Precision Ag Bytes 3/13

Carrie Muehling

  • AgBiome Innovations™, the commercial arm of AgBiome™, introduced Lektivar™ 40SC, a novel fungicide (fluazinam) that provides superior control of foliar and soil-borne diseases to include white mold, southern blight, downy mildew, early blight, and many others.
  • TerrAvion announced a new partnership with FarmLogs, an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based farm management software provider. The partnership will allow FarmLogs customers to add high-resolution aerial imagery to their FarmLogs account.
  • Indigo Agriculture and Anheuser-Busch have announced a partnership focused on sustainable rice production. Indigo has committed to delivering 2.2 million bushels of Indigo Rice™ to Anheuser-Busch that is grown with specific environmental attributes.
  • The America Seed Trade Association‘s newest event experience began last June, reinventing the former Annual Convention into the Policy & Leadership Development Conference. This year’s PLDC is June 15-19 in Denver, Colo. For more information on the event, visit the conference webpage.
  • U.S. sales of ag tractors and combines remained in the plus column for February, according to the latest sales data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Total U.S. February 2-wheel-drive tractor sales grew 17.3 percent compared to February 2018, led by under-40-HP machines with a 24.6-percent gain and a 7.1-percent gain for 40-100-HP 2-wheel-drive tractors, while 100-plus-HP 2-wheel-drive-tractors recorded a drop of 2.2 percent.
  • The March/April issue of New Ag International magazine on high-tech agriculture including precision ag coverage is now online.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes

EPA Proposes E15 Waiver and RIN Market Rule

Cindy Zimmerman

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released proposed regulatory changes Tuesday that would allow gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (E15) to receive a Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver for the summer months, the same as E10. In the same rule, EPA is also proposing changes to the renewable identification number (RIN) compliance system under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.”

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the proposed rule means EPA is one step closer to making good on President Trump’s promise to allow year-round sales of E15 but finalizing and implementing the E15 regulatory fix remains a tall order.

“That is why we have urged EPA to separate the year-round E15 provisions from the RIN reform provisions, and move forward as quickly as possible to finalize a practical and defensible year-round E15 solution. With ethanol plants shutting down or idling and farmers experiencing the worst conditions in more than a decade, removing the summertime ban on E15 once and for all would send a desperately needed signal to the marketplace,” said Cooper. “We are carefully reviewing the details of the proposed rule and look forward to providing EPA with extensive technical and legal comments to support an expeditious and legally sound resolution of this decades-old red tape barrier.”

Cooper talks more about RFA’s reaction to the rule in this interview:
Interview with RFA CEO Geoff Cooper on EPA rulemaking proposal

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings says they will urge stakeholders to provide public comment to EPA, so a legally-defensible rule can be in place by June 1. “Without a final rule in place by June 1, this year would mark the eighth time, since EPA originally approved a waiver for E15, that fuel marketers in many parts of the country have had to prohibit their customers from purchasing a lower-cost, higher-quality fuel option at the pump during the busy summer driving months,” said Jennings.

Jennings says if EPA does get the rule done in time, it will set a new “land speed record for the agency.” In this interview, Jennings discusses his reaction to the proposal and how ACE intends to provide input and encourage especially retailers to make comments.
Interview with ACE CEO Brian Jennings on EPA rulemaking proposal

A public hearing is being scheduled for March 29 and comments must be received on or before April 29.

Other agricultural and biofuels organizations have weighed in on the proposal and expressed support for at least the E15 part of the rule. National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), Growth Energy, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), and National Farmers Union are just a few of the groups that have released statements in support of the rule.

ACE, Audio, Corn, Ethanol, RFA

National Pork Board CEO Shares Export Numbers

Carrie Muehling

National Pork Board CEO Bill Even addressed those attending the 2019 Pork Industry Forum, highlighting a number of issues affecting pork producers today. One of those topics was pork exports, and Even said the NPB has certainly not been idle when it comes to market opportunities.

“Since the year 2000, exports have absorbed 63 percent of your growth from U.S. pork production,” said Even. “Those extra 7.4 billion pounds of pork we produced, 63 percent of it went overseas and about a strong third stayed in the United States. That’s why this export component is critically important.”

Even shared that since 2014, the international marketing budget has increased by 30 percent, with now more than $10 million being spent in that space. He said the top seven export markets for U.S. pork include bright spots like South Korea and Australia where growth is occurring, as well as countries like Mexico and China where trade disputes are negatively affecting export numbers.

Listen to Even’s full report here: National Pork Board CEO report

2019 Pork Industry Forum Photo Album

AgWired Animal, Audio, Exports, Pork

BASF Excited About Revysol

Carrie Muehling

After 10 years of research and development, BASF shared its new Revysol technology with those attending the 2019 BASF Science Behind event, held just before the Commodity Classic in Orlando.

Revysol technology will be part of two new products available for the 2019 growing season, pending registration. More details are forthcoming about Veltyma for corn and Revytek for soybeans, but Scott Kay, BASF Vice President, U.S. Crop, said trials showed promising results.

“If you and I went and walked into a field at a field day and there were no signs, I think we would walk to each and every application where Revysol technology was used, because you would just see the difference,” said Kay. “So I would welcome farmers across the U.S. to take a look and see the difference that technology is going to bring to them on their farms.”

Kay said customers have been getting great new experiences with BASF because of changes over the past year that include more complete conversations and more choices for farmers.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Scott here: Interview with Scott Kay, BASF

2019 BASF Science Behind Event Photo Album

AgWired Precision, Audio, BASF, Fungicide

Pork Industry Honors Service and Leadership

Cindy Zimmerman

Dr. Billy Flowers receives award from Pork Board president Steve Rommereim

During the Pork Industry Forum last week in Orlando, the National Pork Board honored individuals for their service and leadership to the industry.

North Carolina State University animal science professor Dr. William “Billy” Flowers received the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his lifelong contribution to the pork industry.

Working to prepare the next generation, his teaching responsibilities include an introduction to animal science, pork production and management, and advanced pork reproduction management. Dr. Flowers also serves as an advisor to more than 70 students each year.

Listen to an interview with Dr. Flowers –
Pork Forum Interview with Dr. Billy Flowers

Also at Pork Forum, the late Bob Morrison posthumously received the Pork Checkoff Industry Service Award. Morrison was a veterinarian and professor at the University of Minnesota and coordinated two internationally respected swine health management conferences – the St. Paul, Minnesota-based Allen D. Leman Swine Conference and the Leman China Conference in Nanjing, China.

The National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) presented Sam Hines, former state executive of the Michigan Pork Producers Association, the Paulson-Whitmore State Executive Award. The award is named in honor of two top leaders – Don Paulson, past Minnesota state pork executive, and Rex Whitmore, past Wisconsin state pork executive.

Find content from the Pork Industry Forum here –
National Pork Industry Forum virtual newsroom

AgWired Animal, Audio, Pork Checkoff

Introducing the 2019 Pig Farmers of Tomorrow

Carrie Muehling

(LtoR) 2019 Pig Farmers of Tomorrow Ben Wikner, Bailee Arnold, and Ben Luebbering

The National Pork Board has named its 2019 Pig Farmers of Tomorrow. The three young farmers will share stories about every day life on the farm with consumers through outreach events and social media activity, while representing the pork industry’s We Care ethical principles.

Recent Iowa State University graduate Ben Wikner is excited to be part of an industry he describes as being on the forefront of sustainability and providing a safe product.

“With antibiotic resistance, sustainability, environmental stewardship, I mean, pork is really leading and pushing the front of caring for the environment, caring for our animals and providing a safe product for our consumer,” said Wikner, who farms with his father and brother. “And that’s why I’m excited to be in the pork industry. That’s something I can be proud of and that’s something I can share with my family and my neighbors and my friends, is that we do care.”

Bailee Arnold manages a 2,000 sow farm for Goldsboro Milling in North Carolina. She hopes she is setting an example for other young people who might consider entering the pork industry.

“I want to encourage the youth to pursue this. It’s a very rewarding career,” said Arnold.

Central Missouri farmer Ben Luebbering hopes to promote a better understanding of farming as he shares daily experiences on his family’s farrow to finish operation.

“If I can share to one person and help them to understand why we do what we do and let them feel that they’re comfortable with farmers, I think it would be a successful year for me,” said Luebbering. “For me, this is the beginning of sharing my story. It kind of gave me the platform to really start doing that. So when this program is over, I don’t want to stop sharing my story.”

All three representatives will do some traveling and plenty of engaging on social media platforms as they represent the pork industry over the next year.

Listen to Chuck’s interviews with all three Pig Farmers of Tomorrow here:
Interview with 2019 Pig Farmer of Tomorrow Ben Wikner, Iowa Interview with 2019 Pig Farmer of Tomorrow Bailee Arnold, North Carolina Interview with 2019 Pig Farmer of Tomorrow Ben Luebbering, Missouri

2019 Pork Industry Forum Photo Album

AgWired Animal, Audio, Pork

Animal Ag Bites 3/11

Carrie Muehling

  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has joined BFGoodrich Tires to launch the new Tradesmen Support Program.
  • Global Dairy Platform announced the addition of Mr. Mike Durkin, President & CEO of Leprino Foods and Mr. Lino Saputo, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saputo Inc., to GDP’s Board of Directors.
  • Foot-and-mouth disease virus spreads much more aggressively in pigs than previous research suggests, according to a new study by U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists.
  • The Missouri Dairy Association seeks an Executive Director/Sales Manager for the Heart of America Dairy Expo. Mr. Dave Drennan, Executive Director, will be retiring on May 1, 2019. Click here for more information.
  • The Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2019 Stakeholders Summit themed, A Seat At The Table, will be held May 8-9 at the InterContinental at the Plaza Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri. Discounted registration rates are available through April 1.
  • Eddy Roberts, president of the International Brangus Breeders Association, announced that Dr. Darrell Wilkes will assume the role of executive vice president of the 70-year-old Brangus cattle breed registry.
  • In an effort to share more about beef farming and ranching with audiences across the globe, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. is making its virtual ranch tours available in Korean, Japanese, and Spanish.
  • The Agricultural Relations Council to announces the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association will host the ARC intern for the second year in a row. Student applications are due March 15.
  • The United States Department of Agriculture announced additional steps to keep African swine fever from entering the United States, even as the disease spreads internationally.
  • U.S. Poultry & Egg Association is accepting applications for the 2019 Clean Water Awards. The awards recognize outstanding performance of wastewater treatment plants that operate at poultry or egg processing facilities. The deadline for submitting applications is June 28. For an application form, go to www.uspoultry.org/environment/.
  • The National Pork Producers Council awarded scholarships to 10 college students who intend to pursue careers in the pork industry. The Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship program is sponsored by CME Group and the National Pork Industry Foundation and managed and administered by NPPC.
  • The U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs recently announced the inaugural board of directors and leadership team at the International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta.
  • The National Pork Producers Council elected new officers and members to its board of directors at the National Pork Industry Forum. Elected as president of the organization was David Herring, a hog farmer from Lillington, N.C.
  • Tom Miller, an Arizona pork producer, executive director of the Arizona Pork Council and past president of the National Pork Producers Council, was inducted into the NPPC Hall of Fame for his lifetime commitment to advocacy, leadership and advancement on behalf of pork producers at the National Pork Industry Forum.
  • The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy will host food safety workshops that are taught by industry professionals for the benefit of the entire industry. Visit www.usdairy.com/events for more information on any of these workshops.
  • Join fellow producers and industry experts at the annual Dairy Calf & Heifer Association conference coming up on April 9-11, 2019.
  • US Speedskating and Dairy West announce a strategic partnership that will bring high quality dairy products to Speed Skating Olympic athletes and hopefuls.
AgWired Animal, Animal Bites

Bayer’s Delaro Fungicide Boosts Yields

Carrie Muehling

Numbers from the 2018 harvest show strong evidence that Bayer’s Delaro fungicide delivered yield boosts for growers.

“We’re very, very excited about Delaro. In today’s marketplace, yield is more important than ever with the commodity prices that we have,” said Eric Ifft, Bayer Customer Business Advisor in Central Illinois. “And now, with our Bayer seed brands, we have great yielding germplasm. To help our growers make the most of that germplasm, stay away from fungal diseases, and take away stress relief, Delaro is a fantastic product.”

Ifft said the company did a number of trials in Illinois and across the Midwest last year, which showed a 16-bushel yield advantage in corn and a six-bushel yield advantage in soybeans versus untreated fields. Ifft said growers attending the Commodity Classic in Orlando showed a tremendous amount of interest in Bayer products, from Climate FieldView to crop protection to seed treatments.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Eric here: Interview with Eric Ifft, Bayer Delaro

2019 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Audio, Bayer, Commodity Classic, Fungicide

IFAJ-Alltech Agricultural Journalism Award Announced

Cindy Zimmerman

The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and Alltech are proud to announce a new award that recognizes excellence and leadership by young journalists. The IFAJ-Alltech International Award for Leadership in Agricultural Journalism will be presented during ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE19), held May 19–21, 2019, in Lexington, Kentucky, USA.

The award marks a long tradition of celebrating journalistic achievements that began with late Alltech founder Dr. Pearse Lyons. A storyteller himself, Dr. Lyons appreciated the ability to share the stories of agriculture.

Young journalists (aged 40 years or younger by Dec. 31, 2019) can be nominated through their IFAJ guilds via the online application form. A global winner will be selected by an international committee based on their journalistic achievements and the leadership they demonstrate within their guild. The global winner receives complimentary registration and a travel stipend to attend ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, where they will be recognized on stage in front of a global audience of nearly 4,000 attendees and press.

The deadline for nominations is March 15, 2019 – find more information here on the IFAJ website.

AgWired Animal, Alltech, IFAJ, Journalism

Zimfo Bytes 3/8

Carrie Muehling

  • BIO is now accepting nominations for the the 2019 George Washington Carver Award for Innovation in Industrial Biotechnology and Agriculture to be presented at this year’s BIO World Congress, July 8 -11 in Des Moines, Iowa. Submit nominations by March 14, 2019.
  • March is National Peanut Month, and the Georgia peanut industry kicked off the celebration by hosting the 2019 Georgia PB&J Day at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia. During the event, the Georgia Peanut Commission and Peanut Proud donated 14,400 jars of peanut butter to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
  • Reserve a spot for the 2019 NAMA Agri-Marketing Conference April 10-12 in Kansas City. Conference early bird registration ends March 29, 2019.
  • National Farmers Union (NFU) presented its Meritorious Service Award, the organization’s highest honor, to two individuals at the NFU 117th Anniversary Convention. NFU presented Gene Paul of Minnesota with the Meritorious Service Award to Humanity and Paul Symens with the Meritorious Service Award to Farmers Union and to American Agriculture. NFU also awarded broadcaster Joel Heitkamp with the 2019 Milt Hakel Agriculture Communications Award.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation announced that Kathleen Cullins, a finance professional with more than 27 years of experience, has joined the nation’s largest general farm organization in the position of chief financial officer.
  • The American Soybean Association recognized exceptional volunteers and leaders at its annual awards banquet in Orlando, Fla. on Mar. 1. Honorees included: Pinnacle Award Winner Paul Casper, Lake Preston, S.D.; Distinguished Leadership Award Winner Ron Moore, Roseville, Ill.; and Outstanding State Volunteer Award Winner Jim Miller, Belden, Neb.
  • The American Soybean Association (ASA) presented Iowa farmer Rob Stout with the 2019 National Conservation Legacy Award during the annual ASA Awards Banquet on Friday, March 1, at Commodity Classic, in Orlando, Florida.
  • Rhea + Kaiser announces the promotions of Patty Blystone to Senior Accountant and Michelle Nickrent to Account Manager, Public Relations.
  • Deere & Company announced that its Board of Directors elected John C. May, 49, as President, Chief Operating Officer, effective April 1.
  • U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance has appointed Dr. Nick Goeser as Vice President, Sustainability Sciences and Strategy.
  • The Propane Education & Research Council recently redesigned and launched its website to better showcase all the things propane can do, including new propane-powered agricultural equipment’s efficiency and versatility for producers.
  • The Agricultural Relations Council (ARC) is pleased to announce the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) will host the ARC intern for the second year in a row. Student applications are due March 15.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation and Alabama Farmers Federation presented Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) with AFBF’s Golden Plow award. The Golden Plow is the highest honor the organization gives to sitting members of Congress.
  • The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) has announced that Dean Broadhead, CEO of broadhead, has been selected as the 2019 NAMA Marketer of the Year.
Zimfo Bytes