AgriLabs Selects Meyocks for Branding, Marketing

Jamie Johansen

logoAgriLabs has selected Meyocks for branding and marketing communications services after an agency review.

“Meyocks brings proven integrated marketing expertise that will help AgriLabs build a strong strategy and communications platform,” says Sean O’Hare, executive vice president for AgriLabs. “We’re excited about Meyocks’ potential to deliver innovative work that will resonate with our customers and help us stand out in the marketplace.”

Meyocks will help AgriLabs develop strategy and integrated marketing programs for the AgriLabs brand, as well as the company’s vaccine portfolio, calf nutritionals, adjuvants with ENABL® technology and the VetGunTM delivery system for insect control.

Doug Jeske, president of Meyocks, says it’s an exciting time to engage with AgriLabs. “AgriLabs is building on its legacy through the development and commercialization of new, innovative technologies for food animal production. Meyocks is proud to partner with AgriLabs to tell its story.”

Advertising, Agribusiness, Marketing

New Agreement for John Deere and Ag Leader

Kelly Marshall

john_deere_logo_3623Ag Leader and Deere & Company have announced a licensing agreement for Precision Planting’s SeedTube and related planting products.  The agreement states that Ag Leader, a precision competitor, may use Deere technologies and licenses to manufacture and sell the Precision Planting SeedTubes and related technology, including vSet, vDrive and DeltaForce.  Of course, this is contingent on Deere’s acquisition of Precision Planting from The Climate Corporation.

The agreement also states that Ag Leader can build on the technology to develop future planting equipment innovations to support precision agriculture.  This expansion of Ag Leader’s planting choices and the ability to plant at higher speeds will provide their customers with more solutions.

“Ag Leader is continuously looking for opportunities to expand our already impressive line of precision farming technologies. When this prospect arose, we knew it was worth looking into for our customers and dealers, as high-speed planting is an emerging precision agriculture technology,” said Al Myers, president, Ag Leader Technology.

ag leaderAg Leader remains an independent competitor, completely separate of John Deere or Precision Planting, while still selling the Precision Planting products under the name farmers trust.  It will offer customers choice, for buying new machinery or retrofitting older equipment made by a variety of manufacturers.

Deere anticipates Ag Leader will sell Precision Planting components to retrofit Deere and other brands of planters and will provide a separate and competitive source of supply for OEM planter manufacturers that choose to equip their products with Precision Planting components.

Myers said, “The licensing agreement will add cutting-edge precision products and technologies, including SpeedTube, to Ag Leader’s product line, expanding upon our year-round, best-in-class solutions from planting through harvest.”

Ag Leader, Agribusiness, John Deere, Precision Agriculture

Zimfo Bytes

Lizzy Schultz

Zimfo Bytes

Zimfo Bytes

Novus CEO Receives Prestigious Globalist Award

Jamie Johansen

screen-shot-2016-10-13-at-8-09-22-amAt the John Cook School of Business at Saint Louis University, Boeing Institute of International Business honored Novus President and CEO, Francois Fraudeau, for his contributions to advance international trade in the St. Louis region.

The annual Hussmann International Business Awards Ceremony recognizes both professionals and student scholars who are active in international business and trade. The Globalist Award is given to “an individual who has distinguished himself through a commitment to international business development, demonstrated innovation and leadership in his profession, and contributed to or supported the Boeing Institute of International Business.”

As President and CEO of Novus International, a global animal nutrition solutions provider, Fraudeau’s influence in the global agriculture economy has widespread and positive impact in achieving the Company’s vision: to help feel the world affordable, wholesome food and achieve a higher quality of life. With sales in over 100 countries and growing, Fraudeau encourages the organization to develop globally-relevant products and services, while maintaining attention to the minutest of local details.

“It is an honor and a pleasure to be given The Globalist Award by this admired academic institution,” Fraudeau stated. “The Boeing Institute of International Business and the John Cook School of Business at Saint Louis University are developing a generation of leaders who will ensure success and prosperity in our globalized world.”

In addition to Fraudeau’s Award, undergraduate student, Miranda Koors, was selected for the Novus Global Business Scholarship. She was selected by a scholarship committee based on her academic, service, and professional achievements. Five additional students received similar scholarships from other sponsors. The ceremony took place on October 12 in the Anheuser-Busch Auditorium at Saint Louis University.

Agribusiness, Animal Health, Novus International

Georgia Peanut Hosts Trick or Peanut Event

Jamie Johansen

gpclogo300dpirgbThe Georgia Peanut Commission will be hosting a Trick or Peanut event at the GPC office on Wednesday, Oct. 26. The event is open to the public and citizens are encouraged to attend.

The GPC staff will be taking part by dressing up and providing peanuts and peanut butter- themed candies and treats to all visitors who stop by during the event.

According to My Candy Favorites, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are the most sought-after Halloween candy. Introduced in 1928, this candy is a delicious combination of milk chocolate and smooth and creamy peanut butter, so it’s no wonder kids everywhere love them. Reese’s come in various forms, from mini to pumpkin-shaped, making them the perfect treat to hand out to all of your eager trick-or-treaters this year. According to the site, Snickers and peanut M&Ms are also top favorites among trick-or treaters.

In coordination with the event, GPC is hosting a Paint-A-Pumpkin contest for children 13 years and younger. Participants are encouraged to paint a pumpkin with a peanut theme and email a photo of their painted pumpkin to whitney@gapeanuts.com by midnight on Oct. 23. All entered photos will be added to a Facebook album on the Georgia Peanuts Facebook page for voting on Oct. 24. Each like or share will count as one vote. The winner will be announced Nov. 1 to kick off National Peanut Butter Lovers Month celebrated annually in November.

Ag Groups, Peanuts

Need More Corn Exports on Heels of USDA Crop Report

Joanna Schroeder

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its new corn forecast report and predicts that this year’s corn harvest will reach 15.057 bushels. Although this is down around 36 million bushels from last month’s estimates, it is still predicted to be another record crop. The World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates Report also lowered corn supplies for 2016/2017 from the previous month with a new forecast of a record 16.845 billion bushels.

NCGA-LogoNew National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Wesley Spurlock said another record crop puts a spotlight on the need to find markets for the continually growing corn crops. “We must pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership this year. The farm economy continues to struggle so anything we can do to encourage and grow exports is critical. That’s why NCGA continues to encourage our elected officials to build trade access starting with TPP.”

USDA reduced the average U.S. corn yield by 1 bushel per acre to 173.4. Should these estimates prove true, these figures would still represent record yield and production numbers. The average price was increased by 5 cents to $3.25 per bushel.

“Although the production report remained largely unchanged, the export numbers offer some good news in a growing season so far characterized by a large crop and corn prices below the cost of production,” continued Spurlock who has made trade a priority for his association presidency. “U.S. corn exports are doing well, largely due to South American weather problems that are hurting crops in Brazil and Argentina. Asian countries like Japan and Korea are shifting to the U.S. to meet their needs so that’s good news for the nation’s family corn farmers.”

Feed and residual usage, ethanol and other FSI, were unchanged. Carry-in was increased by 22 million bushels.

Agribusiness, Corn, NCGA, Trade, USDA

Celebrate #NationalFarmersDay

Joanna Schroeder

Today is National Farmers Day. Just in time to celebrate our American farmers, country star Blake Shelton teaches Late Night Host Jimmy Fallon to milk a cow. I don’t know about you, but I definitely have more appreciation for farmers after watching this!


As Twitter blows up today in honor of our growers, several quotes stand out. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness.”

And in the words of George Washington, “Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful, most and most noble employment of man.”

Photo Credit: Twitter

Photo Credit: Twitter

With perfect timing, USDA issued the latest statistics on the corn harvest this morning and once again, American corn farmers are set to post another record with corn production estimated to be 15.1 billion bushels for the 2016/2017 harvest. This feat is more than double the production only 25 years ago. For example, in 1991, corn production was 7.48 billion bushels. Also this year the USDA is forecasting another record yield of 173.4 bushels per acre, surpassing the 171 bushels per acre recorded in 2014.

The ethanol industry has played a significant role in providing an outlet for corn. Lat year, the the U.S. ethanol industry used 5.25 billion bushels of corn last year valued at $19 billion. This was used to produce nearly 15 billion gallons of ethanol and 40 million metric tons of dried distillers grains, or DDGS, an animal feed. In all, the ethanol coupled with DDGs production was valued at more than $31 billion.

Today, Bob Dinneen, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO s,ent out a great thank you to America’s farmers on behalf of the ethanol industry. “Ethanol continues to be the most important value-added market for America’s farmers, helping to drive investment in rural America while allowing Congress to reduce federal farm program costs. At the same time, ethanol is helping to clean the air, address global climate change, enhance U.S. energy security and lower consumer gasoline costs. Given all that farmers do to help feed and fuel the world, every day should be National Farmer’s Day.“

Agribusiness, Corn, Ethanol, RFA, USDA, Video

Russell Named to Lead @SageBrandKC Account Team

Jamie Johansen

stephanie-russell-headshot-copySage Communications has named Stephanie Russell as account lead on the senior leadership team and will oversee, facilitate the execution of marketing communications plans for clients, including John Deere and NovaSource.

“As a seasoned account manager and public relations professional, Stephanie has a successful proven track-record delivering results,” said Kelly Schwalbe, co-founder and partner of Sage. “Her passion for agriculture, deep-rooted industry knowledge and strategic thinking will add exceptional value to the work we produce on behalf of our clients.”

Previously, Russell was an account director at AdFarm, where she planned, developed and implemented communications strategies and tactics for the Compass Minerals account.

Prior to joining AdFarm, Russell held roles as marketing communications manager and the director of public relations at Verdesian Life Sciences (formerly SFP). In her tenure at the company, she traveled extensively to operations and events to interview growers, retailers and distributors, and experienced the diverse agricultural landscape across North America. Russell became an accomplished writer and video producer, and led content-driven integrated communications campaigns to support earned, paid and owned media efforts.

Her career began in public relations at Nashville-based RFD-TV, where she contributed to television and magazine content, collaborated with cable marketing managers to promote the network and assisted with live show production.

Russell has held a leadership role with the National Agri-Marketing Association and been honored by the organization. She is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication.

Agribusiness, Marketing

NAFB Board of Directors Appoints Steever to VP

Jamie Johansen

NAFB LogoThe National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) Board of Directors has appointed Tom Steever to fill the term of National Vice President. He will fill this role through December 31, 2016. Steever previously served the association as President in 2011 and 2012, and was National Vice President in 2010.

“Tom’s past leadership experience with NAFB was the key reason for appointing him to the fill the position prior to convention,” said Brian Winnekins, 2016 NAFB President. “We look forward to Tom’s experience as we map out 2017 during the November board meeting.”

Tom Steever is a farm broadcaster with Brownfield Ag News in Jefferson City, MO. Steever has been with Brownfield since 2003. He has also been an active NAFB member since 1976 when he joined KSOO Radio in Sioux Falls, SD.

Elections for the 2017 Board of Directors will be held November 10 during the 73rd NAFB Convention.

Ag Groups, NAFB

Domino’s® Commitment to National FFA Organization

Jamie Johansen

ffaDomino’s Pizza knows that there would not be pizza if we didn’t have farmers. Now the recognized world leader in pizza delivery is supporting students interested in a future in agriculture by making a commitment to donate $1 million over five years to the National FFA Organization.

“There is no Domino’s without the dairy, tomato, wheat and other farmers across the United States working hard every day to produce the food we serve. We want to do something other than say we support the farming community, we want to make a commitment to an organization that is making a difference,” said Tim McIntyre, Domino’s executive vice president of communication and investor relations. “A commitment to FFA is a commitment to supporting the future of agriculture.”

The five-year commitment will begin in 2017. Each year, the gift will help fund collegiate scholarships to students aspiring to further their education after high school, as well as grants for supervised agriculture experiences. Supervised agriculture experiences are for students in grades 7-11, who demonstrate financial need, and are planning activities outside of class to gain hands-on experience and develop skills in agriculturally-related areas. The gift will also assist agriculture literacy and advocacy programs, and FFA’s Living to Serve platform that supports hunger and environmental initiatives in local communities and states.

“Building a relationship with Domino’s is very important to FFA, and we sincerely appreciate their generous financial support,” said Mark Poeschl, CEO of the National FFA Organization and Foundation. “When such a prominent and widely recognized national consumer brand recognizes the producers and suppliers of their food ingredients, agricultural educators and FFA members are inspired to initiate a dialogue with consumers about where their food is produced. In that way, Domino’s contributions help FFA achieve our vision of growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture.”

Ag Groups, Education, FFA