Precision Ag News 2/26

Carrie Muehling

  • The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced the winners of the 2024 Photo and Poster Contests during the association’s 79th Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, UT. The photo contest, open to amateur photographers in both youth and adult divisions, attracted entries of images reflecting the themes of “Agriculture and Conservation Across America,” “Close-Up Conservation,” “Conservation in Action,” and “Conservation Practices.” The poster contest, open to students from kindergarten through 12th grade, celebrated the 2024 NACD Stewardship Week theme, “May the Forest Be With You, Always.”
  • Farmers seeking effective biological solutions to optimize their nitrogen fertilizer use are set to benefit from a new agreement between Syngenta Crop Protection and Ceres Biotics aimed at increasing farmer access to VIXERAN®.
  • Syngenta announced that it has acquired the Novartis repository of natural compounds and genetic strains for agricultural use, while Novartis maintains exclusive rights to repository for pharmaceutical use. The transaction also includes transfer of the Novartis Natural Products and Biomolecular Chemistry team to Syngenta.
  • The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska was recently awarded a three-year grant from the Gates Foundation. The nearly $3.5-million grant will support a new research project focused on expanding the reach and impact of Irrigation as a Service (IaaS) for small scale farmers.
  • AgroTech USA announces an exciting partnership with global biological leader NewLeaf Symbiotics to introduce PowerPlant PPFM, an innovative planter box treatment designed to revolutionize phosphorus availability and early plant health. This product combines AgroTech’s patented NutriCharge® technology with NewLeaf’s proprietary PPFM (Pink-Pigmented Facultative Methylotrophs) biostimulant technology, creating a first-of-its-kind solution for growers looking for a science-driven approach to seed-applied crop management.
  • UPL Corp, a provider of comprehensive and sustainable agricultural solutions, announces U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registration of INTRAVA™ DX herbicide for use in corn as a pre-emergent weed control solution. INTRAVA DX herbicide is UPL’s most anticipated innovation to date, using a game-changing new active ingredient in corn for excellent control and long-lasting residual over the most challenging resistant weeds. It will be available for sale and use this season.
  • Groundwork BioAg, the leading manufacturer of mycorrhizal inoculants, will feature its cutting-edge products, including Rootella L, Rootella X, and the newly released Rootella Forte powder, at Commodity Classic 2025. These highly concentrated, cost-effective mycorrhizal inoculants effectively extend plant root systems, significantly improving nutrient uptake and crop resilience.
  • MyLand, a leading innovator in soil health, announced a new $4.8 million dollar opportunity in Washington State to enhance soil health for farmers. The program, funded in combination by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and Washington State Department of Commerce, focuses on supporting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is excited to announce a powerful, eco-friendly solution for soil disinfection with the revolutionary propane-powered soil steamer. This groundbreaking technology is designed to address one of farmers’ biggest challenges in modern agriculture: how to effectively eliminate weeds, soilborne pathogens, and nematodes without relying on chemical pesticides.
  • Bushel Plus Ltd., a global leader in harvest optimization technology, announces its expansion into the US agriculture market. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to enhance on-farm harvesting efficiency and productivity for farmers worldwide.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    AgGateway Releases Updated Modus v2

    Cindy Zimmerman

    AgGateway has released an updated version of Modus, the most widely used lab test data exchange standard in the agriculture industry. Modus v2 offers enhanced test method lists allowing soil test labs, retailers, researchers, software providers, and suppliers a more accurate and seamless way to exchange lab test data.

    The original Modus system was independently released in 2014 and rapidly became the de facto soil test data exchange standard in the industry, but it became difficult for the group that created it to provide the ongoing support and curation it needed. AgGateway assumed custody of Modus in 2022 and began the process of evaluating and updating the various parts of Modus.

    Lab test method lists for soil and manure are currently available in the Modus v2 structure, and an AgGateway working group is actively updating the plant tissue method list to the v2 structure which is scheduled to be completed later this year.

    The website ModusStandard.org provides a basic overview of Modus v2 with links to a GitHub repository as well as complete definitions of terms and processes to improve understanding and useability.

    For more information on Modus v2, reach out to AgGateway Member Services via email or visit https://modusstandard.org.

    AgGateway, AgWired Precision, data, Precision Agriculture, Technology

    Groundwork BioAg Expands Rootella Portfolio

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Groundwork BioAg, the leading manufacturer of mycorrhizal inoculants, will be feature its Rootella portfolio products at next week’s Commodity Classic in Denver. The portfolio includes Rootella L, Rootella X, and the newly released Rootella Forte powder, which are designed to extend plant root systems, significantly improving nutrient uptake and crop resilience.

    Rootella Forte

    Importantly, farmers using Rootella have reported phosphorus application reductions of up to 50% without yield loss. On a typical US farm, a 25 percent reduction in phosphorus application translates to approximately $38.50 per acre in savings, based on current market prices.

    “In my conversations with growers, I’ve heard firsthand the excitement about how Rootella consistently performs in the soil as well as creates a new revenue stream from carbon,” said Andrew Duff, general manager of North America for Groundwork BioAg. “Our new Rootella Forte responds to growers’ request for a high concentration powder that can easily be applied on more acres. Now more than ever, growers want products that make agronomic and financial sense; and Rootella does both.”

    The new product formulation enables growers to use the same pouch of Rootella to treat 40 acres versus 20 acres.

    Duff says Groundwork Bioag has had overwhelming demand for its Rootella Carbon program since its launch in 2023, and now has a waiting list for the 2026 growing season. More information about Rootella products and the Rootella Carbon program will be available to growers at the Groundwork BioAg booth #1618 at Commodity Classic.

    Find out more in this interview:

    Groundwork BioAg North America General manager Andrew Duff 14:20

    AgWired Precision, Audio, Precision Agriculture, Soil

    Animal Ag News 2/24

    Carrie Muehling

  • USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins hosted a roundtable with two dozen farmers to hear their perspective on the best approaches to combat avian flu and ultimately lower egg prices. They also discussed other issues facing farmers, including the importance of disaster relief, expanding markets, reducing input costs, and decreasing regulation.
  • The Meat Institute called on the US Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) to include meat and poultry as part of a healthy American diet noting flaws and contradictions in the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Scientific Report. The Meat Institute’s detailed analysis of the Report’s findings can be found in the full comments submitted for the comment period here.
  • The fourth class participating in the National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s (NIAA) Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders has been selected and will convene for their first session in Washington, D.C. in March 2025.
  • Creating and managing a biosecurity plan in a stocker operation requires a collaborative team effort to effectively address both financial and health risks. By working together, team members can anticipate and mitigate potential threats to cattle health and business stability. During the next National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Cattlemen’s Webinar Series, Dr. Kenny Burdine will discuss business considerations for risk programs and Clay Burtrum will provide experience from a stocker operator perspective. Dr. Misty Edmondson will discuss why biosecurity planning and the Secure Beef Supply is important to the cattle industry from a state veterinarian’s perspective.
  • For 17 years, Zoetis has proudly partnered with veterinarians and animal health distributors to nurture the next generation of agricultural leaders through its Industry Support Program. From Feb. 1 through April 30, 2025, customers may designate a portion of sales from eligible Zoetis Cattle and Equine products to their local chapters of the National FFA Organization.
  • Alltech is a global leader in animal nutrition, backed by 45 years of scientific research. The company produces premium feed additive products and works with global regulatory agencies to meet their requirements. For more than a decade, the company’s attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR) chelation assay has been relied upon by the industry to ensure that only the highest-quality products enter the market, to ensure fair market competition, and to prevent feed additive fraud.
  • The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) expressed serious concerns about the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s so-called scientific report in comments filed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
  • Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative is partnering with Farmers for Sustainable Food on the FSF Climate-Smart Program. The program, which launched last year, helps farmers determine what conservation practices are most effective for their individual farms and provides tools to document their environmental impacts. Funding for the program comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities award.
  • The regenerative agriculture consulting firm Understanding Ag, LLC, announced the selection of Burke Teichert as managing partner and Jim West as its director of operations. A world-renowned adaptive grazing and ranching economics expert, Teichert will join UA founders Gabe Brown and Allen Williams, Ph.D. in his new partnership role. In his decades-long career, Teichert has managed cattle ranches in a variety of locations and has had managerial oversight of two large farms and a dairy. He has also traveled extensively in the U.S. and in parts of Canada and Central and South America as well as England, Australia and New Zealand either on company business or as a consultant or speaker.
  • The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) reports strong results for 2025, with 1,385 exhibitors covering 598,373 square feet of exhibit space. Recognized as the world’s largest annual event for the animal food, meat, poultry and egg industries, IPPE also ranks among the 25 largest trade shows in the United States. IPPE is sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, American Feed Industry Association and Meat Institute. The 2025 IPPE had 30,502 registered attendees from the poultry, egg, meat and animal food industries, including 8,909 international attendees from 129 countries. Canada had the largest international representation, making up 15 percent of registered attendees. Latin America continued to show the strongest regional presence, accounting for 49 percent of international attendees.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    NCGA President Hopeful for Year-Round E15

    Cindy Zimmerman

    It’s been 15 years since E15 was approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for use in most vehicles on the road today, yet it is still not available nationwide on a year-round basis.

    “And you know when you think about it’s ridiculous,” said Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Kenneth Hartman Jr. at the National Ethanol Conference last week. He is hopeful Congress will be able to get legislation passed that will remedy that situation once and for all. “It’s a no cost situation in the bill. It’s good for the consumer because it’s ethanol is running 20-25% cheaper than regular gasoline. It’s good because we got plenty of corn out here right now to produce it and it’s good for the environment. We don’t understand what the problem is.”

    NCGA is calling on farmers to add their signatures to a letter in support of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act which was re-introduced in the House and Senate. “As traction continues to build on this issue, it is critical that corn growers make their voices heard, encouraging Congress to approve legislation to unlock access to E15 year-round,” Hartman said.

    There will be year-round E15 in at least eight states as of April 28, thanks to final EPA approval of a waiver requested by Midwest governors. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the agency’s decision Friday to uphold that implementation date to provide parity for E15 and E10 in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

    In this interview, Hartman also talks about farm bill prospects, and the upcoming Commodity Classic next week in Denver.
    NCGA president Kenneth Hartman (5:43)

    2025 National Ethanol Conference Photo Album

    Audio, Corn, Ethanol, National Ethanol Conference, RFA

    Ethanol Report from 30th NEC

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The 30th National Ethanol Conference celebrated the industry’s growth over the past three decades and what the opportunities are for the future.

    In this edition of the Ethanol Report podcast, we hear some highlights from the conference, including comments from Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper, Congressman Randy Feenstra (R-IA), RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman, RFA Industry Award winner Rick Schwark, farmer and SIRE Chair Karol King, global trade expert Everett Eissenstat, US Grains Council CEO Ryan LeGrand, Tim Hughes with the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative, Andy Koblenz with the National Automobile Dealers Association, and RFA Senior VP, Government & Public Affairs Bredenkamp.

    Ethanol Report 2-21-25 19:02

    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, National Ethanol Conference, RFA

    Industry Ag News 2/21

    Carrie Muehling

  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that USDA will release the first tranche of funding that was paused due to the review of funding in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). In alignment with White House directives, Secretary Rollins will honor contracts that were already made directly to farmers. Specifically, USDA is releasing approximately $20 million in contracts for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program, and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins traveled to Kansas and Missouri, respectively, meeting with farmers, ranchers, and members of the agricultural community to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Conversations focused on expanding market access, strengthening rural economies, and ensuring producers have the tools to remain competitive on a global scale.
  • Be part of the experience as we celebrate the American farmers who work and preserve the land to feed millions. This year National Ag Day celebrates with live AND virtual events. Visit agday.org for more details.
  • A nationwide survey of beekeepers has revealed catastrophic honey bee colony losses across the United States, with commercial operations reporting an average loss of 62 percent between June 2024 and February 2025. These alarming losses, which surpass historical trends, could significantly impact U.S. agriculture, particularly crop pollination for almonds, fruits, vegetables, and other essential food sources.
  • The National Cotton Council directors for 2025 were announced at the NCC’s recent 2025 annual meeting in Dallas, Texas.
  • The National Cotton Council announced the results of its 2025 planting intentions survey.
  • The National Cotton Ginners Association announced the recipients of the Cotton Ginner of the Year and Distinguished Service Award.
  • Cotton Council International announced its officers for 2025, including its chairman, Carlo Bocardo, a cooperative official from California.
  • The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company offers 11 tire lines with soybean oil in the tread compound. USB supported Goodyear research and product development that demonstrated that soybean oil could improve tire flexibility at low temperatures in consumer tires, helping the rubber to remain pliable in cold weather and enhancing traction in rain and snow. Goodyear increased its use of soybean oil by 9.9 percent in 2023 over 2022.
  • Investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders is a point of pride for Culver’s—especially during National FFA Week (Feb. 15-22). To celebrate in 2025, the restaurant chain introduced a new fundraiser on Give FFA Day, Feb. 20, as well as launching the second year of the FFA Ambassador Program.
  • Facing another year of economic uncertainty and market volatility, customers of Farm Credit Mid-America have something to look forward to. The farmer-owned lender will return $260 million in net earnings to eligible customer-owners this March. This significant return, made possible through Farm Credit Mid-America’s patronage program, underscores one of the many benefits of belonging to the farmer-owned cooperative. Over the past nine years, Farm Credit Mid-America’s board of directors has approved more than $1.5 billion in net earnings be returned to eligible customers-owners in its service territory of Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee.
  • The agenda for the 2025 Transportation Go! conference has taken shape and features a who’s who of transportation and agricultural luminaries. Hosted by the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) March 12-13 in Minneapolis, the annual event assembles boots-on-the-ground commodity growers, organizations, traders and shippers of specialty crops, offering in-depth discussions on the global supply chain and how it affects the critical movement of agricultural products domestically and around the world.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Beef Quality Assurance Update and Awards at CattleCon

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Cindy Valdez NolascoTranslation of Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) materials into Spanish is underway. Veterinarians, producers, and anyone involved with worker training recognize the value of material provided in a language that the employee understands and multiple ways of providing that information, such as written, oral communication, or video. This is a major goal of the BQA program as educational resources expand.

    I met with Cindy Valdez Nolasco, NCBA Associate Director, Producer Education/BQA, and we talked about the work she’s doing translating the materials. Interview with Cindy Valdez Nolasco (3:15)

    During CattleCon 2025, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association announced the winners of the 2025 Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Awards, sponsored by Cargill, Sam’s Club and Certified Angus Beef. The BQA Awards annually recognize outstanding beef and dairy producers, marketers, and educators that best demonstrate animal care and handling principles as part of day-to-day activities.

    “BQA Award winners not only incorporate BQA best management practices into their operations, but they also share the benefits of the program with their peers,” said Josh White, senior executive director of producer education and sustainability at NCBA. “Their commitment to quality and animal care transcends their physical locations.”

    Here is a list of the winners. Learn more about them here.

    2025 BQA Cow-Calf Award
    Parker Ranch, Hawaii

    2025 BQA Dairy FARM Award
    VanBedaf Dairy, North Dakota

    2025 BQA Feedyard Award
    Grimmius Feeder, California

    2025 BQA Marketer Award
    Producers Livestock Market, Utah

    2025 BQA Educator Award
    Dr. Keith Belk, Colorado

    2025 CattleCon Virtual Newsroom

    Ag Groups, Audio, Beef, Beef Checkoff, NCBA

    MyLand Announces Washington State Program for Soil Health

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Soil health innovator MyLand has just announced a new $4.8 million dollar program in Washington State to enhance soil health. The program is funded in combination by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and Washington State Department of Commerce and focuses on supporting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    MyLand’s new program, aiming to cover 9,000 acres in Washington, is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health.

    Growers that qualify to participate in the program will receive the MyLand Service at no cost in the first year. The MyLand Service leverages the power of live, native microalgae to rejuvenate soil health, improving productivity, profitability, and sustainability. MyLand integrates seamlessly into existing farm operations, providing a scalable, farmer-friendly service that delivers measurable improvements across key metrics like crop yields, product quality, water efficiency, and soil vitality.

    Growers interested in participating in the program can reach out to MyLand at sales@myland.ag.

    AgWired Precision, land, Precision Agriculture, Soil, Sustainability

    The NCBA 2024 Advocate of the Year – Emma Coffman

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Emma Coffman, 2024 Advocate of the YearBack in the early days of social media we used the term, agvocate. But it really is advocating and there is a new 2024 Advocate of the Year. She’s Emma Coffman, from Temple, TX. She was selected by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. The award recognizes Coffman for her creative use of storytelling across social media platforms, along with breaking down barriers as a first-generation cattle rancher. The award is part of the NCBA Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) program.

    After earning her bachelor’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M University, Coffman pursued diverse opportunities in agriculture, including cattle ranching in Australia, before returning to Texas to begin her professional career. With both classroom and real-world experience, Coffman has a wealth of knowledge to share on her social media platforms where she addresses misconceptions of the beef industry and utilizes her background as a first-generation agriculturist to connect with consumers.

    “As a first-generation agriculturalist, what I initially saw as my biggest disadvantage has turned out to be the greatest blessing the Lord could have given me,” said Coffman. “It has provided me with the unique opportunity to break down complex topics and present them in ways that are more relatable and understandable to everyday consumers.” You can find Emma on her website here.

    I interviewed Emma at the 2025 CattleCon:
    Interview with Emma Coffman (5:24)

    2025 CattleCon Virtual Newsroom

    Ag Groups, Audio, Beef, Beef Checkoff, NCBA, Social Media, Social Networking