Saving the Orange

Carrie Muehling August 16, 2018

The American Seed Trade Association and CropLife International have launched the first video in a new series about gene editing in plants.

The video focuses on the very-real challenge of citrus greening—a devastating disease which has led to a nearly 80-percent decrease in Florida citrus production over the past 12 to 15 years.

Profiled in the video, Dr. Fred Gmitter, University of Florida Citrus Research and Education Center, calls citrus greening “the worst possible nightmare imaginable.” By using innovative breeding methods like gene editing, Dr. Gmitter and his team are working to improve orange trees, making them more resistant to the disease.

Click here to watch the video.

AgWired Precision, ASTA, Citrus, Video

Case IH Improves Steiger and Magnum Series Tractors

Carrie Muehling August 15, 2018

Case IH announces updates to both its Steiger® Series and Magnum™ Series tractor lines for 2019.

The Steiger® Quadtrac® and Rowtrac™ tractor lineup includes new features that reinforce the series’ already proven performance. Several drive system advancements, including a new high-speed Rowtrac design, join a factory-fit enhanced telematics offering that increases management capability and flexibility. In addition, all Model Year 2019 tractors used in agriculture applications now include an industry-exclusive warranty and a one-year advanced subscription to Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) Connect™. These innovations help ensure that Model Year 2019 Steiger tractors will deliver even more power, productivity and efficiency for producers.

“For more than 20 years, we have been relentless in refinement of our track technology, giving us a head start and allowing us to lead the pack,” said Mitch Kaiser, Case IH Steiger tractor marketing manager. “This series of tractors is already strong, smart and simple, and these advancements are helping producers get even more power, performance and productivity that leads to lower total cost of ownership.”

Model Year 2019 Steiger tractors also feature an improved track design for high-speed roading, capable of up to 25 mph.

Model Year 2019 Magnum tractors also include a new warranty program, factory-fit telematics, and advanced subscription to Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) Connect™ farm management system, along with a new 21-inch track option and factory-installed Goodyear® LSW® tire options.

For more information, visit your local Case IH dealer or www.caseih.com.

AgWired Precision, Case IH, Equipment, Tractor

AEM’s Ag Equipment Sales Numbers Remain Strong

Carrie Muehling August 15, 2018

Self-propelled combines and 4-wheel-drive tractors lead the way in a July 2018 report by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), reflecting continued strong U.S. sales.

July U.S. sales of self-propelled combines gained 37 percent compared to last year, with year-to-date growth of nearly 24 percent compared to last-year’s January-July numbers. U.S. sales of 4-wheel-drive tractors jumped 77.5 percent for July compared to July 2017, and grew nearly 13 percent year-to-date over January-July 2017. For July, total U.S. sales of 2-wheel drive tractors grew 12 percent over last year. Sales in the 100-plus HP category led the way with 31-percent growth, followed by gains of 16 percent for under-40 HP tractors, and a dip of 1.5 percent for the 40-100 HP category. For January-July 2018, all categories of 2-wheel drive tractors were still positive compared to 2017 YTD: under-40 HP tractors grew 9.5 percent, 40-100 HP 2-wheel drive tractors increased 2.5 percent and 100-plus HP 2-wheel drive tractors gained 5 percent.

“Seven months into the year, we’re still looking at favorable numbers. Surveys of our membership show a good majority feel the market has been strong this year but are beginning to have concerns about the second half of the year. Tariffs and trade continue to dominate the conversation, with the lingering uncertainty of their impact on current positive market performance,” said Curt Blades, AEM senior vice president, AG services. “While sales of small equipment such as less than 40 HP tractors continue their growth trends over the last few years that had made them a bright spot, they have been joined by a softer upward movement started in 2017 for the larger production ag equipment such as 100+ HP 2WD tractors, 4WD tractors and self-propelled combines,” said Benjamin Duyck, AEM director, market intelligence.

Here is link to the full report online: https://www.aem.org/AEM/media/docs/Statistics/18-07-USAG_1.pdf.

AEM, AgWired Precision, Equipment

AMVAC at Ag Media Summit

Cindy Zimmerman August 15, 2018

AMVAC Chemical was at the Ag Media Summit last week talking about solutions to corn rootworm pressure and their buy 2 get $3 rebate per acre offer.

Learn more in this video interview with Jim Lappin, AMVAC Chemical marketing manager for corn and soybean portfolio.

2018 Ag Media Summit photo album

AMVAC, Corn, Insecticides, Video

American Lamb Board to Release Consumer Study

Cindy Zimmerman August 15, 2018

The American Lamb Board (ALB) will host a webinar for agricultural media partners on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 10:00 am Central time to unveil the results of the 2018 Consumer Market Research Study on consumer usage and attitudes about American Lamb. The study explores:

• Eating experiences at home and in restaurants
• Consumer attitudes and perceptions
• Domestic product compared to imports
• US general population trends
• Infrequent lamb consumers
• Thoughtful eaters
• Millennials

RSVP to ErinWorrell@DemeterCommunications.com by August 17, 2018 to receive access to the webinar.

The American Lamb Board was at the Ag Media Summit last week and I had the chance to talk with Rae Maestas, Industry Relations Director, about the industry and how consumer perceptions of lamb are changing.

Interview with Rae Maestas, American Lamb Board

2018 Ag Media Summit photo album

Content creation at Ag Media Summit is sponsored by

American Lamb Board, Audio, Lamb, Meat, Media

Time to Register for CCA Professional Development Summit

Chuck Zimmerman August 15, 2018

The early registration deadline for the Cooperative Communicators Association annual Professional Development Summit is fast approaching. In fact, it ends August 20.

Register today to attend the upcoming PDW in Denver & save $50! Conference registration increases to $199 after August 20, so make sure you sign up to attend today! Join us in Denver September 5-6.

Don’t miss hearing from the Otterbox Creative Team. Otterbox was named one of America’s most promising companies by Forbes, and they produce the number one-selling smartphone case in the nation. Hear how the mega-brand has balanced creative innovation with charitable giving through the OtterCares Foundation to become a lasting name in the technology industry.

The line-up also features speakers Mike Long, Stu Crair, Otterbox, Elaine Grant and Kari Knuston.

For more info on the conference visit www.communicators.coop/pdw2018.

During the CCA Institute earlier this year I spoke with Savannah Chandler, Communications Coordinator, Walton EMC. She is on the planning committee for the CCA PDW: Interview with Savannah Chandler

Audio, Media

Precision Ag Bytes 8/15

Carrie Muehling August 15, 2018

InfoAg Conference

Click here

International precision agriculture provider AgriTask has introduced the world’s first digital claims management system for insurance companies operating in the agricultural sector. After a comprehensive assessment of the requirements of several insurance companies, AgriTask teamed up with Mapfre, one of the largest Latin American insurance companies and the biggest in the agricultural sector. The first application was developed jointly with Mapfre’s subsidiary in Paraguay to manage inspections and claim reports directly with the use of AgriTask’s platform.
As harvest begins across the country, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) reminds farmers about the importance of taking precautions to ensure treated seed does not enter the grain supply. ASTA and other stakeholder groups have developed a set of recommendations to assist those involved in the process of treating, handling, transporting, or planting treated seeds. For more information, visit: seed-treatment-guide.com/.

AgWired Precision, ASTA, Precision Ag Bytes

Industry Legend Don Lerch Passes Away

Cindy Zimmerman August 14, 2018

A legend in the agricultural communications industry passed away last week age of 99.

Don Lerch was one of the first members of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB), back when it was still the National Association of Rural Farm Directors, and was a member of the organization for 72 years. Don began his farm broadcasting career at pioneer AM radio station KDKA in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He then joined the War Food Administration in Washington, D.C. in 1943 before returning to the airwaves at WNBC in New York in 1946. Don’s career included working with CBS Director of News Edward R. Murrow as the producer of Columbia Broadcast’s Country Journal. Don stayed involved with NAFB as an associate member through his own firm, Lerch and Company.

Don was also a founding member of the Ag Relations Council (ARC) and was one of the first inductees to the Agricultural Public Relations Hall of Fame in 2012. At that time, Chuck interviewed Don and Paul Weller, Agri/Washington, who once served as ARC Executive Secretary.

Paul and Don talk about how ARC was founded to combat the very negative publicity that agriculture was receiving after World War II, due to the impact of science and technology on farming and a lack of understanding on the part of the consuming public. So ARC was formed to mount an effort to try and overcome this problem by getting positive and truthful information into the media – sound familiar?

Listen to that interview here: ARC History With Paul & Don

ARC, Audio, NAFB

Record Corn Yield and Soybean Crop Forecast

Cindy Zimmerman August 14, 2018

A record high soybean crop and overall corn yield are expected this year, according to the latest Crop Production report from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Up 4 percent from 2017, soybean production is forecast at a record 4.59 billion bushels, while corn growers are expected to decrease their production slightly from last year, forecast at 14.6 billion bushels. Average corn yield is forecast to be the highest on record at 178.4 bushels per acre, up 1.8 bushels from last year.

Wheat production is forecast at 1.88 billion bushels, up 8 percent from 2017. Growers are expected to produce 1.19 billion bushels of winter wheat this year, down 6 percent from last year.

Corn, Soybean, Wheat

Unique Field Showcases FS InVISION Hybrids

Carrie Muehling August 14, 2018

A Central Illinois corn field has helped GROWMARK to shared excitement about the FS InVISION brand in a unique way during the 2018 growing season.

The field features two FS InVISION corn hybrids, planted with a multi-hybrid planter. The difference between the shorter-stature 61S variety and the taller 62Z plants, which also have a slightly different tassel color, brought out the image of the InVISION logo within the field near Pontiac, according to Brian Gulso, GROWMARK seed marketing manager.

Gulso said the InVISION brand is locally developed and specifically selected for the Midwest geography and particular soils found in these areas. He said even in the midst of depressed commodity prices, the company is excited about new products coming to market in 2019 that are already proven to perform well.

“The InVISION brand has offered another $50 million of additional yield to growers over the last five years. So that’s a four-bushel advantage over competitors. That opportunity to put to put those incremental dollars back into growers’ pockets, even going into what we’re saying is a slight depression in commodity prices, is extremely exciting,” Gulso said.

Products to watch for as 2019 approaches include 64S, 62Z and the brand new 60U, which Gulso calls “unbelievable.”

Listen to more with Brian Gulso here: Interview with Brian Gulso, GROWMARK

Audio, Corn, GROWMARK

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