AI and Future-Ready Agriculture

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Tami Craig Shilling retired earlier this year after 35 years with Monsanto/Bayer, but she is not done working.

“I’m advising some ag tech organizations and spending some time volunteering to build some generative AI benchmarking efforts in the industry,” she said during an interview at this week’s AgGateway Annual Meeting. At the same time, Shilling is still living on a farm in southwest Illinois and raising “grandkids and corn, soybeans and cattle.”

Shilling gave a presentation at AgGateway on “Future-Ready Agriculture: Decisions, Data, and the Power of Ag,” how AI can transform data into decisions, and decisions into deeper relationships that strengthen the entire ag ecosystem.

“And my theme and really my closing challenge to the group was experiment,” she said. “Download one of the apps, ChatGPT, Gemini, you know, there’s multiple ones, but try it. Because I believe what will happen with the smart people that are members of Ag Gateway is they will begin to think about it and think about how can I use this to improve the work of employees, the work, the distribution, ag retailers, equipment companies, ag lenders, all the way to farmers.”

Listen to her interview and remarks.
Tami Craig Shilling interview (14:09)

Tami Craig Shilling remarks (51:10)

2025 AgGateway Annual Meeting Photo Album

AgGateway, Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, AI, Audio, Precision Agriculture, Technology

AgGateway Keynote: AI Playbook for Ag

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Preston Fay with the global management consulting firm Kearney gave the keynote presentation this week at the 2025 AgGateway Annual Meeting and Conference, offering what he called a Practical AI Playbook for Ag.

Fay says right now is agriculture’s iPhone moment. “So we have this really interesting situation where we’re using AI in a lot of ways in the ag industry to do smart spraying, for example, and drones and Internet of Things,” Fay said in an interview after his remarks. “And yet on the commercial side of agriculture, we’re really not taking advantage of the tool set that’s available to us to drive demand and really create a win-win scenario for both manufacturers, retail and distribution partners, and ultimately end users in terms of managing disease states and yield and really taking advantage of the technology in ways that improve things for everybody across the value chain.”

Fay says the technology has now evolved to a point where it’s really practical to use and apply. “So we really have to think through the use cases and the proper management of implementation to ensure that we’re getting the biggest bang for the buck…With proper planning and proper implementation, we’re really in a unique position to drive incremental sales opportunities.”

Listen to Fay’s presentation and interview:
Keynote presentation – Preston Fay, Kearney
Remarks from Preston Fay, Kearney (36:00)

Interview with Preston Fay, Kearney
Interview with Preston Fay, Kearney (5:14)

2025 AgGateway Annual Meeting Photo Album

AgGateway, Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, AI, Precision Agriculture, Technology

Sen. Klobuchar Headlines Motorcade for Trade Last Stop

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) spoke out against the Trump administration’s tariff policy during the final stop of the Farmers for Free Trade Motorcade for Trade on the National Mall Tuesday.

Klobuchar is looking forward to the Supreme Court ruling on the legality of President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. “You have got a president that’s using it way beyond whatever it was intended to do, and you have a lower trade court that unanimously said that it was wrong… they say that it is illegal, and now it’s heading to the Supreme Court. So I think it’s going to be one of the most important arguments of the year… And I think there’s a very strong argument that these tariffs will ultimately be thrown out as illegal.”

The senator says the tariffs have made a difficult year disastrous for small farmers. “When these tariffs hit, it’s the small farms, it’s the small companies that are the immediate roadkill.”

Listen to Klobuchar’s remarks:
Sen. Klobuchar at Farmers for Free Trade event (10:45)

The Motorcade for Trade event in DC marks the conclusion of a 2,800-mile, 11-state tour across the country. Farmers for Free Trade has released a report detailing what they heard from farmers on the tour. The top five priorities highlighted include:

– New market agreements with meaningful tariff reduction

– An exemption for agricultural inputs from tariffs

– A reduction in trade tensions with North American neighbors

– A timely and constructive USMCA review process

– Overall reduction in global trade tensions

Audio, Exports, Trade

Animal Ag News 11/4

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Voting is now open to select the winner of the 13th annual National Anthem Contest, sponsored by Norbrook. Four finalists have been selected, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is inviting the public to vote through Nov. 15. Videos of the finalists are available for viewing and voting at https://convention.ncba.org/apply/national-anthem-contest/national-anthem-contest-vote-now. The public can vote once per day per person through Nov. 15, and the winner will be announced by Nov. 21.
  • The Meat Institute called on the Trump Administration to renew the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) for its benefits to American meat and poultry companies and the entire U.S. animal protein value chain. For more in depth information about the value of the Agreement to the meat and poultry industry, see The Meat Institute’s full comments in response to the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) “Request for Comments on the Operation of the Agreement Between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada.”
  • National Pork Producers Council President and Ohio pork producer Duane Stateler released the following statement on behalf of the pork industry in response to the White House fact sheet on the latest U.S.-China trade relations.
  • The National Pork Producers Council is pleased to see Dr. Jeremy Pittman, respected pork industry member and active NPPC director, recognized and congratulates him on being inducted into the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame. Pittman joins a prestigious group of nearly 100 influential leaders.
  • The National Pork Industry Foundation (NPIF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and education in the pork industry, is proud to announce the establishment of the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence (USPCE) Swine Legacy Scholarship. For full eligibility requirements and to apply, visit the 2026 USPCE Swine Legacy Scholarship page.
  • From tackling lipid oxidation and contamination risks to improving workplace safety, negotiation skills and water management, industry leaders delivered practical strategies for advancing rendering operations at the 2025 USPOULTRY Poultry Protein & Fat Seminar in Nashville, Tenn.
  • The 2026 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) will feature a special nutrition program titled “A New Understanding About ‘Old’ Ingredients,” exploring the latest science and perspectives behind ingredients long used in animal feed formulations. This dynamic session, set for Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET, will bring together leading experts and researchers to share fresh insights on how “old” ingredients are revealing new performance benefits, both in laboratory assessments and in real-world production settings.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) submitted formal comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) identifying key trade barriers affecting U.S. dairy exports. The comments urge the Administration to take proactive decisive action to improve U.S. dairy’s global market access and competitiveness. The comments will inform USTR’s 2026 National Trade Estimate on Foreign Trade Barriers (NTE) report.
  • The American Wool Council, a division of the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), is proud to announce the launch of the Reimagine Wool Digital Poster Contest, a nationwide call for creative thinkers, designers, students, and industry professionals to help unlock the untapped potential of American wool. For full guidelines, inspiration, and entry instructions, visit https://www.sheepusa.org/reimagine-wool-digital-poster-contest.

    • 

    AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    State of AgGateway at 20 Years

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    All this year, AgGateway has been celebrating two decades of achievement in fulfilling its core mission: To develop the resources and relationships that drive digital connectivity in global agriculture and related industries.

    This celebration is reaching its peak this week at the North America Annual Conference in Clearwater, and at the 20 year mark, AgGateway president and CEO Brent Kemp says the state of the organization is solid.

    “Membership is steady. We’re currently at 216 members. That is even taking into account mergers, acquisitions, the things that we face as an industry every day. Membership is stable. We are a strong organization thanks to you, thanks to the work that you do, and the stories that you share with trading partners every day,” said Kemp.

    Kemp says AgGateway has worked very hard to accomplish goals set in the 2021 to 2025 strategic plan. “We’re coming to the end of that plan,” he said. “Now let’s take a look at 2026 through 2030. The way that we’ve talked about the last five years in create, engage, and grow, Our watchwords for the next five years are implement, impact, and advocate.”

    Learn more about the state of AgGateway in Kemp’s remarks.

    State of the Organization, Brent Kemp, President/CEO, AgGateway (36:25)

    2025 AgGateway Annual Meeting Photo Album

    AgGateway, Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Audio, data, Precision Agriculture, Technology

    2025 AgGateway Annual Meeting Underway

    Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    2025 AgGateway Annual MeetingThe 2025 AgGateway Annual Meeting is taking place in Clearwater, FL. We’ve just started the program and will end midday Wednesday. I have a virtual ag newsroom started on AgNewsWire.com. So, let’s learn more about the organization that is celebrating 20 years!

    Throughout 2025, AgGateway has been celebrating two decades of achievement in fulfilling its core mission: To develop the resources and relationships that drive digital connectivity in global agriculture and related industries.

    This celebration concludes at the North America Annual Conference, where the industry gathers to understand the state of interconnectivity in agriculture, what the association and its membership has accomplished over the past year, and the core initiatives on deck for the year ahead.

    2025 AgGateway Annual Meeting Photo Album

    AgGateway, Agribusiness, Audio, Precision Agriculture

    Industry Ag News 10/31

    Carrie Muehling

  • The American Soybean Association (ASA) appreciates President Trump and his administration for prioritizing America’s farmers in the announcement regarding U.S.–China trade. After months of stalled purchases and uncertainty, this is a very positive development for soybean farmers who rely on open markets.
  • The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City will host its November Breakfast Meeting in collaboration with the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference. Join Council members and AFA Board representatives for breakfast and a timely presentation on the Current State and Outlook of Biofuels featuring Paul Nees, General Manager, Global Supply & Trading
    Chevron Renewable Energy Group. Register here.
  • The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) announced March 24, 2026, will be National Agriculture Day with the theme of “Together We Grow.” Ag Day 2026 also celebrates 250 years of progress in agriculture.
  • National FFA announced that the National FFA Convention & Expo will continue to be held in Indianapolis through at least 2040. The announcement was made during the kickoff event for the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, which is expected to bring more than 71,000 FFA members, advisors, alumni and supporters to Indianapolis from across the country.
  • More than 850 student leaders and 400 industry professionals will take root in Kansas City for the 29th annual Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference. The three-day event is designed to fuel the future of food and agriculture through leadership development, career exploration and industry connection.
  • Kubota North America Corporation (KNA) announced significant leadership changes following the Kubota Corporation (KBT) Board of Directors meeting held last week in Osaka, Japan. Effective January 1, 2026, Todd Stucke will be appointed as General Manager of Agri Solutions Headquarters, Kubota Japan (KBT), and will return to the United States as President of Kubota North America. In his new roles, Stucke will lead the company’s North America technology function while advancing global and regional business growth. Stucke succeeds Mr. Nobuyuki Ishii who will retire from the company.
  • The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Foundation announced the awarding of a total of $9.9 million in Business Builder grants to 150 businesses across the Northeast, from Washington, D.C. to Maine. These awards, made possible through the Northeast Regional Food Business Center, will support farmers, producers and food entrepreneurs working to build resilient, sustainable and locally rooted food systems.
  • To eliminate trade barriers and open new markets for corn farmers, the National Corn Growers Association filed comments with the Office of United States Trade Representative outlining major obstacles corn producers continue to face.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association announced the addition of two innovative companies, Lapis Carbon Solutions and Golgix AI, as new associate members. Their respective expertise in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and production intelligence solutions will support ethanol producers with cutting-edge tools, services, and project development.
  • Thirteen farm and ranch women leaders graduated from the fall session of Women’s Communications Boot Camp hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The agricultural leaders completed an intensive four-day course that featured hands-on sessions focused on public speaking, working with the media and messaging. Program graduates will use their training to strategically support issues important to farmers and help tell agriculture’s story. This includes participating in local media opportunities, sharing information with elected officials and joining social media campaigns that spotlight modern agriculture.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Precision Ag News 10/31

    Carrie Muehling

  • Inari, the SEEDesign™ company, announced that Lisa Nunez Safarian has been appointed Inari’s new chief executive officer, effective Nov. 4. Safarian will replace the interim CEO, Ignacio Martinez. Safarian previously spent more than 30 years building Monsanto’s $12 billion seeds, traits, licensing and crop protection businesses before transitioning to President, Crop Science North America for Bayer as part of the company’s acquisition.
  • Nufarm Americas Inc. announced that Naxypro® Insecticide and Naxypro® Plus Insecticide have received registration by the EPA. Both formulations include Nufarm-registered chlorantraniliprole, offering a reliable option for the future utility of this important molecule, known widely for effective, long-lasting control of yield-threatening lepidopteran pests.
  • Farmblox announced a new product line designed to deter and fight the theft of critical farm resources, including copper wire, pumps, fences and more. The COP-R-LOCK system, developed in close collaboration with ag crime expert Bobby Rader, leverages Farmblox’s sensor network to provide real-time alerts on criminal activity—even in the most remote and low-connectivity areas of farmland.
  • Agtonomy, a leading software and services company specializing in automation and physical AI solutions for agriculture and land management, closed an oversubscribed Series B funding round totaling $18 million based on its proven commercial traction and growth potential.
  • The Sustainable Agriculture Summit, the premier sustainability event for agriculture and by agriculture, will be held November 19–20 in Anaheim, CA. Learn from world-class experts and from fellow attendees as you explore new ideas and approaches to advance our shared action toward a more sustainable and resilient U.S. food system.
  • Syngenta Group has once again been named the world’s leading agricultural employer in Science magazine’s 2025 Science Careers Top Employers Survey — the ninth consecutive year it has claimed the top spot. The company also secured sixth place across all industries globally, underscoring its position as one of the most sought-after employers in science and innovation.
  • After a 10-month global competition, Argentina’s APOLO Biotech was named as the winner of the inaugural World Food Prize Foundation Innovate for Impact Challenge at the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue.
  • Brazilian soil scientist Mariangela Hungria was celebrated as the 2025 World Food Prize Laureate at a high-level ceremony presided over by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, who delivered the Laureate Proclamation.
  • Paine Schwartz Partners–backed HGS BioScience, a leading provider in humic and fulvic products, announced the acquisition of NutriAg Ltd., a Toronto-based innovator in bionutritional technologies.
  • The 2025 UAS Summit & Expo concluded with record-breaking participation and industry engagement, reinforcing its role as the largest and most influential gathering in the global UAS sector. The event welcomed over 750 attendees, 50 exhibitors and 80 speakers.
  • Following the signing of a distribution agreement with Agrauxine in September 2025, SAN Agrow will launch Duralev, a breakthrough preventative foliar fungicide that strengthens the company’s sustainable solutions portfolio ahead of the 2026 season.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    SAN Agrow Announces Launch of Duralev™ Fungicide

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Following the recent signing of a distribution agreement with Agrauxine, SAN Agrow crop protection company announces the launch of Duralev™, a breakthrough preventative foliar fungicide that strengthens the company’s sustainable solutions portfolio ahead of the 2026 season.

    Duralev represents a new class of crop protection tools. Unlike conventional fungicides, it is composed of a non-living organism that activates the plant’s own defense system through Systemic Resistance Induction (SRI). By priming key defense pathways, crops are better equipped to withstand pathogen pressure throughout the season.

    For distributors, Duralev offers a unique and highly complementary addition to SAN Agrow’s fungicide program. The product’s broad crop applicability, OMRI listing, and tank-mix flexibility make it a versatile solution that integrates seamlessly into both organic and conventional programs, giving partners an additional mode of action to differentiate their offering and strengthen market positioning.

    Duralev™ is approved for use specialty crops such as tree fruit, tree nuts, grapes, berries, vegetables, potatoes, and leafy greens. Initial market availability will include Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Georgia, and Florida, with registration in additional market, including California, expected to follow soon after.

    AgWired Precision, Crop Protection, Fungicide, Precision Agriculture

    98th National FFA Convention & Expo Underway

    Chuck Zimmerman

    98th National FFA Convention & ExpoThe 98th National FFA Convention & Expo is underway in Indianapolis, IN. You can find news releases in the convention media center.

    National FFA announced yesterday that the National FFA Convention & Expo will continue to be held in Indianapolis through at least 2040. The announcement was made during the kickoff event for the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, which is expected to bring more than 71,000 FFA members, advisors, alumni and supporters to Indianapolis from across the country.

    “We’re thrilled about the opportunity to continue calling Indianapolis home for our convention through 2040,” said Cheryl Zimmerman, National FFA Organization Executive Secretary. “This city has proven time and again to be an incredible partner, welcoming our members with open arms, providing world-class facilities, and helping us create life-changing experiences for students in agricultural education. Extending our convention contract ensures we can keep building on that strong foundation and inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders for years to come.”

    You can find the schedule here and there are many live stream channels to watch if you can’t be there.

    FFA