Launch of E-Connectivity Listening Sessions

Chuck Zimmerman

This morning U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue provided opening remarks to a coalition of stakeholders to launch a series of regional listening sessions targeting the expansion of broadband access in rural America. You can watch the recording here or listen below. USDA has had programs for years to assist with local and regional broadband efforts but there is still a long way to go. Hopefully these sessions will encourage new infrastructure development so farmers as well as anyone living in rural areas will have the opportunities that good broadband offers.

Audio of Secretary Perdue's Remarks
Participants included:

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai
Rural Utilities Service Administrator Ken Johnson
Tennessee Telecommunications Association Executive Director Levon Knowles
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Executive Director Mel Coleman
Other presenters will include:
Constance Cullman, President and CEO, Farm Foundation
Shirley Bloomfield, CEO, NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association
Jim Matheson, CEO, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)
Thomas Halverson, President and CEO, CoBank
Sheldon Petersen, CEO, National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC)
Jannine Miller, USDA Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Infrastructure
Joe Swedberg, Chairman of the Board, Farm Foundation

The launch and subsequent listening session are being organized by Farm Foundation, NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association, CoBank, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), and the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC).

The next listening session will be in June 2018 in Minnesota, with additional sessions to be completed over the next six months.

Audio, Infrastructure, Internet, USDA

China Imposes Import Fee on U.S. Sorghum

Cindy Zimmerman

China’s Ministry of Commerce has imposed a “temporary antidumping measure” on U.S. sorghum imports, requiring a deposit of almost 179 percent on the value of sorghum shipments starting today.

National Sorghum Producers president and CEO Tim Lust says they are “deeply disappointed” in the action.

“National Sorghum Producers, alongside our producers, stakeholders and partners, has cooperated fully with China’s antidumping and countervailing duty investigations, including submitting several thousand pages of data demonstrating conclusively that U.S. sorghum is neither dumped nor causing any injury to China. None of this information appears to have been seriously considered or used in today’s preliminary determination, which is neither fair nor appropriate,” said Lust.

“We continue to greatly value our Chinese customers and what has been a win-win business relationship between U.S. sorghum producers and our Chinese partners. Today’s decision in China reflects a broader trade fight in which U.S. sorghum farmers are the victim, not the cause. And U.S. sorghum farmers should not be paying the price for this larger fight.”

Tony St. James, All Ag News, interviewed Lust about the action: Interview with Tim Lust, National Sorghum Producers

Audio, sorghum, Trade

Precision Ag Bytes 4/18

Carrie Muehling

  • A bipartisan coalition of 28 producers, national and state commodity groups, supply chain companies, and environmental and conservation groups have signed a letter to U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) urging them to support the Agriculture Data Act of 2018 (S. 2487). The coalition applauds Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) for introducing the legislation. The bill would strengthen the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) management of producer data so that it can be used to study the impacts of farm conservation practices such as cover crops, no-till farming, and more, while protecting the privacy of farmers.
  • Neonicotinoid (neonic) insecticides are currently undergoing registration review, an extensive scientific process that the EPA conducts on all registered pesticides every 15 years, to ensure they meet the latest scientific standards. This multistep process typically takes five to eight years to complete.
  • AgJunction, Inc. has announced the opening of the HandsFreeFarm.com online store to bring low-cost, simple-to-use precision agriculture solutions direct to all farmers. To launch the online store, AgJunction introduced RANGER, precision farming made simple with an easy-to-install and use guidance system for under a thousand dollars.
  • Actagro released results showing that in over 40 multiyear corn trials, Proximus increased average yield by 10 to 15 bushels per acre. The research findings make a strong use case for the company’s new nitrogen management solution among growers looking to better manage their nitrogen investments and increase yields.
  • The sixth Plant Genomics & Gene Editing Congress is coming to Philadelphia on October 1-2, 2018.
    This comprehensive two-day congress, featuring over 50 presentations across three tracks, will provide experts with an exceptional environment in which to explore the application of novel gene-editing technologies, CRISPR and other ‘omics technologies. An extended panel discussion will explore issues arising from gene editing regulation; while nine roundtable discussions, led by experts, will enable a deeper investigation of subjects that include genomic selection, sequencing workflow and adapting to the challenges of climate change. Register here.
  • Verdesian Life Sciences has announced a reformulation of its mission, positioning statement and approach in order to create a more mission-driven organization committed to providing sustainable nutrient use efficiency (NUE) solutions for farmers and growers. Verdesian’s new mission statement reads: At Verdesian Life Sciences, we enable a sustainable future for farmers through nutrient use efficiency.
  • Inocucor Corporation, a developer and producer of biological crop inputs for high-value produce and row crops, announced it has acquired ATP Nutrition, a producer of science-based plant nutrients based in Oak Bluff, Manitoba, Canada. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
  • The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced that online dicamba/auxin trainings have been approved for farmers and applicators who wish to use dicamba products. Farmers and applicators can access the online trainings or find details about any upcoming in-person trainings at http://DicambaTrainingIowa.org.
  • Syngenta has received confirmation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that Fusilade® DX herbicide has been cleared for tank mixing with both XtendiMax® with VaporGrip®Technology and Engenia® herbicides. Fusilade DX will be available for use on Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans, providing growers with more options for a strong weed management plan this growing season.
AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes

Japan to Allow Use of U.S. Ethanol for Oxygenate

Cindy Zimmerman

Ethanol market development organizations cheered the news out of Japan today that the government’s new biofuel policy will allow imports of the oxygenate ETBE made from U.S. corn-based ethanol.

A release from the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), and Growth Energy says Japan will now allow U.S. ethanol to meet up to 44 percent of a total estimated demand of 217 million gallons of ethanol used to make ETBE, or potentially 95.5 million gallons of U.S.-produced ethanol annually.

The change comes as part of the country’s update of its existing sustainability policy, approved in 2010, in which only sugarcane-based ethanol was eligible for import and which only allowed sugarcane-based ethanol for the production of ETBE, an oxygenate. The new policy calls for an increase in the carbon intensity reduction requirements of ethanol used as a feedstock to make ETBE to meet a 55 percent reduction, up from 50 percent, and recognizes corn-based, U.S.-produced ethanol’s ability to meet that goal, even with the higher greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction standard.

The groups say the Japanese government based on its decision on the evaluation and life cycle assessment update of U.S. corn-based ethanol and the U.S. industry’s efforts to maximize production efficiency through technological innovations that lead to higher GHG emission reductions for corn-based ethanol and the emergence of co-products like distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS).

Biofuels, Corn, Ethanol, International, RFA, USGC

Check Your Facebook Settings

Chuck Zimmerman

The first time I received this message I didn’t really pay attention. Then I got it two more times and read it in full and researched it online to make sure this is a real thing. And guess what? It is a real thing.

Essentially my account was one of the bazillion that had data involved in the whole Cambridge Analytica disaster. This message is specifically tied to one or more of my friends who used something called “This is Your Digital Life.” There’s nothing that can be done about it by me. It’s just a message informing me. But it made me take a look at all my settings which I don’t even remember having done recently. I was amazed, especially at apps that have access to my account. I lost count of how many I deleted and many I have never even heard of.

So, I’m posting this here for all you AgNerds and AgVocates out there. It does take a little time but I think it would be well worth it to go through all your settings. There’s a whole section just on ads and what you agree to see or not see. I think you’ll be surprised and ultimately glad you did this.

Social Networking

Role of Corn Farmers in High Octane Fuel Future

Cindy Zimmerman

During a House Committee on Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing on “High Octane Fuels and High Efficiency Vehicles” Friday, an Illinois corn grower outlined how farmers are now growing what can be the the high-octane fuel of the near future.

Illinois farmer Paul Jeschke testified that high-octane midlevel ethanol blends would “benefit society and rural communities by lowering prices at the pump and reducing pollution while increasing farm income.”

“I’m proud of what we do on my family’s farm,” said Jeschke. “I’m proud that our corn crop can have a part to play in the high-octane future that’s heading our way.” Read Jeschke’s written testimony.
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Listen to Jeschke’s opening statement here: Illinois farmer Paul Jeschke at hearing

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor testified before the panel that ethanol is a ready solution for more efficient engines that require high octane fuels to operate effectively and lower greenhouse gases.

“With a natural 113 octane, ethanol has a lower carbon content than the gasoline components it replaces and provides increased engine efficiency to reduce both tailpipe, greenhouse gas, and criteria pollutant emissions,” said Skor.

Listen to Skor’s opening statement to the committee – Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor at hearing

Audio, Corn, Ethanol

AEM Releases First-Quarter Sales Data

Carrie Muehling

The latest sales data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) shows total U.S. 2-wheel drive tractor sales gained four percent for March compared to last year, while 4-wheel drive tractors sales dropped five percent. Self-propelled combine sales declined 20 percent.

First-quarter 2018 U.S. sales were essentially flat for the smaller-size tractors and 100-plus HP 2-wheel drive tractors declined about five percent for January-March compared to the same quarter in 2017. U.S. 4-wheel drive tractor sales gained about five percent for the first quarter, and U.S. sales of self-propelled combines gained four percent for January-March compared to those months in 2017.

“As we close the first quarter of 2018, we are still cautiously optimistic for continued growth this year, but it’s tempered by uncertainty in the farm economy,” said Curt Blades, senior vice president, AG services. “We are still contending with diplomatic jockeying over steel tariffs and China trade that is causing concern for the agriculture and manufacturing communities. Headwinds also include potential negative changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). And, overall, we’re looking at the USDA forecast of a decline in 2018 net farm profits. Many farmers will still need to replace equipment at some point for longer term efficiencies, and we are still hopeful that tax reform could provide a positive stimulus.”

Read the full report online: https://www.aem.org/market-data/statistics/us-ag-tractor-and-combine-reports/.

John Deere at 2018 Commodity Classic Photo Album

AEM, AgWired Precision, Equipment

Student NAMA Chapters Compete & Learn

Jamie Johansen

The number of hours Student NAMA Chapters put into the national marketing competition in preparation for the Agri-Marketing Conference each year is countless. However, that endurance, research and simple practice pay off.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison brought home this year’s first-place honors with their marketing plan for a ready-to-drink protein enhanced thickened wine called Good Life. Thickened wine? Yes, you read that correctly, I had many questions myself. Listen to my complete interview with the entire Wisconsin NAMA team below. And help me welcome them all to the #GoldenMic Club.

Let’s also give a shout out to the other finalists and award winners.

2018 Marketing Competition Winners
First Place: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Second Place: University of Guelph
Third Place: Texas A&M University
Fourth Place: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Fifth Place: Michigan State University
Sixth Place: University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Outstanding Student Chapter Award Winners
First Place: Illinois State University
Second Place: Iowa State University
Third Place: Michigan State University
Fourth Place: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Rosalee Swartz, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, received the Dr. John B. Riley Outstanding Advisor Award.

The Iowa Chapter was awarded the Outstanding Professional Chapter Award. In addition, Kevin O’Connor was named Outstanding Professional.

Listen to my complete chat with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Student NAMA Chapter here: Interview with University Wisconsin-Madison

View and download photos from the event here:2018 National Agri-Marketing Conference Photo Album


Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Audio, Marketing, NAMA

Animal Ag Bites 4/16

Carrie Muehling

  • The U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs and the International Poultry Welfare Alliance are conducting a search for an executive director who can provide management duties and leadership for both organizations as they develop and progress. The groups, with the assistance of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, are working with executive search firm Kincannon & Reed to fill this position by June.
  • Mark Gale will share Charleston|Orwig’s research about consumer perspectives on food labels at the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2018 Stakeholders Summit set for May 3-4 at the Renaissance Capital View Hotel in Arlington, Va.
  • The Pork Checkoff has awarded 21 scholarships to college students around the United States as part of its strategy to develop the pork industry’s future leaders. A National Pork Board committee judged the pool of 70 applicants based on scholastic merit, leadership activities, involvement in the pork production industry and the applicants’ plans for a career in pork production.
  • The biotechnology company LEUKOCARE AG and Boehringer Ingelheim have entered into a license agreement in the field of veterinary diagnostics. Under the terms of this agreement, Boehringer Ingelheim will have access to LEUKOCARE’s SPS technologies.
  • More than 20,000 individuals have gone online to obtain Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification since online training modules were relaunched on Feb. 1, 2017. BQA certifications are also available at in-person training events offered through state beef councils, cattlemen’s affiliates, extension programs and other local efforts throughout the country. The BQA program is funded by the Beef Checkoff Program.
  • With strong support and input from the National Pork Producers Council, the United States and Argentina this week finalized an export certificate that allows the U.S. pork industry to ship product to the South American country. The new opening represents the first time in 25 years that U.S. pork will be allowed into Argentina, which has the potential to be a $10 million-a-year market for U.S. pork producers.
AgWired Animal, Animal Bites

NAMA Honors Years of Service to Agri-Marketing

Jamie Johansen

Each year the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) recognizes industry leaders at their annual Agri-Marketing Conference. This year a new award was added to the line up. The Ag Association Leader of the Year award recognizes outstanding achievement in association or commodity organizations. Kendal Frazier, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO, took home the debut honor.

Frazier’s tenure with NCBA began in March 1985, and during his more than three decades with the association he held leadership roles with its communications, governance and issues management functions. Frazier served as the Chief Operating Officer before being named CEO in 2015.

NAMA also recognizes senior management of marketing and/or sales responsibilities with the NAMA Marketer of the Year award. This award is the most prestigious honor awarded to an active member of the association and honors outstanding accomplishments in the field of agri-marketing. Ed Peck, Filament’s president, CEO and owner was awarded for his years of creative endurance and commitment to the agricultural community.

The Agribusiness Leader of the Year award recognizes leadership achievement in agriculture and the food and fiber industry. This award attracts agribusiness leaders and leaders in private, public or academic service. Calvin Ernst, Ernst Conservation Seeds president and founder, was recognized for his decades of dedication to conservation. He was unable to personally accept the award but sent words of appreciation.

View and download photos from the event here:2018 National Agri-Marketing Conference Photo Album

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Marketing, NAMA