Vilsack Discusses 2017 Budget for USDA

Cindy Zimmerman

2017-budgetAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack hosted a national media Tuesday call to discuss the Obama administration’s 2017 budget request for USDA programs.

“Over the past seven years, USDA has made strides in improving the health of our nation’s children, enrolled a record number of privately-owned acres in conservation programs, bolstered the economies and infrastructure of small rural towns, and more,” said Vilsack. “American agriculture and related industries contribute $789 billion to the U.S. GDP and support one in 11 American jobs on and off the farm. The President’s 2017 Budget request aims to ensure USDA’s programs continue to invest in agriculture research and development, target effective strategies to protect our natural resources, and expand markets and economic opportunity for our farmers, ranchers, and the people who call rural America home.”

Listen to Vilsack’s entire call here: Ag Secretary Vilsack on USDA budget

Audio, USDA

GROWMARK with Ag Retailers in DC

Cindy Zimmerman

aradc-gmk-spencerJoining the Agricultural Retailers Association last week in Washington DC was GROWMARK Executive Director for Corporate and Government Relations Chuck Spencer, who joined in legislative visits to discuss key issues for the cooperative and the industry.

Spencer says top legislative priorities for GROWMARK include the labeling issue for genetically modified products. “We need to have a federal standard on genetically modified labeling,” said Spencer. “We’re proposing to have a voluntary system so if individuals want to purchase a GMO-free product, the marketplace can respond much like the national organic standard.”

Government regulation is also a big issue, especially when it comes to the EPA. “We need transparency, consistency and predictability from our regulatory system,” Spencer noted.

Learn more about GROWMARK legislative priorities in this interview: Interview with Chuck Spencer, GROWMARK

ARA, Audio, GMO, GROWMARK

FS HiSOY Soybeans Available for Roundup Ready 2 Xtend

Kelly Marshall

FS HiSOYRoundup Ready 2 Xtend has just been released by Monsanto Company and FS HiSOY Brand Soybeans are ready with 11 new varieties suitable for use with the product.

The new soybeans, ranging from Group 2.0 to 4.9 in maturity, will give growers cutting edge technology, promising superior performance with both dicamba* and glyphosate herbicide tolerance.

Matt Hynes, GROWMARK Seed Sales & Marketing Manager is eager to see the yield opportunity in these soybeans.

“We are excited about the approval of the Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybean trait and what it will add to the outstanding performance of the FS HiSOY brand! These new genetics will take the HiSOY brand to the next level of superior performance that growers have come to expect,” Hynes says.

You can purchase FS HiSOY Soybeans at FS member companies in the midwest and northeastern states.

*Although Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans are tolerant to both glyphosate and dicamba herbicides, the use of dicamba herbicide over the top of Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans remains in late stage of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review and is not currently approved by the EPA. Once approved, the Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System will offer growers a vital tool for managing tough-to-control and glyphosate-resistant weeds

Agribusiness, Herbicide, Soybean, Technology

Shane Stephens Elected Chair of Cotton Council

Kelly Marshall

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

Ag Day 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

ippe-16-pearse-lyons 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

Novozymes_logoNovozymes 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

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.

wheat-cantwellSenator 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

ZimmCast 501Who 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.

FarmNextI 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

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Ag Groups, Audio, Education, ZimmCast

CTIC Looking for New Executive Director

Kelly Marshall

ctic-logoKaren 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