BASF Meets the Global Press #ShapeAg16

Cindy Zimmerman September 13, 2016

BASF’s Crop Protection business continues to grow and the company is working to provide even more innovation and technology for farmers to keep doing the biggest job on Earth.

That’s the message that representatives of BASF gave during a global press conference last week in Germany. Speakers included (LtoR) Vincent Gros, Head of Europe, Africa and Middle East; Dr. Harald Schwager, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE; Lena Adam, Head of Global Sustainability and Product Stewardship; and President Markus Heldt.

Dr. Schwager noted that BASF’s crop protection business sales have increased 75 percent over the past decade. “This outstanding performance shows that we deliver on our promises,” he said. “This confirms the importance of the Crop Protection division and its contributions to the BASF Group.”

For the remainder of 2016, BASF expects the agricultural market to remain volatile and the business environment to be challenging. Based on current developments, the financial goal for the Crop Protection division in 2016 is to strive for the same profitability level it reached in 2015. “Our sales force will be close to our customers. We will intensify our sales efforts, supported by the launch of new products and formulations,” said Schwager. “Changes lead to new opportunities for business growth and differentiation. We can look back with pride on BASF’s 100-year legacy of accomplishments in bringing breakthrough solutions for farmers to the market. Even more important is to look forward and to be part of an industry-leading team that helps shape and improve the future of modern agriculture,” concluded Schwager.

Listen to all of Harald’s remarks here: BASF Board of Executive Directors Member Harald Schwager

Gros and Adam discussed BASF’s stewardship efforts, what drives farmers, and how to meet their needs in a changing landscape. Listen to their remarks here. Vincent Gros and Lena Adam, BASF

You can find Markus’ remarks here.

BASF Global Press Conference Photo Album

Agribusiness, Audio, BASF

US Challenges Chinese #Rice #Wheat #Corn Support

Cindy Zimmerman September 13, 2016

U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers today announced the launch of trade enforcement action against China at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The action challenges China’s use of “market price support” for three key crops (rice, wheat, and corn) in excess of China’s commitments under WTO rules.

“These programs distort Chinese prices, undercut American farmers, and clearly break the limits China committed to when they joined the WTO. As this Administration has consistently and repeatedly shown, we will not stand by when our trading partners fail to follow the rules like everyone else,” said Ambassador Froman. “We will aggressively pursue this challenge on behalf of American farmers and hold the Chinese government accountable to the standards of fair global trade.”

“Through tariff cuts and the removal of other trade barriers, China has gone from a $2-billion-a-year market for U.S. agricultural products to a $20-billion-plus market,” said Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. “But we could be doing much better, particularly if our grain exports could compete in China on a level playing field. Unfortunately, China’s price supports have encouraged wheat, corn and rice production in China that has displaced imports. When China joined the WTO, it committed to limit this kind of trade-distorting support, which it has failed to do. This has resulted in significant losses to American producers. We see substantial opportunities to meet import demand for grains in China if China is willing to operate a WTO-consistent trade regime.”

“If we are to remain competitive in the global marketplace, it is critical that our partners adhere to and abide by the same rules that we have all agreed to,” said Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Pat Roberts (R-KS), one of a number of agriculture state lawmakers who appeared with Vilsack and Froman at the press conference. Others included Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX), Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN), Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE).

Listen to the statements of all here: China Trade Challenge Press Conference

Audio, International, Trade

The Sustainability of #USSoy

Lizzy Schultz September 13, 2016

Over 300 attendees at the 2016 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange came from nations outside of the United States, and Belinda Burrier, United Soybean Board Director for Maryland, made sure to utilize this global event as an opportunity to talk to international buyers and learn more about what properties of U.S. soy are making the greatest impact on buyers throughout the world.

“The international community wants to have U.S. soy because we are producing it sustainably,” she said in an interview during the 2016 event. “We are concerned our soil, our air, and our water, and we want to produce the best product that we possibly can, and it’s showing up in the amount of soy that we sell internationally.”

Burrier is truly working to put a face on the American farmer as she markets U.S. soy to a global audience. She has completed a number of international missions through her position with the United Soybean Board, and sustainability is always the top priority in her conversations whenever she is networking overseas.

“Soybean growers are very busy, and it’s important that we get out there and speak about the industry, especially about how sustainable we are, and promote the industry throughout the world,” she said.

Learn more in Jamie’s full interview with Belinda here:
Interview with Belinda Burrier, United Soybean Board

View and download photos from the event here: 2016 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange Photo Album

Ag Groups, Audio, Soybean, Sustainability, USB, USSEC

BASF Helping to #ShapeAg16

Cindy Zimmerman September 13, 2016

Dozens of journalists from around the globe attended the BASF Global Press Conference last week in Ludwigshafen, Germany, including several from the United States.

Given the opportunity to speak with BASF Crop Protection president Markus Heldt, the journalists were most interested in finding out what his thoughts were on the negotiations between Bayer and Monsanto – and he had much the same answer that representatives from those companies have at this time. “It’s really too early to consider the consequences,” said Heldt. “We don’t comment on rumors on competitors.” However, Heldt did say that there are anti-trust concerns and BASF is continuing to watch the process.

Heldt was more interested in talking about the investments that BASF Crop Protection is making in its product portfolio as division sales increased by 75% over last decade and working toward the approval of the dicamba formulation Engenia. “We are the largest dicamba producer in the world,” said Heldt. “We will be a supplier to other companies but we will also market and position our own dicamba-based technology in cotton and soybeans, that’s where Engenia is fitting.” He further discussed some of the stewardship issues that have developed this year with farmers using other dicamba formulations with already approved dicamba-tolerant crops.

Listen to the U.S. ag journalists conversation with Heldt here: Interview with Markus Heldt, BASF

BASF Global Press Conference Photo Album

Audio, BASF, Crop Protection

Five Years of #Propane Farm Incentive Program

Cindy Zimmerman September 13, 2016

After five years of applied research through the Propane Farm Incentive Program, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has some good data to back up the benefits for farmers switching to propane equipment in higher performance, improved efficiency, and significant cost savings. Over 400 producers from 32 states have participated in PERC’s incentive program over the last five years.

Since 2011, the Propane Farm Incentive has offered program participants a financial incentive in exchange for real-world performance data and experience testing the performance of new propane equipment, including irrigation engines, grain dryers, flame weed control systems, premium generators, and agricultural heating systems.

“Over the years, the Propane Farm Incentive Program has become an extremely valuable asset for evaluating the productivity and efficiency of new propane equipment,” said Cinch Munson, PERC’s director of agriculture business development. “There’s no substitution to the value of real-world data from farmers using the equipment firsthand to power their own farms. In today’s farm economy, propane-powered equipment has proven to be a good option for producers who are looking to improve their bottom line by using top quality equipment that saves them money.”

Munson was at the recent Farm Progress show checking out the propane-powered equipment on hand and he stopped by for an interview about the incentive program and what’s new in propane. Interview with Cinch Munson, PERC

2016 Farm Progress Show Photos

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by

Audio, Equipment, Farm Progress Show, PERC, Propane

Raven Sidekick Pro™ Tests With Engenia™

Cindy Zimmerman September 13, 2016

When Engenia™ herbicide receives regulatory approval, it is expected to have one of the most detailed labels ever for the application of a crop protection product and BASF has done extensive testing to determine the best methods of application.

One product that has received the seal of approval is Raven’s Sidekick Pro™ direct injection system and company representative Denton Schwiesow was on hand at the Farm Progress Show to talk about it. “We have been through the process of testing compatibility with the Engenia product with the pump itself,” he said. “There’s no issues there and we’re ready to go when the market’s ready to go.”

Schwiesow says that Sidekick direct injection has been out for a long time but it offers new benefits for farmers in light of increased label requirements, such as an automatic rinse system. “You can simply turn off your injection pump and you only have to worry about cleaning out your wet boom,” he explained. “That’s going to save operators a lot of time.”

Learn more in Chuck’s interview: Interview with Denton Schwiesow, Raven

2016 Farm Progress Show Photos

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by

Audio, BASF, Crop Protection, Equipment, Farm Progress Show

Some Changes in USDA Crop Forecast

Cindy Zimmerman September 12, 2016

The September crop forecast out today from USDA decreases the corn crop a bit, but increases both soybeans and cotton.

Corn production is now forecast at 15.1 billion bushels, down less than one percent from the August forecast, but still 11 percent more than last year and still expected to be a record. “Based on conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average 174.4 bushels per acre, down 0.7 bushel from the August forecast but up 6 bushels from 2015. If realized, this will be the highest yield and production on record for the United States.”

Soybean production is forecast at a record 4.20 billion bushels, up 3 percent from August and up 7 percent from last year. Based on September 1 conditions, yields are expected to average a record 50.6 bushels per acre, up 1.7 bushels from last month and up 2.6 bushels from last year. Area for harvest in the United States is forecast at a record 83.0 million acres, unchanged from August but up 1 percent from 2015.

All cotton production is forecast at 16.1 million 480-pound bales, up 2 percent from August and up 25 percent from last year. Yield is expected to average 802 pounds per harvested acre, up 36 pounds from last year. Upland cotton production is forecast at 15.6 million 480-pound bales, up 25 percent from 2015. Pima cotton production is forecast at 562,000 bales, up 30 percent from last year.

The MGEX crop call on today’s reports featured commentary from Randy Martinson of Agvice: 9-12-16 MGEX Crop Call

Corn, Cotton, Soybean, USDA, Wheat

GROWMARK Sustainability Efforts Focus on Farmer

Lizzy Schultz September 12, 2016

GROWMARK’s commitment to sustainability was made evident during the 2016 GROWMARK Annual Meeting & Agribusiness Symposium, and Mark Orr, GROWMARK’s Vice President of Agronomy, sat down with AgWired during this year’s event to discuss the ways that the company is working directly with farmers to implement sustainable practices that will improve the long term profitability and success of their farms.

“We really want to focus on profitability at the farm gate. We believe sustainability in the long term has to be profitable for the farmer, and with that being said, we are focusing not only on the agronomic piece of sustainability but the social piece of it, which is also key to remaining sustainable in the long haul,” said Orr.

Orr explained that one of the major sustainability initiatives GROWMARK has brought forward this year is the 4R Sustainability Advocate Program.

“We really want to recognize the crop specialists that are working with the producer on the 4R stewardship practices that are in place throughout their territory,” he said.

GROWMARK is also putting major effort into working with their member farmers on updating some best management practices, especially related to nitrogen management, that will improve the long-term, profitable sustainability on their operations.

Learn more in Lizzy’s full interview with Mark here:
Interview with Mark Orr, GROWMARK

Jack McCormick, one of GROWMARK’s Board Members and a corn, wheat, and soybean grower from southern Illinois, is one of GROWMARK’s farmer-owners that has been prioritizing sustainable practices for years. McCormick’s operation utilizes a comprehensive nutrient management system, and the family has been practicing no-till planting since 1970.

“Like anything, you start with the practices, you refine it, and you start doing practices that make sense for the environment and for your operation,” said McCormick in an interview during the Annual Meeting. “The practices that we think make a difference to the public have to do with keeping our water as clean as we can and using practices to keep crop protection products on the field as long as we can. I would like to see everybody embrace as many practices as they can.”

Listen to all of Jack’s thoughts on sustainability in his full interview here:
Interview with Jack McCormick, GROWMARK

View and download photos from the event here: 2016 GROWMARK Annual Meeting & Agribusiness Symposium Photo Album

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Audio, GROWMARK, Sustainability

Putting a Face on the American Soybean Farmer

Jamie Johansen September 12, 2016

Missouri soybean grower, Todd Gibson, has worn many leadership hats throughout the soy community at the state and national levels. His farm is located just east of Kansas City in the heart of Midwestern crop country. He was just elected to the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) board and shared more about his commitment to the industry during the 2016 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange.

“USSEC gives us an opportunity to see where our crop goes. A lot of people don’t realize what happens to their soybeans after they take it to the elevator. It gives us an opportunity to visit with dignitaries from other countries, formulate a market plan and make connections because over half of our commodity goes overseas.”

Importers of soy products have options, so what makes them select U.S. soy? Todd said U.S. soybeans are consistent, the quality is good. “Our soybeans are safe. Our GM products are safe. We are going to keep growing it.”

During his time on the United Soybean Board (USB) Todd said he was able to travel overseas and build connections. It was his first trip to the Trade Exchange and was excited to see many familiar faces because of those trade missions. Our U.S. soybean buyers had yet another opportunity to put a face to the American soybean farmer. Listen to my complete interview with Todd here: Interview with Todd Gibson, MO Soybean Farmer

View and download photos from the event here: 2016 US Soy Global Trade Exchange Photos

Ag Groups, Audio, Exports, Markets, Soybean, Trade, USSEC

Court Rules EPA Violated Farmer Privacy

Cindy Zimmerman September 12, 2016

The Environmental Protection Agency has violated the personal privacy of tens of thousands of farmers and ranchers, according to a unanimous ruling issued Friday by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in a lawsuit brought by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) over EPA’s release to environmental groups of personal information on tens of thousands of farmers.

“This was an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy by a federal agency in violation of law,” said AFBF General Counsel Ellen Steen. “The court’s decision is a vindication of the right of farm families to control their own personal information. Farmers and ranchers have a strong privacy interest in their personal information, including their home address, even when they live and work on the farm.”

Late last year, a U.S. district court dismissed the lawsuit for lack of standing. But the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit in St. Louis ruled that “the associations have established a concrete and particularized injury in fact traceable to the EPA’s action and redressable by judicial relief.”

“EPA’s release of sensitive, private and personal materials on more than 100,000 farmers and ranchers was an outrageous abuse of its power and trust,” said NPPC President John Weber, a pork producer from Dysart, Iowa. “We are very pleased with the Court of Appeals’ decision to reinstate our lawsuit to prevent the EPA from doing this again.”

The case stems from the February 2013 release by EPA’s Office of Water to several activist groups, which filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, of extensive private and personal information the agency had collected on farmers in 29 states.

AFBF, EPA, NPPC

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