Precision Ag News 5/22

Carrie Muehling

  • Join the Nebraska Water Center in Lincoln on October 9 and 10, 2024, for our annual Nebraska Water Conference. The conference will highlight successful collaborations and innovations in Nebraska water and discuss future opportunities in water research and management.
  • Seven scaleup companies from Australia and Canada have successfully completed the Cultivo Virtual Academy, speeding their planning for U.S. market entry. The six-week virtual program is hosted and coordinated by America’s Cultivation Corridor, providing participants a unique experience featuring mentorship, interaction with Iowa’s agricultural leaders and an online curriculum that included regulatory and financing systems, and customer perspectives. The Iowa Economic Development Authority was the presenting sponsor of the program.
  • In a significant move to revolutionize greenhouse management, Sollum Technologies is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Damatex. This collaboration combines the greenhouse lighting control features of Sollum’s proprietary SUN as a Service cloud platform with Damatex’s advanced climate control systems.
  • In honor of Military Appreciation month, Kubota Tractor Corporation and the Farmer Veteran Coalition announced the selection of the 2024 “Geared to Give” farmer veteran recipients of new Kubota equipment. This year’s five awardees, which include both veterans and currently serving members of the Armed Forces, were honored during a special ceremony on the dirt at the 2024 PBR (Professional Bull Riders) World Finals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday’s commemoration of Armed Forces Day.
  • The 2024 Borlaug Dialogue convenes under the theme “Seeds of Opportunity: Bridging Generations and Cultivating Diplomacy,” echoing Dr. Norman Borlaug’s enduring vision of breaking barriers and transcending boundaries for global food security.
  • Greeneye Technology, the pioneer of AI precision spraying that is proven to reduce chemical use in farming by an average of 88 percent, has announced the opening of its first dedicated dealership. The company is partnering with Nebraska-based Boeck Seed Services to provide sales, installation and service to farmers in Nebraska and adjoining states, in the first of a planned nationwide network of dealerships to support the company’s ambitious expansion plans in the U.S.
  • Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, the state’s largest grassroots farm organization, encourages young farmer entrepreneurs between 18-35 years old with an ag-related business to enter the Grow Your Future Award for a chance to win $10,000. This competition is focused on Farm Bureau members with unique business ventures that tap into niche production, agritourism and other specialty services.
  • Innovative drone company Modovolo will join forces with Dropcopter and M3 Agriculture Technologies to offer pollen distribution technology and sterile insect technique (SIT) capability to the Modovolo Lift.
  • A new farm manager has been named to supervise the Michigan State University Plant Pathology and Entomology Research Centers. Jared Andrews will direct operations and lead administrative duties at the two MSU AgBioResearch on-campus research centers, both located on the south side of campus.
  • The U.S. International Trade Commission agreed to advance a petition by Corteva Agribusiness to place anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of the herbicide 2,4-D shipped from China and India. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said the decision will impact farmers. Six of the nation’s major commodity groups, including NCGA, sent a letter to the U.S. International Trade Commission in April encouraging it to vote against advancing a petition.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Syngenta Fungicides Can Help Manage Mycotoxins

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Syngenta’s Tyler Harp at 2024 Commodity Classic

    With ear rots becoming more common and stealing more corn yield, Syngenta has some recommendations for managing mycotoxins and maximizing silage return on investment.

    Two mycotoxin-causing threats are Fusarium ear rot and Gibberella ear rot and both caused significant yield losses in 2023, an estimated 46.9 million bushels and 49.4 million bushels, respectively. The mycotoxins caused by each disease, Fumonison and Deoxynivalenol (DON), respectively can also result in additional losses at the grain elevator if levels are high.

    “These diseases infiltrate the crop and diminish its overall integrity, limiting its potential for successful silage use post-harvest due to excess mycotoxin levels,” Tyler Harp, Ph.D., Syngenta technical product lead said. “We are seeing more reports of ear and stalk rots, which could correspondingly increase the amount of mycotoxin levels in silage. Most farmers rely on cultural practices such as hybrid selection and crop rotation to manage mycotoxins, but a fungicide can also be a solution.”

    Miravis® Neo fungicide is one of the only fungicides in the U.S. labelled to successfully manage Fusarium ear rot and lower mycotoxin levels associated with the disease. This results in benefits to corn production. “In trials, we’ve seen lower mycotoxins and increased silage tons,” Harp said.

    Harp says Miravis® Neo is one of Syngenta’s Cleaner & Greener fungicides. “Cleaner means strong, long lasting, potent disease control and greener is really referring to those plant health benefits,” said Harp.

    Harp talked about Miravis® Neo during the 2024 Commodity Classic.
    Classic24 Tyler Harp, Syngenta fungicides 3:33

    Audio, Commodity Classic, Corn, Fungicide, Syngenta

    Truterra Pays $21 Million to Farmers for Carbon Sequestration

    Cindy Zimmerman

    In the first three years of its carbon program, Land O’Lakes subsidiary Truterra has paid farmers more than $21 million for the sequestration and reduction of over 1.1 million metric tons of carbon.

    Along with these results, the Truterra® carbon program has seen significant growth in total acres enrolled. In 2023, total acres increased by 99% vs. 2022. In 2022, total acres enrolled increased by 151% vs. 2021. All of these results help position Truterra as a valuable source for connecting food and ag companies with farmers to drive sustainable practices on farms.

    “Our carbon program is gaining momentum as a leader among farmers and retailers. Our differentiated approach matches agronomics with economics to help farmers make sustainable practice changes,” said Truterra President Jamie Leifker. “What’s more, these carbon assets could help organizations with sustainability goals who choose to make agriculture part of their toolkit of solutions. Truterra will continue to focus on creating new markets for farmers and retailers, while helping them make the best agronomic, economic and sustainable decisions for their operations.”

    In addition, the number of farmers participating in the Truterra® carbon program grew by 58% last year compared to 2022.

    Learn more from Truterra

    carbon, Farming, Sustainability

    USDA Awards $300 Million for Ag Export Growth

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Sen. Stabenow and Secy. Vilsack in Michigan June 2023

    Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was joined by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) to announce the allocation of $300 million to 66 U.S. organizations under the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to build demand for American food and farm exports in diverse markets around the world.

    RAPP was launched in October 2023, authorizing $1.2 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funding to help U.S. exporters expand their customer base beyond traditional and established markets, focusing on regions such as Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and South and Southeast Asia, where consumer demand and purchasing power are growing.

    Among the groups receiving funding funding are the Cranberry Institute, Southern Forest Products Association, Hazelnut Marketing Board, U.S. Dairy Export Council, U.S. Meat Export Federation, and the Brewers Association.

    Farm Bill remarks

    During an embargoed press call Monday announcing the funding, Sen. Stabenow made brief comments about the need to promote exports of U.S. agricultural products, particularly specialty crops, and she noted the importance of trade in the farm bill. “In hearings leading up to our work on the farm bill, the top two things we heard about were trade promotion and strengthening crop insurance,” said Stabenow. “Our commodity groups wanted us to double the amount of resources available over the next five years on trade promotion and marketing.”

    While Sen. Stabenow left the call after making her remarks, Secretary Vilsack answered several questions about the farm bill from reporters, including his reaction to the Congressional Budget Office score of the House Republican farm bill proposal released Friday. “I think it’s one of the reasons why the chairman has sought to essentially go around the CBO process,” said Vilsack. “Senator Stabenow has I think been realistic about being about to make significant improvements in our farm policy without putting ourselves or the Senate in a position to not be able to deliver everything that’s promised.”

