2025 Tech Hub Live

Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions at #CattleCon25

Cindy Zimmerman

Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions will be at CattleCon 2025 this week in San Antonio showcasing agritech innovation and championing sustainable water management practices.

The company’s participation in the show starts today as Ranchbot will be hosting 100 attendees of CattleCon at the Water Management Methods breakout session from 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. as part of the immersive grazing management workshop and tour at Running V Ranch in Jourdanton, TX. Ranchbot CEO, Andrew Coppin and Texas Regional Relationship Manager, Tim Lockhart will be demonstrating how Ranchbot monitors and the MyRanchbot app enable ranch managers like Running V’s Susan Schuchart 24/7 access to near real-time water system data to advance grazing resilience.

Ranchbot also returns as a sponsor of the Environmental Stewardship Award which recognizes the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of U.S. cattle producers from across the nation. Ranchbot representatives will be participating in the awards receptions held on Tuesday, February 4.

At the NCBA Tradeshow, Ranchbot will be launching Trough Direct, a stand-alone trough monitor with direct satellite connectivity enabling near real-time water levels and consumption data through the MyRanchbot app. Product demonstrations of Trough Direct will be available at the Ranchbot booth (#2912) at the NCBA Tradeshow.

Ranchbot will be giving away branded Ranchbot wild rags to the first 500 show participants visiting the booth during the opening reception Tuesday, February 4. For an added flair, Fort Worth artisan, Robin Smith, founder of Fowl & Maker will be personalizing wild rags with traditional chain-stitch embroidery throughout the trade show in the Ranchbot booth (#2912).

AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Cattle Industry Conference, robotics, Technology, Water

Industry Ag News 1/31

Carrie Muehling

  • Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 106th Convention adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2025. Key topics ranged from labor to rural broadband to trade.
  • The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture presented its 18th Book of the Year award to author Peggy Thomas for “The Soil in Jackie’s Garden.” The award was presented at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 106th Convention.
  • Peoples Company, a recognized leader in integrated land management, brokerage, appraisal, and energy solutions with offices across the nation, announced it acquired Oswego-based Land Pro LLC.
  • Stratovation Group has announced the addition of 24-year agricultural communications veteran Jeff Caldwell to its team. Caldwell brings almost a decade of experience in agricultural marketing and consulting, as well as 15 years of expertise in agricultural multimedia to his new role of Vice President of Strategy and Content.
  • NASDA’s members-led Board of Directors chose five issues to serve as the organization’s primary policy focus for 2025. They include the farm bill, food systems, pesticide regulations, PFAS and state cooperative agreement funding. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney remarked on the significance of these issues for 2025.
  • U.S. retail sales of potatoes remained strong from January–December 2024, as volume sales increased 3.1 percent, and dollar sales rose 0.7 percent to $18.2 billion. All categories of potatoes increased in volume sales.
  • The 73rd Annual Mid-South Farm & Gin Show will take place February 28 and March 1 in Memphis, TN. This show is the place to be for the latest innovations and insights in agriculture. Pre-register by February 14, 2025 and be eligible for a $1,000 cash prize.
  • More than 1,500 attendees were able to fine-tune their farming operations with information gained at the 48th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference Jan. 16, 2025, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. The show is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission.
  • The Georgia Peanut Commission will hold the annual Research Report Day, Feb. 5, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the National Environmentally Sound Production Agriculture Laboratory (NESPAL), located on the University of Georgia Tifton campus at 2360 Rainwater Road, Tifton, Georgia 31793. The event provides growers and industry representatives an opportunity to hear the latest reports and newest information available on peanut research projects funded by GPC in 2024.

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    Zimfo Bytes

    Ethanol Report on Working with New Administration

    Cindy Zimmerman

    President Donald Trump has been very busy since his inauguration issuing executive orders, making changes, and freezing funding, but how will his actions impact the ethanol industry?

    In this edition of the Ethanol Report podcast, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper comments on some of the actions President Trump has taken and where ethanol’s priorities stand in the new Congress and the new administration, including newly- confirmed EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.

    Ethanol Report 1-29-25 24:25

    The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

    Choose an option to subscribe

    Audio, EPA, Ethanol, Podcasts, RFA

    Precision Ag News 1/30

    Carrie Muehling

  • Farm Journal has entered a strategic partnership with Randy Dowdy and David Hula, lifelong farmers and founders of Total Acre. The expansive collaboration includes the launch of a new video podcast along with industry-leading content that will be distributed across Farm Journal’s omni-channel platforms.
  • America’s Cultivation Corridor released the results from a new survey commissioned to identify perceptions of Iowa’s food and agriculture industry. The survey captured responses from a variety of professionals with different levels of experience in the sector in Iowa, across 27 U.S. states and in 13 countries. The results show Iowa is recognized for its food and agriculture leadership and momentum – as well as, or even more so, by those living outside the state.
  • Salford Group is proud to announce that two of their products released in 2024, the AB640 Air Boom Applicator and the Precision Row Crop Cultivator, have been recognized with 2025 AE50 awards from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). These prestigious awards honor the top 50 innovations in agricultural, food, and biological systems engineering each year.
  • MyLand, a leading innovator in soil health, announced that it has closed $23 million in funding in a round led by Proterra Investment Partners LP. This influx of capital will support MyLand’s rapid, contracted growth with both new and existing growers across the U.S. and into international markets, underscoring the importance of soil as the foundation of sustainable agriculture.
  • Idealyst Innovation, a pioneering agricultural solutions company, announced its official launch, introducing a revolutionary approach to aligning ag innovation with the needs of farmers of the future. The new company solves two critical issues that have historically challenged ag innovation efforts – identifying challenges that are core to a producer’s future success and developing a distribution network to scale curated solutions to the farm gate. Idealyst takes a producer-centric approach, connecting innovative solutions to farmers through their trusted partners, such as cooperatives, retailers, and capital providers.
  • Supreme International will showcase its latest breakthrough in feeding technology at World Ag Expo. Experience their most advanced TMR processors yet, offering programmable settings for consistent feed processing and delivery for each specific ration.
  • Nutrien Ag Solutions Inc. announces the launch of N-FINITY, an innovative nitrogen management solution that combines three modes of action that aims to increase the efficiency and availability of nitrogen for improved plant health and crop yields. New to the Loveland Products shelf, N-FINITY leverages advanced biological technology to optimize nitrogen availability, assisting crops’ ability to receive the essential nutrients required for optimal growth and yield.
  • Precision Conservation Management (PCM), in collaboration with the Illinois Corn Growers Association (IL Corn), Kentucky Corn Growers Association, and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC), has received new grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to bolster regenerative agriculture practices. This grant is part of the $14.7 million NFWF awarded nationwide to advance soil health and improve water quality on working lands. It provides the first opportunity for Missouri farmers to participate in PCM.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    CattleCon 2025 Preview

    Chuck Zimmerman

    CattleCon 2025It’s time for the 2025 CattleCon. To get a preview of this year’s event I spoke with Kristin Torres, Executive Director of Meetings and Event, NCBA. She covers all the activities and if you’re interested you can also just link to the schedule here.

    CattleCon is where the beef industry meets! We’re headed to San Antonio February 4-6, 2025! At CattleCon, you’ll discover a unique and comprehensive experience that brings together education, networking, business opportunities, advocacy, and fun for the whole family, all under one roof. Join us at CattleCon, the ultimate destination where the beef industry meets to learn, connect, grow, and enjoy.

    You can listen to my interview with Kristin here: Interview with Kristin Torres (7:09)

    Ag Groups, Animal Agriculture, Audio, Beef, NCBA

    ZimmCast 741 – Clean Fuels in 2025

    Chuck Zimmerman

    ZimmCastHello and welcome to the ZimmCast.

    While Cindy was home during the major snow storm in Florida I was attending the Clean Fuels Conference in San Diego, CA. The weather was delightful for the conference. However, in the Pensacola, FL area there was eight to ten inches of snow, something that hasn’t happened in over 150 years! But it has all melted and we’re mostly back to normal.

    So, let’s talk about clean fuels. We created a virtual ag newsroom once again for the conference that used to be named the National Biodiesel Conference. It was the first one we created many years ago. You can find that newsroom with photos, interviews and session audio right here.

    In this episode I’m going to share some of the interviews I did. So, let’s get started. First up I interviewed Kent Engelbrecht, ADM, serving as Chairman of the Clean Fuels Alliance America. Following him is Kurt Kovarik, VP of Government Affairs, Clean Fuels; then Tom Verry, Director of Outreach and Development; and to close things up I interviewed Donnell Rehagen, CEO, Clean Fuels.

    In addition to the virtual ag newsroom on AgNewsWire we also posted content onto the Clean Fuels Conference Blog which you can find here.

    Now that I’ve been catching up I’m getting ready for the CattleCon 2025 working with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. At the same time Cindy will be at the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau annual meeting. It’s just that busy time of the year.

    Listen to the episode here:
    ZimmCast 741 - Clean Fuels in 2025 (18:01)

    That’s the ZimmCast for now. Please let us know if you have ideas for a future podcast. Just email Chuck at chuck@zimmcomm.biz.

    We hope you enjoyed it and thank you for listening.

    Subscribe to the ZimmCast in:

    Ag Groups, Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, Clean Fuels Alliance, Energy, ZimmCast

    Animal Ag News 1/29

    Carrie Muehling

  • Alltech is pleased to announce the expansion of its mycotoxin testing program Alltech® RAPIREAD™, which now includes a new collaboration with Waters™ | VICAM® and the connection to its analytical tool, Vertu™ TOUCH. Offering simple touch-screen operation, the Vertu TOUCH lateral flow strip test reader works in concert with VICAM’s Vertu strip tests to deliver full-range quantitative results for up to six major mycotoxins, including aflatoxin, fumonisin, vomitoxin (DON), zearalenone, ochratoxin A and the combination of T-2 and HT-2 toxins.
  • Recognizing the vital role that four-legged friends often play on family farms and ranches, Farm Bureau launched the Farm Dog of the Year contest several years ago – now a popular feature of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Convention. The winner of the 2025 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year award is Sirius, a 6-year-old Maremma sheepdog owned by Florida Farm Bureau members Jorge and Debbie Garcia-Bengochea. AFBF, with support from Nestlé Purina PetCare, recognized Sirius and a People’s Choice Pup at its convention.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) hailed the House passage of two significant land management bills that are strongly supported by America’s livestock producers: the ACRES Act and the Fix Our Forests Act.
  • The Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) recently initiated a research project to analyze the potential impacts that vitamin and amino acid supply chain disruptions could have on livestock health and food security. This project aims to identify the critical supply thresholds and inclusion rates at which animal health and livestock production would be adversely affected from shortages of key diet nutrients. The research will be completed by Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS), working in collaboration with Lobo Consulting Solutions.
  • Innovation in the dairy community was the central theme of Dairy Strong, a conference focused on the dairy industry held at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay, Wis. More than 400 people attended Dairy Strong, which featured two keynotes and multiple breakout sessions focused on a broad range of topics from sustainability to how the new presidential administration may affect dairy stakeholders.
  • The Dairy Business Association honored Paul Fetzer of Fetzer Farms with the association’s Advocate of the Year award for his contributions to Wisconsin’s dairy community. The award, sponsored by Vita Plus Corporation, was presented during DBA’s Dairy Strong conference at the KI Convention Center. This annual award honors farmers who excel in managing their farms while actively engaging with their local communities and taking on agricultural leadership roles.
  • Grotegut Dairy Farm of Newton, Wisc. was recognized as the 2025 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year at the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) Dairy Forum. The award is presented each year by IDFA and Dairy Herd Management magazine. As detailed by Dairy Herd Management in its feature story on the award-winning farm, Grotegut Dairy is a cutting-edge operation with an impressive herd of 3,500 milking cows and a host of contemporary solutions that put the farm ahead of its time.
  • Zoetis announced that it recently received an expanded label approval from the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) for Synovex® Primer™ and Synovex Choice® to increase weight gain in growing beef steers and heifers on pasture.
  • Cattle producers, veterinarians and industry professionals attending NCBA CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio are invited to visit booth #2807 to learn about Tauramox® (moxidectin) Injectable Solution and the comprehensive antibiotic portfolio from Norbrook®, including Norfenicol® (florfenicol) Injectable Solution.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    MyLand Secures $23 Million to Transform Soil Health

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Soil health company MyLand has secured $23 million in funding in a round led by Proterra Investment Partners LP with the goal of supporting MyLand’s growth across the U.S. and into international markets to transform soil health.

    “This funding, secured in a highly challenging market and at an incremental valuation, is a testament to the growing recognition that soil health is foundational to agricultural success,” said Dane Hague, Co-Founder and CEO of MyLand. “The proven results of our service—delivering strong economic returns to farming partners across geographies, soil types, and crops—demonstrate the critical role MyLand plays in modern agriculture. Soil is an essential natural resource, and our unique ability to rapidly rebuild it has far-reaching benefits: improved water and nutrient efficiency, enhanced nutrition, greater climate resilience, and better livelihoods for the farmers and ranchers who provide the food on our tables.”

    MyLand’s innovative Soil as a Service™ uses live, native microalgae to rejuvenate soil health and improve productivity, profitability, and sustainability for growers, integrating seamlessly into existing farm operations. MyLand’s solution offers a simple and scalable path for farmers to improve soil health and produce more with fewer resources, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable food system.

    This $23 million financing follows a $20 million Hardware as a Service loan facility from PaceZero Capital Partners in October 2024. Additional investors in the round included existing shareholders, namely Climate IC and the Borden Family Trust, multiple Climate IC LPs, and FarmClub Investments. Collectively, this funding will enable MyLand to scale operations and expand its reach in key agricultural regions. With a strong presence in California, Texas, Arizona, Washington, Oregon, and Alberta, MyLand is poised to deepen its impact on North American agriculture while exploring opportunities for growth in new markets.

    Read more from MyLand.

    AgWired Precision, Precision Agriculture, Soil

    Vilsack Named CEO of World Food Prize Foundation

    Cindy Zimmerman

    He just turned 74 last month, but former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has a new job already, as CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation, located in Des Moines. Beginning March 1, “Vilsack will leverage his extensive leadership and diplomatic experience to enhance the Foundation’s global impact in food security and sustainable agriculture.”

    Vilsack’s appointment builds on his longstanding relationship with the Foundation, where he served on the Council of Advisors and Board of Directors, offering invaluable insights that have shaped its mission and initiatives. He has served two terms as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and two terms as governor of Iowa, in addition to involvement with several organizations focused on agricultural trade and sustainable food production. His exposure and collaboration with the Foundation over the past two decades reflects his life-long dedication to advancing agriculture and food security.

    “The World Food Prize Foundation has a phenomenal and important history of advancing innovation to address global food security,” said Vilsack. “I am honored to have the opportunity to build on that legacy, working closely with Mashal Husain and the talented team to extend the Foundation’s impact worldwide. I look forward to forging new partnerships, helping bring to life new solutions in the fight against hunger and championing efforts to ensure a sustainable and equitable food system for future generations.”

    people, World Food Prize

    Clean Fuels Chair Confident Moving Forward

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Kent Engelbrecht serves as director of North American Biodiesel Trade Policy for ADM, one of the world’s leading biodiesel producers, oilseed crushers, and suppliers of soy and canola feedstocks for the renewable liquid fuels industry.

    Engelbrecht is also Chairman of the Clean Fuels America Alliance, and he is Chairman of the California Advanced Biofuels Alliance (CABA), as well as Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABFC). He was chair of the National Biodiesel Board in 2017 before it became Clean Fuels at a time that was very similar to today.

    “It was another difficult time in the industry,” he said in remarks at the Clean Fuels Conference in San Diego last week. “In many ways, it was similar to what we’re facing now. We’ve got headwinds generated by issues that aren’t entirely within our control. Back then we had issues with tax credits, RFS, and we weren’t really sure what to expect with the new president for the next 4 years. Sound familiar?”

    Engelbrecht says it created a situation where the industry had to go beyond soybeans and build a coalition of complimentary feedstocks and technologies.

    “And we’ve created our path forward. We’ve established renewable diesel as an important part of the country’s energy supply and laid the groundwork for sustainable aviation fuel. Dozens of states across the country have added new clean fuel incentives,” said Engelbrecht. “I look forward to working together as we write this next chapter together.”

    Listen to Engelbrecht’s remarks and interview:
    Clean Fuels remarks - Kent Engelbrecht, ADM (14:04)

    Clean Fuels interview - Kent Engelbrecht, ADM (2:37)

    2025 Clean Fuels Conference Photo Album

    Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, Clean Fuels Alliance