ZimmCast 753 – AdFarm 2025 AgIntel Index Report

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmCastHello and welcome to the ZimmCast. I’m Chuck Zimmerman.

In this episode I’m going to share an interview with Matt Weeks, AgIntel Lead at AdFarm. We discuss the inaugural AgIntel Index Report. This will be a yearly report that dives into the trends and insights dominating the conversation in agriculture. This is information that matters to agri-marketers and ag leaders. You can request your report here.

AdFarm“The AgIntel Index Report is a representation of AdFarm’s unique differentiators, all of which make us the agency closest to the farmer,” said Matt Weeks, AgIntel Lead at AdFarm. “It brings the collective insights of AdFarm, AgIntel and Farm Voice into one cohesive report, distilling down critical information into what it all means for our clients and for the industry.”

The report, which will be released annually, is essential reading for agribusiness decision-makers, marketers and communicators. Each year, AdFarm will deliver insights that will provide a deeper understanding of farmer pressures so that we as an industry can respond accordingly.

In addition, I’m adding a wrap up interview with Brent Kemp, President/CEO, AgGateway, about the organization’s annual conference, my last on-location work of the year. You can find the AgNewsWire virtual ag newsroom with lots of photos and interviews and more.

Cindy and I decided to retire from on-location work after 20 plus years at the end of this year. This doesn’t mean we won’t be working though with news release distribution and podcasts. We’ll be updating you as we work toward the end of this year.

Listen to the episode here:
ZimmCast 753 - AdFarm 2025 AgIntel Index Report (14:43)

That’s the ZimmCast for now. If you have some exciting news in the agrimarketing world, feel free to contact me for the next episode. Just email Chuck at chuck@zimmcomm.biz.

We hope you enjoyed it and thank you for listening.

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Agencies, Audio, Farming, Marketing, ZimmCast

Addition of Phosphate to Critical Minerals Applauded

Cindy Zimmerman

The U.S. Geological Survey recently added phosphate to its 2025 List of Critical Minerals, recognizing its importance for crop nutrition and food security.

Texas-based biotechnology company MetaPhite Genetics applauded that action, since phosphorus is one of the three primary nutrients essential for crop growth, yet much of the global phosphate supply is concentrated in a small number of countries. The new designation underscores growing concerns over supply-chain vulnerability and the need for innovation in fertilizer efficiency and use.

“Phosphorus is the backbone of agricultural productivity, and this designation reinforces its importance to farmers and to the food system as a whole,” said Mike Gilbert, CEO of MetaPhite Genetics. “At MetaPhite, we’re developing genetics that allow plants to metabolize phosphite, a form of phosphorus that’s more stable and less prone to loss, to improve nutrient-use efficiency and reduce dependence on mined phosphate fertilizers.”

MetaPhite Genetics’ technology represents a new frontier in sustainable fertilizer management. By enabling crops to access phosphorus from phosphite, the company’s approach could help lower fertilizer costs, reduce runoff, and build resilience into global nutrient systems.

“The inclusion of phosphate on the Critical Minerals List sends a clear message that innovation in phosphorus management matters,” Gilbert added. “It recognizes both the challenges we face and the opportunities to strengthen agriculture through smarter, more sustainable solutions.”

AgWired Precision, Fertilizer, Food

Verditex Unveils Next-Gen Precision Tech at Agritechnica

Cindy Zimmerman

At Agritechnica 2025 this week, smart ag solutions provider Verditex has unveiled two new flagship products which are part of an extensive product suite, each designed to deliver a significant leap in performance and reliability.

The Verditex FMA300 Pro Agriculture Auto Steering System is the next-generation evolution of Verditex’s proven FMA300 platform. It inherits the core capabilities that make the FMA300 a flagship product, including seamless operation across the entire agricultural process from cultivation to harvest, multi-terrain adaptation, and easy installation.

The FBS200 GNSS Base Station represents the next step in Verditex’s base station technology, retaining the core advantages of its predecessor, while introducing a fully integrated, all-in-one design that merges the base station and radio into a single, portable unit. This streamlined design enhances deployment flexibility with a built-in radio and a high-capacity internal battery, enabling rapid setup and sustained operation in any field environment.

“The launch of our FMA300 Pro and FBS200 is a direct response to the industry’s need for unwavering reliability and greater operational ease, delivering tangible cost savings and productivity gains,” said Andy An, General Manager, Verditex. “Visitors at the show are welcome to drop by our booth to see not only these two products but also a complete ecosystem designed to maximize efficiency, from signal to steering for the ultimate in professional farming operations.”

Learn more here.

Visit Verditex at AGritechnica stand 21E25 in Hall 21 for detailed product demonstrations and technical consultations.

AgWired Precision, Farm Shows, Precision Agriculture, Technology

AgGateway Building the Future with New Five Year Plan

Cindy Zimmerman

The future of AgGateway looks bright at the 20 year mark with a new strategic plan in place for the next five years.

“Our key watchwords, if you will, for the coming five years are implement, impact, and advocate,” said president and CEO Brent Kemp. “One of the things that we learned from our previous five-year plan, which was focused on create, engage, and grow, was that we had a very well-defined, very well-structured, but very stringent idea of what that plan was gonna be. And as we looked at the next five years, 2026 to 2030, we really wanted to make our planning more flexible, more agile, more responsive to the needs of members and the market.”

“Implementation has always been key to the work that gets done in AgGateway,” Kemp explained. “Our members find value and achieve business value when they implement the standards and resources that they cooperatively develop here. And then they can show the impact of what that implementation has done for their businesses, for their customers, for their trading partners, and ultimately translating that back to value in the form of time savings, revenue opportunities, new business opportunities. Both implementation and the impact that they can show allows our member companies to advocate for further work, further implementation within their trading communities, and especially at our C-suite, advocating with their peers to be part of the work that we do here.”

Kemp says after last week’s successful annual meeting, they are ready to go to work implementing, impacting and advocating. “We’re going to take the feedback that we got from there, the ideas, the pain points, the challenges and the opportunities, compile that and turn that into our work plan for the next 12 to 18 months.”

Listen to this wrap up interview with Kemp from last week’s annual meeting.
AgGateway President and CEO Brent Kemp (5:10)

2025 AgGateway Annual Meeting Photo Album

ag retailers, AgGateway, Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Precision Agriculture, Technology

Animal Ag News 11/10

Carrie Muehling

  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced continued support for the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act. This legislation introduced by Sens. Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) would increase marketing opportunities for smaller meat processors and give consumers more options to buy local beef.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) announced support for President Trump’s nomination of former Congressman Steve Pearce to serve as Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
  • The Meat Institute released the following statement on President Trump’s call for a Department of Justice investigation into the beef processing sector: “Despite high consumer prices for beef, beef packers have been losing money because the price of cattle is at record highs,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “For more than a year, beef packers have been operating at a loss due to a tight cattle supply and strong demand. The beef industry is heavily regulated, and market transactions are transparent. The government’s own data from USDA confirms that the beef packing sector is experiencing catastrophic losses and experts predict this will continue into 2026. U.S. beef processors welcome a fact-based discussion about beef affordability and how best to meet the needs of American consumers, who are the industry’s most important stakeholders. Beef packers rely on cattle producers and cattle producers rely on beef packers. The entire beef value chain is strongest when supply is balanced by demand. Beef packers remain committed to ensuring safe, delicious, and nutrient dense beef remains affordable to American families who rely on its nourishment. We welcome the President and his team to visit our members’ beef facilities, both large and small, to witness firsthand the pride, skill, and dedication they bring to their work every single day.”
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is inviting participants and media to a panel, “Feeding the Future: Climate-Smart Strategies for a Sustainable Global Feed Industry,” on Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. GMT-3 at the 30th Conference of Parties, being held in Belem, Brazil. In collaboration with industry partners Sindirações and the International Feed Industry Federation, the first-of-its-kind panel will be held in the inaugural AgriZone and will discuss the importance of the feed industry to animal health, identify promising innovations, highlight feed efficiency and explore how the industry works with government and key international bodies to bring forward climate solutions.
  • The highly anticipated 2026 Latin American Poultry Summit is set to bring together leading voices from across the Americas to explore the future of poultry production, innovation and sustainability. With a full day of expert sessions, global perspectives and networking opportunities, attendees can expect a dynamic program focused on driving progress and strengthening collaboration within the industry. The event will take place on Monday, Jan. 26, and will open with a presentation of research projects by the Latin American Poultry Association (ALA), setting the tone for a day that combines science, strategy and shared expertise. The Summit is presented by the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) and ALA.
  • Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and Farmers for Sustainable Food announced the launch of EmPower+, a program that connects farmer-led innovation directly to environmental goals of the dairy value chain.
  • Brian Rexing, an Indiana dairy farmer and a member of the Dairy Farmers of America cooperative, was chosen as National Milk Producers Federation’s 15th chairman at the organization’s Joint Annual Meeting. Rexing succeeds Randy Mooney, who has served as NMPF’s chairman for the past 17 years. Mooney, who also serves as chairman for Dairy Farmers of America, will remain on NMPF’s Executive Committee, which also was elected today. 
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Case IH Upgrades Baler Lineup

    Cindy Zimmerman

    At Agritechnica this week, Case IH is launching the RB6 series variable chamber round baler, as well as Model Year 2026 updates for the LB436 HD and LB4 XL series large square balers to boost productivity and bale quality for producers.

    The new RB6 series offers two models — the RB456 and RB466 – including an upgraded chain drive system with premium, higher-strength chains boost performance in heavy crops. Triple-seal bearings extend durability by keeping contaminants out and lubricants in. Extruded rollers now feature a seamless design to increase strength and service life. Reinforced rolls and sealed bearings further enhance resilience and reduce maintenance.

    Model Year 2026 LB4 XL and LB436 HD large square balers feature updates in durability and technology. A new greasing system uses automatic chain lubrication instead of oil, delivering four times longer service intervals and requiring only one fluid, while eliminating the oiler pump system for easier maintenance making pre-field preparation faster and easier. A new load-sensing package enables bale eject and bale ramp activation from the back of the baler as well as from the cab, adding convenience and efficiency.

    The new balers are on display at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany, located in Booth B21, at Hall 3, or visit caseih.com or talk with your local Case IH dealer.

    Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Case IH, Equipment

    EPA Approves Victrato® Seed Treatment

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Syngenta’s Victrato® seed treatment has received registration from the Environmental Protection Agency for soybeans and cotton to protect against plant-parasitic nematodes and diseases. Victrato will be available to farmers the rest of 2025 in preparation for the 2026 planting season, subject to state approvals.

    Syngenta Seedcare Technical Product Lead Dale Ireland was anticipating approval of Victrado at the 2025 Farm Progress Show. “Victrato is powered by TYMIRIUM® technology and this is the 11th season that I’ve had this out in the field on soybeans and what Victrato is going to do is deliver the highest level of nematode, Sudden death syndrome, red crown rot, and early season soy foliar disease protection that’s ever been offered from a seed treatment.”

    FPS25 Interview with Dale Ireland, Syngenta Seedcare (3:36)

    Victrato is the first federally labeled seed treatment management tool for Red Crown Rot. In addition, it will fortify soybean plants through early-season suppression of important foliar diseases such as Septoria brown spot, frogeye leaf spot and target spot.

    “By protecting that green leaf area early, it sets a stronger and healthier foundation to enhance the impact of a foliar fungicide application and better preserve yield potential,” said Katie Jaeger, Syngenta Seedcare product lead.

    At Farm Progress Show, Jaeger also noted that red crown rot is an emerging issue. “It was first discovered in the 70s, but it’s growing a lot of awareness because the symptomology is very similar to sudden death syndrome. And what we’re seeing is the more sampling that is taking place, the more we’re finding it. I believe it’s been identified in close to 10 states so far.”

    FPS25 Interview with Katie Jaeger, Syngenta Seedcare (3:37)

    Victrato in cotton manages Cotton Root Rot and nematodes, including root knot, reniform, lance and sting, with extraordinary results. Learn more about Victrato.

    AgWired Precision, Audio, Cotton, Precision Agriculture, Seed, Soybean, Syngenta

    Case IH Highlights New Precision Tech at Agritechnica

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Case IH is showcasing new precision technology for operators through key innovations such as SenseApply™ sense and act spray technology and Case IH FieldOps™ updates at this week’s Agritechnica in Germany.

    SenseApply provides a versatile and economical variable rate application solution with multi-season functionality without compromising quality or reliability, and can hit target application rates at up to 40kph.

    Featuring a uniquely positioned, multi-spectral camera on top of the cab, SenseApply precisely captures field and plant images up to 42 metres wide and 15 metres in front of the device. SenseApply offers unparalleled flexibility with a range of application methods and includes lifetime access to Live VRA and a one-time activation fee for Selective Spray Green-on-Brown Spot Spray, eliminating both per hectare fees and annual fees for the life of the device. Selective Spray also delivers up to a 60% reduction in herbicides.

    Case IH continues to enhance FieldOps, with new feature AI Boundary Creation allowing operators to quickly generate field boundaries using satellite imagery and machine learning, saving time and effort. Accurate boundaries help improve efficiency, minimize overlap and ensure consistent data across machines and fields. Operators can also utilize Boundary Management, which allows customers to draw and create digital field boundaries more efficiently.

    To help operators troubleshoot issues, FieldOps users can now initiate Remote Display View with an existng Raven Display. By clicking “Connect to Display” on the overview page and inserting the seven-digit session code on the FieldOps website, users can now view and control in-cab display. Users can open multiple remote view sessions simultaneously in separate browser tabs.

    Visit Case IH at Agritechnica, November 9-15, 2025, in Hanover, Germany, Booth B21, Hall 3.

    Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Precision Agriculture

    AgGateway Celebrates 20 Years at Annual Meeting

    Cindy Zimmerman

    AgGateway had a successful annual meeting last week in Clearwater, Florida to celebrate 20 years and work on building the future on two decades of achievement.

    Jeremy Wilson, who serves as AgGateway Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, as well as North American Director, says the conference was a little differently this year and it went great. “From my viewpoint, I have been incredibly excited with the interaction we saw in the sessions. You know, we’ve always been good at participating and interacting, but I just saw a level of interaction, like I haven’t seen in a long time,” said Wilson.

    Wilson, who joined AgGateway as a volunteer 15 years ago, says there was a lot of reminiscing at the conference about what they have accomplished in 20 years. “It’s just amazing to look back at not only what’s happened in Precision Ag, but what AgGateway has done through the whole production agriculture channel of streamlining processes for our members to share data, use data, to just to make their life easier, to ultimately, at the end of the day, to make a grower’s life easier,” he said.

    AgGateway Executive VP Jeremy Wilson (5:17)

    2025 AgGateway Annual Meeting Photo Album

    ag retailers, AgGateway, Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Audio

    Case IH Showcases Red Power at Agritechnica

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Case IH is doubling down on power and productivity at AGRITECHNICA 2025 in Hanover, Germany this week. From the Case IH Steiger® 785 Quadtrac®, to the new Optum series Optum™ 440, as well as the Farmall® 120 M, and the completely reimagined Puma® 185, every machine is designed to push performance forward.

    The new Steiger® 785 Quadtrac® increases the iconic tractor’s horsepower by almost 10% over the previous model with 853 peak hp. The higher horsepower has a purpose and drives productivity, allowing farmers to handle larger implements or pull the same implements even faster, offering an impressive 40% torque rise. Designed to provide more power to the ground, the Steiger 785 Quadtrac also offers a superior operator experience and cab comfort.

    Case IH is previewing the new Optum® series tractors available in three models: 360, 390, and 440 – offering greater year-round productivity and increased comfort. The Optum series tractors deliver high horsepower performance and are ideal for a wide range of applications from tillage and seeding, to baling or transport. The Optum series also offers an all-new independent front axle suspension paired with upgraded braking, transmission and hydraulics.

    The new Farmall® M series tractor is designed to deliver power and performance in everyday applications through to the most demanding tasks. With seamlessly integrated technology and heightened operator comfort, the Farmall M series delivers superior productivity and execution, regardless of the operation size or terrain. The Farmall M – available in 100M, 110M and 120M models – was created to handle an operator’s busiest days, continuing the Farmall legacy of dependability.

    Finally, Case IH is unveiling the all-new Puma® series tractor, featuring an entirely new vehicle design that allows operators to enjoy a smoother ride with superior maneuverability as well as access to the latest precision technology. The Puma – available in 155, 165 or 185hp models – sets a new standard of performance and efficiency for varying operational needs. Featuring an advanced CVXDrive™ transmission, the Puma offers improved load handling, traction and working speeds, allowing operators to use power more economically. Costs are lowered thanks to efficient fuel consumption, and productivity increases with long 750-hour service intervals and the powerful FieldOps™ platform.

    If you happen to be attending Agritechnica this week, be sure to visit Case IH, located in Booth B21, at Hall 3. If not, visit caseih.com or talk with your local Case IH dealer.

    Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Case IH, Equipment, Precision Agriculture, Technology, Tractor