Industry Ag News 6/6

Carrie Muehling

  • Join NAMA on June 19 for a webinar entitled Leading in Uncertain Times and learn how changing what you focus on can drive profound change. Amy Bradford, former NAMA President, and founder of Cultivate Resilience Coaching, shares a simple yet highly effective framework that zeros in on what drives our behavior, and how working with that knowledge leads to lasting change. Register here.
  • National Farmers Union (NFU) concluded the 2025 All-States Leadership Summit, held in Washington, D.C., and released the names of the newly elected members to serve on the National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC). Registration for the 2026 All-States Leadership Summit will open in February 2026.
  • Yield of Dreams, a lager brewed with corn from across Iowa, is returning with hopes of making an even bigger splash. For the second consecutive year, the Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) has partnered with Confluence Brewing, the Iowa Brewers Guild and Choose Iowa to bring back Yield of Dreams. Eighteen farmers from across Iowa, two from each of the Iowa Corn crop reporting districts, supplied the corn that brewed the 2025 Yield of Dreams. Each farmer donated roughly 1.25-1.5 bushels of corn totaling 12 bushels, or nearly 672 pounds of corn.
  • The National Oilseed Processors Association and Corn Refiners Association released a statement following incorrect and misleading comments from Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary. In an interview, Makary said about seed oils: “generally, they’re believed to be pro-inflammatory,” a disparaging comment that goes against the weight of the established science.
  • Fresh Vintage Farms, a leader in sustainable agricultural practices, announced its innovative initiative to upcycle cosmetically blemished almonds and walnuts, transforming them into high-quality, nutritious oils and condiments. This pioneering effort not only reduces food waste but also provides a vital new revenue stream for California growers.
  • The University of Nebraska has announced a global search for a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the next Executive Director of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI). This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to spearhead a globally impactful institute dedicated to ensuring water and food security for all.
  • The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City is proud to announce the selection of six individuals to be honored as the 2025 Young Leaders in Agribusiness.
  • Inspire PR Group is one of the top agriculture PR firms in the country, ranking fourth on the O’Dwyer’s PR News annual list of Top Agricultural PR Firms.
  • The World Food Prize Foundation announced the appointment of Kay Kuenker as a member of the Council of Advisors.
  • A new statewide mental health report released by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with the UF/IFAS Center for Leadership and Mind Your Melon Foundation, finds that Florida farmers and ranchers are facing emotional distress, worsened by financial pressures and natural disasters—including hurricanes.
  • The Corn Refiners Association is pleased to announce the addition of Ameya Khanapurkar as its new Project and Policy Coordinator. In this role – an expansion of the existing CRA staff – Khanapurkar will support a variety of efforts, including the Carbohydrate Check Sample Program, the weekly CRA Trade Update, research work, and more.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Performance Nutrition Expands Urea Phosphite Technology

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Performance Nutrition has expanded its Prudent line of urea phosphite-based fertilizers with the commercial launch of two new products now available through Performance Nutrition’s distribution partners throughout the United States.

    PRUDENT AG and PRUDENT SI expand upon Performance Nutrition’s urea phosphite technology platform that provides superior phosphite mobility for better root and foliar absorption, improved resilience and abiotic stress tolerance, and improved nitrogen and carbon assimilation for better biomass and increased yields.

    Performance Nutrition’s urea phosphite technology achieves superior performance over potassium phosphite, largely due to the difference in ionic charges. Since the surfaces of plants have a net positive ionic charge, the like positive charge of the potassium ion found in potassium phosphite can limit its absorption in the plant and stunt root development and plant growth. With a net zero ionic charge, urea phosphite does not face this barrier, allowing for higher phosphorus uptake and efficacy.

    All Performance Nutrition’s PRUDENT formulations increase stress tolerance and resilience in plants by delivering a readily available phosphite source for rapid plant response, stimulating key pathways that support natural defense mechanisms. With healthier plants, PRUDENT helps crops and turf retain more water to increase drought tolerance and withstand other challenging growing conditions.

    Dr. Chris Underwood, Director of Innovation and Business Development for Performance Nutrition, says their products have long been popular with turf customers. “We’ve now expanded upon this proven technology to formulate PRUDENT AG specifically for row and specialty crop growers,” said Underwood. “The introduction of these two products helps round out our urea phosphite fertilizer offerings for field crop growers. This line-up also includes existing products such as PRUDENT RX, which blends our amino acids and chelated micronutrients technologies with our urea phosphite platform, as well as introducing higher levels of nutrients like nitrogen and nickel.”

    Learn more in this interview with Underwood.
    Interview with Dr. Chris Underwood, Performance Nutrition 8:52

    AgWired Precision, Audio, Crop Protection, Nutrient Management, Precision Agriculture

    DWFI Executive Director to Retire

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The University of Nebraska has initiated a global search for the next Executive Director of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI). After nearly a decade leading DWFI, Peter McCornick announced he will step down as executive director in August 2025 with plans to transition to a full-time faculty role in UNL’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering.

    Established in 2010 through a landmark $50 million gift from the Robert B. Daugherty Charitable Foundation, DWFI was founded with a clear mission: to address the global challenge of achieving food security with less pressure on water resources through improved management of water in agricultural and food systems. Mr. Daugherty, founder of Valmont Industries, was deeply committed to the efficient and sustainable use of water in agriculture to feed a growing world population, a legacy the Institute continues to uphold.

    Learn more and apply

    Food, people, Research, Water, Water for Food

    Precision Ag News 6/5

    Carrie Muehling

  • U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) introduced the Plant Biostimulant Act to create a uniform federal definition for plant biostimulants, establish a consistent regulatory pathway to market, and promote additional research into the benefits of biostimulant products on soil health and crop production.
  • Veteran’s Carbon Holdings announced it will distribute $1.1 billion in direct payments to U.S. farmers and landowners who bury organic carbon over the next nine years. Established in 2024, the newly launched Carbon Development Program provides farmers and landowners across the Midwest and Western United States with an innovative method to generate a great deal of money and substantial annual income, sequestering organic carbon in agricultural soils.
  • Kubota North America announced a strategic collaboration with Agtonomy, a leader in agricultural autonomy software, to commercialize autonomous operations on Kubota diesel tractors for spraying and mowing. This joint effort reflects Kubota’s ongoing commitment to pioneering solutions for specialty crop growers, equipping them with smart technology that enhances efficiency, adaptability, and productivity.
  • Join Women in Ag Tech Group Editor Lara Sowinski July 10 at 2 pm EST for a conversation with Sarah Canada, Chief of Staff to the CTO and Global R&D Operations leader at Corteva Agriscience, on career development inside one of the industry’s leading ag R&D teams. Register here for Strategies for Career Growth and Innovation in Ag Tech R&D.
  • FarmTogether and MyLand announced FarmTogether’s integration of MyLand’s Soil as a Service™ technology across four high-value apple orchards in Washington State. The adoption supports FarmTogether’s broader efforts to enhance operational efficiency, reduce input costs, and advance regenerative agriculture practices across its farmland portfolio.
  • Loveland Products, Inc. and Dyna-Gro Seed, Nutrien Ag Solutions’ proprietary products businesses, are proud to highlight the success of its ongoing collaboration with the Louisiana State University AgCenter through the LPI Research Station Support Fund – a targeted initiative accelerating innovation in rice breeding and early-stage agricultural research.
  • Bayer has developed new tomato varieties that provide growers advanced solutions in their fight against tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV). These will launch this year in every major glasshouse tomato segment and provide multi-stacked virus-resistant genes for more durable protection against ToBRFV mutations.
  • Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) specialist Azotic® Technologies Limited has appointed Sander Pabbruwee in the role of CEO, as the company steps up activities to engage more growers in adopting its sustainable agriculture solutions worldwide.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Azotic® Technologies Names New CEO

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) company Azotic® Technologies Limited has named Sander Pabbruwee as CEO, effective April 1, as the company aims to accelerate its global commercial success.

    Sander Pabbruwee

    Pabbruwee joins the York, UK-based agritech company from Koppert in the Netherlands, where he was general manager.

    “Azotic is not only the most cutting-edge business in biological nitrogen fixation, but also one of the most engaging in terms of what its technology platform offers, beyond merely nitrogen, to farmers and growers around the world,” says Pabbruwee.

    In the seven years since the launch of Azotic’s debut BNF product, Envita®, in the United States, the company has grown sales every year since, with millions of crop acres treated. Envita has become the third most recognized biological brand by North American farmers, according to Stratus Ag Research. Added distributors across Europe, Africa and Asia, where the product is known as Encera™, and the registration and launch of new formulations from new production facilities in the UK, have reinforced the perception that Envita is the product to watch.

    AgWired Precision, Biologicals, people, Precision Agriculture

    BarnTools Introduces BinTalk Pro at World Pork Expo

    Cindy Zimmerman

    BarnTools is in Des Moines today at the World Pork Expo for the debut of BinTalk Pro, a next-generation feed monitoring system that delivers near real-time insights and comprehensive operational oversight for poultry and swine producers.

    With updates every 15 minutes, 16 times more frequent than the industry standard, BinTalk Pro enables growers and integrators to detect issues as they develop and prevent costly feed interruptions before they impact production.

    Powered by Smart Event Detection, BinTalk Pro goes beyond simple feed level monitoring to identify the critical moments that matter most. Using farm-tested algorithms, the system detects essential feed events and ensures alerts reach the right person for immediate action. The intuitive BarnTools app provides growers with real-time, actionable insights to support peak animal performance, while managers gain comprehensive visibility across all locations to drive smarter, faster operational decisions.

    Unlike traditional sensors that provide delayed data and create monitoring blind spots, BinTalk Pro captures early signals of out-of-feed events – which research shows occur 4.4 times more frequently than total feed outages. With 80% of return on investment tied to catching these early warnings, producers gain the critical insights needed to act quickly and confidently.

    To learn more about BinTalk Pro, download the product brochure, request a site assessment, or schedule a live demonstration, visit www.barntools.com.

    Meet the BarnTools team at World Pork Expo Booth V310 in Des Moines June 4–5 to experience BinTalk Pro in action.

    Watch a the BinTalk Pro demo video below:

    AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Health, Feed, Pork, Poultry, Swine, Video, World Pork Expo

    Inspire PR Group Ranked in Top Ag PR Firms

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Congrats to Inspire PR Group being named one of the top agriculture PR firms in the country, moving up to rank fourth on the O’Dwyer’s PR News annual list of Top Agricultural PR Firms.

    “Our client-partners in agriculture lead the way in feeding those across the U.S. and worldwide, and theirs are the stories that must be told,” said Hinda Mitchell, founder and president of the female-owned agency based in central Ohio.

    Meghann Winters-Rowe, a senior account manager at Inspire PR Group, was recognized with the 2025 Next Gen NAMA award

    Inspire has been recognized with several major industry awards this year. In April, Inspire senior account manager Meghann Winters-Rowe received the 2025 Next Gen NAMA award from the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA), which recognizes young communicators with a bright future in agriculture.

    Other awards include:
    – A five-part animated video series sharing how Ohio egg, chicken and turkey farmers protect the environment, A Closer Look: Ohio Poultry Farmers’ Commitments, produced in partnership with the Ohio Poultry Association and Ohio Soybean Association, won a national Best of NAMA Merit Award and a PRism Award from the Central Ohio Chapter of PRSA.
    – Inspire was a national finalist at the Best of NAMA Awards for work with American Egg Board, American Dairy Association Mideast, Versova, Wayne-Sanderson Farms and the NC Mountain State Fair.
    – Two finalists at the Best of NAMA Awards also took home PRism Awards in mid-May from PRSA Central Ohio—including the Shop Ohio Cheese campaign with the American Dairy Association Mideast and Versova’s 2023 Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Report.

    Inspire is ranked among the top 100 PR firms in the nation overall by O’Dwyer’s and also is 14th in Restaurant, 19th in Nonprofit and 33rd in Education PR Firms.

    Ag Groups, Agencies, NAMA, people

    FarmTogether Integrates MyLand Soil Health Service in Washington

    Cindy Zimmerman

    FarmTogether and MyLand have partnered to integrate Soil as a Service™ technology across four high-value apple orchards in Washington State, supporting FarmTogether’s broader efforts to enhance operational efficiency, reduce input costs, and advance regenerative agriculture practices across its farmland portfolio.

    By implementing MyLand’s live, native soil biology service, FarmTogether is taking a proactive step toward strengthening soil structure, increasing organic matter, and supporting greater nutrient availability.

    “This collaboration reflects our continued commitment to exploring innovative, data-driven solutions that strengthen farmland operations while advancing sustainability goals,” said Boyd Corkins, Head of Farm Management at FarmTogether. “We look forward to working closely with MyLand to evaluate the potential for long-term soil health improvements and operational efficiencies across our apple portfolio.”

    The orchards selected are part of FarmTogether’s portfolio of 52 managed properties. The firm specializes in permanent cropland across the West Coast, which represents 92.8% of its $209 million in assets under management (AUM)—a strategy rooted in long-term biological and economic fundamentals.

    FarmTogether joins MyLand’s $4.8 million initiative supported by Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act designed to accelerate the adoption of regenerative soil health practices across 9,000 acres of farmland, promoting carbon sequestration, improving water efficiency, and supporting climate resilience throughout the region.

    AgWired Precision, land, Precision Agriculture, Soil, Sustainability

    20th Annual NAMA Boot Camp Registration is Open

    Chuck Zimmerman

    20th Annual NAMA Boot Camp It’s that time. Join Agri-Marketing’s Best at NAMA Boot Camp.

    Agri-marketing is always changing. That’s why each year, NAMA Boot Camp features the latest tips, trends and best practices to take you forward in your career—at any level. It’s the event to learn about modern agriculture and our industry, grow your network and prepare to be a leader.

    NAMA members receive a discounted rate. Non-members receive a year of NAMA membership when they register. Sign up for Boot Camp today and prepare to join us in Kansas City, August 6–8!

    Attendees can look forward to sessions covering a breadth of topics including:

    • Producer Panel
    • ​Tools of the Trade – Focus on Research
    • The Business of Agriculture
    • Networking for Introverts Pretending to be Extroverts: A How-To Guide
    • Trends in Marketing
    • Cultivating Your Career
    • Great Marketing: Best of NAMA Case Study

    Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with friends and make new connections at different networking receptions and during the Ag Tour hosted by Farm Journal.

    Register now and book your hotel room before the hotel cutoff date, July 3.

    We can’t wait to see you in Kansas City!

    NAMA

    Animal Ag News 6/3

    Carrie Muehling

  • March was the best sales month in history for Certified Angus Beef, with 116.8 million pounds sold. It was also a standout month for quality, with 86 percent of fed cattle carcasses grading Choice or Prime, the highest annual mark once again. USDA Prime has outpaced Select for nine weeks in a row, thanks in part to heavier carcass weights and longer feeding periods.
  • The Public Lands Council (PLC) announced the appointment of public lands ranchers to new leadership positions in PLC policy committees. These individuals will guide conversations that develop grassroots policies aimed at strengthening federal lands management and multiple use policy that recognizes the important role livestock grazing continues to play in Western communities.
  • While global pork consumption has edged upward, U.S. per capita consumption has been flat for more than 50 years at 50 lbs. on average, according to the USDA. That trails annual beef and chicken consumption, which exceeds 60 lbs. and 100 lbs., respectively. The pork industry is aiming to gain ground with a new consumer marketing program, “Taste What Pork Can Do.” Focusing on flavor and featuring a wide variety of recipes and convenient cooking techniques, the campaign encourages U.S. consumers to reimagine the possibilities of pork for at-home meals. According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the campaign represents the beginning of what could be a “new pork” on U.S. consumers’ plates.
  • U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the release of Congressionally mandated Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments to cover grazing losses due to eligible drought or wildfire events in 2023 and/or 2024. Secretary Rollins committed on May 7 to release these emergency payments by May 30, and she is delivering on that commitment ahead of schedule.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) thanked Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins following an announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that the agency would quickly be sending Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments to cattle producers who suffered losses from drought and wildfire.
  • Becky Rasdall Vargas, Senior Vice President of Trade and Workforce Policy with the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), released a statement recognizing a new streamlined approval process for U.S. dairy exports to Costa Rica.
  • Industry professionals worldwide are gearing up for World Pork Expo 2025! This preeminent event returns to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 4-5, and is hosted by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). The Expo promises two full days packed with cutting-edge insights, industry innovation, and countless networking opportunities.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is deeply concerned with the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission’s take on the causes of wide-ranging health concerns in American children, largely blaming modern food and agriculture with little regard for the rigorous regulatory systems in place that have allowed the U.S. to be a world leader in safe, affordable and wholesome food. Like human food manufacturing facilities, all feed and pet food manufacturing facilities must abide by stringent regulations in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which requires facilities, among other things, to: identify hazards that could result in foodborne pathogens and put risk-based preventive controls in place; comply with Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements; develop and implement animal food safety plans; work with domestic and foreign suppliers to reduce hazards; and be subject to regular inspections.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites