Precision Ag News 7/17

Carrie Muehling

  • Syngenta Crop Protection, a leader in agricultural innovation, and Ginkgo Bioworks, which is building the leading platform for cell programming and biosecurity, announced a new cooperation aimed at accelerating the launch of a new biological solution. The two companies have previously collaborated on next-generation seed technology.
  • Following the launch of the SpotOn Turf Soil Moisture Meter last July, Innoquest Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of precision meters for the agriculture, turf and greenhouse industries, has announced the release of a compact, handheld meter. The SpotOn Pocket Soil Moisture is an innovative device designed to provide greenhouse growers and potted plant enthusiasts with quick and accurate readings of soil moisture, pore & bulk electrical conductivity (EC), and temperature, ensuring optimal plant health and growth. Delivering quick and accurate measurements, the meter links via Bluetooth technology to their SpotView Mobile App (available for download on Google Play and Apple Store).
  • Ecorobotix announced its participation in the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Congress 2024 August 14-18 in Interlaken, Switzerland. This event brings together agricultural journalists from around the world to explore the latest advancements in agricultural technology and journalism.
  • U.S. sales of Ag tractors and combines in June 2024 fell below reported sales from the same month a year ago, according to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). June sales of 2-wheel-drive tractors dropped 16.3 percent compared to 2023, while 4-wheel-drive tractors fell 1.3 percent within the same timeframe. Combines sales declined as well, finishing the month 31 percent below June 2023.
  • The Biostimulants World Congress is scheduled for November 13-15, 2024 in Miami, USA (with workshops on the 12th). The Strategic and Commercial Track will provide valuable knowledge and networking opportunities to enhance strategic initiatives and commercial success in the biostimulant industry.
  • Researchers and leaders from more than 40 nations will visit Manhattan, Kansas, to learn the latest significant research and information on precision agriculture at the International Conference on Precision Agriculture. ICPA brings together brightest minds from around the world, under one canopy to share and advance science and technologies of precision agriculture. The conference is in partnership with the International Society of Precision Agriculture and Kansas State University.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Taranis Introduces AI-powered Agronomic Assistant

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Taranis today announced the launch of the industry’s first AI-powered agronomic engine, Ag Assistant™.

    Using multimodal AI, Ag Assistant promises to revolutionize service and management opportunities for ag retailers and the growers they serve by providing unprecedented timeliness and accuracy in addressing in-season threats. The advancement introduces a new approach to AI-powered farm management.

    Jason Minton, Chief Commercial Officer for Taranis, explains, “Ag Assistant is the culmination of years of data collection, analysis and development. Our GenAI model was trained on a growing library of more than 500 million leaf-level data points, collected exclusively by Taranis, along with relevant, vetted industry information. Ag Assistant will enhance the speed, accuracy and quality of service agronomists can provide growers.”

    In addition to Taranis’ ever-expanding proprietary agronomic data library, Ag Assistant also captures, analyzes and contextualizes information from weather maps, machinery data, university research, crop input companies, and other peer-reviewed, credible sources. The Taranis multimodal Ag GenAI model then cross-references and applies all gathered information to the detected threat(s) in the grower’s field. Culminating is a report that categorizes and summarizes all identified threats, providing the agronomist with a recommendation for remedy. This solution is delivered to the Taranis platform, where both the agronomic advisor and enrolled grower are alerted to management opportunities in hours rather than days.

    Read more about this exciting new ag tech innovation.

