AgWired

Earlier this morning, Monsanto had their first Press Conference. The topic being discussed was the Sticky Trap Program.

Speakers Glenn Stith, Vice President of Monsanto U.S. Branded Business, Clint Pilcher, Corn Technology Development Manager, and Wayne Natress, Executive Director were present to speak about the Sticky Trap Program! The Sticky Trap Program was an experiment to determine the amount of rootworm variance across the cornbelt. In order for Monsanto to enroll the program, they asked local FFA Chapters across the cornbelt to help them out. The following states were involved in the experiment: Illinios, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In the state of Iowa, all 99 counties participated in the event and for their contributions, Monsanto has donated $50 for every Sticky Trap the Chapter recorded information on.

Two FFA members where able to attend the Press Conference, Kyle Simonson and Andy Struecker. Both of them agreed that the Sticky Trap Program was very educational and rewarding. The best thing they liked about the experience was getting to know the farmers. The farmers were willing to work with the students and it added some one-on-one training. The farmers can also look at the results from the testing at www.866rootdig.com.

Listen to my interview with Kyle Simonson and Andy Struecker here: FFA interview (2 min. MP3)

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Monsanto:

New Ag Markets are coming out everyday but Wind Energy is becoming more popular. Many of you have seen the wind turbines in northwestern Iowa, and also in many other western states.

Wind turbines are located in rural areas so they can generate energy for urban areas long with rural areas too. Farmers may still plant crops around the turbines and graze livestock and not have an effect on the turbines. Unlike most electric generated sources, the wind turbines do not comsume water! There are many pros to owning or being a part-owner in a wind turbine. In my interview with Roya Stanley, from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, she also informed me that the USDA will also fund up to 25% of the costs of a wind turbine to be put up.

Wind turbines are being installed across America, but mainly dominated the northwestern part of the United States. Wind turbines are more valuable and have greater contribution to surrounding areas if the area is known for being windy. All 50 states have the capability to power wind turbines but not all of them can support utility-scale power plants.

As technology advances, Wind Energy is going to become more poplular and one of the main sources of energy!

Listen to my interview with Roya here: Roya Stanley Interview (5 min. MP3)

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Monsanto:

This morning I’ve had the opportunity to meet with Dave Rhylander, Monsanto’s Director of Traits. He will be speaking later today in the Press Conference.

The main topic we talked about was rootwarms and what Monsanto is doing to prevent/solve that problem. Monsanto recommends using YieldGard Plus to prevent rootwarms and the outcomes of using YieldGard Plus have been outstanding!! The roots grow deeper, being able to recieve more moisture and have had better consistant yields!

Listen to my interview with Dave here: Dave Rhylander Interview (4 min. MP3)

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Monsanto:

The media tent at Farm Progress Show is sponsored by New Holland and the media tent man is Gene Hemphill.

Gene just got in so I got him to talk about what he does here after he tested out the microphone on the press conference podium. Gene says that this will be his 19th media room sponsorhip for Farm Progress Show but that he actually did a media room sponsorship for a show here at Amana Colonies the year before. You’ll have to listen to the interview to hear him talk about the first years when they put typewriters out with reams of paper.

A lot has changed in 19 years Gene!

You can listen to my interview with Gene here: Gene Hemphill Interview (5 min MP3)

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Monsanto:

If you want to know what’s going on you go right to the main man. Here at the Farm Progress Show that’s Matt Jungmann, National Shows Manager for Farm Progress Companies. I was lucky and ran into Matt right away in the office building.

Matt says they’ve had about an inch and a half of rain since last night but it’s stopped and clearing up a bit. He says they’ll work all night to move mud and have the show ready for people by opening time tomorrow.

You can listen to my interview with Matt here: Matt Jungmann Interview (2 min MP3)

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Monsanto: