Animal Ag News 11/24

Carrie Muehling

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is excited to highlight the launch of the NEW Unified New World screwworm website, screwworm.gov. This dynamic new site centralizes NWS information available across the federal government and reflects our whole-of-government effort to fight this pest through implementation of Secretary Rollins’ comprehensive five-pronged plan.
  • Gracyn Stevens of Kirklin, Indiana, is the winner of the 13th annual NCBA National Anthem Contest, sponsored by Norbrook®. Stevens will sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, Feb. 3-5. Online voting by the public determined the winner.
  • More than 270 leaders from across the dairy value chain gathered Nov. 18 for the 2025 Dairy Sustainability Alliance® Fall Meeting, sending a clear message: progress happens faster when the community moves forward together. The meeting drew 28 dairy farmers as well as representatives from cooperatives, processors, brands, research institutions and NGOs, underscoring the strength of collaboration in advancing U.S. dairy’s sustainability leadership. The meeting’s opening session highlighted the release of the 2023-2024 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Report, which tracks industry-wide performance across three priority areas: Advance Well-being, Regenerate the Environment and Care for our Animals and Communities.
  • U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released a statement expressing disappointment after Tyson Foods announced it will close the beef processing plant located in Lexington.
  • The Meat Institute released an economic study that found the meat and poultry processing industry contributes $57.3 billion to the US economy and provides 584,000 jobs. The entire meat and poultry industry, including livestock production, animal feed, equipment manufacturing, transportation and more contributes $347.7 billion in value to the nation, supporting 3.2 million jobs. The Meat Institute commissioned Decision Innovation Solutions to conduct the economic contribution study. The complete analysis is here. The study and data searchable by state and Congressional district is here.
  • Integrity, ingenuity and the pursuit of excellence earned three farms and one program evaluator this year’s National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program’s Excellence Awards. The awards recognize participants who uphold program values by demonstrating U.S. dairy farmers are committed to producing high quality, wholesome milk. The 2025 FARM Excellence Award recipients are: Animal Care & Antibiotic Stewardship — Bar E Dairy (Land O’Lakes Inc.); Environmental Stewardship – Five Star Dairy Farm LLC (Associated Milk Producers Inc.); Workforce Development — Glezen Farms, LLC (Maola Local Dairies); Evaluator of the Year — Lisa Ford (Cayuga Marketing).
  • Athian announced that it has facilitated $18 million in payments to farmers since 2024, financially rewarding them for implementing emissions-reducing practices, including innovative feed ingredients and alternative manure management. Athian, which was founded in 2022 to connect food companies with farmers in their supply chains to achieve Scope 3 goals, also announced it successfully completed a $4 million Series A funding round. These milestones not only signal the food industry’s continued commitment to sustainability goals but also demonstrate the credibility of Athian’s unique, technology-driven model.
  • The Dairy Business Association announced its 2026 Dairy Strong conference agenda, highlighting impactful session topics and speakers. The conference is set to take place in Green Bay at the KI Convention Center, Jan. 14-15. Dairy Strong will feature keynote speakers: Brett Sciotto, CEO of Idealyst Innovation, and Ben Leibl, Public Relations Specialist for Kwik Trip, Inc., as well as a variety of breakout sessions that explore current topics shaping the future of the dairy community.
  • The U.S. Poultry & Egg Harold E. Ford Foundation, in collaboration with the Poultry Science Association, is pleased to announce the Ph.D. and Vet Student Career Fair, taking place during the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). The Career Fair will be held Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 8 – 11:30 a.m. in Room B-401 at the Georgia World Congress Center, in conjunction with the International Poultry Scientific Forum.
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    AgGateway Brings Students to Annual Meeting

    Cindy Zimmerman

    L-R: William Leiva-Mercaod, Jenna Kirkland, Omar Abdelmawgoud, Patton Simbeck, Emma Koger, and Tristan Cravens

    Six students from four different universities across the country were able to attend the recent AgGateway Annual Meeting in Clearwater, Florida to learn more about the many career opportunities that agriculture has to offer. AgGateway’s Gateway to Ag Careers program is sponsored by the AgCIO Roundtable with additional support from Syngenta. The students came from schools in Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, and Mississippi and brought a wide range of interests and disciplines to the program.

    The following students participated in the 2025 Gateway to Ag Careers program:
    · Omar Abdelmawgoud, Arizona State University
    · Tristan Cravens, Illinois State University
    · Jenna Kirkland, Arizona State University
    · Emma Koger, Mississippi State University
    · William Leiva-Mercaod, Iowa State University
    · Patton Simbeck, Mississippi State University

    Hear what they thought of the experience:
    Interview with Gateway to Ag Careers Students (4:07)

    2025 AgGateway Annual Meeting Photo Album

    AgGateway, AgWired Precision, Audio, Education

    Progressive Crop Solutions Launches 21AG

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Agronomy consulting firm Progressive Crop Solutions has announced the launch of 21AG, an advanced data synthesis and action planning tool designed to solve the critical challenge of data fragmentation, enabling farmers to boost profitability and increase crop yields.

    Available exclusively through Progressive Crop Solutions’ integrated consulting service, 21AG has the ability to compile all layers of agronomic data, including soil health and weather patterns, variety performance and application history, and study the complex interactions between them.

    “The volume of data farmers collect is immense, but if that data doesn’t translate into clear, profitable action, it’s just noise,” said Lewis Stearns, Founder and Lead Agronomist at Progressive Crop Solutions. “21AG enables our team of agronomists to quickly arrive at the factors most important to improving your farm operation. Powerful software and data science is one piece, but developing a management plan and execution are just as important. Our agronomists are there every step of the way to oversee your path to success.”

    21AG is designed for farmers across the United States and is available exclusively as part of a service package from Progressive Crop Solutions.

    Read more here.

    Agronomy, AgWired Precision, data, Precision Agriculture, Technology

    Industry Ag News 11/21

    Carrie Muehling

  • Cooking a Thanksgiving dinner for your friends and family will cost less than last year, marking the third straight year of price declines. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 40th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of Thanksgiving staples that make up a classic holiday feast for 10, which is $55.18 or about $5.52 per person. This is a five percent decrease from 2024. Three years of declines don’t fully erase dramatic increases that led to a record-high cost of $64.05 in 2022.
  • National Farmers Union released the annual Thanksgiving Edition of the “Farmer’s Share of the Food Dollar,” revealing stark inequities in America’s food system. Farmers continue to receive only pennies on the dollar for foods typically consumed for Thanksgiving dinner despite high grocery prices. Farmers earn small returns on staple Thanksgiving foods according to this year’s Thanksgiving Farmer’s Share report. The agricultural economy is fragile and uncompetitive after decades of corporate consolidation. Monopolies now dominate everything from food processing and distribution to the markets for seeds and farm equipment, leaving family farmers at a steep disadvantage while consumers face fewer choices and higher prices.
  • The Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) warmly invites you to the 2026 CIRB Annual Meeting in Indian Wells, CA, on February 4-6, 2026, at the Renaissance Esmerelda Resort & Spa. Click here to register.
  • The steering committee for the Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC), a broad-based coalition of ag groups seeking meaningful, long-term labor reform, unanimously elected American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall and Western Growers President & CEO Dave Puglia as the new Co-Chairs of the coalition.
  • Delegates assembled at the 159th National Grange Convention elected Christine Hamp to her second term as President of the nation’s oldest fraternal rural advocacy and service organization. Hamp was first elected in 2023 in Niagara Falls.
  • The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture along with 15 members of an International Year of the Woman Farmer working group launched an information hub dedicated to celebrating and advancing women in agriculture. The site debuted Oct. 15, the International Day of Rural Women, to highlight and connect efforts supporting women in agriculture worldwide.
  • Wood Hat Spirits of New Florence, Mo., earned top honors at the 2025 Heartland Whiskey Competition, claiming both the Farmer-Distiller: Best Bourbon award and Best in State for Missouri. The distillery’s Queen’s Reserve tied for the top farmer-distilled bourbon in the nation, a first-time distinction for Missouri, while continuing its streak as the state’s best craft whiskey. The biennial competition, sanctioned by the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) and sponsored in part by the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC), drew entries from all 50 states. Open exclusively to craft whiskeys featuring corn in their mash, the event highlights the vital role this grain plays in crafting premium American spirits and creating value-added markets for one of Missouri’s top crops. A complete list of winners and sponsoring corn states can be found on the Heartland Whiskey Competition website or the ACSA website.
  • The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) announced that Alison Foster has been promoted to Manager, Government Affairs & Operations. In this role, Foster will work with other government relations team staff on key policy issues impacting farmer co-ops and the farmer-owners. She will continue to assist in the planning and preparation for yearly conferences, meetings, and fly-ins, coordinate with staff to meet organizational objectives, and carry out NCFC’s member driven mission.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation announced the next recipient of an award that recognizes veterans or service members for excellence in farming or agriculture and positively impacting local communities. Retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Rutter of South Carolina is the second recipient of the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence presented by AFBF with support from Farm Credit. Rutter served 22 years in the Army, where his service included leading intelligence operations across Europe and the Middle East.
  • Alltech as announced the Alltech ONE Conference is coming back to Lexington, Kentucky, May 24–26, 2027. Originally planned for 2026, Alltech has decided to move the event to 2027 to align with major company milestones and the broader agri-food industry.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Precision Ag News 11/20

    Carrie Muehling

  • Syngenta Crop Protection, a global leader in biologicals and other innovative crop protection technologies, and French greentech innovator Amoéba SA, have now signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop and commercialize groundbreaking biocontrol solutions for the EU and UK markets, focusing on cereals and field crops. The parties plan to negotiate a definitive distribution agreement with a target timeline of spring 2026.
  • Syngenta’s REVERTE® program has been recognized as best-in-class in Transforming Agriculture and Food Systems by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. REVERTE® aims to restore degraded pasturelands and avert the need to clear native vegetation in agriculture. It offers farmers a viable, long-term framework that includes access to agronomic expertise and financing, while requiring strict compliance on environmental criteria. To date, 280,000 hectares – an area slightly larger than New York City and London combined – is being restored under this program, spanning 11 states and three biomes across Brazil.
  • A Michigan State University researcher has received the Soil Science Research Award from the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), one of the highest honors for advancing scientific knowledge in the field. Bruno Basso, a world-renowned expert in sustainable agriculture and precision agriculture systems, was presented with the award Nov. 10 at the SSSA’s CANVAS conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • CNH’s A Sustainable Year series returns to spotlight our commitment to a sustainable future. This digital magazine draws inspiration from two key moments for our Company: our Investor Day in May 2025, where we presented the Road to 2030 business strategy, and our most recent Sustainability Report, which highlights our commitment to safer and more responsible operations. Together, they guide the initiatives featured in this edition.
  • Case IH and New Holland, global agriculture brands of CNH, have been recognized for their excellence at the 2026 Farm Machine of the Year awards. This awards series is presented every two years during Agritechnica – the world’s premiere agricultural trade fair – in Hanover, Germany. They include 13 categories judged by a jury of trade magazine editors specialized in agricultural technology from leading German and international trade publications.
  • Performance Nutrition, a leader in sustainable plant health and nutrition technologies, has launched Vergence™ Ca, a premium liquid calcium acetate formulation designed to deliver fast, efficient calcium uptake for field crops, fruits, vegetables, and specialty plants. The new product expands the company’s portfolio of science-driven tools that help growers strengthen soil health, maximize nutrient efficiency, and improve return on investment across every acre.
  • Stine® Seed Company, a leader in seed genetics and innovation, is proud to recognize agricultural influencer Jackson Laux, creator of the “Just a Jackson Thing” brand, for choosing Stine seed for his very first corn crop this year. Laux, a 10-year-old farmer from South Whitley, Indiana, has captured national attention through his genuine enthusiasm for agriculture and impressive understanding of farm operations. When it came time to plant his first acres, Laux and his family worked with their local Stine dealer to select a hybrid suited to their area’s growing conditions.
  • Synsus Private Label Partners, LLC, based in Houston, TX, has opened a fourth manufacturing site, to be located in Tempe, Arizona. Upon full completion, the facility will have similar capabilities to Synsus’ other three manufacturing facilities, capable of producing all of its high-value liquid products and technologies to service Synsus’ customer base of distributors in the T&O, Specialty Agriculture and Consumer Lawn & Garden businesses.
  • Aqueus announces a partnership with United Beet Seeds to bring on 100 dealers to deliver its patented stabilized hydrogen-based biostimulant Growthful to growers across the country. The unique hydrogen-based soil amendment is now used by growers on over 1,000,000 acres in the United States and beyond.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    DWFI Podcast 47 – Crafting Compelling Science Communication

    Cindy Zimmerman

    In this episode, host Frances Hayes sits down with Crystal Powers, DWFI and Nebraska Water Center’s water and cropping systems extension educator, to discuss why the most revolutionary science can only drive change if it’s communicated effectively. Crystal and her colleague, Ann Briggs, at the Nebraska Water Center, created the “Beyond the Data” workshop, which aims to transform researchers and conservation professionals from data presenters into compelling storytellers. We explore the critical skills scientists need today, including the importance of audience empathy and tackling the barriers created by academic jargon.

    Crystal offers essential insights on communicating complex trade-offs in water management, building trust with the agricultural community and framing research on challenging topics. If you’re a researcher, practitioner or stakeholder in water and food security, this episode offers insights for ensuring your science moves beyond the lab and into real-world policy and action.

    Listen here or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:
    DWFI podcast episode 47 37:00

    The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska was founded with the mission to have a lasting and significant impact on achieving more food security with less pressure on scarce water resources by conducting scientific and policy research, using the research results to inform policy makers, and sharing knowledge through education and communication.

    How to subscribe:

    AgWired Precision, Audio, Irrigation, Water, Water for Food

    AgGateway Board Member from Brazil in Action

    Cindy Zimmerman

    This year’s AgGateway Annual Meeting was a first for Marcelo Abreu of Venturus and he was pleased to be honored for his work for the organization in Brazil with the AgGateway in Action award for the Latin America Region.

    “It was a surprise. I really didn’t know that I was going to be nominated,” said Abreu, who also was nominated this year to serve on the AgGateway Board of Directors.

    Abreu also provided a presentation at the annual meeting on emerging technologies in agriculture from a Brazilian perspective.

    “We do have a lot of projects related with data and related with artificial intelligence. I think that these are the most important projects that we do for the agribusiness in Brazil,” he said. “We are having nowadays a very good discussion about regulation of artificial intelligence that can impact a lot of areas including agribusiness and also we do have our old problem of connectivity in the farms, only one-third of the areas in Brazil have connectivity of 4G and 5G. So we do have a lot of challenges, but we also have have a lot of opportunities to make the digital agriculture to grow and to be more successful in Brazil too.”

    Interview with Marcelo Abreu, Venturus – AgGateway Global Board Of Directors member from Brazil
    AgGateway Global board member Marcelo Abreu, Venturur (5:55)

    2025 AgGateway Annual Meeting Photo Album

    AgGateway, Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, AI, International, Precision Agriculture, Technology

    My Last MOJO

    Chuck Zimmerman

    My MOJOYes. MOJO. Mobile Journalism Kit, whatever. I’ve had multiple ones over the years. This picture is the one I’ve been traveling with for many years of late. I’ve actually worn one of them out and replaced it by Think Tank Photo. But before then I had a larger one for two camera bodies and multiple lens. That was back in the days of shooting pics at INDYCAR and NASCAR races. I’ve shared lists of all my gear several times. But, I’m not going to do a comprehensive one now, but you can see a few key items that I’ve focused on in the last years.

    First is my Nikon Zf mirrorless camera body with a Nikkor Z 24-200 lens. It’s my 2nd mirrorless camera and I keep learning more. I’ve got a Nikon Speedlight SB-700 and a Peak Design sliding strap. Then there is the Golden ZimmComm Microphone (Heil PR-20 – yes, it’s gold) and Zoom H4n Pro recorder. I use an old Sony PCM-M10 recorder only to record from sound mixers and mult boxes like general sessions, etc. They don’t make them anymore! I can’t leave out my iPhone 15 Pro because it shoots incredible photos and movies. And I can’t do anything without my MacBook Pro 14-inch. Oh, and of course, multiple adapters, battery chargers and cords and memory cards

    Of course there are the ZimmComm Golden Mic Club membership cards!!

    Here’s what my MOJO looked like in 2010.

    So, my work at the AgGateway Annual Conference this month was my last one of the year and as we’ve announced, we will not be continuing this on-site work again. I can’t thank enough all the clients we’ve worked with in all kinds of venues, states and countries. I’ve made great friends and I couldn’t have learned what I have without so many people.

    Equipment, Marketing

    AgGateway Honors Member Volunteers

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Trisha Rentschler and AgGateway’s Jeremy Wilson

    AgGateway celebrated the achievements and contributions of leading volunteer members during its annual Awards Ceremony at its 2025 Annual Meeting and Conference in Clearwater, Florida.

    The AgGateway in Action Award celebrates individuals and organizations that have made specific contributions of time and resources over the past 12-18 months. The North American recipient for 2025 is Trisha Rentschler, with Kahler Automation.

    “Trisha exemplifies what we celebrate through the AgGateway in Action Award, says Jeremy Wilson, EVP/COO and North American Director. “She joined the North American Steering Committee two years ago and has been a very active volunteer from the beginning. And in her new role at Kahler, Trisha has gone out of her way to talk about the value of AgGateway and the messages and the digital resources that we’ve created in her networking and social media activity.”

    Marcelo Abreu and Jose Alexandre Loyola, LATAM Regional Director

    The AgGateway in Action recipient from the Latin America Region is Marcelo Abreu of Venturus.

    “Marcelo has been a member of AgGateway Latin America since beginning, contributes greatly to our regional meetings, and actively promotes our mission and work in the country,” says Jose Alexandre Loyola, LATAM Regional Director. “He and his company are also actively promoting the Modus standard in Brazil. We are thrilled to have his participation and pleased to recognize him with this honor.”

    Julie Mathey

    The Ron Storms Leadership Award celebrates long-term participation in projects over multiple years. The 2025 recipient is Julie Mathey of GROWMARK, Inc.

    “Julie has been a long-time volunteer member dating back to our earliest work within the Ag Retail group and on Seed Connectivity,” says Wilson. She’s been active in leadership roles throughout her time at AgGateway, including service as Chair of the North American Steering Committee in 2025.

    AGDATA and CEO Brent Kemp

    The President’s Award, chosen at the discretion of the President of AgGateway, recognizes individuals or organizations that have gone above and beyond in the support of the organization and its mission to develop the resources and relationships that drive digital connectivity.

    The 2025 recipient, AGDATA, has been a member since the origination of AgGateway, and has been a strong supporter throughout its participation. “Earlier this year, AGDATA offered to sponsor and host an in-person End-User ID working event that drew 60 participants and provided an excellent atmosphere for building consensus,” says Kemp. “Within the last year, we really wanted to recognize their consistent and notable support of AgGateway and its resources.

    Jami Young

    The Ron Farrell Attitude Award, which debuted at the 2023 Annual Meeting, celebrates the contributions of one of the organizations founding members, who inspired countless members with his optimism and collaborative spirit.

    The 2025 recipient, Jami Young of Land O’Lakes, is “really everything that we would want to see in a volunteer,” says Kemp. “Jami is super engaged and very committed to the work that she’s doing within the organization. She’s also not afraid to share her thoughts and opinions, but always in a constructive way that honors everyone else’s view in the room. I’m pleased and proud to be recognizing Jamie with the Ron Farrell Attitude Award this year and look forward to her continued contributions.”

    2025 AgGateway Annual Meeting Photo Album

    AgGateway, AgWired Precision, people

    Animal Ag News 11/17

    Carrie Muehling

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the next milestone in the fight against New World screwworm (NWS) – the opening of a sterile fly dispersal facility in Tampico, Mexico. The Tampico facility will allow USDA to disperse sterile flies aerially across northeastern Mexico, including in Nuevo Leon. USDA produces sterile flies for dispersal at the COPEG facility in Panama. USDA is also investing $21 million to support Mexico’s renovation of an existing fruit fly facility in Metapa—which will double NWS production capacity once complete. With ongoing support from APHIS technical experts, Mexico anticipates this sterile fly production to begin as soon as summer 2026.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the new proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The revised WOTUS rule comes after decades of advocacy by NCBA and our state affiliate partners to remove confusing and burdensome regulations on cattle farmers and ranchers.
  • College students and recent graduates are encouraged to attend CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, Feb. 3-5, to help them prepare for careers in the cattle industry. Future agricultural leaders will have the opportunity to engage with potential employers during the new “Career Crawl” at the NCBA Trade Show on Thursday, Feb. 5.
  • The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) praised the announcement of new trade frameworks with Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and Guatemala which collectively position U.S. dairy exporters for further gains in the Western Hemisphere.
  • Dairy is winning with consumers and the national checkoff is helping lead the charge, thanks to investments in research, marketing, partnerships and innovation. That was the message from Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) President and CEO Barbara O’Brien at the 2025 Joint Annual Meeting of the United Dairy Industry Association, the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and the National Milk Producers Federation, which drew nearly 800 farmers and industry representatives to Arlington, Texas, Nov. 10-12.
  • U.S. dairy farmers are thriving in the marketplace even as labor shortages and a volatile policy environment remain challenges, dairy industry leaders stressed at National Milk Producers Federation’s annual meeting. U.S. dairy is well-positioned for growth, NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud said in remarks at the meeting held jointly by NMPF, the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and the United Dairy Industry Association.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is calling on U.S. policymakers, trade officials and the food and agriculture industry to work together on mitigating the potential threat of a U.S. vitamin and amino acid supply disruption. The call comes following the release today of new industry data that shows that China controls a significant amount or total majority of global capacity and production of key vitamins and amino acids used in food for both animals and humans, putting U.S. food security at risk.
  • Alloy Partners has announced the launch of OneHealth Studio, a first-of-its-kind venture studio designed specifically to create and scale new companies at the convergence of animal, plant and human health in partnership with Elanco Animal Health. Located in the OneHealth Innovation District at Elanco’s new global headquarters in Indianapolis, the studio will unite research institutions, investors, corporate partners and entrepreneurs to accelerate the next generation of innovation and launch new startups based in Indiana.
  • Zinpro® Corporation, the world’s leading innovator and manufacturer of high-performance organic trace minerals and animal nutrition solutions, has launched the Zinpro® Sow Excellence Index – the swine industry’s first data-driven benchmarking system. Designed to prove a correlation between claw lesions and sow productivity, the index allows producers to catch issues early before they impact pig performance.
  • Join the Livestock Publications Council for the next Coffee and Collaboration on Wednesday, November 19, at 12 p.m. CT. The topic is “Writing Press Releases That Get Published” with speakers Wyatt Bechtel of broadhead and Holly Martin of the American Angus Association. Register here.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites