Industry Ag News 4/18

Carrie Muehling

  • New consumer research from The Center for Food Integrity (CFI), in partnership with FMI – The Food Industry Association, challenges conventional wisdom about what’s considered credible and “true” in today’s food system. Most revealing: authenticity often outweighs science in shaping consumer trust. The research, “Truth Defined: Mapping Consumer Beliefs in Food & Agriculture,” identifies five distinct consumer segments, each with unique definitions of what’s true for them when it comes to food and how it’s produced. The findings provide the food and agriculture industries with a strategic roadmap to identify the most influential consumer segments and engage with credibility, forging stronger connections, inspiring informed conversations and building trust.
  • The 2025 U.S. Agricultural Market Outlook is now available on FAPRI’s website. This report summarizes baseline projections for agricultural and biofuel markets prepared using market information available in January 2025. S&P Global’s January forecasts showed economic growth slowing in 2025, and interest rates declining. The baseline reflects policies in place in January 2025. It does not reflect any subsequent policy changes. In particular, the projections do not make any attempt to include the impacts of changes in U.S. tariffs or retaliation. The baseline is intended to serve as a reasonable point of reference for evaluating alternative scenarios; it is not a prediction of future market conditions or policy choices. The current farm bill provisions are extended through the projections.
  • Join the Livestock Publications Council for the next Coffee and Collaboration on Wednesday, April 30 at 12 p.m. CT. The topic is “Driving Attention: Using Data to Increase Audience Engagement” with speaker Jen Richter, VP, Digital O&O, Farm Journal. This free monthly webinar is moderated by Jennifer Shike and Angie Stump Denton. No registration is necessary! It’s open to members and non-members.
  • The AgCareers Roundtable offers a distinctive industry-specific educational and networking experience focused on the talent pipeline in agriculture and food. This unparalleled event brings together industry and education stakeholders to address challenges and exchange ideas for agriculture and food sector success. The 23rd Annual AgCareers event will take place on August 5-7, 2025.
  • Accolades for an interactive tool more than 30 years in the making and its corresponding media campaign — that’s what the two first place “Best of NAMA” awards from the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) represent for The SCN Coalition. The SCN Profit Checker won first place in Digital Tools and the campaign promoting the calculator placed first in Media Relations.
  • The results of a soy industry project to examine the impacts of a potential seed oil ban in the U.S. food supply are in—and the answers are not good. The seed oil study was funded by the United Soybean Board and conducted by the World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services. WAEES maintains agricultural economic models that allow it to examine potential industry changes, and what it found forecasting a ban was this: The seed oil industry, which primarily includes soybean, canola, corn, cottonseed, grapeseed, rice bran, safflower and sunflower, would see a sizable drop in consumption for domestic products while imported palm oil would likely flourish. Meantime, consumers would have a hard time making apples-to-apples substitutions given price surges, product availability, allergen issues, and usage constraints (just like you cannot use an orange in apple pie, not all fats and oils are created equal).
  • Some of the important tax policies that are helping farmers maintain profitability are in jeopardy if the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is allowed to expire this year. Provisions like the Qualified Business Income Deduction, 100% Bonus Depreciation, and the increased Estate Tax Exemption are critically important to producers across the country. In this podcast episode, listen to two of the National Corn Growers Association’s foremost experts about how these policies benefit farmers… and what we can do to preserve them.
  • Kubota Tractor Corporation announced a ‘groundbreaking’ partnership with multi-platinum, award-winning artist Post Malone. The collaboration will see Kubota provide a range of equipment to manage Post Malone’s expansive property, while also becoming an official sponsor of the artist’s highly anticipated Travelin’ Tailgate, a unique fan experience accompanying select dates of his upcoming nationwide stadium tour.
  • The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City will recognize Greg Krissek and Don Nikodim with the group’s prestigious Jay B. Dillingham Award for Agricultural Leadership and Excellence at a luncheon on May 15 in Kansas City’s historic Union Station.
  • The Southern Peanut Farmers Federation (SPFF) proudly welcomes the South Carolina Peanut Board to join the federation. Formed in 1998, SPFF was established to allow Southeastern peanut producers to speak with a unified voice on legislative issues and partner with other state peanut organizations for leadership development and coordinated research funding.
  • Global seed innovator Sakata Seed America proudly announces the launch of Bimi, a new consumer brand of baby broccoli now available in the U.S. and Canada. Already a recognized name across global markets, Bimi® delivers the premium taste, texture, and nutrition today’s consumers crave in a high-quality, zero-waste vegetable.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Ethanol Report on E15 Optimism

    Cindy Zimmerman

    U.S. sales of E15 reached a record 1.24 billion gallons in 2024, an increase of 11% over 2023, according to a Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) analysis of data released by state agencies in Minnesota and Iowa.

    While it appears the Trump administration will have to continue the practice of issuing waivers this summer to keep E15 at the pump, there are several reasons for optimism that this will be the last year that will be necessary.

    In this edition of the Ethanol Report podcast, RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman discusses a recent blog post he authored on the current growth of E15 and the potential for boosting the blend nationwide.

    Ethanol Report 4-16-25 24:07

    Audio interviews, presentations and photos from the NEC can be found in the conference virtual newsroom.

    The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

    Choose an option to subscribe

    Audio, Ethanol, RFA

    Precision Ag News 4/16

    Carrie Muehling

  • U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action (USFRA) is introducing a webinar series on the five key opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture identified in the “Potential for U.S. Agriculture to Be Greenhouse Gas Negative” report that was published late last year. Those opportunities include nitrogen fertilizer management, soil carbon management, the crop production and yield gap, animal production and management, and efficient energy use. Within each of these broad categories, there are a number of currently available practices and emerging technologies that can positively impact emissions while improving both production and profitability. A webinar will be conducted for each of the five starting with nitrogen fertilizer management, which will be held Wednesday, April 23, from 2 – 3:30 p.m. CT.
  • Following the landmark report from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) and ahead of a day-long event in Washington marking the report’s release, champions of agricultural innovation released statements hailing the report’s recommendations and pledging partnership to pursue the Commission’s goals. The report – Charting the Future of Biotechnology: An Action Plan for American Security and Prosperity – underscores the need for urgent action to prevent the American biotechnology sector from lagging behind foreign competitors, including China. NSCEB lays out six pillars for action and 49 recommendations to help achieve that goal, including making biotechnology a national priority and mobilizing private sector investment.
  • Novonesis, a world-leading biosolutions company, recognizes the importance of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) report as a pivotal milestone in charting a bold path forward for American biotechnology. Novonesis applauds the NSCEB’s deep investigation of unlocking U.S.-led biotechnology in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
  • Syngenta announced the names of three foliar-applied insecticide brands for its in-season insect management portfolio in the U.S. today. Upon approval by the Environmental Protection Agency, these foliar insecticide products are anticipated to manage insect pests in cotton, vegetables, tree fruit crops and more. Isocycloseram, which has been approved for use in other countries, will act by contact and ingestion, providing rapid feeding cessation. Leveraging this novel active ingredient in IRAC Group 30, will also provide growers with a new resistance management option.
  • IUNU, a leading innovator in AI and machine vision technologies transforming agriculture, announced the close of its $20 million funding round led by S2G Investments, with participation from Farm Credit Canada and Lewis and Clark Partners.
  • Paine Schwartz Partners-backed HGS BioScience, a global leader in the production of extracted humates in both granule and liquid form, has acquired Earthgreen Products, Inc., and the world-renowned Menefee Mining Corporation. The company is now able to elevate the quality and performance of its humic and fulvic acid lineup, providing growers with a broad range of products in multiple formulations to improve soil health. Together, HGS now has the deepest and most versatile portfolio of patented extracted granule, powder and liquid products in the industry.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    South Carolina Joins Southern Peanut Farmers

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The Southern Peanut Farmers Federation (SPFF) has expanded to include another state, proudly welcoming the South Carolina Peanut Board to join Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi.

    “The South Carolina Peanut Board is excited to join the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation to offer the South Carolina peanut industry so many opportunities,” says Richard Rentz, chairman of the South Carolina Peanut Board. “By joining SPFF, South Carolina is taking a step towards the peanut industry working together as a whole.”

    SPFF was established in 1998 to allow Southeastern peanut producers to speak with a unified voice on legislative issues and partner with other state peanut organizations for leadership development and coordinated research funding. Initially organized by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, the Florida Peanut Producers Association and the Georgia Peanut Commission, the federation welcomed the Mississippi Peanut Growers Association in 2008.

    The peanut farmers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina produce 73 percent of the nation’s peanuts. In 2024, farmers in the five states produced an average of 3,560 pounds of peanuts per acre.

    The Southern Peanut Farmers Federation coordinates the annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference, the Peanut Leadership Academy, congressional member and staff relations, as well as research initiatives. Additionally, SPFF publishes the Southeastern Peanut Farmer magazine which is distributed to peanut farmers across the Southeast.

    Peanuts, SPGC

    ZimmCast 745 – ZimmComm News & NAMA/NAFB Interviews

    Chuck Zimmerman

    ZimmCastHello and welcome to the ZimmCast.

    In this episode I’m going to share a couple of interviews from the NAMA Agri-Marketing Conference. One is with Gardner Hatch, Executive Director, NAFB and Debbie Boyle, Vice President, Kynetic. They talk about a new NAFB listener survey. Then I have an interview with Melanie Rice, Brownfield Ag News, about becoming the new President of NAMA.

    Before I do this I’m going to talk about a ZimmComm announcement Cindy and I published last week. Basically, we are retiring from business travel starting at the end of 2025. Besides our 21 years with ZimmComm we traveled a lot for many years before we started ZimmComm.

    We founded the company in 2004 as the first social media-based agricultural communications company and pioneered “event blogging” for farm and biofuels conferences, capturing the sights and sounds in photos and interviews. Nearly 225,000 photos and countless interviews and miles later, we have decided to hang up our traveling bags and spend more time at home. A lot of people look to retire to travel the world. We’ve been blessed to see all the places we ever wanted and more!

    We plan to continue our AgNewsWire news release service as well as AgWired.com, Energy.AgWired.com and our podcasting and other audio production services. We’re just giving up the travel portion of our work.

    So, let’s get back to podcasting. I’ll start out with the NAFB survey and then words from our new NAMA President.

    Listen to the episode here:
    ZimmCast 745 - ZimmComm News & NAMA and NAFB Interviews (9:40)

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

    We hope you enjoyed it and thank you for listening.

    Subscribe to the ZimmCast in:

    Audio, Media, NAFB, NAMA, ZimmCast, ZimmComm Announcement

    Animal Ag News 4/15

    Carrie Muehling

  • National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, released a statement praising U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) for introducing the Food Security and Farm Protection Act, which averts a disastrous patchwork of contradictory state-by-state farm regulations that would hit hardest small and medium-sized pork producers.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the introduction of the bipartisan Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025 in the House. This legislation is led by Rep. John Rose (R-TN) and Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL), who represent districts where producers are facing immense burdens from black vulture overpopulation.
  • Thousands of cattle raisers, landowners, wildlife managers and industry partners from across the Southwest gathered in Fort Worth for the 2025 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo, an annual event hosted by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. A highlight of the multi-day event came when U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins addressed attendees during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting.
  • Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) Leadership Development Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization committed to future generations of land and livestock stewards and leaders, announced the TSCRA Gilly Riojas Memorial Internship Program.
  • Join the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association for an insightful webinar where industry experts delve into the critical aspects of beef safety and production. Dr. Trey Patterson, CEO of Padlock Ranch, will share his extensive experience in and effective production practices. Patrick Linnell from CattleFax will offer an overview of market trends and the economic impact of maintaining high standards in beef production. Dr. Pat Mies from Tyson will discuss the latest advancements in detecting and preventing foreign object contamination in beef processing, while Dr. Trent Schwartz from West Texas A&M will provide insights into research and innovations that enhance beef safety and quality.
  • Animal monitoring systems are a trusted solution for accurate heat detection, but their impact extends beyond that. By improving overall reproductive efficiency, these systems boost pregnancy rates, cut costs and help dairies maximize profitability. Dairies across the U.S. are seeing benefits beyond heat detection. Contact your local GEA dealer to learn more.
  • The Joint Poultry Industry Safety Award Program is now accepting applications from poultry industry facilities that have demonstrated exceptional safety programs. This award program is open to members of the National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. Eligible facilities include poultry processing plants, further processing facilities, egg processing plants, hatcheries, feed mills, animal support services and rendering facilities. To qualify, applicants must have implemented innovative and effective safety programs as well as have maintained injury and illness rates below the industry average for three consecutive years. Award program rules, regulations and application forms can be accessed here. The application deadline is May 2.
  • Seven universities recently participated in the 76th USPOULTRY Foundation Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest, held at Mississippi State University (MSU). Texas A&M University (TAMU) won the high team overall category, and the University of Arkansas (U of A) took second place. Additionally, Reagan Barnett from TAMU won the high individual overall category, with Andy Cornell from U of A finishing second. The program also recognized Dennis Mason, U of A, a long-time poultry judging contest coach for nearly 50 years, on his upcoming retirement.
  • USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation have approved $380,000 for four new research grants at four institutions through the Comprehensive Research Program. The research funding was approved by the boards of directors of both organizations, following recommendations from the Foundation Research Advisory Committee (FRAC).
  • USPOULTRY will hold its annual Financial Management Seminar on June 16-18 in Amelia Island, Fla. This year’s program will cover diverse topics including leading through change, exports and economic updates, labor and immigration impacts, consumer trends and artificial intelligence as the future of finance.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Rollins Gets Airtime for Agriculture

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has taken a much more visible role in the new Trump Administration than previous agriculture secretaries, appearing three times this month already on Fox News, most recently this past Sunday.

    In a wide-ranging interview with Shannon Bream, Rollins talked about a number of issues, from tariffs and trade to the price of eggs, and spent some time discussing the importance of ethanol.

    “President Trump has been unequivocal in his support for ethanol and in his support for the year round sale for the E15. In fact, at the end of our last administration, we put that rule out. A court gutted that. So now we’re working on it again,” said Rollins. “We are hyper-focused on the energy independence and ethanol and biofuels is a very, very important part of that.”

    Bream interviewed Rollins Sunday after spending time in White Cloud, Kansas interviewing former National Corn Growers Association president Ken McCauley and his family.

    See the Rollins interview here or listen to the audio below.
    Fox News Sunday interview with Sec. Rollins 9:03

    Audio, Ethanol, Media, USDA

    Industry Ag News 4/14

    Carrie Muehling

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will hold its biannual Data Users’ Meeting on April 29, 2025, starting at 12 p.m. ET. This virtual meeting is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is required to attend this event. The Data Users’ Meeting is held to share updates to USDA data and statistical products with the public and to solicit input on agency programs important to agriculture.
  • The World Food Prize Foundation announced that Ellen Lupkes has joined its staff as Senior Manager I, Global Youth Programs and Partnerships.
  • Applications are now open for the 2025 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders Program. A unique opportunity for agricultural journalists age 35 and under to gain international recognition and boost their careers. This milestone class marks the 20th year of the IFAJ/Alltech Young Leader Award program, a great partnership that has strengthened guilds and boosted careers since 2005.
  • The United States Postal Service, an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government, announced, its proud support of Antique Tractor Preservation Day (Kansas House Legislature Resolution HR 6011) with an exclusive, limited time only Pictorial Postmark (designed by Michael Hinton, Founder Antique Tractor Preservation Day); to be made available starting August 22, 2025 in person at the Hutchinson, KS Post Office or by Mail Order request.
  • The newest title from Feeding Minds Press, “I LOVE Blueberries,” is bursting with farm fresh facts, bringing the joy of farming to readers of all ages. “I LOVE Blueberries,” written by Shannon Anderson and illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett, is the long-awaited sequel to the award-winning “I LOVE Strawberries.” The story follows Jolie and her new friend Margot as they work together with their classmates and their community to set up a hydroponics growing station in their classroom to grow their own blueberries.
  • Join us at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento, or tune in virtually for the Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Issues Summit on June 10, 2025. Experience a day full of illuminating speeches and panel discussions, an immersion into California agriculture and food issues. Secure your spot today and take advantage of early bird pricing until May 10 with promo code MEDIA25.
  • Farm radio is local, it’s mobile and it’s trusted. Even with the abundance of multiple media and information sources that U.S. farmers have at their fingertips today, new market research shows the trust in the farm broadcaster still leads listeners to rank ag radio as their #1 choice for daily ag news and information. The new national farm radio listenership study of 1,001 farmers and ranchers conducted by Kynetec Research also validates the importance of ag radio as a primary source for learning about ag products and services – and driving action.
  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced that Gretchen Kuck was hired to serve as an economist for the organization. She started her new position this week. Kuck will work in NCGA’s Washington office and report to Chief Economist Krista Swanson.
  • CNH announces that Oddone Incisa, the Company’s current Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will step down and will be succeeded by James (Jim) Nickolas. Mr. Nickolas will be based at the Company’s North American headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA and will present the financial portion of the Company’s Strategic Business Plan at Investor Day on May 8, 2025.
  • The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) recently published its 2025 Public Policy Agenda, outlining policy priorities that support the growth and resilience of the fresh produce and floral industry. The agenda is a strategic roadmap for advancing key legislative and regulatory goals that ensure consumers have access to a diverse, affordable, and safe supply of fresh fruits, vegetables, and floral products year-round.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    NAMA Top Industry Awards Presented

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The top awards from the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) were presented this week at the annual conference in Kansas City.

    Michele Egan, who is now with Novonesis, was honored for her transformative marketing strategies in the animal nutrition sector as North America Marketing Manager at Chr. Hansen. Her leadership in launching BOVAMINE DEFEND® Plus, including the highly successful “BEEF UP” campaign, drove $4 million in sales growth and significantly increased customer engagement.
    Remarks from Michele Egan (3:03)

    GROWMARK CEO Mark Orr was named Agribusiness Leader of the Year this year but was unable to attend the conference.

    Laura Svec presents Ag Association Leader of the Year award to Bob Petersen

    Ag Association Leader of the Year for 2025 is Bob Petersen, retired from the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City. As one of the founding members and longtime Executive Director of the Council, Peterson expanded the organization’s influence, growing its membership to over 700 stakeholders. His leadership in launching the Ag Outlook Forum and securing the relocation of key USDA agencies to Kansas City highlights his lasting impact on national agribusiness policy and workforce development.
    Remarks from Bob Peterson (1:24)

    2025 Agri-Marketing Conference Photo Album

    Agribusiness, Audio, NAMA

    ZimmComm Announces Travel Retirement

    Cindy Zimmerman

    After over 20 years of hitting the “agriblogging” highway, ZimmComm principals Chuck and Cindy Zimmerman are retiring from business travel at the end of 2025.

    The Zimmermans founded ZimmComm in 2004 as the first social media-based agricultural communications company and pioneered “event blogging” for farm and biofuels conferences, capturing the sights and sounds in photos and interviews. Nearly 225,000 photos and countless interviews and miles later, Chuck and Cindy have decided to hang up their traveling bags and spend more time at home.

    “Event coverage has been the main part of our business for over 20 years now and while it is the most lucrative for us, it’s also the most stressful,” said ZimmComm president Chuck Zimmerman. “We have cut back on our travel considerably since 2020, but we are still logging a lot of miles a year as travel continues to get more expensive and less fun.”

    “We plan to continue our news release service, AgWired and Energy AgWired, as well as our podcasting and audio production services, we are just giving up the travel portion of the business,” Chuck said. ZimmComm does still have several events before the end of 2025, including Tech Hub LIVE, Ag Media Summit, American Coalition for Ethanol annual meeting and AgGateway annual meeting.

    IFAJ 2005 Switzerland

    ZimmComm has had a pro Flickr account since June of 2005 and the 980 albums in the account are representative of the travel the Zimmermans have done since starting the company. The ZimmComm Flickr account includes every Ag Media Summit since 2005 and every National Agri-Marketing Conference since 2006, Cattle Industry Conferences and Commodity Classics since 2006, all the National Biodiesel Conferences since 2006 and all the National Ethanol Conferences since 2007, just to mention a few. We intend to maintain these photo archives on Flickr where they can be easily downloaded.

    The albums include both domestic and global travel, including International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Congresses going back to Switzerland in 2005, with trips to Norway, Japan, Austria, Canada, Sweden, Argentina, Scotland, New Zealand, and Germany. There are U.S. Grains Council trips to Mexico, Egypt and Morocco, multiple visits to Germany with Bayer and BASF, as well as Italy and Ireland with New Holland and Alltech.

    “Most people want to retire so they can do some traveling and see the world,” said the Zimmermans. “We have been blessed to see pretty much all the places we ever wanted to see and then some! We want to retire so we can stay home and enjoy our beach more and just travel to see family.”

    ZimmComm Announcement