World Without Cows?

Chuck Zimmerman

World Without CowsCan you image a world without cows? I can’t. But I’m sure there are some people who may think differently. To get some facts and answers to the question, a feature-length documentary is in final stages and made possible by Planet of Plenty – World Without Cows. Here’s some information about the production.

World Without Cows is an incredible journey around the world in search of the answer to one simple question: Are we better off in a world without cows? With unprecedented global access to those on the frontlines of agriculture and science, filmmakers Brandon Whitworth and Michelle Michael examined the cultural and economic significance of cows, their role in nourishing the world and their impact on climate. What they found was far from simple: When it comes to cows, it’s not black and white. World Without Cows invites viewers to take a scientific look at the real impact of cows on our world — and the potential consequences of their absence.

We aim to challenge the prevailing narrative and encourage viewers to examine the science.

I talked with Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech, about the project at CattleCon earlier this year.
Interview with Mark Lyons, Alltech 8:24

Here is the trailer below. If you’re interested in more please look at the website and ask about a screening of the film.


Agribusiness, Alltech, Beef, climate, Dairy, Meat

Halter Brings Virtual Fencing Technology to U.S.

Cindy Zimmerman

The world’s leading virtual fence company has brought its technology to U.S. ranchers and dairy farmers. Founded in New Zealand, Halter has become the world’s leading virtual fence company in revenue and volume of collars sold and is positioned to deliver its technology to the U.S. market.

“Halter technology is a powerful system that helps users precisely manage pasture to lift the performance of the animals grazing it,” says Craig Piggott, Halter Founder and CEO. “For years farmers in New Zealand and Australia have generated significant benefits from utilizing the technology, and we’re excited to bring these same benefits to U.S. cattle ranchers.”

There are 200,000 cattle under Halter’s management in the United States, New Zealand and Australia, making Halter the largest virtual fencing provider by number of cattle. Halter’s U.S. customers are in California, Oregon, Colorado, Texas and Louisiana, with new customers going live in additional states in the coming months. Halter is quickly growing its U.S.-based team and is hiring dozens of people throughout the States in the coming months.

The Halter app allows users to establish virtual fences and cows are trained to respond to the collar’s sound and vibration cues cues as they approach the virtual fence. Halter collars are lightweight and powered by two small solar cells at the top of the collar which are connected via solar-powered towers on the ranch.

“Ranchers have real-time, 24/7 access to their cattle and pastures to quickly and easily put cattle where the grass is without moving fences or physically herding cattle, offering unparalleled oversight of their herds in real-time” says Piggott.

By enabling more precise pasture management, virtual fencing can play a significant role in regenerative land management. Ranchers can grow and harvest more grass, better protect soils, increase soil carbon sequestration to reduce net emissions, retire unutilized land without reducing stocking rate, and prevent animals from entering protected waterways.

For more information, visit www.halterhq.com

AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Dairy, Livestock

Rest in Peace Greg Henderson

Chuck Zimmerman

Greg HendersonIt was a very shocking and sudden notice of the passing last week of Greg Henderson, Editorial Director, Drovers at Farm Journal Media, at the age of 67. Greg attended the Ag Media Summit where I saw him last and spent some time chatting with him and taking his picture on the stage.

Post Update – From a news release from Farm Journal:

Lenexa, Kan. (Aug. 21, 2024) — It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Drovers editorial director Greg Henderson on Aug. 16, 2024. Greg leaves behind a legacy in agricultural media and significant contributions to the advancement of beef production during his 40 years of dedication and service to the beef industry.

An award-winning journalist and revered voice for the beef industry, Greg provided timely information and in-depth analysis on all segments of the business, including cattle feeding margins, market trends, genetic advancements, emerging technologies and the impacts of economic factors on beef prices and production. His years of knowledge and expertise allowed him to serve as a moderator and speaker on many local, regional and national stages representing the interests of U.S. cattle producers.

“There has been no other voice in the beef industry that is more respected or more trusted than Greg Henderson,” said Charlene Finck, President, Industry Relations for Farm Journal. “I had the honor of working with him in a time that brought dramatic and positive change to the beef industry. Greg was a catalyst for that change and helped producers understand why it was needed through the content he created every day. I was lucky to call him a close friend. He will be missed by many.”

Greg is survived by his wife, Ruth, of the home in Olathe, Kan.; children Lisa (Greg) Suellentrop and Jared Henderson; grandchildren Charlie and Amelia Suellentrop; and brother Gary Henderson (Kathy) of Havana, Kan. Greg was preceded in death by his parents QC and Marie Henderson of Niotaze, Kan., and his sister Glenda (Henderson) McDonald. Memorial services will be held at a future date.

Click here for the full release. (.pdf)

For those who have seen this on Facebook and commented I would just echo everything they have said. Greg was very easy to talk to, especially to someone who had a long time farm radio career before changing everything. I liked telling him he had a great voice for radio! I just wanted to help let more of his friends know if they don’t yet.

Rest in peace Greg and prayers to you and all your family.

Beef, Media

Precision Ag News 8/21

Carrie Muehling

  • On Aug. 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its final Herbicide Strategy, an unprecedented step in protecting over 900 federally endangered and threatened (listed) species from the potential impacts of herbicide, which are chemicals used to control weeds. EPA will use the strategy to identify measures to reduce the amount of herbicides exposure to these species when it registers new herbicides and when it reevaluates registered herbicides under a process called registration review. The final strategy incorporates a wide range of stakeholder input, ensuring EPA not only protects species but also preserves a wide range of pesticides for farmers and growers.
  • Scouts are traveling across the Corn Belt to measure this year’s corn and soybean yield potential during the 32nd annual Pro Farmer Crop Tour. The tour runs Aug.19-22, covering seven states and capturing the attention of the agriculture industry and national media. Observations and results of the Pro Farmer Crop Tour will be shared nightly at in-person events throughout the tour and streamed live online at AgWeb.com.
  • Intelinair, an ag data analytics company, announced it has garnered “AgTech Data Analytics Company of the Year” in the 5th annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by AgTech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies, and products in the global agricultural and food technology markets today. This is the second time in three years the company has been recognized with this prestigious award.
  • Bushel, the leading digital platform connecting farmers and agribusinesses, announced it has been awarded “AgTech Finance Platform of the Year ” in the fifth annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by AgTech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global agricultural and food technology markets today.
  • The Mid America CropLife Association (MACA) announced the launch of its new logo, symbolizing a fresh chapter in the association’s storied history. Founded in 1958, MACA has been a cornerstone in the crop protection industry, bringing together manufacturers, distributors, formulators, warehousers, and seed companies to inform and educate members on policy issues, create educational opportunities, and advance agricultural practices across the Midwest.
  • Beck’s and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) announce the election of Scott Beck as the central regional vice president. Scott will represent Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin during his three-year term in this role. He is one of seven regional vice presidents serving ASTA, contributing to the organization’s mission of advocating for the seed industry’s interests.
  • Terra Vera, an agriculture technology company leading the charge towards a more food-secure future with amino acid-based crop management solutions, is launching ApiVera, a new division and brand to address the critical issue of declining bee populations.
  • Evergreen FS was recently awarded a U.S. patent (no. 12,029,147) for its Crop Disease Prediction and Associated Methods and Systems tool that uses direct-to-machine learning systems that predict crop diseases. The patent leverages data science and artificial intelligence to predict and manage plant diseases. The technology collects and analyzes various data points, such as weather conditions, soil, and pathogen pressure, to develop predictive models.
  • Ecorobotix Inc., the North American division of the Swiss AgTech and AI company, appointed Cameron Holbrook as the new CEO of the company’s North America business. Cameron, a passionate AgTech enthusiast, brings extensive industry knowledge and a global perspective from his previous leadership roles at Nutrien, John Deere, and Amazon.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture, Uncategorized

    Intelinair Named 2024 AgTech Data Analytics Company

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Intelinair has been named “AgTech Data Analytics Company of the Year” in the 5th annual AgTech Breakthrough awards program. This is the second time in three years the company has been recognized with this prestigious award.

    Intelinair’s ag tech platform, AGMRI, has recently been enhanced with AGMRI Analyze – alongside its established in-season analytics suite, AGMRI Insights. AGMRI Insights focuses on the data and information used to make decisions during the crop growing season to protect yield. AGMRI Analyze complements the real-time insights and actionable alerts of AGMRI Insights by offering a retrospective data analysis of the entire crop season to enhance decision making.

    The annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program is the industry’s most comprehensive analysis and evaluation of agricultural and food technology categories and this year attracted thousands of nominations from over 15 different countries.

    AgWired Precision, data, Precision Agriculture, Technology

    Animal Ag News 8/20

    Carrie Muehling

  • The Meat Institute issued the following statement from Meat Institute President and CEO, Julie Anna Potts, in response to news reporting of a Harris Campaign proposal to place a federal ban on price gouging: “Consumers have been impacted by high prices due to inflation on everything from services to rent to automobiles, not just at the grocery store. A federal ban on price gouging does not address the real causes of inflation. The Harris campaign rhetoric unfairly targets the meat and poultry industry and does not match the facts. Food prices continue to come down from the highs of the pandemic. Prices for meat are based on supply and demand. Avian Influenza, a shortage of beef cattle and high input prices like energy and labor are all factors that determine prices at the meat case. Prices that livestock producers receive for their animals are also heavily influenced by supply and demand. Prices for cattle producers especially are at record highs, surpassing the 2014-2015 previous record highs. Today, well into 2024, cattle prices remain at record levels because the US has the lowest cattle inventory since Harry Truman was President. Major meat companies have reported losses during the Biden-Harris Administration, with some closing facilities and laying off workers.”
  • Truterra, a leading agricultural sustainability business that works with farmers to help improve the environmental impact of agricultural production while working to create incremental financial benefits for famers, today announced its first-ever programs specifically for dairy producers. The 2024 Truterra dairy soils carbon programs reward pre-qualified dairy producers who adopt sustainable farming practices on the crops they use for dairy feed – including silage and alfalfa. Sustainable practices include the use of cover crops, strip-till or no-till to improve soil health and increase soil carbon levels.
  • The first 1,000 days of a baby’s life – encompassing pregnancy through the child’s second birthday – is a critical period for brain development. During this time, a baby’s brain grows from about 10,000 brain cells in the first month of pregnancy to a staggering 10 billion by the sixth month. Nutrition is a key driver of this incredible development and dairy can significantly impact a child’s cognitive development and overall success in life, thanks to nutrients including iodine and choline. Expecting mothers and new parents are seeking guidance on how to best nourish their child and lay the foundation for lifelong health, particularly regarding cognitive development. To address this, the dairy checkoff is launching several strategies to highlight another benefit of dairy consumption.
  • Applications are now being accepted for the annual W.D. Farr Scholarship program. Established in 2007 by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF), the scholarship recognizes outstanding graduate students pursuing careers in meat science and animal agriculture. Graduate students must apply online by submitting a cover letter, curriculum vitae, description of applicant’s goals and experience, a short essay, statement of belief in the industry, as well as a review of the applicant’s graduate research and three letters of recommendation by Sept. 20, 2024. The 2024 scholarship recipients will be recognized at CattleCon 2025, Feb. 4-6, in San Antonio, Texas.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is seeking nominations for four top awards presented annually to leaders in the dairy industry. Nominations open today and will close on Friday, Oct. 25. Winners will be announced and recognized at Dairy Forum 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. Nominations are now open for the following awards: The IDFA Laureate Award, the Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year Award, the IDFA Food Safety Leadership Award, and the IDFA Workplace of the Year Award.
  • More than 50 contestants competed along the Grand Concourse for $4,600 in cash prizes during Iowa Farm Bureau’s 60th annual Iowa State Fair Cookout Contest, with Matt Ouverson of Norwalk crowned champion. Ouverson’s smoked and sliced rack of lamb topped with chimichurri sauce was favored by the judges over a wide array of entries from some of the state’s best backyard chefs.
  • Beef cattle producers across the state will gain valuable insight on how to overcome bottom-line sustainability challenges in the cattle business during the Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences’ 2024 Beef Cattle Conference, October 3-4. The conference registration cost is $50 before Sept. 1 and $65 before Sept. 20, and it includes conference presentation summaries, content for afternoon workshops, the dinner reception and lunch. If Alabama county cattlemen chapter presidents register at least three paid members for the conference, registration for the president (or their designee) will be waived.
  • Animal health vaccine manufacturer Medgene announces that it is ready to address critical disease challenges facing the animal health industry – Avian Influenza virus H5N1, Porcine Circovirus PCV-4 andAvian Metapneumovirus aMPV. Utilizing its production platform process, Medgene has unlocked the genetic information needed to create vaccines to address H5N1 in dairy cattle, PCV-4 in swine and aMPV in turkey production. As with all licensed veterinary vaccines, Medgene only needs USDA permission to add H5N1, PCV-4 and aMPV to its list of products and begin distribution.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Industry Ag News 8/19

    Carrie Muehling

  • Register here for Experiential Storytelling:Tapping into what matters to your audience with ​Shannon Peel on September 19 at 11 a.m. central. This webinar is free to members of the National Agri-Marketing Association and $50 for non-members.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor will lead an agribusiness trade mission to Casablanca, Morocco, Dec. 2-5, 2024. Current and potential U.S. exporters interested in participating should apply for consideration by Aug. 28.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 20 new members to the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. This committee is part of USDA’s support for equitable access to USDA’s services and programs and creating more market opportunities for local and regional production.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association is excited to announce that MISTRAS Group has joined as a new associate member. This collaboration highlights RFA’s dedication to enhancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of the renewable fuels industry.
  • The National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) invites you to submit your entries for the 2024 Plambeck Award for Creative Excellence. Named in honor of NAFB Past President and Hall of Fame Member Herb Plambeck, this award gives recognition for the best single and series radio commercials that air on NAFB stations and networks. It is the goal of NAFB to promote and recognize commercials that are designed to inform, influence, and motivate target audiences. Submissions will be judged by a panel of farmers, agency representatives, and past NAFB presidents, and they are due by close of business (Central), Monday, October 21, 2024.
  • The National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) announces the addition of broadcast veteran Chad Smith as NAFB News Service editor. Smith joins NAFB after serving as a contract editor and reporter for the News Service for more than 10 years.
  • American Agri-Women (AAW) is thrilled to announce that Curious Plot has selected the organization as the 2024 Seed to Succeed grant program recipient. This generous partnership will provide us with $75,000 of in-kind marketing services, allowing us to further our mission of uniting and amplifying the voices of women in agriculture across the nation.
  • Andy Neuhofer, Florida Farm Bureau Federation; Curt Covington, AgAmerica; Steve Johnson, chair, Florida Citrus Commission; Andrew Muhammad, Ph.D., University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture; Corey Geiger, Lead Economist for Dairy at CoBank, and Paige Gilligan, CAC, Risk Mitigators & Advisors, are rounding out the slate of speakers for 2024 Annual Conference of the American Society of Agricultural Consultants (ASAC) in Fort Myers, Fla., November 3-5.
  • Potatoes USA, the national marketing, research, and promotion board for the potato industry, elected Shelley R. Olsen as Chair of the Board at its annual meeting. Potatoes USA also announced its Executive Committee members to lead the organization through 2024-2025.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Vilsack Hopeful for 45Z Guidance by 2025

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed members of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) last week and thanked them for the work they have been doing on the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which is helping to set the stage for 45Z tax credit guidance.

    The RCCP started in South Dakota in 2021 and recently received a $35 million investment through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) which has helped it expand to 10 states.

    “You’re providing resources to help farmers reduce tillage to manage nutrients and to utilize cover crops,” said Vilsack. “You are creating a database that will be verified and measured…And you’re setting the stage for us to make, I think a more powerful case that ethanol needs to be part of the sustainable aviation fuel future.”

    Vilsack said during his remarks that USDA has taken the comments received in a recent request for information and will be working with the other agencies involved to get guidance from the Treasury Department by the time the 45Z tax credit becomes effective in 2025. “Things can change and timelines can slip as they have from time to time, but I think the goal here, I think everybody’s working towards that goal of the end of the year, beginning of next year’s focus,” Vilsack told reporters.

    Listen to Vilsack’s remarks here:

    ACE 24 Sec. Vilsack remarks 48:40

    ACE 24 Sec. Vilsack presser 15:17

    2024 ACE Annual Conference Photo Album

    ACE, Audio, Ethanol, SAF, USDA

    2024 IFAJ Congress – Switzerland

    Chuck Zimmerman

    SWITZERLAND – INTERLAKEN – Group picture of the IFAJ2024 Congress – August 15th 2024 © Raphael Hünerfauth – https://www.huenerfauth.ch

    The 2024 IFAJ Congress was held in Switzerland this year and has just ended. Back in 2005 Cindy and I went to our first IFAJ Congress in 2005 which was in Switzerland. It is one of my favorite countries of the 40 I’ve traveled to.

    I miss seeing so many of our international journalist friends. The gavel was passed from Lena Johansson, the first woman IFAJ President to Steve Werblow, Steve Werblow Communications. Lots of awards were presented, great speakers, tours, cheese, good wine, and cheese!

    You can find out a lot more on the 2024 IFAJ Congress website and the IFAJ website.

    You can find lots of pictures from the Congress in the photo album: 2024 IFAJ Congress Photo Album

    IFAJ, International, Media

    Would Vilsack Serve Another Term?

    Cindy Zimmerman

    James Wilson, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1897-1913

    At the end of the current administration, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will have served in that role for 12 years under two different presidents. But that’s only second best.

    The record – actually for any cabinet member – is held by James “Tama Jim” Wilson, the fourth secretary of agriculture who served for 16 years under three presidents. First nominated in 1897, Wilson served sixteen consecutive years of Republican administrations under Presidents McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft.

    Secretary Vilsack served eight full years in the Obama administration and was brought back to the job by President Biden.

    If Vice President Kamala Harris were to win the presidency, would Vilsack be willing to continue to serve? I asked him that during a press availability at last week’s American Coalition for Ethanol annual conference:

    “I love this job. That’s why I came back to it. But it’s not my choice. I can’t answer that question. It’s not my choice,” said Vilsak. “I’m proud of the fact that I’ve had this level of service for as long as I’ve had it. I think we’re making a difference. I’m really proud of the work we’re doing. To really create a whole new set of avenues and opportunities for small and mid sized producers to stay in business, I am deeply concerned about this. I don’t think it’s acceptable in a country that we should have lost that many farms in a lifetime. I think we can do better and I think we are doing better. So that’s what I’m focused on, you know. I have learned in my life every day is a gift. You don’t know if you’re going to be here tomorrow, much less 2025.”

    But he didn’t say no.

    In the press conference, Vilsack also comments on 45Z tax credit work, farm bill, and food prices.
    ACE 24 Sec. Vilsack presser 15:17

    ACE, Audio, Ethanol, USDA