Driving Ethanol Series on 10 Years of Growth Energy

Cindy Zimmerman

Growth Energy was created in November 2008 and so is celebrating ten years of advocating for ethanol this month. This edition of the Driving Ethanol podcast is the first in a series of three focusing on a decade of accomplishments for the organization.

This podcast includes historical comments from the early years with industry leaders, including Greg Krissek, who was with ethanol plant engineering firm ICM, Inc at the time, first Growth Energy co-chairs Ret. Gen. Wesley Clark and former Rep. Jim Nussle of Iowa, first CEO Tom Buis and current CEO Emily Skor, and President Barack Obama.

Listen here: Growth Energy Driving Ethanol podcast 11-19-18

Subscribe to the Driving Ethanol podcast

Audio, Ethanol

Precision Ag Bytes 11/20

Carrie Muehling

  • Over 60 scholars representing 30 leading U.S. universities have shown their solidarity for the proposed Agriculture Data Act of the next Farm Bill in a letter sent to Senate and House Agriculture Committee leaders. The Ag Data Act would establish the framework for a conservation and farm productivity national data warehouse; the first of its kind in the United States, that would unlock solutions to conserve natural resources and improve farmer success while protecting data privacy.
  • Eighteen national organizations representing agriculture and science communities recently joined together in signing a statement in support of the International Statement on Agricultural Applications of Precision Biotechnology (“the International Statement”) – a global commitment to the fair, science-based treatment of agricultural innovation like gene editing, around the world.
  • The Soil Health Partnership welcomes a new field manager to the growing staff, along with a program coordinator to support farmers in the soil health effort. Madelyn Rabenhorst joins the SHP team to cover the state of South Dakota as a field manager, and Stacey Stiens is already making an impact in her role as Program Coordinator.
  • The U.S. Agency for International Development, Land O’Lakes International Development, and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research announced the six winners of the Feed the Future Fall Armyworm Tech Prize at the AfricaCom conference in South Africa.
  • The CHS Foundation, funded by charitable gifts from CHS Inc., announced a $1.5 million grant to support the South Dakota State University precision agriculture program and construction of the new Raven Precision Agriculture Center on campus.
  • A locally-led, multi-stakeholder program designed to improve the sustainability of winter wheat production in the Southern Plains took top honors as the 2018 Collaboration of the Year at the Field to Market Sustainability Leadership Awards Ceremony in Denver, Colo. The winning collaborators on the innovative and successful Southern Plains Wheat Fieldprint® Project included Illinois-based Agrible, Inc., Archer Daniels Midland and General Mills.
  • Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN and global ingredient supplier Tate & Lyle announced a new collaboration to advance conservation practices on Midwest farms – specifically in sourcing sustainable corn.
  • Organic Materials Review Institute recently approved an organic formulation of Rhizolizer™, a line of non-GMO microbial soil amendments that has proven to be highly successful in increasing yields and reducing time to harvest. The unique treatments, which were developed by Locus Agricultural Solutions™, LLC, have drastically improved the vitality of more than 40,000 acres of crops, leading to demand for organic offerings.
  • The Soil Health Institute (SHI) has released a 60-minute documentary that captures the history of the soil health movement. The film features rural and urban farmers from Maryland to California, selling everything from corn to bouquets, united by their care for the soil.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes

NAFB18 Participants Learn About Alternative Crops

Carrie Muehling

A discussion about alternative crops was on the agenda at the 2018 National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention in Kansas City. Participants included Dr. Rob Myers from the University of Missouri Plant Science Department and Michael Bowman from the National Hemp Association.

With low commodity prices challenging farmers, interest in alternative crops is again increasing. Myers said diverse plant communities can improve soil health, in addition to creating economic opportunities for growers. He talked about sunflowers and canola as two examples of alternative crops that might be possibilities to consider. Bowman spoke about how hemp production is increasing and what that could mean for American farmers.

Listen to the entire session here: NAFB18 Alternative Crops Session

2018 National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention Photo Album

Audio, NAFB

Can-Am Talks Outdoors at NAFB Convention

Chuck Zimmerman

There is a new Defender in town and I have personal experience to tell you it is an awesome one. It is a Can-Am Outdoors Mossy Oak Edition Defender. With a 72 hp Rotax HD10 V-Twin engine it delivers both response and loads of low-down torque for active, sport-oriented riding that hauls.

My hunting club is using one of these vehicles for our annual deer hunt in Georgia. That season goes through mid-January and I’ll be back out there a couple more times before the end of the year. My first trip included deer sightings but no meat in the freezer. By the way, we also started hunting feral hogs a couple years ago after the nasty things showed up to rob corn from our feeders. We’ve harvested a few select ones but our goal is to at least try to reduce their numbers. But I digress from the story of the Defender.

During the 2018 NAFB Convention Trade Talk session I spoke with Can-Am representative Andrew Howard. Andrew is pictured sitting on the Outlander that was on display. Andrew says that Can-Am has a lot of new features and packages for both the Defender and Outlander lines of off road vehicles. There and many accessories that can make these into work horses on or off the farm.

When it comes to farm work Can-Am is making products that are very durable and suited for hard work while also providing serious comfort for the driver. Both Can-Am and their dealers offer financing options for people who need it. You can build your own by just going to the company website.

Listen to my interview with Andrew here: Interview with Andrew Howard, Can-Am

2018 National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention Photo Album

Audio, Can-Am, NAFB

ACT Students Learn at #NAFB18

Chuck Zimmerman

During the 2018 NAFB Convention Cindy and I had the opportunity to talk to the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) who were also in Kansas City for their Professional Development Conference. Our mission was to talk to the group (about 80 ag communications students from more than 10 different universities) about agricultural journalism, where it has been, and where it is headed.

I’m sure we brought up some things that these students would not recognize or understand in today’s world of smart phones and the internet, like the technology we used at the beginning of our careers. Think about using a razor blade to cut reel-to-reel audio tape to edit or a typewriter for copy.

During the Q&A they had great questions which included ones about doing freelance work and how to find it. Part of the purpose of their trip to the NAFB Convention was to network with professionals and perhaps make those connections that would lead to a job after college.

After we were finished with the session I spoke with the college advisor/organizer Dr. Katherine Burke, K-State and senior student at K-State, Leah Geiss. Leah says the group had time to do some networking with farm broadcasters and others at the NAFB convention during Trade Talk and other sessions. She was surprised at the diversity of company types at the convention that included many agribusiness marketing and communication representatives besides the farm broadcasters themselves.

By the way, ACT had sponsors for their PDC trip like the Pork Checkoff but could still use more support for their activities. If you would like to help them out here’s where to go to get more information.

Listen to our interview here: Interview with Dr. Katie Burke and Leah Geiss, K-State

Special thanks to Wyatt Minihan, one of the ACT student members, who took our photo and others for us during Trade Talk!

2018 National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention Photo Album

Coverage of the NAFB Convention is sponsored by
Coverage of the NAFB Convention is sponsored by FMC
Audio, Education, NAFB, University

USDA and FDA to Jointly Regulate Cell-Cultured Meat

Cindy Zimmerman

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced plans to jointly oversee the production of cell-cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry, better known by meat producers as “fake meat.”

The joint regulatory framework would include FDA overseeing cell collection, cell banks, and cell growth and differentiation. A transition from FDA to USDA oversight will occur during the cell harvest stage. USDA will then oversee the production and labeling of food products derived from the cells of livestock and poultry. The public comment period will be extended and will remain open through December 26, 2018.

The National Cattlmen’s Beef Association says the announcement is a step in the right direction, but there is still a lot of work to do on the issue.

At the recent NAFB Trade Talk, NCBA president-elect Jennifer Houston talked about fake meat and her recent testimony at a joint hearing on the topic. “Where NCBA comes down is that USDA food safety inspection service should have the inspection (for fake meat),” said Houston. “If these new companies are going to be in our space of meat, then they should have the same inspection.”

Listen here: NAFB18 Interview with Jennifer Houston, NCBA

2018 National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention Photo Album

AgWired Animal, Audio, Beef, Meat, NCBA

Animal Ag Bites 11/19

Carrie Muehling

  • The annual Animal Agriculture Sustainability Summit will once again be held at the 2019 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta. The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, and is offered free of charge to all registered IPPE attendees.
  • The lawsuit filed by the Organization for Competitive Markets in 2014 over USDA’s refusal to release public audit and financial documents related to Beef Checkoff Program spending has begun its summary judgment phase with a court decision expected in early Spring 2019 as to whether the audit and financial records must be released to the public.
  • Steve Murty was recently named a Vita Plus forage products specialist. Based in central Iowa, Murty will provide on-farm forage support for staff and dairy producers in Wisconsin, northern Illinois, northern Iowa, Minnesota and eastern South Dakota.
  • Lotito Foods introduces Cheese Folios™. The Cheese Folios line includes lightly baked pliable sheets of cheese made from Parmesan, Cheddar or Jarlsberg® cheese. These quick and easy baked recipes have only 1 gram of carbs and provide 12 grams of protein per serving.
  • Afimilk, a leading provider of advanced software solutions for dairy and herd management, announced the commercial availability of AfiFarm 5.3, the latest in the company’s market-leading product line of dairy management software, and Afi2Go Pro, a new mobile app designed to provide management teams with the ultimate in flexibility.
  • The USPOULTRY Foundation recently received a $100,000 check from Pilgrim’s. The check is the final contribution of Pilgrim’s commitment to the USPOULTRY Foundation’s Ensuring the Future campaign to enhance the stability and prosperity of the poultry and egg industries.
AgWired Animal, Animal Bites

Poncho/VOTiVO 2.0 Boosts Yields Again

Carrie Muehling

BASF looks to bring even more yield to growers with Poncho® /VOTiVO® 2.0, adding a third mode of action to a trusted family of products.

Since Poncho came on the scene in 2004, followed by Poncho/VOTiVO in 2011, the products have been providing secondary insect protection and yield boosts to growers. The newest product brings even more advantages, said Kerry Grossweiler, BASF Seed Solutions Product Manager.

“[It has] an additional biologic bacterial that increases the microbial activity in the soil around the corn roots. It results in additional nutrient availability and uptake by the corn plant,” said Grossweiler.

Trials show that translates to an average yield increase of 3.8 bushels per acre over previous versions as it pushes the plant to work harder. Grossweiler encouraged growers to talk to local seed dealers about the opportunity do a trial with Poncho/VOTiVO 2.0 in 2019. Grossweiler was at the 2018 National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention in Kansas City.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Kerry here: NAFB18 Interview with Kerry Grossweiler, BASF

2018 National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention Photo Album

AgWired Precision, Audio, BASF, NAFB

Zimfo Bytes 11/16

Carrie Muehling

  • Farmer’s Business Network, Inc. is now offering a full range of crop insurance products and services through its affiliate FBN Insurance LLC. Farmers interested in new coverage offerings supported by FBN’s technology and analytical capabilities can get a free personal analysis at https://fbn.com/try-insurance.
  • Plan to attend the 2019 Ag & Food HR Roundtable July 30 – August 1, 2019 in Ames, Iowa presented by AgCareers.com, thanks to co-hosts BASF and Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
  • The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ October U.S. Ag Tractor and Combine Report shows overall sales remained positive year-to-date, although a few categories recorded October declines.
  • New Holland has formed a year-long strategic relationship with Dave Sparks, also known as ‘Heavy D’, who is an entrepreneur, custom vehicle builder and social media personality. Sparks also stars in the Discovery TV series, Diesel Brothers.
  • At the Cotton Sourcing USA Summit, Cotton Council International President Ted Schneider addressed how the U.S. cotton industry intends to meet its 2025 sustainability goals. Central to his remarks was the introduction of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol.
  • Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of sixteen members to serve on the National Watermelon Promotion Board.
  • In response to an announcement made by the American Medical Association to create front-of-package food warning labels that would mislead consumers, the Sugar Association President and CEO Courtney Gaine PhD, RD, issued the following statement voicing concern over labeling changes.
  • FFA announces a brand-new, student-led national television program to air on RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. “FFA Today,” presented by Dish will premiere on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. ET. The weekly program will feature students living the FFA motto of “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, and Living to Serve.” Each week, FFA Today, hosted by FFA members will showcase their peers’ accomplishments in the classroom, in their community, and in agribusiness.
  • American Farmland Trust announces its partnership with Farmland to save farmland and ranchland. Now through Dec. 31, 2019, Farmland has pledged to protect one square foot of American farmland for every Pure Farmland item purchased, by donating funds from these products to AFT to further its mission.
Zimfo Bytes

NAFB Foundation Silent Auction Microphone Winner

Chuck Zimmerman

To support the NAFB Foundation our AgNewsWire service donated a microphone that the winner could have painted in their own custom colors. Congratulations to Susan Littlefield, Rural Radio Network, for the winning bid in the Foundation Silent Auction during the 75th NAFB Convention. Here’s the description of the microphone (from Colorware):

Customize the color of your next microphone. This is a Sennheiser e935 mic which can be used for all kinds of farm broadcasting applications. You can expect dynamic tunes from a superb quality Sennheiser microphone, but you can expect brilliant style from ColorWare’s elite customization process. Let ColorWare give your Sennheiser mic the vibrant finish it deserves.

Susan went with the Minnesota Gophers color scheme. This is going to look awesome when she’s conducting interviews! Oh, and BTW, feel free to contribute to the NAFB Foundation here.

Media, NAFB