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

Field Notes from Koch Agronomic Services – Episode 6

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.

Fall and Next Season Information

This episode features Kate Koehler, the director of product management and communications for Koch Agronomic Services, and Edwin Suarez, technical agronomist with Koch Agronomic Services. They discuss the information growers need to make their input plan for next season, the benefits of fall applications and how the decision to use a stabilizer can help growers achieve a higher return on their nitrogen investment.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: Fall & Next Season Information

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, Koch Agronomic Services, Podcasts, Soil

U.S. Court Rules for Farmobile in Farmers Edge Lawsuit

Cindy Zimmerman

The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals has unanimously ruled in favor of Farmobile in an appeal brought by Farmers Edge, which had sued Farmobile and its founders for breach of explicit or implicit contract, breach of duty of loyalty, and misappropriated trade secrets.

The action was brought against Farmobile founders Jason Tatge, Farmobile CEO, Heath Gerlock and Randy Nuss, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska.

The 8th Circuit found that the Nebraska Court did not err in denying Farmers Edge relief. Specifically, the Court determined that the facts did not support Farmers Edge’s remaining claims on appeal of trade secret theft, breach of contract and breach of duty of loyalty.

“It goes without saying that Heath, Randy and everyone who works at Farmobile is elated,” said Jason Tatge. “This has been a long, hard-fought battle, but we always knew we were in the right. The U.S. justice system worked, it just took us a bit longer than anticipated to reach this final result. We are thankful to our legal team for their persistence.”

This concludes Farmers Edge’s claims against Farmobile in the United States. As announced last week, Farmobile continues to enforce its patent in a lawsuit filed against Farmers Edge in the Federal Court of Canada. That case is set for trial beginning on April 19, 2021 in Vancouver, B.C.

For more information about Farmobile and the benefits and values of a collect-share-monetize farm data strategy, visit http://www.farmobile.com.

AgWired Precision, data, Precision Agriculture

Animal Ag News 8/17

Carrie Muehling

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of assistance for agricultural producers in the Midwest affected by the recent severe weather to help eligible farmers and ranchers reestablish their operations.
  • To give fall calves the nutritional boost they need during times of stress such as birth and weaning, Brookside Agra recommends Calf-Rescue™. When given as directed, Calf-Rescue provides calves with select vitamins and a stabilized source of direct-fed microbials (probiotics) to maintain a healthy, natural appetite, digestion and immune system.
  • Register now for the Real Science Lecture Series: Feeding the People without Wasting the Planet on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020 at 10:00 AM EDT featuring Dr. Frank Mitloehner, University of California, Davis.
  • Zoetis has partnered with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and AQHA Members Plus to introduce the Healthy Horse Challenge. Through the Healthy Horse Challenge, horse enthusiasts can test their equine health knowledge and be entered in a sweepstakes for the chance to win a John Deere® TS Gator that is being donated by AQHA Members Plus.
  • Nutrient-dense and fresh foods including dairy, meat and poultry products are often the most needed items at food banks and pantries according to Feeding America and its affiliate organizations. However, they are often the least donated and the most difficult to preserve, due to a lack of appropriate cold storage. Recognizing an opportunity to serve its colleagues’ and customers’ communities, Zoetis has donated $50,000 to The Dairy Alliance and Midwest Dairy to purchase 17 cold storage units for food banks in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota and Virginia.
  • For the first time, World Dairy Expo’s Purple Cow Gift Shop is offering online sales. Spurred on by the cancellation of World Dairy Expo® 2020, the online store features Expo apparel and cow paraphernalia. WDE is pledging 10% of all profits from the online store in 2020 to the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety.
  • Coming soon to a television provider near you: RIDE TV. Programming includes PBR Tuesdays, Nashville Insider, and Equestrian Friday. For more information, visit www.ridetvtogether.com.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

ZimmCast 653 – Wrap-up of #NAMA20 Conference

Chuck Zimmerman

Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast, featuring weekly interviews with agribusiness industry leaders and all about what’s new, with a focus on agricultural marketing.

The #NAMA20 is a wrap and it was a great show. If you are registered you can still go back and watch presentations. You can also still visit the Connection Point and say hi to those of us with a booth. You can also visit our virtual newsroom on AgNewsWire to see some images from the conference and hear from NAMA Sustaining Sponsors.

In this week’s program we’re feature some more of the sustaining partners of the National Agri-Marketing Association. You’ll hear from David Lazarenko, Think Shift; Dustin Johansen, OBP and Marty Wolske, Meredith Agrimedia. They will talk about their organizations and why they support the work of NAMA.

So, that’s the ZimmCast for this week. I hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening.

Listen to the ZimmCast here: 2020 Virtual Agri-Marketing Conference

Here’s more on what happened during the conference.

The 2020 Agri-Marketing Conference closed out Thursday after three days of terrific presentations, lively interaction and fun virtual activities. Highlights include:

2020 Virtual Agri-Marketing Conference

  • The first ever virtual Best of NAMA. Check out the winners in this month’s edition of Agri Marketing magazine.
  • Two days of top-notch keynoters. Kelly McDonald offered great ideas for being more diverse in your marketing, maximizing social channels and leading by example. Back by popular demand, Vihn Giang dazzled the crowd with improving your communication skills (and a little magic!). Vietnam POW Captain Charlie Plumb shared his riveting experiences of being held prisoner and how his experiences can help us all live more fully. And bonus keynoter Marty Neumeier, author of the Brand Flip, shared great ideas on branding and achieving your “onlyness.”
  • A great lineup of breakout sessions featuring ag marketing professionals sharing their latest ideas and strategies.
  • Fun was had by all during several activities including a mixologist demonstration, sponsored by Farm Progress; souffle making presentation sponsored by NAFB; yoga session sponsored by Brighton; G.O.A.T. Games sponsored by Filament; great tunes from High Tide sponsored by DTN/Progressive Farmer; and a Selfie Station and Vision Wall sponsored by FLM Harvest.

Remember, the sessions are available on demand to paid attendees.

Thank you to all the sponsors who made this event possible.

Subscribe to the ZimmCast in:

Advertising, Agencies, Agribusiness, Audio, Media, NAMA, ZimmCast

Industry Ag News 8/14

Carrie Muehling

  • Register now for the 2020 Ag Outlook Forum, in person or virtually. The event is scheduled for September 28 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown, presented by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and Agri-Pulse.
  • Twelve growers from seven states took part in the first session of this year’s National Corn Growers Association Leadership Academy program in St. Louis last week.
  • The Certified Agriculture Dealer (CAD) Program, and their partner RFD-TV, are announcing that “AgRally, America’s New Live Farm Show” will be held September 23rd creating agriculture’s first live national farm show that includes both a local and virtual aspect for farmers and ranchers to participate in the best way that suits their operations.
  • A live event is the preferred way to get information for the farm, but when a pandemic tosses you a lemon, the best choice is to make lemonade. For the Farm Progress Virtual Experience, the lemonade goes beyond the most extensive field demos in the history of the two top farm shows in the country. Farmers who attend the free event will be able to choose from a focused range of breakout sessions designed to help them deal with hot topics of the day.
  • Register now for the Women Leaders in Water for Food: Improving Lives and Ag Productivity webinar, August 20 from 10-11 a.m. CST via Zoom. The free program is the first of two sessions in the Women Leaders in Water for Food: Empowering Youth Entrepreneurs series.
  • Farm Credit institutions increased their support of young, beginning and small farmers and ranchers across the country in 2019, according to a Farm Credit Administration (FCA) presentation released on August 13, 2020.
  • Miami International Holdings (MIH), the parent holding company of the MIAX Exchange Group, and the Minneapolis Grain Exchange (MGEX), a Designated Contract Market (DCM) and Derivatives Clearing Organization (DCO), announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger under which MIH has agreed to acquire MGEX for a combination of cash and MIH common stock following a demutualization of MGEX by its members. As a result of the acquisition, MGEX will become a wholly owned subsidiary of MIH. MIH will continue to maintain the trading and clearing operations of MGEX, including its hard red spring wheat contract, while adding new futures products.
  • Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) announces Jeanette Lombardo will become new Executive Director of the organization, and current executive director Michael O’Gorman becomes FVC’s Chief Agricultural Officer to help members tap into the demand for local produce and grow their vegetable operations.
  • National Land Realty and LandGate have announced a strategic partnership to expand services, data intelligence, and marketing capabilities within the land industry.
Zimfo Bytes

Trial Set to Resolve Farmobile Lawsuit Against Farmers Edge

Cindy Zimmerman

The Federal Court of Canada has set April 19, 2021 as the final trial date to resolve the patent dispute between Kansas-based agricultural data company Farmobile and Canadian company Farmers Edge Inc. Farmobile is seeking over $20 million (CAD) in damages and an injunction prohibiting Farmers Edge from using the infringing technologies.

In the lawsuit, Farmobile claims that Farmers Edge’s FarmCommand platform infringes Farmobile’s Canadian Patent No. 2,888,742, Farming Data Collection and Exchange System. Earlier this summer, Farmers Edge sought leave of court to file a motion for summary judgment, but the request was denied and the Court awarded Farmobile $5k CAD for costs associated with defending against the leave request (Order Citation 2020 FC 688). Farmers Edge later submitted a Notice of Motion indicating its intent to appeal the Court’s ruling on its summary judgment request, but no further action has been taken by it in this regard.

Farmobile specializes in interoperable data collection and standardization technology which enables farmers to collect, share and even monetize their farm data to improve efficiencies and increase farm revenues. To learn more about Farmobile visit www.farmobile.com.

Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, data, Precision Agriculture

USDA Announces More Eligible Commodities for CFAP

Cindy Zimmerman

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has added new commodities to the list covered by the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), and is extending the deadline to apply for the program to September 11th.

Additional commodities now eligible for the program include a variety of specialty crops like pumpkins, rutabagas, shallots, tangelos; all types of sheep; aquaculture such as catfish, crawfish, salmon, and tilapia; nursery crops and flowers.

The original application deadline was August 28, but producers now have an additional two weeks to apply through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). In addition, producers with approved applications will now receive their final payments.

FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce discusses the announcements and what they mean for producers.
Interview with Richard Fordyce, USDA FSA

More information can be found at farmers.gov/cfap.

Audio, Farming, Food, USDA