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

AgGrad 30 Under 30 Announced

Chuck Zimmerman

Yesterday on National Ag Day, AgGrad announced winners of the first ever AgGrad 30 Under 30 Awards, a program created to celebrate the young professionals shaping the future of agriculture.

Fourteen judges selected winners from peer and self nominations based on contributions in their career, community, and the industry at large. Winners will be featured on AgGrad’s social media channels and in a special print and online publication.


AgGrad 30 Under 30 2019 Winners By Category Include:
Read More

Agribusiness, Video

Zimfo Bytes 3/15

Carrie Muehling

  • Graduate and undergraduate students are invited to participate in the third annual “Better Seed, Better Life” student video contest sponsored by the American Seed Trade Association, the National Association of Plant Breeders, and the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Soil Science Society of America. The 2019 contest theme is: “Our Planet, Our Health, Our Food – It all starts with the seed.” Video submissions are due by August 31, 2019.
  • As farmers, ranchers and rural communities grapple with a devastatingly weak farm economy, nearly 200 organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation and several state Farm Bureaus, are urging congressional budget writers to reject calls for additional cuts to farm bill programs.
  • National Farmers Union joined the Carbon Capture Coalition in submitting a letter to leaders in Congress to highlight the importance of “carbon capture research, development, and commercial deployment as an essential component of a broader strategy to decarbonize power generation and key industry sectors by midcentury” to meet climate goals.
  • Fifty FFA chapters have received Microsoft FarmBeats Student Kits as part of a collaboration between the National FFA Organization and Microsoft Corp.
  • 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.
  • Swanson Russell welcomes Dave Garretson, Leen Glenn, Jodi Hoatson, Dustin Smith, Kelli Sweeney and Mollie Wilken.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service will host a listening session Friday, March 22, to solicit input from stakeholders with an interest in FAS programs authorized under the Trade Title of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.
  • The Farm Foundation will host a conference on Agricultural Trade in a Time of Uncertainty on April 30, 2019 at the Doubletree Hotel Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia.
  • Ducks Unlimited announced the hiring of Adam H. Putnam as their new CEO effective April 1.
  • Every five years, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts a program review following the completion of the Census of Agriculture. Based on the latest review, a number of changes have been made and can be found at www.nass.usda.gov/Surveys/Program_Review.
  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the initial down-select list of 136 Expressions of Interest received from parties in 35 states vying to become the new homes of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
  • Galileo Wheel, cutting-edge developers of next generation farming and construction equipment, are due to launch their new Galileo AgriCup tire this spring.
  • On National Ag Day, AgGrad announced winners of the first ever AgGrad 30 Under 30 Awards, a program created to celebrate the young professionals shaping the future of agriculture. Winners will be featured on AgGrad’s social media channels and in a special print and online publication.
Zimfo Bytes