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

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 today, blocking advancement of the legislation that would create a voluntary federal standard for labeling foods with genetically modified ingredients.

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

#FarmCredit100 Fresh Perspectives Top Leaders

Cindy Zimmerman March 16, 2016

As part of the National Ag Day festivities in Washington DC Tuesday, Farm Credit announced the top honorees of the Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives program, a nationwide search to identify and honor 100 leaders who are changing rural communities and agriculture for the better.

LtoR: Jennifer Sirangelo, National 4H Council; with Farm Credit honorees Chris Fesko, Trevor Hoff, and Allison Boyd

The Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives program is the cornerstone of Farm Credit’s 100th anniversary of supporting rural communities and agriculture. The search took place between July and December 2015, and netted more than 1,000 nominations from all 50 states. Selected by a panel of experts on rural matters, including Farm Credit leaders and others from around the agriculture industry, the top 100 honorees represent the very best of those positively shaping what is next for rural communities and agriculture.

“It was truly inspiring to learn more about individuals and organizations dedicated to making a meaningful difference every day,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO, National 4-H Council, Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives selection panelist, and moderator of the Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives honoree panel. “After reviewing the nominations of so many exceptional leaders, I am proud to say the future of rural communities and agriculture is remarkably bright.”

See the complete list of Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives honorees

2016 Ag Day Photo Album

Ag Day, Farm Credit

Agri-Pulse: Farm to Fork Panel

Jamie Johansen March 16, 2016

To kick off National Ag Day, Agri-Pulse hosted a panel discussion on Capitol Hill tackling “Farm to Fork Politics: How Sustainability is Reframing Food Production and Marketing.”

Agri-Pulse Editor, Sara Wyant, moderated the discussion between panelists including Rod Snyder, president, Field to Market, Chris Policinski, CEO, Land O’Lakes Inc., Dave White, co-founder, 9B and former NRCS Chief, and Gregg Halverson, CEO, Black Gold Farms.

Each panelist made remarks on the importance of sustainability in food production for our future and the role politics plays. Listen to the complete panel discussion here: Farm to Fork Panel

Chuck sat down with each panelist to learn more:
Interview with Rod Snyder
Interview with Chris Policinski
Interview with Dave White
Interview with Gregg Halverson

View and download photos from the Agri-Pulse panel here: Agri-Pulse Farm to Fork Photo Album

Ag Day, Agri-Pulse, Audio

Agri-Pulse Presents 2016 Doan Award

Jamie Johansen March 15, 2016

Yesterday during the Agri-Pulse Farm to Fork Politics discussion and reception the annual Doan Award was presented to Ben Nuelle, Iowa Agribusiness Farm Network. The award is sponsored by Agri-Pulse and was presented by Senator Pat Roberts from Kansas and Greg Akagi current National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) president.

The Doan recognizes and encourages excellence in reporting agriculture. The purpose of the award is to recognize excellence in reporting skill, thoroughness and attention to audience interest. Entries describe the approach used to develop the reporting and coverage of an issue. The entries also include examples of the program illustrating the scope of work.

Ben’s winning entry titled “Buried To The Neck” provides a first-person perspective on surviving a horrific grain bin entrapment. All farmers know the danger of becoming entrapped in grain, and very few survive. Ben interviewed survivor Dennis Schneider of Corder, Missouri for the news story. Dennis Schneider’s mission moving forward is to educate on grain bin safety and help prevent this from happening to others.

“Steward Doan helped Agri-Pulse build our Washington policy coverage with a series of weekly and daily broadcasts on www.Agri-Pulse.com – a tradition that continues to this day. Agri-Pulse is honored to celebrate his tremendous legacy as well as the important role that all broadcasters play in educating the American public about farming, food, and rural issues,” said Agri-Pulse CEO and founder Sara Wyant. “The Doan Award is a great way to recognize excellence in broadcasting.”

Listen to the Doan Award presentation here: Doan Award Presentation

View and download photos from the Agri-Pulse panel here: Agri-Pulse Farm to Fork Photo Album

Ag Groups, Agri-Pulse, NAFB

New Holland Unveils New World Campaign

Jamie Johansen March 15, 2016

With both National Ag Day and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament as its stage, New Holland has revealed a new brand campaign focused on a drive to help prepare the agricultural industry for what’s ahead: a new world that demands more from the land and the pioneering individuals who grow, farm, and build on it every day.

More than seven decades after inventing the world’s first self-knotting baler, New Holland aims to reaffirm its commitment to being a go-to-partner for agricultural operators by providing the agricultural industry with expertly engineered equipment. This reaffirmation has inspired the Equipped for a New World campaign, which speaks to approaching the industry’s emerging technologies, demands, and challenges.

“For more than 120 years, New Holland has built a brand around its passion for farming and enduring focus on innovation,” said Chun Woytera, Senior Director of Marketing for New Holland North America. “When we launch a new product or technology, we do so because we know it will help our customers operate more efficiently to meet the ever-growing demands placed on the industry and the people who make a living by it. That is the story we’re sharing with our new campaign.”

The Equipped for a New World campaign debuts today with the company’s first television spot ever which will air during the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament. This new campaign will be featured in print, social, digital display, online video, dealer point-of-sale and via a new landing page.

Agribusiness, New Holland

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