Global Ethanol Summit Announced

Cindy Zimmerman

Three global ethanol export organizations are teaming up this year to host the first-ever Global Ethanol Summit (GES), scheduled for Oct. 13-15, 2019, in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) are working together with the goal of engaging a broad array of global ethanol leaders about the benefits of expanding global ethanol use.

The GES follows two previous regional ethanol summits – the Ethanol Summit of the Americas held in October 2017 and the Ethanol Summit of the Asia-Pacific held in May 2018. Additional funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) program and other sponsors will support the expanded focus of the GES.

With informative general sessions, networking and dedicated business-to-business meetings over two days, the GES will provide attendees direct access to thought leaders on the future of global ethanol use and the opportunity to build partnerships with industry leaders.

More than 250 ministerial-level officials and senior-level industry leaders, ethanol producers and refiners from more than 40 countries have been invited to attend the summit and interested domestic ethanol industry leaders and other members of the ethanol value chain can register for the event at www.grains.org/event/ges.

Ethanol, Exports, RFA, Trade, USGC

Hemp Farming is Getting Real

Cindy Zimmerman

The seeds planted in the 2018 farm bill legalizing the production of hemp as an agricultural commodity are starting to grow.

Florida has officially entered the field with the governor just signing a measure allowing an agricultural hemp program to be developed. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried believes hemp could be the boost the state’s farm sector and rural areas need.

Fried held workshops around the state in anticipation of the bill being signed, with the goal of having a first set of rules published in July, with the hemp program running by the end of the year. Southeast AgNet has been keeping up with hemp progress in the state and recently posted some of Fried’s comments about the potential for the industry.
FL Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried discusses hemp potential

University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) recently joined forces with Florida-based hemp industry company Green Point Research (GPR) to support an industrial Hemp Pilot Project. Hemp plants have been planted at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead Florida and at the UF/IFAS Agronomy Forage Research Unit in Hague, Florida — the first hemp plants to be legally grown in the state since the 1950s. GPR donated 200,000 seeds and 100 living plants for the project with more to come.

In addition, GPR has announced the rollout of its pilot Farmers First initiative to help restore struggling and defunct farms in Florida by helping them get into hemp farming. Green Point Research CEO David Hasenauer says hemp can be cultivated for more than 25,000 industrial uses, including clothing, nutritional supplements, biodegradable plastics, and fuel.

Learn more in this interview with Hasenauer, who is also president of the Florida Hemp Industries Association.
interview with David Hasenauer, CEO of Green Point Research

AgWired Precision, Audio, Farming, hemp

New Manager for Ag Media Summit

Chuck Zimmerman

Tina BowlingThanks to Kenna Rathai, Public Relations Director with Broadhead, for letting us know about the new manager for the Ag Media Summit. She’s Tina Bowling, president of Innovative Association Management Solutions (IAM Solutions) for almost 12 years. Tina’s experience in agriculture includes serving as executive director for both the American Forage and Grassland Council and the Western Seed Association. She is based in Berea, in east central Kentucky, and graduated from the state’s Morehead University.

Kenna did a little Q&A with Tina for the AAEA newsletter:

She’ll attend this summer’s event in the Twin Cities and is excited to get first-hand working knowledge of AMS so she can ensure a smooth transition into the 2020 event. We asked her a few questions, so let’s get to know her better!

Q: Why do we have a separate Ag Media Summit conference manager now vs. staffs of AAEA and LPC?

A: AMS has been very successful through the years and both groups wanted some changes so that the AAEA and LPC staffs could focus on their organizations. I’ll be responsible for providing conference and event planning, and consultation. All groups will continue to work together and are excited about the future of AMS.

Q: Why were you interested in the job?

A: I enjoy conference planning and working with agriculture organizations so this seemed like an excellent fit.

Q: What do you think will be the most challenging part of the job?

A: The transition is always a challenge as it is an attempt to learn 20 years of information and history as quickly as possible. However, I am extremely fortunate to have support from Diane, Samantha and the Steering Committee to provide all the resources necessary for success.

Ag Media Summit, Media

Animal Ag Bites 7/1

Carrie Muehling

  • The Equine Science Society recognized Carey Williams, Ph.D., an equine extension specialist at Rutgers University, for her professional achievements in the equine industry on June 6 at the 2019 ESS Symposium in Asheville, N.C. The Equine Nutrition Research Award is sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association as part of its ongoing awards program, which dates back to 1948.
  • The American Feed Industry Association is now accepting nominations for the 2019 inductee into the Liquid Feed Hall of Fame. AFIA’s Liquid Feed Committee developed the award in 2003 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the science and growth of the liquid feed industry. People interested in nominating individuals for the hall of fame award must submit a completed Hall of Fame 2019 Nomination Form to Paul Davis, Ph.D., AFIA’s director of quality, animal food safety and education, at pdavis@afia.org. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, July 26. For more information, visit afia.org/LFHOF.
  • Utah State University announced Dr. Eric Bastian as the new director of the Western Dairy Center. As vice president of industry relations for Dairy West, Dr. Bastian worked with former WDC director Donald McMahon in 2012 to develop the BUILD Dairy program (Building University and Industry Linkages through learning and Discovery).
  • Milk Specialties Global, an industry-leading nutrition performance manufacturer, announced the appointment of Troy Peifer as the new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Peifer joined Milk Specialties in early 2019 and brings with him over 20 years of experience leading accounting, finance, information technology, and legal teams.
  • Select Sires’ marketing department will experience restructuring and operate under new leadership beginning July 1. Chris Sayers, former sales and marketing operations manager, will become the manager of global order operations. Darryl Snyder, former assistant semen distribution manager, will step into a new role as manager of global product distribution. Adam Oswalt, previously the dairy sire products specialist, will assume the role of manager of global sire products and logistics.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

USDA Corn Acreage Report Surprises

Cindy Zimmerman

With all the weather-related planting delays we’ve had, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Acreage report out Friday was a big surprise to the trade with corn acres estimated to be three percent higher than last year. At the same time, soybean acres are estimated to be the lowest in six years.

Corn planted area for all purposes in 2019 is estimated at 91.7 million acres, up 3 percent from last year. Compared with last year, planted acres are up or unchanged in 40 of the 48 estimating States. Area harvested for grain, at 83.6 million acres, is up 2 percent from last year.

Soybean planted area for 2019 is estimated at 80.0 million acres, down 10 percent from last year. This represents the lowest soybean planted acreage in the United States since 2013. Compared with last year, planted acreage is down in all 29 estimating States.

USDA also estimates all wheat planted area for 2019 at 45.6 million acres, down five percent from last year and the lowest all wheat planted area on record since records began in 1919. All cotton planted area for 2019 is estimated at 13.7 million acres, three percent below last year.

NASS will be doing a recount in July to collect updated information on 2019 acres planted to corn, cotton, sorghum, and soybeans in 14 states. The planted acreage information released Friday was collected during the first two weeks of June. Excessive rainfall had prevented planting at the time of the survey, leaving a portion of acres still to be planted for corn in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin; cotton in Arkansas; sorghum in Kansas; and soybeans in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. If the newly collected data justify any changes, NASS will publish updated acreage estimates in the Crop Production report to be released at noon ET on Monday, Aug. 12.

The MGEX Crop Report conference call featured commentary from Brian Hoops of Midwest Market Solutions.
MGEX call commentary, Brian Hoops, Midwest Market Solutions

AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Audio, Corn, Soybean, USDA

Can-Am on the Farm

Chuck Zimmerman

Riggs on a Can-Am DefenderThis summer a Can-Am Defender has proven its value on a farm, the Walkin’Z Ranch to be precise. The Defender has shown how well it works while deer hunting but what about chores around a farm? Walkin’Z Ranch is owned by my brother/sister-in-law, Paul and Laura Zimmerman and they have property in Georgia.

While I visited for Father’s Day weekend we took some time to see how they use the Defender. Paul will give you the rundown while you can see the vehicle in a couple of different situations like rounding up horses to move to a different pasture, feeding time and moving hay bales. As Paul says, there are many ways the Defender helps chores get done more quickly and sometimes it’s just nice to ride around their property and relax. They have a beautiful place as you’ll see in the video.


Can-Am, Farming, Video

Cattlemen Launch Campaign to Pass USMCA

Cindy Zimmerman

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has launched a media campaign urging Congress to pass the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The campaign features personal stories from cattle and beef producers across the country who want Congress to ratify the USMCA as quickly as possible.

“The USMCA keeps the highly successful framework for U.S. beef trade in place and preserves access to two of our largest export markets,” said NCBA President Jennifer Houston. “Cattle producers need certainty with Canada and Mexico so that we can continue to build on 25 years of duty-free, unrestricted trade in North America.”

The campaign will centers around a new USMCA website where visitors can click on a dynamic map to pull up state data, producer profiles, and news articles related to USMCA. The map will be updated weekly with new content and profiles.

AgWired Animal, Beef, Exports, Livestock, NCBA, Trade

Zimfo Bytes 6/28

Carrie Muehling

  • Commodity Classic returns to San Antonio February 27-29, with the theme of “See Your Future Clearly.” Click here for the tentative schedule.
  • Pioneer announced three FFA chapters have been chosen as finalists in the Pioneer® brand A-Series Soybeans Big A Challenge. Each winning chapter will receive a cash prize and will have their decorated statues prominently displayed at the 2019 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois. Judges selected the Mount Ayr FFA (Mount Ayr, Iowa), North Tama FFA (Traer, Iowa) and Wayne FFA (Corydon, Iowa) chapters as the top three finalists from 15 participating FFA chapters in Iowa and Illinois.
  • West Central Distribution debuts the all new Leaders in Farming Technology (LIFT) initiative, a partnership with Corteva Agriscience, Nufarm, Valent U.S.A. and Vive Crop Protection. This initiative aims to increase crop yields by incorporating the newest farming technology, including adjuvants, seed treatments, crop nutrition programs and crop protection.
  • Top-notch speaker insights and networking opportunities will again be part of the Invitational Golf Tournament at the 2019 ARA Conference & Expo in New Orleans on Dec. 3-5. Register before the early bird rate expires Oct. 15 and join the leaders in ag retail in “The Big Easy.”
  • The Agricultural Retailers Association hired Andrea Mowers to the role of manager of communications and member engagement. Mowers comes to ARA from the Lean Construction Institute.
  • The American Soybean Association wants to recognize exceptional soy volunteers and leaders. During ASA’s annual awards banquet, individuals will be recognized and honored for state association volunteerism, distinguished leadership achievements and long-term, significant contributions to the soybean industry. The nomination period is open through Oct. 14, 2019.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation recognized 15 farm and ranch women leaders as graduates of the organization’s Women’s Communications Boot Camp summer session. The intensive four-day course completed by the agricultural leaders comprised hands-on sessions related to public speaking, working with the media and messaging.
  • Communications veteran Terri Moore will join the American Farm Bureau Federation July 8 as vice president to lead all aspects of the organization’s communications efforts.
  • Swanson Russell recently promoted seven people in its Lincoln and Omaha offices: Jaylyn Armstrong, Brooke Behrendt, Liz Dorland, Meghann Kennedy, Kimberly Merk, Morgan Nebbia and Ryan Stoner.
  • Marrone Bio Innovations Inc. has received a notice of allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for key claims covering the composition and method of manufacturing for Grandevo WDG, an MBI developed microbial-based bioinsecticide.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association is pleased to announce that Mole•Master Services Corp. has recently joined the organization. Based in Marietta, Ohio, Mole•Master Services Corp. is a worldwide leader in industrial vessel cleaning services and equipment sales and rental. It specializes in silo/bin/bunker cleaning, pipe cleaning, CO2 blasting, fire suppression, hydro blasting, vacuum services, media/ice blasting, and structural inspections, offering turnkey services using highly-qualified OSHA/MSHA trained technicians.
  • The World Food Prize Foundation seeks well-qualified candidates for the position of President. Earlier this year, Ambassador Kenneth M. Quinn announced that he will retire as President of the World Food Prize Foundation in January 2020.
  • Cotton consultants spend long hours in the field in an effort to make their farmer clients more profitable. If you would like your consultant to be recognized, nominate him or her for the prestigious 2019 Cotton Consultant of the Year award. Click here to access the 2019 nomination form. The deadline for nominations is July 31. This annual award is co-sponsored by Syngenta and Cotton Farming magazine and offers an opportunity to recognize a consultant who has made great contributions to the cotton industry through outstanding customer relations, leadership and innovation.
  • Nicholas Carrico of Butte Valley, California, won a Polaris Ranger® 570 in the Bayer Velum® One Nematode Ranger Sweepstakes. Growers, pest control advisors and consultants could enter the Velum One Sweepstakes between December 2018 and February 2019.
  • FLM Harvest has awarded its Seed to Succeed partnership to Project EverGreen and Grow North Minnesota. The recipients will receive a total of up to $75,000 in pro bono services from the agency.
  • This year, Rhea + Kaiser (R+K) and Marketing to Farmers are delighted to be participants in AgTech Nexus USA. On Tuesday, July 23, R+K’s President and Chief Integration Officer Jeff Walter will be moderating the Innovation Spotlight: Fostering the Next Generation of AgTech Entrepreneurs.
Zimfo Bytes

BASF Receives EPA Registration for Revysol Fungicide

Cindy Zimmerman

BASF has received Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration for Revysol® fungicide. The new active ingredient (AI) is the first and only isopropanol azole of its kind in the market for a broad range of crops and disease combinations. Revysol, and its related product brands, will be available to growers for the 2020 planting season.

Revysol fungicide has a unique isopropanol link that can flex to control a broad spectrum of fungal diseases and strains resistant to demethylation inhibitors (DMI). In recent BASF trials, it has shown exceptional biological performance against several economically significant diseases, including northern corn leaf blight in corn, cercospora leaf spot in sugarbeets, frogeye leaf spot in soybean, and powdery mildew in grapes. For growers challenged with resistance and seeking to maximize their yields, Revysol fungicide offers unique benefits when compared to DMI fungicides, including:

Application for a wide variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, grapes, potatoes and sugar beets.
Faster fungicide uptake by the plant, leading to immediate and powerful disease-protective action.
Quick absorption leading to excellent rainfastness and low water solubility, allowing the AI to move through the plant for longer residual activity.
Curative activity, or post-infection applications, made prior to symptoms developing, can help stop the disease from progressing and save yield.

“Revysol fungicide will give growers the confidence to manage disease and resistance effectively while reducing their exposure to weather-related risks,” said Paula Halabicki, BASF Technical Marketing Manager. “The treatment offers longer residual properties than its competitors and protects against many weather conditions like drought, hail, frost and heat.”

The AI will be available in several customized products, including Veltyma™ fungicide in corn; Revytek™ fungicide in soybeans; Provysol™ fungicide in potatoes, sugar beets and peanuts; and Cevya® fungicide in grapes, almonds, pome and stone fruit.

Revysol was the big reveal at the 2019 BASF Science Behind media event prior to Commodity Classic. Halabicki and Matt Bradley, BASF Product Marketing Manager, provide more information about the new AI and its product brands in these audio files.

The Fungicide Landscape –
Matt Bradley, BASF - Revysol Announcement

The Future of Fungicides –
Paula Halabicki, BASF, Presentation

Introducing Fungicide Brands –
Matt Bradley, BASF - New Brands

AgWired Precision, Audio, BASF, Fungicide

FMC Announces $50 Million Global R&D Investment

Chuck Zimmerman

Kathy Shelton, FMC, Chief Technology OfficerThis morning I spoke with Kathy Shelton, FMC Chief Technology Officer, about a major R&D announcement from the company. Over the next three years FMC will be investing more than $50 million in capital improvement projects, including a state-of-the-art reconfiguration of a greenhouse and research facility at the company’s Global Research and Development headquarters in Newark, Delaware known as the Stine Research Center.

Kathy says that FMC has not only retained R&D employees after it acquired the facility as part of the acquisition of a portion of DuPont’s crop protection business in 2017 but will be expanding the staff. She also talked about the types of work being done on new modes of action for products like herbicides. Providing a way to address resistant pests is key to this work and new products are already in the pipeline that growers can look forward to.

FMC Delaware R&DFMC plans to reconfigure an existing structure at the facility to enhance its global research and development (R&D) efforts. In support of the project, the company plans to hire 13 employees over the next three years, which would bring its total of full-time R&D employees at the Delaware campus to approximately 375. The new positions include professional scientists and skilled associates, adding approximately $1.3 million to its annual payroll. The site’s total workforce of nearly 600 includes support staff and contractors.

“We will invest nearly $2 billion in research and development through 2023 as a cornerstone of FMC’s long-term growth strategy,” said Mark Douglas, president and chief operating officer. “FMC employees at the Stine Research Center will lead much of this critical discovery and development work to serve our global business and customers. We’re pleased to partner with the State of Delaware to further our investment in the area.”

To support its expansion, the Council for Development Finance (CDF) approved a grant for $1,642,500 from the Delaware Strategic Fund, including $142,500 for a performance grant and $1.5 million for a capital expenditure grant. The grant supplements the company’s own investment over a three-year period. Both grants are contingent upon meeting employment benchmarks.

You can listen to my interview with Kathy here to learn more about what the investment means: Interview with Kathy Shelton, FMC

Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Audio, FMC