    Listen to the press call here:
    Vilsack/Stabenow press call 27:34

    Audio, Exports, Farm Bill, USDA

    Animal Ag News 5/20

    Carrie Muehling

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is awarding more than $22.2 million to enhance prevention, preparedness, early detection, and rapid response to the most damaging diseases that threaten U.S. livestock. These 81 new projects led by 48 states, universities, industry organizations, and veterinary diagnostic laboratories will increase our nation’s ability to rapidly respond to and control animal disease outbreaks. USDA is awarding this funding through the 2018 Farm Bill’s National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). APHIS is also announcing an investment of an additional $900,000 in Farm Bill funds to replenish the national stockpile of classical swine fever vaccine.
  • New research from Michigan State University will study the effects of a recent highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus (H5N1) outbreak on dairy cattle reproduction and milk production, as well as transmission of the disease and ways to mitigate it.
  • America’s Cultivation Corridor will host a 10-year anniversary reception at World Pork Expo. Visit the Iowa Pork Producers Association Hospitality Tent on the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Thursday, June 6 from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. and celebrate 10 years of the Corridor.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) honored Calvin Ross Hamilton, Ph.D., with its 2024 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his contributions and leadership in the animal food industry. Sarah Novak, AFIA’s chief operating officer, presented the award to Hamilton at AFIA’s Board of Directors reception.
  • Leaders of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (CNOG), and Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) signed a joint statement to continue advocating for greater oversight of emerging lab-grown proteins, protecting cattle from animal diseases, and promoting the sustainability of the cattle industry. This action builds on the recent statement signing with Cattle Australia and furthers the international partnerships between cattle producers. Following the joint statement signing, NCBA, CNOG, and CCA also signed a letter addressed to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Secretaria de Economía Raquel Buenrostro Sanchez, and Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng urging the U.S., Mexican, and Canadian governments to re-engage in opening markets for beef exports and provide stronger science-based oversight of beef imports.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the Farm Bill crafted and released by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA)—the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024. The bill includes numerous priorities for America’s cattle producers, strengthens essential USDA programs, and protects farmers and ranchers from emerging threats.
  • Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA), the largest and oldest livestock association in the Southwest, announced the distribution of $900,000 in financial assistance through the TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund. This signifies the first of ongoing financial assistance going directly to cattle raisers impacted by the largest wildfire in Texas history.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced that the Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party will celebrate its 40th year in June as Washington’s most popular warm weather celebration. The party on the National Mall just outside the U.S. Capitol Building is one of Washington’s most anticipated for professionals working in food and agriculture, bringing together thousands of guests, including members of Congress and officials from the executive branch, in a fun event showcasing America’s favorite frozen treats. This year’s Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party will be held on June 12, 2024.
  • Many Americans recognize dairy as a cornerstone of a healthy diet but continue to fall short of recommended daily intake as endorsed by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. An in-depth consumer survey released by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) and supported by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), explores barriers to dairy nutrition among Americans and how to remove them.
  • The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) was awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) supporting two projects advancing dairy cattle disease preparedness.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Send a News Release with AgNewsWire

    Chuck Zimmerman

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    ZimmComm Announcement

    New Holland Shows Off New Technology at Ag On The Mall

    Chuck Zimmerman

    New HollandNew Holland was one of the exhibitors at the Modern Ag On The Mall this month. I interviewed J Cole Sanford before he assisted the team in showing new equipment to a tour group from the EPA. In the picture Sanford is showing a New Holland E15X Mini Excavator, the company’s first electric vehicle.

    He says that being involved in the exhibit is a great opportunity to interact with people who are coming to Washington, DC to tour museums and they have to walk through the agricultural exhibits. It is important he says since so many have no interface with agriculture, especially modern agriculture and equipment. An added benefits is being able to talk with elected officials and regulators. You can hear more about what he has to say in our interview.

    New Holland – J Cole Sanford, Cash Crop Product Specialist
    AEM Ag on the Mall - J Cole Sanford, New Holland 4:14

    2024 Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the Mall

    Agribusiness, Audio, Equipment, Farm Shows, New Holland

    Industry Ag News 5/17

    Carrie Muehling

  • Charleston Orwig, a collective of independent brands comprised of C.O.nxt and Jigsaw agencies recently welcomed Meghan Ebbe to its 100% employee-owned agency. She brings extensive digital marketing experience to the collective’s robust roster of purpose-driven brands in agriculture and food & beverage, as well as service industries and considered purchases clientele.
  • Orbia Netafim, the global leader in sustainable precision irrigation solutions and agricultural projects, announces the appointment of Aubrey Bettencourt as the company’s new Global Director of Government Relations and External Affairs.
  • Plans for the 2025 Commodity Classic are well underway as America’s largest farmer-led agricultural and educational experience takes place March 2–4, 2025 in Denver, CO. The theme for the 2025 show is “Elevating Excellence in Agriculture.”
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the Congressional District Profiles and Rankings from the 2022 Census of Agriculture. This summary presents data by congressional district from the 118th Congress that includes land, farms, market value of agricultural products sold, rankings and producer characteristics.
  • The Propane Education & Research Council announces its Double Propane Farm Incentive Program will now include farmers who have experienced devastation from the recent tornado activity across the Midwest. From now through December 31, 2024, impacted producers in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, or Ohio who apply for the Propane Farm Incentive Program can earn double the incentive amount for qualifying propane-powered equipment. Eligible equipment includes irrigation engines, building/water heating systems, power generators, and flame weeding systems.
  • Mark your calendars and make plans to join the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and Agri-Pulse for the Ag Outlook Forum September 16, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Central at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association is pleased to announce the addition of BKV Corporation to its esteemed roster of associate members. This partnership underscores RFA’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and its dedication to supporting the growth of the renewable fuels industry.
  • With the next Farm Bill on the horizon, two sugarbeet farmers recently took to the pages of their homestate papers to praise U.S. sugar policy for keeping our food supply secure and supporting their family farms. U.S. sugar policy must be preserved and strengthened in the next Farm Bill. Colorado farmer Paul Schlagel grows sugarbeets in Boulder County for Western Sugar Cooperative. His family farm has been in operation for more than 100 years. Paul wrote in his op-ed for the Colorado Springs Gazette that the economic pressures and significant cost increases facing farmers requires a stronger farm safety net.
  • The manufacture and discard of traditional superabsorbent materials — typically made from synthetic polymers, primarily polyacrylate-based compounds — are affecting the planet. Purdue University researchers are developing biodegradable materials that retain water in a cleaner, more sustainable way and have much less environmental impact. Senay Simsek leads a team of researchers in Purdue’s College of Agriculture using cellulose extracted from hemp and refined through a sequence of treatments to create the patent-pending, superabsorbent materials. Simsek is a professor in and the head of the Department of Food Science, and holds the Dean’s Chair in Food Science.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Agri-Pulse Announces Passing of Bill Tomson

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Agri-Pulse’s senior trade editor Bill Tomson passed away on May 12 following a battle with cancer. He was 55.

    “Bill was extremely dedicated to bringing our readers the very best insights on trade and any topic he covered. He worked tirelessly to get information from his vast network of sources,” said Agri-Pulse Founder and Publisher Sara Wyant. “We will miss him terribly.”

    Tomson joined Agri-Pulse in 2016 and quickly stood out for his ability to get scoops on trade topics. He traveled across Brazil in 2018 for Agri-Pulse, providing updates on the country’s growth in agriculture and infrastructure improvements. During a trip to Cuba in 2022, he met with President Raúl Castro to discuss expansion of agricultural trade with the island nation.

    Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack offered his condolences on X, “His contributions as a reporter gave voice to many important issues in agriculture, and he will be deeply missed both personally and as a professional across USDA.”

    Tomson was a native of Washington, D.C. and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Central Michigan University. He is survived by his wife Marcia and daughter Chloe; two siblings, Jeff and Amy; and his parents, Bill and Anne.

    A memorial service will be June 15th at 2:00 pm at the Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Dunn Loring, VA – www.holycrossepiscopal.org.

    Agri-Pulse, obituariess, people

    Precision Ag News 5/16

    Carrie Muehling

  • In response to President Biden’s Executive Order 14081, “Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have developed a plan to update, streamline, and clarify their regulations and oversight mechanisms for products of biotechnology.
  • The Daugherty Water for Food Institute is playing a key role in organizing the upcoming 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia, May 18-25 and ensuring that water for food is a key focus throughout the event. The Forum is held every three years by the World Water Council (WWC) and a hosting country. DWFI is a member organization of the WWC and DWFI Executive Director Peter McCornick is serving his second three-year term as one of 35 members of the WWC Board of Governors, with DWFI Director of Research Christopher Neale as an alternate.
  • The Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC) released its 2023 Annual Report. ESMC’s Eco-Harvest program compensates farmers and ranchers for reduced greenhouse gases, increased soil carbon, improved water quality, and other ecosystem services benefits.
  • When you think about the importance of using raw materials more efficiently and sustainably as part of the circular economy, do carrots and cows come to mind? You should, because it’s an important part of what California agriculture has to offer. For example, the nation’s largest organic carrot grower is also supplying culls and baby carrot peels to feed Santa Carota Beef. You can learn more about reuse and recycling on California farms during the Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Issues Summit. Enter promo code MEDIA24 at checkout for free registration.
  • Lindsay Corporation, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology, announced enhancements to FieldNET Advisor, its award-winning irrigation management solution. FieldNET Advisor simplifies irrigation decisions for growers, and now through advanced technology also improves the product’s return on investment with real-time data upgrades, whole farm management, and simplified subscriptions.
  • GROWMARK, Inc. has partnered with Optimus Technologies, Inc., to test biodiesel in five semi-tractors in GROWMARK’s Manito Transit fleet as a potential pathway for transitioning the entire fleet to low-carbon fuels as part of GROWMARK’s ongoing efforts to look for decarbonization opportunities within the GROWMARK System.
  • Two scientists who were instrumental in creating a back-up vault of the world’s crop seeds to protect global food security have been named the 2024 World Food Prize Laureates. Dr. Geoffrey Hawtin OBE, Founding Director and Executive Board member at the Global Crop Diversity Trust, and Dr. Cary Fowler, currently the U.S. Special Envoy for Global Food Security, were chosen by the World Food Prize Laureate Selection Committee for their longstanding contribution to seed conservation and crop biodiversity.
  • AMVAC, an American Vanguard Company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mason Bennett as Vice President, North American Crop. In his new role, Bennett is responsible for AMVAC’s national sales strategy while also overseeing multiple regional business units and AMVAC’s U.S. key account management team and customer service team.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture