IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders Awards Announced

Cindy Zimmerman

The latest crop of talented IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Award recipients have been announced and will be attending the 2024 IFAJ Congress in Interlaken, Switzerland this August.

The 10 scholarship winners will also participate in a unique three-day professional development workshop immediately prior to the IFAJ Congress. The workshop emphasizes reporting skills and leadership training and includes agriculture tours.

Since 2006, the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and Alltech, a global leader in agriculture and animal nutrition, have partnered to support the Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Awards that recognize the leadership potential of young members (under 35 years of age). As young agricultural journalists and communicators, they have the important role of sharing the stories of agriculture with the world.

The winners are:

Alex Black, United Kingdom
Emma Davies, Ghana
Courtney Girgis, United States
Kristina Hansén, Sweden
Wiebke Hermann, Germany
Brooke Littlewood, Australia
Duncan Masiwa, South Africa
Daniel Plaiasu, Romania
Michaela Sandmayr, Austria
Carola Urdangarin, Argentina

“Alltech is proud to partner with IFAJ to support the Young Leaders program, as we all share a commitment to supporting journalists who give voice to farmers and producers and ensure that agriculture stories continue to be told around the world,” said Jenn Norrie, North American and European communications manager at Alltech.

Alltech, IFAJ, Journalism

Ethanol Report on 40B SAF Tax Credit and Beyond

Cindy Zimmerman

The 40B tax credit guidance and modified GREET model released April 30 by U.S. Treasury lays the groundwork for U.S. ethanol producers and farmers to participate in the emerging market for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

But since 40B expires at the end of this year, all the attention will now turn to implementing the 45Z credit to start next year, and the Renewable Fuels Association is already working on the next steps.

In this edition of the Ethanol Report podcast we get some of the details from US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, RFA Senior VP, Government & Public Affairs, Troy Bredenkamp, and Mitchell Hora, Continuum Ag.

Ethanol Report 5-2-24 22:11

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.

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Audio, Biofuels, Corn, Ethanol, Podcasts, RFA, SAF

Precision Ag News 5/2

Carrie Muehling

  • The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) President & CEO Daren Coppock released a statement applauding the Biden Administration’s announcement updating the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technology (GREET) model and including regenerative agricultural practices in the sustainable aviation fuel emissions calculation.
  • For more than 15-years, the CropLife Ag Tech Awards of Excellence, sponsored by the Global Ag Tech Alliance, has honored individuals who demonstrate exceptional work in the use and adoption of precision and digital agriculture technologies and practices. There will be one winner from each of the following categories: Crop Advisor/Entrepreneur, Educator/Researcher, Precision Farmer, and Ag Technology Legacy. The award program has honored more than 60 individuals and organizations since the program commenced in 2007. The winners will be honored during the awards ceremony at the 2024 Tech Hub LIVE Conference and Expo July 29 – 31 in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • AgTech PR, a global communications firm specializing in agriculture technology, announced its inaugural Advisory Board composed of leaders driving transformative change in agriculture. Advisors will provide AgTech PR with industry insights and strategic guidance to help advance the organization’s purpose.
  • DPH Biologicals’ RegenAphex received the first runner-up BioAgTech Innovator Award at the annual BioAgTech World Congress, a gathering of leaders from across the agriculture industry to share the latest technological advances in biologicals. RegenAphex, a plant-based liquid humus extract, fosters biological product innovation to improve soil and crop health by providing a superfood base of readily available organic carbon.
  • Rantizo announced the addition of a new drone option – the XAG P100 Pro.
  • The BioAgTech World Congress 2024, held in Raleigh, NC April 22-26, included a visit to the N.C. State Plant Sciences Initiative, including opening remarks from North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, highlighting North Carolina’s agricultural challenges and opportunities. Three awards were presented at the event – BioAgTech Sustainable Grower, Lifetime Achiever, and Innovator Awards.
  • In a first of its kind effort to assess the environmental footprint of pesticide use, CropLife America (CLA) commissioned the University of Arkansas, led by researchers Dr. Marty Matlock and Dr. Greg Thoma, to conduct an independent three-year cradle-to-farmgate Life Cycle Assessment that comprehensively evaluates the environmental benefits and impacts of pesticide application in the cultivation of corn, cotton, and soybeans in the U.S.. The study examined crop productivity with and without pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides) for three crops. The completed assessment successfully underwent an independent third-party ISO review.
  • The Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF) and AgGateway, two global non-profit associations working to ensure the interoperability between agricultural brands and technology platforms, announced their participation in the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) second “Celebration of Modern Ag on the National Mall” event. The event will provide the opportunity for the Nation’s policymakers to see that together the associations are providing a foundation that is critical in shaping sustainable agriculture.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    AgSwag Golden Update

    Chuck Zimmerman

    AgSwagRight across from the ZimmComm booth at the Agri-Marketing Conference was AgSwag. I got out the ZimmComm Golden Mic for an update interview with Jordan Van Trump and used his AgSwag Golden Ticket for a free cap. I picked the limited edition “Farm Strong” cap you see Jordan wearing.

    You may wonder about the AgSwap Golden Ticket. It has nothing to do with our well-known Golden Mic or Golden ZimmComm Mic Award winners. Instead, think Willy Wonka and the gold ticket to get into the Chocolate Factory. In our interview Jordan explains and how it has spawned a new venture for his company.

    The Van Trumps not only farm but have several ventures like their own farm show, FARMCON. The next one will be January 8-9, 2025 in KC, MO. Besides FARMCON, Jordan updates us on the Van Trump Report and Farm Tank. There’s more but I’ll let him talk about it in our interview.

    Interview with Jordan Van Trump, AgSwag
    NAMA24 Jordan Van Trump, AgSwag 6:48

    2024 Agri-Marketing Conference Photo Album

    Agribusiness, Audio, Farm Shows, Farming

    Chris Turner Joins Pivot Bio as Chief Commercial Officer

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Sustainable agriculture company Pivot Bio announces the appointment of industry veteran Chris Turner as Chief Commercial Officer to lead the company’s global growth agenda and commercial sales organization. He will be a member of Pivot Bio’s executive leadership team, reporting to Chris Abbott, CEO.

    “Chris is a highly regarded, results-oriented leader in the ag industry, and we couldn’t be more excited that he is joining our team,” said Chris Abbott, CEO of Pivot Bio. “With nearly three decades of industry experience, Chris has effectively led extensive global commercial, strategic and operational teams. Chris certainly exemplifies commercial leadership with a consistent focus on performance and results.”

    Turner joins Pivot Bio from Bayer Corporation, where he has served as Head of the U.S. Crop Science division. Before joining Bayer, he was with Monsanto Company for more than 20 years. Raised on a farm in Northeast Missouri, Turner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture from the University of Missouri and continues to participate in the operations on his farm.

    Agribusiness, people

    Vilsack Explains SAF Tax Credit for Farm Broadcasters

    Cindy Zimmerman

    USDA photo – Vilsack speaks to NAFB members

    Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spent the majority of his time meeting with members of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Tuesday talking about the 40B sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit guidance and modified GREET model released that day by the Biden Administration.

    “You need to understand this because you’re the folks who have to explain that it’s a point system,” Vilsack told the farm broadcasters. “And if you get enough points, you qualify for an enormously beneficial tax credit, which is how you start industries.”

    Vilsack discussed the importance of the tax credit guidance and what it means for agriculture. “The key message here for farm country is, you’re in the game,” said Vilsack. “For the first time ever, we have a recognition by the IRS that climate smart agriculture has a positive impact on reducing greenhouse gases and carbon storage.”

    Listen to some of Vilsack’s remarks to NAFB:
    USDA Sec. Vilsack to NAFB members 16:03

    Audio, Biofuels, Corn, cover crops, Ethanol, NAFB, USDA

    Farmer Consultant Digs Into SAF Tax Credit Guidance

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Mitchell Hora, Continuum Ag, on panel at 2024 National Ethanol Conference

    Iowa farmer and consultant Mitchell Hora, Continuum Ag, spent some time Wednesday morning breaking down the 40B sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit guidance released this week for farmers hoping to be eligible.

    To qualify under the guidance, corn farmers have to do cover crop, no-till, and enhanced efficiency fertilizer, while soybean farmers are required to cover crop and no-till. However, Hora says it’s unlikely anyone will qualify this year under 40B. “The crop you grew last year probably didn’t qualify for all these check the box items and you definitely didn’t have a written plan, which is what’s required,” said Hora. “The crop we’re going to grow this year…nobody is really going to make any tax credits.”

    The good news is that this lays the groundwork for 45Z. “There’s a very high chance that they actually switch away from this check-the-box program to use the actual GREET score, which is what we want,” said Hora. “It does lay out very clearly what qualifies and how to verify and prepare ourselves.”

    Hora also noted that the revised GREET model in the guidance included a major surprise when it came to indirect land use change (ILUC). “We’ve been thinking that the indirect land use change would go up…but they did the opposite. It actually went down a little bit!….Massive win for American farmers,” said Hora.

    There were over 400 farmers and other stakeholders on Hora’s webinar which ran for an hour and still was not able to address all the questions. Continuum Ag has its TopSoil® Summit coming up June 3 in Riverside, Iowa which will be focused on Carbon Intensity to help prepare for the SAF tax credits. Continuum recently introduced CI Certification as a product for farmers to earn premiums for producing lower carbon intensity grain while ensuring secure data control.

    Listen to Hora’s summary of the 40B SAF tax credit guidance:
    Mitchell Hora, Continuum Ag 12:53

    Audio, Corn, Ethanol, regenerative ag, SAF

    DPH Bio Receives BioAgTech Innovator Award

    Cindy Zimmerman

    DPH Bio VP of Strategy and Marketing Brad Holzworth (left) and President and CEO Mick Messman with award at BioAgTech World Congress

    DPH Biologicals’ RegenAphex® received the first runner-up BioAgTech Innovator Award at the recent BioAgTech World Congress. RegenAphex is a plant-based liquid humus extract that fosters biological product innovation to improve soil and crop health by providing a superfood base of readily available organic carbon.

    “RegenAphex is the culmination of DPH Biological’s unwavering commitment to unlocking the potential of the biological industry for improving crop production and land stewardship,” said Mick Messman, president and CEO of DPH Biologicals. “We are honored to be recognized by the BioAgTech World Congress and look forward to helping increase product development to meet farmer and consumer demand for more sustainable practices.”

    First selected by the Congress Scientific Committee, finalists presented to a live-voting audience. During his presentation, Messman detailed RegenAphex’s potential to unlock value and accelerate agriculture’s transition to a more balanced biological approach through industry channel collaboration.

    Learn more from DPH Bio

    AgWired Precision, Biologicals, Precision Agriculture, Technology

    SAF Tax Credit Guidance Affirms Climate Smart Ag

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Tuesday afternoon the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released guidance on the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Credit established by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

    The guidance released today will “catalyze innovation in the aviation industry and incentivize the production of cleaner and more sustainable aviation fuels,” said U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing.

    US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen 1:04

    The new 40B GREET model will recognize GHG reductions from carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), renewable natural gas, and renewable power used to produce ethanol for qualifying SAF and include a “safe harbor” pilot program for corn ethanol produced with bundled climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices.

    Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says they view this as a starting point. “We are encouraged that, for the first time ever, this carbon scoring framework will recognize and credit certain climate-smart agricultural practices. We’re also pleased to see the integration of other carbon reduction strategies—like renewable process energy and carbon capture and sequestration—into the model.”

    American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings says while the announcement a step in the right direction, it’s not likely to make a difference this year. “With the 2024 planting season underway and the expiration of the 40B credit on December 31, 2024, Treasury’s SAF guidance speaks more to the Administration codifying the important role CSA practices play in decarbonizing liquid fuels than the amount of ethanol-to-jet that will qualify for the 40B credit,” said Jennings. “Ultimately, we need to enable farmers and ethanol companies to recoup value from these tax credits for their investments to reduce GHG emissions.”

    Jennings says ACE is leading USDA-funded Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) projects that will generate scientifically significant datasets of the GHG reduction benefits of CSA practices used to produce ethanol in various regions across the country. “We look forward to continued engagement with Treasury, USDA and DoE with respect to how the GREET model will apply to 45Z, which will not require bundling of CSA practices,” said Jennings.

    Learn more in this interview:
    ACE CEO Brian Jennings on SAF tax credit guidance 15:40

    ACE, Audio, carbon, Corn, cover crops, Ethanol, RFA, SAF

    AgTech PR Introduces Advisory Board

    Cindy Zimmerman

    AgTech PR, a global communications firm specializing in agriculture technology, has announced its inaugural Advisory Board of women leaders driving transformative change in agriculture who will provide AgTech PR with industry insights and strategic guidance to help advance the organization’s purpose.

    “When I founded AgTech PR, I set out three objectives: to champion technology that adds tangible value to our food system; to collaborate with smart, passionate people; and to help lift up women in agriculture,” said Jennifer Goldston, AgTech PR founder and CEO. “As the agtech landscape advances, the know-how and experience of these advisors will help us continue to build and protect our clients’ brand reputation.”

    AgTech PR represents a range of start-ups and scale-ups in ag and food technology. With an ag tech-savvy team skilled in PR, marketing, and digital communications, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

    Comprised of four independent and diverse members representing the global agriculture and agtech community, the composition of the Advisory Board mirrors the distinct ethos of the company:

    Julie Borlaug, Borlaug Foundation & Borlaug Consulting
    Bonnie Brayton, Fulcrum Global Capital
    Erin Fitzgerald, Erin Fitzgerald Consulting
    Sherry Frey, NielsonIQ

    “There is a great need for clarity at a time when investments are not yet in line with demand by farmers and consumers,” Goldston said. “With our inaugural Advisory Board, we are creating the freedom and space to learn, adapt and grow as communicators and discover innovative ways to support the future of ag tech.”

    AgWired Precision, people, Precision Agriculture, Technology