RFA Ethanol Podcast

Precision Ag News 7/31

Carrie Muehling

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the Watersheds report, which provides data that supplement the 2022 Census of Agriculture, Volume 1. Watersheds is the first of six Subject Series reports to be released for this Census of Agriculture. The Watersheds report breaks down select ag census data – including farms, land in farms, land use and practices, fertilizer and chemical use, and select commodities – by the 6-digit Hydrologic Unit Code (watershed) boundaries, providing data users yet another way to review and compare ag census information.
  • CNH announces its new Global Leadership Team (GLT), which is empowered to carry out faster and more effective delivery of its strategic priorities for profitable long-term growth globally in the Agriculture segment. The Construction segment will operate as a distinct business unit inside CNH with increased autonomy.
  • Over the past 30 years, K-State researchers have partnered with local producers to study, hone and implement precision agriculture techniques. The close partnership between K-State researchers and local farming partners was recently on full display as the capstone tour of the International Conference on Precision Agriculture, hosted this year in partnership with K-State. Hundreds of preeminent experts in precision agriculture from more than 40 countries spent several days in Manhattan, where they shared some of the latest research and innovation in the field.
  • SweetWater Technologies CEO Chad Gripp announced the launch of the company’s first group of independently-owned and operated franchises. The announcement marks a milestone in SweetWater Technologies’ mission to elevate agronomic practices through innovative business practices and cutting-edge drone technology.
  • Dozens of FFA chapters around the United States are getting a new classroom resource for the 2024-25 school year as part of a Microsoft grant. The grant will help FFA members and advisors launch a new version of FarmBeats for Students, a hands-on education program built around precision agriculture that Microsoft developed in collaboration with the National FFA Organization.
  • The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) had strong representation at the recent National Association of Plant Breeders’ 2024 meeting. Dr. Sam Crowell attended the meeting on behalf of the association and gave a presentation explaining how plant breeders play an invaluable role in the seed industry, and they collaborate on domestic and international policy issues that impact both plant breeders and seed producers.
  • The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed in August 2022, created a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit. This tax credit, called 40B due to its section in the IRA, is in effect for 2023 and 2024. The 40B credit amount is based on the carbon intensity from a lifecycle analysis for the specific sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) obtaining the tax credit. Read more from the National Corn Growers Association.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    McKinney Keynotes Tech Hub LIVE

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Attendees of Tech Hub LIVE in Des Moines this week were treated to a real TED Talk – given by the one and only Ted McKinney, who currently serves as CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, but has a background that started on the farm, moved into agribusiness, and then into government, as Indiana Director of Agriculture and as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade under President Trump.

    One of McKinney’s main messages was that he believes we can address climate change globally with climate smart agriculture and still increase productivity. “Production ag, including forestry, is actually a solution to climate change challenges,” said McKinney.

    “I have been witness on our own farm and in my industry days to the advancement of innovation across the board,” he said during an interview after his address. “And based on what I have been hearing and then what I saw at this conference in the types of companies here and what they’re doing, it’s mind blowing. So I’m juiced because I see it has not stopped. In fact, I’d say innovation is accelerating.”

    In his remarks and interview, McKinney also comments on the lack of a farm bill, trade issues, and opportunities for Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

    Ted McKinney, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA)
    2024 THL Ted McKinney, NASDA, remarks 51:49
    2024 THL Ted McKinney, NASDA, interview 13:19

    2024 Tech Hub LIVE Photo Album

    Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Audio, Precision Agriculture, Tech Hub LIVE, Technology

    Animal Ag News 7/29

    Carrie Muehling

  • In its mission-driven work to provide the U.S. animal food industry with tools to support industry members in developing and advancing internal sustainability programs, the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) has added new materials to its Animal Food Industry Sustainability Toolkit. The new resource defines 16 material issue areas identified as important for consideration in animal food industry sustainability efforts.
  • The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) released a new economic contribution report detailing the significant impact America’s pig farmers have on the United States’ agricultural and overall economy. The report highlights the pork industry’s value chain contributions and trends in production and industry structure.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) issued supporting statements following the House passage of H.R. 8998, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2025.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) confirmed that efforts to prevent ultra-processed, lab-grown protein from showing up in the diet of the American armed forces were successful, following news that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is not pursuing lab-grown protein projects for human consumption.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced 30 exceptional dairy industry professionals from IDFA member companies who have been selected for the sixth cohort of the NextGen Leadership Program, a premier, year-long development program for emerging dairy leaders. Cohort 6 was selected based on their experience and scope of responsibility within their organizations. The group represents the broad diversity of the industry’s next generation of leaders from every dairy industry segment and region of the country.
  • USDA’s plan for modernizing the Federal Milk Marketing Order system aligns well with the principles outlined in National Milk Producers Federation’s own proposals, NMPF economists Peter Vitaliano and Stephen Cain said in a Dairy Defined Podcast. Still, analysis is ongoing, and NMPF will be suggesting improvements during a public comment period that lasts through mid-September.
  • The Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) board of directors announces the seating of nine board members and the Fiscal year 2025 Executive Committee. The DFW board re-elected Janet Clark, District 16 from Rosendale, as Board Chair for her third consecutive year. Clark, along with 24 peer-elected Wisconsin dairy farmers, will lead the organization through the next fiscal year, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
  • EmGenisys, Inc., an animal health company that aims to improve the success rates of embryo transfer (ET) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) for cattle producers, announces a partnership with SMART Reproduction earning the team a National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research grant. Together, their project will “improve domestic small ruminant reproduction through computer-assisted embryo analysis”.
  • At the recent USPOULTRY Hatchery-Breeder Clinic in Nashville, Tenn., industry experts gathered to share strategies for enhancing hatchery performance during the two-day event. Attendees received valuable insights into implementing quality assurance programs, managing diseases, improving communication between hatchery and breeder personnel and improving ergonomics with robotics.
  • Dr. David Wicker, vice president of live operations at Fieldale Farms Corporation, was honored with the 2024 Poultry Science Association (PSA) Distinguished Poultry Industry Career Award, sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY). The award recognizes outstanding contributions by an industry leader. In addition to sponsoring the award, USPOULTRY also makes an annual contribution to the PSA Foundation on behalf of the recipient.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Industry Ag News 7/26

    Carrie Muehling

  • Save your seat and wallet with Early Registration for the 2024 Sustainable Agriculture Summit. A discounted rate of $700 is available through July 31, along with single day passes and further discounted rates for farmers, government employees, and students.
  • Tuesday, August 6, is the last day for early bird pricing on your NAMA Boot Camp registration. Sign up now to save $100 and join us in Kansas City August 20–22.
  • The World Food Prize Foundation welcomed 14 exceptional college students last week to Washington, D.C., celebrating the culmination of the World Food Prize Foundation Wallace-Carver Fellowship, in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This summer, the Foundation selected 14 students for the distinguished Wallace-Carver Fellowship, offering them the opportunity to collaborate with world-renowned scientists and policymakers through paid fellowships at leading USDA research centers and offices nationwide.
  • As of Aug. 1, 2024, the West Coast Office of U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) will be located at the World Trade Center, Suite 1125, 121 SW Salmon Street, Portland, OR 97204. USW is the export market development organization for the U.S. wheat industry.
  • This summer, Texas A&M student Laney Ferrell joined the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) as their policy intern. Laney is from Seguin, Texas, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness with a certificate in International Trade in Agriculture and a minor in Financial Planning.
  • For more than 50 years, thousands of FFA members from across the country have converged in our nation’s capital each summer to engage with legislators, hone civic engagement and leadership skills, and create community impact projects to take back to their cities and towns. The National FFA Organization’s Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) took place June 4-July 20 at the Omni Shoreham, with six, week-long sessions for FFA members to choose from. FFA welcomed 1,610 members from 44 states at the 2024 conference, the second-largest student experience that the National FFA Organization will host this year, only behind the National FFA Convention & Expo which is anticipated to draw more than 70,000 attendees.
  • The Livestock Publications Council’s fundraising committee is trying something new this year — a reverse raffle. Participants will be entered in a drawing for multiple cash prizes, including the $3,000 top prize. Tickets are limited and cost $50 each. Winners will be drawn during the Monday Night Mingle at Ag Media Summit, but you don’t have to be present to win. Click here to purchase.
  • After building and growing Nufarm in North America for the past 9 1/2 years, Brendan Deck will return to Australia in December 2024. In his new role, Brendan will continue to support Nufarm as a strategic advisor to the Group, utilizing his considerable commercial and product experience. Brendan will be succeeded as Regional General Manager, North America by Ken Barham, effective October 1, 2024.
  • Twenty cotton producers from the Mid-South and Southeast will observe cotton and other agriculture-related operations in California’s San Joaquin Valley the week of July 28 as part of the National Cotton Council’s 2024 Producer Information Exchange (P.I.E.) Program.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    U.S. Peanut Federation Policy Update

    Cindy Zimmerman

    It was four years ago that the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, the American Peanut Shellers Association and the National Peanut Buying Points Association joined together to create the United States Peanut Federation, which is piloted by long-time peanut industry lobbyist Bob Redding who provided a policy update at the recent Southern Peanut Growers Conference in Savannah.

    Besides the farm bill, Redding talked about the need to increase exports. “Whether Republicans or Democrats control the White House next January, we’re likely to see increased tariffs, particularly with China. This will be impactful to a number of commodities, either directly or indirectly with peanut, so we might as well face that and brace up for it,” he said. “We worked really hard with the US Peanut Federation to build relationships both in the House and Senate with senior members who are involved in trade policy and we have to increase our export efforts with regard to peanuts.”

    In his expectations for a farm bill at this point, Redding said, “We will likely see a farm bill action will be after the election in lame duck session and we’re hopeful the final bill will be similar to the House bill.”

    Bob Redding, peanut policy update 35:25

    2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album

    Audio, Peanuts, SPGC

    Precision Ag News 7/25

    Carrie Muehling

  • Tech Hub LIVE is thrilled to announce that the exhibit hall is officially sold out, showcasing a dynamic range of exhibitors and sponsors who will be present to share their innovative products and services. This year’s event July 29-31 in Des Moines promises to be an exceptional gathering of industry leaders, with an impressive list of partners and sponsors contributing to a robust and engaging program. In addition The Women in Ag Tech (WiAT) community is gearing up for its third in-person meeting taking place at Tech Hub LIVE on July 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Building on the success of last year’s launch, this one-day event continues to provide a platform for women in ag tech to connect, engage, and build a supportive community.
  • Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $90 million in 53 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) projects, which support the development of new tools, approaches, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. This year, increased funds were available because of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which is funding CIG projects that address climate change, with a particular focus on innovative solutions to reduce livestock emissions of enteric methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), joined by five other commodity groups, sent a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo asking her to consider the impacts on farmers as she reviews a petition by the agricultural chemical company Corteva that would place duties on imports of the herbicide 2,4-D.
  • It is now easier than ever to access trusted, factual agricultural data with AgriSearch Assistant Powered by Stratovation Group. Now available to all ChatGPT users, AgriSearch Assistant was created with a vision to develop a simple way to secure a wide range of government-related, education, and other pertinent agricultural data with a high degree of confidence – for free.
  • Taranis, the global leader in crop intelligence, announces the launch of the industry’s first AI-powered agronomic engine, Ag Assistant. Using multimodal AI, Ag Assistant promises to revolutionize service and management opportunities for ag retailers and the growers they serve by providing unprecedented timeliness and accuracy in addressing in-season threats. The advancement introduces a new approach to AI-powered farm management.
  • Monarch Tractor, creator of the MK-V, the world’s first fully electric, driver-optional smart tractor and Wingspan Ag Intelligence farm management platform, has announced a history-making $133 million Series C, making it the largest funding raising round in agricultural robotics history.
  • Ornamental plant growers in Alabama feeling the squeeze of a competitive labor market may soon find help in an unexpected form. An AI-powered robot, currently in development at Auburn, will be able to inventory thousands of plants while also collecting data on plant growth, pests and diseases. A team of researchers from the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station was recently awarded $300,000 by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop the robot. The project addresses a major issue faced by growers: the inefficiency of having humans manually count tens of thousands of plants each season.
  • The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced $2.6 million in grant funding awarded to eight projects that advance the adoption of safer, more sustainable pest management. The department awarded $1.72 million in Research Grants to fund projects that advance integrated pest management (IPM) knowledge, tools and practices. DPR additionally awarded $942,000 in Alliance Grants to fund projects that promote or increase sustainable pest management though the implementation, expansion and adoption of effective, proven and affordable IPM systems or practices.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Tech Hub LIVE Ready to Take Off

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The highly anticipated Tech Hub LIVE Conference and Expo, powered by CropLife Media Group®, is ready for take off July 29-31, 2024, at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

    Organizers announced that the exhibit hall is officially sold out, showcasing a dynamic range of exhibitors and sponsors who will be present to share their innovative products and services. Back once again this year as Education Sponsor is Ever.Ag. Ben Sloan, VP of Products and Strategy, says they consider that sponsorship to be a great opportunity for them to connect with a wide variety of attendees. “We have efforts in the dairy and livestock space, we have efforts in the financial services and risk management space, and we really work in the agribusiness space and there’s a clear synergy and connection between all of those three legs of the stool,” said Sloan, who will be giving a presentation on how to better leverage insights and data.

    This is the third time the event has been hosted in Des Moines, which has welcomed them with open arms between the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Economic Development Authority, ISU Research Park, and America’s Cultivation Corridor. “There’s probably not a better fit for America’s Cultivation Corridor than Tech Hub LIVE,” says Executive Director Billi Hunt. “Over the last ten years, we have seen a 40% increase in food and ag businesses located in Iowa, nearly 10,000 patents happening for our industry, and over 175% increase in venture capitol coming to our industry in Iowa.” The Iowa welcoming party will be a Top Gun-themed event at at the Ricochet in downtown Des Moines.

    In addition, the third in-person meeting of Women in Ag Tech (WiAT) will be taking place at Tech Hub LIVE on July 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Building on the success of last year’s launch, this one-day event continues to provide a platform for women in ag tech to connect, engage, and build a supportive community.

    Registration and other information can be found at TechHubLIVE.com. Learn more in these preview interviews with Hunt and Sloan.

    2024 THL - Ben Sloan, Ever.Ag 6:06
    2024 THL - Billi Hunt, America's Cultivation Corridor 6:50

    AgWired Precision, Precision Agriculture, Tech Hub LIVE, Technology

    Farm Financial Conditions are Rough

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The House Agriculture Committee convened a hearing Tuesday to hear from farmers and rural lenders about the state of financial conditions in farm country.

    Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) painted a depressing picture in his opening remarks. “Declining prices and cash receipts, escalating natural disasters, and increasing input costs have created a perfect storm that will compromise the foundation of our agricultural economy. We are living through the largest two-year decline in farm income in history,” said Thompson. “At the end of 2024, total farm sector debt will be the highest the U.S. has seen since at least 1970. Most farmers and ranchers, including those here with us today, are likely to be worse off financially by years’ end.”

    The president of the Minnesota Corn Growers was one of the witnesses presenting testimony at the hearing.

    “Unless conditions change, I believe we’re heading into a perfect storm, a storm that I don’t think will be fully appreciated until early next year when farmers try to get loans but are unable to do so because they cannot demonstrate the ability to cash flow,” said Dana Allen-Tully, Ph.D., owner of a diversified family farm near Eyota, Minnesota, speaking on behalf of the National Corn Growers Association and state groups.

    “We have to have policies in place that reflect the realities of farming today,” Allen-Tully said. The stakes of farming are so incredibly high – higher than I ever remember them to be. We are putting everything we have on the line every single year for very thin and oftentimes negative margins.”

    Listen to comments from Thompson and Allen-Tully below.
    House Ag Committee Chair Thompson opening remarks 6:48
    MN Corn Growers President Dana Allen-Tully 5:37

    Audio, Corn, Farm Bill, NCGA

    Animal Ag News 7/23

    Carrie Muehling

  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Biden-Harris Administration is making investments that will strengthen American food supply chains, increase independent meat and poultry processing capacity, create more, new and better markets for producers, and lower food costs. Thanks to funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, USDA is investing nearly $110 million through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) and the Local Meat Capacity (Local MCap) Grant Program.
  • U.S. consumers are drinking less milk with each passing year, but overall dairy sales are on a multiyear winning streak. Cheese, butter and yogurt are fueling category growth, along with new dairy-based products designed to capitalize on convenience, health and snacking trends. Data from market research firm Circana shows the refrigerated dairy aisle has been the largest category in retail grocery over the last year with $76 billion in sales. Over the last three years, dairy retail sales have notched a growth rate of 15.4% or $10.1 billion. According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the outlook for retail dairy sales remains strong with additional room for growth as consumer preferences and purchasing behaviors evolve. Cheese and butter have even more upside potential, and dairy products tailored to meet consumers’ growing desires for healthy, protein-rich snack products have emerged as a new growth opportunity.
  • Americans have been enjoying ice cream since the founding of the United States, and for the first time ever, Butter Pecan and Cookie Dough have cracked top five favorite flavors. In celebration of National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 21, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) shared what American consumers are saying about their favorite ice cream and frozen novelty treats. According to a recent IDFA and Morning Consult survey, 97% of Americans love or like ice cream. While traditional ice cream flavors still dominate IDFA’s list, newer flavors like Butter Pecan and Cookie Dough are shaking up the top five. Vanilla also topped Chocolate for America’s favorite flavor.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and Ever.Ag are excited to announce that registration for the third annual DairyTech conference is open. DairyTech 2024 will showcase the pioneers and pioneering applications bringing transformative potential of artificial intelligence to the dairy industry, from processing plant functions to supply chain management, demand forecasting, sustainability optimization, and corporate practices. The event will connect dairy professionals with leading experts on AI use in the food and beverage sector.
  • Dairy Business Association announced that the annual Dairy Strong conference will return to Green Bay on Jan 15-16 for the 2025 event.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is looking for the next singing sensation to open CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio, Texas, February 4-6. The 12th annual NCBA National Anthem Contest, sponsored by Norbrook, is accepting entries through October 15 at convention.ncba.org.
  • Leaders of national organizations representing those who utilize our nation’s public lands have joined together to file a lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) new public lands rule. Under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), the BLM is responsible for balancing the multiple use of public lands for productive purposes like grazing, mining, energy development, and timber. Unfortunately, the BLM’s “Conservation and Landscape Health Rule” upends the shared multiple use of public lands and endangers food and energy security.
  • Zoetis announced that Synovex Primer is now available for cattle producers who need to increase weight gain in growing beef steers or heifers in the dry lot production phase. The Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) approved Synovex Primer earlier this year, along with an updated label indication for Synovex Choice in the dry lot.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has opened registration for its annual Equipment Manufacturers Conference (EMC), to be held Nov. 6-8 in Bonita Springs, Fla. This year’s theme is “Feed Industry 4.0 – Leveraging Emerging Technologies.”
  • Moly Manufacturing, LLC., in partnership with Jorgensen Land & Cattle, hosted the inaugural Beef & Greet Celebration. Industry leaders from across the country gathered in Ideal, South Dakota to attend the premier event celebrating US Beef.
  • The 2024 USPOULTRY Financial Management Seminar provided attendees with valuable information that is shaping today’s business landscape. The program offered insights ranging from cybersecurity legal ramifications to economic forecasts and leadership principles.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    DWFI Podcast 37 – Opportunities of Irrigation and Mechanization

    Cindy Zimmerman

    In November 2023, the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute announced a new USAID Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Irrigation and Mechanization Systems (ILIMS). ILIMS enhances global food security by generating research-based solutions to support the growth of vibrant irrigation and mechanization markets; develops strong institutions and local capacity for their sustainability; and fosters opportunities for equitable access for smallholder farmers.

    In this episode, DWFI Communications Specialist Arianna Elnes speaks with the new ILIMS Deputy Director Jude Cobbing about his background and interest in ILIMS, the opportunities he sees with irrigation and mechanization, and upcoming projects for ILIMS. For more information, and to respond to RFA’s, visit: waterforfood.nebraska.edu/irrigandmech

    Listen here or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:
    DWFI podcast episode 37 28:59

    The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska was founded with the mission to have a lasting and significant impact on achieving more food security with less pressure on scarce water resources by conducting scientific and policy research, using the research results to inform policy makers, and sharing knowledge through education and communication.

    How to subscribe:

    Audio, Irrigation, Technology, Water, Water for Food