2024 Ag Media Summit Awards

Chuck Zimmerman

Ag Media Summit - AwardsA big part of the Ag Media Summit are the awards. There are many of them from each organization represented including Livestock Publication Council, The Ag Communicators Network, and National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. There are photos of all of them in the online summit photo album.

I want to highlight two of our best friends that received awards starting with Cindy Cunningham, Public Relations Managing Supervisor at Woodruff. Cindy received the LPC Ed Bible Distinguished Service Award. Like a lot of these awards it can be very emotional not only for the recipient but also many, many of us in attendance.

Ag Media Summit - AwardsAlso, receiving an award is Kelly Schwalbe, Retired PR Professional. Kelly received the Ag Communicators Lifetime Achievement Award.

Cindy (Zimmerman) and I have made so many friends over the years and we’re very blessed for that. We’ve not only worked with these two professionals but we’ve spent lots of other social time from trips to the Lake of the Ozarks to pheasant hunting in South Dakota. Congratulations to them and all who have received awards.

You will be able to find the full lists of winners on the organizational websites.

2024 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

ACN, LPC, Media

Talking Retirement at Ag Media Summit

Chuck Zimmerman

Dr. Chris Kuehl, Armada Corporate IntelligenceDuring this year’s Ag Media Summit I talked to a variety of folks about retirement. This included members who have retired, members who retired and went back to work, people who are considering retiring (asking me, “When are you going to retire?”), and one of our keynote speakers, Dr. Chris Kuehl, Armada Corporate Intelligence. He is an economist who not only had great information but a sense of humor that kept us laughing. I would recommend him as a speaker anywhere.

I picked out an excerpt of his talk since it was about extending retirement. He says, “If we use the same demographics that we used in the 1930’s when we set 65 as retirement age, the retirement age now would be 85.” Yeow!

You can listen to him here:
Dr. Chris Kuehl Excerpt on Retirement

2024 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

ACN, Ag Media Summit, Audio, LPC

The Greg and Gregg Show at AMS

Cindy Zimmerman

Greg Henderson and Gregg Hillyer at AMS

The 25th anniversary of Ag Media Summit was celebrated this week and it was interesting to take a walk back through the history of the event with a couple of guys who have been around for awhile – Gregg Hillyer, Editor In Chief at The Progressive Farmer, and Greg Henderson, Editorial Director at Drovers/Farm Journal.

Henderson says AMS basically began when the ag publishers got together and decided not to send their editors to two separate meetings. “They were going to the Ag Editors meeting in October, and they were going to the Livestock Publications Council meeting in July. And so the idea was, let’s bring these two together,” and it became his job to make that happen.

Hillyer says it was a little tricky to start. “Even though we had some cross membership between the two organizations, we both kind of had different viewpoints in terms of sponsorships and code of ethics and things of that sort, so there was really a lot of originally disagreement in those earlier discussions,” he said.

Listen here:
Gregg and Greg Show - Look back over the years of Ag Media Summit

2024 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

ACN, Ag Media Summit, Audio, LPC

Alltech Honors Young Leaders at Ag Media Summit

Cindy Zimmerman

(right to left) Breanna Selsor, Iowa State; Hannah Hudgens, Texas Tech; Allie Herring, Texas Tech; and Ryan Hess, Texas Tech; with Jenn Norrie (far left), Alltech

Four students currently studying agricultural communications were honored for their excellence, professionalism and leadership earlier this week at Ag Media Summit (AMS). The Livestock Publications Council (LPC) Student Award Program, sponsored by Alltech, provides travel scholarships for four students to attend AMS.

“Alltech is proud to support the next generation of agricultural communicators as the ambassadors and voice of our industry,” said Jenn Norrie, Alltech’s communications manager for North America and Europe. “These young leaders are playing an instrumental role in sharing stories of farmers and ranchers and are helping to educate the urban population on where and by whom their food is produced.”

Three of the four finalists for this year’s Forrest Bassford Student Award, presented by the LPC, were from Texas Tech University – Allie Herring, Ryan Hess, and Hannah Hudgens – with the fourth, Breanna Selsor, from Iowa State University.

Following a competitive application and interview process, the award was presented to Herring, a senior studying agricultural communications and agri-business at Texas Tech.

The Forrest Bassford Student Award was established in 1992 to honor Bassford’s contributions to the Livestock Publications Council and his passion for supporting young people in the field of agricultural communications.

2024 Ag Media Summit Photo Album

Ag Media Summit, Alltech

Feedstock Management Group Debuts at Tech Hub LIVE

Cindy Zimmerman

The North American Bioeconomy Data Alliance (NABDA) is a new working group focused on feedstock management that debuted at the recent Tech Hub LIVE event in Des Moines.

Spearheading the group are Joyce Hunter with Mission Critical and Kathleen Glass with AquaSpy, who also led a Roundtable Discussion on the topic at THL. NABDA is engaging industry partners help the U.S. and Canada improve data literacy and standardization to optimize the production, processing, and utilization of biological feedstocks.

“It’s looking at all of the feedstock that’s available and how we are going to compensate farmers for what they are growing,” said Hunter. “We’re looking for input from farmers, producers, technology companies…we want all voices included.”

The working group plans to gather input over the rest of this year and present findings at the VISION Conference in January.

Hunter, who served in the Obama administration USDA, also spoke to the Women in Ag Tech group which met for the third time at Tech Hub LIVE about the importance of being involved in public policy and government relations.

Learn more in this interview.

2024 THL WiAT speaker Joyce Hunter, Mission Critical 7:04

2024 Tech Hub LIVE Photo Album

Audio, Biofuels, Tech Hub LIVE, Technology

Iowa Economic Development Spurs Sukup Innovations

Cindy Zimmerman

Megan Brandt, Sukup Innovations, and Renee Hansen, Sukup Mfg., at Tech Hub LIVE

Sukup Manufacturing Co., based in Sheffield, Iowa, has long been at the forefront of innovation since its inception in 1963. After Sukup aquired automation technologies company Ramco Innovations, the company announced the creation of Sukup Innovations in May of this year with the goal of bolstering agricultural innovation through automation.

Renee Hansen, Sukup Manufacturing, External Relations Manager, and Megan Brandt, Program Manager, Sukup Innovations, were at Tech Hub LIVE last week to talk about how Iowa and ag tech go together.

“Iowa really is the Silicon Valley of ag tech,” said Hansen. “Sukup Manufacturing is really trying to take that to another level, help with the productivity and efficiency of the producer and we’re at Tech Hub LIVE because we want to be a player in this space.”

Brandt says the first product offering from Sukup Innovations is Synk™, a new bin monitoring solution designed to enhance grain storage management for farmers.

“I think people at first questioned why two very different companies would come together until they figured out why Sukup was trying to bring this technology out to the farm,” said Brandt. “So having two separate powerhouses with not a lot of preconceived ideas of what wouldn’t work and what would work is going to be, I think, powerful.”

In addition to Ramco, Sukup Innovations includes an innovation lab called Maple Studios which brings in early stage manufacturing tech startups and Hansen says the Iowa Economic Development Authority is very helpful in supporting early stage companies. “We have a lot of different funds that come from the federal government and the state government and we have a lot of programs, including Ag Tech focused funds, locally and across the whole state,” she said.

Learn more in this interview from THL.
2024 THL Sukup Manufacturing/Innovations 7:47

2024 Tech Hub LIVE Photo Album

Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Audio, Tech Hub LIVE, Technology

Precision Ag News 8/7

Carrie Muehling

  • Last week’s Tech Hub LIVE 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together nearly 700 industry leaders and passionate ag tech professionals and more than 70 companies on the expo floor. Tech Hub LIVE captured the current state of agriculture technology through engaging discussions, innovative sessions, and numerous networking opportunities.
  • Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest $400 million with at least 18 irrigation districts to help farmers continue commodity production while also conserving water across the West. This funding – which will support irrigation districts and producers in using innovative water savings technologies and farming practices while producing water-saving commodities in the face of continued drought – is expected to conserve up to 50,000 acre-feet in water use across 250,000 acres of irrigated land in production, while expanding and creating new, sustainable market opportunities.
  • Agri-Pulse is pleased to host a webinar on September 5 at 1 p.m. Eastern time, focused on climate change and how new climate insights can help manage your business.
  • The Fertilizer Institute is sponsoring the all-new Agronomy Conference and Expo in St. Louis August 12-14. Formally known as InfoAg, the conference has been reimagined to bring more value to the ag retail community. Complimentary registration for this inaugural year is being offered to qualified agronomists and crop consultants. See if you qualify here.
  • BioLumic, the world’s only company treating seeds with light to activate genetic expression for new crop traits, has achieved a breakthrough in enhancing inbred corn lines. These genetically ‘pure’ parent seeds are crucial for producing the world’s high-performing hybrid seeds favored by most farmers.
  • Ecorobotix, a company specializing in AI-driven agricultural technology, has formed a dealer partnership with RDO Equipment Co., marking a major expansion into the U.S. market. Through this collaboration, Ecorobotix’s innovative ARA ultra-high precision sprayer will be available at select RDO locations nationwide.
  • Millborn, an independently owned seed company dedicated to enriching land and lives for more than 37 years, owns and operates seed production facilities in Imperial and Hemingford, Nebraska. Both locations will offer trusted hard red and white winter wheat varieties from AgriPro, WestBred, and PlainsGold this fall.
  • Marion Ag Service and Columbia Seeds LLC have agreed to a supply and marketing consortium. The endeavor combines Marion Ag’s industry-leading fertilizer technology, combination products, organics, and soil amendment offerings with Columbia Seeds’ established expertise in the seed market. The consortium will enable both companies to combine their marketing efforts, relationships, and value creation into a collective market-leading suite of agronomic solutions.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    4th Tech Hub LIVE is Another Success

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Last week’s fourth Tech Hub LIVE 2024 attracted nearly 700 attendees and featured over 70 exhibiting companies, making it another big success for the CropLife Media Group® event. Half of the companies participating this year have already rebooked for Tech Hub LIVE 2025 when the event will return to Des Moines to celebrate its 5th year.

    “We are thrilled with the success of Tech Hub LIVE 2024 and the incredible turnout we saw this year,” said Amy Reddington, Show Director of Tech Hub LIVE. “The energy and engagement from attendees, exhibitors, and speakers was outstanding. We’re already looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Des Moines in 2025.”

    The dates for 2025 are July 21-23.

    2024 Tech Hub LIVE Photo Album

    AgWired Precision, Precision Agriculture, Tech Hub LIVE, Technology

    BioLumic Partners with Seed Companies for New Traits

    Cindy Zimmerman

    BioLumic is partnering with Beck’s Hybrids, Peterson Corn Genetics, Peterson Farms Seed, Breeder Direct and other seed companies to use BioLumic’s Genetic Expression Trait™ light-activated technology on a wide range of inbred and hybrid corn lines aiming to enhance their productivity.

    BioLumic is the world’s only company treating seeds with light to activate genetic expression for new crop traits which achieved significant performance milestones in enhancing inbred corn lines that are crucial for producing the world’s high-performing hybrid seeds favored by most farmers. The inbred trials specifically target improved germination, emergence, seedling vigor, yield, and hybrid seed quality.

    Agtech startup BioLumic treats corn seed with short-duration exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light that naturally activates new genetic expression

    BioLumic harnesses ultraviolet (UV) light signaling, a scientifically-proven process, to rapidly activate natural genetic expression in plants for improved yield, quality, and plant defense traits without requiring genetic modification or chemical additives. BioLumic’s technology is being commercialized for inbred and hybrid corn cultivars, with plans underway for light-treated seeds to be available to farmers for the 2025 planting season.

    “By activating Genetic Expression Traits in corn parent lines and showing the ability to lock in those traits to hybrid corn progeny without any ensuing treatments, our UV light technology is rewriting the playbook for seed production,” said Steve Sibulkin, BioLumic CEO. “It eliminates years of trait identification and breeding work for driving yield, quality and plant health without the multi-year regulatory process associated with genetic modification.”

    BioLumic is set to commercialize Genetic Expression Traits for both inbred and hybrid corn in partnership with Gro Alliance starting next year. Additionally, BioLumic is advancing trait development of soybean parent lines, with initial trials commencing this year.

    Learn more in this interview with Sibulkin.
    Interview with Steve Sibulkin, BioLumic CEO 6:27

    AgWired Precision, Audio, Corn, Precision Agriculture, Seed

    Animal Ag News 8/5

    Carrie Muehling

  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) expressed its disappointment over the Food and Drug Administration and Association of American Feed Control Officials’ (AAFCO) announcements that they will be ending their longstanding relationship for the review of new animal food ingredients on Oct. 1, abolishing a system that has worked well for decades. The AFIA believes this relationship has been vital for building and maintaining confidence across the food chain that U.S. animal food products are safe – the ultimate goal of the industry’s customers at home and abroad.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the 60-day comment period for their latest Packers and Stockyards proposed rule, “Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets,” by 15 days to Sept. 11, 2024. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says extension is welcome but is not nearly enough time to properly solicit public comment and review a rule that will have such an overarching impact on the cattle industry.
  • Animal challenge studies completed by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists show that infecting dairy cows with the H5N1 virus in a laboratory setting can trigger clinical signs of disease similar to those of naturally infected animals on dairy farms. The USDA scientists’ animal challenge study showing that field infections of H5N1 can be replicated under laboratory conditions is detailed in a paper that will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
  • Increasing consumer confidence in how beef is raised may seem like a tall task, but due to ranchers investing time in Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training, progress is being made one certification at a time. Raised with Respect, a campaign launched in 2023 by Sysco and Certified Angus Beef (CAB), uses BQA as the conduit to talk about cattle care efforts with chefs and consumers purchasing beef.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is reminding cattle producers to consult with their tax attorneys regarding the Corporate Transparency Act, with key deadlines approaching at the end of 2024. NCBA’s grassroots members recently passed policy at the 2024 Summer Business Meeting directing the association to take action on the Corporate Transparency Act, including outreach and education to cattle producers.
  • North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC) recently elected new leadership, including two new board members and the 2024–2025 Executive Committee. As described in the NAIDC mission statement, the board focus is to “develop tomorrow’s dairy leaders and enhance the progress of the dairy industry, by providing education, communication and networking among students, producers, and agribusiness and university personnel.”
  • Ad Age, the leading global source of news and insights for the advertising and marketing industry, has recognized Suzanne Fanning, CMO of Wisconsin Cheese/EVP of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, as one of its Leading Women of 2024. The 2024 list of Leading Women shines a spotlight on a group that is leading the charge for positive change in the industry and finding success in the process.
  • At the urging of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), a newly published U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) study found zero Trichinella positives in more than 3.2 million pork samples, demonstrating to domestic and global consumers the safety of U.S. pork.
  • The primary objective of the 2023 Farmer Focus marketing campaign was to tell the stories of the growers behind its poultry products through in-store packaging, website and social media. As a result, Farmer Focus was recognized as the 2024 winner of the Chicken Marketer of the Year during Chicken Marketing Summit.
  • The 2025 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is still six months away and has already surpassed 557,000 square feet of exhibit space and secured more than 1,070 exhibitors. As the only annual exposition highlighting the best of the poultry and egg, meat, and animal food industries, the 2025 IPPE will offer timely and critical information, providing producers and processors an efficient way to find solutions to enhance their operations.
  • Environmental managers in the poultry and egg industry face a range of challenges, including water quality, wastewater management, air emissions, sustainability and regulatory compliance. To help navigate these evolving issues, the USPOULTRY 2024 Environmental Management Seminar, scheduled for Sept. 19-20 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Fla., will provide an invaluable opportunity to stay updated on the latest trends. The seminar will also feature the announcement of the 2024 Clean Water Award winners, complemented by a virtual tour of their facilities.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites