GROWMARK Puts 4R in Focus at #FarmProgressShow

Lizzy Schultz September 14, 2016

Nutrient management and stewardship was a hot topic at the 2016 Farm Progress Show, and the team at GROWMARK FS was on hand during this year’s event to speak with growers about a variety of innovative solutions to all of their nutrient management concerns.

Tim Berkland, Strategic Agronomy Marketing Manager for GROWMARK, sat down with AgWired’s Cindy Zimmerman to discuss some of the company’s latest nutrient management programs, including N-Watch , which pulls different soil samples at different times of the year to get a comprehensive soil profile for growers to stay as informed as possible when moving forward with nutrient management strategies.

“Nitrogen is so variable, it’s so weather dependent and changes from year to year, and N-Watch is just one program that we’re using to help growers dial in their nitrogen program,” said Berkland. “We work with growers on strategizing and building a nutrient plan, trying to place those nutrients at the right place and the right time while using the right source and the right.”

Learn more in Cindy’s full interview with Tim here:
Interview with Tim Berkland, GROWMARK

New Holland 2016 Farm Progress Photo Album

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Audio, Crop Protection, Farm Progress Show, GROWMARK

Bayer-Monsanto Deal is Done

Cindy Zimmerman September 14, 2016

Bayer and Monsanto today announced that they signed a definitive merger agreement under which Bayer will acquire Monsanto for $128 per share in an all-cash transaction. Monsanto’s Board of Directors, Bayer’s Board of Management and Bayer’s Supervisory Board have unanimously approved the agreement. Based on Monsanto’s closing share price on May 9, 2016, the day before Bayer’s first written proposal to Monsanto, the offer represents a premium of 44 percent to that price.

“We are pleased to announce the combination of our two great organizations. This represents a major step forward for our Crop Science business and reinforces Bayer’s leadership position as a global innovation driven Life Science company with leadership positions in its core segments, delivering substantial value to shareholders, our customers, employees and society at large,” said Werner Baumann, CEO of Bayer AG.

“Today’s announcement is a testament to everything we’ve achieved and the value that we have created for our stakeholders at Monsanto. We believe that this combination with Bayer represents the most compelling value for our shareowners, with the most certainty through the all-cash consideration,” said Hugh Grant, Monsanto Chairman and CEO.

The combined agriculture business will have its global Seeds & Traits and North American commercial headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, its global Crop Protection and overall Crop Science headquarters in Monheim, Germany, and an important presence in Durham, North Carolina, as well as many other locations throughout the U.S. and around the world. The Digital Farming activities for the combined business will be based in San Francisco, California.

“This combination is a great opportunity for employees, who will be at the forefront of innovation in our sector. This transaction also enhances Bayer’s strong commitment to the U.S., building on our 150-year history with operations across 25 states employing more than 12,000 people in the country. I am convinced that Monsanto will flourish as part of one of the most respected and trusted companies in the world,” said Baumann.

The companies will be holding a joint press conference at 8:30 central time.

Agribusiness, Bayer

Bayer Continues Investment in #FutureFarming

Chuck Zimmerman September 14, 2016

Bayer and Monsanto today announced that they signed a definitive merger agreement under which Bayer will acquire Monsanto for USD 128 per share in an all-cash transaction. But “no comment” was the refrain last week when agricultural journalists were at Bayer headquarters in Leverkusen, Germany last week to talk about the future of farming. It was a fantastic event coordinated by the wonderful and talented Beth Roden and attended by about 200 journalists and bloggers, including a good group from the U.S., with several of us who were at the end of a marathon that had started with Farm Progress Show the week before!

The main message at the Bayer global press conference was continued investment in the Crop Science division to deliver new solutions for sustainable agriculture despite the current difficult business environment. “We are very confident about the long-term growth potential of the agricultural market,” said Liam Condon, Head of the Crop Science Division, in his keynote address. The company has earmarked EUR 2.5 billion for capital expenditure from 2017 to 2020 in addition to over EUR 1 billion annually for research and development.

During his address and also meeting with U.S. ag journalists, Condon talked about the company’s efforts in the emerging field of Digital Farming, currently selling and testing Digital Farming products in 10 countries and partnering with four “ForwardFarms” to demonstrate real life sustainable agriculture best practices, many of which rely on advances in Digital Farming.

Just about everyone tried to ask a question to get some kind of comment on the Bayer/Monsanto negotiations, and Condon was able to speak in generalities in answer to some of them – sort of. It’s fun to listen to! And you might find some comments to use with the announcement this morning that the deal is now done: Group interview with Liam Condon, Bayer

*Bayer and Monsanto have a press conference scheduled for 8:30 central time this morning*

Bayer Future of Farming Dialog 2016 Photo Album

Audio, Bayer

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

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