NASDA Honors Secretary Perdue

Cindy Zimmerman

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) kicked off its virtual annual meeting Monday with comments from USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, and a virtual presentation of the NASDA Ambassadors Circle Award to him.

NASDA President and North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Doug Goehring hosted the conversation with Secretary Perdue, who discussed how USDA has responded to COVID-19 impacts on farmers and ranchers and answered questions from NASDA members.

Secretary Perdue also commented on the announcement that USDA will extend free meals for kids through the end of this year.

Listen here:
NASDA and Secretary Perdue (27:25)

Audio, USDA

Animal Ag News 8/31

Carrie Muehling

  • On Tuesday, Sept. 1, Wisconsin agricultural commodity leaders will hold a virtual town hall to discuss the future of Wisconsin dairy and other Wisconsin ag products through the lens of trade and supply chains. The conversation, which is part of the AgTalks town hall series focusing on key U.S. ag states, comes at a time when Wisconsin’s competitiveness in agriculture is being impacted by the trade war, COVID-19, and an increase in non-US trade agreements with international customers that Wisconsin has traditionally served.
  • Join Luís Mendonça, DVM, Technical Services with Merck Animal Health in a RACE-approved webinar on Sept. 15 as he shares the findings of recent research studies and discusses how technology can be used to optimize fertility. He will also discuss the pros and cons of using heat detection, or timed AI programs for first service in replacement heifers. Register here.
  • A recent announcement by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations calls for a global response to African swine fever (ASF) that focuses on disease control, a collaborative framework and a business continuity plan to help protect trade against devastating losses. In recognition that pork is the world’s most consumed meat (35.6% of global meat consumption), the organizations announced a joint Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases 2020-2025. The global Initiative aims to foster national, regional and global partnerships to strengthen control measures and to minimize the impact of ASF.
  • Larry Schnell of Stockmen’s Livestock Exchange in Dickinson, North Dakota, was installed president of the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) at the 2020 Annual LMA Membership Meeting, held virtually on Sunday, August 23. Schnell will complete a two-year term leading the nation’s largest, livestock marketing trade association that represents more than 800 local livestock auction markets and allied businesses.
  • Dairy producers seeking an increase in feed efficiency may find it in Enogen® Feed corn, according to recently published research from Penn State University. An in-seed innovation available from Syngenta Seeds, Enogen corn enzyme technology converts starch to usable sugars more quickly than other corn.
  • Ralco announced that it has agreed to purchase the McLaughlin Estate outside of Marshall, Minn. to further expand research and development efforts to meet growing producer demand for their products. Ralco has been using natural approaches to improve nutrient conversion and reduce waste in plants and animals since 1971.
  • Research published in the July 2020 issue of Transboundary and Emerging Diseases stated that feeding Ralco’s Dual Defender™ feed additive prevented clinical signs of disease and mortality in pigs challenged with several viruses including Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv), Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSV 174), and Senecavirus A (SVA). The research study was conducted by Dr. Scott Dee, Director of Research for Pipestone Research, LLC.
  • Allflex Livestock Intelligence announces the appointment of Paul Koffman to North America Lead, with responsibility for the company’s livestock identification, monitoring and traceability businesses in the United States and Canada. In his new role, Koffman will continue the legacy of customer focus and innovation that symbolizes Allflex Livestock Intelligence with the goal to continue to improve dairy and beef productivity, profitability and animal well-being.
  • “Feeding the People without Wasting the Planet” is the title of a webinar with Dr. Frank Mitloehner of the University of California, Davis on Sept. 1. Register here.
  • In the aftermath of the derecho, the extreme weather event that devastated several communities across Iowa on August 10, Alltech has established the Iowa Derecho Devastation Relief Fund to match donations dollar for dollar and provide goods and services to farmers and their local communities who have been directly impacted.
  • Registration is now open for the Public Lands Council’s (PLC) 52nd Annual Meeting. This year’s meeting will be entirely virtual on September 23-24, 2020. Registration is free for all participants.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

AMVAC® and Corteva® Collaborate on SIMPAS Technology

Cindy Zimmerman

AMVAC® Chemical Corporation has completed the first phase of a testing relationship with Corteva® Agriscience using proprietary SIMPAS™ prescriptive application equipment, according to an announcement today by American Vanguard® Corporation.

The technology enabled Corteva to precisely deliver inputs in replicated research trials in anticipation of commercialization of Corteva-brand SIMPAS-applied Solutions™ (SaS). SIMPAS is designed to address targeted problem areas in fields with solutions that are applied to specific management zones rather than treating the entire field. The announcement follows Corteva’s successful trial work with pre-commercial SIMPAS equipment in 2020.

Alex Cochran, Corteva Agriscience’s Global Seed Applied Tech, Insect-Nematicide Management and Biologicals Leader, commented: “Our team is excited about the utility of the SIMPAS system, not only for our R&D field trial work within the Integrated Field Sciences team, but also as a potential delivery tool for Corteva solutions that boosts sustainability while adding value to the farmer’s bottom line.”

“The potential to make Corteva-brand SIMPAS-applied Solutions available to farmers is exciting, and it is consistent with our objective for SIMPAS users to have access to SIMPAS-applied Solutions from suppliers other than AMVAC,” said AMVAC President and CEO Eric Wintemute. “The opportunity to combine SIMPAS application technology with Corteva’s R&D capabilities will lead to sustainable new solutions that will make it easy for farmers to apply only what is prescribed, precisely where it is needed.”

SIMPAS will be available from Trimble dealers for corn planting in 2021. For more information, please visit www.SIMPAS.com.

AgWired Precision, AMVAC, Crop Protection, Equipment, Precision Agriculture

Agri-Pulse Virtual Food & Ag Policy Summit West

Cindy Zimmerman

Responding to changing consumer tastes is one of the greatest challenges facing farmers and food producers going forward. The upcoming Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Policy Summit West on September 9 will feature new insights into the next generation of consumers, as well as the latest ideas for dealing with food waste, implementing sustainability programs and producing alternative forms of plant-based and cell-based proteins.

The event is similar in nature to the Washington DC policy summit Agri-Pulse normally hosts in March, but this is the first time Agri-Pulse has done it in California since starting dedicated coverage there last year. “As we’ve covered California food and ag issues this past year, we’ve seen tremendous innovation in methods and technology that can help revolutionize food production and reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint,” says Agri-Pulse Editor Sara Wyant. “We plan to showcase some of these success stories and also discuss the unique challenges ahead.”

The event will be hosted virtually from the California Farm Bureau Federation offices in Sacramento on September 9 from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time and broadcast live for all participants with a 30-minute lunch break from 12-12:30 pm. The event is free to current Agri-Pulse subscribers, state and federal legislative staff. The fee for non-subscribers is $149, which includes a free six-month subscription to Agri-Pulse, currently valued at $727 for a full year.

Wyant says agriculture and food stakeholders all over the country can benefit from the program. “Because some of these things that start in California tend to move all the way over to the East Coast and also to folks in the middle,” she said.

Learn more about the event in this interview.
Interview with Sara Wyant, AgriPulse

Find Summit West information and registration here at Agri-Pulse.com.

Also, the 2020 Ag & Food Policy Summit, which was delayed from its original date in March, will now be held virtually on September 21 with another great speaker line up. Find out more.

Agri-Pulse, Audio, Events, Virtual

Industry Ag News 8/28

Carrie Muehling

  • FLM Harvest announces it has selected the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) as the recipient of its 2020 Seed to Succeed pro-bono program. The agency will provide up to $75,000 in services to promote PBH’s signature 2020 “State of the Plate” fruit and vegetable consumption research.
  • The Georgia Cotton Commission, Georgia Peanut Commission and the University of Georgia Extension Cotton and Peanut Teams, will co-sponsor a virtual research field day on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020. The virtual field day will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at noon. Re-certification credits for pesticide applicators and CCA will be available pending approval. The field day is a free event, but attendees are encouraged to preregister at http://bit.ly/cottonpeanutfieldday.
  • Syngenta Group Co., Ltd. announced the Group’s first half year results after its formation on June 18, 2020. The Group increased sales by 2 percent to more than $12 billion compared to the same period last year. This corresponds to growth of 5 percent on an underlying basis adjusted for one-off change of control royalty income in Seeds and the impact of mandatory ADAMA and Sinofert production site relocations in China. All four business units, Syngenta Crop Protection, ADAMA, Syngenta Seeds and Syngenta Group China, increased their underlying sales in comparison to the previous year. Syngenta Group managed the impacts of COVID-19 well in the first half of 2020, maintaining supply throughout despite the challenging market environment and the need for innovative solutions to overcome logistical difficulties.
  • UPL North America recently announced the addition of two marketing managers: Chris Nowlan and Tony Dalgliesh. In his new role, Chris will manage the marketing portfolio for Canada and will report to Arturo Clari-Redes, Head of Marketing. Tony will manage the Seed Treatment, Fungicides and Horticulture portfolios for Canada and will report to Chris Nowlan.
  • Whether your local, county or state fair was canceled or held in person, you can still submit pictures of you and your livestock to the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Farm to Virtual Fair contest. The contest focuses on the benefits of using corn in the feed ration. You can submit entries through Monday, November 2, 2020.
  • Johnny Alavez has joined NCGA’s Washington, D.C. office as Legislative Assistant. In this role, Alavez will provide support to the Risk Management Action Team and other public policy areas as needed.
  • Due to the impact of COVID-19 and the increased risk of exposure while traveling and gathering in a large group, DTN has decided to make the 2020 Ag Summit a virtual event on December 7-9, 2020.
  • The 2nd Annual Florida Industrial Hemp Conference & Exhibition (FIHCE) is postponed due to Covid-19. The new date is May 18-20, 2021, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida.
Zimfo Bytes

ZimmCast 654 – #FJFieldDays and DWFI Podcast

Chuck Zimmerman

Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast.

This week I had the opportunity to fly for the first time in over 5 1/2 months to put the Golden ZimmComm Microphone to work at a farm event. Thank you Farm Journal for having me help with your Farm Journal Field Days event which included on-farm activities as well as a significant virtual experience. I attended the field day program in Iowa to take photos, conduct interviews and record speaker presentations. All of this is in a virtual ag newsroom on AgNewsWire. Before going to Iowa Cindy and I have been interviewing sponsors of the Farm Journal Field Days by phone and Zoom. We have a few more to conduct still.

Ben Riensche, Blue Diamond Farming CompanyIn this program I’m going to share an interview with the Iowa farm owner and field day host, Ben Riensche, Blue Diamond Farming Company. Ben was a very gracious host and his family and staff were all on hand working to make the experience enjoyable.

After my conversation with Ben I’m going to include the newest podcast we’re producing with the first episode that just published. It is the Daugherty Water for Food Podcast. In the first session, you’ll hear from award-winning chef, entrepreneur, and agriculture advocate, Louise Mabulo, as she discusses youth and sustainable solutions to food security. Mabulo promotes sustainable agriculture and farm-to-table cuisine and was recently awarded as a Young Champion of the Earth by United Nations Environment Programme.

Looking ahead I don’t know when I’ll need to get back on the agriblogging highway. That doesn’t mean the ZimmComm Team isn’t still working on various projects which include assisting companies and organizations with virtual events and content. Let us know if we can help you out too.

That’s the ZimmCast for this week. I hope you enjoyed it and thank you for listening.

Listen to the ZimmCast here: #FJField Days and DWFI Podcast

Subscribe to the ZimmCast in:

Audio, Farm Journal, Media, Soil, Sustainability, Water for Food, ZimmCast

Introducing the Daugherty Water for Food Podcast

Chuck Zimmerman

Daugherty Water for Food PodcastWelcome to the Daugherty Water for Food Podcast! Since 2010, the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska has worked toward one goal: a food and water secure world — one in which global food security is ensured without compromising the use of water to meet other essential human and environmental needs. It’s a daunting vision, but one that is vitally important. This podcast amplifies the voices of those making waves in this space. We hope you enjoy our first episode.

In the episode, we are excited to hear from award-winning chef, entrepreneur, and agriculture advocate, Louise Mabulo, as she discusses youth and sustainable solutions to food security. Mabulo promotes sustainable agriculture and farm-to-table cuisine and was recently awarded as a Young Champion of the Earth by United Nations Environment Programme.

You can listen to episode one of the podcast here: Daugherty Water for Food Podcast Episode 1

How to subscribe:

Audio, Podcasts, Soil, Sustainability, Water for Food

EPA and USDA Announce Next Gen Fertilizer Challenge

Cindy Zimmerman

The Environmental Protection Agency has teamed up with USDA to advance agricultural sustainability with the Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges. The competition includes two challenges that seek proposals for new and existing fertilizer technologies to maintain or improve crop yields while reducing the impacts of fertilizers on the environment.

EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the new initiative jointly during a virtual press conference on Wednesday. “The shared goal here is to accelerate the development of next generation fertilizers for corn production that can either maintain or increase crop yields while reducing environmental impacts to our air, land, and water,” said Wheeler.

“USDA is committed to encouraging the development of new technologies and practices to ensure that U.S. agriculture is socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable for years to come,” said Perdue. “This challenge will stimulate innovation and aligns with USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda announced earlier this year.”

Also participating in the announcement were Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, EPA Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Science, as well as representatives from organizations working with the agencies on the competitions – The Fertilizer Institute, the International Fertilizer Development Center, the National Corn Growers Association, and The Nature Conservancy.

EPA and USDA announce Next Gen Fertilizer Challenges (18:40)

AgWired Precision, Audio, Corn, Environment, EPA, Fertilizer, NCGA, Precision Agriculture, USDA

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