Shane Stephens Elected Chair of Cotton Council

Kelly Marshall February 9, 2016

Shane Stephens has been elected the National Cotton Council chairman for 2016. Stephens, from Greenwood, Mississippi, follows Seldge Taylor in the position. Stephens has long been an active member in the cotton industry, participating in the Cotton Leadership Program from 1994-1995 and serving as president of the alumni association. He has represented the NCC as vice president from 2007-2012 and sat on the board of directors from 2001-2005 and 2013-2014. He has been the chair of the Packaging and Distribution and the Membership and Credentials committees as well.

Stephens is vice president of Staplcotn’s cotton services and warehouse divisions. With 11 offices throughout the Mid-South and Southeast, the cotton services division is responsible for recruiting and servicing the cooperative’s grower/members. The warehouse division is responsible for 14 warehouse locations in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

Stephens holds a B.S. degree with honors in agricultural economics from the University of Tennessee at Martin. He and his wife, Janet, live in Greenwood, and they have two daughters and one son. They are active members of First Baptist Church in Greenwood.

Other board member for 2016 are: vice chairman, Ronnie Lee; secretary-treasurer, Barry Evans; vice presidents, Robert Lacy, Mike Quinn, and Kent Fountain, with returning vice presidents Calter Paxton, III, Joe Nicosia and David Hastings.

Ag Groups, Cotton

National Ag Day Schedule & Registration

Chuck Zimmerman February 9, 2016

It’s time to get registered for National Ag Day Activities on March 14-15. You can register on this page. I will be covering the activities again this year and am looking for a sponsor. Want to showcase your company or organization in my coverage on the ZimmComm News Network? Give me a shout.

2016 National Ag Day Schedule
Monday, March 14

Agri-Pulse’s Ag Day kickoff event in Room 902 in the Hart Office Building

3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion – Farm to Fork Politics: How Sustainability is Reframing Food Production and Marketing
Speakers: Chris Policinski, President & Chief Executive Officer, Land O’ Lakes, Inc.
Dave White, Co-Founder and Partner, 9b Group
Rod Snyder, President, Field to Market
Gregg Halverson, CEO, Black Gold Farms

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Agri-Pulse Customer Appreciation Reception
Keep the conversation going! Join us for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres after the panel discussion.

Sponsored by Agri-Pulse – Register here.
Free of Charge

Tuesday, March 15

12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Mix & Mingle Luncheon
Venue: Room 106 in the Dirkson Senate Building
Emcee: Orion Samuelson
Speakers: Outstanding Young Farmer and members of Congress
Free of charge – Register here.

5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Celebration of Agriculture Dinner
Venue: Whitten Patio in the USDA Building
Emcee: Orion Samuelson
Speaker: J.B. Penn, Chief Economist, John Deere
Essay Contest Winner
Charles Eastin Award Presentation
Invited Guest: Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack

This is a ticketed event. $150 per person or $1,500 for a reserved table of 10. – Register here.

Hotel Block – Cutoff is February 19

Ag Day, Ag Groups

Alltech ONE Set To Inspire Industry

Lizzy Schultz February 9, 2016

Last year, Alltech’s Rebelation symposium offered the industry an unprecedented opportunity for global collaboration by hosting programs, discussions, and information sessions with some of the worlds greatest innovators. This year’s symposium is called ONE, and it promises to be even more unforgettable.

ONE is a forum, hosted by Alltech, for industry professionals to discuss world-changing ideas with other industry leaders through global networking opportunities that intend to create one thing: inspiration. ONE will challenge businesses to seek out a one-in-a-million idea that will change the way their company works, and improve it forever.

“It’s called the ONE. It’s the one place to go, its the one idea that will change your life, its the one person with the one idea, its the one idea for you to mix with great people,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech, in an interview during the 2016 International Poultry and Processing Expo (IPPE). “We are at three times the revenue today that we were last January. Now by any standards, that is a massive change, and to continue to have these massive changes, you need to be willing to listen to other people.”

The conference features programs that focus on a blend of science, agriculture, entrepreneurship, business and marketing information, and also includes with a craft beer festival. The impressive roster of speakers includes Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer, Inc, and Alan Mulally, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company from 2006-2014.

“At the forum you are going to listen to the man who turned Ford around, the man who went up to Congress and said ‘thank you Mr. President, but I’m not taking any money,” said Lyons. “His whole campaign was ONE Ford, ONE team, ONE objective. He’s going to talk about how you pull your team together, how you build a business.”

The incredible symposium promises to inspire the leaders of the industry, offering a passionate, positive, and motivational approach to discussing the incredible challenges currently facing the world of agriculture, working as a part of Alltech’s strong commitment to marketing through education.

“The idea is to share the excitement, the excitement of the world, because one day in 2050, the world won’t be hungry, we won’t be using pesticides; it’s all so exciting,” said Lyons. “Nowhere is it written that science needs to be boring. We’re going to get you science in a way that is understandable, and we’re going to get you science in a way that is exciting.”

Listen to Chuck’s full interview with Dr. Lyons here:
Interview with Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech

Ag Groups, Alltech, Audio, Events, International, Technology

Novozymes Organization Restructuring

Cindy Zimmerman February 9, 2016

Novozymes has announced changes in the company’s organizational structure and executive leadership team with the formation of three distinct divisions – Household Care & Technical Industries, Agriculture & Bioenergy and Food & Beverages. The aim of the organizational change is to “enhance Novozymes’ ability to deliver more innovation to customers.”

To lead the three divisions, Novozymes has appointed former Vice President of Sales Tina Sejersgård Fanø as Executive Vice President, and former Vice President of Sales Anders Lund to head the Agriculture and Bioenergy division.

The three divisions will be supported by one central Research, Innovation & Supply organization headed by COO & EVP Thomas Videbæk and Corporate Functions headed by CFO & EVP Benny D. Loft. Peder Holk Nielsen will continue as CEO & President.

Biofuels

Wheat Awards

Cindy Zimmerman February 9, 2016

Members of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) were in Washington DC last week for their annual winter conference and during that time presented awards to friends in Congress.

Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) was presented with the 2015 Wheat Leader of the Year by the NAWG board of directors, including Washington farmer and NAWG president Brett Blankenship.

“Senator Cantwell has been one of wheat’s strongest allies during the last year. We sincerely appreciate all the work she has done on behalf of wheat growers, both in the state of Washington, and all across the nation,” said Blankenship. “We are grateful for her efforts in progressing tax and trade legislation, especially supporting Trade Promotion Authority and in defending crop insurance.”

“America is producing some of the best wheat in the world thanks to our growers and their families – many of whom are in Washington State. I’ve been proud to fight for continued federal investments in cutting edge research and will continue to ensure our growers have the support they need to compete and win in the global economy. I’m very honored to receive this award,” said Senator Cantwell.

Also honored by NAWG were Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Pat Roberts (R-KS) and key members of his staff. Chairman Roberts received the “Wheat Advocate” award given annually to members of Congress who have demonstrated support for the wheat industry above and beyond the norm. Members of his staff received the “Friend of Wheat” award given annually to congressional staff who demonstrated support for the wheat industry above and beyond the norm. Those staffers included Wayne Stoskopf, Will Stafford, James Glueck and Andrew Vlasaty.

“I am honored to be recognized for our efforts on behalf of wheat growers,” said Roberts. “I look forward to another year with our sleeves rolled up, putting the farmer and rancher first.”

NAWG, Wheat

Who Will FarmNext and How

Chuck Zimmerman February 8, 2016

Who will be farming next? What are their thoughts and concerns? These questions and more are dealt with in a new white paper published by YI Advisors. The paper was presented during last week’s FarmNext Summit in Washington, DC.

I spoke with Tom Allison, Associate Director of Research for YI Advisors to learn more about the FarmNext Initiative and the white paper.

To obtain the information for the white paper YI Advisors gathered Millennials entering farming and agribusiness for a series of conversations around the country to discuss trends shaping the future of their industry. They did this because of concerns about aging primary operators and other reasons like polarizing conversations about the origins of food. Key findings came in four main topics: Technology & Innovation; Economics; Workforce & Education and Public Perception. Here are just a few of the findings. As you might expect young farmers are driving technological change. Access to capital was consistently cited as a major barrier to successfully entering the industry. Colleges need to reform curriculums to be more interdisciplinary, reflecting the reality of modern farming. And finally, the media and industry need to do a better job of telling young farmers’ stories.

You can download the FarmNext Report here (pdf).

Tom talks about the whole process and where to go from here because the findings of their work shows a lot more needs to be done.

Listen to this week’s ZimmCast here: ZimmCast about FarmNext

The ZimmCast

sponsored by

Locally owned, globally strong.

Ag Groups, Audio, Education, ZimmCast

CTIC Looking for New Executive Director

Kelly Marshall February 8, 2016

Karen Scanlon, former executive director of the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) is moving to a position at Dairy Management, Inc. to help support sustainability and social responsibility for the U.S. dairy industry. While members of the board are excited for Scanlon’s new opportunity, they are now searching for someone to fill her role as executive director.

“We’re sad to see her leave CTIC, but are delighted that Karen has found an exciting new role in the agricultural sustainability space,” said Alan Ayers of Bayer CropScience, CTIC board chair. “Karen has done a great job and has been very successful in moving this organization to new heights, which will ease the transition into new leadership.”

“CTIC has grown significantly in size and scope under Karen’s tenure, becoming a key source of insight on conservation systems, cover crops, nutrient management and economic sustainability for farmers,” Ayers added. “CTIC’s Conservation in Action Tours have set the bar for connecting conservation-oriented people with each other and with the innovative farming systems on the ground. Additionally, the organization has dramatically increased its collaborative projects to become even more effective in building local capacity and championing conservation farming.”

The board has appointed a search committee to find a leader up to the challenge of managing their dedicated staff, diverse projects and programs and vibrant organization. Prospective candidates can find more information at www.ctic.org or email the search committee at CITC@CTIC.org.

Ag Groups, CTIC

48th Annual Championship Tractor Pulls At NFMS

Taylor Truckey February 8, 2016

The 48th Annual Championship Tractor Pull will once again be held at Freedom Hall during the National Farm Machinery Show next week. The top pullers in the country will return to Louisville to compete for the title of Grand Champion and a share of nearly $250,000 in prize money.

Each year more than 500 teams apply to pull in the prestigious event and approximately 180 are chosen. This year’s list includes numerous reigning Grand Champions, former Grand Champions, and a record-number of women drivers.

Champion Tractor Pull Tickets are $40 for the Wednesday night, Thursday night, and Saturday afternoon pulls. Tickets are $45 for the Friday night pull and Saturday evening finals. Tickets are available at the Kentucky Exposition Center and Kentucky International Convention Center Ticket Offices, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For additional information, visit the Champion Pull website.

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by

and

Farm Shows, National Farm Machinery Show, NFMS, Tractor

CropLife Hires Director of Communications & Marketing

Kelly Marshall February 8, 2016

Genevieve O’Sullivan is now the director of communications and marketing for CropLife America. It will be her responsibility to develop and promote communications, branding and marketing efforts for the organization. She will also be responsible for publications and reports, as well as media contact.

“We are excited to have Genevieve join our communications team,” stated Vroom. “Her strong communications background, combined with an emphasis in local and state government policy work, will enhance the ability of CLA to communicate with government officials in a concise and effective manner.”

As the director of communications at the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), O’Sullivan coordinated efforts with state agencies across the country to create cohesive messages at the local and national levels. She also established branding for the association that included launching a new website, creating printed materials with a consistent identity and messaging, and traveling to industry conferences to promote the association’s work. Prior to NASF, O’Sullivan was the communications director for the Washington State Redistricting Commission, leading outreach for the commission as it engaged citizens across Washington state in the legislative and congressional redistricting process.

“Mrs. O’Sullivan’s experience with communications in both the private and public sectors will benefit CLA,” says William Kuckuck, vice president and COO at CropLifeAmeria. “With prior projects that include marketing complex messages and programs to government officials and the public, she brings energy and skills that will assist us in reaching out to existing and new audiences.”.

O’Sullivan earned her bachelor of arts in political science from Western Washington University. She and her husband own the Sona Creamery and Wine Bar in Washington D.C.

Ag Groups

2016 Expected to be Challenging for U.S. Cotton

Cindy Zimmerman February 8, 2016

2016 is expected to be another challenging year for the U.S. cotton industry according to the National Cotton Council (NCC).

NCC Vice President for Economics & Policy Analysis Dr. Jody Campiche told delegates at the NCC’s 78th Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas that the challenges will include low cotton prices, high global stocks and uncertainties regarding global mill cotton use.

“While world mill use is expected to exceed world production in 2016, global cotton stocks remain at high levels,” said Campiche.

Regarding domestic cotton mill use, USDA estimates U.S. mill use at 3.6 million bales, up 25,000 bales from 2014 and marking the fourth consecutive year of increased consumption. However, exports will continue a downward trend, with NCC estimating 2015 U.S. exports at 9.5 million bales, down 15.5 percent from 2014 and below the most recent USDA estimate. Campiche says, China’s imports are expected to fall further in 2016 to 4.75 million bales, down from 5.5 million in 2015. India is projected to continue as the world’s largest cotton producer and the second largest exporter in 2016.

Campiche projects an increase in ending stocks of 193,000 bales and notes that although world cotton stocks are projected to decline by 6.3 million bales in 2016, the reduction is not large enough to significantly reduce global inventories that begin the year at 103 million bales.

In her analysis of the NCC Annual Planting Intentions survey results, Campiche said the NCC projects 2016 U.S. cotton acreage to be 9.1 million acres, about 6.2 percent more than 2015. With abandonment set at 11 percent for the United States, Cotton Belt harvested area totals 8.1 million acres. Using an average U.S. yield per harvested acre of 831 pounds generates a cotton crop of 14.0 million bales, with 13.4 million upland bales and 595,000 extra-long staple bales.