Strong Interest in Agricultural Careers Says AgCareers

Chuck Zimmerman

AgCareersA recent survey conducted for Land O’Lakes suggests that there is very low interest in college grads to pursue a career in agriculture. However, AgCareers.com sees a very different trend. AgCareers has a 33% increase in the number of visits to their website in the last year.

I just spoke with Eric Spell, AgCareers.com President. He says that enrollment at colleges of agriculture across the U.S. is at an all-time high. Another statistic that stuck out for me is that 35% of AgCareers applicants had a non-ag degree and 38% were currently or most recently employed outside of agriculture.

“While we (AgCareers.com) are a niche career site serving the agriculture industry, our vision is to feed the world with talent,” said Eric Spell, AgCareers.com President. The AgCareers.com online community is a central place where the Ag industry can showcase the broad range of careers available.

“The ag industry will always need talent with traditional agriculture backgrounds and education, but the industry also has solid career paths for people that do not have ag backgrounds or ag degrees. Enrollments in colleges of agriculture across the US are at all-time highs, but we as an industry need to take great pride that the industry we serve also has a high demand for talent with interest in career paths such as supply chain, finance, human resources, engineering, IT, and safety,” added Spell.

Listen in to my conversation with Eric here to learn more: Interview with Eric Spell, AgCareers

AgCareers, Audio, Education, University

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Be Part of the Ag Media Summit

Kelly Marshall

Ag Media SummitThe 18th Annual Ag Media Summit will be in St. Louis this summer.  Mark your calendars for July 23-27 and make your hotel reservations for the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch.

The event hosts the largest number of crop and livestock media professionals, with more than 600 writers, editors, photographers, publishers and ag communication specialists attending.  It will kick-off with a pre-meeting Saturday, which includes two ag tours.  The full program begins on the 24th and if you’re looking for a place to promote your products and services, gain professional development or network within the industry you won’t want to miss it!

Currently AMS is still looking for sponsors and exhibitors for the InfoExpo.  The early bird deadline for these sign-ups is April 29, so don’t delay.  The InfoExpo exceeds 75 booths each year.

Chuck spoke with Diane Johnson about this year’s Summit. Listen in to their conversation to learn more about what’s planned: Interview with Diane Johnson, Ag Media Summit

The Ag Media Summit is also held in conjunction with the American Agricultural Editors’ Association, the Livestock Publications Council and the American Business Media Agri-Council.

Registration begins May 1.

Ag Media Summit, Agribusiness, Events, Journalism, Media

New @JohnDeere 9RX Tractors Arriving for Spring

Cindy Zimmerman

classic16-deere-9rxThe John Deere 9RX tractor, which was launched last year at Farm Progress Show, was a big hit at the recent Commodity Classic.

The new tractors are being delivered to customers in time for planting season and John Deere Senior Marketing Representative Kevin Lowe says one feature farmers appreciate is the undercarriage, since it is 20% larger than the nearest competitor. That means less heat and friction and that will help with things like belt life.

The 9RX also has a wheel, 2 track, and 4 track option. “The main advantage of the four track machine, depending on their operation, they’re going to have less compaction PSI with that machine versus a traditional wheel machine. That machine also allows our guys to turn under load, get out to the field quicker, because we know they have those very short window where they need to get out there,” Lowe said.

Listen to my interview with Kevin here and watch a video interview about the tractor features below: Interview with Kevin Lowe, John Deere


2016 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Audio, John Deere, Tractor, Video

Advice for Growers After Mild Winter

Kelly Marshall

laatsch-growmarkWhile many people enjoyed this year’s mild winters, farmers struggled to enjoy the balmy break from freezing temperatures.  Instead growers have been more concerned with the affect the temperature will have had on insect pressure.  AgWired spoke with Tim Laatsch of GROWMARK to learn more about what could be in store this growing season.

First, Laatsch points out, there are two types of insects: those that overwinter in the area and those that migrate during the cold weather.  Migratory insects won’t be affected by the mild winters, since they aren’t around to experience them anyway.  Common migratory pests include army worms, black cut worms and corn leaf aphids.  Expect those in their usual numbers. “Now we could see them showing up earlier than normal and maybe developing faster if the warm weather persists into the spring window,” Laatsch says.

While migratory insects probably won’t differ much this year, those that stay around for the cold may not be as affected as farmers believe either.  Most have adapted so well they survive even the most severe temperatures.

Growers should be most concerned with pests that make an early appearance in the fields.  Corn flea beetles, soybean aphids and bean leaf beetles are likely to appear even earlier than usual, and in greater numbers.  All three bring diseases with them as well, so scout early and often to respond and adjust as the season progresses.

Laatsch offers many specifics about preparing for this set of circumstances.  Choose a fungicide seed treatment, and look at insecticide seed treatment as well, he suggests. Another warning growers should heed is the possible appearance of corn root worm where it has been dormant the past few years.  Our wet, cool springs of the past two years may have lulled producers into a false sense of security, believing the problem has gone away, but a different environment may bring them on again, full force.

“I would suspect that if we see a relatively normal growing season in late May, early June this year that we’ll see a rapid resurgence of those populations, back to yield damaging levels if we’re not appropriately managing those.” Don’t let your guard down, Laatsch warns.

Listen to the full interview which also covers a look at expected action by the EPA on products for this season, as well as lots of detail surrounding products and solutions: Interview with Tim Laatsch, GROWMARK

Agribusiness, Fungicide, GROWMARK, Insecticides

Maglis from @BASFAgProducts Helps Farmers Plan

Cindy Zimmerman

As farmers are getting in planting mode, BASF Crop Protection is helping them plan ahead with Maglis, the new online agricultural platform launched at Commodity Classic, which is designed to help farmers manage crops more effectively and efficiently.

basf-maglis-neilThe initial launch of Maglis IT platform is focused in North America, where the Maglis Customer Navigator allows BASF innovation specialists to work with farmers to analyze and develop specific plans to address individual crop priorities, such as yield optimization, risk reduction and efficiency improvements.

“Every day I strive to better connect with farmers to understand the issues that matter most to them,” said Neil Doherty, Innovation Specialist, BASF. “With Maglis Customer Navigator, I can have stronger, more impactful conversations with farmers, and together we can form a specific crop recommendation to help that farmer achieve maximum success.”

Doherty explains more about Maglis in this interview: Interview with Neil Doherty, BASF on Maglis

bast-maglis-farmerDoherty works with Ben Moore of Stateline Precision Farms in northeast Indiana on the Ohio state line, who talked about his experience with Maglis. “Maglis is a really good communications tool,” said Moore, noting that it helps him connect with all the members of his team – from applicators and agronomists to field scouts and retailers – allowing him to make changes in his crop plan and share that with everyone almost instantaneously. “We haven’t had this tool available from anybody else.”

Listen to my interview with Moore here: Interview with Ben Moore, Indiana farmer

BASF Science Behind Living Acres Photo Album
2016 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Audio, BASF, Technology

Kendal Frazier Named CEO of NCBA

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmCast 507One of the most well known people working for the U.S. beef industry is Kendal Frazier. He has just been named CEO for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).

Screen Shot 2016-01-27 at 2.39.05 PMOur Jamie Johansen spoke with Kendal after the announcement to learn more about his priority issues leading cattlemen and women forward.

“My priorities as CEO will be working with NCBA’s stakeholders and other organizations to vigorously oppose the continued assault by the government on private property rights; work to expand and open markets around the world for U.S. beef; increase trust in U.S. beef production and ensure consumers fully understand the importance of beef’s role in their diets,” said Frazier. “By focusing on these key areas, we ensure there is a prosperous future for the next generation of cattlemen and women.

“It has been my privilege to serve our industry. I have spent my career working with and for beef producers, so I am well versed in the many challenges and exciting opportunities that face our industry. I’m looking forward to working with NCBA’s leadership, membership, staff, state affiliates, state beef councils and other stakeholders.”

Frazier was raised on a diversified cattle and grain operation in south-central Kansas. He is a graduate of Kansas State University and began his career as a farm broadcaster for WIBW Radio/Television before joining the staff at Kansas Livestock Association as director of communications. He joined the staff of the National Cattlemen’s Association in 1985 and has held several staff leadership roles during his career with the association.

“As CEO, I will continue to focus on working to ensure we are implementing NCBA’s contributions to the Industry Long Range Plan,” said Frazier. “We will also ensure that we are delivering on NCBA’s member-directed policy priorities and executing NCBA’s Strategic Plan. These documents are the roadmap for NCBA and by delivering on their promises, we will ensure success for NCBA, our members and our industry.”

Learn more about Kendal in this week’s ZimmCast: Kendal Frazier, CEO, NCBA

Subscribe to the ZimmCast podcast here.

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Ag Groups, Audio, Beef, NCBA, ZimmCast

Last Call for Farm Mom of the Year Nominees

Lizzy Schultz

monsanto There is one week left to submit your favorite farm mom into Monsanto’s America’s Farmers Mom of the Year Contest. Submissions will be accepted through Tuesday, Mar. 29, and Monsanto encourages everyone to nominate moms who go above and beyond to care for and protect their farms, families, communities and the agriculture industry they love.

“Our 2015 Southeast Region Farm Mom, Megan Seibel, was nominated by her daughter three times, and the third time proved to be the charm,” says Tracy Mueller, Monsanto Corporate Brand Communications Manager. “We are so glad we found Megan, but we couldn’t have done that if her daughter didn’t nominate her. We read every nomination and there are so many powerful, encouraging and hopeful stories. These women are inspiring, so we want to hear about them and share their stories with the rest of the country.”

Anyone can enter their favorite farm mom, whether it’s their mom, sister, aunt, daughter, friend or community member by visiting the online nomination site, found here, and submitting a brief essay that explains how the nominated farm mom contributes to each of four areas: her family, farm, community and the agriculture industry.

The judging panel from American Agri-Women will review nominations and help Monsanto select five regional winners.

“So many women, particularly in agriculture, just focus on what needs to get done, and they do it – no matter what challenges or adversities they may be facing,” says Donnell Scott, Vice President of Education for American Agri-Women. “They don’t do it to get credit or attention. These women have a ‘get it done’ attitude and love what they do and who they do it for. We love reading about their efforts and are proud to help acknowledge their hard work and contributions.”

The five regional winners will be announced at the end of April, with each winner receiving a $5,000 cash prize. Profiles of the winners will then be posted to the Americas Farmers website, where the public can vote for one national farm mom winner. The national winner will be announced right before Mother’s Day, and will receive an additional $5,000 cash prize above and beyond her regional prize, for a total of $10,000.

Ag Groups

I AM USFRA – John Deere

Cindy Zimmerman

i-am-usfra-webJohn Deere was one of the first companies to become a member of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) Premier Partner Advisory Group (PPAG) back in 2011 and they continue to provide strong support for the organization.

Deere Director of Industry Relations Chuck Studer serves on the board of USFRA. “Deere’s been a long time sponsor … of USFRA,” said Studer during an interview at National Ag Day in Washington DC. “From a personal standpoint, I feel it’s a privilege to work and serve (with USFRA).”

usfra-studerStuder says USFRA is important because there are fewer people than ever involved in agriculture. “I think we appreciate the value of speaking with one voice,” he said. “And I think USFRA is a key organization that we can all rally around and together try to re-instill trust in agriculture.”

He points out that USFRA is speaking out for agriculture in some non-traditional ways. “Working with their Food Dialogues, trying to engage entities that may be traditionally opponents to agriculture, helping them understand why we want to be involved in creating solutions for the future,” he explained.

Learn more about why John Deere supports USFRA in this interview: Interview with Chuck Studer, John Deere

2016 Ag Day Photo Album

Agribusiness, Audio, John Deere, USFRA

Historic Agreements for Ag Trade with Cuba

Cindy Zimmerman

obama-cubaAgriculture could play a key role in normalizing trade relations with Cuba, according to President Obama on his historic visit to that nation this week.

“If we build on what we’re doing in agriculture and we see more U.S. farmers interacting with Cuban farmers, and there’s more exports and imports, the possibility of ending the embargo increases,” Obama said to reporters in Cuba.

Traveling with the president, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack this week announced several measures to foster further collaboration between the U.S. and Cuban agriculture sectors. Vilsack announced that USDA will allow the 22 industry-funded Research and Promotion Programs and 18 Marketing Order organizations to conduct authorized research and information exchange activities with Cuba.

These groups, which are responsible for creating bonds with consumers and businesses around the world in support of U.S. agriculture, will be able to engage in cooperative research and information exchanges with Cuba about agricultural productivity, food security and sustainable natural resource management. Secretary Vilsack called the announcement “a significant step forward in strengthening our bond and broadening agricultural trade between the United States and Cuba.”

American Farm Bureau Federation president Zippy Duvall says that decision will let U.S. farmers invest directly in the growth in trade between the two nations. “American-grown foods hold a clear competitive advantage in the Cuban marketplace, and the use of farmer- and rancher-generated funds to promote and market U.S. farm goods fits the checkoff mission perfectly,” Duvall said.

Checkoff funds are raised through a direct assessment on farmers, ranchers and agricultural businesses and are not taken from U.S. treasury funds. As such, Duvall said it is appropriate that the many farmers and ranchers who pay into the assessment and pay for the oversight of the program by USDA be allowed to see those funds invested in the development of the Cuban market.

AFBF, International