Precision Ag News 7/8

Carrie Muehling

  • Field to Market recognized the Soil Health Institute‘s Healthy Soils for Sustainable Cotton Project on June 24 during its annual Plenary and General Assembly Meeting, recognizing this outstanding cross-sector partnership for advancing continuous improvements in sustainable outcomes for U.S. commodity agriculture.
  • Ag Leader stated its high-speed, high-accuracy planting system SureSpeed, is now available to order through its dealer network. The company announced the addition of the planting system to its full-farm suite of precision products in February of this year.
  • Ag Leader also announced after a year of beta testing it will move forward with a full release of its new grain cart connectivity feature, CartACE. Powered by Ag Leader’s InCommand display, CartACE gives the grain cart operator assistance while unloading on-the-go.
  • A&L Canada Laboratories Inc. announced the launch of VitTellus BioSM, a new soil health test for the agriculture industry that quantifies soil microbial populations which support improved soil health and greater crop productivity.
  • Legacy Seed Companies has announced the appointment of Colin Steen as its chief executive officer. Steen began his tenure July 6, 2020, and follows that of company Legacy Seeds founder Bruce Ceranske, who remains active on the board as vice chairman.
  • Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. announced the appointment of Kevin Helash as its new chief executive officer.
  • The InfoAg LearningXchange free webinar series kicks off July 28. Registration is now open.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

Election of IFAJ Presidium 2020-2022

Cindy Zimmerman

IFAJ officers in 2019 – new president Lena Johansson, treasurer Adrian Bell, outgoing president Owen Roberts, new VP Steve Werblow

The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) has elected its first woman president, and first Presidium member from South America.

Lena Johansson from Sweden, IFAJ vice-president since 2016, was unanimously elected as president, succeeding Owen Roberts of Canada who stepped down at the end of the two-term limit. Johansson has been an agricultural journalist for 30 years and is currently political editor in chief for Land Lantbruk, LRF Media, in Stockholm, Sweden.

Adalberto Rossi of Argentina was elected as secretary-general, becoming the first Presidium member from South America. Rossi has been the IFAJ Executive Committee member from Argentina since 2013 and is an agricultural writer, radio host and digital editor of an agricultural news portal and publisher of a digital daily newsletter providing up-to-date information on the Argentine poultry industry.

Taking over as vice-president, Steve Werblow of the United States had previously been secretary-general since 2016. Werblow is a freelance agricultural writer and photographer and during his tenure on the IFAJ Presidium he has been deeply dedicated to professional development and working with emerging guilds.

Completing the officers on the IFAJ Presidium, Adrian Bell was re-elected as treasurer, a position he has held since 2015. An agricultural writer, and a marketing and communications consultant to agriculture and agtech, he is the founder and director of Agro Mavens & AgTech Compass in the UK.

The Delegate Assembly was held online June 25, after the 2020 Congress scheduled for Denmark was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, followed by a week-long online process for the biannual Presidium elections.

IFAJ, Journalism

Farm Webcasting Tools

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmComm StudioFrom broadcasting to podcasting to webcasting, the technology just continues to change, improve and help us reach more and more people and audiences. Here at ZimmComm World Headquarters Cindy and I have studios with a variety of capabilities. We also have mojos (mobile journalism kits) with an assortment of gadgets that have increasingly centered around using a smart phone and in our case, an iPhone.

In this post I just wanted to highlight a couple of devices I’m trying out. Behind me you can see my MacBook Pro and external monitor. What’s new is a Yeti Nano in Cubano Gold (because ZimmComm microphones need to be gold) and a Marantz AVS (audio-video streamer). This setup allows me to use a variety of services and applications to record video teleconferences. This includes Zoom of course.

The AVS is a complete unit with a very good microphone in the base. It has a ring of led lights around the camera at the top and rotates in multiple positions. I purchased this unit when I found out all other brands of webcams were sold out. The AVS camera is better than the one in my Mac and I like the extra light option. I can also move and set it up near my computer to use for demonstrations and other purposes beyond just being a talking head.

I’m using the Yeti Nano because with the mic boom I can get closer and it is a better mic and it’s gold. The AVS mic does pick up every little sound which is bad if you shuffle some paper or tap on your desktop.

So, I’ve just started using this setup. I’ve used it for audio only recording and video and am pretty happy with it so far. If you’ve got some favorite gadgets you are using please let this agnerd know.

Gadgets

Savannah is Top Port for Agriculture

Cindy Zimmerman

There are almost 100 ports in the United States, and of them the Port of Savannah was recently named the top port in the nation for the export of containerized agricultural goods.

“Agriculture is a major driver for Georgia’s economy, contributing $74 billion in annual economic benefit and nearly 400,000 jobs across the state,” said Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. “As this country’s No. 1 port for the export of agricultural products, Savannah provides vital support for the state and nation, helping our farmers reach overseas buyers efficiently.”

Last year, agriculture accounted for 60 percent of Savannah’s exports, or more than 843,000 twenty-foot equivalent container units. Forest products such as wood pulp, paper and logs made up the largest category of goods, followed by clay, cotton and poultry.

Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Griff Lynch says for the fiscal year to date (July 2019-May 2020), total loaded exports have increased by 15,500 twenty-foot equivalent container units to 1.33 million TEUs. “The production of raw material and agricultural goods, along with their supply chains, have remained strong throughout the pandemic,” said Lynch.

Exports

Animal Ag News 7/6

Carrie Muehling

  • House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson of Minnesota and former Chairman Frank Lucas of Oklahoma, joined Reps. Sanford Bishop of Georgia, Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska, Chellie Pingree of Maine, G.T. Thompson of Pennsylvania, Jim Costa of California, David Rouzer of North Carolina, Angie Craig of Minnesota and Robert Aderholt of Alabama, to introduce the Requiring Assistance to Meat Processors for Upgrading Plants (RAMP-UP) Act.
  • The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) strongly supports the Responding to Epidemic Losses and Investing in the Economic Future (RELIEF) for Producers Act of 2020, introduced by Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).
  • Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, released a statement on the May 2020 agricultural export data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
  • COVID-19 is dramatically affecting consumer habits and dairy supply chains as food service demand plummets and grocery sales surge. Consumers struggling with job losses and economic uncertainty quickly returned to buying basic dairy products like fluid milk, commodity cheese and butter. A new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange indicates that consumer behavior will be different for the next 12 to 18 months than it was pre-pandemic, and as that behavior takes root, dairy supply chains will need to adjust from farm to fork.
  • The National Bison Association (NBA) officially launched its new Conservation Management Plan (CMP) during its Virtual Bison Learning Webinar Series last week.
  • The National Bison Association (NBA) has announced the 2020 Throlson American Bison Foundation Scholarship amid continued growth in consumer demand for healthy, natural bison meat. The online scholarship application is available online here and must be submitted by October 1, 2020, which also requires this form to be completed by the student’s department head, as well as a letter of recommendation from faculty.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) celebrated the successful implementation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) by sending a joint letter of thanks to the leaders of all three nations. The letter was sent to President Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. It was signed by NCBA President Marty Smith, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association President Bob Lowe, and CNOG President Oswaldo Chazaro Montalvo.
  • As global demand for protein increases, ranchers, agribusinesses, restaurants and conservation partners are coming together to feed a growing population, address climate change and protect the planet. Burger King® restaurants and Cargill are teaming up with World Wildlife Fund and ranchers within the Northern Great Plains to launch a three-year grasslands restoration program. This initiative brings together two major companies who deliver beef to Americans to support the rehabilitation of less productive soil into thriving ecosystems– with cattle playing a critical role.
  • July marks National Hot Dog Month, a full thirty-one days that celebrate one of America’s most iconic foods. Hot dogs are part of American culture, summer celebrations, travel and grilling traditions. They are synonymous with our nation’s independence as Americans are expected to eat 150 million hot dogs on July 4 alone.
  • The American Feed Industry Association has honored Woo Kyun Kim, Ph.D., with the annual AFIA-Poultry Science Association Poultry Nutrition Award.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

Industry Ag News 7/3

Carrie Muehling

  • During a board meeting in November 2019, the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance board of directors voted to move the organization’s activities from the prior 501c6 to a 501c3 charitable organization. This required USFRA to rebrand itself to avoid confusion between the two organizations. In March, the board of directors adopted the 501c3 organization’s new name – U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action.
  • A new summer field day has been announced for August 24th. The Ag Classic Expo will bring together farmers, businesses, and other agriculture professionals for a day of on-farm plot tours, educational presentations, networking, food, and fun. The field day can be attended in-person and will also be broadcasted live for those who are unable to attend or uncomfortable with crowds. The event is being hosted in partnership with AgMaxx, Inc., the Western Farm Show, Farm Journal’s U.S. Hemp Growers Association, and the Missouri Hemp Association LLC.
  • Woodruff has expanded its digital capabilities to offer the latest in web development – progressive web application (PWA).
  • A new video from the Renewable Fuels Association and Kansas Corn provides a clear introduction to other important products that come from ethanol production, primarily distillers grains used in livestock production, distillers oil used to make biodiesel, and captured carbon dioxide for the food and beverage industries.
  • Mark your calendars for July 23, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. Central time for a live viewing of the 2020 Golden ARC Awards. Folks can register for the Virtual Golden ARC Awards and Happy Hour here: https://bit.ly/GAA2020Virtual.
  • Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2021 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, with support from Purina. The grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – will win a year’s worth of Purina dog food and $5,000 in prize money. The winner will be recognized at a Farm Dog of the Year award ceremony at the AFBF Convention in January.
  • July 1, 2020 marks the 20th anniversary for AgReliant Genetics, an industry-leading agricultural company dedicated to the research, production and sale of corn, soybeans and other seeds across North America.
  • The Agricultural Retailers Association is celebrating the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s entry into full force.
  • The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) released a statement regarding the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. “Today is a big day for the U.S. seed industry, as this critical agreement brings much-needed certainty and key reforms to further strengthen trade between the U.S. and its neighbors to the North and South,” said ASTA President & CEO Andrew LaVigne. “Last year, U.S. seed exports to Mexico and Canada combined for a total of $570 million. Continued trade, guided by clear, science-based policies, is absolutely essential for the livelihood of American farmers and the U.S. economy at large.”
  • The American Soybean Association (ASA) and Corteva Agriscience are seeking applicants for the 2021 ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program. Applications are being accepted online now. Interested applicants should click here for additional program information and to apply.
  • A collaborative analysis conducted by four agricultural economics professors at the University of Tennessee and Oklahoma State University has found that U.S. sugar prices do not impede the financial performance of sugar-using firms.
  • Illinois teachers will experience agriculture firsthand and enhance student learning related to food, agri-science and STEM agriculture careers thanks to grant funding from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom Agricultural Academy: Integrating Agri Science program was recently awarded $120,000 to conduct 100 multiple day trainings over the next four years. The IAA Foundation, which serves in a fundraising capacity for Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom, successfully secured the grant on the program’s behalf.
  • STAR Energy FS, headquartered in Manson, Iowa, and GROWMARK FS, headquartered in Hartley, Iowa, are merging into one. The new company, named GROWMARK FS, will offer its farmer customers with a full line of agronomy, energy, and grain marketing needs.
  • Farm Foundation is pleased to announce its new Young Agri-Food Leaders and Young Farmer Accelerator Network cohorts for 2020-2021.
  • The National FFA Organization announced that the 2020 National FFA Convention & Expo will be held virtually. The organization also extended its contract with the host city of Indianapolis from 2031 to 2033.
Zimfo Bytes

2020 Agri-Marketing Conference Will Be Virtual Only

Chuck Zimmerman

Agri-Marketing Conference is Virtual OnlyThe National Agri-Marketing Association just announced that this year’s Agri-Marketing Conference will be virtual only.

Issues with travel and timing are bringing new information to light—and we’ve had to reevaluate plans for the 2020 Agri-Marketing Conference once again.

We’re going 100% virtual this year. There will be no live event in Kansas City.

Since we already have a fantastic virtual platform lined up, everything is ship shape and ready to set sail. Now we just need you to join us!

If you haven’t registered yet, now is the perfect time. You still receive your member discount on registration. Non-member registration comes with a free year of membership.

Already registered for the live or virtual event? Confirm your plans with NAMA!

We so appreciate you hanging in there with us as we navigate this constantly evolving situation. The virtual conference will feature:

A virtual trade show
Best of NAMA Awards ceremony
New presentations to energize you
Virtual happy hours and the chance to mingle with your colleagues from across the country
Special chat rooms
On-demand playback
And much more!

Stay connected with NAMA on our social channels for the latest updates and watch for future emails with new speaker announcements and more details as they become available.

No matter how we come together to celebrate agriculture and learn together, NAMA is committed to you and your success. Thanks again for your patience. We’ll “see you” in August!

NAMA

Syngenta to Build New R&D Center in Illinois

Chuck Zimmerman

Syngenta Innovation CenterSyngenta has announced plans to build a new R&D Innovation and Customer Experience Center in the heart of the US Corn Belt.

The 90-acre site will be located in Malta, Ill., DeKalb County, about one hour west of Syngenta’s global and North America Seeds offices in Downers Grove. The site was selected for its location, soil type and accessibility, and will provide facilities for large-scale events and engagement with growers on corn and soybean technology and innovation.

Justin Wolfe, Regional Director Seeds North America, says the new site will spotlight how Syngenta is transforming product development through on-farm collaboration with growers. “We’re committed to US farmers, and this site will allow to us to collaborate even more with our customers.”

Wolfe just recently took over that position after David Hollinrake was appointed head global Seeds Strategy and Portfolio.

Learn more about the new center and Syngenta’s commitment to farmers in this interview: Interview with Justin Wolfe, Syngenta

Agribusiness, Audio, Seed, Syngenta

Field Notes from Koch Agronomic Services – Episode 5

Chuck Zimmerman

The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (Koch) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. Crop science experts and others in the agriculture industry discuss topics ranging from nitrogen loss and soil health to ways growers can increase operational efficiencies.

4R Nutrient Stewardship

This episode features Tim Laatsch, technical agronomy manager for Koch Agronomic Services, and Sally Flis, Ph.D., senior director of agronomy for The Fertilizer Institute. Field Notes from Koch Agronomic ServicesThe two cover the 4R Nutrient Stewardship initiative and how it can empower growers to meet and exceed their yield goals. You’ll also learn more about the role that nitrogen stabilizers play in increasing production and profitability, enhancing environmental protection and improving sustainability.

You can listen to the program here: 4R Nutrient Stewardship

And to make sure you don’t miss an episode, choose an option to subscribe

For Spotify on your computer download the desktop app.

Agribusiness, Audio, Crop Science, Fertilizer, Koch Agronomic Services, Soil