    Agronomy, AgWired Precision, AI, Precision Agriculture, Technology

    Industry Ag News 7/15

    Carrie Muehling

  • Syngenta announced the appointment of Susan Luke as senior communications manager for Syngenta U.S. Crop Protection and Corporate Communications, effective July 8. She will report to Kathy Eichlin, head of U.S. Crop Protection and Corporate Communications.
  • Submit nominations for the National Agri-Marketing Association Professional Development Awards by August 1. Who do you know moving the industry forward while making a significant, positive impact within NAMA? Take the time to recognize them and submit a nomination. Nominating someone is easy–just fill out the online form. Don’t wait – nominations are due by August 1. Get complete details here.
  • JCB is proud to announce a special long-term partnership with multi-GRAMMY award winning musician and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Joe Walsh and his national 501(c)3 non-profit veterans organization and annual benefit festival, VetsAid. The partnership will raise awareness and funds for U.S. veterans through the power of rock and the transformative process of rebuilding.
  • Corn growers were responsible for a $151 billion boost to the U.S. economy in 2023, according to a new report released by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).
  • A select group of 50 FFA alumni from across the country will convene in Des Moines, Iowa, July 21-25 to discuss future issues and opportunities in the field of production agriculture. The annual New Century Farmer Conference convenes FFA alumni ages 18-24 who have demonstrated leadership in their studies and work experience, earning them a sought-after spot at the conference.
  • Bayer and Kroger joined forces with country music star Luke Bryan and Feeding America to bring healthy food to more families who need it. According to Feeding America’s latest data, more than 44 million people in the United States are food insecure, including a nearly 30 percent increase – more than 10 million – compared to the previous year.
  • Farmers Union youth from across the nation recently gathered for the 86th National Farmers Union (NFU) All-States Leadership Retreat, held at the Lake Sarah Campground, managed by the Minnesota Farmers Union in Polk County, Minnesota.
  • The Georgia Peanut Commission is hosting a photo contest through Oct. 1, 2024, featuring peanut farms from across the state to fill the pages of the 2025 Georgia Peanut Calendar. Photos will also be selected to be used in various promotional projects by GPC throughout the year.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Rivulis Announces Josh Dixon as New CEO

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Global irrigation leader Rivulis has announced industry veteran Josh Dixon will become Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in September, replacing Richard Klapholz who has served as CEO for over a decade.

    With over 25 years of industrial experience, Dixon is a proven leader and strategist who has guided market-leading public and private companies through periods of rapid commercial growth and strategic business development in highly competitive global marketplaces.

    During the transition, Dixon will work alongside outgoing CEO Richard Klapholz, whose deep institutional knowledge and steady hand have guided the Company over the past decade. Dixon begins as CEO effective September 16, 2024.

    Dixon is the former president of Valley Irrigation, an international subsidiary of publicly traded Valmont Industries, Inc., and he spent more than nine years with the Company. He previously held business development and operational, commercial, and industrial manufacturing roles at Belden, Danaher Sensors and Controls, and General Electric.

    Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Irrigation, people, Precision Agriculture

    Precision Ag News 7/11

    Carrie Muehling

  • Cargill and the Forever Green Initiative, a research platform in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota, are partnering to study winter camelina and domesticated pennycress. The collaboration will focus on the development of high performing seed varieties and farming techniques adapted for the unique growing conditions of the Upper Midwest.
  • Join the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) on Thursday, July 18 at 6:00pm Central for a free, 1-hour, live webinar: Grazing Cover Crops for Healthy Soils and Healthy Profits. Kody Aesoph of Ree Heights, SD, will describe his family’s success with haying and ensiling cover crops for their cattle, and Brady Wulf of Starbuck, MN, will discuss how his family grazes their Simmental and SimAngus herd on cover crop mixes. Tanse Hermann of SD NRCS will share insight on best practices and how he and his family build soil health with cover crops on their horse and hay operation. Click here to register for the free July 18 webinar.
  • The American Soybean Association invites soybean farmers to attend a new event designed to help them evaluate the many conservation incentive programs available to them—and to connect with the organizations and ASA industry partners offering these opportunities. The ASA Farmer Forum: Building Your Conservation Program and Profit Potential will be August 26 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa, the day before the annual Farm Progress Show. All farmers who register by August 20 will receive a free one-day admission to the Farm Progress Show in nearby Boone, Iowa. The event agenda and registration link are available by clicking here.
  • Rantizo, the largest drone spraying network in the country, has achieved a significant milestone in drone operations with the approval of an amendment to Exemption No. 18929B, allowing Rantizo service hub operators to swarm up to 3 drones over 55 pounds, without a visual observer (VO), and at night.
  • Syngenta announced that its newest online resource for all things disease management and planning is now available on www.BoostYourBushels.com. This latest website update will enable users to discover a variety of tools that can help them make the most educated decisions for improving the overall health of their corn, soybean and wheat crops.
  • Syngenta Biologicals, a leader in cutting-edge agricultural biological solutions and Intrinsyx Bio, a Silicon Valley biotech company that promotes sustainable agriculture, announced a collaboration to bring a novel biological solution to agricultural markets globally.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Animal Ag News 7/11

    Carrie Muehling

  • Grassroots members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) concluded a successful Summer Business Meeting in San Diego, CA. Cattle producers discussed top issues facing the cattle industry including risk management, taxes, and business regulation.
  • The Public Lands Council (PLC) announced a rolling notice of funding availability that accompanies the existing grant funding process for Fiscal Year 2025. This two-track process allows individuals and organizations to submit proposals at any point during the year to be evaluated on an as-received basis. Additionally, PLC will maintain the traditional call for involvement through issuance of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) that address specific PLC needs and objectives throughout the year. Both types of funding availability support partnership and research capacity that address unique needs of federal lands ranchers and the grazing community. Both RFPs and any rolling submissions must meet PLC’s Guidelines for Distribution and any other associated requirements.
  • Andrew Jerome has been promoted to Vice President, Communications for the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). Jerome joined IDFA in February 2020 as Director, External and Member Communications. Andrew’s new role will allow him to expand his responsibilities managing the organization’s communications, marketing of events, and reputation management activities for IDFA members and the broader dairy and food industries. Jessica Matsko has been promoted to Manager, Executive Office & Special Projects, and Victoria Pender has been promoted to Manager, Events & Programs.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is now accepting nominations until July 26 for its Liquid Feed Hall of Fame Award, which will be presented on Sept. 11 at its Liquid Feed Symposium in Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) acknowledged 73 graduates from its biennial Feed Industry Institute (FII) in Minneapolis, Minn. Attendees took part in a four-day, intensive educational forum to learn about the feed, pet food and feed ingredient industry from those who know it best – industry experts. In addition to the educational program, attendees mingled with colleagues from across the industry and stepped out of the classroom to attend a Minneapolis Twins baseball game.
  • The 2024 National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry is specifically tailored to poultry facility and corporate safety personnel, providing key insights on important industry topics and government policy. The conference, sponsored by the Georgia Tech Research Institute/ATRP and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), is scheduled for Aug. 19-21 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Fla.
  • U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) announces the appointment of Hannah Keck as director, communications. She will be responsible for the planning and coordination of communication activities for USPOULTRY and its family of organizations, including the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). She will report to Gwen Venable, executive vice president – expo & communication services.
  • The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program released new versions of the Animal Care and Workforce Development Programs, refining, updating and improving agriculture-leading benchmarks for animal care and workforce best practices.
  • Jan Lyons of Manhattan, Kansas will be honored with the Cattlemen’s Beef Board’s (CBB) fourth annual Beef Checkoff Visionary Award during the General Session of the 2024 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in San Diego, California. This award recognizes an individual in the beef industry who has demonstrated exemplary support of and commitment to the Checkoff’s goals and vision.
  • Maggie Thompson began her role as the poultry veterinarian for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System June 10. This position showcases a unique partnership between Alabama Extension, the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment System (AAES).
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Intrinsyx Bio Partners with Syngenta for Nutrient Use Efficiency

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Syngenta Biologicals and Silicon Valley biotech company Intrinsyx Bio are partnering on a new biological solution to boost crops’ nutrient use efficiency.

    The collaboration will boost farmers’ access to a custom selection of Intrinsyx Bio’s proprietary endophyte formulations. Endophytes – small microorganisms that colonize in plants – fix atmospheric nitrogen directly into the plant, increasing the availability and uptake of key nutrients such as phosphorus and micronutrients that are important for plant health. This reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, offering farmers greater flexibility in their nutrient management strategies while lowering the environmental impact of farming. Formulations will be offered as seed treatment and foliar application in key agricultural crops.

    “This agreement represents another opportunity to expand the reach of our ‘biology that works,’” said Greg Thompson, CEO of Intrinsyx Bio. “Partnering with Syngenta allows farmers around the world to benefit from endophytes proven mode of action and extensive field testing that improves nutrient use efficiency and increases crop yields.”

    AgWired Precision, Biologicals, Precision Agriculture, Syngenta, Technology

    Industry Ag News 7/8

    Carrie Muehling

  • The American Seed Trade Association elected its 2024-25 officers at the 2024 ASTA Leadership Summit, which took place in Nashville, Tennessee June 15-19. The 2024-2025 officers, which begin official duties on July 1, are: Chair – Dan Foor, DLF North America; First Vice Chair –
    Dave Treinen, Syngenta; Second Vice Chair – Bryan Gerard, JoMar Seeds.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding crop insurance options for specialty and organic growers beginning with the 2025 crop year. USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is expanding coverage options by allowing enterprise units by organic farming practice, adding enterprise unit eligibility for several crops, and making additional policy updates.
  • Get an inside look at Kansas Agriculture with the Kansas Ag Tour during the upcoming Agricultural Media Summit. Grab your breakfast to go on this tour as attendees depart from the hotel and head two hours out of the city to Blythe Family Farms. Tour attendees will enjoy lunch at Liquid Art Winery, perched at the top of an area known as “The Flint Hills” and known for their craft premium wines. Following lunch, attendees will stop at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center. En route back to Kansas City, the tour will continue at J. Rieger & Co. Brewery for a tour and learn about how they source wheat to produce a beverage customers enjoy. Tour goers will end the day at a local favorite, Tay’s Tay’s Cheesesteaks. Register here.
  • The World Food Prize Foundation announced that it will honor Iowa native Jim Blessman with the 2024 Robert D. Ray Iowa SHARES Award. The award will be presented to Dr. Blessman for his decades-long commitment to nourishing South Africa.
  • National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) hosted the fourth annual Women and Mentors Retreat in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 27 and 28. The program offers a network for women and their male allies, providing mentorships and creating a pipeline of female leaders for NCGA and other agricultural organizations.
  • Curious Plot, a Minneapolis-based marketing, communications and consulting agency serving the food, agriculture and companion animal care markets, won the Agricultural Relations Council’s (ARC) 2024 Golden ARC de Excellence Award.
  • The Illinois Agri-Women (IAW) organization has awarded 5 scholarships for females studying agriculture. The Illinois Agri-Women (IAW) organization supports the agriculture industry, works for legislation to support and preserve family farms, communicates with other agriculture organizations, and strives to educate the public and promote agricultural awareness.
  • If you want to honor a cotton consultant, nominate him or her for the prestigious 2024 Cotton Consultant of the Year (CCOY) Award. Click here to access the 2024 nomination form. The deadline for nominations is August 15.
  • To support the next generation of agricultural professionals, the National Farmers Union Foundation (NFUF) proudly announces the 2024 recipients of its annual scholarship awards. Applications for the 2025 scholarship awards will open in December 2024. For more information about the scholarships, visit the NFU website at NFU.org/education/scholarships.
  • The thirty-sixth annual Georgia Peanut Tour will be held Sept. 17-19, 2024, in Americus, Georgia, and the surrounding area. The tour brings the latest information on peanuts while giving a first-hand view of industry infrastructure from production and handling to processing and utilization. Tour stops will be made in several peanut producing counties in South Georgia.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Precision Ag News 7/5

    Carrie Muehling

  • This summer, the Conservation Practice Adoption Motivations Survey (CPAMS), a joint project between USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), will be mailed to 43,000 forest and grazing landowners and managers across the nation. The CPAMS gathers information to understand why people choose to use different conservation practices, and whether they continue to use practices over time. The data will help improve voluntary conservation programs. NASS will mail an invitation to respond early online at agcounts.usda.gov starting June 24. NASS will mail questionnaires on July 8 with the option for survey recipients to respond online, by mail, or fax. If NASS does not receive completed questionnaires by July 28, they may reach out to schedule interviews. A data highlights publication is scheduled for October 2024 and will be published at nass.usda.gov.
  • Scientists at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Southwest Climate Hub and California Climate Hub have developed a browsable map-based tool that addresses water scarcity in the U.S. Southwest. The Water Adaptation Techniques Atlas (WATA) consolidates over 200 case studies on research and practices that water managers and producers can use to find location-specific and topical information to make informed decisions regarding water management.
  • The Association of Equipment Manufacturing (AEM) embarks on its largest public engagement initiative in 130 years with the introduction of the ‘Manufacturing Challenge’ on its ‘Manufacturing Express’ bus tour. This innovative online video game, created exclusively for AEM, invites participants to tackle industry-themed questions for a chance to win prizes, including the grand prize of a Ford F-150. The game and the chance to win the grand prize is available to anyone in the continental U.S. that visits www.manufacturingexpress.org.
  • With funding from the Illinois Nutrient and Research Council (NREC) and other collaborators, the Agroecosystem Sustainability Center has released the updated MRTN (maximum return to nitrogen) management tool. The updated version was created using more robust software, many more data points and now has a feature to print out results.
  • Share the story of how conservation is fundamental to your farm operation and you could be recognized with a Conservation Legacy Award. This honor celebrates U.S. soybean growers who are maximizing the profitability and longevity of their farm through a variety of conservation-minded management practices. Examples include but are not limited to cover crops; reduced tillage; nutrient management; irrigation management; diversified crop rotations; buffer implementation; terraces and waterways; precision agriculture and consumer engagement. All U.S. soybean farmers are eligible to apply. Entries are judged on soil, water, input and environmental management, conservation and sustainability. To apply, fill out the form here. To nominate someone else for the award, please fill out this form.
  • More than 8,500 acres in the Myakka and Peace River watersheds will now be preserved forever thanks to the Florida Cabinet’s approval of two conservation easements at its meeting today. The Florida Conservation Group partnered with the state’s Florida Forever program and cattlemen in two southwest Florida counties to achieve these key purchases.
  • The American Seed Trade Association elected its 2024-25 officers at the 2024 ASTA Leadership Summit, which took place in Nashville, Tennessee June 15-19. The 2024-2025 officers, which begin official duties on July 1, are: Chair – Dan Foor, DLF North America; First Vice Chair – Dave Treinen, Syngenta; Second Vice Chair – Bryan Gerard, JoMar Seeds.
  • Join the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) this December 10 – 13 in Orlando for the Field Crop Seed Convention, an unparalleled seed business networking and educational opportunity. The Field Crop Seed Convention is the place to see and be seen amongst the global community of companies working in all field crops, from corn and soybean, to wheat, rice, cotton, sorghum and so much more.
  • OPI, the global leader in grain storage management, is pleased to announce the addition of seasoned ag business innovator Daniel Portela as Vice President of Product.
  • John Deere announced the launch of the new gas Gator XUV 845 and diesel Gator XUV 875 utility vehicles designed to assist farmers and ranchers improve productivity by helping with a variety of jobs around the farm. The new Gator XUV 845 and Gator XUV 875 utility vehicles include a larger, more customizable cargo box and additional comfort and convenience elements – all adding a helping hand to getting jobs done around the farm.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Huma® Expands Domestic Sales Team

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Huma®, Inc. has announced new additions to its domestic sales team. The Arizona-based company, formerly known as Bio Huma Netics®, continues its global expansion as the leader in the agricultural humic industry.

    The new appointments and updated staff roles are intended to establish key points of contact across geographic locations effective immediately:

    Steve Walmsley:
    MidSouth Regional Sales Manager
    — Walmsley brings more than 17 years of experience in the humates, fertilizer, seed, and irrigation sectors. Based in Monroe, Louisiana, Walmsley will serve customers in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and the Missouri Bootheel.

    Davin Smith:
    Pacific Northwest Regional Sales Manager
    — Smith has served on the Huma® international sales team for 13 years, focusing primarily on Europe and South America. With a deep understanding of Huma® products across different crops and environmental conditions, Smith will now support customers in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.

    Barrett Smith:
    Field Marketing and Research Specialist
    — Smith will focus on providing technical product support to the sales team and customers. He will also conduct field trials. With nine years of experience in domestic sales at Huma®, Smith will continue to serve customers across the eastern seaboard and New England as the Eastern Regional Sales Manager.

    AgWired Precision, people, Precision Agriculture