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

Senators Excited About Prospects for TPP Revisit

Cindy Zimmerman

Farm state senators came out of a meeting with President Trump Thursday very optimistic about the future for agricultural trade.

Republican Senators Pat Roberts of Kansas, John Hoeven of North Dakota, Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse of Nebraska held a press conference after the meeting and all agreed it was very productive, but the potential for re-entering the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations was what really got them excited. “He has assigned Larry Kudlow (economic advisor) and Bob Lighthizer (USTR) the task to see if we couldn’t take another look at TPP, and that certainly would be good news all throughout farm country,” said Roberts.

Withdrawing from the TPP negotiations was one of the first actions Trump made after taking office.

Listen to the press conference here: Senators discuss ag trade issues meeting

Audio, Trade

Zimfo Bytes 4/13

Carrie Muehling

  • Apply now for the 2018 Andy Markwart Horizon Award, presented by the AAEA Professional Improvement Foundation and John Deere. The annual award is given to an AAEA Ag Communicators Network member who embodies the youthful vigor, energy, passion, dedication and creativity shown by Andy in his volunteer work for AAEA for many years. Andy died in 2005 from heart problems. This year’s deadline is June 1.
  • Swanson Russell announces the promotion of four senior management team members: Brent Schott, Dick Placzek, Greg Wiley and Lisa Lorraine. Schott now serves as executive vice president/managing director. Placzek’s new position is executive vice president/director of client services. Wiley moves to executive vice president/executive creative director—Lincoln. Lorraine joins the senior management team as senior vice president/director of creative development.
  • Rhea + Kaiser (R+K) announces the addition of three new Account Management + Planning staff, two Public Relations team members, one Creative designer, and promotes one. Grace Morgan comes to R+K as an Assistant Account Manager, Account Management + Planning. Savannah Waller joins R+K as an Assistant Account Manager, Account Management + Planning. Jennifer York comes to R+K as an Account Supervisor, Account Management + Planning. Bailey Harmon joins R+K as an Assistant Account Manager, Public Relations. Dawn Smith comes to R+K as a Principal Writer and Editor, Public Relations. Miku Kinnear joins R+K as an Art Director, Digital Specialist. R+K also announces the promotion of Steve Knapp to Senior Copywriter.
  • The quality of corn assembled for export early in the 2017/2018 marketing year was better or equal to U.S. No. 2 on all grade factors, based on the information aggregated and reported in the recently-released seventh edition of the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) Corn Export Cargo Quality Report.
  • The World Food Prize is now accepting nominations for this prestigious, $250,000 award through May 1. Guidelines and an online submission form can be found at: www.worldfoodprize.org/nominate.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation is accepting speaker proposals for the 2019 AFBF Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show in New Orleans, Louisiana this January, 11-16, 2019. Submit a proposal by Friday, May 18, 2018.
  • broadhead took home five First Place and five Merit Awards at the Best of NAMA 2018 Agri-Marketing Conference on April 11 in Kansas City, Missouri. These National Agri-Marketing Association Awards recognize the top work of leading agricultural and rural marketing companies throughout North America. Through the Firestone Ag Farm Hard campaign, broadhead cleared three First Place Awards, including the 2017 Farm Progress trade show booth signage and video, along with single and spread ads. For a full list of winners, visit: http://www.nama.org/best-of-nama-winners.
Zimfo Bytes

The Best of the Best at #NAMA18

Jamie Johansen

The Best of the Best were recognized at the 2018 Agri-Marketing Conference in Kansas City, MO. Once again, Max Armstrong emceed the coveted awards ceremony were companies and agencies are honored for their creative efforts. We also were able to induct Max into the Golden Mic Club where he shared his perspective on changes he has seen over the years when it comes to agri-marketing. You will see him now wearing the #GoldenMic Club ribbon during the event. We plan to continue handing them out through the year to all our friends who share their story with us.

Shout out to the winners and all of the agri-marketing teams who work tirelessly to promote our beloved agricultural community.

Grand Champion
WinField United
Colle McVoy
WinField United Unchartered Waters

Best of Show Advertising
Arm & Hammer
Charleston|Orwig, Inc.
#ScienceHearted Campaign

Best of Show Public Relations
WinField United
Exponent PR
Getting Hyper-Connected

Best of Show Digital
National Pork Board
Lessing-Flynn
Meet the Real Pig Farmers of America

Best of Show Consumer
WinField United
Colle McVoy
WinField United Unchartered Waters

Best of Show Specialty
Cargill Animal Nutrition
Padilla
Educating Horse Owners on Topline Health

Max and Chuck also discuss the awards, student competition, impact NAMA has in the industry and much more. Interview with Max Armstrong, This Week in AgriBusiness

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

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Audio, Marketing, NAMA

Trump Discusses Agricultural Trade Issues

Cindy Zimmerman

Governors and senators from agricultural states such as Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, North and South Dakota had a meeting with President Donald Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer today to discuss recent trade actions and how farmers may be impacted.

In a press availability prior to the start of the meeting, President Trump talked about NAFTA, China, the European Union, and his philosophy on tariffs. “We want more trade, we want no barriers,” said Trump. “The tariffs have really helped us. When used properly, they get people to the table and that’s what we want.”

Trump says he wants a fair NAFTA deal. “NAFTA has been a disaster,” he said. “So we are either going to come up with a great NAFTA deal and a fair one or we’re just going to do something else, and agriculture will be taken care of, 100 percent.”

Listen to Trump’s comments here: Trump talks farm trade issues

The big news coming out of that meeting, however, was about ethanol, as President Trump said he supported allowing the year-round use of 15% ethanol blended fuel (E15). “This is no guarantee, but we’re going to raise it up to 15 percent, which makes a lot of people happy,” said the president prior to a meeting with lawmakers on agricultural trade issues. “We’re going to go to 12 months, which makes a lot of farmers very happy.”

Listen to Trump’s E15 comments here: Trump comments on E15

AgWired Animal, Audio, Trade

House Ag Committee Unveils Agriculture and Nutrition Act

Cindy Zimmerman

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX) today introduced the first draft of a new farm bill, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2).

““The farm bill keeps faith with our nation’s farmers and ranchers through the current agriculture recession by providing certainty and helping producers manage the enormous risks that are inherent in agriculture,” said Rep. Conaway. “The farm bill also keeps faith with these families by not only maintaining SNAP benefits but by offering SNAP beneficiaries a springboard out of poverty to a good paying job, and opportunity for a better way of life for themselves and their families.”

Conaway introduced the bill along with House Ag Committee Vice Chair Glenn Thompson (R-PA).

Listen to the press conference: House Ag farm bill introduction

AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Audio, Farm Bill