Zimfo Bytes 9/7

Carrie Muehling

  • AdFarm announced the launch of AgIntel. Notable leadership roles in AgIntel include Glenn Dawes, global director of insights; Matt Weeks, AdFarm strategic lead; and Shannon Warren, senior agronomist.
  • 4-H Canada announced the 2018 recipients of the John Deere Canada 4-H Scholarships. Fifteen 4-H members from across Canada were selected to receive $1,000 each towards their post-secondary education in the fall of 2018, thanks to the generous support of partner John Deere Canada.
  • Four leaders working in diverse areas of the nation’s food and agriculture sector have been elected to serve on the Farm Foundation Board of Directors. They are Dan Basse, CEO of AgResources Inc., Robert Jones, Chancellor of the University of Illinois, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, a six-time Olympic medalist, and Andy LaVigne, President of the American Seed Trade Association.
  • How colleges and universities are facing changes in the composition of funding, including reductions in public funding, and the opportunities they may create for new educational approaches, will be the focus of the Farm Foundation® Forum on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018.
  • Agri-Pulse introduces a new afternoon podcast called Agri-Pulse DriveTime. Agri-Pulse DriveTime will be posted to the Agri-Pulse web site at 5:00 pm Eastern time from Monday through Friday. Veteran farm broadcaster Jeff Nalley, who produces the Agri-Pulse Open Mic interviews, will handle the reporting duties this week with support from the entire Agri-Pulse team of experienced journalists in Washington and across the country.
  • Save the date! Conference registration for American Seed Trade Association‘s 58th Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference opened September 4. Make plans to attend this global business networking event February 1-5, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. For more information, click here.
  • The National Corn Growers Association welcomes Peter Laudeman, who joins the organization as the legislative assistant for the Washington office.
  • A & L Canada Laboratories Inc. announces Nevin McDougall has joined the company as President and Chief Commercial Officer.
  • FAPRI-MU’s 2018 August Baseline Update for U.S. Agricultural Markets is now available online.
  • Enter Pioneer’s 2018 #YieldHero contest from September 2 through November 3, 2018 for the chance to win a Pioneer prize pack. One winner will be selected every Tuesday starting on September 11 and ending on November 6. Harvest photos featuring Pioneer brand products can be submitted to Twitter, Facebook, or email. See Official Rules at Pioneer.com/YieldHero.
Agri-Pulse, ASTA, Farm Foundation, NCGA, Pioneer, Zimfo Bytes

A ZimmCast on GROWMARK

Chuck Zimmerman

This week the ZimmCast, sponsored by GROWMARK, will feature interviews from the GROWMARK Annual Meeting. 

Carrie Muehling interviewed GROWMARK CEO Jim Spradlin about the company’s new strategy, based on the acronym ‘GROW’ which is not just focused on getting bigger. It’s focused on getting better.

She also interviewed Illinois farmer Rick Nelson who has served on the GROWMARK board for 28 years and is retiring from it.

Ann Kafer, vice president of human resources and strategy officer talked with Carrie about the GROW acronym which stands for Good Relationships, Resources of Unmatched Value, Optimized Supply Chain, and Winning Innovations.

Finally, you’ll hear from Chuck Spencer, GROWMARK director of corporate and government relations on watching farm policy and regulations.

All of the individual interviews are posted on the GROWMARK virtual newsroom if you would like to use them.

Listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 595 - GROWMARK Annual Meeting

Don’t forget that GROWMARK has its own podcast!

The ZimmCast

sponsored by
The ZimmCast podcast is sponsored by GROWMARK
Locally owned, globally strong.
Audio, Cooperatives, GROWMARK, ZimmCast

Corn Growers Join Farmers For Free Trade at #FPS18

Cindy Zimmerman

Last week was a big one for trade news impacting agriculture, so Farmers for Free Trade (FFT) Executive Director Brian Kuehl and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) president Kevin Skunes had a lot to talk about during a press conference at Farm Progress Show.

Regarding news that U.S. and Mexico had reached a preliminary NAFTA deal, Kuehl expressed some concerns. “A deal with Mexico is not a renegotiated NAFTA,” he said. “It will be necessary for Canada to rejoin the negotiations and for an agreement to be reached among all parties before a judgement can be made.”

“We hope that (the US-Mexico) agreement entices Canada to come back to the bargaining table,” Skunes added. “We hope to have a tri-lateral agreement done as a NAFTA 2.0, rather than just a bi-lateral.”

Other issues discussed during the press conference were the tariff war with China, and the administration’s trade mitigation program designed to help farmers weather the impacts of trade retaliation by other countries.

Listen to it here:
FPS18 Farmers for Free Trade, National Corn Growers press conference

2018 Farm Progress Show

Content Creation at the Farm Progress Show brought to you by Farm Progress Show content creation courtesy of John DeereCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by GrowmarkCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience
Audio, Corn, Farm Progress Show, NCGA, Trade

Test Driving a Textron Prowler Pro

Chuck Zimmerman

During my final minutes at this year’s Farm Progress Show I visited Textron Off Road and rode along with Ben Smith in a new Prowler Pro. I got my turn after he walked me through the new features and benefits of this vehicle. Watch the video below to hear him explain what’s new with this Textron model.

Where does Prowler Pro get its quiet work ethic? Look no further than the American factory it was born in. And the legacy of Textron vehicles that stand behind it. With a whisper-quiet, 50HP engine, plenty of storage space and more than 50 custom and easy-to-install accessories, Prowler Pro is ready to dig in — whether you’re on the clock or on the hunt.

I like the work ethic idea and I like the quiet. I especially like the idea of using it on the hunt. But this rugged machine will also handle many chores on the farm too. There are many ways you can customize and accessorize the Prowler Pro and you can find ideas right here.


2018 Farm Progress Show

Content Creation at the Farm Progress Show brought to you by Farm Progress Show content creation courtesy of John DeereCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by GrowmarkCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience
Farm Progress Show, Hunting, Video

New NCGA Officer Talks Top Issues at #FPS18

Cindy Zimmerman

The National Corn Growers Association leadership team was out in full force last week at the Farm Progress Show, including the new kid on the board, Kevin Ross of Iowa.

Ross was elected this summer to become the organization’s first vice president for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, and he is jumping right into the issues head first – and there is definitely a lot talk about.

In our 10 minute sit down at FPS, Ross covered everything from the latest trade and tariff developments, to ethanol and the RFS, the 2018 Farm Bill and zombie WOTUS. Since we will be hearing a lot from him in the next few years as an NCGA officer, listen here and get to know Kevin Ross a little better. FPS18 Interview with Iowa farmer Kevin Ross, NCGA vice president

2018 Farm Progress Show

Content Creation at the Farm Progress Show brought to you by Farm Progress Show content creation courtesy of John DeereCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by GrowmarkCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience
Audio, Corn, Ethanol, Farm Bill, Farm Progress Show, NCGA, Trade

GROWMARK Watching Farm Policy and Regulation

Carrie Muehling

While farmers and cooperators gathered at GROWMARK‘s annual meeting in Chicago last week still have concerns about what’s happening in the nation’s capitol, they continue to be optimistic about agriculture.

“I think what they’re concerned about is where the election is going to go and what that means for their business. Overall, the mood is still very strong in the agricultural sector, and that’s in the face of some very challenging pricing,” said Chuck Spencer, GROWMARK director of corporate and government relations.

Spencer said the month of September is critical when it comes to farm bill discussion, as well as trade agreements. Even though harvest is just beginning across the Midwest, farmers and agribusinesses are already making decisions that will impact next year’s growing season.

“Business and farmers alike like to know consistency of regulation. What are the programs? How are they going to be implemented? Certainly, transparency in their development and then predictability of what will occur in the coming updates of regulation,” said Spencer.

Other important concerns for farmers include risk management, conservation, and regulatory items like the Waters of the United States ruling.

Listen to Carrie’s interview with Chuck here: Interview with Chuck Spencer, GROWMARK

Audio, Cooperatives, Farm Policy, GROWMARK

ASTA Outlines Seed Industry Priorities for Farm Bill

Cindy Zimmerman

The 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee is holding its first public meeting today in Washington and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) has notified committee members of key provisions important to the seed industry within the legislation. In a recent letter to Conferees, ASTA highlighted priorities within the Conservation, Trade, Research, Horticulture and Crop Insurance titles.

ASTA CEO Andy LaVigne says among priorities in the Conservation title is concern about a provision in the House version that would limit the cost share for seed in the Conservation Reserve Program to 25-percent. “In order to promote transparency in conservation seed mix formulations, ASTA suggests conference report language directing states to form standing Seed Subcommittees under the State Technical Committees,” says LaVigne.

In addition, related to conservation but under the Crop Insurance title, ASTA supports language in the Senate bill which amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to clarify conditions for voluntary conservation practices, including cover crops.

In the Trade title, ASTA supports language in both versions that would merge the Market Access Program (MAP), the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program (TASC), and the Emerging Markets Program (EMP) and provide funding for the merged programs at or above current levels.

LaVigne says ASTA is also supporting new authorization of $200 million in mandatory funds for research, which is included in the Senate bill but not the House, and specific language in the Horticulture title to amend the Plant Variety Protection Act to include asexually propagated materials such as flowers. as well as language in the House Farm Bill which creates a definition for biostimulants.

LaVigne talks about ASTA priorities and his thoughts on when a final bill will be completed in this interview:
Interview with ASTA CEO Andy LaVigne on Farm Bill priorities

AgWired Precision, ASTA, Audio, Farm Bill, Seed

Deere Introduces High-Capacity Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters

Cindy Zimmerman

John Deere showcased the all-new 9000 Series Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters (SPFH) at last week’s Farm Progress Show, drawing a lot of interest from attendees.

The four new models, which range from 616 hp to 957 hp, are able to provide up to 400 tons of throughput per hour, along with optimum corn silage processing independent of the length of cut, according to Shaun Fritchey, senior marketing rep, forage harvesters. “Compared to its predecessor, the 9000 Series is 10 percent more productive per horsepower and offers a 10 percent improvement in kernel processing.”

Fritchey says the improved performance and capabilities of the 9000 Series enable producers and custom harvesters to obtain the highest possible return on investment under narrow harvesting windows where high-capacity and high-quality feed are the goal.

Learn more in this press release and this interview from Farm Progress Show –FPS18 Deere interview with Shaun Fritchey

John Deere at the 2018 Farm Progress Show

Content Creation at the Farm Progress Show brought to you by Farm Progress Show content creation courtesy of John DeereCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by GrowmarkCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience
AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Audio, Equipment, Farm Progress Show, Forage, Harvest, John Deere

Precision Ag Bytes 9/5

Carrie Muehling

  • Kansas State University and Topcon Agriculture are collaborating to develop tools and systems to advance precision agriculture and support farmers.
  • Legion Bio Chem is the newest player in the soil enhancement market. Four product families currently comprise the GroWell offering to maximize growth potential: FasGro, ZenaGro, FortiGro and EnduraGro. Each product category delivers on the Legion Bio Chem promise: Start Well, Grow Well.
  • Kubota Tractor Corporation announced a new partnership with Tavant Technologies, a leading provider of aftermarket solutions. Going into effect in early 2019, Kubota will deploy the Tavant Warranty On-Demand (TWOD) platform as its sole application for handling warranty claims and related aftermarket business processes.
  • Golden Harvest® announced the rollout of E-Luminate®, an exclusive digital offering that draws upon extensive agronomic data to help farmers make more informed seed selection decisions.
  • Vermeer is building the first five ZR5-1200 self-propelled balers to make available at a limited number of Iowa and Nebraska Vermeer dealerships. These dealerships are in key cornstalk baling areas where the machines can put up a large number of bales during this fall season. The select dealerships have participated in specialized training to help support the ZR5.
  • One year after announcing a comprehensive long-term commitment to the NK® seed brand, Syngenta is reporting significant growth across the NK organization. The combined NK sales and agronomy team is tripling in size, the number of U.S. plant breeders is increasing by 50 percent and product trials by 30 percent, and the number of new corn chassis is going up by 58 percent, from 19 per year to 30 per year.
  • As Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, continues to prepare the market for the large-scale commercialization of Enlist E3™ soybeans, growing knowledge about this technology remains essential. Enlist E3 soybeans will be broadly licensed to the industry, and the Corteva Agriscience team is engaged with seed companies across the country that are preparing to incorporate Enlist E3 soybeans into their product lineup.
  • Ag Leader announced new fall features added to its full-farm connectivity platform, AgFiniti®, bringing an even higher level of in-season visibility to growers and trusted advisors.
  • The American Seed Research Foundation and the National Council of Commercial Plant Breeders voted at their joint 2018 Annual Meeting to combine their efforts and resources into a new not-for-profit foundation named the Seed Science Foundation. Its central mission is to address seed and plant science challenges and to encourage plant breeding education and seed research in support of the ever-changing needs of the global seed industry.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Syngenta

Nelson Leaving GROWMARK Board After 28 Years

Carrie Muehling

Over the course of his 28 years of service on the GROWMARK Board of Directors, Illinois farmer Rick Nelson has seen a lot of change in the organization.

When he was elected to the board in 1990, the cooperative operated exclusively in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Nearly 30 years later, GROWMARK has a presence in at least 40 states, as well as Ontario, Canada. While tremendous growth is the biggest change Nelson has seen, there were plenty of challenges and difficult decisions faced over the years. He said he was fortunate to farm with his father in the early years and more recently with his son, as serving on a board like this one does take time away from the farming operation.

“Serving on a co-op board at whatever level you do that is a time commitment,” said Nelson, who farms near Paxton, Ill. “It’s a passionate commitment. You need to be dedicated to doing that because it will draw you away from your own personal activities or farming activities at times that are inconvenient. But that’s what the job involves, so you accept that commitment when you come on and live by that.”

Nelson named the decision to purchase assets of companies in the eastern part of the country as major decisions he’ll remember from his time on the board. He also called his Cooperator of the Year award for Illinois in 2017 a personal highlight. Nelson is retiring from the GROWMARK Board, but will continue farming and will also continue as president of his local cooperative elevator board.

Listen to this interview from the GROWMARK annual meeting: Interview with Rick Nelson, Vice Chairman of GROWMARK Board of Directors

AgWired Precision, Audio, Cooperatives, GROWMARK