Register for ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference

Jamie Johansen March 17, 2016

Within the next 34 years, the world will add an extra 3 billion mouths to feed. What will that mean for humanity, or, perhaps even more importantly, the agriculture and food sectors responsible for nourishing them?

At ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference, held May 22-25 in Lexington, Ky., USA, attendees will explore this question with experts from around the world. A future of plenty is ours if individuals, the private sector, agriculture and governments make meaningful choices today that harness the power of technology, conserve resources and encourage innovation. The AgWired has covered every single Alltech conference and they don’t disappoint. I am looking forward to bringing this information back to you once again this year.

The agriculture industry is the linchpin in this equation, and ONE will feature a variety of relevant talks and breakout sessions on feed efficiency, farm management and profitability, crop innovation, algae and DHA, nutrition and genetic expression, immunity and gut health, alternative protein sources, international agribusiness opportunities and much more. With its topical blend of science, agriculture, entrepreneurship, business and marketing information, ONE will show attendees how they can make a real difference in our changing world.

The list of confirmed agriculture talks and breakout sessions at ONE grows by the day. Registration is open for the annual international conference that draws nearly 5,000 attendees from more than 60 countries. Conference registration is $1,095; save $200 if you register before the end of March. Don’t forget to join the conversation online with #ONEBigIdea.

Watch an invitation here.

Agribusiness, Alltech

Top Issues for @Better_Seed Annual Meeting

Cindy Zimmerman March 17, 2016

Registration is now open for the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) 133rd annual convention, to be held June 18-22 in Portland, Oregon. At the recent Commodity Classic, we got a preview of some issues that will be top of mind for seed trade executives at the meeting from ASTA CEO Andy LaVigne. For one, ASTA is currently working with the USDA on a revision of the biotechnology regulations, known as Part 340.

“One of the key concerns that we have is USDA in this process is looking at part 340 regulations, which are the coordinated framework on approvals for biotechnology products.” LaVigne said. “We want to make sure that we support what they are trying to do; they’re trying to improve the regulatory efficiency of predictability in the system….ensure that the definition on the scope of that stays with the biotechnology processes and doesn’t bring in the breeding processes.”

LaVigne says they are also keeping an eye on seed treatments reviews at the federal level, as well as what Congress might do about food labeling for genetically modified ingredients. “This has got to be a legislative fix, we can’t have a patchwork,” said LaVigne. “There’s got to be a way that has flexibility in it.”

Listen to my interview with Andy here: Interview with Andy LaVigne, ASTA

2016 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Coverage of Commodity Classic sponsored by

ASTA, Audio, Biotech, Seed

AEM Report Shows Increase in Small Tractor Sales

Kelly Marshall March 17, 2016

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers says 2016 is continuing last year’s trend of growth in tractors under 40HP. The report shows sales were up in February of this year 26.2 percent, compared to 2015. The year-to-date growth is 19.7 percent.

2WD tractors between 40 and 100 HP are also up this year over last, with a growth of 5.8 percent in February and a year-to-date growth of minus .9 percent. This segment is still showing a lot of volatility and expected declines in farm income, specifically the 4.3 percent decrease in livestock receipts, will be a challenge for this market category.

“Small farm tractors under 40HP continue to shine in the current environment and the Ag Tractor and Combine Reports are hinting that 2016 is gearing up to look a lot like 2015,” said Charlie O’Brien, AEM senior vice president.

Larger production agriculture farm equipment such as the 2WD 100HP continued its double-digit declines. Moving into 2016, the 4WD farm tractor segment declined by single digits in January; however, the February report revealed a 43.6 percent decline year over year. Both categories are seeing the result of the lower commodity prices and still suffer from the large amounts of used inventories in the marketplace.

“While the 2016 farm income reports released last month by the USDA still shows a slight decline in expected income, it does look more like a stabilization of the industry,” continued O’Brien. “Looking at the Farm Business (NCFI) income, aside from regional differences, it appears that the income was up for most crop farms and down for most livestock farms, providing new opportunities.”

AEM, Agribusiness, Markets, Tractor

What should Congress do about GMO labeling?

Jamie Johansen March 17, 2016

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What do you look forward to most in spring?”

I don’t think it really matters who won this week’s poll. What really matters is Spring is right around the corner and Spring means new beginnings. Farmers are busy preparing their fields and livestock babies of all shapes and sizes are being born each day. I am looking forward to many things and warmer weather tops my list.

Here are the poll results:

Warmer weather – 38%
Green grass & flowers – 28%
Planting – 10%
Spring showers – 5%
Other -19%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, What should Congress do about GMO labeling?

Despite the best efforts of Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS), the Senate failed to invoke cloture on the Biotechnology Labeling Solutions Bill in a 48-49 vote, blocking advancement of the legislation that would create a voluntary federal standard for labeling foods with genetically modified ingredients. Hundreds of agricultural organizations supported the Roberts bill and are disappointed in the outcome. What should be done now? Let us know how you feel.

ZimmPoll

Thirsty Land Needs Support for Debut

Kelly Marshall March 16, 2016

These days you can find Conrad Weaver hunkered down in his editing room, frantically putting the final touches on a project a long time in the making. His documentary, Thirsty Land, is scheduled to debut at the Water for Food global conference on April 24th. Its impact is sure to reach across the nation.

The project tells the story of the importance of water to agriculture and food production– or really the lack of water. While the film covers much of the American west, the focus is on the nation’s most severe drought. A drought that continues even though filming is complete.

“Kind of the heart of the film is in the Central Valley in California. And the impacts taking place there are still very significant. So we’re going to tell that story,” Weaver tells AgWired.

Weaver thanks his sponsors for their support in sharing this story with the world. Donors include individuals, associations, companies and corporations like Peter Irrigation, American Society of Agronomy, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Valley Irrigation and the Irrigation Association. And while the film will be ready for viewing in about a month the project is a long way from over.

“We are continuing to raise funds– what I’m calling finishing funds. Basically enough to put the final touches on this film and then for distribution, for marketing. And that’s really an urgent need right now, to get the funds to get the word out and to promote this project around the country. And so we are looking for people to come on board to do that,” Weaver explains.

To make a donation go to thirstylandmovie.com and click on the sponsorship tab. Donations go through the AgChat Foundation and are tax deductible.

The story of water affects us all, Weaver says. First is affects farmers and their employees, then the communities where they live, but eventually the drought will be felt as far away as his home state of Maryland.

AgWired will continue to sponsor this film with news coverage, so check back to hear more. Learn more about the movie and how you can be part of this story listen to the full interview here: Interview with Conrad Weaver, Thirsty Land

Audio, Water

National Ag Day Meet & Mingle

Jamie Johansen March 16, 2016

The National Ag Day Meet & Mingle Lunch took place in Washington D.C. drawing attendees to the Dirksen Senate Building for lunch and to once again hear from the legendary Orion Samuelson, WGN, who served as the events emcee.

Chad Garone took to the mic representing the Outstanding Farmers of America (OFA) and the 2015 class of Outstanding Young Farmers. OFA strives to foster better urban-rural relations, develop appreciation for their contributions and achievements and inform the agribusiness community of the growing urban awareness of farmers’ importance and impact on America’s economy.

Garone farms almonds, alfalfa, corn, wheat, potatoes, carrots, onions, watermelons and Angus cattle in California and addressed key challenges farmers and ranchers across the country are facing. Listen to his complete remarks here: Remarks from Chad Garone

Senator Cory Gardner, Colorado also spoke to those in attendance and was honored to be a part of celebrating agriculture. He has a strong legacy in agriculture growing up in a rural agricultural community learning the family business selling farm implements.

“I encourage each one of you to interact with policy makers, leaders, elected officials and share a story of who we are and what we do. What made this country great was the ability to produce our own food and fiber to feed and clothe, not only those in the United States, but the world. Agriculture is the backbone of our country. We can never give that up.”

Listen to all of Senator Gardner’s comments here: Remarks from Senator Cory Gardner, Colorado

View and download photos here: National Ag Day Activities Photo Album

Ag Day, Ag Groups, Audio, politics

Disappointment Over Senate GMO Labeling Vote

Cindy Zimmerman March 16, 2016

Roberts expressed his disappointment at the inability to come to agreement on a solution to what may become a patchwork of state and local labeling laws. “Simply put, if we are to have a solution, opponents of our bill must be willing to do the same,” he said. “Without their own solution, opponents of this bill must favor the status quo. We cannot stand on the sidelines and risk increasing costs for consumers and further uncertainty in the marketplace for farmers and manufacturers.”

Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) stated her opposition to the Roberts bill this week, but admits that something needs to be done. “Unfortunately, the Roberts proposal is nothing more than the status quo for consumers who want information about the food they are purchasing,” Stabenow said. “I believe that if the federal government is going to take away states rights, we have the obligation to create a national system of disclosure that provides information to consumers in an easily accessible way.

Hundreds of agricultural organizations supported the Roberts bill and are disappointed in the outcome. “Despite the outcome today, this issue and the need to resolve it will not go away,” said National Council of Farmer Cooperatives president Chuck Conner. “We remain committed to finding a path forward on this issue when Congress returns after Easter recess.”

American Farm Bureau Federation president Zippy Duvall called the Senate vote “inexcusable” and said they will keep fighting. “To say we are angry with those senators who abandoned farmers and ranchers and turned their backs on rural America on this vote is an understatement,” said Duvall. Their votes opposing this measure ignored science, threw our nation’s food system into disarray and undermined the public’s understanding of the many benefits of biotechnology in feeding a growing and hungry population.”

“We urge the Senate to stand with farmers and consumers, not political activists,” added National Corn Growers Association president Chip Bowling. “We must continue working to solve this critical issue.”

AFBF, Ag Groups, Biotech, Corn, Food, GMO, NCGA

#Propane Power from @GROWMARK

Cindy Zimmerman March 16, 2016

Propane power is on a roll these days, going far beyond it’s traditional uses of home heating and grain drying, moving into areas such as fleet vehicles and irrigation engines.

For this edition of the ZimmCast, I talked with Becky Hornblower, GROWMARK’s propane marketing and technical services manager, about everything that’s new about propane – from supplies and prices, to the growth of propane autogas and new consumer information strategies. As you can see here, Becky drives her own sweet truck that is actually bi-fueled – it runs on both propane and gasoline.

Learn more about propane in this ZimmCast: GROWMARK Propane Power

Subscribe to the ZimmCast podcast here.

The ZimmCast

sponsored by

Locally owned, globally strong.

Energy, FS System, GROWMARK, Propane, ZimmCast

StollerUSA Asks Producers to Farm Different

Lizzy Schultz March 16, 2016

One of the most popular learning sessions at the 2016 Commodity Classic was StollerUSA’s “Farm Different to Break Through Yield Barriers” roundtable discussion, where a panel of growers who have seen continually increasing yields discussed specific cultural and management practices they use to increase yields.

“The session is set up to have some of our growers themselves speak, instead of listening to us talk about what we do,” said Larry Lintner, Regional Manager, in an interview with AgWired. “They’re able to educate other growers on what they’re doing, not necessarily just from our product line, but from their other production practices as well, to increase their yield and be successful.”

The session highlights the StollerUSA Farm Different approach, which encourages growers to embrace new innovations and technologies in their practices. A key component surrounding the approach is Stoller’s comprehensive Start Grow Finish program, which provides specialized products and solutions for each stage of growth, from seed treatments and in-furrow applications, to growth stage post-emergence solutions, and late season applications to fight stress and improve reproductions.

“We take a holistic approach to crop production, we don’t just start the crop out and then forget about it,” said Letner. “We realize that the crop has to begin properly, because the yields that use lose from stress in the early parts of plant growth cannot be recovered later.”

StollerUSA will be hosting Farm Different learning sessions at several events throughout the country this season, allowing StollerUSA growers to tell their Farm Different story in several different local regions.

“We want to reach farmers on the local level so that farmers can get a better understanding of how the program works for their specific regions, and it also allows us to treat to what those farmers are seeing out in their fields and how we can best accommodate them,” said Shelli Male, Marketing Communications Manager. “Plant health is a really big part of keeping the plant healthy and getting a better yield, so we want to be able to explain that to them and show them how the Stoller technology can help them.”

The session tour will kick-off March 10th in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Listen to my full interview with Larry and Shelli here:
Interview with Larry Letner and Shelli Male, StollerUSA

2016 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Coverage of Commodity Classic sponsored by

Ag Groups, Audio, Commodity Classic, Crop Protection

Casey & Friends is Back with Planters & Cultivators

Joanna Schroeder March 16, 2016

It’s spring and time to plant! Casey & Friends (Tillus the Worm) are teaming up with her Case IH cartoon equipment team to teach kids how to plant seed and the importance of soil health in Planters & Cultivators. The book is the 4th in the series and once again authored by Holly Dufek.

The farm team is very content at Happy Skies Farm. The book kicks off with Tammi the Tiller cultivating the fields then she turns it over to Evan Plants who plants perfect rows. But not before Casey & Tillus explain what soil is and why it is so important for crops. As Casey and Evan plant the seeds, there is a neat page of illustrations that demonstrates the steps from the planter to the field.

Next, Casey feeds the crops and gives a quick lesson on crop health and fertilizer options as she rides Titan Floater in the field who assists her with her tasks. Peter the Patriot Sprayer also helps her keep the crops healthy and in the fall, Kelly the Combine harvests the crop. Casey shares the message that working together, they can make this year’s crop bigger and better than ever.

Another neat element of the book is at the end where there is a seed planting exercise for kids to learn more about seeds and soil while they get their hands just a wee bit dirty.

The books is for ages 4-8 but once again (see my review of Combines) I would suggest kids be closer in age to 6 to really begin to understand the planting process and soil health. Younger kids might not grasp the deeper lessons in the book but will still be engaged by the great photos and illustrations. Click here to purchase the book.

Case IH, Education, Equipment, Soil

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