“Seeding Innovation” Website Unveiled by ASTA

Kelly Marshall

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) has announced a new, educational website, seedinginnovation.org. The organization hopes to provide answers to consumer questions like: What is plant breeding innovation? What do plant breeders do? And what could the latest breeding techniques like gene editing mean for the future of agriculture and our society?

The new site offers informational videos, blog posts, plant breeder profiles, FAQs and other resources about the ever-changing field of plant breeding. You can also follow ASTA @Better_Seed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Ag Groups, ASTA

Camso Intros CTS High Speed at #NFMS17

Cindy Zimmerman

Quebec-based Camso is back at the National Farm Machinery Show this year with some new track products for the North American agriculture equipment market.

One of those products is a Conversion Track System (CTS) with suspended frame and integrated final drive system for combines. Track Systems Business Line Executive Director Martin Lunkenbein says Camso’s new CTS High Speed allows tracked harvesting machines to reach road speeds similar to wheeled combines with its integrated final drive system. “Less ground compaction, more flotation, and full speed – so when you’re going from field to field you’re getting there when you want to,” he says.

The new CTS features a frame suspension system and double oscillating wheels that improve ground contact on uneven surfaces, improve machine stability and header placement for more efficient harvesting and provide better overall operator comfort – all with a 12 percent larger footprint to further reduce ground compaction and field damage.

Learn more in this interview: Interview with Martin Lunkenbein, Camso

2017 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by
Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by FMC
Audio, Equipment, National Farm Machinery Show, NFMS, Uncategorized

AEM to Collaborate with NFMS

Cindy Zimmerman

Kentucky State Fair Board CEO Jason Rittenberry and AEM President Dennis Slater sign agreement

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined with the Kentucky State Fair Board today to announce a collaborative agreement on management of the National Farm Machinery Show.

Kentucky State Fair Board CEO Jason Rittenberry and AEM President Dennis Slater signed an agreement at the opening of the 52nd annual show in Louisville that AEM will assist with management and co-production of the show beginning in 2018, and will have an equity position in the future growth of the show.

“Every year, hundreds of exhibitors are wait-listed for America’s largest indoor farm show,” said Kentucky State Fair Board President and CEO Jason Rittenberry. “This partnership will bring new opportunities for current and future exhibitors, and expand the experience for our attendees.”

“This is a first step in a partnership that will benefit all the stakeholders in the National Farm Machinery Show and the Ag industry,” said Dennis Slater, president of AEM. “AEM’s commitment to its core services like public policy and our success in leading tradeshows, naturally lends itself to our new partnership with the Kentucky Fair Board and the National Farm Machinery Show.”

Hear more from Kentucky State Fair Board CEO Jason Rittenberry and AEM President Dennis Slater:
AEM/NFMS press announcement Additional comments from Rittenberry and Slater

2017 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by
Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by FMC
AEM, Audio, Equipment, National Farm Machinery Show, NFMS

GROWMARK FS Offers Pollinator Gardens to 4-H

Kelly Marshall

GROWMARK is providing an opportunity for 4-H clubs to be a part of sustaining and increasing the honey bee population. 4-H clubs in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin with a public space and secure permission are eligible for enough seeds to plant a 700 square foot pollinator garden and educational signage.

“Last year, we had nearly 40 clubs participating in the program,” said Karen Jones, GROWMARK Youth and Cooperative Education Specialist. “Growing the number of pollinator gardens this year will help provide even more habitat for bees and other beneficial pollinator species.”

Applications are due online by March 31, 2017.

GROWMARK, pollinators

Make Plans for 2017 Water for Food Conference

Cindy Zimmerman

Mark your calendars for the 2017 Water for Food Global Conference April 10-12 at Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The theme of the conference this year is “Water for Food Security: From Local Lessons to Global Impacts” and is based on the premise that global breakthroughs come from local action. It will feature plenary and parallel sessions to explore the research, technology and educational approaches that are advancing food and water security for our world.

Among this year’s speakers are A.G. Kawamura, former California Secretary of Agriculture and third generation fruit and vegetable grower; and Marlos De Souza, Secretary, Water Platform Land & Water Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Find out more here.

Events, Water

Preview of #NFMS17

Chuck Zimmerman

Greetings from Louisville and the 2017 National Farm Machinery Show!

I arrived early yesterday and one of the first people I ran into was Steve Kelly, Executive Director of Expositions, so we sat down for a preview chat for this year’s event.

Steve says they have filled 1.2 million square feet of space under roof and there’s enough demand to sell almost that much more! They have made a few significant changes in the show which allows for more first level room for farm equipment so there is now a Gift & Craft Market on the Mezzanine Level with more than 70 booths for shopping.

This is the 52nd NFMS and it’s also the 49th annual Championship Tractor Pull. Steve says there have been some additions to the tractor pull which include pay per view live streaming from the show this year. Steve says that there will be some big equipment announcements as usual and that this year the show even has “drones.” Keep up with me as I will be your eyes and ears at the show thanks to our sponsor FMC.

Learn more in this interview: Interview with Steve Kelly, Kentucky State Fair Board

2017 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by
Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by FMC
Audio, Equipment, FMC, National Farm Machinery Show, Tractor

IPPE Sets Records for 2017

Jamie Johansen

A record setting 31,649 poultry, meat and feed industry leaders from all over the world attended this year’s International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, American Feed Industry Association and North American Meat Institute sponsored event also brought in 1,273 exhibitors showcasing products in 533,000 square feet of exhibit space.

“We are very excited about this year’s record-breaking exhibit space floor and attendance numbers. The turnout for the 2017 IPPE was exceptional, and the feedback from attendees has been extremely positive regarding time spent on the trade show floor and in education sessions. We expect next year will be even more valuable for attendees and exhibitors alike,” the three organizations said.

We always look forward to covering this trade show each year and have already marked our calendars for 2018, we suggest you do the same. Next year’s IPPE will be held Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2018, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga.

View and download photos from the event here: 2017 International Production & Processing Expo Photo Album

Coverage of the International Production and Processing Expo is sponsored by
Coverage of the International Production and Processing Expo is sponsored by NOVUS
Ag Groups, IPPE, Meat, Novus International, Poultry, Poultry Expo

Farm Bureau Donates to Hungry Americans

Kelly Marshall

The American Farm Bureau, lead by the Young Farmers & Ranchers program, raised more than $1.1 million and donate more than 28.9 million pounds of food for hungry Americans in 2016. The “Harvest for All” program is now in its 15th year and has fed more than 31 million meals, thanks to the efforts of farmers and ranchers.

“Farm Bureau has a long tradition of helping provide nourishment for those who need it the most,” said Kalena Bruce, a cattle farmer from Missouri who chairs AFBF’s national YF&R committee. “More than 50 percent of Americans struggling with hunger live in rural areas and farming communities. We’re pleased to help families in our communities who are in need.”

AFBF, Ag Groups, Food

#ONE17 Thoughts from the Alltech Idea Man

Jamie Johansen

I never turn down an opportunity to talk with Alltech founder and president, Dr. Pearse Lyons. The 2017 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show provided my most recent conversation with the idea man and naturally, we talked ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference (ONE17) which is set for May 21-24 in Lexington, Kentucky. The event will “inspire farmers, ranchers, producers, suppliers and influencers in every species and segment across production agriculture to create disruption and be prepared to harness its potential — or risk being rendered irrelevant.”

“Our goal is to help our partners in agriculture put their ideas into action,” said Dr. Lyons. “If you want to activate your vision, gain a more global perspective and connect with the most innovative minds in agriculture, ONE17 is the only place to be.”

“ONE is meant to encourage, empower and, most importantly, challenge us,” said Dr. Lyons. “We want individuals to leave feeling like they were part of a life-changing development for the industry and feel empowered to implement solutions back home.”

He said the key to ONE is ONE. ONE place to go to get new ideas. ONE opportunity to show your ideas.

I believe this will be my fifth Alltech annual symposium to attend and each time I am wowed, inspired and excited to bring you the latest topics, ideas and innovations discussed. The AgWired team will once be on-site throughout the festivities and serve as a Virtual Ag Newsroom creating content you can use. Listen to my complete converstation with Dr. Lyons here:
Interview with Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech

2017 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show Photo Album


Agribusiness, Alltech, Audio, Education, Events, NCBA, Video

Agri-Pulse Farm Bill Series Debuts

Cindy Zimmerman

Agri-Pulse has debuted the first in a series of in-depth articles on the next farm bill, “Every Farm Bill is Unique – the last one was a doozy.”

“The Seven Things You Should Know Before You Write the Next Farm Bill” series will culminate in a Farm Bill Summit at the National Press Club on March 20. Agri-Pulse Editor Sara Wyant says the effort is “designed to foster a well-rounded discussion about the future of food and farm policy, as well as a deeper understanding of how all Americans benefit from a comprehensive farm bill.”

Sponsors of the series include the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sugar Alliance, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Crop Insurance Services, Environmental Defense Fund and the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance.

“The farm bill series and Summit will provide an essential platform so that congressional and administration staff members are fully aware of the many issues on the collective agenda of America’s farmers and ranchers,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall.

Agri-Pulse, Farm Policy