CropLife America Supports Science Behind Glyphosate

Cindy Zimmerman

CropLife America president and CEO Chris Novak is hopeful that science will prevail in the end when it comes to legal and regulatory challenges to products such as glyphosate.

“The thing that we can rely upon is the science conducted by, not just the U.S. regulatory agencies, …but most all of our chemistries are approved and in use in countries around the world,” said Novak in an interview at the Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit this week in Washington DC. “When you start to take a look at the safety profile of glyphosate, there’s a strong story to be told.”

CropLife America was a major sponsor of the Agri-Pulse summit. Listen to my interview with Chris here: Agri-Pulse 2019 Summit Interview with Chris Novak, CropLife America

2019 Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit Photo Album

Agri-Pulse, Agribusiness, AgWired Precision

Bayer Reacts to Verdict in Second Roundup Case

Cindy Zimmerman

A jury in California reached a unanimous verdict Tuesday that the herbicide Roundup was a significant factor in causing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma to develop in a second person. Another jury reached that conclusion last year and awarded the plaintiff $289 million.

The verdict this week is the first phase of the trial in the case of 70-year Edwin Hardeman. The trial will now proceed to the damages phase.

Bayer, which acquired Roundup when it bought Monsanto last year, stands by the safety of the glyphosate-based herbicide.
A statement from the company says, “We are disappointed with the jury’s initial decision, but we continue to believe firmly that the science confirms that glyphosate-based herbicides do not cause cancer. We are confident the evidence in phase two will show that Monsanto’s conduct has been appropriate and that the company should not be liable for Mr. Hardeman’s cancer. Regardless of the outcome, however, the decision in phase one of this trial has no impact on future cases and trials because each one has its own factual and legal circumstances. We have great sympathy for Mr. Hardeman and his family, but an extensive body of science supports the conclusion that Roundup™ was not the cause of his cancer. Bayer stands behind these products and will vigorously defend them.”

AgWired Precision, Bayer, Herbicide

Precision Ag Bytes 3/20

Carrie Muehling

  • Kubota Corporation announced its decision to utilize the development and production capabilities of Buhler Industries Inc. for a new series of tractors. Buhler has a proven track record for designing, manufacturing, and distributing large tractors in North America.
  • The Yield Lab Institute has released a new report on agtech ecosystems titled “Foundations for Agricultural Ecosystems.” The Yield Lab Institute and Universidad Austral commissioned this whitepaper in an effort to begin to define the “Rules of Engagement” for agriculture technology stakeholders.
  • Weather conditions halted nitrogen applications last fall, and with a wet start to spring, it’s likely farmers’ fertilizer plans will remain behind schedule. With March in full swing, farmers may soon need to weigh their options on how and when to apply nitrogen and still hit optimum planting dates. Jason Welker, Mycogen Seeds commercial agronomist for western Nebraska, says there are still several valid options for farmers to apply the required nitrogen.
  • Belchim Crop Protection USA announces that Beloukha®, a new biodegradable herbicide, has received approval for EPA registration, and has been submitted to all states for registration across the United States.
  • Aromyx, Inc., a CA-based, big data start-up set to revolutionize agtech, has been announced as the winner of the Radicle Challenge at the World Agri-Tech 2019 Pitch Day in San Francisco. Selected from a pool of eight finalists, Aromyx, Inc. has unlocked a $250k investment and mentoring from Radicle Growth.
  • Concentric Ag Corporation, a developer of biological and plant nutrient inputs, has formed an alliance with AgroCares that will add real-time soil nutrient diagnostics to the services it currently provides to broadacre and specialty crop growers.
  • Corn researchers from around the world gathered in St. Louis last week for the annual Maize Genetics Conference. This year, many presentations and posters highlighted the importance of the Genomes to Fields research initiative, which has been financially supported through state and national corn grower organizations.
  • Scientists at NRGene have unveiled the most complete genome assemblies ever achieved for the top two leading cultivated cotton species. The study sheds light on the mysterious origins and domestication of modern cotton—and helps explain how differences in the genes between cotton species has led to striking changes in fiber quality, growth habits, and yields. The research was published in Nature Genetics.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes

ZimmCast 611 – National Ag Day

Chuck Zimmerman

This week’s program focuses on National Ag Day activities in our nation’s Capitol.

In the program you’ll hear from Senator Pat Roberts who made remarks during the Celebration of American Agriculture reception. I also interviewed Isabella Chism, American Farm Bureau Federation, who is the Chair for National Ag Day. 

Next up is USDA Deputy Secretary, Steve Censky, who spoke prior to moderating a panel discussion, “Observations from the Next Generation of America’s Agriculturists.” After his remarks you can listen to National Ag Day Essay Contest winner Grace Brose, South Dakota.

You can find a recap of National Ag Day activities here. If you’d like to listen to more from the events and find lots of photos then check out my virtual ag newsroom here.

I hope you enjoy this week’s program and thank you for listening.

Listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 611 - National Ag Day

Ag Day, AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Audio, USDA, ZimmCast

Another Successful Agri-Pulse Summit

Cindy Zimmerman

The 2019 Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit was another success for the best farm policy news team in the free world.

The event at the National Press Club featured an all-star line up that started with USDA Chief Economist Rob Johannson, and ended with Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney, with Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach at midday. Dozens of agricultural organizations, agribusinesses and food companies were also included on the program, as sponsors, and in attendance.

The day packed in enough food for thought about the future of agriculture and farm policy to keep us all from going hungry for a long time! Here is just a taste of what was on the menu for your listening pleasure.

Agri-Pulse 2019 Summit - USDA Chief Economist Rob Johannson

Agri-Pulse 2019 Summit - USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach

Agri-Pulse 2019 Summit - USDA Under Secretary Ted McKinney

2019 Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit Photo Album

Agri-Pulse, AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Audio, Farm Policy, USDA

New Waivers Hurt Corn and Ethanol Producers

Cindy Zimmerman

Much to the dismay of farmers and ethanol producers, the Environmental Protection Agency has approved five more 2017 Small Refinery Exemptions to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and is considering two more petitions for 2018 exemptions, bringing the total to 39.

“It’s extremely disappointing and outrageous to see EPA once again allow oil refiners to undermine the RFS and hurt family farms, ethanol producers and our environment by exploiting and abusing a statutory provision that exempts them from their obligations to blend renewable fuels,” said Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper.

RFA held a media call just hours before the waivers were announced by EPA to talk about a number of issues, including how the dozens of small refinery exemptions that have already been granted are destroying demand for corn and ethanol. A new analysis shows how ethanol consumption declined in the United States from 2017 to 2018, the first decline in two decades.

Taking part in the call with Cooper were RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman, RFA Chairman Neil Koehler, CEO of Pacific Ethanol, and Steve Walk, COO of Protec Fuel.

Listen here –
RFA media call 3-14-19

Audio, Corn, Ethanol, RFA

Animal Ag Bites 3/18

Carrie Muehling

  • The National Pork Board named Norman Bessac as its new Vice President of International Marketing. Bessac is currently director of international sales for Tyson Fresh Meats, a position he has held since 2016.
  • National Beef Packing Company, LLC announced that it has approved a transaction that will result in it owning 100% of the ownership interests in Iowa Premium, LLC. The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2019.
  • A fuller picture is emerging of the environmental footprint of beef in the United States. An Agricultural Research Service-led team has completed a comprehensive life-cycle analysis quantifying the resource use and various environmental emissions of beef cattle production in the United States. The team began its beef life-cycle analysis in 2013 and published the first of two sets of results in the January 2019 issue of the journal Agricultural Systems.
  • U.S. Poultry & Egg Association has released a 360° virtual reality video that shows how young turkeys are raised and the care they are given by the farmer who is raising them. The video can be viewed on USPOULTRY’s YouTube channel.
  • Legislation proposed by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., that would prohibit mislabeling of non-dairy foods has been reintroduced in Congress. The DAIRY PRIDE Act would make it illegal to market products using dairy terms unless those products are derived from milk that comes from a hooved animal.
  • Rick Cook has joined Ceva Animal Health assuming leadership for Ceva’s U.S. vaccine production and related operations.
AgWired Animal, Animal Bites

Deere Updates Gen 4 Software

Cindy Zimmerman

John Deere recently released 19-1 Gen 4 software and Machine Sync updates to further enhance the automation, documentation, functionality and security of its Generation 4 4600 CommandCenter™ and 4640 Universal Displays.

In fact, the release came just days after the 2019 Commodity Classic, where we talked to John Mishler, marketing manager for precision ag technologies at John Deere. Learn all about it in this interview – Interview with John Mishler, John Deere

2019 Commodity Classic Photo Album

AgWired Precision, Audio, Commodity Classic, John Deere, Precision Agriculture, software, Technology

FMC Offers Solution for Texas Cotton Root Rot

Cindy Zimmerman

Texas Cotton Root Rot is exactly what it says it is – it’s almost exclusively found in Texas, and it causes cotton roots to rot. Within two weeks of the first symptoms the plant dies and the farmer loses his crop.

But FMC Topguard Terra is helping growers in Texas win the battle against cotton root rot and retail market manager Sarah Daily says she is happy to be able to provide that option for growers, since it is the only fungicide that has proven to provide control. Learn more about it in our interview with her from the 2019 Mid-South Farm and Gin Show.

Interview with Sarah Daily, FMC Topguard Terra


Audio, Cotton, Farm & Gin Show, FMC, Fungicide

National Ag Day Honors Youth

Cindy Zimmerman

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) honored the winners of the 2019 National Ag Day video and written essay contest during the celebration in Washington DC this week, and also featured a youth panel discussion moderated by USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky.

The theme for the video and essay contest this year was Agriculture: Food for Life. How does our nation lead the way? The theme presented an opportunity for students to address how American agriculture feeds the growing population. The national written essay winner was Grace Brose from Box Elder, South Dakota, who received a $1,000 prize and travel to Washington, D.C. to read her essay at the National Press Club event and take part in the panel discussion on issues and challenges in agriculture. The national video essay winner for 2019 is Jacob Kandell from Mason, Ohio who also received a $1,000 prize for his video.

Listen to Grace read her essay:
Grace Brose Reads Her Essay

ACA chair Isabella Chism, American Farm Bureau Federation, presented Brose with her award. In this interview, she talks about the National Ag Day activities this week in D.C. and why ACA sponsors the event.
Interview with Isabella Chism

Find more content from National Ag Day on AgNewsWire:
National Ag Day Virtual Newsroom

2019 National Ag Day Photo Album

AFBF, Ag Day, AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision