Looking Ahead to IFAJ Congress/Ag Media Summit 2019

Chuck Zimmerman

The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress 2018 may have concluded for this group of members from the United States but now we can look ahead to 2019. Guess where it’s going to be? The USA! The IFAJ Congress will overlap with Ag Media Summit in Minneapolis/Bloomington, MN at the end of July. The theme is “Global Connections in America’s Heartland.”

Lots of plans are being made now. A starting website is already live at ifaj2019.org. All participants for both organizations will be in the same hotel too. Here’s some information (pdf) that was presented at the conclusion of this year’s Congress.

  • An excellent program that will feature experts on news topics like trade, sustainability, crop and livestock issues, University research, water quality and more.
  • A wide variety of tours to showcase livestock, crops, bees, fruits, vegetables, precision tech, energy, seed research, transportation.
  • Gain professional development during Ag Media Summit sessions on writing, photography, social media, videography, ethics and more.
  • Attend fun-filled networking events like a lake cruise, craft brewery tour, Famous AMS Welcome Party, IFAJ band night, Twin Cities tour, Agritourism event, and experience fabulous Midwest hospitality.
  • Unique opportunity to network with 600+ AAEA (U.S. Guild) ag communications members and attend our InfoExpo trade show.
  • Reside with everyone in the same hotel for duration of July 26-30, 2019 Congress.
  • Pre-Tour: one small family-farm based pre-tour (10-15 people) in Northeast Iowa led by long-time IFAJ member Harlen Persinger.
  • Post-Tours: 1) Visit California to experience the state’s crop and livestock diversity; 2) Visit neighboring state Wisconsin for an amazing dairy adventure; and 3) Experience Minnesota/Iowa/South Dakota large precision grain and livestock farms, university and private research, energy and more. All tours begin July 31st, and will be loaded with fun stops as well.
  • Watch for details on www.ifaj2019.org and on Facebook: AMS IFAJ 2019

ACN, IFAJ, International, LPC, Media

Biofuels Advocates Testify at EPA Hearing

Cindy Zimmerman

Biofuels advocates brought their concerns about damage to the industry caused by former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to a hearing on the proposed 2019 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Wednesday in Michigan.

The proposed rule raises the total 2019 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) by 3 percent over the 2018 requirement, and maintains a 15-billion-gallon requirement for conventional biofuels like corn ethanol, but does nothing to address the 2.25 billion gallons worth of small refinery exemptions granted by EPA in the past year under the leadership of Pruitt who resigned July 5.

“The numbers themselves are good, but those numbers are meaningless if you’re going to waive billions of gallons (of biofuels),” said Growth Energy Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley, who testified on behalf of the organization.

In its proposed rule, the agency declined to accept comments on the controversial waiver program or Reid Vapor Pressure restrictions on E15, but that did not stop ethanol stakeholders from bringing it up in comments. “We thought that was absolutely absurd,” said Bliley. “There’s no way they can’t take comment. This is a public forum and people can comment as they wish.”

In this interview, Bliley also says they are hoping Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler “provides a fair forum for biofuel producers and for farmers.” Interview with Chris Bliley, Growth Energy, on EPA hearing testimony

In her testimony, Renewable Fuels Association Vice President of Government Affairs Samantha Slater said the proposed rule is “superficial and toothless and undermines President Trump’s commitment on the RFS.”

“Administrative cuts to the RFS have resulted in significantly lower RIN prices, reduced corn and ethanol demand, avoided legal obligations for highly profitable businesses, and provided windfall profits for certain oil refiners,” said Slater. “The final rule should do less to cater to the whims of the oil industry in implementing the nation’s renewable fuel program, and more to create demand for ethanol, lowering prices at the pump for consumers and creating economic opportunities for farmers across the country.”

Listen to Slater’s testimony here: RFA testimony on EPA 2019 RVO proposal

Representatives of the biodiesel industry testified today at the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Public Hearing for Proposed Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) for 2019 and Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2020.

Executives from the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and its member companies are asking EPA to set the 2020 Biomass-based Diesel volume at 2.8 billion gallons, based on the agency’s own analysis in the proposed rule showing that volume is achievable next year. The agency must also reduce the uncertainty it has caused by issuing retroactive small refiner hardship exemptions, the industry told EPA staff.

Listen to testimony from NBB chair Kent Engelbrecht of ADM and NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen. National Biodiesel Board testimony on EPA 2019 RVO proposal

Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, Ethanol

Dinneen to Step Down as RFA CEO

Cindy Zimmerman

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is marking the beginning of a new era. The Reverend of Renewables is climbing into the backseat of the ethanol organization and allowing Executive Vice President Geoff Cooper to drive. Cooper will assume the position of president and CEO in October 2018, while current President and CEO Bob Dinneen will transition into the role of RFA’s Senior Strategic Advisor.

Dinneen has been with RFA for more than 30 years, including serving as the organization’s president and CEO since 2001. During his tenure, Dinneen led the industry and achieved a number of landmark legislative and regulatory victories for ethanol, including passage of the original Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in 2005 and significant expansion and extension of the RFS program in 2007. Dinneen also played a crucial role in the creation of the reformulated gasoline and oxygenated fuels requirements; securing the RVP waiver for E10; working with states to adopt bans on MTBE; and multiple extensions of the ethanol blender’s tax credit and secondary tariff on imported ethanol, among other important victories.

“For more than three decades, I have had the privilege of working for an industry whose mission inspires me, a Board of Directors that supports me, and an organization that exemplifies the highest degree of professionalism, creativity, and competence,” Dinneen stated. “I have borne witness to phenomenal growth, seen rural economies transformed and gotten to know and work side-by-side with the people who made this industry the success it is today. Every day I am thankful for our accomplishments and still enthusiastic to tackle the challenges ahead. Without a doubt, I have been truly blessed.”

“But 30 years is a long time and I believe now is the right time for new leadership, new ideas, and new energy at the helm of the Renewable Fuels Association. I am going to keep working at RFA in a different capacity but with the same goal; to assure RFA and the industry I care about so deeply continue to grow and realize their full potential,” Dinneen continued. “At the very least, I have great confidence that under Geoff’s leadership, the RFA will develop into an even more effective and authoritative voice for the U.S. ethanol industry, and that may be my greatest blessing.”

Ethanol, RFA

FDA Considering Fake Meat and Milk

Cindy Zimmerman

The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is spending time this month discussing meat and milk.

Last week, FDA held a public meeting to discuss foods produced using animal cell culture technology – mainly lab-grown fake meat products – and which agency should be in charge of regulating. The meat industry believes fake meat should be regulated by USDA.

“Any fair reading of the law places lab-grown meat food products within the primary jurisdiction of the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service,” said Danielle Beck, director of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, during the meeting last week.

Speaking at a POLITICO summit this week, FDA administrator Scott Gottlieb said he believes his agency has a role in regulating. “The regulations speak about slaughtered meat,” said Gottlieb. “This is obviously different.”

Audio – FDA administrator Scott Gottlieb comments on regulating fake meat

Next week, July 26, FDA will be holding a public hearing on nutrition and labeling that will include whether non-dairy beverages derived from almonds or soy products should be able to call themselves milk. The American Dairy Coalition (ADC) has rolled out a new initiative to advocate for the proper use of federally standardized terms established for the word “milk” on product labels called the Protecting Milk Integrity Initiative.

Gottlieb says FDA has probably not been enforcing the standard of identity for milk. “There is a reference in the standard of identity to a lactating animal,” said Gottlieb. “An almond doesn’t lactate.”

Audio – FDA administrator Scott Gottlieb comments milk labeling

AgWired Animal, Audio, Dairy, Meat

Inari Aims to Transform Agriculture

Cindy Zimmerman

A new plant breeding technology company called Inari Agriculture is being introduced today with the mission to transform agriculture and its impact on society and the environment by developing a more personalized plant breeding approach.

Inari is a Flagship Pioneering company headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., which started in early 2016 and has since recruited more than 80 leading research scientists and academic advisors from a range of diverse disciplines, including plant biology and medical research.

Ponsi Trivisvavet

Ponsi Trivisvavet was named CEO of Inari in April 2018. Prior to that she was COO at Flagship Pioneering company Indigo Agriculture, and before that she was with Syngenta for eight years and served as President of Syngenta Seeds, Inc.

“We have assembled a world-class team to execute on Inari’s mission and believe we have a unique opportunity to change the culture of agriculture,” said Trivisvavet. “Over the coming months our priority is to accelerate the deployment of our technologies into crops whilst increasing our cutting-edge technology and patent pool.”

Learn more about Inari from Trivisvavet. Interview with Inari CEO Ponsi Trivisvavet

Julie Borlaug, who inherited her desire to feed the world from her famous grandfather Norman, is the Vice President of Communications and Public Relations for Inari. “Our overall goal is to develop ‘personalized seeds’ to help growers meet specific challenges,” says Borlaug.

She says that working in a start up is different for her but she is very excited about it and believes it fits in with her goal of changing the conversation and creating a communications revolution for agriculture. “It might be a little unconventional but when my grandfather received the Nobel Peace Prize he was called a ‘refreshing, unconventional scientist’ so hopefully that’s where we are leading,” Borlaug said.

Learn more in this interview. Interview with Julie Borlaug, Inari Agriculture

AgWired Precision, Audio, Research, Seed

Precision Ag Bytes 7/18

Carrie Muehling

  • Teralytic released a limited number of the world’s first wireless NPK soil probes for pre-ordering on July 17. The in-ground wireless probe measures soil quality every 15 minutes using 26 different sensors, analyzing the data on an easy-to-use platform so farmers can save time and money on inputs as well as access insights into their soil’s fertility.
  • Buckwheat researchers from Japan now have access to the most accurate genome available, thanks to NRGene. The project was done with Dr. Yasuo Yasui, a renowned buckwheat scientist, in cooperation with GeneBay, NRGene’s partner in Japan.
  • Soil health policies are growing in number and importance across the United States but are widely dispersed across a variety of academic institutions, state agencies and legislative bodies. Developed by the Soil Health Institute Policy Action Team, this comprehensive online catalog of soil health policies will help agricultural leaders find action-focused resources quickly.
  • Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance (ACWA) reaffirmed its commitment to improving Iowa water quality with the approval of the organization’s 2018 work plan during its March board of directors meeting. ACWA is comprised of 11 agricultural retailers and five associate members with business operations in the Des Moines River and Raccoon River watersheds in Iowa. ACWA aligned with the 4R Plus program as one of the key elements of their work plan, especially for the purposes of training agronomy teams on conservation practices.
  • Raven Industries, Inc. has announced several new services available on the Slingshot® and Viper® 4 platforms: Job Generator and Job Sync. A new tool, called Job Generator, helps increase efficiency and reduce the risk of costly mistakes. Users are now able to prepopulate important job data, including field attributes and location, products, rates and other useful information that can be sent to compatible Raven field computers instantly using Slingshot.
  • Nutrien Ltd. announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Agrible, Inc. for total consideration of $63-million. Agrible is a digital agriculture company with an advanced platform and product offering that includes a broad set of agronomic and on-farm advisory tools, data science capabilities, predictive analytics and a global sustainability business that connects growers with leading agricultural, food and consumer products companies to measure, benchmark and empower sustainable crop production.
  • Legend Seeds announces the promotion of Tim Bratland to president, effective August 1, 2018. Bratland’s appointment is part of an executive transition that includes prior president, Glen Davis, moving into the role of CEO.
  • Nominate a farmer friend, neighbor or family member who epitomizes the title “Good Steward” for the National Corn Growers Association’s Good Steward Recognition Program. Every profession has its early adopters that point the way for others, and National Corn Growers Association thinks these good stewards of the land are special people who deserve to be recognized. Nominations are due 5:00 p.m. CDT August 6, 2018.
  • Farm Market iD announces the launch of MarketView: a platform to provide strategic analysis and business intelligence to agribusiness.
  • Proagrica announced it will be bringing together its F4F, DBT and SST Software businesses under the Proagrica brand. This comprehensive move will integrate the varied offerings from Proagrica, and in turn deliver more connected solutions for customers.
AgWired Precision, NCGA, Precision Ag Bytes

U.S. Wheat Associates Introduces New Website

Chuck Zimmerman

U.S. Wheat Associates introduced a new look and organization to its website this week.

“The new website emphasizes the importance of the U.S. wheat farmers we represent, their overseas customers and the reputation of U.S. wheat as an essential ingredient in hundreds of wheat foods around the world,” said USW Assistant Director of Communications Amanda Spoo. “The site is now organized to make it easier for visitors to access many of the site’s most popular sections and to improve access from mobile devices.”

“How we communicate with our customers and stakeholders needs to reflect the high quality and reliable performance of U.S. wheat and build trust in U.S. wheat farmers,” said Vice President of Communications Steve Mercer. “We believe the new site does that effectively.”

Ag Groups, Wheat

Southern Peanut Growers Celebrating 20 Years

Cindy Zimmerman

The 2018 Southern Peanut Growers Conference is celebrating 20 years this week, July 19-21 at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, Florida. The gathering brings together peanut farmers and industry partners from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi.

The three-day event provides farmers with information about peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. In addition to the conference sessions, the event features family activities and a golf tournament. Farmers are also able to visit with many of the conference sponsors throughout the event.

Georgia Peanut Commission Executive Director Don Koehler helped to organize the first conference 20 years ago with his counterparts in Alabama and Florida. “I’m excited that this conference has grown and happy that we’ve seen 20 years of success,” said Koehler.

Among the timely topics that will be addressed at the conference is the 2018 farm bill and House Agriculture Committee member Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL) will be attending to provide farmers with an update.

In this interview, Koehler provides look back on 20 years of the Southern Peanut Growers Conference and a preview of this year’s conference this week. Interview with Don Koehler, Ga Peanut Commission

Vantage Southeast is once again sponsor of the official conference blog, where you can find photos, interviews and news about the meeting, as well as archives going back to 2008.

Audio, Peanuts, SPGC

Animal Ag Bites 7/16

Carrie Muehling

  • Holstein Association USA recognizes David Harvatine of King Ferry, New York, as the 2018 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder. Havartine is co-owner and dairy manager of Aurora Ridge Dairy, located north of Ithaca, New York, in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Aurora Ridge Dairy is owned by four partners: Bill Cook, Dan Westfall, Jason Burrows and Harvatine.
  • The Washington State Conservation Commission has awarded a $930,305 grant to install and operate a clean water membrane technology system provided by Regenis, an agricultural waste solutions company, to be located at Coldstream Farms in Deming, WA. This state-of-the-art system will generate 12,000 gallons of clean water daily from the 22,000 gallons of cow manure the farm produces through a unique combination of nanofiltration and reverse osmosis. Once treated, the water is suitable for farm animals to drink or even to benefit local salmon runs by increasing streamflow.
  • The American Feed Industry Association is pleased to announce the addition of Louise Calderwood as its director of regulatory affairs, effective July 2.
  • Hiland Dairy Foods Company continuously seeks new ways to recycle, reduce and reuse at its production plants. Hiland Dairy’s most extensive effort to date took years to reach its current magnitude as a closed-loop sustainability initiative at the company’s plant in Chandler, Oklahoma. At last month’s ProFood Live conference in Chicago, Hiland’s initiative received a ProFood World 2017 Sustainability Excellence in Manufacturing Award.
  • The USPOULTRY Foundation awarded a $20,345 student recruiting grant to the University of Georgia. The grant was made possible in part from an endowing Foundation gift from the Leland Bagwell Education & Innovation Fund, named in honor of the founder of American Proteins.
  • The automated milking trend continues to tick upwards in the U.S. GEA introduced the first fully automated robotic rotary parlor, DairyProQ, and installations quickly gained momentum with two completed at the end of 2017 and beginning of 2018, and four on track for completion by end-of-year.
  • Idaho Lieutenant Governor Brad Little, University of Montana Professor Dr. Dave Naugle, and Arizona Farm Bureau President Stefanie Smallhouse provided testimony to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands hearing entitled “The Essential Role of Livestock Grazing on Federal Lands and Its Importance to Rural America” during a recent House Natural Resources subcommittee hearing.
  • Already bearing the brunt of global trade retaliation against American agriculture, U.S. pork producers now face additional headwinds in the form of a regulatory land grab by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The National Pork Producers Council called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assert its proper oversight of two emerging issues critical to the future of animal agriculture: laboratory-produced cultured protein and gene editing in livestock production.
  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the government of Japan has finalized technical requirements that will allow U.S. sheep and goat exports into the country for the first time in more than 14 years.
  • Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has announced the appointment of 13 members to fill vacancies on the 37-member National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. More information about research and promotion programs is available on the Research and Promotion Programs page on the AMS website.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites, NPPC

Zimfo Bytes 7/13

Carrie Muehling

  • Farmers Union youth members from across the country gathered last week for the 82nd annual National Farmers Union (NFU) All-States Leadership Camp. Hosted each June at the NFU Education Center, All-States Camp encourages youth to explore their leadership potential, discuss issues important to their generation, learn more about the power of cooperatives, and identify ways to affect positive change in their communities.
  • FLM Harvest announces Jeff Nawn, an expert on global agricultural trade, regulation and technology, has joined the agency’s Board of Advisors. Nawn, most recently with Corteva Agriscience as global grain trade and biotech affairs lead, will support FLM Harvest’s clients in a variety of policy, regulatory and trade-related issues critical for maintaining and growing market access.
  • American Vanguard Corporation announced the promotion of Scott Hendrix to Senior Vice President of U.S. and Canada Crop Sales and Application Technology, that includes the development and launch of AMVAC’s SIMPAS system.
  • Rhea + Kaiser (R+K) announces the promotion of Sara McClendon from Account Manager to Senior Account Manager in Public Relations. R+K welcomes Susie White as Account Manager in Account Management + Planning.
  • Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has announced the appointment of four members to serve on the United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board. More information about the board is available on the National Sorghum Board website.
  • Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has also announced the appointment of four members and four alternates to serve on the National Peanut Board. More information about the National Peanut Board, including a roster of members, is available on the National Peanut Board website.
  • The Great Falls Montana Development Authority announces that Pardue Grain has broken ground on a new $6.5 million pulse crop processing facility in Great Falls, MT. The company’s new 32,000 square-foot building will create a dozen jobs and expand its pulse processing operation including sorting, sizing, cleaning and bagging capabilities. The expansion is expected to open in August 2018.
  • Alltech Crop Science, the agronomic division of Alltech, is proud to announce the addition of three new products to its Canadian line. Natures Basics®, Liqui-Plex® Cu and Liqui-Plex® Zn join the company’s other offerings, which include Crop-Set®, Soil-Set®, Grain-Set® and Agro-Mos®.
  • Nutrien Ltd. has officially rebranded its retail business to Nutrien Ag Solutions, aligning the company’s retail operations across the globe. The rebrand also features the roll out of an integrated digital platform designed to empower growers to effectively manage their agronomic and commercial needs. The new brand initiative kicked off as of July 1, 2018.
AMVAC, Zimfo Bytes