Precision Ag Bytes 5/22

Carrie Muehling

  • While farmers struggle to get crops in the ground, barge traffic ferrying fertilizer north is at a standstill. As concerns about fertilizer availability intensify, Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC is working with farmers to find alternative ways to meet the nutritional demands of their crops this season, especially nitrogen. Helena recommends adding a nitrogen stabilizer to stretch supply as far as possible, spreading out applications, and applying nitrogen as close to uptake as possible to minimize the amount of time nitrogen is susceptible to loss in the soil.
  • IBM has announced the global expansion of Watson Decision Platform for Agriculture, with AI technology tailored for new crops and specific regions to help feed a growing population. For the first time, IBM is providing a global agriculture solution that combines predictive technology with data from The Weather Company, an IBM Business, and IoT data to help give farmers around the world greater insights about planning, plowing, planting, spraying and harvesting.
  • The 2019 Farm Progress Show will host a competitive soil judging contest for Illinois and Indiana FFA chapters at its show site near Decatur, IL. The contest will be held Tuesday, August 27, the first day of the show. The 2019 show dates are August 27, 28 and 29. FFA chapter advisors should pre-register their teams by Aug. 14.
  • To enable the Soil Health Partnership to fully leverage its unique data set, SHP established Data Supporters as a new sponsorship level. Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) is the first organization to earn the title. The SHP Data Supporters are investing in the SHP as the organization builds its infrastructure, knowledge and analytical might in data creation, collection, management and analysis.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes

Alltech Researcher Honored at #ONE19

Cindy Zimmerman

Dr. Richard Murphy, who has been the research director at the Alltech European Bioscience Center in Ireland for 17 of his 25 years with the company, is the recipient of this year’s Alltech Medal of Excellence. The award, which is Alltech’s highest distinction, was presented this week at ONE19, the annual Alltech Ideas Conference in Lexington, KY.

Murphy was recognized for his pioneering work in the areas of organic trace element assimilation, microbial enzyme technology, and the mitigation of antimicrobial resistance in livestock production.

In this interview, Dr. Murphy talks about his work at Alltech and his passion for research.
Interview with Alltech research director Dr. Richard Murphy

2019 Alltech Ideas Conference Photo Album

AgWired Animal, Alltech, Audio, Livestock, Research

GROWMARK Launches AgValidity Platform

Carrie Muehling

GROWMARK is partnering with startup technology companies with its AgValidity testing platform to bring new research and developments to its member companies and farmer customers.

“We kind of saw this opportunity where we potentially could be the conduit or the connecting point between these really smart, innovative people that had great ideas but maybe didn’t have farm experience or access to the farm gate to talk to a farmer or test their product with an actual farmer to see if it’s valuable,” said Lance Ruppert, director of agronomy marketing technology for GROWMARK.

Ruppert hopes the partnership will be a “win-win-win” as GROWMARK will help to identify cutting edge companies and help them to gain credibility with farmers and agricultural customers who will ultimately benefit from their products and services. Current projects include the areas of remote sensing, biologicals, and soil health.

Listen to Carrie’s interview with Lance here: Interview with Lance Ruppert, GROWMARK

AgWired Precision, Audio, GROWMARK, Precision Agriculture

Bear Grylls Receives Alltech Humanitarian Award

Cindy Zimmerman

Outdoor adventurist Bear Grylls provided the keynote address for the Alltech ONE Ideas Conference opening plenary session, and was surprised to be presented with the Alltech Humanitarian Award at the conclusion of his remarks.

The ONE audience was riveted by Grylls’ stories and inspired by his “NGU” (Never Give Up) spirit. Dr. Mark Lyons joined him on stage after his remarks and both shared stories of how their late fathers inspired them.

Listen here to their conversation:

Bear Grylls and Dr. Mark Lyons

2019 Alltech Ideas Conference Photo Album

AgWired Animal, Alltech, Audio

Alltech ONE, Day One

Cindy Zimmerman

Alltech CEO Dr. Mark Lyons is hosting his second Alltech Ideas Conference since the passing of his father and company founder Dr. Pearse Lyons early last year – and since disruption and change is what Alltech is all about, nothing has changed.

“Dad always said that the only constant in this company is change,” said Dr. Lyons. He talked about how Alltech continues to evolve in his opening address where he announced a new collaboration to fight African Swine Fever (AFS) and a partnership with the University of Kentucky Healthcare.

Dr. Mark Lyons opening remarks

After the opening session, Dr. Lyons participated in a press conference with representatives of UK Healthcare, as well as Alltech Research Director Dr. Richard Murphy and Robbie Walker, CEO of Alltech subsidiary Keenan. Dr. Lyons answered questions from the media on a variety of topics, including AFS and the trade war with China, where he lived for six years.

Alltech Press Conference

Alltech ONE19 continues through Tuesday.

2019 Alltech Ideas Conference Photo Album

AgWired Animal, Alltech, Audio

Growing Demand for U.S. Soy Abroad

Cindy Zimmerman

While trade tensions between the U.S. and China continue, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is working to build global demand and expand market access for U.S. soy products and support the American farmer.

Since last year, USSEC hosted events around the globe with new and existing customers to show appreciation for their business and grow it even further. Last week, USSEC CEO Jim Sutter joined other USSEC representatives for events in Nigeria, Taiwan, Japan and Thailand meant to bring together U.S. exporters and grower leaders with existing and potential customers.

Sutter provided an update on what USSEC is doing to increase demand for U.S. soy abroad during a press briefing on Friday. He was joined by USSEC staff members Paul Burke and Timothy Loh, and Iowa soybean farmer Morey Hill.

Listen here:

USSEC media call
Audio, Exports, Soybean, Trade, USSEC

Animal Ag Bites 5/20

Carrie Muehling

  • The Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin marketing team took home a Gold award for their Wisconsin Cheese brand activation at the 2019 Association of National Advertiser’s REGGIE Awards competition. Wisconsin Cheese was recognized for superior brand marketing along with some of the biggest brands in the world including Oreo, Coca-Cola, Cheetos, and Taco Bell. Their winning campaign was The World’s Longest Cheeseboard experience at South by Southwest in March 2018. The team later made history by officially setting a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title in August 2018.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture is furthering its overall African Swine Fever preparedness efforts with the implementation of a surveillance plan. As part of this plan, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will work with the swine industry, the states, and veterinary diagnostic laboratories to test for ASF.
  • A new U.S. Department of Agriculture blueprint, published in Frontiers and Genetics, will serve as a guide for research and funding in animal genomics for 2018-2027 that will facilitate genomic solutions to enable producers to meet increasing future demands for animal products by a growing world population.
  • Pre-registration for the 2019 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting July 29 – August 1 in Denver, CO, is now open. Register by Friday, July 12, or on-site beginning Monday, July 29. The Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting media room is among the best in agriculture, with comfortable work space and ready high-speed internet access. NCBA staff will be available to help you line up interviews and answer questions about current events and industry topics. Full registration cost is provided for working editorial media covering the conference. The only charge is for spouses, guests or any special events. This complimentary registration is reserved for working media on assignment. Find the full conference schedule here.
AgWired Animal, Animal Bites

AFIA Honors Members, Elects Leadership

Carrie Muehling

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) honored award winners and elected officers during its annual spring meeting in Orlanda, Fla.

The organization named T.J. Biggs, director of technical services and quality assurance at Global Animal Products, its Member of the Year. The Member of the Year Award is presented to an AFIA member who exhibits outstanding support in achieving the organization’s goals and objectives throughout the year.

Bill Barr, president of Bill Barr & Company, accepted the 2019 Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award is AFIA’s highest honor and is typically given to the elite members of the U.S. animal food industry who have provided outstanding support to AFIA and the entire animal food industry throughout their careers.

Tim Belstra, chairman of Belstra Milling Co., is the AFIA new chairman. His one-year term is effective through the end of AFIA’s fiscal year April 30, 2020. Scott Druker of Church & Dwight Company, Inc. is chair-elect of the organization and will succeed Belstra in May 2020.

AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Feed

NCGA Promotes Corn in Pet Food

Carrie Muehling

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) was on hand to talk with those attending the recent Petfood Forum in Kansas City. More than 3,000 people from 38 countries took part in the event.

“The U.S. is the top pet food market in the world, and retail sales are actually expected to top $39 billion by 2023,” said Sarah McKay, director of market development at NCGA.

McKay shared information from a study commissioned by NCGA and the Kansas Corn Growers through Kansas State University looking at the benefits of corn in pet food, including the antioxidant profile and added value when it comes to immunology and colon health.

She debunked four key myths about corn in pet food, helping consumers to understand the corn is not bad for pets, does not cause allergies, does not contain gluten and is more than just a filler ingredient when added to pet food. More information about the benefits of including corn in pet food is available at www.ncga.com/petfood.

Listen to Carrie’s interview with Sarah here: Interview with Sarah McKay, NCGA

Audio, Corn, NCGA

Zimfo Bytes 5/17

Carrie Muehling

  • The American Farm Bureau Federation and Florida Farm Bureau today presented Rep. Theodore Yoho (R-Fla.) with AFBF’s Golden Plow award. The Golden Plow is the highest honor the organization gives to sitting members of Congress.
  • The World Food Prize Foundation announces the opening of registration for the 2019 Borlaug Dialogue International Symposium Pax Agricultura: Peace Through Agriculture.
  • Anheuser-Busch has announced it is investing $30,000 in Hop Growers of America (HGA) as part of its commitment to its 2025 Sustainability Goals and to the broader agricultural community.
  • Highlights from Swanson Russell’s annual meeting in April point to continued business growth as well as a milestone in high employee satisfaction and culture. In 2018, Swanson Russell had one of its best years financially and as a result, staff has increased to a record high of 163 full-time employees in the Lincoln, Omaha and remote offices. Recently, the agency was recognized by Quantum Workplace as one of Lincoln’s Best Places to Work in the medium-size business category. The Quantum Workplace competition annually surveys and recognizes employee engagement.
Zimfo Bytes