AAEA and LPC Presidents Pass the Gavel

Cindy Zimmerman

Ag Media Summit serves as the annual business meeting for both the Livestock Publications Council and AAEA the Ag Communicators Network, and where each transition to new presidents.

Julie Deering, Issues Ink, served as president for AAEA the past twelve months during a pivotal time in the organization’s history. The name change to the Agricultural Communicators Network was instituted to be more reflective of the diversity among ag media professionals and the evolving industry, and a new membership structure was proposed and approved.

Julie hands the gavel over now to Christy Lee, Cee Lee Communications, who was unable to attend the summit this year.

Julie talks about her year as president in this interview: Interview with Julie Deering, outgoing AAEA president

Cindy Cunningham, National Pork Board, has been a long-time supporter of LPC and the Ag Media Summit, so it was exciting for her to serve as president this past year.

“Ag media are so critical in reaching directly to our producers,” she says. “We know that our producers view them as a credible, valuable source.”

Carey Brown with the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association Cow Country publication is the new president of LPC.

Listen to my interview with Cindy here:
Interview with Cindy Cunningham, LPC president

2018 Ag Media Summit photo album

Content creation at Ag Media Summit is sponsored by
Coverage of the Ag Media Summit is sponsored by FMC
ACN, Ag Media Summit, Audio, Livestock, LPC, Pork Checkoff

Zimfo Bytes 8/10

Carrie Muehling

  • Eleven cotton producers from the Southeast will observe cotton and other agricultural operations in California’s San Joaquin Valley the week of August 13 as part of the National Cotton Council’s 2018 Producer Information Exchange (P.I.E.) Program. Sponsored by Crop Science, a division of Bayer, through a grant to The Cotton Foundation, the P.I.E. is now in its 30th year and has exposed more than 1,100 U.S. cotton producers to innovative production practices in Cotton Belt regions different than their own.
  • The 32nd annual Georgia Peanut Tour brings the latest information on peanuts while giving a first-hand view of industry infrastructure from production and handling to processing and utilization. Tour stops will be made in several peanut producing counties including Bulloch, Burke, Candler and Screven County.
  • New soy-biobased product, Roof Maxx, reverses aging in asphalt shingles and is certified as 86 percent biobased content under the USDA BioPreferred Program.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association and several organizations are hosting ethanol safety seminars in four locations in Arkansas beginning next week. The ethanol safety seminars, in partnership with TRANSCAER, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), International Association of Fire Chiefs, and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, will be held Aug. 13-16, Aug. 23-25, and Aug. 28-30. To register, visit: www.rfa.traincaster.com.
  • A new dairy insurance service from American Farm Bureau Insurance Services will bring an extra level of support to a dairy sector that has been battered by losses over the past four years. AFBIS’ Dairy Revenue Protection insurance policy, available by early October, covers potential revenue loss over five quarterly insurance periods. Coverage options start at 70 percent and are available up to 95 percent, in 5 percent increments.
  • Legal Expense Solutions is now advocating for farmers across the country to reduce fees paid to attorneys in the corn seed settlement. Law firms will be receiving hundreds of millions in fees on the Corn Seed Settlement that was reached with Syngenta. Legal Expense Solutions argues some of the fees may be excessive, unnecessary and unethical.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation supports the Trump administration’s decision to return water-permitting authority to more states. Under terms of an agreement signed by the U.S. Army, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Justice Department and the White House, states can assume authority to issue permits for earth moving in and around regulated waterways, wetlands and land that sometimes channels water.
  • How broadband services can enhance the quality of life in rural America, including its economic health, will be the focus of an E-Connectivity Listening Session presented by the Farm Foundation on Thursday, Aug. 16 in Birmingham, Ala. For those unable to attend in person, a free live webcast will be available.
  • Farmers for Free Trade, the bipartisan campaign chaired by Senators Richard Lugar (R-IN) and Max Baucus (D-MT) that is leading the fight against tariffs that are harming rural communities, announced a major new ad buy with ag publications in states across the country. The ad buy is part of a new campaign called “Tariffs Hurt the Heartland” that is investing in local ads, town hall events on tariff impact in states across the country, and raising awareness about financial and job losses tied to the ongoing trade war.
  • Thirteen years ago, on August 8, the Renewable Fuel Standard was signed into law, sparking a new era of U.S. biofuel leadership that continues to support rural jobs, increase energy security, and deliver clean, affordable options at the fuel pump. The nation’s leading farm and biofuel advocates marked the occasion by calling on Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler at the Environmental Protection Agency to quickly deliver on the president’s pledge to uphold the RFS and expand the market for ethanol blends, including E15.
  • The National Corn Growers Association, through the assistance of funds provided by sponsor FMC Corporation, awarded four seed grants to encourage innovative programs in state organizations this week. The state corn grower organizations of Missouri, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Texas have been awarded Reaching for Excellence seed grants to fund innovative programs in 2019.
  • Maggie-Joe Hickson of Oakwood has been named the Ontario provincial winner of the 2018 GROWMARK essay contest for 4-H members attending high school. The theme of this year’s contest was “How can co-operatives demonstrate their value to the next generation of agriculturists?”
  • The new AyrMesh IndoorHub is a simple indoor meshing WiFi access point. The new IndoorHub is an upgrade to Ayrstone’s successful IndoorAP with several important improvements. The AyrMesh IndoorHub is available now at the Ayrstone store.
Biofuels, Corn, Cotton, Dairy, GROWMARK, Peanuts

Aptimmune Biologics Partners with Kemin Industries

Carrie Muehling

Aptimmune Biologics and Kemin Industries have formed a partnership in the global vaccine industry.

As of July 31, 2018, Kemin is now an equity shareholder in Aptimmune and has exclusive rights to its vaccines and vaccine technologies outside the U.S. As part of the Kemin-Aptimmune partnership, the companies have formed Kemin Biologics, which will manufacture and market Aptimmune’s proprietary Barricade™ swine vaccine technology and products outside the U.S. According to Andy Smythe, Technical Sales and Marketing Director for Aptimmune Biologics, the relationship with Kemin is an ideal fit for both companies.

In the U.S. market, Aptimmune will retain development, sales and marketing responsibilities for its intellectual property and existing vaccine products made with Barricade technology. The Kemin Biologics partnership will be managed by representatives from both companies.

The relationship brings together Kemin’s long-standing dedication to novel and value-added products in the global marketplace and Aptimmune’s unique and field-tested Barricade swine product portfolio.

AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Health, Swine

RFA on the Wolfman Jack Stage at #SturgisRally

Chuck Zimmerman

From Tuesday through Thursday this week the Renewable Fuels Association team gets on the Wolfman Jack Stage at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip to promote Free Fuel Happy Hours.

Here you can see RFA’s Robert White letting the huge crowd know that the beach balls the team is tossing off stage need to be checked because some of them have $50 fuel cards. They are a big hit and you will usually see the balls bouncing around later in the evening. The stage promotion has been taking place prior to the headliner act. See what it’s like in the video below.


2018 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Photo Album

Biofuels, Ethanol, RFA, Video

Babes With Bullets at Sturgis Guns

Chuck Zimmerman

This year Sturgis Guns opened at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. It is a store that not only sells guns and gear but also has an indoor range!

Sturgis Guns, working with The Sturgis Buffalo Chip, is providing the media with high speed wifi so we can get our work done. I am very thankful to them for this service.

While I was working here I met Maggie Reese Voigt who is a national and world award winning handgun shooter. She is representing Babes With Bullets and is a camp instructor. I talked with her to learn more about this great organization. Here’s what they do.

Babes with Bullets™ is the only US traveling firearms academy to offer handgun and rifle training to women at all levels. Taught by an all-female team of national and world shooting sports champions, our three-day gun camps are designed to teach women to safely and confidently handle and operate a firearm in an informal “camp” atmosphere.

Interview with Maggie Reese Voigt

2018 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Photo Album

Audio

Precision Ag Bytes 8/8

Carrie Muehling

  • American Farmland Trust, the organization behind the national movement No Farms No Food®, was awarded a highly competitive 2018 Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill, CIG helps develop the tools, technologies and strategies to support next-generation conservation efforts on working lands.
  • Agrinos, a leading biological crop input provider committed to improving the productivity and sustainability of agriculture worldwide, announces Breen Neeser has joined the company as executive vice president, North America commercial operations.
  • Share the story of how conservation is part of your farm operation and you could be recognized with a Conservation Legacy Award. The awards recognize farm management practices of U.S. soybean farmers that are both environmentally friendly and profitable. More information on past winners of the award and how to submit your application is available in the “Awards” section of the ASA website. All applications must be submitted by Friday, Sept. 7, 2018.
  • The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) during the organization’s conservation forum and tour in Williamsburg, Va. The MOU between NACD and NWTF establishes an agreement to enhance the productivity of wild turkey and other wildlife habitats on private lands. Additionally, the agreement signifies the commitment both organizations share to collaborate on future engagements and events.
  • Natural Resources Conservation Service released a comprehensive, three-year action plan that outlines its priorities and goals for using current and future Farm Bill conservation programs to help agricultural producers improve the water quality and overall health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
  • Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in Albany, California, have found a way to streamline the process that scientists use to insert multiple genes into a crop plant, developing a reliable method that will make it easier to breed a variety of crops with vastly improved traits. The technology is expected to speed up the process for developing new varieties of potatoes, rice, citrus and other crops that are better equipped to tolerate heat and drought, produce higher yields and resist a myriad of diseases and pests.
  • Sakata Seed America announced the sale of its onion seed breeding program to Zaad Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Zeder, effective July 27, 2018. The acquirer, Zaad, is a vertically integrated agriculture company headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa. The company has strong R&D, production and distribution systems established in continental Africa, Europe and the US. Dr. Sean Fort, the program’s breeder for over 18 years, will continue onion breeding efforts for Zaad.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes

Legends Ride Press Conference During #SturgisRally

Chuck Zimmerman

Participating in a pre-Legends Ride press conference in Deadwood, SD were (l-r) Tom Berenger, Sarah Palin and Rusty Wallace. I got to ask them to make a comment about a ten percent blend (E10) of ethanol into gasoline and what it means for our country.

Rusty is very familiar with the renewable fuel from his NASCAR experiences which include designing the Iowa Speedway while Sarah did campaign for Vice President throughout the corn belt. Tom Berenger is someone I’ve gotten to know here at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip and he has ridden his bike all over this countryside while filming his new movie, American Dresser, which is scheduled to release next month. Listen in to what they had to say. I’m also including Robert White’s statement in the press conference and a post-press conference interview with him.

Robert White, RFA - Legends Ride Press Conference

Q&A with Tom Berenger, Sarah Palin, Rusty Wallace

Interview with Robert White, RFA

2018 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Photo Album

Audio, Biofuels, Ethanol, RFA

2018 Legends Ride Took off From Deadwood, SD

Chuck Zimmerman

Driving the Renewable Fuels Association motorcycle in this year’s Legends Ride is RFA’s Robert White. I have a short video clip of the beginning of the parade of bikers who took part in the event.

The event is sponsoring the Special Olympics South Dakota – Rapid City Flame and Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. RFA is a sponsor of the Ride.

The Legends Ride® was created by the Sturgis Buffalo Chip® to raise significant funds for worthwhile charities in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Its goal is to positively impact local youth and preserve the rich heritage and history of motorcycling by uniting the motorcycle, music and entertainment industries, as well as riders from around the world.


2018 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Photo Album

Biofuels, Ethanol, RFA, Video

Solar Project New to GROWMARK Distribution Facility

Carrie Muehling

GROWMARK has been looking at alternative sources of energy for its Alpha, Ill. distribution center since 2010. After previous opportunities to use solar or wind power did not add up for the company, they found the right fit with a solar project completed in the summer of 2018.

GROWMARK is working with Straight Up Solar and investment partner Shine Development Partners, which actually owns the solar array. GROWMARK signed a 25-year agreement to buy power generated from the 525-kilowatt array at reduced rates. Because Shine Development Partners actually owns the array, GROWMARK’s only expense was building a fence to go around the facility. The company expects to save between $9,000 and $12,000 per year over the life of the 25-year contract. The project is designed to power the distribution facility only and not to provide power back to the grid for sale to other entities.

“It should generate most of the power needed for the distribution center,” said Tracy Mack, Director of Supply Chain Optimization and Logistics. “We run the facility 24 hours a day, six days a week, so at nighttime when the solar panels aren’t generating we’ll pull utility power.”

Mack said the company also used pollinator mix available from its FS member companies instead of gravel to fill in the area around the solar panels – a “win-win” from the standpoint of environmental sustainability. He expects GROWMARK will look to expand the project to other facilities if this one proves successful.

Listen to Carrie’s interview with Tracy Mack here: Interview with Tracy Mack, GROWMARK

Audio, Energy, GROWMARK

NCBA Wraps Up Summer Business Meeting in Denver

Carrie Muehling

Research, promotion and policy discussions filled work sessions at this year’s Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in Denver, attended by more than 700 cattle producers.

Trade continues to be an important topic in the cattle industry, as well as environmental property rights. Other talks centered around alternative proteins and which agency should regulate the inspection and branding of those products. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) CEO Kendal Frazier said producers are optimistic about the cattle industry for now.

“People seem to be pretty upbeat. We’re selling record amounts of beef at good prices. Demand domestically and internationally is really good for beef. Except for some areas of the country that have experienced some pretty severe drought situations, the cattlemen from across the country seem to be in a pretty positive mood,” said Frazier.

The group also announced six regional winners of Environmental Stewardship Awards. This year’s finalists are Birdcall and Clark Ranch of Henrietta, Texas, Thunder View Farms of Grahamsville, NY, Haleakala Ranch of Makawao, Hawaii, The Hahn Ranch of Townsend, Montana, Moes Feedlot of Watertown, SD, and Landuyt Land and Livestock of Walnut Grove, Minnesota. They will go on to national competition and recognition at the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans in January. Registration for that meeting opens Oct. 1.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Kendal Frazier here: Interview with Kendal Frazier, NCBA

2018 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting Photo Album

AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Audio, Beef, NCBA