Intergro Launches Innovative Line of Bioenhancers

Cindy Zimmerman

Agricultural Solutions, a subsidiary of Intergro, Inc., is launching a new portfolio of products. Registrations are being obtained in the U.S. for patent-pending microbial-based formulations that help improve soil and plant health, as well as stress resistance.

NutriBoom™:
A line of natural fertilizers (NutriBoom, NutriBoom Powder and NutriBoom Plus) scientifically proven to stimulate the soil microbiome, particularly microbes associated with the biological control of plant pathogens and parasitic nematodes, to improve soil health for greater root and plant vitality.

PreBiotech™:
A foliar application that enhances biological fungicide programs by facilitating the establishment and persistence of biocontrol organisms on the surface of plant tissue to boost defense mechanisms against stress and disease.

The active ingredient in the products is chitin, a natural material derived from crustacean meal, which Agricultural Solutions sources from North, Central and South America. Unused crab and/or lobster shells are milled to various levels of fineness, depending on their application. When used within an integrated systems-based approach, chitin-based amendments provide a food source for beneficial microbes, altering the microbial community composition in the soil or on the plant in favor of those associated with improved plant growth and vitality, as well as disease and pest suppression.

Agricultural Solutions products may be applied to a variety of conventional and organic crops, including fruiting vegetables, nuts, stone fruit, hemp, berries, grapes, commodity crops, roots and tubers, pome fruit, citrus, specialty crops and leafy greens. Learn more at agricultural.solutions.

AgWired Precision, Biotech, Precision Agriculture, Soil

USFRA “30 Harvests” Focuses on Farmers and Climate Change

Cindy Zimmerman

The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) has unveiled a short film called “30 Harvests” that highlights agriculture’s role in battling climate change for the next 30 years. Thirty harvests quantifies the crop cycles left before 2050, the year the global population is expected to be 9 billion people.

The docudrama follows the plight of farmer Jay Hill of Dell City, Texas and farmer and soil scientist Meagan Kaiser of Bowling Green, Missouri. In the short film, they articulate the challenge farmers face while embracing the opportunity to meet the increasing demands for food, and ultimately help solve one of the greatest challenges of this generation: climate change.

Watch it on YouTube.

Farming, Sustainability, USFRA

Animal Ag Bites 8/19

Carrie Muehling

  • AlzChem Animal Health is expanding their sales team with the addition of Kevin Miller as Regional Sales Manager for the USA. Miller joins AlzChem from Merck Animal Health having previously worked with a number of leading animal health and feed companies.
  • The overall economic impact of Wisconsin’s dairy industry is bigger than ever, according to new research conducted by the University of Wisconsin—Madison. Dairy continues to lead Wisconsin agriculture, the new report shows, generating nearly half of Wisconsin’s annual industrial agricultural revenue – and represents 16.4% of the state’s total. To see the full report, visit WisconsinDairy.org/impact.
  • The American Feed Industry Association is pleased to announce the addition of Lynette Tucker as its meetings and events specialist and Daisy Rodriguez as its meetings and events coordinator.
  • USPOULTRY’s 2019 Environmental Management Seminar provides a unique learning opportunity for professionals concerned with the environmental challenges facing the industry today. Sponsored by USPOULTRY, the seminar will be held Sept. 19-20, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Florida.
  • Zoetis announced that it will expand its portfolio of products and services for horses with the Stablelab® hand-held, point-of-care diagnostic blood test, which provides veterinarians critical information related to equine inflammation in 10 minutes.
AgWired Animal, Animal Bites

Ethanol is Number One Priority for Grains Council

Cindy Zimmerman

Ethanol is the number one priority for the U.S. Grains Council today, according to USGC CEO Ryan LeGrand, who spoke at the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) conference last week in Omaha.

“There’s nothing more important to us right now than ethanol,” said LeGrand.

The council has seven priority markets, with Mexico being one of the most significant. While the three major metropolitan areas of Mexico still prohibit ethanol blends, which is expected to change soon, LeGrand says it is still a 720 million gallon market now – with the potential of 1.2 billion gallons.

Listen to his remarks here:
ACE Conference Keynote - USGC CEO Ryan LeGrand

ACE Senior Vice President Ron Lamberty has been playing an active role in USGC efforts to educate Mexican retailers about ethanol blends. He hosted a panel at the conference with USGC Mexico Director Stephan Wittig and consultant Jorge Lerdo to talk about the ethanol technical information forums they have been hosting for Mexican petroleum equipment installers and retailers, and their optimism for increased use of ethanol blends around the country.

Listen to their conversation here:
ACE Conference Mexico Market Update

2019 ACE Conference Photo Album

ACE, Audio, Ethanol, Exports

Zimfo Bytes 8/16

Carrie Muehling

  • John Ochs, a 35-year honorary member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB), passed away August 6, 2019, in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the age of 68. John was Special Assistant and Press Secretary to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture John Block and helped cultivate the relationship between farm broadcasters and USDA during the Reagan administration. After his career at USDA, John worked for Ford Motor Company. Online Memories and Condolences may be posted via Cole Funeral Chapel.
  • Save the date for the Ag Outlook Forum, coming September 23 to the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Early bird pricing ends August 23. Register here.
  • Tractor Supply Company announced the launch of a new exclusive apparel line, Ridgecut Toughwear. Ridgecut features workwear apparel and insulated outerwear created especially for people who regularly put their clothing through conditions that go beyond normal wear and tear.
  • The 2020 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, set for January 8-10 at the JW Marriott in Austin, Texas, will update attendees on the latest research and technology.
  • CommoditAg, announced that John Demerly has joined the organization, assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer.
  • Land O’Lakes International Development announced a new brand and a new name – Land O’Lakes Venture37 – to further bolster its strong reputation for global leadership in helping businesses grow, linking farmers to markets and empowering communities to thrive.
  • IDEAg Dakotafest takes place in Mitchell, South Dakota, Aug. 20-22, celebrating its 24th year with a robust program of activities offering opportunities for entertainment, education and networking for farmers and families alike.
Zimfo Bytes

Nebraska Governor Thanks Ethanol Industry

Cindy Zimmerman

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts welcomed members of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) meeting in Omaha this week by thanking them for what they do.

“Ethanol is a very important industry, on a national and on a state level,” said Gov. Ricketts, noting that Nebraska is the second largest ethanol producing state in the nation with 25 plants employing 1400 people.

The governor acknowledged the difficult times facing the industry but encouraged everyone to continue to promote the benefits of ethanol with three simple points. “Save money at the pump, it’s great for the environment, and it’s going to help our farmers and ranchers,” he said.

ACE members also thanked Gov. Ricketts for his ethanol advocacy by presenting him with the organization’s Policy and Legislative Leadership Award.

Listen to the governor’s remarks here:

Gov. Pete Ricketts remarks to 2019 ACE Conference

Photos

2019 ACE Conference Photo Album

ACE, Audio, Ethanol

FMC Offers Fall Residual Herbicide Program Advice

Carrie Muehling

FMC is recommending growers aim for a zero tolerance policy when it comes to weeds, according to Brandon Schrage, technical service manager. Schrage said preventing weed growth in the seedbank is particularly important.

“What we want to see is that fall residual being applied once soil temperatures are 50 degrees and falling. That’s going to ensure that our product is going to be there. The microbial activity in the soil is going to be low, so we won’t have degradation. It will be present in the spring. And if we have a year like we did in 2019 where it is a very wet spring and guys couldn’t necessarily get out and apply a pre-emergence product when they wanted to, that product is going to be there to help them get to that post application time.”

Schrage said weeds like Palmer amaranth often emerge late in the season. Products like Authority MTZ have the flexibility to be applied in fall or spring to help growers best manage weed challenges. Schrage said it will depend on geography, the environment, and whether a cover crop is present, but the goal is immediate weed control during and after harvest.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Brandon here: Interview with Brandon Schrage, FMC, on fall residual herbicide programs


2019 AMS/IFAJ Congress Photo Album

Ag Media Summit, AgWired Precision, Audio, FMC, Video, weed management

Precision Ag Bytes 8/14

Carrie Muehling

  • AgroLiquid introduced the newest product in its microLink line-up. Micro 1000™ is a combination of eight essential micronutrients: zinc, nickel, molybdenum, manganese, iron, copper, cobalt, and boron; and two secondary nutrients: calcium and magnesium.
  • Ag Leader announced a limited beta release of a new grain cart connectivity feature, CartACE. Powered by Ag Leader’s InCommand display, CartACE gives the grain cart operator assistance while unloading on-the-go.
  • Marrone Bio Innovations Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire Pro Farm Technologies OY, which will increase Marrone Bio’s market share and global platform in the $4.6 billion seed- and soil-treatment market.
  • Larta Institute has announced the first wave of the 2019 cohort of early-stage AgTech and food companies to present at the 11th Annual Ag Innovation Showcase, which has moved from its origins in St. Louis to a new home in Minneapolis.
  • July 2019 saw decreases in U.S. sales of self-propelled combines and 4-wheel-drive tractors as well as total U.S. 2-wheel-drive tractor sales compared to July of last year, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
  • The National Corn Yield Contest entry deadline is Thursday, August 15, 2019. To participate and receive recognition for your yield, enter online.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

Coming Soon from Farm Market iD

Cindy Zimmerman

With a database of over 2.4 million active operations, Farm Market iD is already the leading provider of farm and grower data to inform and improve agribusiness strategy, marketing and sales efforts. But the company is aiming to launch a new product soon for even more specialized data.

“What we’re essentially doing is monitoring fields on behalf of our clients,” said Farm Market iD CEO Steve Rao during the recent InfoAg Conference. This service would provide alerts for clients when there are fields that should be checked for issues.

Rao says they are also opening up their data to API developers to facilitate integration with other platforms. “Software and platforms are only as good as the data they have to power them and we can power a lot,” he said.

Learn more about some of the other Farm Market iD data products in this interview.
2019 InfoAg Interview with Steve Rao, Farm Market iD, new products

2019 InfoAg Conference Photo Album

AgWired Precision, Audio, data, Info Ag, Marketing

Ag Media Summit Awards

Cindy Zimmerman

Ag Media Summit is the annual awards extravaganza for LPC and AAEA.

AAEA, The Agricultural Communicators Network, handed out communications awards for writing, design, mar-com, photography, digital and social media, in addition to the Lifetime Achievement and Andy Markwart Horizon awards. Jim Patrico and Jo Ann Alumbaugh were honored for their career achievements, and Cassie Yontz with Charleston-Orwig received the horizon award.

Click for a list of all AAEA winners in all categories.

The Livestock Publications Council (LPC) honored its members’ outstanding work and accomplishments as well. Among this year’s LPC honorees was retiring Lyle Orwig, who received the Headliner Award; Todd Domer was inducted into the LPC Hall of Fame, and Cal-Poly professor Scott Vernon received the Distinguished Service Award.

Click here for a list of all LPC winners.

Students and interns were also honored at the event, including the LPC Forrest Bassford award, sponsored by Alltech. The winner this year was Jessica Wesson from the University of Arkansas who received a $2,000 scholarship.

If you go through the photo album you will find plenty of pictures of award winners.

2019 AMS/IFAJ Congress Photo Album

ACN, Ag Media Summit, AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, LPC