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USDA Pledges $9M Towards Wetlands

Taylor Truckey

USDA_logo.svgAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the establishment of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wetland Mitigation Banking Program, made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill. The program will provide $9 million to help states, local governments or other qualified partners develop wetland mitigation banks that restore, create, or enhance wetland ecosystems, broadening the conservation options available to farmers and ranchers.

“This is an important opportunity for us to focus on critical efforts and conservation across the United States. Our producers, farmers and ranchers need tools to have the flexibility to do what is right for their operations, but at the same time to do what’s right for the environment,” Vilsack said.

Wetland mitigation banking is commonly used to compensate for wetland impacts from development, but can also be used to offset impacts from agriculture. Vilsack explained, “One such tool is a mitigation bank where producers can purchase credits generated from previously drained wetlands, which are restored and approved for wetland mitigation, to offset the loss and benefits where producers are installing new drainage in a wetland.”

Listen to Secretary Vilsack’s announcement here: Secretary of Ag Vilsack

Read the full release here.

Environment, politics, Sustainability, USDA, Water

Improving Production with Farm Controllers

Lizzy Schultz

caroline-forest The 2016 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) is all about innovation, with several companies using the expo to showcase innovative new strategies to help improve production. Intelia has always been a standout when it comes to electronic innovations, and their latest products offer producers the potential to see exceptional improvements in both production and sustainability efforts.

The Canadian company, based in Montreal, has been designing comprehensive custom electronic products and services since 1999, and specializes in custom custom control and automation products. Intelia has developed controllers for everything from arcade games to elevators, but they have recently begun to shift their entire focus on agriculture.

“Across agriculture I’m seeing farmers increasingly want to have access to their production data, because that data is knowledge, and knowledge is how you can optimize your production, and become more efficient and cost-effective,” said Caroline Forest, Director of Sales & Marketing for Intelia, in an interview during the expo.

The company has designed the Excel Technologies brand product line for the horticultural and farming industries, with products developed especially for dairy, hog and poultry farms. The technology works to provide producers with environmental control systems that provide ideal growth conditions for production through monitoring of atmospheric conditions. The product is known for its user-friendly interfaces, and the technology is known for its incredible precision and reliability.

“Farmers are increasingly mobile, everybody’s got a smartphone, and the size of farms has increased a lot, especially in the US, so you’ve got one production manager that is supervising 50-100 barns, and he cannot physically visit all of them each day,” said Forest. “Through savvy applications and web-enabled controllers, he’s able to access the barns from his smartphone or desktop and respond to any kind of alarms or problems that the controller is reporting back to the producer.”

Listen to Chuck’s full interview with Caroline here:
Interview with Caroline Forest, Intelia

Photos from IPPE: 2016 IPPE Photo Album

Coverage of the International Production and Processing Expo is sponsored by
Coverage of the International Production and Processing Expo is sponsored by NOVUS
Ag Groups, Audio, Gadgets, IPPE, Technology

Monsanto Scientist Wins Biodiesel Impact Award

Joanna Schroeder

nbb-16-calabottaBeth Calabotta, former Monsanto Director for Bioenergy and currently serving on the National Biodiesel Foundation, was honored during the 2016 National Biodiesel Conference and Expo with the “Eye on Biodiesel” Impact award for her tireless dedication to the advancement of biodiesel.

Beth’s experience in the field of agricultural yield technology and the markets that drive demand for protein give her a rare and valuable knowledge base that she has put 100 percent into her work to advance biodiesel. She has contributed greatly to the sustainability efforts at NBB and projects to analyze the real world indirect effects of biodiesel production. Beth’s knowledge and leadership was instrumental in improving the science used to quantify biodiesel’s growth potential and greenhouse gas benefits. She has also worked aggressively to pursue funding from industry as well as broadening the feedstock organizations that contribute to and benefit from the technical and education programs funded by the National Biodiesel Foundation.

Listen to her remarks on winning the Impact Award here: Beth Calabotta, Biodiesel Impact Award winner

2016 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Audio, Biodiesel, National Biodiesel Conference

Biodiesel Policy on Track Says NBB’s Steckel

Joanna Schroeder

nbb-16-steckelBiodiesel policy is laser-focused right now on two primary issues – the RFS and the tax incentive – two policies that drive growth in the industry.

During an address to the membership at the 2016 National Biodiesel Conference, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs Anne Steckel said they should take credit in the success of getting higher volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard. “The fact that biodiesel was able to achieve most of its policy goals while others did not…is something we should really be proud of,” said Steckel. “I am proud to say that a two billion gallon standard moving forward is a long way away from the original RFS that flat lined biodiesel at 1.28 billion gallons.”

Steckel noted that they will continue to work toward a producers tax credit. “We were successful in winning a two year extension (of the blenders tax credit) through the remainder of this year,” she said. “However Congress…stopped just short of converting the tax credit into a producers incentive.” She says the fight will continue.

Learn more here: Anne Steckel, NBB VP of Federal Affairs

I also interviewed Anne about the 2015 biodiesel numbers that came out earlier this week and how they show the need for a producers tax credit as more biodiesel is being imported into this country to take advantage of the blenders credit.

Listen to that interview here: Interview with Anne Steckel, NBB

2016 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Audio, Biodiesel, Farm Policy, National Biodiesel Conference

MGEX Sets New Open Interest Record

John Davis

mgexMGEX has set a record for its highest open interest total in its 135-year history. This news release from the trading organization said it closed the day Tuesday at 82,279.

This breaks the previous record of 82,056 set on April 17, 2014. The Exchange has seen an increase in open interest each of the past seven days and has now recorded eight top 25 open interest days this month.

The major surge in open interest has been gradually taking place since last summer and has spiked rapidly in recent weeks. Since June 29, 2015, open interest has increased by more than 22,000, totaling a change of 38 percent in just under seven months.

Markets

NFMS Will Hear From Ag Executive Panel

Taylor Truckey

aemThe Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) will be hosting an agribusiness panel discussion featuring some of agriculture’s leading manufacturers at the National Farm Machinery Show. On February 10, the AEM Ag Executive Outlook panel will discuss key issues including the future of agriculture, new technologies, and the vital role of ag advocacy at the local and national level.

The AEM Ag Executive Outlook will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10 in the AEM I Make America Room (South Wing C 201) of the Kentucky Exposition Center.

“This is an opportunity to gain insights directly from the leadership of some of the major manufacturers gathered on the same stage, as they share their experiences and thoughts on what’s next in agriculture and how that will affect agribusiness and life on the farm,” said Charlie O’Brien, AEM senior vice president.

The session will be moderated by Max Armstrong from ‘This Week In AgriBusiness’ and Penton Agriculture, and includes time for questions from the audience.

Panelists for the AEM Ag Executive Outlook include:
· Mark Core, Vice President & CMO – Vermeer Corporation
· Jim Walker, Vice President – Case IH NAFTA
· Linda Salem, President – Great Plains Manufacturing
· Leif Magnusson, President – CLAAS Global Sales Americas Inc.
· Nick Yaksich, Senior Vice President – AEM

Topics for discussion include:
· Advocacy and the issues: RFS, WOTUS, rural broadband, pollinator health, Section 179, etc.
· A look ahead at agriculture equipment technologies
· The future of agriculture from equipment manufacturers’ perspective
· As well as, taking questions from those in attendance

The panel will be open to all show participants.

AEM, Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Equipment, National Farm Machinery Show

USPOULTRY Elects New Chairman

Lizzy Schultz

HIll_2016USPOULTRYChairmen The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) elected a new chairman at a board meeting held during the 2016 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). Previous vice chairman of the board, Paul Hill, of Ellsworth, Iowa, was elected into the position, and was presented with the time-honored “working man’s gavel” by Sherman Miller, the 2015 chairman.

Hill is a native of Iowa, and received a BA in economics from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. He was instrumental in the founding of West Liberty Foods, a farmer-owned turkey processing company, in 1996, and currently serves as chairman of the company. He is also president of Circle Hill Farms, as well as a past chairman of the National Turkey Federation.

Listen to Chuck’s full interview with Paul here:
Interview with Paul Hill, USPOULTRY Chairman

2016_USPOULTRYExecutiveCommittees The board also elected several other members to new positions within the USPOULTRY Executive Committee. Jerry Moye, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, was named vice chairman. A graduate of Washington College in Maryland, Moye has worked in integrated chicken production for several large US integrators, and currently serves as president of Cobb-Vantress.

Tom Hensley, of Baldwin, Georgia, was named treasurer. Hensley graduated with a degree in business from Marshall University in West Virginia, and is currently president of Fieldale Farms, where he has worked for 38 years, as well as a member of Fieldale Farms Corporation board of directors.

John Prestage, of Clinton, North Carolina, was named secretary. Prestage graduated with a BS in Animal Science from North Carolina State University. He has served the poultry industry in various capacities on boards and committees, and is currently senior vice president of Prestage Farms. He has been with the company since its inception in 1983.

Sherman Miller, of Jackson, Mississippi, is immediate past chairman. He received his degree from Mississippi State University, and joined Cal-Maine Foods in 1997. He has worked in a variety of positions in the company, and is serving as their chief operating officer.

“I look forward to the leadership and guidance these officers will provide our organization,” remarked John Starkey, president of USPOULTRY.

Photos from IPPE: 2016 IPPE Photo Album

Coverage of the International Production and Processing Expo is sponsored by
Coverage of the International Production and Processing Expo is sponsored by NOVUS
Ag Groups, IPPE, Poultry

John Deere Strengthens Partnership with FFA

Kelly Marshall

johndeerelogoJohn Deere has been partnering with the National FFA Organization to ensure the future of agriculture for more than 72 years.  2016 will continue the tradition of providing opportunities for members of the FFA to grow into leaders who can strengthen their communities as well as agriculture.  John Deere has pledge one million dollars annually for the next five years to continue to build the FFA program.

“John Deere has been a deeply loyal and generous partner of FFA for many years,” said Molly Ball, National FFA Foundation President. “The announcement of this continued commitment with this multi-year gift speaks volumes to their dedication to the future of agriculture and FFA. Through gifts like this, we are able to continue to pursue our mission and strengthen the future leaders of agriculture and agricultural education.”

ffaJohn Deere’s Corporate Citizen’s program focuses on education, making them an ideal partner for an organization that offers members the chance to learn about agricultural literacy, advocacy, agriculture knowledge, career exploration, leadership development, food security and service engagement.

Deere’s support through the years has allowed FFA to deliver its mission to millions of members. Their gifts have supported the National FFA Organization’s Career Development events, Proficiency Awards, National Chapter Awards, Agriscience Fair, and leadership conferences for state officers. Deere is also a key supporter of the National Association of Agricultural Educators, as well as the FFA scholarship program, in conjunction with John Deere dealers.

In addition to monetary support, Deere employees have an active FFA Alumni Chapter. Since 1947, five John Deere representatives have served in the role of the National FFA Foundation Sponsors’ Board Chair, including Cory Reed, senior vice president, Intelligent Solutions Group, who headed the group last year.

“John Deere is privileged to partner with such an esteemed and valuable organization as FFA”, said Amy Allen, Manager, National Corporate Contributions. “We look forward to continuing our partnership and shared commitment to tomorrow’s Ag leaders.”

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, FFA, John Deere

Novus Focusing on Innovation at IPPE

Lizzy Schultz

scott-hine-novus The animal nutrition innovators behind Novus International are on hand at this week’s International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) to meet with customers and industry professionals. Scott Hine, Chief Innovation Offer for Novus, sat down with AgWired during the event to discuss some of the company’s innovative plans for the future, as well as their ongoing mission to use innovation in an effort to improve global sustainability.

“2016 is our 25th anniversary, and we’re really excited to keep taking the agenda that we’ve built, which includes a long history of methionine and has moved into a number of specialty products, minerals, and platforms for antibiotic-free which offer us real opportunity to change the way the industry works,” said Hine.

Hine also discussed how Novus is working to aid and assist customers as major demand for change has begun to propel the industry, leaving many producers concerned about increasing regulatory pressures and the impact of the public’s volatile perception of livestock production.

“Our customers have a lot more regulatory pressure, as well as the pressure of the consumer, the ultimate customer out there,” he said, “Right now the buyer is saying ‘what is the industry doing? What does it look like?’ And we have to move with those times, so we build innovation into what we do, we build sustainability into what we do, and we make sure the products we’re producing and providing to our customers offer some benefit that’s going to help the industry be more sustainable over its long haul.”

As change continues to shape the industry, as well as the economy behind it, Hine maintains a positive, confident outlook on the future, for both this company and its customers.

“Sure there’s been hiccups around the world, but we see opportunity to still grow the industry and have it perform well,” he said. “That’s why we’re here, my expectation is to come out of the gate this week with some excellent, excellent information.”

Listen to Chuck’s full interview with Scott here:
Interview with Scott Hine, Novus International

Photos from IPPE: 2016 IPPE Photo Album

Coverage of the International Production and Processing Expo is sponsored by
Coverage of the International Production and Processing Expo is sponsored by NOVUS
IPPE, Novus International, Poultry, Technology