Precision Ag News 8/26

Carrie Muehling

  • Share the story of how conservation is part of your farm operation and you could be recognized with an American Soybean Association Conservation Legacy Award. The awards recognize farm management practices of U.S. soybean farmers that are both environmentally friendly and profitable. More information on past winners of the award and how to submit your application is available in the “About” section under “Awards” on the ASA website. All applications must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2020.
  • AGCO Corporation, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, debuts the FendtONE™ operator’s interface to North American growers with the introduction of the Fendt® 700 Gen6 Series premium high-horsepower tractors. The innovative FendtONE interface is a complete redesign of the operator station, providing a streamlined and highly efficient work environment.
  • Agnition®, a brand of Ralco, announced that it has launched OMRI Listed® Generate®, a crop enhancement product to boost soil and plant health for organic production. This is the latest product in an extension of Agnition’s organic line which now includes crop enhancements and hay and silage preservatives. Generate is a natural product that utilizes patented Microbial Catalyst® technology to liberate nutrients in the soil for greater uptake, healthier crops and improved soil and plant health in a wide range of crops.
  • The online harvest entry is now available to all NCGA members entered in the 2020 National Corn Yield Contest. The yield threshold for a required recheck is now 325.0000 bushels per acre or greater, increased from 300 bushels per acre.
  • The Soil Health Partnership is dedicating three days to wheat’s role in soil health during Wheat Week September 8-10, 2020. Each day will consist of a virtual field day that begins at 9:00 am Central Time. To register for one or all three days go to: https://www.soilhealthpartnership.org/events/.
  • As corn rootworm (CRW) pressure spikes in the Midwest, Syngenta is helping growers minimize the long-term impact through a robust monitoring program to guide long-term management strategies. Long-term CRW management requires a multi-year, whole-farm approach that includes the integration of multiple control measures, not a singular technology. For growers looking to effectively control CRW, Syngenta recommends having a plan in place for each field that includes multiple control strategies including crop rotation, corn rootworm-traited corn hybrids, soil-applied insecticides and adult beetle management. The monitoring program, announced this spring, was designed to provide growers with the support they need to monitor adult CRW in their fields and supply knowledge to help make better, more informed management decisions. One tactic that has benefited growers is the use of yellow sticky traps, an easy and reliable tool for estimating CRW populations in corn fields.
  • World Ag Expo® established the Top-10 New Products Competition to encourage and celebrate innovation in agriculture. Since the first year, exhibitors have submitted their best new products for judging and have helped move ag forward with products focused on automation, incorporating technology into operations, money saving devices, and more. The contest is open to 2021 World Ag Expo® exhibitors with a product that is new to any market in the world between February 14, 2020 to February 11, 2021. To enter the 2021 World Ag Expo® Top-10 New Products Competition, sponsored by Bank of America, visit https://bit.ly/WAE21Top10App.
  • To help operators achieve high-efficiency application in challenging conditions, Case IH is launching the FA 1030 air boom applicator. Initially available for the Titan 4540 floater, this rugged applicator is built to carry more product, enhance productivity and deliver accurate application across changing terrain. The FA 1030 will be available for the Titan 3540 in July 2021.
  • Construction of the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) new Agricultural Research Technology Center in Salinas, California, kicked off with a virtual and live groundbreaking ceremony. The cutting-edge research facility, which will include new laboratories, greenhouses and capacity for additional scientists, builds on the current ARS Crop Improvement and Protection Research Laboratory in Salinas.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

Iowa Governor Allocates $100 Million for Agriculture Relief

Cindy Zimmerman

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has allocated approximately $100 million of federal CARES Act relief funds for a range of agricultural programs to offset the impact of COVID-19 on farmers, producers and agricultural industries.

“Iowa is at the foundation of our global food supply chain and the epicenter of the renewable fuels industry,” said Gov. Reynolds. “COVID-19 and a devastating derecho dealt a major blow to everything from the demand for ethanol to the supply of meat on grocery store shelves. But just as important are the livelihoods of thousands of Iowa farm families, agricultural industries and the communities they support. Today’s investment reflects the critical role Iowa’s ag industry has in our state’s overall economic recovery.”

The assistance includes $60 million for the Iowa Livestock Producer Relief Fund which will provide grants of up to $10,000 to eligible producers of pork, beef, chicken, turkeys, dairy, fish or sheep to serve as working capital to stabilize livestock producers. There is also $6 million allocated for beginning farmer assistance, $2.5 million for meat processors, and 500,000 for specialty crops.

For renewable fuel producers, $15.5 million will go to the State Biofuel Grant Program. Since biofuels producers were excluded from receiving aid under other parts of the CARES Act, this program will provide relief to those Iowa ethanol and biodiesel producers based on gallons produced. Grants will also be awarded through an existing small business relief program and are capped at a maximum grant of $750,000 per producer.

AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Biofuels, Ethanol, Livestock, Meat

New Alltech ONE Virtual Session Focuses on Asia

Cindy Zimmerman

The Asian Agri-Business session of the Alltech ONE Virtual Experience began very early this morning for those of us in the western world, but a normal hour for our friends in Asia. As the energetic pace and market diversity in Asia have helped the region remain a global economic powerhouse, Alltech examines what the future may hold for the dynamic forces within Asian agri-business.

Kicking off the experience today was a young lady with an energetic spirit who began taking positive action to protect the environment before she was even a teenager.

Growing up near the rice fields and beaches of Bali, Melati Wijsen saw the impact of plastic waste firsthand, as it littered the landscape and endangered local wildlife. She was spurred into action, and at just 12 years old, Melati and her younger sister, Isabel, founded Bye Bye Plastic Bags, with a mission to rid the world of plastic bags and empower young people to take action.

Melati recently expanded her cause to develop the youth-led movement YOUTHTOPIA, and her Alltech ONE presentation focused on what this could mean for business leaders in Asia and around the world.

Listen to an interview with Melati and be inspired by this young changemaker.
Interview with Melati Wijsen, YOUTHTOPIA (4:47)

If you have not registered for the Alltech ONE virtual experience yet, you can still do that and enjoy all of the informative content that has been posted since May, and all that is to come yet this year.

AgWired Animal, Alltech, Animal Agriculture, Audio, Environment

Conservation Goals Unite Livestock and Sporting Groups

Cindy Zimmerman

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Monday with Ducks Unlimited (DU) and Safari Club International (SCI) with a commitment to conservation of natural resources through sustainable multiple use.

The MOU outlines these groups’ efforts to cultivate healthier ecosystems, wildlife populations, and economies through active management. Hunting, fishing, and livestock grazing are all key components of successful, comprehensive management plans for our nation’s public lands and resources.

The MOU highlights decades of successful voluntary conservation programs and formalizes a partnership to allow these groups to coordinate multi-sector projects in the future. Cattle and beef producers, hunters, and conservationists often engage in conservation partnerships that maintain open space, honor the cultural and historical value of landscapes, and empower local communities and rural economies. Signatories of the MOU are proud of the meaningful conservation achieved, and today reaffirmed their commitment to voluntary conservation.

Ethan Lane, NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs, talks about the historic agreement, and the unique Blackbeard’s Ranch in Myakka City, Florida where the signing took place.
Interview with Ethan Lane, NCBA (4:35)

AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Audio, Beef, Conservation, Hunting, Livestock, NCBA

Animal Ag News 8/24

Carrie Muehling

  • Resero Genomics, a world-leading genomics company based in Utah, has launched Resero DNA Reserve, a DNA-banking service that enables livestock producers to store DNA information securely and – most importantly – maintain control of all genetic material in their own, proprietary DNA bank.
  • In the latest episode of the Dairy Stream podcast, two Wisconsin state lawmakers who headed up a water quality task force break down what has been accomplished so far, the importance of conservation efforts by farmers and others, and the prospects for stalled legislation aimed at curbing contamination. Dairy Stream host Mike Austin talked with Rep. Todd Novak, chairman of the Speaker’s Task Force on Water Quality, and Rep. Katrina Shankland, vice-chair of the task force, about a $10 million package of bills the state Assembly passed in February. Recommendations from the task force helped shape the bills. Novak and Shankland also talked about increasing well testing and bolstering conservation work.
  • University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Reagan Bluel is a self-proclaimed “science geek.” She likes pawing through the latest science journals to keep on the cutting edge of dairy research that could improve the bottom line of Missouri dairy producers. Bluel translates the findings to boots on the ground in her podcast series, “Dairy Science Digest.” The podcasts get to the “meat and taters” of new research in simple language, she says. Podcasting allows busy dairy producers to listen when and where it is convenient. You can find the free podcasts at dairy.missouri.edu.
  • This year marked the 80th year of the Sturgis ® Motorcycle Rally™ and South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) added a new twist to the 2020 Sturgis Beef Throw Down with the Beef, Brews, and Bikers experience. The SDBIC collaborated with Food Network Celebrity Chef Justin Warner and the City of Sturgis to create a tour experience with beef once again being center stage. This demand building experience is part of the partnership that designates BEEF as the official meat of the Rally™. The venues allowed beef to reach approximately 366,000 consumers throughout the ten-day event taking place August 7-16, 2020.
  • Red meat exports added 12 percent of bushel value to the U.S. corn farmer in 2019. The U.S. Meat Export Federation recently updated a study on the market value of red meat exports. At an average of $3.75 per bushel, $0.46 is from red meat exports. The study indicated that without red meat exports, corn growers would have lost $6.4 billion in corn revenue in 2019.
  • The American Feed Industry Association in partnership with Feedstuffs is suspending the annual Feed Facility of the Year program for 2020, citing issues brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. The temporary suspension of the program will allow the AFIA to make important and necessary changes to the program, allowing it to continue being one of the best operational benchmarking programs within the industry.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

New Enhanced Efficiency Nitrogen Products from Presidion Ag.

Cindy Zimmerman

Presidion Ag. LLC is introducing N-yield MaxxTM and N-BoundTM Maxx to its Enhanced Efficiency Nitrogen Product line which includes NeonTM Air, Surface and Soil, all blends of NBPT and DCD at differing ratios that address a customer’s needs based on soil makeup, geography, and potential mode of nitrogen loss.

N-Yield Maxx includes 50% NBPT and further addresses the need for a high level of active ingredient product to protect against Nitrogen volatilization. This high load rate leads to low input costs and drier urea. The key to this high load rate is the PenXcelTM delivery system developed by Eco World Research and Development Group, LLC which delivers superior coverage and cold weather stability.

N-Bound Maxx is a 38% Dicyandiamide product (“DCD”) product designed for delivery of high active ingredient levels to protect against Nitrogen loss from leaching and denitrification. This high load rate leads to low input rates and therefor much drier urea than the standard 28% products. The key to this high load rate is the PenXcelTM delivery system developed by Eco World Research and Development Group, LLC. designed for maximum coverage and cold weather stability.

According to former Presidion Ag President Ray Perkins, “These products and recent USPTO rulings appear to provide new definition of products available in the marketplace to consumers, particularly in more price optimized high concentrate products.”

“The new leadership of Presidion Ag. coming out of the challenges of 2020 will be taking a more retail oriented approach bypassing traditional distribution channels and passing these cost savings downstream in an effort to lower input costs for growers and provide the Fertilizer market greater access to these type products,” Perkins added.

Read more here.

For further information on these products, email info@presidionag.com.

AgWired Precision, Nutrient Management, Precision Agriculture

Farm Journal Field Days Debuts This Week

Cindy Zimmerman

As COVID-19 continues to reshape our world, Farm Journal is debuting a unique and different kind farm show this week.

Farm Journal Field Days is the New American Farm Show™. It is a celebration of virtual learning and entertainment for farmers, ranchers and all of agriculture.

From August 25-27, Farm Journal Field Days will take over the eyes and ears of the ag industry. Anchored by live events on farms in Jesup, Iowa, (August 25) and Bryan, Ohio, (August 27), farmers, ranchers and growers across America will join in a personalized experience on virtual platforms, have the opportunity to interact with speakers and learn more from input and service providers about products and technologies that can bring greater profitability to their operations.

Chuck Zimmerman is on his way there now to help document and share interviews and photos which you will be able find on the AgNewsWire virtual newsroom sponsored by the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB).

We got a preview of the event from Farm Journal host of U.S. Farm Report Tyne Morgan, who will be on site and on the air this week. She is excited to share some of the details that will make this new farm show unforgettable.

Preview Interview with Tyne Morgan, Farm Journal (10:55)

You can still register for Farm Journal Field Days – thanks to the sponsors it’s free! All content will be available live and on demand.

AgWired Precision, Audio, Farm Journal, Farm Shows, Precision Agriculture

Industry Ag News 8/21

Carrie Muehling

  • Corn and soybeans in Iowa have been particularly impacted by the recent derecho. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will collect harvested acreage information for both crops in Iowa in preparation for the September 11 Crop Production report. These additional data will help to better assess the full impact. If the newly collected data justifies any changes, NASS will publish updated harvested acreage estimates in the September report.
  • The 2020 Borlaug Dialogue convenes distinguished leaders, advocates, and passionate individuals from various sectors to discuss this year’s theme, “Breaking New Ground: Building Resilience Today for Improved Global Food Systems Tomorrow.” Speakers and participants will address four major vulnerabilities, or “cracks” in the food system: climate change, equity & access, nutrition, and finance & investment. The dialogue will be featured on the virtual conference platform, Whova, which offers new opportunities for attendee engagement and on-demand content.
  • AGCO announced that Martin Richenhagen has chosen to retire as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer on December 31, 2020. The Company further announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Eric Hansotia, currently AGCO’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, to succeed Mr. Richenhagen as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2021. In addition, Mr. Hansotia has been elected to the Board of Directors, effective immediately.
  • AgLaunch announced the recent addition of Connie Bowen as its Director of Innovation and Investment. In this role, she will be providing strategic and technical expertise on key initiatives such as the Data Commons, Farmers Fund, and Open Market Consortium, as well as joining the leadership team managing AgLaunch’s investment strategy and portfolio support.
  • The National FFA Organization and RFD-TV are working in collaboration this fall to ensure FFA members and supporters across the country are able to view the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo. The event, which will be Oct. 27, 28 and 29, will be virtual this year. Thanks to the generosity of RFD-TV, production of the convention general sessions, award recognitions, national officer retiring addresses and celebration of FFA members and partners will occur at the RFD-TV studio in Ft. Worth, Texas, Stockyards.
  • The National FFA Organization has announced a record-high student membership of 760,113, an increase from last year’s 700,170 members. The top five student membership states are Texas, California, Georgia, Florida and Oklahoma.
  • The U.S. Soybean Export Council and Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance will convene the world’s foremost experts to deliver the latest on markets, business, innovation and much, much more Aug. 24-27. Register here.
  • The National Hemp Association (NHA) announced that New Holland Agriculture has launched a new member benefit program for NHA members.
  • Access the Alltech One Virtual Experience August Edition with a focus on Asian Agri-Business. Sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 25 and Wednesday, Aug. 26.
  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) joined Leaders of American Agriculture (LAA) for a virtual symposium in conjunction with the Democratic National Convention. NCGA sponsored a pre-event welcome room, “Climate, Conservation, and Community.”
  • U.S. trade officials and federal agencies held the first of two virtual meetings on August 13 with the agriculture industry to hear testimonies on unfair trade practices with Mexico. Over 35 witnesses testified to a hearing committee consisting of representatives from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
  • The GROWMARK Foundation continues its commitment to FFA by giving away 25 more jackets to Illinois members this fall. It honors the legacy of Mike Builta, a GROWMARK vice president and long-time employee who passed away unexpectedly in 2019. The application is available at https://bit.ly/BuiltaJacket2020 and is due September 30 at midnight.
  • Kenlon Johannes, Kansas Soybean Association CEO and administrator for the Kansas Soybean Commission, informed the KSA board of directors of his intention to retire in March 2021.
  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is partnering with Farm Journal, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, National Pork Board and United Soybean Board to discuss how commodities are adapting to a pandemic world. The free event is Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. CDT. You can register here.
  • American Soybean Association (ASA) President Bill Gordon has confirmed the election of ASA’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) officers and committee members for 2020-2021. Officers are Chairman Gerry Hayden (KY), Vice Chair Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare (IL), Treasurer Jim Wilson (MI), and Secretary Morey Hill (IA).
  • Georgia Fruit and Vegetable producers joined Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Charles Hall to testify before U.S. trade officials about the crisis Georgia farmers are facing because of a staggering increase in imported produce from Mexico fueled by unfair trade practices that leave Georgia farmers in a fight for their future.
  • EFC Systems, Inc., a leading provider of solutions for Agricultural Retailers and Growers, is pleased to announce the return of Phil Draude to EFC Systems as Vice President of Sales.
  • To support the families and operations that are continuing to step up during an unprecedented year, Syngenta and NK® brand seeds have joined with Farm Journal to present the #FarmON™ Benefit Concert. Headlined by Grammy-nominated and ACM Award-winning country artist Lee Brice, the free virtual concert will air live on RFD-TV and other online and social networks at 7 p.m. Central on Aug. 27. Proceeds from the concert will go to the National 4-H Council’s FOURWARD Fund, established to ensure young people across all communities – with or without internet access – continue to have access to the necessary resources and meaningful learning opportunities that help them thrive.

Zimfo Bytes

New Farmer Survey Documents Cover Crop Benefits

Cindy Zimmerman

The 2019-2020 National Cover Crop Survey released this week found that despite the crippling rainfall that significantly delayed planting across much of the country in 2019, more than 90% of farmers participating reported that cover crops allowed them to plant earlier or at the same time as non-cover-cropped fields. Among those who had “planted green,” seeding cash crops into growing cover crops, 54% said the practice helped them plant earlier than on other fields.

The survey, conducted by the non-profit Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), with financial support from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), included perspectives from 1,172 farmers representing every state. It was the first by SARE, CTIC and ASTA to include detailed exploration of planting green—a tactic employed by 52% of the respondents—as well as crop insurance use among cover croppers and the impact of cover crops on the profitability of horticultural operations.

“We are pleased to see farmers appreciate the expertise of cover crop seed companies with 46% saying they buy from them and another 42% buying from retailers,” said Jane DeMarchi, VP Government & Regulatory Affairs, ASTA. “Professionally produced cover crop seed is grown for seed from the start and has been selected, harvested, cleaned and tested for performance. The study shows farmers are using a range of cover crop seed and mixes to address their individual needs with 46% paying $15 or under per acre.”

Among the 1,172 farmers who provided responses in the 2019-2020 National Cover Crop Survey, 81% were commodity producers (corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, etc.) and 19% categorized themselves as horticultural producers.

Read the full report.

ASTA, cover crops, CTIC, Farming

Precision Ag News 8/19

Carrie Muehling

  • Corn and soybeans in Iowa have been particularly impacted by the recent derecho. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will collect harvested acreage information for both crops in Iowa in preparation for the September 11 Crop Production report. These additional data will help to better assess the full impact. If the newly collected data justifies any changes, NASS will publish updated harvested acreage estimates in the September report.
  • Azotic Technologies, the UK-based global ag-tech company, announces that the US Patent and Trademark Office has just granted Azotic two significant patents. Both patents relate to Azotic’s natural nitrogen fixing technology N-Fix® marketed in North America under the brand name Envita™ which is derived from a naturally occurring food grade bacterium Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus (Gd).
  • Trimble announced that it will host a Precision Ag Pavilion at this month’s inaugural Farm Journal Field Days virtual event. From August 25-27, the free event will feature live and on-demand agriculture insights from industry leaders, virtual booths and pavilions showcasing the latest agriculture innovations as well as digital networking opportunities and more.
  • Soil is the Source™ is an AgriThority® initiative supporting development of new technologies from all around the world to help farmers improve soil health and productivity for greater yield and profit.
  • Overall unit sales of agricultural tractors and self-propelled combines in July 2020 were positive for the fourth month in a row in the U.S., and remained positive for the second consecutive month in Canada according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
  • FarmSense announced the debut of its award-winning smart pest monitoring system, helping farmers adopt the latest in artificial intelligence and analytics to improve insect monitoring and crop management. FarmSense’s FlightSensor uses novel optical sensor technology to automate the process of real-time insect classification and counting, providing immediate access for farmers to make mission-critical decisions on crop and pest control.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture