ZimmCast 737 – Preview of 2024 AgGateway Annual Conference

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmCastHello and welcome to the ZimmCast.

In this episode we’ll get a preview of the AgGateway Annual Conference that will be starting November 11th in Austin. I talked with Brent Kemp, President and CEO, about what AgGateway works to accomplish and what the schedule looks like. I’ll be there to take photos and collect some good interviews and session audio. I’ll be going straight from there to Kansas City for a day of the NAFB Convention before heading back to ZimmComm World Headquarters.

Looking over the last years that I’ve attended AgGateway meetings it seems to just continue to growing and refining the work they do.

That’s the ZimmCast for now. Please let me know if you have ideas for a future podcast. Just email me at chuck@zimmcomm.biz.

Listen to the episode here:
ZimmCast 737 - Preview of 2024 AgGateway Annual Conference (25:54)

I hope you enjoyed it and thank you for listening.

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AgGateway, Audio, Technology, ZimmCast

ZeaKal PhotoSeed is 1st Sustainability-Embedded Trait Tech

Cindy Zimmerman

ZeaKal today announced that PhotoSeed™ Soy has been validated as the first sustainability-embedded trait technology for agriculture, a technology that could expand the volume of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production by approximately one billion additional gallons on existing U.S. soybean acreage.

Han Chen, co-founder and CEO of ZeaKal, says they were able to validate PhotoSeed’s impact on the carbon intensity (CI) score of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from soybean oil by using well-respected analytic firm Foxley, LLC, which conducted an independent analysis according to multiple global standards and programs. “The data is also being reviewed by SCS Global Services, a leader in the field of sustainability standards and third-party certification,” said Chen. “The modelling shows that PhotoSeed can reduce SAF CI scores by up to 4.6 points.”

Chen says PhotoSeed enhances photosynthetic capacity, increasing soybean oil by 15% and protein by one point without compromising yield or requiring additional inputs. “At a time when the cost and scale for renewable fuels production still falls short of petrochemicals, we can leverage plant genetics to capture carbon and expand the volume of global oil production without needing new land or infrastructure. ZeaKal’s genetics and agricultural partnerships offer the energy industry economically feasible feedstocks with improved CI features in the production of SAF and other renewable fuels.”

Over the past several years, ZeaKal has built a harmonized supply chain for PhotoSeed soy, which includes Gro Alliance, Nutrien Ag Solutions, and Perdue AgriBusiness. The collaboration enables improved oil and protein production with improved sustainability features for the food and agriculture industry. With growing demand from energy, the initial three-million-acre East Coast footprint is an attractive source for low CI feedstock. PhotoSeed soybeans will be available for the 2026 growing season.

Chen adds that PhotoSeed’s verification as a technology pathway for reducing CI also opens opportunities across the company’s other crop programs, including corn and sugarcane. For ZeaKal’s key crop programs, the company forecasts that the global volume of SAF production could expand to 7.5 billion gallons per year.

Learn more in this interview with Chen:
ZeaKal CEO Han Chen 8:57

AgWired Precision, Audio, SAF, Soybean, Sustainability, Technology

Denali Changes10 Billion Pounds of Organic Matter into Fertilizer

Cindy Zimmerman

Organic recycling company Denali today announced it has transformed over 10 billion pounds of organic byproducts into natural fertilizers, according to its newly released third annual sustainability report detailing findings from 2023. The report also notes the company collected 1.7 billion pounds of food waste of which more than 75% was recycled into organic, nutrient-rich animal feed or made into customized formulations to address specific dietary concerns of cattle.

2023 Report Agriculture Highlights By The Numbers
● Denali’s recycling efforts produced enough natural fertilizer to support more than 100,000 acres of farmland and manufactured enough animal feed to nourish over 40,000 cattle across five states.
● According to US EPA calculations, converting 1.3 billion pounds of food waste into animal feed resulted in an approximate avoidance of 780,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) in 2023. This reduction is comparable to the greenhouse gas emissions produced by 185,641 gasoline-powered vehicles driven over the course of one year.
● Fertilizer and chemicals remain the largest on-farm expenditure accounting for 17.5% of on-farm costs, with animal feed closely following at 15.5%. Denali’s depackaging process enabled farmers to receive fertilizer and/or animal feed at no cost, saving them a minimum of $100 per acre.

Denali convert organic wastes, such as unsalable food, into valuable products, according to CEO Todd Mathes. “Our business is inherently circular, returning value from the earth back to the earth by taking organic byproducts originally destined for the landfill and recycling them to save farmers money and advance the circular economy. Through our customized service offering, we connect with farmers across the country to offer fertilizer and animal feed tailored to their specific needs.”

The company collects food waste from thousands of generators, including major retailers like Whole Foods Market and Albertson’s, as well as food manufacturers and distributors, hotels, stadiums, universities, and cafeterias across 48 states and Puerto Rico. Most recently, Denali launched depackaging technology across the US that automatically separates food from its packaging materials like plastic and cardboard, producing a cleaner stream of organic material that can be turned into animal feed, compost or converted into energy with anaerobic digesters.

AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Health, Feed, Fertilizer, Livestock, Organic

Animal Ag News 10/28

Carrie Muehling

  • The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) expressed concerns about the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s latest report, criticizing the lack of scientific basis for recommending plant proteins as a replacement for animal proteins. The Committee recommends moving beans, peas, and lentils from the vegetable group to the protein group. While this increases the amount of recommended protein intake, this would be deceiving to Americans, as there are essential nutrients in animal protein that plant proteins do not provide.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) slammed the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s unhinged recommendations that propose replacing high-quality proteins like beef with beans, peas, and lentils.
  • For more than 30 years, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has offered the annual Redbook to help cattle producers effectively and efficiently record their daily production efforts. The pocket-sized booklet simplifies recordkeeping, which can enhance profitability and reduce stress levels. The 2025 edition of the Redbook is now available.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and Feedstuffs named BioZyme’s Stockyard plant in St. Joseph, Mo., as its 2024 Feed Facility of the Year. Through the Feed Facility of the Year program, the AFIA also raised approximately $14,000 for the Equipment Manufacturers Committee (EMC) scholarship, supporting the development of future leaders in the industry.
  • Certified Angus Beef closed its 2024 fiscal year with one of its strongest sales years in the company’s history. With marked growth both domestically and internationally, the global beef brand sold 1.237 billion pounds across the U.S. and more than 50 countries and recorded a 37.4 percent CAB acceptance rate.
  • As the nation celebrates National School Lunch Week, U.S. parents are calling for Congress to reinstate whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk in U.S. public schools. For 12 years, students in public schools have been unable to access these widely consumed milk options in school meals. A new Morning Consult poll, commissioned by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), reveals that the vast majority of parents want these milk options to be available in school cafeterias, as they are at home.
  • The United States exports approximately $8 billion in dairy products to 145 countries around the world every year, which amounts to approximately one day’s worth of U.S. milk production each week. In fact, recent estimates indicate that the U.S. now exports more dairy on a fluid milk basis than we consume. These figures are increasing year after year meaning that trade has never been more important to the future of U.S. dairy than it is now. Within that context, IDFA submitted comments on the 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report, which details U.S. concerns with foreign barriers to trade for Congress annually. This year, IDFA’s submission included a range of concerns, including new barriers related to provisional tariffs on U.S. milk powder exports to Colombia and long-standing trade concerns such as Canada’s milk class policies.
  • The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) honored Glen Easter and Larry Hancock as the 2024 co-recipients of the Richard E. Lyng Award for their contributions and distinguished service to dairy promotion. The award is named for former U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Richard E. Lyng, who played a critical role in implementing policies that led to the establishment of NDB more than 35 years ago. It honors leaders who have made a significant contribution to dairy promotion that benefits the entire industry. Hancock and Easter were honored at the Joint NDB/National Milk Producers Federation/United Dairy Industry Association Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Oct. 21-23.
  • Farmer leaders in stewardship, sustainability and workforce best practices, along with a top FARM Program evaluator, were recognized at the fourth annual FARM Excellence Awards presentation held at National Milk Producers Federation’s annual meeting.
  • The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is pleased to announce the 2025 Young Leaders Under 30 honorees. The Young Leaders Under 30 Award recognizes emerging leaders in the industry. The award offers recipients a chance to gain visibility at the world’s largest annual trade show focused on the production, packing and processing of meat, poultry and egg products, as well as animal feed and pet food.
  • Vanguard Renewables, a portfolio company of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock, held a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest renewable natural gas project at The Moyer Family’s Oakmulgee Dairy Farm in Amelia Court House, VA. The farm, owned by Larkin Moyer, a fourth-generation dairyman, along with his sons Brandon and Jeremy and is the oldest continuously operating family dairy in the Commonwealth.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    New Pricing for Pivot Bio Microbial Nitrogen Offers Greater ROI

    Cindy Zimmerman

    As part of their ongoing support for farmers facing tough economics, Pivot Bio has announced a lower price for PROVEN® 40 microbial nitrogen in the 2025 growing season paired with a 0% financing program.

    “We understand the evolving financial dynamics that farmers are facing,” said Chris Turner, Pivot Bio chief commercial officer. “We want to meet farmers where they are and set them up for success year after year. We’re proud to provide farmers with the tools they need to farm more confidently and mitigate risks effectively.”

    A national study from 2022-2024 showed that corn treated with PROVEN 40, a microbially derived nitrogen source, had an average 9% increase in in-plant nitrogen compared to the standard practices.

    During that same three-year period, farmers experienced, on average, nearly a bushel per acre yield advantage when replacing nearly 40 pounds of nitrogen with PROVEN 40.

    In a recent customer satisfaction survey, farmers gave Pivot Bio a 91% customer satisfaction rating, citing plant health, ease of application and better ROI as reasons they incorporate PROVEN 40 as a foundational piece of their nitrogen management plan.

    AgWired Precision, Corn, Nutrient Management, Nutrition, Precision Agriculture

    Syngenta Finds Soybean Growers ROI in Sliding Market

    Cindy Zimmerman

    With the 2024 soybean harvest almost complete and growers evaluate this year’s decisions for 2025, return on investment (ROI) once again ranks as the most critical factor in a rollercoaster market, according to Syngenta.

    At Farm Progress Show this year, Syngenta agronomic service representative Jesse Grote talked about how the Syngenta Seedcare portfolio delivers more value and more potential yield at harvest.

    “It really is a season long approach…starting with a strong insecticide like CruiserMaxx® APX getting that early season protection against leaf beetles,” said Grote. And then choose a good insecticide that has two effective modes of action, and one that will provide residual control in in addition to knockdown as well.”

    FPS24 - Interview with Jesse Grote, Syngenta 4:38

    Katie Jaeger, Syngenta soy seedcare product lead, says both CruiserMaxx® APX and Saltro® seed treatments offer stronger and healthier emergence with a lower risk of replants, healthier seedlings that thrive above and below ground, and higher potential yield and ROI. “CruiserMaxx APX and Saltro provide growers with the confidence and protection to plant whenever they want without the fear of replanting because they know their soybeans are going to emerge with less stress and will reach their full genetic yield potential,” said Jaeger.

    During a recent Syngenta media event, Jaeger said they are looking forward to releasing a new seed treatment in 2025 for protection against soybean cyst nematode called Victrato with TYMIRIUM® technology. “So the expectation is 2025. We’re aiming for the 2025 planning season. Obviously registration pending, so it’s somewhat ambiguous, but that is our target is to enable production after registration to be able to provide an in field customer experience in 2025,” said Jaeger.

    Interview with Katie Jaeger (3:42)

    Audio, Soybean, Syngenta

    Precision Ag News 10/23

    Carrie Muehling

  • USDA announced a historic $1.5 billion for 92 partner-driven conservation projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Selected RCPP projects will help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners adopt and expand voluntary, locally led conservation strategies to enhance natural resources while tackling the climate crisis.
  • USDA, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released a new web-based tool on the Unified Website for Biotechnology Regulation for companies that develop microbial biotechnology products. The tool provides a starting point for researchers and developers, especially those new to biotechnology product development, to navigate the regulatory requirements for genetically modified microorganisms.
  • Four start-up companies offering agricultural innovations have advanced to compete for a top prize of $100,000 in the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, continues to elevate the importance of entrepreneurship in agriculture through the contest.
  • EOS Data Analytics (EOSDA), a global provider of AI-powered satellite imagery analytics, has announced the integration of John Deere data into its EOSDA Crop Monitoring platform. This new feature simplifies the process of managing fields and field operations data, allowing platform users to automatically synchronize information such as field boundaries, fertilizer application, seeding, spraying, and harvesting directly from their John Deere Operations Center.
  • U.S. sales of Ag tractors decreased 19.2 percent in September 2024 compared to the year before, according to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Sales of combines also fell during the month, dropping 40.7 percent compared to 2023.
  • With a new website resource from GROW (Getting Rid of Weeds), a public network of weed scientists are working to help farmers stem this epidemic by diversifying their weed management strategies with non-chemical weed control tactics, a strategy known as integrated weed management (IWM).
  • Doriane announces the launch of Bloomeo Biosolutions , a cutting-edge platform optimizes bioproduct performance. The software enhances data management, and reporting, using AI and statistical meta-analysis to identify factors affecting the effectiveness of biocontrol, biostimulant products and biofertilizers. Resulting from collaborative research across France and Europe, it aims to reduce agro-chemical use and empower sustainable agriculture.
  • Millborn Seeds, Inc., a family-owned seed company dedicated to enriching land and lives for more than 37 years, continues their tradition of upholding the legacy of specialty seed businesses with the acquisition of Kaste Seed near Fertile, Minnesota.
  • Nutrien Ag Solutions, Inc. proudly continues its support of the National FFA Organization through a three-year investment of $850,000. Spanning from 2024 to 2026, the annual contribution of $282,500 is strategically allocated to enhance the FFA’s broad programs. These funds are directed towards competitive event support for members, comprehensive professional development for advisors, and a notable scholarship of $10,000 for National FFA Officers at their service year’s end. The initiative also includes support for alumni chapters, strengthening the foundation for ongoing agricultural engagement and learning.
  • “All systems are ‘GO’ for our meeting in Fort Myers,” says Dave Mielnicki, Newmark Valuation and Advisory, Clarkson, Mich., chair of the 2024 Annual Conference for the American Society of Agricultural Consultants. “We’re happy to report our hotel received no damage from the recent hurricanes that ripped through the area. This means our program is on track for November 3 – 5.” The conference hotel, Crowne Plaza Ft. Myers Gulf Coast, has recognized that members would have taken a wait-and-see approach to registering during that final week leading up to the October 12 deadline, so they have extended the room block, ASAC discount, food and beverage count deadlines to October 21. As a result, ASAC is able to extend the early registration fee to October 21 as well.
  • Marion Ag Service has added Dan Dumler to its executive team as Director of Sales and Distribution. Dumler brings 30 years of experience across agriculture, turf, and ornamental markets. Dumler will lead Marion Ag’s sales growth objectives with the help of his extensive network of relationships throughout distribution channels. In addition to driving the growth of aligned brands and technologies, including PurKote, Entrust Nutrition, and Pro-Pell-It!, he will explore synergistic distribution relationships that include seed on behalf of Marion Ag’s marketing consortium with Columbia Seeds.
  • A Michigan State University researcher has received a $394,600 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service to develop a solar power-based irrigation technology that improves energy- and water-use efficiency. Younsuk Dong, an assistant professor in the MSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, leads the three-year project.
  • At FIRA USA 2024, the Reservoir announced the first-ever on-farm robotics incubators, Reservoir Farms, set to open in the Central and Salinas Valleys in early 2025. This pioneering initiative significantly shifts how agricultural technology innovates through real-world testing environments, world-class resources, and critical industry partnerships.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Industry Ag News 10/22

    Carrie Muehling

  • Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced additional assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help producers impacted by Hurricane Helene in the recovery process. USDA is announcing the counties that have triggered for payment under the Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index (HIP-WI) endorsement for Hurricane Helene. As a result, Approved Insurance Providers (AIP) have 30 days to issue payments to producers, but AIPs typically issue payments much sooner.
  • Time is running out for thousands of farmers who may face steep fines and possible jail time for failing to file their businesses with the federal government. Jan. 1, 2025, is the deadline to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) with the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). New analysis in a Market Intel by American Farm Bureau Federation economists shows more than 230,000 farms are required to file, but government data indicates less than 11 percent of all eligible businesses nationwide have done so.
  • The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) is pleased to announce that Jack Bobo, Director of the University of Nottingham’s Food Systems Institute, will receive the 2024 Borlaug CAST Communication Award (BCCA) during a special event held at the World Food Prize/Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines, Iowa. The award presentation will take place on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM (CDT) at the Iowa Events Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center.
  • Join the Livestock Publications Council for the October Coffee and Collaboration on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 12 p.m. CT! Internships are one of the best ways for companies and organizations to recruit new talent while giving students valuable real-world experiences before they enter the workforce. But what makes for a successful internship experience for both parties involved? This month’s LPC Coffee and Collaboration will explore these questions to help create a win-win scenario for both students and companies.
  • Think of an individual, organization or group that has profoundly influenced the soybean industry and the soy checkoff — who stands out to you? United Soybean Board (USB) has announced a call for nominations for the Tom Oswald Legacy Award. In its third year, this annual award honors the late Tom Oswald, who will always be remembered as a passionate farmer-leader and dedicated volunteer. The award honors someone who went above and beyond to advance research and promotes investments forward in an unconventional way.
  • A new economic study paints a troubling picture of the potential results a renewed U.S.-China trade war could have on hundreds of thousands of farmers and rural communities, showing American-imposed tariffs would come at a steep cost to U.S. producers while benefiting Brazil and Argentina.
  • Faylene Whitaker, of Climax, North Carolina, has been selected as the overall winner of the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award for 2024.
  • The Georgia Peanut Commission and Georgia Bankers Association will join forces Oct. 21-25, 2024, to promote the 48th annual Georgia Peanut Bank Week. Financial institutions and local banks across the state will offer a tribute to Georgia’s 4,000 peanut farm families and the sustainability they provide to Georgia’s state and local economies.
  • In response to the expanding opportunities in specialty agricultural markets around the globe, Meister Media Worldwide announces several new leadership roles on its Executive Team. Eric Davis has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer, Heather Tunstall has been promoted to Chief Content Officer, and Kat Howington has been promoted to Chief Business Officer.
  • With USDA projecting an agricultural trade deficit of over $42 billion for fiscal year 2025, more soybean growers are wondering how they can boost exports and regain a competitive edge. That’s why we’ve invited three farmer leaders to share their stories about sustainable soy production and the potential to expand and open new markets. Join Agri-Pulse Founder and Publisher Sara Wyant as she moderates a webinar at noon central time on Oct. 24 titled: “How can we drive more global demand for U.S. soybeans?” You can register for this free webinar, sponsored by the United Soybean Board, by clicking here.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    USDA Celebrates $3 Billion for Climate-Smart Commodities

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack traveled to Pennsylvania to celebrate investing over $3 billion in 135 projects under the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities since its creation in September 2022.

    Among the projects Secretary Vilsack highlighted during his address in Hershey were:

    A project led by Farm Journal that is expanding climate-smart markets for specialty crops, beef, pork and other commodities while incentivizing Pennsylvania farmers to implement practices like cover crops and grazing management, and providing technical assistance and data-management support to track outcomes.

    The Iowa Soybean Association’s Midwest Climate-Smart Community Program, which now has over 1800 farms enrolled in climate-smart production. The resulting corn, soy, sugar beats and wheat supply insetting markets where corporate entities aim to reduce their greenhouse gas footprint.

    A project let by TH Cattle Company is quantifying the soil and biomass impacts of climate-smart ranching practices and rewarding livestock producers through premiums for added-value beef. Over 5,000 acres of ranchland are participating by implementing climate-smart grazing practices that will enable access to these markets.

    Listen to Vilsack’s remarks:
    Vilsack in Hershey, PA (26:41)

    Audio, climate, Sustainability, USDA

    Terviva Offers New Biofuel Feedstock Grown on Trees

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Agricultural innovation company Terviva has announced an investment from Chevron Renewable Energy Group to help scale production of pongamia for low carbon renewable fuel.

    “Crude pongamia oil can be converted into biodiesel, renewable diesel, or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In working with Chevron Renewable Energy Group, we can increase the availability of feedstocks for production of these fuels while promoting our mission to revitalize agricultural land and communities. This relationship benefits stakeholders up and down the value chain, from farmers cultivating pongamia to fleets looking for lower carbon fuels,” said Naveen Sikka, founder, and CEO of Terviva.

    Pongamia growing in Central Florida

    Pongamia is a regenerative, permanent tree crop that stores carbon and produces a bean pod that can be used in turn to produce food, feed, and fuel. Terviva has been developing elite pongamia cultivars over 15 years of research trials spanning nearly 2,000 acres in Florida, Hawai’i and Australia. “Terviva’s pongamia trees produce three or more metric tons of beans per acre, which feature a high oil content,” said Sikka.

    Terviva recently expanded its executive leadership team to include Simmarpal Singh as Chief Operating Officer, previously serving as CEO-India for COFCO International and prior to that for Louis Dreyfus India. Singh will focus on strengthening the upstream and midstream processes to expand the footprint of Terviva and pongamia across India, the U.S., Australia, and other parts of the world. “I think there is huge potential around pongamia,” said Singh. “I look forward to leveraging my deep experience in farming, origination, manufacturing, and international stakeholder management to work in a new commodity value chain that directly contributes toward improving our global climate.”

    Learn more about Terviva and pongamia in this interview with CEO Naveen Sikka and COO Simmarpal Singh.
    Interview with Terviva (19:04)

    Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, Farming, Feed, Food