Zimfo Bytes 7/27

Carrie Muehling

  • The 2018 Iowa State Fair is around the corner and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation has numerous activities with partners planned at Farm Bureau Park with prizes totaling over $100,000 to help celebrate its centennial. New this year is an interactive Farm Strong® mural, inspired by the #WhatLiftsYou Wing campaign craze that has swept the nation. The mural was created by Amy Putney, Iowa artist and Art Director at Sticks Object Art and Furniture. Visitors to Farm Bureau Park can show how they’re Farm Strong by posing in front of the brightly colored mural, sharing their photo through social media and tagging it #CenturyStrong.
  • Swanson Russell has been selected to serve as the agency of record for the Nebraska State Fair. The agency will provide comprehensive marketing services for the State Fair account including traditional advertising, digital placements and social media strategy.
  • Lygos, a biotechnology company based in Berkley, California, recently announced the closing of $15.5 million of Series B financing. Lygos was a winner of the first ever Consider Corn Challenge, an open innovation contest put on by the National Corn Growers Association.
  • Syngenta announced Eric Boeck has joined its U.S. Seeds business leadership team as Head of Marketing. Boeck will lead Marketing for the growing business, which is focused on delivering unique, innovative, localized products and services to growers who are demanding choice, leading technology and trusted agronomic advice.
  • The IDEAg Group LLC announces Emma Sullivan of Morgan, Minnesota, as the winner of Farmfest’s first National Anthem Singing Contest. The Farmfest contest was announced earlier this summer. Contestants were asked to apply on the Farmfest website (www.Farmfest.com) and attach a YouTube video to be considered.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service ends all data collection for the 2017 Census of Agriculture on July 31. Anyone who received the Census questionnaire is required by law to respond by that date, and they can complete the form online at www.agcensus.usda.gov or by calling toll-free (888) 424-7828.
  • The National FFA Organization selected 16 students from throughout the United States as finalists for its 2018 top achievement awards: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience. Visit FFA.org/stars for more information about the American Star Awards.
  • Challenges to changing antibiotic use in food animal production and the associated economics, data and policy issues will be the focus of a workshop Sept. 6-7, 2018, at the National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service is organizing this workshop in collaboration with Farm Foundation. There is no charge to participate in this workshop, however, registration is required by close of business on Aug. 30, 2018.
  • The Land O’Lakes, Inc. Board of Directors announced its selection of Beth Ford as President and CEO of one of the nation’s largest food and agricultural cooperatives and #216 on the Fortune 500. Ford assumes leadership of the company following the retirement of Chris Policinski. Ford will assume the role of President and CEO effective Aug. 1.
FFA, NCGA, Syngenta, Zimfo Bytes

ASTA Responds to EU Ruling on Gene Editing

Cindy Zimmerman

The European Union Court of Justice ruled this week that gene edited crops should be treated the same genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The court ruled that “organisms obtained by mutagenesis are GMOs within the meaning of the GMO Directive,” however it does not apply to gene-editing techniques which “have conventionally been used and have a long safety record.”

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), which advocates for the new plant breeding technology, says the decision “sets a dangerous precedent that could impede global trade and stifle innovation for the future.”

“The ECJ’s decision is based solely on the plant breeding method, without taking into account whether the end-product could have been achieved through more traditional means. Even very small improvements made to a plant would be subject to burdensome regulation under the court’s definition. This would be a huge blow to the continuing evolution of plant breeding innovation and the tremendous promise it holds for a more sustainable and secure global food production system.”

AgWired Precision, ASTA, International, Plant Breeding, Seed

AMVAC THIMET Helps Fight Tomato Spotted Wilt

Cindy Zimmerman

AMVAC insecticide THIMET is a tried and true organophosphate for the control of sucking pests, mites and other major insects in a wide variety of crops, including peanuts.

AMVAC technical service rep Wen Carter says THIMET also helps protect against tomato spotted wilt virus. “Over the past 4-5 years we’ve seen an increase in incidence of tomato spotted wilt virus in peanut production…even with resistant varieties,” said Carter.

AMVAC was a sponsor of the 20th annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference last week.

SPGC18 interview with Wen Carter, AMVAC

2018 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album

Southern Peanut Growers Conference Blog

AgWired Precision, AMVAC, Peanuts, SPGC

Stoneville Varieties featured at Sunbelt Field Day

Chuck Zimmerman

The Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day brought hundreds of farmers from Georgia and surrounding states. The event let’s you see demonstration plots with the latest innovative research, and visit with industry and university researchers to get up-to-date information on topics such as new seed and forage varieties, irrigation and water management, crop protection, soil fertility and precision agriculture.

Stoneville took advantage of this opportunity to showcase their new cotton varieties. I visited withe Rachel Walters, Southern Market Manager,(pictured being interviewed by Sunbelt Ag Expo social media) about cotton disease and Stoneville solutions. Two main diseases are Bacterial Blight Resistance and Verticillium Wilt Tolerance. Rachel suggested varieties like ST 5115GLT, ST 5020GLT, ST 5517GLTP, ST 6448GLB2, ST 4949GLT and ST 4747GLB2. She says to use the right field, right variety and right yield approach and talk with your trusted advisor and visit the Stoneville website for more information.

Cotton Disease and Stoneville variety solutions: Rachel Walters, Southern Market Manager

On hand to kick off the Field Day was Sunbelt Ag Expo Executive Director Chip Blalock. Chip says that with the Field Day, “We work with our industry and university partners to conduct agronomic research that addresses real-life challenges that farmers face daily. All of our research is done in collaboration with farmers, industry reps and universities to determine the best approach — economically, environmentally, and socially — for the challenges that confront Southeast farmers. Those attending our field day will take away useful information that they can apply to their operation back home and improve their bottom line.” He also previews this fall’s Sunbelt Ag Expo.

Overview of Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day: Chip Blalock, Executive Director, Sunbelt Ag Expo

2018 Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day Photo Album

Audio, Bayer, Cotton, Seed, Sunbelt Ag Expo, Technology

Precision Ag Bytes 7/25

Carrie Muehling

  • Conference registration and hotel block reservations for the American Seed Trade Association‘s CSS 2018 & Seed Expo are opening August 1. Make plans to attend America’s largest seed industry convention December 3-6 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. For more information, click here.
  • Registration is open for the Conference on Connection Between Soil Health and Human Health, scheduled for Oct. 16-17 in Silver Spring, Maryland. The conference is limited to 200 attendees. Registration is open until filled, or until October 6, whichever comes first. A registration fee of $250 will increase to $300 on September 14, 2018. Click here to register.
  • Balchem Corporation recently announced the addition of three new team members and five promotions within the Animal Nutrition and Health segment. Stephanie Cocchiara joins Balchem as Marketing Specialist. Greta Stridsberg joins as a Regional Sales Specialist, covering Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. Jon Rentschler now serves as Balchem’s Regional Sales Specialist, covering Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Southwest Kansas. Eileen Frangione is promoted to Regional Sales Specialist. Job van Gunsteren is now the Director of EMEA Region and Animal Nutrition and Health Global Strategy. Luke Lines fills the role of Regional Development Manager, East. Dr. Jeff Elliott expands his position at Balchem and now serves as Technical Service Specialist, Strategic Accounts. Fred Sciulli is promoted to Global Business Manager, Minerals and will focus on identifying market needs and developing the minerals portfolios to address those challenges.
AgWired Precision, ASTA, Precision Ag Bytes

EPA Approves Sorghum Oil as Biofuels Pathway

Cindy Zimmerman

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler yesterday announced the approval of sorghum oil as an eligible feedstock under the Renewable Fuel Standard during a signing event at EPA headquarters in Washington, D.C., with sorghum farmers and other stakeholders.

In December 2017, the EPA released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) concerning renewable fuels produced from sorghum oil under the RFS program followed by a 30-day comment period. EPA’s analysis showed biodiesel produced from sorghum oil has greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings of 82 percent. This will give ethanol plants extracting oil from sorghum access to sell into the biodiesel market.

In addition to the nine ethanol producers already extracting oil from sorghum, several other facilities will now be able to purchase and use sorghum.

Among those present for the signing who made comments were Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust, American Farm Bureau Federation president Zippy Duvall, and sorghum farmers Dan Atkisson of Kansas, Bobby Nedbalek of Texas, and Kody Carson of Texas.

Sorghum farmers comment on biofuels pathway

Sen. Fischer comments on biofuels pathway

NSP CEO Tim Lust comments on biofuels pathway

AFBF president Zippy Duvall comments on biofuels pathway
AFBF, Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, EPA, Ethanol, NSP, sorghum

USDA Announces Trade Disruption Relief for Farmers

Cindy Zimmerman

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will take several actions to assist farmers negatively impacted by recent trade actions.

President Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a short-term relief strategy to protect agricultural producers while the Administration works on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals to open more markets in the long run to help American farmers compete globally. Specifically, USDA will authorize up to $12 billion in programs, which is in line with the estimated $11 billion impact of the unjustified retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods. These programs will assist agricultural producers to meet the costs of disrupted markets.

Secretary Perdue held a press conference with USDA Chief Economist Robert Johansson to announce the aid.

USDA announces trade disruption relief for farmers

Agricultural group leaders are thankful for the aid but interested in a more long-term solution.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, “This announcement is substantial, but we cannot overstate the dire consequences that farmers and ranchers are facing in relation to lost export markets. Our emphasis continues to be on trade and restoring markets, and we will continue to push for a swift and sure end to the trade war and the tariffs impacting American agriculture.”

“NCGA appreciates the Administration’s recognition of the harm to producers caused by tariffs and trade uncertainty,” said National Corn Growers Association president Kevin Skunes. “The fine print will be important. We know the package won’t make farmers whole but look forward to working with USDA on the details and implementation of this plan.”

Kent Bacus, Director of International Trade for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, said they look forward to reviewing the details of the trade relief package. “Trade agreements and trade enforcement are the most effective long-term solutions to the challenges faced by U.S. beef producers. For many years, U.S. beef has been a target of high tariffs and restrictive trade policies from notorious actors like China and the European Union. We support a vigorous approach to tearing down trade barriers, including non-tariff barriers that are not based on science.”

AFBF, AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Audio, NCBA, NCGA, Trade, USDA

Growth Energy Ad Stresses Ethanol’s Importance to Farmers

Cindy Zimmerman

Growth Energy has a new television ad running that casts a spotlight on the repeated calls from rural America for pro-biofuel policies from President Trump and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Rural America is hurting, and these communities are counting on President Trump and his administration to uphold his promise to support biofuels,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “The EPA could immediately restore hundreds of millions of bushels of demand to the agricultural market by unleashing more homegrown biofuels. American farmers are ready to compete, and the biofuels produced from their crops will revitalize rural growth, increase American energy security, and provide much-needed relief from rising gasoline prices.”

The ad is airing on Fox News and gives voice to many Midwest farmers who have been hardest hit by the ongoing agricultural crisis and attacks on crop-based biofuels. They ask President Trump to ensure that new EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler reverse the demand destruction caused by federal waivers, restore integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), and lift outdated restrictions on the sale of ethanol blends, namely E15 – regulations that President Trump called “unnecessary and ridiculous.”

Watch the ad here:


Ethanol

NewLeaf Symbiotics Offers New Class of Biologicals

Cindy Zimmerman

NewLeaf Symbiotics launched a new class of agricultural biologicals this year.

Terrasym™ nutrient-enhancing products are natural, beneficial biologicals called M-trophs. Terrasym 401 is a seed treatment for soybeans that maximizes the yield potential by enhancing plant nutrition and Terrasym 402 is a bio-complement applied to peanuts that provides season-long performance and significantly higher yields. Both products are marketed through a network of strong regional partners.

NewLeaf Symbiotics exhibited at the Southern Peanut Growers Conference this year where “Chuck interviewed Vice president for business development Mike McFatrich about this new technology.

SPGC18 Interview with Mike McFatrich, New Leaf Symbiotics

2018 Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album

AgWired Precision, Audio, Biologicals, Peanuts, Soybean

Animal Ag Bites 7/23

Carrie Muehling

  • Phibro Animal Health Corporation has introduced the new Animate app, a free mobile app for Animate® anionic mineral supplement customers that allows dairy producers to track critical prefresh metrics over time and identify trends by prompting them to enter data including: urine pH, bunk space, stocking density, dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) levels, temperature humidity index (THI), dry matter intake and other factors. The innovative app aggregates this data to project trends in herd productivity and gauges the performance of their pre-partum feeding and management program.
  • Seasonality of US lamb production is an issue that causes inefficiencies and market volatility for all segments of this industry. A new white paper pulls together information on the topic so that members of the industry can understand it in more depth and make informed decisions about management alterations to better supply a more consistently available product. “Seasonality of the US Lamb Industry: A Review of Current Information” is now available for download at LambResourceCenter.com in its Production Resources section.
  • Newtrient LLC published its inaugural progress report, reporting on its advancements in nutrient management, manure-based products and market-driven solutions. Newtrient's founding members recognize the environmental benefits that dairy farmers deliver to society — far beyond milk and meat. The opportunity now is to create positive, economic incentives that benefit farmers, communities and society. The full report can be viewed online at http://www.newtrient.com/About/Membership-Report.
AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Dairy, Lamb