Animal Ag Bites 1/20

Carrie Muehling

  • Alltech is lending its support to Australia’s agriculture industry in the wake of devastating wildfires, launching a global fundraising effort for farmers and pledging to match donations dollar-for-dollar. The Australia Farming Relief Fund will provide goods and services directly to producers and will be coordinated on the ground by Alltech family companies Alltech Lienert Australia and KEENAN Australia.
  • The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association recognized Morris Westfall, Halfway, Missouri, with its “Pioneer Award” at its 52nd Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show on January 11, 2020. The award is the highest honor given by the association and is comparable to a lifetime achievement award.
  • Milk Specialties Global, the global leader in animal nutritional supplements and dairy protein ingredients, debuts VitalChol DX™, a new rumen-inert choline supplement designed to optimize cow health during the transition phase.
  • The National FFA Officer Candidates have been invited to attend the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2020 International Production & Processing Expo, as a result of the USPOULTRY Foundation’s ongoing initiative to further attract students to the poultry and egg industries. The students will receive an all-expense paid trip to IPE in Atlanta, Georgia, and this opportunity is made possible in part by an endowing Foundation gift from Tyson Foods.
  • At the upcoming International Production & Processing Expo, WATT Global Media will host three live events and showcase its current digital publications and products plus additional events scheduled for 2020. IPPE will take place on January 28-30, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.
  • The International Production & Processing Expo offers attendees access to the latest in protein and feed technology through exhibits and educational programing. TECHTalks are free, 20-minute technical presentations, offered each day at IPPE. For the 2020 IPPE, 65 presentations will be given in the TECHTalks theaters in the A-Hall at Booth A246, B-Hall at Booth B8648, and C-Hall at Booth C9249.
  • The winner of the 2020 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year award is Flint, an Australian shepherd owned by Utah Farm Bureau members Rhett and Beth Crandall. The American Farm Bureau Federation, with support from Nestlé Purina, recognized Flint, four runners-up and a People’s Choice Pup at AFBF’s 101st Annual Convention.
  • The 400 ranchers gathering at the National Bison Association‘s 25th Anniversary conference and the association’s Gold Trophy Show and Sale at the National Western Stock Show, are bringing more than 100 head of live bison to Denver, along with a commitment to continue building the market for bison meat based upon the quality of the meat and a dedication to sustainable ranching practices.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s top official overseeing the agency’s marketing and regulatory programs will be among the speakers addressing more than 400 bison ranchers, marketers and enthusiasts scheduled to gather at the Renaissance Denver Hotel January 22-25. Greg Ibach, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulation, is expected to focus on the agency’s work in improving animal traceability, but will likely touch on a variety of other issues important to U.S. bison ranchers and markets.
  • The pork industry has released its new sustainability report, Commit and Improve: Pig Farmers’ Approach to Sustainability, and updated website, porkcares.org. The report and website share firsthand accounts and data supporting pig farmers’ progress toward sustainability through the We Care ethical principles.
  • Following the USDA’s announcement to award $10.2 million for the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program and National Animal Health Laboratory Network, NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn issued the following statement: “We’re pleased to see 16 state departments of agriculture receive $1.8 million in new funding for disease preparedness and emergency response training. NASDA members act as the first responders to animal health emergencies, in addition to safeguarding our nation’s food supply and international markets year-round.” In the same announcement, USDA announced further development of the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank. All three programs were of top priority to NASDA in the 2018 Farm Bill.
AgWired Animal, Animal Bites

ZimmCast 634 – Questions About Growing Hemp

Chuck Zimmerman

Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast. This week’s program includes several interviews I did at the inaugural Heart of American Agricultural Hemp Classic in Independence, MO. The event was organized by the Missouri Hemp Association.

Farmers have a lot of questions about hemp and in the interviews you will hear from presenters and farmers who have some answers. You can find a lot more in our virtual ag newsroom on AgNewsWire too.

Heart of America Agricultural Hemp ClassicSo, in this episode you’ll hear from: Joe Zahner, Counsel, Missouri Hemp Association; James Bennett, Yeoman; Luke Poindexter, MoCan Extracts and Bill Cook, Executive Director, Missouri Hemp Association.

At the end of the program I take a look ahead at the National Biodiesel Conference taking place this week in Tampa, FL. Cindy and will be there for the 15th year producing content for the Biodiesel Conference Blog!

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

Listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 634 - Questions About Growing Hemp

2020 Heart of America Agricultural Hemp Classic Photo Album

Subscribe to the ZimmCast by clicking here.

Ag Groups, Audio, Farming, hemp, ZimmCast

Trump Touts Trade Triumphs at Farm Bureau Meeting

Cindy Zimmerman

President Donald Trump addressed farmer and rancher members of the American Farm Bureau Federation for the third year in a row Sunday, and promised to be back next year while continuing to fight for what is important to them.

“My administration understands that if we want to stand up for America, we must stand up for American farmers,” said President Trump. He touted last week’s historic trade deal with China and Senate passage of the USMCA, as well as repeal of WOTUS and other regulatory burdens.

“As long as I’m president, government will never micromanage America’s farmers,” said Trump. “You’re going to micromanage your own farm and that’s the way it should be.”

The president also touched on popular topics including elimination of the estate tax, need for immigration reform, and ethanol.

2020 AFBF President Trump address (51:55)

AFBF, Audio, Ethanol, Trade

101st Farm Bureau Meeting Opens on Somber Note

Cindy Zimmerman

The 101st American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Austin, Texas started off on a somber note with the announcement at the general session Sunday morning that the wife of AFBF President Zippy Duvall had passed away the night before.

“It is with deep sadness that I share the news of Bonnie Duvall’s passing after a courageous battle with cancer,” said Vice President Scott VanderWal. “She was a special member of the Farm Bureau family, from being chosen for the 1982 National Young Farmer and Rancher Award with Zippy, to her travels with him 33 years later when he was elected president of American Farm Bureau.”

2020 AFBF VP Scott VanderWal comments (2:46)

The Duvalls were married 40 years and have four children and five grandchildren.

Since Duvall is obviously needed at home right now, VanderWal is filling in for him at the convention this week.

VanderWal provided a policy update for Farm Bureau members during the general session, and then answered questions from the media during a press conference. Reporter questions were not on mic, but the sound bites deal with the China trade deal, MFP payments and the farm economy, impacts of trade disputes and administration actions, WOTUS, wetlands, dairy policy, and ethanol.

2020 AFBF VP Scott VanderWal opening remarks (13:34)

2020 AFBF VP Scott VanderWal press conference (10:06)

AFBF, Audio

Georgia Ag Commissioner Concerned About USMCA

Carrie Muehling

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black is optimistic about the agriculture industry in his state, and shared a priority to open markets in new places for Georgia-grown products in the months ahead. At the same time, he has some concern regarding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as it stands currently, because of hardships it may bring to produce growers.

“With this agreement, there’s still unbridled access to our market window and that is a cause of concern,” said Black, who attended the 2020 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference.

Black also stressed the importance of looking at food safety standards, regulatory standards and labor practices when passing these types of agreements.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Commissioner Black here: Interview with Gary Black, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture

2020 Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference Photo Album

Audio, Produce, Trade, Vegetables

Zimfo Bytes 1/17

Carrie Muehling

  • House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson of Minnesota introduced legislation that would provide the Food and Drug Administration with the flexibility to allow hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) to be marketed in dietary supplements. The bill would also require a study and report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the production of hemp, on the regulatory and market barriers for farmers engaged in hemp production.
  • At this month’s Beltwide Cotton Conference in Austin, Texas, Dr. Dan Fromme was named the 2020 Cotton Specialist of the Year. The award, sponsored by BASF, was presented to Fromme at the event’s annual award dinner and reception, attended by cotton specialists from across the Cotton Belt.
  • Dr. Don Jones, Cotton Incorporated’s director of Agricultural Research – Breeding and Genetics in Cary, N.C., has been selected by the Joint Cotton Breeding Committee as the recipient of the 2019 Cotton Genetics Research Award.
  • HELM Agro US, Inc., a global manufacturer of high-quality crop protection and fertilizer products, announces the hiring of Jeff Krieger as Regional Sales Manager for the east Cornbelt.
  • Swanson Russell announced that Brent Schott has been appointed to president. Chief Executive Officer Dave Hansen has moved into the role of chairman. Brian Boesche will continue his role as chief creative officer.
  • Swanson Russell recently promoted Stuart Adams to media strategist, Jack Chatelain to designer and Jon Lundeen to associate creative director.
  • The Global Farmer Network welcomed 29 new farmers at its first international-based Global Farmer Roundtable, January 6-10, 2020 in Mexico City.
  • The Empire State Potato Growers announced that they have entered into agreement with Lee Newspapers Inc., publishers of Country Folks weekly farm newspaper, to purchase Empire Farm Days.
  • AgGrad nominations for the second cohort of the ‘AgGrad 30 Under 30’ program soon close. Submit nominations for worthy candidates today at 30under30.ag. The deadline is January 31st.
  • Sukup Manufacturing Co. and the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs are bringing SILO, the first ever feature film about a grain entrapment, to the Iowa Power Farming Show on January 29th, 2020 at 4:30pm CST. The film will screen at Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center. The event is presented with the support of the Iowa Power Farming Show, Successful Farming Magazine and Iowa Corn.
  • Texas A&M AgriLife has hired Jennifer Yezak, an experienced public servant in agriculture policy, to lead AgriLife’s extensive agriculture and natural resources policy agenda in our nation’s capital.
  • The GROWMARK Foundation is once again offering 15 $1,500 scholarship program for students in the United States and Ontario, Canada, pursing two- or four-year degrees or trade school certification in an agriculture-related field.
  • Vermeer and professional bull rider, Jess Lockwood, have forged a marketing partnership, making the two-time world champion of the PBR tour the newest face of Vermeer Agriculture.
  • Case IH is proud to announce a new partnership with Montana-based farmstead, Welker Farms Inc.
  • The National Association of Wheat Growers has announced that it has selected House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) for its “Wheat Leader of the Year Award”.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture announces plenary speakers for the 2020 Agricultural Outlook Forum, to be held Feb. 20–21, 2020, in Arlington, Va., under the theme “The Innovation Imperative: Shaping the Future of Agriculture.”
Zimfo Bytes

USDA Deputy Secretary Talks Trade at Iowa Biofuels Summit

Cindy Zimmerman

USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky had the pleasure of announcing the Senate passage of USMCA to the crowd at the 2020 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit Thursday in Altoona, Iowa.

“Just about 20 minutes ago, I’m proud to say that the Senate finally passed the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement on a vote of 89 to 10,” said Censky as the crowd broke into applause. “Yeah, let’s clap for that.”

During his address, Censky also talked about the other big trade news out this week – signing of the phase one trade deal with China. “And that is going to have major impacts across the board for a host of commodities, not only soybeans and corn, pork, beef, poultry, specialty crops, tree nuts, ethanol, dried distillers grains, pet food … it all is going to really add up.”

Censky discussed actions the Trump Administration has taken on behalf of the biofuel industry, including approval of year round E15, working with EPA to guarantee mandated levels of biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard, and USDA’s creation of a new Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program announced Thursday.

Listen to Censky’s remarks here.
2020 IRFA Summit - USDA Deputy Secretary Steve Censky remarks (17:26)

Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, Ethanol, Exports, Trade, USDA

‘American Grown’ Campaign for Produce Growers

Carrie Muehling

A new campaign to encourage consumers to buy “American Grown” produce was launched at the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference last week.

The American Grown campaign was started with a mission to “empower growers and consumers to fight for the American farm, making our country strong economically and environmentally.”

Speakers introducing the campaign included Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association President Charles Hall, Russ Goodman with the Georgia Blueberry Growers Association, Florida Blueberry Growers Association President Ryan Atwood, and American Grown campaign director Bud Chiles.

Find more information by visiting Demand American Grown on Facebook.

Listen to the panel discussion here: American Grown Panel Discussion

2020 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference Photo Album

Audio, Produce, Vegetables

Senate Passage of USMCA Praised by Ag Groups

Cindy Zimmerman

By a vote of 89-10 the U.S. Senate approved the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement (USMCA) today and sent it on to President Trump for his signature.

Just before the vote, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said USMCA will benefit the entire economy, but especially agriculture – “farmers, growers, cattlemen, manufacturers, small businesses, big businesses.”

Sen. McConnell floor speech prior to USMCA vote (2:18)

Reaction from the agricultural sector was quick and positive.

Farmers for Free Trade – “Today’s overwhelmingly bipartisan show of support for North American trade will help restore certainty and predictability in our farmers’ most important markets. USMCA also provides important ag victories including on market access for poultry and dairy, provisions that require science-based decision making on trade, and advances in supporting 21st century agricultural innovations.”

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) – “Agricultural retailers and their farmer customers will directly benefit from the expanded market access and the preserved zero-tariff platforms among ag products, which is a relief during a challenging time in the ag economy.”

American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) – “Mexico and Canada are the two largest markets for U.S. seed, with 2018 exports combining for a total of $630 million. Today’s passage of USMCA provides much-need certainty as well as some key reforms to ensure continued open market access to these two critical trading partners.”

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) – At a time when farmers continue to face strong economic headwinds, the agreement is expected to increase U.S. agriculture exports by $2 billion.

National Farmers Union (NFU) – Though USMCA is not a perfect replacement, it does make some important changes to its predecessor. We are particularly encouraged by the inclusion of stronger labor standards, more robust enforcement mechanisms, and better environmental protections.

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) – “Although USMCA doesn’t set ethanol-specific trade provisions, its ratification positively reaffirms this long-standing relationship with markets next door as we enter into this new decade of market growth.”

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) – Canada and Mexico are among our most important and reliable export markets for both ethanol and distillers grains, and we look forward to strengthening our trading relationship with the two countries.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) – “The ratification of USMCA is a crucial win for all U.S. beef producers and a reassurance that U.S. beef will continue to have unrestricted, duty-free access to Canada and Mexico.”

National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) – “USMCA provides U.S. pork producers with certainty in two of our largest export markets. It received strong support in both chambers of Congress, and we look forward to seeing President Trump sign it into law.”

Read More

Ag Groups, Audio, Ethanol, Exports, Trade

Heart of America Agricultural Hemp Classic Kicks Off

Chuck Zimmerman

Joe ZahnerThe inaugural Heart of America Agricultural Hemp Classic takes place today in Independence, MO. Our MC is Joe Zahner, general counsel, Missouri Hemp Association. Joe is a scientist so he gets to help members on technical issues. We talked about the conference yesterday after the membership of the association met.

The program here includes farmers who have experience growing and processing hemp along with legal experts. There are a lot of questions and judging by the participation so far, there is a lot of interest in this “new” crop. Joe is also participating in a session on legal issues and another on hemp registration and permitting in Missouri. One thing he wants to encourage growers to do is “pump the brakes a little bit.” He says the Missouri Hemp Association doesn’t want growers to get hurt by growing too much or losing a crop so they have a program called the Hemp Subdivision Program. MHA will lease one acre plots to growers to learn about what it takes to grow the crop.

You can listen to my interview with Joe here: Interview with Joe Zahner, Counsel, Missouri Hemp Association

2020 Heart of America Agricultural Hemp Classic Photo Album

Ag Groups, Audio, Farming, hemp