of use.
  • Over the past year, cattle producers had the opportunity to harness the therapeutic potential of Pennchlor (chlortetracycline Type A medicated article), coupled with the coccidiosis control and performance enhancements offered by Rumensin (monensin Type A medicated article) in their starter rations. But now, two new supplemental claims are available for the well-established combination of Pennchlor and Rumensin. These additional claims now extend this combination’s therapeutic advantages for dairy and beef replacement heifers. Contact your Elanco or Pharmgate representative for additional information or your cattle veterinarian and/or nutritionist.
  • The next generation of agricultural leaders are invited to attend the NCBA Trade Show at CattleCon24 for free on Friday, Feb. 2. FFA and 4-H members can receive free trade show admission on Next Gen Ag FFA & 4-H Day, which will include a variety of events and activities for youth and families. Courtesy of Culver’s, the first 250 FFA members to register will receive complimentary Friday NCBA Trade Show admission. FFA members and alumni are also invited to the Culver’s Blue Jacket Custard Social.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Public Lands Council (PLC), and Washington Cattlemen’s Association (WCA), alongside other leading national agricultural organizations, filed comments opposing the Biden administration’s plan to introduce grizzly bears to the North Cascades Ecosystem (NCE) in Washington state. This latest proposed rule from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service follows years of opposition from rural Washington communities, cattle ranchers, and sheep producers. This is a misguided effort by federal bureaucrats that will not make a meaningful difference to the success of the species but will impose a severe burden on rural communities and livestock producers.
  • Vytelle, a precision livestock company, announced it ranked 285 on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies in North America, now in its 29th year.
  • The Animal Agriculture Alliance announced new upcoming board leadership following its fall board meeting, held Nov. 7 in Washington, D.C. Lisa McComb, Dairy Management Inc., was elected as chair-elect. Tom Super, National Chicken Council, was appointed as treasurer.
  • Advances in digital technologies and innovation could dramatically transform the poultry industry over the coming years, improving bird health and welfare and improving productivity and profit. Poultry Tech Summit 2023 was hosted by WATT Global Media and Poultry Future on Nov. 6-8, 2023, at the Hilton Atlanta Airport in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Field Notes from Koch Agronomic Services – Episode 32

    Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

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

    Research Helping Growers Feed the World

    In this episode, we’ll discuss the importance of research in agronomic inputs. Two scientists with KAS, Stacey Wertz and Harjot Dhaliwal will talk about the challenges and rewards of working behind the scenes to maximize yields. They’ll tell us what grower feedback has meant to two products, CENTURO and PROTIVATE, as they are out in the fields actively helping growers feed the world.

    You can listen to the program here: Research Helping Growers Feed the World (20:48)

    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, Fertilizer, Koch Agronomic Services, Soil

    Teaching Agriculture With Sprout the Elf on the Shelf

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

    Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) is helping teachers integrate agriculture into their holiday lesson plans with the introduction of Sprout the Elf on the Shelf.

    “Each year teachers and families make new memories through the ever-popular Elf on the Shelf tradition during the holiday season,” said Kevin Daugherty, IAITC education director. “We wanted to put our own twist on this holiday favorite while providing access to free resources to teach kids the value of agriculture.”

    The complete Elf on the Shelf with IAITC resource booklet contains ideas for 20 agriculture-themed Elf on the Shelf scenes. Teacher can also access a full list of materials to plan for Sprout the Elf’s activities.

    Follow along with Sprout on the IAITC Facebook page or Instagram @ilaitc.

    Agriculture in the Classroom, Holiday

    VISION 2024 Shaping the Future of Ag Tech

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    The VISION Conference, now in its seventh year, is set to start the new year January 22-24 at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa with a transformative event focused on building a sustainable value system in food, feed, fiber, and fuel.

    The conference will address critical topics such as as data-driven decision-making, barriers to adoption, cross-industry insights, and more. Interactive groups will allow attendees to select from challenges including AI + Data Usage, Overcoming Infrastructure and Support Barriers, and Ag Tech Adoption.

    Throughout the event, sessions will delve into the latest data management technologies and processes, proving ROI, and the power of interoperability in ag tech solutions. Leaders with a variety of backgrounds and experience will share their perspectives on the future of ag technology.

    Co-locating with The VISION Conference and kicking off on January 21, the second in-person meeting for Women in Ag Tech will provide a vital platform for women in the industry to connect, engage, and build a community. The Global Ag Tech Initiative is committed to advancing and advocating the women in our industry.

    The conference will conclude with a panel from the Global Ag Tech Initiative, presenting key insights and takeaways that will shape the industry in the years to come.

    For more information and to register for VISION 2024, visit TheVISIONConference.com.

    Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, AI, Technology

    AgGateway Wraps Up Successful Annual Meeting

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    AgGateway wrapped up another successful annual meeting last week in Nashville with strong attendance despite the conflict with Agritechnica this year.

    “Our attendance numbers were up over last year, which were up over the year before,” said AgGateway President and CEO Brent Kemp at the end of the meeting. “We’re on a great trajectory, we’ve had great speakers, great engagement.”

    Embracing a Data-Driven Future was the theme of the conference this year and Kemp says it’s more than just a tag line. “All of this conference we’ve talked about the ways data is going to change our lives more than it already has,” said Kemp.

    Listen to Kemp’s opening remarks and closing interview:
    2023 AgGateway CEO Brent Kemp opening remarks 25:07
    2023 AgGateway wrap up with Brent Kemp 22:08

    2023 AgGateway Annual Meeting Photo Album

    AgGateway, Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, AI, Audio, data

    Industry Ag News 11/17

    Carrie Muehling

  • Gathering around the table for a Thanksgiving dinner won’t take as much of a toll on your pocketbook this year compared to 2022, but the meal still reflects historically high costs. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 38th annual survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for 10, which is $61.17 or less than $6.20 per person.
  • National Farmers Union (NFU) released the updated Farmer’s Share of the food dollar for items typically served during the Thanksgiving holiday. These figures reflect how much family farmers earn compared to the amount consumers pay at the grocery store.
  • Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced next steps in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s efforts to bolster U.S. agricultural trade, including the department’s planned trade missions for 2024 and the opening of a public comment period for the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). These efforts will help to support further growth in U.S. agricultural exports and introduce high-quality U.S. agricultural products to new markets.
  • Syngenta Group announced financial results for the first nine months and third quarter of 2023. Group sales for the first nine months of 2023 were $24.3 billion, down six percent year-on-year. Sales of Syngenta Crop Protection and ADAMA were lower compared to the exceptionally strong first three quarters of the prior year. The Seeds business grew three percent to $3.3 billion sales in the first nine of months of 2023.
  • Stuart Woolf, President and CEO of Woolf Farming & Processing, will serve as Chair of the Western Growers Board of Directors for a two-year term. Woolf was first elected to the Western Growers Board in 2015.
  • Syngenta announced Val Dolcini, U.S. Head of Sustainability and Government Affairs was unanimously elected to the American Farmland Trust Board of Directors by its members and will support their efforts to promote sound farming practices while protecting and keeping farmers on the land.
  • The Soy Scholarship is a $7,000, one-time award presented to a high school senior who plans to pursue agriculture as an area of study at any accredited college or university in the 2024-25 academic year. The scholarship is managed by American Soybean Association and made possible through a grant by BASF Corporation. High school seniors may apply online Oct. 31-Dec. 31, 2023. Click here to apply.
  • National Sorghum Producers (NSP) announced the hire of Greg Ruehle as its new Executive Director. Ruehle brings a wealth of experience in agriculture and association management to his new role, and his leadership comes at a pivotal time as NSP continues to grow and expand its impact on the sorghum industry.
  • Join the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) for the 2024 MN Ag Expo Jan. 17-18 at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato. Registration for the free conference is now open at mnagexpo.com/attendee-registration/.
  • The National Grange is celebrating a second straight year of fraternal membership gain. This is a feat that has not happened for nearly 70 years, and the National Grange is extremely proud of our local Granges and their membership gains. National Grange President Betsy E. Huber unveiled the National Grange theme for 2024 and 2025: “Grange: The Trusted Voice of Rural America” in her opening address of the 157th Annual Convention of the National Grange in Niagara Falls, New York.
  • Renewable chemicals and advanced biofuel producer, Gevo Inc, has joined the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association as a producer member.
  • America’s largest seafood trade association continues to grow. With 22 new members in just the last 12 months, National Fisheries Institute illustrates why it’s known as the leading voice of the seafood industry.
  • Potato retail sales remained strong for the quarter from July to September 2023, up 9.5 percent from the same period a year ago. All categories of potatoes saw increases in dollar sales.
  • Meyocks, a branding and marketing agency, announced that Kelly Ferguson, a member of the firm’s executive team, will acquire a majority interest in the company and become its president, effective January 1, 2024. With this transition, Rachel Allinson, also a member of the executive team, will acquire a minority interest in the agency. Meyocks’ current owner and president, Doug Jeske, is retaining a minority interest in the company.
  • Zimfo Bytes

    Farm Bill Extension and Funding Reaction

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Congress this week passed a continuing resolution that includes an extension of the 2018 Farm Bill until Sept. 30, 2024. Agriculture groups and companies at the NAFB Convention gave their reactions to the move and what it will mean for negotiations next year.

    The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) praised the government funding package that also extends the Livestock Mandatory Reporting program until January 19, 2024.

    NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane says the continuing resolution splits funding packages into two different expiration dates next year, January 19 and February 2. “It give everybody in DC a little bit more of a spread out range of targets,” said Lane. “By and large really good news.”

    2023 NAFB Trade Talk - Ethan Lane, NCBA 3:24

    Mary Kay Thatcher, Syngenta Federal Government and Industry Relations, says Congress is just kicking the can down the road on everything. “On the farm bill, on approps, on not shutting the government down… it’s a real question on whether those things will get done in 2024,” she said.

    Thatcher, who has working on many farm bills over the years, says the farm bill extension through next September may make passage even tougher. “The Congressional Budget Office is going to tell us what kind of numbers do we have to work with in the funding of the farm bill… and there’s better than a 50 percent chance there’s less money then we have now.”

    2023 NAFB Trade Talk - Mary Kay Thatcher, Syngenta 4:14

    2023 NAFB Convention Trade Talk Photos

    Audio, Farm Bill, Farm Policy, NAFB, NCBA, Syngenta

    Thanksgiving Meal Costs Less Than Last Year

    Carrie Muehling

    The American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 38th annual survey says the average cost of this year’s Thanksgiving feast is $61.17. That’s less than $6.20 per person, down 4.5 percent from last year’s record high prices.

    The survey accounts for the cost of a meal for 10 people including turkey, stuffing mix, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, peas, dinner rolls, sweet potatoes, a veggie tray, fresh cranberries, and other miscellaneous ingredients.

    The cost of the meal’s main course fell by more than five percent, thanks to supplies rebounding after last year’s challenges with avian influenza.

    “Traditionally, the turkey is the most expensive item on the Thanksgiving dinner table,” said AFBF Senior Economist Veronica Nigh. “Turkey prices have fallen thanks to a sharp reduction in cases of avian influenza, which have allowed production to increase in time for the holiday.”

    While consumers will welcome lower prices than they saw last year, inflation continues to be a factor as this year’s holiday meal still costs 25 percent more than it did in 2019.

    AFBF, Food, Holiday, Poultry

    Land O’Lakes CEO Beth Ford on First TIME100 Climate List

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Land O’Lakes, Inc. President and CEO Beth Ford was included on the inaugural TIME100 Climate list announced this week, recognizing the 100 most innovative leaders driving business climate action.

    The list was curated from nominations and recommendations made by industry leaders and partner organizations, assessing the candidates on a variety of factors, including recency of action, measurable results, and influence.

    “Thank you, TIME, for including Land O’Lakes on the list. It’s an important recognition that agriculture can be a powerful climate solution,” said Beth Ford, Land O’Lakes President and CEO. “Our Truterra team is doing incredible things alongside our farmer-owners.”

    The news of the Land O’Lakes honor came as Josiah McClellan, Head of Carbon Assets for Land O’Lakes Truterra, was at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting meeting in Kansas City doing interviews about some of the work Truterra has been doing to help farmers transitioning to regenerative practices. “We’ve had $9 million that we’ve been able to deliver to farmers over the last two years for sequestering 462,000 tons of carbon and aligning that with corporate sustainability goals is something that was recognized by TIME,” said McClellan.

    Learn more in this interview.
    2023 NAFB Trade Talk - Josiah McClellan, Truterra 3:32

    AgWired Precision, Audio, carbon, NAFB, regenerative ag

    Gateway to Ag Careers Students Excel at Annual Meeting

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Eight outstanding college students were able to attend the AgGateway Annual Conference this week in Nashville through the Gateway to Ag Careers program, sponsored by the AgCIO Roundtable.

    The eight students represented a variety of different disciplines and academic institutions from across the country. In order of appearance in the photo, they are:
    • Clara Cobb, Mississippi State University
    • Jake Dempsey, Arizona State University
    • Kelsey Vourazeris, Arizona State University
    • Cole Byers, University of Georgia
    • Fei Xyza Asuncion, Kansas State University
    • Justin Allange, Purdue University
    • Ryanna Tiejie, The Ohio State University
    • Phillip Lanza, Cornell University

    The students made individual presentations during a special session during the conference to share their work, ambitions, and interests in the agriculture industry and all of them made a positive impression on the attendees with their active involvement and willingness to network and learn. Here is a brief interview with them as a group:

    2023 AgGateway interview with GTAC students 10:56

    2023 AgGateway Annual Meeting Photo Album

    AgGateway, AgWired Precision, Audio, Education, Precision Agriculture