USDA Extends Deadline for Recording Farm Structure

Kelly Marshall

USDAAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the USDA will be offering a one-time, 30-day extension on the June 1 deadline for recording farm organization structures related to Actively Engaged in Farming determinations.  Operations now have until July 1 to finalize changes or complete their restructuring.  This comes as a response to farmers and ranchers who needed more time to provide information compliant with the new rules.

“Most farming and ranching organizations have been able to comply with the actively engaged rule,” said Vilsack. “This one-time extension should give producers who may still need to update their farm structure information the additional time to do so.”

The 2014 Farm Bill provided the Secretary with the direction and authority to amend the Actively Engaged in Farming rules related to management. The final rule established limits on the number of individuals who can qualify as actively engaged using only management. Only one payment limit for management is allowed under the rule, with the ability to request up to two additional qualifying managers operations for large and complex operations.

The rule does not apply to farming operations comprised entirely of family members. The rule also does not change the existing regulations related to contributions of land, capital, equipment or labor, or the existing regulations related to landowners with a risk in the crop or to spouses. The payment limit associated with Farm Service Agency farm payments is generally limited annually to $125,000 per individual or entity.

Producers who planted fall crops have until the 2017 crop year to comply with the new rules.

USDA

AFBF Launches Online Peanut Butter Game

Lizzy Schultz

farmbureau The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, along with the National Peanut Board and state peanut producer and industry organizations, have launched Operation Peanut Butter, a new online game from My American Farm. Geared for students in grades 3-5, the game allows students to follow peanuts from the field to the peanut butter on their sandwiches.

“While playing Operation Peanut Butter, students will have the chance to not only learn about the production of peanut butter, but also the value that peanut butter has as an ideal food to feed the hungry because of its protein content and long shelf life,” said Julie Tesch, executive director of the Foundation. “Along with the game, we’ve also created a lesson plan that will allow students to dive deeper into the role peanuts play in the nitrogen cycle.”

The game allows students to enhance their science, math, social science, and english language arts skills by reading about peanuts while playing the game.

“We are proud to debut this educational online resource as an enjoyable way for children to learn where their food comes from. Discovering how peanuts are grown, harvested and processed connects us all to the nutritious and delicious qualities of peanuts and peanut butter,” said Cathy Johnson, marketing and communications associate at the National Peanut Board.

The game, lesson plan and activity sheet, along with other agricultural-based learning resources, are available online here.

AFBF, Ag Groups, Education

R+K Shakes Up Staff

Kelly Marshall

Rhea-Kaiser-LogoRhea + Kaiser (R+K) has promoted a team member in the Public Relations (PR) department and added three new staffers.

Amy McEvoy moves to the position of Account Director-Public Relations/Associate Public Relations Director.  She will now be responsible for offering strategic direction and overseeing all PR for the Bayer account, in addition to PR and digital staff management and agency responsibilities.

“Amy does an outstanding job of managing our PR and integrated work for Bayer,” said R+K Vice President, Director of Public Relations Rob Merritt. “She is highly regarded by our clients and the R+K team, because she truly cares about doing quality work and helping make our clients happy and successful.”

Allison Saegebrecht comes on as the new Media Strategy Director.  Her new job description includes heading up the media strategy team and developing integrated, multi-platform communications plans for clients.  She has a background in strategic media planning with a Chicago-based firm, working on account like Walgreens, REI and Pier 1.

Hannah Barthels will be part of the R+K team as an Assistant Account Manager on its public relations team and Bayer account.  Barthels was raised on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and holds a degree in dairy science from the University of Wisconsin.  Her previous work experience includes Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, Helena Chemical Company and AgriAbility.

Rocio Acosta moves from freelancer to full time Studio Production Artist.  She has 10 years experience working with brands like Sears, K-mart, Maurices, Ulta and Quixstar.

Visit rkconnect.com for more on Rhea + Kaiser, its capabilities, staff, award-winning work, industry insights and career opportunities.

Agribusiness, Public Relations

Bayer and Planetary Resources Intend to Collaborate

Kelly Marshall

bayer-logoBayer has signed memorandum of understanding with aerospace technology company Planetary Resources.  The document says Bayer intends to purchase data from Planetary Resources for the purpose of creating new agricultural products and improving existing ones.

Using the combined technologies from the two companies, farmers can time their irrigation systems much better to save water, receive planting date recommendations and re-planting advice, and assess their soil’s water-holding capacity. Another project is a canopy temperature scout that provides weekly practical insights and scouting support from emergence to harvest by identifying problem areas in the field.

“The sensors from Planetary Resources can become a powerful tool that can provide a new level of information on crops anywhere in the world,” says Liam Condon, member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and head of the Crop Science Division. “The combination of Bayer’s scientific and agronomy expertise and Planetary Resources’ unique sensor capability will greatly improve our ability to deliver truly practical intelligence to growers anywhere on the planet.”

Chris Lewicki, CEO of Planetary Resources, added: “We have identified Bayer as a prime partner in the agriculture industry based on their expertise in several fields and anticipate that this collaboration will accelerate technology deployment, product development, and market acceptance. We are currently conducting airborne Research and Development (R&D) campaigns over a variety of agricultural targets. Bayer is interested in supporting these activities with scientific and agronomic expertise in order to accelerate R&D, product validation and creation.”

This move is part of Bayer’s Digital Farming Initiative.  They hope to offer farmers world-wide the decision-making tools that will allow them to manage their businesses and choose practices that are environmentally sound.

Agribusiness, Bayer, data, Research, Water

John Deere Upgrades Precision Options

Kelly Marshall

John Deere is offering precision growers a few new tools for their toolbox.

OverallThe company has just announced the introduction of two new AutoTrac guidance products  to its lineup.  These products were designed to help row crop producers and ag service providers navigate fields more accurately when spraying during post emergence.

The AutoTrac Vision assists the operator with the use of a single-lens camera that detects crop rows and helps to steer the sprayer down the center.  It can be used on corn, soybeans and cotton planted in 30-inch rows, beginning when the crop is at least 6 inches tall until 90 percent canopy closure.  The AutoTrac RowSense utilizes a row sensor more similar to a combine’s to detect rows and steer the sprayer for growers applying products later in the season.  It has been approved for corn at least 4 feet tall and planted in 30-inch rows.  Both products help large-scale producers work quickly and cover more ground while reducing damage to plants and both are available as field installed kits on current machines.

“Because of field terrain, planter drift, or irregular planting without guidance, spraying in row crops can present challenges for sprayer operators making post-emerge applications,” Doug Felter, product marketing manager for John Deere, explains. “These two new guidance applications help sprayers track more accurately between the rows, resulting in reduced crop damage, less operator fatigue and more effective field applications.”

“While these two sprayer guidance systems are completely separate and are to be used one at a time, both have performed well in a variety of field conditions and crops,” Felter adds. “Both automated vehicle steering systems allow the operator to spray at faster speeds with little manual steering and cover more acres per day with less damage to crops.”

The StarFire guidance system is also getting an upgrade precision growers can appreciate.

DetailThis satellite-based guidance system is gaining greater levels of accuracy, repeatability and signal pull-in speed with the addition of the StarFire 6000 receiver and SF3 signal.

Mike Moeller, John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group, says the new StarFire 6000 receiver will offer users greater precision capabilities, accuracy and uptime. “The StarFire 6000 Receiver offers a full range of differential correction levels, from the base SF1 satellite-delivered signal to the premium RTK option,” Moeller explains. “And to optimize the performance of the StarFire 6000 receiver, we’re offering the all-new SF3 correction level, which delivers 40 percent greater pass-to-pass accuracy, new in-season repeatability and 66 percent faster pull-in time than the previous SF2 correction level.”

By combining the StarFire 6000 Receiver and SF3 signal, John Deere customers will have RTK-like accuracy without investing in an RTK system.

In addition to improved accuracy and repeatability, the StarFire 6000 also delivers improved uptime that keeps precision ag systems running in challenging conditions. By using the latest navigation algorithms, the StarFire 6000 can track up to three StarFire satellite signals at once, intelligently choose the one that will deliver the best performance, and automatically switch to an alternate signal to help maintain accuracy and performance if the primary signal is blocked.

An improved Rapid Recovery feature allows for a quicker return to high-accuracy performance if the GNSS signals are lost due to shading from trees, buildings or terrain. StarFire 6000 RTK customers also receive up to 14 days of RTK Extend™ which allows machinery to keep operating with guidance, even with a lost or interrupted signal.

The built-in USB port offers easy software updates in about 3 minutes and built-in 8GB data-logger captures an stores important information.   The StarFire 6000 Receiver is compatible with current and former displays and other technologies already on the farm, and StarFire 3000 and StarFire iTC customers can easily upgrade this year.

Contact your local John Deere dealer for more information.

Agribusiness, John Deere, Precision Agriculture

EPA Atrazine Assessment Criticized

Cindy Zimmerman

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a draft ecological risk assessment on the pesticide atrazine which is being criticized by the makers and users of the important crop protection chemical. In issuing the report, EPA opened the docket for a 60-day public comment period within one week and stated that a Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) on atrazine will be held in 2017.

syngenta-logoAtrazine manufacturer Syngenta issued a statement saying the report “contains numerous data and methodological errors and needs to be corrected.”

“We’re troubled the draft assessment discounted several rigorous, high-quality scientific studies and didn’t adhere to EPA’s own high standards,” said Marian Stypa, Ph.D., head, product development for Syngenta in North America. “The draft report erroneously and improperly estimated atrazine’s levels of concern for birds, fish, mammals and aquatic communities that are not supported by science.”

NCGA-LogoThe herbicide has been used by U.S. corn, sorghum and sugarcane growers for over 50 years and National Corn Growers Association president Chip Bowling says it is both safe and effective.

“It is widely used because it is among the most reliable herbicides available, and it plays a critical role in combating the spread of resistant weeds,” says Bowling. “It reduces soil erosion, increases crop yields, and improves wildlife habits. Over the last 50 years, atrazine has passed some of the most rigorous safety testing in the world. More than 7,000 scientific studies have found atrazine to be safe.”

Bowling adds that losing atrazine could cost corn farmers up to $59 per acre, according to a 2012 study by the University of Chicago. “In the coming weeks, we will be urging farmers and others who care about our rural economy to contact the EPA, and tell them to base their decision on sound science,” he said.

The 520-page EPA report determined that aquatic plants are impacted where atrazine use is heaviest – mainly in the Midwest – and there is “potential chronic risk” to fish and amphibians, as well as “risk concerns for mammals, birds, reptiles, plants, and plant communities.”

Corn, Crop Protection, Herbicide, NCGA, Syngenta

Introducing the Farm To Table Alliance

Lizzy Schultz

F2talliance The National Farm to Table Alliance, started through the annual Farm to Table Experience, is a collection of organizations interested in sustainable, local, farm fresh seasonal products. The Alliance supports the exchange between Practitioners, Policy Makers and Consumers, while promoting food safety.

The Alliance’s goal will be to support the development of best practices in bringing fresh products to the table, experiential learning, live and virtual learning expositions, communications and research to build a knowledge base of farm to table trends, and provide information on federal and state policy including payment processing, insurance, federal nutrition assistance programs, grant opportunities, incentive programs and tax issues.

“Louisiana is proud to have a leading role in the formation of the Alliance which will serve as a forum for leaders in the farm to table movement,” said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. “Alliance members will gather at the Farm to Table Experience this August to organize. The LDAF was one of the first to support the development of the Farm to Table Experience five years ago and sees this annual event as an opportunity for small producers, ag enthusiasts, consumers and suppliers to have a dialogue,”

Alliance members will kick off this year’s Farm To Table Experience this year at an event on August 18-20 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Morial Convention Center. The event is open to the public, and will feature hands-on experiential learning and demonstrations by award winning chefs. More information, as well as registration information, can be found online here.

Ag Groups, Food, Sustainability

AgChat Foundation Announces Summer Interns

Kelly Marshall

Mallorie Wipple and Kyndal Reitzenstein will be working with the AgChat Foundation this summer as communications interns. Wipple will be responsible for coordinating communications efforts while Reitzenstein will be working with the Ask the Farmers initiative.

“As our organization grows at a rapid pace, adding a second internship to the summer program was imperative. Ms. Wipple and Ms. Reitzenstein bring impressive credentials to the table,” said Jenny Schweigert, executive director of the AgChat Foundation. “We are thrilled to expand our support of our industry’s young leaders and assist in rounding their skill sets.”

M_Wippel_HeadshotWippel is a senior at The Ohio State University majoring in Agricultural Communications. Growing up on a swine and grain farm in central Ohio has instilled in her a love for the industry. In her free time she enjoys creating branding content for beginning businesses so they can share their agriculture story with others.

“I am excited to serve as the Communications Intern for the AgChat Foundation,” said Wipple, “This experience will further my goals to advocate for the agriculture industry as I hone my social media skills and communications expertise.”

ReitzensteinA native of Colorado and Oklahoma State University student, Ms. Reitzenstein brings the community her experience as a photographer and graphic curator. She grew up on a cattle operation raising primarily Angus cattle while also showing both cattle and pigs nationwide. Reitzenstein has been a member of the National Champion Meat Animal Evaluation Team and the Reserve National Champion Livestock Judging Team. She has also served on multiple communications teams for national magazines.

“I hold the agricultural industry near and dear to my heart,” said Reitzenstein, “I am beyond excited to work with the Ask the Farmers team to expand my knowledge about social media and advocating for agriculture.”

The Foundation will also be offering a fall internship program this September.

Ag Groups

Poitti Joins American Farmland Trust as President

Kelly Marshall

AFTAmerican Farmland Trust (AFT) has appointed John Piotti as their new President.  He will assume his new duties on July 1, 2016.

“Our nation relies on our farms and farmers for growing our food and providing tremendous environmental benefits for the country,” said Piotti. “I’ve dedicated my career to this cause, and I am thrilled to be joining AFT, where I have the opportunity to advance farm and ranch land conservation nationwide through programs that keep farmers on the land, protect the environment and permanently save working lands for future generations.”

Poitti has been serving as president and CEO of Maine Farmland Trust.  In 2009 it was named one of the best-run organizations by the Maine Associate of Nonprofits.  Piotti also served in Maine’s state legislature from 2002-2010 where he had a reputation as a nonpartisan problem-solver.

“John brings phenomenal leadership skills and a passion for the issues that motivate AFT,” said AFT Board Chair Buzz Thompson. “Saving enough farmland for food production is a defining challenge for this century, underscoring the urgency of AFT’s mission. Equally critical is ensuring that there will be a next generation of farmers and ranchers to steward the land. John brings to AFT invaluable experience in developing creative solutions to these issues.”

Piotti said he is optimistic about dramatically increasing support among people who care about their food, local farms, and the environment. His optimism stems from his successful track-record at Maine Farmland Trust, where he launched new programs to increase access to farmland and improve farm viability. Piotti shared that he is excited to lead the fight to save family farms and ranches nationwide.

“The agricultural community can look forward to working with AFT under John’s leadership,” said John Hardin, AFT board member and owner of Hardin farms, an Indiana hog and crop operation. “John clearly conveyed to our board that the first principle in keeping farmers on the land is making sure their farm businesses have an opportunity for profit. Science-based farming systems that improve soil health and resiliency, and keep topsoil and nutrients in place, are vital to increasing a farmer’s income and the value of the farm. By helping the nation’s farmers innovate and keep land in agricultural production, we can best protect the landscapes that we all depend on for food, fiber, economic and environmental benefits and sustainable communities.”

Ag Groups

Pork Board Names New CEO

Jamie Johansen

bill-even-ceo-national-pork-boardWilliam J. Even, an agriculture-industry leader with substantial senior management experience in crop and livestock production, will join the National Pork Board as its new Chief Executive Officer on June 6, 2016. Currently based in South Dakota, Even is Global Industry Relations Lead with DuPont Pioneer.

“As a fourth-generation farmer, I have deep, personal knowledge of the challenges facing today’s pork producers and I am impressed with and completely support the Pork Checkoff’s strategic plan that guides and directs its programs,” said Even. “I look forward to working on behalf of America’s more than 60,000 pig farmers to build consumer trust, drive sustainable production and grow consumer demand for pork.”

Before joining the National Pork Board, Even managed DuPont Pioneer’s global industry relations strategy. In that role, he built collaborative stakeholder relationships in the areas of seed, biotechnology, biofuels and farm policy. Prior to that position, he served as DuPont Pioneer’s Commercial Unit Lead for South Dakota, North Dakota and northwest Minnesota where he was responsible for leading seed sales, operational marketing, agronomy, training, demand planning, precision agriculture and policy needs in the region.

From 2007 to 2010, immediately prior to joining DuPont Pioneer, Even served as South Dakota’s Secretary of Agriculture. During his tenure, he managed six department divisions including Agriculture Regulatory Services, Agriculture Development, State Fair, Wildland Fire, Resource Conservation and Forestry, and Agricultural Policy. He also served as Deputy Secretary of Tourism and State Development, Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, State Energy Policy Director, and policy advisor for South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds.

Read More

Ag Groups, Pork, Swine