RFA CEO Optimistic About Ethanol’s Future

Cindy Zimmerman

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper told participants at the 2021 International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo Wednesday that low-carbon ethanol’s “brightest and sunniest days remain ahead” despite recent judicial setbacks and a growing policy push on electric vehicles.

Even after two recent disappointing court decisions, “The ethanol industry is still in a stronger position today than we’ve been in for years,” Cooper told the Des Moines audience. “Our outlook remains bright, despite what the headlines and our opponents would like us to believe.”

The potential impacts of the June 25 Supreme Court decision on small refinery exemptions and the July 2 D.C. Circuit Court decision to reverse year-round E15 sales will be more limited than some believe, Cooper said.

Cooper highlighted that ethanol can play a major role in efforts to greenhouse reduce emissions from the transportation sector, especially if additional state low-carbon fuel standards, or a national LCFS program, are adopted. “Even after accounting for all of energy and emissions associated with every step of the ethanol production process, today’s corn starch ethanol is shown to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 50 percent compared to gasoline,” he said. “Clearly, we are already on our way to ‘net zero’ with ethanol. Proper accounting of soil carbon accumulation in corn fields, using biogas for thermal energy, or adopting carbon capture and sequestration could make corn ethanol carbon neutral—or even carbon negative.”

Listen to Cooper’s remarks here:
FEW 2021 Keynote RFA CEO Geoff Cooper (27:00)

Click here for the keynote remarks as prepared, and here for the slides used in Cooper’s presentation.

Audio, Ethanol, RFA

Precision Ag News 7/14

Carrie Muehling

  • Smaller tractors led declines in U.S. and Canada farm tractor unit sales while overall tractor inventories are down more than 40 percent year-over-year according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
  • Nutrien eKonomics, Nutrien’s online resource for growers and advisors, announced the launch of a nutrient management app that enables customized agronomic advice for optimum nutrient management, growing degree days, and local rainfall.
  • AgLaunch announced the expansion of their Entrepreneurship Team. Building off the success of the annual AgLaunch365 Accelerator program, AgLaunch is bringing on an expert group of agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship experts to expand their offerings for entrepreneurs.
  • The only event bringing together precision agriculture professionals from all segments of the industry is Tech Hub LIVE 2021. And it’s happening in less than a week, on July 20 to 21 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
  • Bayer announced the opening of its application window for the company’s annual Grants4Ag initiative. For more than five years, the agricultural leader has offered researchers both financial and scientific support to develop their ideas for novel solutions to research and development challenges in agriculture. Since its inception in 2015, over 100 grants have been awarded. This year Bayer’s Grants4Ag winning projects will focus on advancing a more sustainable food system. The deadline for submissions is August 31, 2021.
  • Vermeer Corporation introduces four industry-leading concepts to help customers optimize their hay operations: a patent-pending autonomous bale mover, patent-pending onboard bearing temperature sensors, automated baling assistance technology and Forage Commander –– a field data management app.
  • Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) announced that they have found an innovative way to treat pathogens (harmful bacteria) and pests in citrus trees, potato, and tomato plants without the use of antibiotics. In collaboration with the University of Florida and AUM LifeTech Inc., researchers found that the molecule FANA ASO (antisense oligonucleotide) when used in a water solution attacks the inner part of the pest’s cells and also reduces the harmful bacteria the insects transmit.
  • John Deere is now offering customers JDLink™ connectivity service at no additional charge, making it easy for customers to connect machines and to stay connected. The change allows customers to quickly activate the JDLink connectivity service and manage their connected machines within their John Deere Operations Center account, either on the web or the mobile app.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

FLM Harvest is now Curious Plot

Cindy Zimmerman

For FLM Harvest, it’s time for a plot twist.

The 12-year-old company has rebranded to become Curious Plot, a marketing, communications and consulting agency driven to find what’s next for food and agriculture. Same ownership, leadership, team members, clients and services with a new name and identity against the backdrop of rapid transformation in the food and agriculture markets it serves.

“Our industry and clients have experienced a staggering amount of change,” said Laurie Fleck, president and CEO of Curious Plot. “Curious Plot signals our own evolution and continued growth in our dedicated space. While we are still very young by most standards, we continually grow and enhance our service offerings to help our clients navigate the challenges and opportunities to come.”

Curious Plot represents two central pillars of the agency’s new positioning: an innate commitment to continuous learning and the ability to help clients tell a motivating and results-driven story.

“Storytelling is the bedrock of every great marketing strategy,” said Deron Johnson, executive vice president and chief brand officer of Curious Plot. “Success happens when organizations tell the right story, at the right time, to the right people to drive the desired action. Without the story, nothing else is possible.”

The new brand comes as Curious Plot has developed new or expanded relationships with Elanco’s ruminant health business, California Giant Berry Farms, WinField United, Purina Dairy, Zoetis’ petcare diagnostics business, Land O’Lakes Foodservice, KWS Seeds and United Sorghum Checkoff Program. The agency has added more than 10 team members to support client growth.

Curious Plot continues as a 90-person agency headquartered in Minneapolis with a presence in Indianapolis and Portland, Ore., providing services including public relations, creative and content, social/digital, media and management consulting to clients in food and agriculture. More of the agency’s story can be found online at CuriousPlot.agency.

Read the release.

Agencies, Agribusiness

Brownfield Welcomes The Ag Information Network of the US

Chuck Zimmerman

Brownfield FootprintWhoa. Brownfield has just added a major addition to its portfolio of farm radio news networks. When I spent some years as the General Manager, then Farm Director, of the Brownfield Network I always believed in the potential of how this business could grow, even during the trying times of radio industry consolidation. I will never forget the people I worked with and met traveling into new states to grow the initial network. I also will never forget having to get out of my warm car to go to a freezing phone booth to connect my recorder with alligator clips to send audio back to the studios. Enough of that, although I have many, many more memories of those times.

So here’s the news:

Brownfield welcomes The Ag Information Network of the US to the suite of agriculture networks it represents for national sales. This partnership expands the marketing reach available for advertising partners to be nearly national in scope. Along with Brownfield’s expansive coverage of corn and soybean acres, this partnership offers expanded reach for cotton, rice and specialty crops like almonds and apples.

“This new partnership extends our national AG footprint and compliments the broad array of states and opportunities we can provide our clients so they can reach the farmers they need and want,” explains John Baker, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Brownfield.
Read More

Media

ZimmComm at 201 #NAMA21

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmComm BoothIt is hard to believe we are having an in-person Agri-Marketing Conference in KC, MO next week. I sure hope to see you there.

It is going to be a busy one as always. I’ll be taking photos once again of awards and pretty much everything I see, including speakers, networking and Connection Point activity. So, when you see a Nikon aimed your way, don’t shy away. Smile, be creative, let’s have fun with it. If you want a photo for any reason just ask me and I’ll get it done.

Speaking of the Connection Point. This map shows how to find me. It’s pretty simple really. I may be a little late on the first night since I will be taking photos of the Best of winners after the ceremony. But I’ll get there asap. I will also be equipped with the Golden ZimmComm Microphone to conduct interviews. Do you have a story to tell? New announcements? Stop by. It’s a painless process and you too can become a member of the Golden Mic Club if you aren’t already. Although I can do interviews anywhere, anytime, during booth hours would probably be easiest. You’ll be able to find your interview and use it for your own purposes, including social media. The same with photos. I’ll be happy to show you how to find them.

So, onward to Breaking New Ground this year with THE professional organization for agricultural marketers. Oh, and register please if you have not. You can still listen to a preview of the conference here.

NAMA

Benson Hill Producing More Ultra-High Protein Soybeans

Cindy Zimmerman

Benson Hill has exceeded its previous target of doubling contracted acres of its proprietary soybean varieties with partner farmers in the U.S. to grow 70,000 acres in the 2021 crop year versus 30,000 acres in the 2020 crop year.

These proprietary non-GMO soybean varieties are bred by Benson Hill to be higher in protein, have benefits of omega-9 fatty acids and low anti-nutrients. This year’s crop plans include the first commercial plantings of Benson Hill’s Ultra-High Protein soybeans, intended for the human food ingredients market. Additional proprietary products from this crop year include feed ingredients for aquaculture, swine and poultry as well as the specialty cooking oil markets As these planted crops are harvested, Benson Hill expects to have enhanced confidence into its revenue visibility in 2022 for its Ingredient segment. The Company forecasts substantial Ingredients segment growth, which can help fuel the growing plant-based meat substitute market that is expected to reach approximately $140 billion by 2029, according to industry research.

“We believe the food system needs to evolve to meet the growing demands of consumers for better food and feed products with improved sustainability,” said Matt Crisp, Chief Executive Officer of Benson Hill. “With our partners, we intend to build a more health-conscious, diverse and resilient food system and provide the raw material and visibility into our revenue opportunity into 2022.”

“Identity preserved crops that help us produce more sustainably while meeting consumer demand for more healthy, flavorful and high value products are a key part of the future of farming. We’re proud to be part of Benson Hill’s integrated supply chain and contributing to a better food system,” said Matt Danner, co-owner of Templeton Family Farms in Templeton, Iowa.

Benson Hill’s proprietary soy varieties are developed, tested and deployed using a data-driven approach, driven by its proprietary CropOS® technology platform which integrates an extensive data library that spans the entire value chain and has the potential to shave years off the breeding process and improve the environmental impact in agriculture. With its Ultra-High Protein non-GMO soybean products, Benson Hill expects to eliminate the costly energy and water-intensive soy protein concentrate step, and provide scalable, less processed ingredient alternatives for plant-based food producers.

Read more about this important update from Benson Hill.

Biotech, Food, Soybean

Animal Ag News 7/12

Carrie Muehling

  • The American Meat Science Association (AMSA) is pleased to announce that Dr. Shai Barbut is the 2021 AMSA Distinguished Research Award recipient. The award was established in 1965 to recognize members with outstanding research contributions to the meat industry and is sponsored by Conagra Brands, Inc.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has named Matt Herrick as senior vice president of public affairs and communications and executive director of the IDFA Foundation. IDFA also announced the promotion of Heather Soubra to the new position of senior vice president, strategic initiatives, effective July 1st.
  • Officers and directors of the USJersey organizations were elected during the Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) held on June 25 and 26, 2021 in Bettendorf, Iowa. Jonathan Merriam, Hickman, Calif., was re-elected to a fourth one-year term as president of AJCA.
  • The NCBA Trade Show during the annual Cattle Industry Convention is an event in itself where attendees can network, learn, shop, dine and connect with friends, both old and new. It’s time to “Tune in to Tennessee” and make plans to attend the 2021 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, Aug. 10-12, in Nashville, Tenn.
  • The Brangus Summit is happening in Nashville, Tennessee, August 11-13. Register here. The IBBA meetings will be held in conjunction with the cattle industry’s premier event, where the industry comes together at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention, August 10-12, in Nashville. Brangus breeders registering for NCBA need to use hotel code BRANGUS when requesting a room at the Embassy Suites.
  • U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award. The award recognizes exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production. Those eligible for the award include any family-owned poultry grower or egg producer supplying product to a USPOULTRY member or an independent producer who is a USPOULTRY member. Nominations are due Oct. 29.
  • The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program launched a new awards program to recognize farms and FARM evaluators who demonstrate excellence in their engagement with the FARM Program.
  • The J. R. Simplot Company’s Animal Sciences division announced Whitney Sandberg has joined its sales and marketing team as a data specialist. In her role, Sandberg will be responsible for data analysis for a variety of projects, as well as leading and executing social media efforts and targeted marketing plans.
  • Ruminant Specialist Nicholas Anglade joins Hamlet Protein as Category Manager Ruminants to further support the company’s ambition in young animal nutrition.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

Industry Ag News 7/9

Carrie Muehling

  • The Georgia Peanut Commission will return to support Anthony Alfredo and the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports team this weekend at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. The Commission returns after running their colors with Alfredo earlier this year at the same track. The Georgia Peanut Commission will also make a second donation to Canine Assistants, a non-profit organization, dedicated to educating people and dogs so they may enhance the lives of one another. Canine Assistants will receive 1,440 sixteen-ounce jars of creamy peanut butter with Alfredo helping to make the donation.
  • The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol welcomes new members Levi Strauss & Co, one of the most recognizable denim companies worldwide, and their legacy brands Levi’s®, Dockers®, Denizen® by Levi’s®, and Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™
  • The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) launched a new identity for propane that signals a seismic change in how to view this reliable energy source. The new brand, PROPANE Energy for Everyone™, highlights propane’s role in ensuring energy equity and reducing carbon emissions.
  • CommoditAg continues to expand its retailer and fulfillment center network with the addition of Triangle Chemical Company. The partnership expands CommoditAg’s access and convenience to fulfillment centers in the Southeast including Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and North Carolina.
  • Agri-Pulse will discuss challenges to California’s agriculture at this year’s Food & Agriculture Policy Summit. This event will focus not only on assessing the current ‘state of play,’ but allow you to hear from state lawmakers, industry experts, growers, farmers and ranchers who are trying to collaborate, innovate and make climate-smart investments.
  • AgCareers.com launched the new HR ABOVE & BEYOND AWARD to recognize an outstanding human resource and talent recruitment professional in the agriculture and food industry. To nominate an outstanding individual, submit the HR ABOVE & BEYOND AWARD nomination form or email marketing@agcareers.com. Nominations are due by July 22, 2021. The winner will be announced during the virtual North American Ag & Food HR Roundtable in August and awarded a $250 Amazon gift card.
  • Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute Executive Director Peter McCornick has led the institute since 2016 and has been reappointed for a second five-year term. Under McCornick’s leadership, DWFI has made huge strides in fulfilling its mission to improve agricultural water management to ensure sustainable food and water security.
  • The Hershey Company, Land O’Lakes, Inc., and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay have partnered to implement on-farm best management practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Initial funding for Sustainable Dairy PA comes from The Hershey Company’s $300,000 commitment to support the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Land O’Lakes in helping install agricultural conservation practices on Land O’Lakes member dairy farms. The partnership includes 119 Land O’Lakes member-owners in Central Pennsylvania that ship 50% or more of their milk supply to Hershey.
  • The National Corn Growers Association hosted the first-ever in-person meeting of the Women and Mentors program through the generous sponsorship of Bayer and Syngenta. The 15 attendees, who learn invaluable skills through this retreat to help them make an impact on not only the agricultural industry but also in their other endeavors as well.
Zimfo Bytes

ZimmCast 674 – Live Event Previews – Tech Hub & SPGC

Chuck Zimmerman

Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast.

Cindy and I have been making travel plans for work! That’s something pretty rare since early last year. So we’ve got flights scheduled, hotel reservations and conferences registered. I guess it’s kind of like riding a bike. Pretty simple list of things that are needed so it has been just like we only missed a long beat.

So, speaking of travel for work, this week’s episode will provide previews of two events that take us out on the agriblogging highway. The first is the Meister Media inaugural Tech Hub Live conference in Des Moines. Also included is the Southern Peanut Growers Conference where we create content for the conference blog, something we’ve done since 2008.

We will have virtual ag newsrooms from these events on AgNewsWire.com which provide free content for publications, websites, social media, newsletters and more. And we’ll also be sharing individual stories on AgWired.com.

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

Listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 674 - Live Conference Previews (27:51)

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:

Ag Groups, Audio, Media, Peanuts, ZimmCast

Precision Ag News 7/7

Carrie Muehling

  • The 6th Soil Health Institute Annual Meeting is an engaging virtual event bringing together the leading voices in soil science and the agriculture industry to share research and insights for advancing the adoption of soil health systems that are the foundation for regenerative agriculture. Registration is free but required to attend. The virtual annual meeting is scheduled for August 11-12.
  • Cibus, a leader in precision gene editing in agriculture, and GDM, a leading global soybean research company, announced a strategic collaboration focused on developing and delivering new solutions for challenges faced by soybean farmers.
  • DataConnect, the global initiative to enable viewing mixed-brand fleets in a single platform, is now live with an expanded line of six major digital platforms and available to farm operations around the world. Case IH, STEYR and New Holland now join John Deere, CLAAS and the European farm management platform 365FarmNet, which launched the feature late last fall.
  • Sakata Seed America recently announced the further expansion of its robust tomato breeding team to include accomplished industry veteran, Jeremy Sisson, in a new, specialized role. Jeremy joins Sakata as Senior Tomato Breeder with an emphasis on the saladette tomato segment.
  • The regenerative agriculture consulting firm, Understanding Ag (UA), LLC, announced that Eric Fuchs, a Missouri farmer and water quality expert, has become its newest on-farm consultant.
  • Nufarm Americas Inc. announced the EPA registration of Precinct™ Seed Treatment, for control of downy mildew, Pythium spp., and Phytopthora spp on more than 50 labeled crops, including corn, cotton, and soybeans.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture