Agri-Pulse Celebrates 20 Years

Chuck Zimmerman

Agri-PulseIt was great to catch up with good friends Sara Wyant and Al Johnson of Agri-Pulse while at the National Ethanol Conference last week in San Diego.

We have known Sara and Al for a very long time and are sharing the significant milestone of 20 years for both of our companies this year. In this interview, Sara and I chat about 20 years of Agri-Pulse and the upcoming Agri-Pulse Ag & Food Policy Summit: Reviving Rural Revenues on March 18 at the National Press Club.

During the 2024 Ag & Food Policy Summit, we’ll explore a wide variety of options, from local food systems to biomanufacturing, environmental markets and the potential to increase overseas demand. We’ll wrap up with a panel of policy analysts who’ll explore some of the outside influences that are impacting the future of food and agriculture’s ability to stay economically sustainable.

Interview with Sara Wyant, Agri-Pulse
Agri-Pulse, Audio

National Ethanol Conference Wrap Up

Cindy Zimmerman

The 29th National Ethanol Conference held in San Diego California last week may go down as one of the best and most timely industry meetings ever, setting the stage for major decisions that hang in the balance this year, including year-round availability of E15 and a revised GREET model that will determine ethanol’s role in sustainable aviation fuel.

The Renewable Fuels Association was pleased to welcome USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to the NEC this year, as well as Doug McKalip, Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative. This edition of the Ethanol Report includes comments from both of them, as well as RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper, RFA Chairman Erik Huschitt of Badger State Ethanol, Dr. Michael Wang with Argonne National Laboratory, and RFA Senior VP, Industry Relations & Market Development Robert White.

Ethanol Report 2-26-24 19:10

2024 National Ethanol Conference Virtual Newsroom

The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

Choose an option to subscribe

Audio, Ethanol, National Ethanol Conference, Podcasts, RFA

Animal Ag News 2/26

Carrie Muehling

  • USDA announced that the 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) sign-up will open Feb. 28 and run through April 29. For more NMPF resources related to the DMC program and other federally backed risk management programs, visit here.
  • The Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin’s leading dairy advocacy group, held its sixth annual Dairy Day at the Capitol event in Madison. Over 30 DBA members, both farmers and other corporate professionals, gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol to advocate for the state’s dairy community.
  • San Antonio, Texas, will host CattleCon 2025, the largest cattle industry event in the country, Feb. 4-6, 2025. Thousands of cattlemen and women will gather to learn, conduct business, network and have fun.
  • To deepen meat industry coordination and government collaboration in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the Canadian Meat Council (CMC), Consejo Mexicano de la Carne (COMECARNE), and the Meat Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalizes the three associations’ ongoing work to improve trade, reduce regulatory barriers and enhance information exchange within North America. The organizations also finalized a Joint Statement of Coordination that emphasizes their collective commitment to addressing foreign animal diseases, sustainability and non-tariff trade barriers.
  • Smithfield Foods has donated $100,000 to fund a mobile food retail market that will provide fresh food in food deserts throughout southeastern North Carolina. The donation to Ripe for Revival, a nonprofit founded to address food insecurity in North Carolina, was used to purchase a bus that has been transformed into a mobile food market. The bus will offer fresh, local, healthy food to the public, including many families experiencing food insecurity, at pay-what-you-can prices. Smithfield’s donation brings Ripe for Revival’s fleet up to a total of five buses.
  • Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the oldest and largest livestock association in the Southwest, announced the TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to develop future land and livestock stewards and leaders. The TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation will support high school and college programs, internships, young professional development opportunities and grant programs.
  • Sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and the Meat Institute, the annual Animal Agriculture Sustainability Summit brought together more than 125 attendees to hear the latest on how the meat, poultry and egg, animal feed and pork industries are advancing their sustainability programs. The summit was held during the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Ga.
  • U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) recognized six poultry farms that were nominated for the annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award at the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo. The award is given annually to recognize exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.
  • The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council recognized four poultry facilities with the Frank Cruice Innovation in Safety & Health Award at the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). The facilities were recognized for a significant advancement in operational excellence in a safety and/or health innovation.
  • During the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), six researchers presented their findings from recently completed research projects funded by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) and its Foundation as part of the TECHTalks sessions offered during the Expo. All the researchers’ presentations have been made available on USPOULTRY’s YouTube channel and can be viewed at youtube.com/USPOULTRY.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    DWFI Podcast 33 – Economic Cost of Drought

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Aakanksha Melkani, a postdoctoral research associate at the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI), researches the economic implications of drought in the United States, specifically on agricultural sectors. In this edition of the Water for Food Podcast, we are sharing an episode of Nebraska on Tap, a podcast produced by the Middle Republican Natural Resources District in Nebraska. Host of the show, Heather Dizmang, discusses Aakansha’s findings so far, as well as her time in Africa studying maize production.

    Listen here or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:
    DWFI podcast episode 33 20:58

    The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska was founded with the mission to have a lasting and significant impact on achieving more food security with less pressure on scarce water resources by conducting scientific and policy research, using the research results to inform policy makers, and sharing knowledge through education and communication.

    How to subscribe:

    Audio, Podcasts, Water for Food, Weather

    Industry Ag News 2/23

    Carrie Muehling

  • In an unprecedented opportunity for Commodity Classic attendees, both United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan will keynote the General Session of this year’s event, fast approaching Feb. 28-March 2 in Houston. The General Session is Friday, March 1, 8:30-10:30 a.m. (CST) at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency announced that it will grant the request by eight Midwestern governors to allow the year-round sale of fuel with a 15 percent ethanol blend, or E15, in their states beginning in the summer of 2025. The announcement was welcomed by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), which has been fighting to break down barriers to the environmentally friendly biofuels.
  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced that Sean Arians has joined the organization as vice president of Sustainable Production.
  • Registration is open for the IFAJ 2024 Congress in Interlaken, Switzerland. Register now to take advantage of a CHF 100 early bird discount.
  • America’s farmers grow many different types of fruits and vegetables throughout the country, requiring a diverse crop insurance program that meets the highly specialized risks of each region. To help break down the ins and outs of crop insurance, National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) recently launched “Keep America Growing,” a new five-minute monthly podcast hosted by NCIS President Tom Zacharias.
  • Be part of the experience as we celebrate the American farmers who work and preserve the land to feed millions. This year National Ag Day celebrates with live AND virtual events.
  • An Indianapolis marketing and advertising agency specializing in agriculture, Blank Page (BLNKPG) Marketing, recently welcomed Chris McNeely to the team as Account Director.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association welcomed Lucas E3, Aon Risk Services, Ocean Park, Cereal Process Technologies, and StormFisher Hydrogen as its newest associate members.
  • Jay Bryant, CEO of Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association (MDVA), was recently awarded the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) Robert B. Engel Farmer Co-op Manager of the Year Award. The award is for the recognition of individuals that oversee and manage their organizations effectively and who provide impactful advocacy for the cooperative model.
  • The National Cotton Council announced the results of its 2024 planting intentions survey and its economic outlook for 2024. U.S. cotton producers intend to plant 9.8 million cotton acres this spring, down 3.7 percent from 2023, according to the NCC 43rd Annual Early Season Planting Intentions Survey.
  • Awards were presented during the National Cotton Council’s (NCC) 2024 annual meeting held February 16 -18 in Orlando, Florida. Eddie Smith, a former chairman and vice chairman for the National Cotton Council received the 2023 Harry S. Baker Distinguished Service Award. Steve Verett, a former director of the National Cotton Council and current special advisor, received the Oscar Johnston Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023. The National Cotton Council also announced its directors for 2024.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    EPA Announces E15 Waiver Approval for 8 States in 2025

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday approval of requests from state governors to remove the 1-psi volatility waiver for gasoline-ethanol blends containing 10 percent ethanol in their states, but delays the effective date to April 28, 2025.

    “After review of the emissions modeling results presented by the governors in their requests, EPA is removing the 1-psi waiver in the following states: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin,” EPA states, adding that the delay in implementation is “due to concerns over insufficient fuel supply with an earlier effective date, consistent with statutory provisions.”

    USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack previewed the announcement earlier this week at the National Ethanol Conference, adding that he believes the approval will ultimately go beyond the eight Midwestern states. “We understand higher blends need to be supported which is why I am confident that 2025 we will have E15 across the country and this summer we will likely see waivers as we have the last couple of summers,” Vilsack said in remarks. Regarding the delay until 2025, he told reporters, “I think it’s important to have the justification for the expansion locked down solid so that if there are any concerns expressed about it as often the oil industry provides, that we’re in a position to defend this as strongly as we can.”

    NEC24 Vilsack E15 waiver comments 2:10

    Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper called the delayed approval a good news, bad news situation. On one hand, the EPA decision finally allows retailers in these eight states to sell E15 year-round. But on the other hand, it delays implementation until 2025, creating uncertainty and confusion about the availability of E15 this coming summer. “Summertime is just around the corner, what’s the marketplace going to do with E15 come June 1?” said Cooper. “Long term we’ve got to resolve this in a way that provides certainty in the marketplace and stability.”

    NEC24 Cooper E15 waiver comments 1:08

    RFA Chairman Erik Huschitt, CEO of Badger State Ethanol, is of the opinion that 2025 is better than never. “If we have to wait until 2025 it’s an embarrassment of our political leadership that they can’t get it done earlier,” said Huschitt. “We’ll take it in 2025…as long as we have a clear path we’ll show a little more patience.”

    NEC24 Huschitt E15 waiver comments :21

    Audio, EPA, Ethanol, RFA, USDA

    Virtual Newsrooms in Early 2024

    Chuck Zimmerman

    AgNewsWire2024 has been a busy one for the ZimmComm Team. So far we’ve worked at six conferences and they each have a virtual ag newsroom available for all ag journalists out there. Just in case you have missed any of them and are looking for interviews and photos then look no further than these on a variety of different parts of the overall ag industry. They are all published via our AgNewsWire service and I will provide a link to them below.

    There is more on the schedule coming up soon. These include:

    Commodity Classic
    Washington, DC Fly-in & Government Affairs Summit
    Agri-Pulse Ag & Food Policy Summit
    National Ag Day
    National Agri-Marketing Conference

    Since this is all about AgNewsWire you can see many press releases we have distributed during this same time. All you have to do it go to AgNewswire.com and scroll through the press releases as well as podcast episodes we produce and publish there. Lots of good fresh content! Let us know how we can help you with your marketing efforts, especially targeted to ag media. Just let me know.

    Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Audio, Photography

    AGOLIN/Alltech Partnership for Eco-Friendly Nutrition Solutions

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Martha Baker, AlltechDuring the recent CattleCon I visited with Martha Baker, Alltech. She is the AGOLIN Lead for Alltech. The company acquired a majority interest in AGOLIN last year. She says AGOLIN is “foundational to their sustainability and approach to carbon markets.” Martha describes that in more detail in our interview.

    AGOLIN products are blends of high-quality plant extracts from traditional herbs and spices. They have a pleasant scent and highly refined physical form, which are well accepted by both the feed industry and producers. All compounds used in AGOLIN products are of food quality and GMO-free. In this situation with CattleCon the focus is on beef and dairy cows nutrition.

    Learn more in my interview with Martha.

    Interview with Martha Baker, Alltech 5:33

    Alltech, Animal Health, Audio

    Cargill Elevate™ Offers Grain Marketing Solutions

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Cargill is offering farmers a new way to enhance profitability with Cargill Elevate™, featuring a mix of market insights, pricing solutions, world-class expertise, and access to robust farm management platforms.

    “Our grain representatives actively listen to farmers and understand that no two farmers have the exact same needs. Cargill’s industry-leading portfolio of pricing solutions empowers farmers to take charge and execute their individual grain marketing plans to meet their individual goals,” said Ryan Dwyer, Cargill Elevate program leader.

    The Cargill Elevate™ grain marketing solutions portfolio offers farmers free access to condensed updates on market developments, cultivated across the company’s view of global supply chains. Pricing solutions offer growers the opportunity to diversify their grain marketing options to match different market conditions with a unique selection of grain contracts including Price Contracts, Insure Contracts and Enhance Contracts.

    Finally, Cargill Elevate+ will offer more in-depth market insights and tailored cash grain recommendations as well as access to leading farm management software, Bushel Farm™ which provides a ground-level and big picture view of their farm’s operational and financial performance. Cargill Elevate+ will be available starting in summer 2024.

    For more information about how to grow with Cargill visit CargillAg.com or visit Cargill during the Commodity Classic next week in Houston, Texas.

    AgWired Precision, Precision Agriculture, Technology

    Precision Ag News 2/21

    Carrie Muehling

  • USDA announced a new effort to train the next generation of conservation and climate leaders. As part of President Biden’s historic American Climate Corps initiative, the Working Lands Climate Corps will provide technical training and career pathway opportunities for young people, helping them deliver economic benefits through climate-smart agriculture solutions for farmers and ranchers across the country, now and in the future.
  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the latest steps to incorporate stakeholder feedback and collaboration with federal partners, ensuring the Agency’s work to protect endangered species from pesticides is practical, flexible, and supports the agricultural community. Assistant Administrator Michal Freedhoff described these steps in a speech to the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
  • The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced the winners of the 2023 Photo and Poster Contests during the association’s 78th Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA. The winners will receive cash prizes and all contest participants will receive a certificate of participation. View all of the winning photos and posters on NACD’s Flickr page.
  • The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Board of Directors elected Gary Blair of Starkville, MS to serve as the association’s President-Elect. He will serve a one-year term as President-Elect alongside current NACD President Kim LaFleur and will assume the role of NACD President in 2025.
  • Unit sales of 4-wheel-drive agriculture tractors grew slightly in the U.S. during the first month of 2024, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). In the U.S., January data shows 4-wheel-drive tractors increased year-over-year 1.4 percent, the only segment to show growth in the month. In Canada, 4-wheel-drive tractor sales remained unchanged at 49 units in January compared to 2023.
  • Case IH is introducing new tractor models for specialty crop producers that will integrate seamlessly into orchard operations of any size, delivering improved operator comfort, minimizing crop damage and enhancing productivity. Featured new products and options at the World Ag Expo include new Farmall CL Series tractors, new upgrades for Farmall Utility A tractors, and cost effective flexibility with Farmall 140A Pro.
  • Biotalys, an agricultural technology company developing protein-based biocontrol solutions for crop protection, announced that the company has entered into several academic collaborations with leading researchers in plant pathology in both Europe and the U.S.
  • AMVAC Chemical Corporation, an American Vanguard Company, continues to launch new products for broadacre crops to meet growers’ needs. The company announced that ZALO herbicide, enabled by ProLease technology, has received federal registration.
  • Estes Performance Concaves, a leading innovator in precision harvesting technology, announces the launch of their groundbreaking XPR3 Concave System for John Deere, Case IH and Fendt combine harvesters. This revolutionary concave system sets a new standard in harvesting efficiency and yield optimization, providing farmers with unprecedented performance and profitability.
  • Valley View Agri-Systems (VVA) announced that Marc Wilson has joined Team VVA as Account Manager, Farm and Commercial Bins and Buildings.
  • Syngenta Crop Protection and Lavie Bio Ltd., a subsidiary of Evogene Ltd., and a leading ag-biologicals company, announced an agreement for the discovery and development of new biological insecticidal solutions.
  • CropX Technologies, a global leader in digital farm management, and Syngenta are teaming up to improve the sustainability and yield strength of Syngenta’s seed suppliers in the American Midwest.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture