Sustainable Farmer Award Applications Sought

Cindy Zimmerman

bayerBayer CropScience is seeking young agricultural producers that demonstrate leadership and excellence in the areas of business and environmental sustainability through the 2016 Young Farmer Sustainability Award. Any farmer or rancher age 40 and under who receives at least half of his or her income from farming and farm-related ventures is eligible to apply. Applications may be accessed and completed online and must be received by January 15, 2016. The winner will be announced at the annual Bayer Ag Issues Forum, March 1-2 in New Orleans, just prior to the 2016 Commodity Classic. 2016 will mark the sixth year of the Young Farmer Sustainability Award.

“The Young Farmer Sustainability Award recognizes the next generation of growers who are applying the latest and greatest innovations on their farms to ensure that their business, their community and the environment will prosper,” said Jim Blome, president and CEO of Bayer CropScience LP. The 2015 Young Farmer Sustainability Award Winner was Andrew Fansler of Indiana.

Award applicants will be judged by a panel of industry experts on the following criteria: their entrepreneurial initiative and adoption of new approaches to farming (50%), their environmental and other on-farm sustainability efforts (30%), and their economic stability and sustainability (20%). The winning entrant will receive a 360 SOILSCAN™ portable soil testing system, an all-expense paid trip to the 2016 Ag Issues Forum and Commodity Classic in New Orleans, and credit towards a Farm Journal learning event.

Bayer, Farming, Sustainability

Agritechnica Awards New Holland Machine of the Year

Jamie Johansen

Screen Shot 2015-12-01 at 9.27.15 AMAt Agritechnica 2015, New Holland Agriculture’s new T7.315 tractor was crowned with the coveted “Machine of the Year” 2016 in the large tractor category.

The title is bestowed by a jury of 19 journalists representing leading European agricultural publications. The machine was rewarded for its technical innovation and the benefits it brings to customers, with selection criteria focusing on innovative features, performance, productivity, cost of operation, ease of use and operator comfort.

“This award represents an important validation that New Holland’s approach to product development that focuses on innovation specifically to meet our customers’ needs,” said Dan Valen, Cash Crop Segment Lead for New Holland North America. “Although this is a European award, we know our customers in North America will also appreciate the T7.315’s versatility, efficiency, comfort, and power. We are particularly proud to receive this award in 2015, when we are celebrating New Holland’s 120th anniversary of innovation in agriculture.”

The T7.315 is one of two new heavy-duty models that extend the T7 Series to meet the needs of farming operations requiring the power of a large-frame tractor with the versatility and agility of a small frame machine. The T7.315 delivers the power to perform a wide range of jobs, from row crop work, baling hay, or mowing, to hauling manure and other chores, and the comfort and efficiency operators are looking for. It also features the revolutionary IntelliCruise™ tractor-baler automation that enables New Holland’s BigBaler to control the tractor’s speed to maximize productivity and bale consistency, making it the ultimate large square baling tractor.

Agribusiness, Equipment, Forage, New Holland, Tractor

Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Sen. Joe Donnelly

John Davis

open-micAgri-Pulse Open Mic this week features Sen. Joe Donnelly.

The Hoosier Democrat is an outspoken critic of the Environmental Protection Agency’s WOTUS rule. In this week’s interview, Donnelly suggests legislative action may still be possible to thwart the agency’s new regulations. Senator Donnelly shares support for the Export Import Bank, has hopes for child nutrition reform and feels an urgency to resolve COOL laws in light of pending trade retaliation from Canada and Mexico. Like others in Washington and across the country, Donnelly is evaluating the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal and shares ideas on what is needed to gain his vote on the measure.

Click here to listen to Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Sen. Joe Donnelly.

Agri-Pulse, Audio, Water

Farm Bureau Connects Students with Food Science Fun

John Davis

FoodScienceFunA new resource looks to connect students to the science of food and food production. This news release from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture says its My American Farm educational site offers “Food Science Fun” that was student tested and approved.

“Food Science Fun” is a new guide that contains 10 activities related to food science. The guide is designed to equip volunteers and professional educators with powerful tools for facilitating a food science day camp, or activities at a fair, other special event or in the classroom.

The resources contained in the guide were pilot-tested at several science day camps in California and Indianapolis. Nearly 3,000 students were reached during the testing period.

The “Food Science Fun” guide can be downloaded for free on the Fairs and Events Hands on Activities page on My American Farm.

The site and resources are made possible through the generous support of DuPont Pioneer.

AFBF

Restoration of Crop Insurance Cuts Gets Bipartisan Praise

John Davis

capitol-nightPrevious cuts to the federal government’s crop insurance program look to be reversed. The action in the transportation conference report that would restore $3 billion in cuts to crop insurance garnered bipartisan praise from U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.

“I appreciate the dedication to America’s farmers shown by our leadership today in ensuring crop insurance remains the number one tool in our producers’ risk management tool box,” Chairman Pat Roberts said. “I thank Leader McConnell, Senator Cornyn, Senator Thune, Senator Inhofe, House leadership and Agriculture Committee Chairman Conaway. I have worked my entire career to build crop insurance as a public-private partnership that best protects producers and taxpayers. My goal was to nip crop insurance cuts in the bud before cuts took effect to harm farmers, and I’m proud to say we’re one big step closer.”

“I am pleased that the House and Senate were able to find a solution that reverse the cuts to agriculture,” Ranking Member Stabenow said. “Crop insurance is a critical tool used by our farmers and ranchers. The Farm Bill already made significant reforms and our farmers and ranchers need the certainty that these programs offer. That’s why Senator Roberts and I have been committed to finding a bipartisan solution that keeps the Farm Bill intact and reverses these cuts.”

politics

Globetrotting Ag Secretary

Cindy Zimmerman

vilsack-chinaAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is continuing his world travels this week in Europe after visiting Cuba, Japan and China in the past few weeks.
Vilsack has been in Brussels, Belguim already this week and is heading to Paris now to address international dignitaries and stakeholders on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), climate change, and global food security. While in Brussels, Secretary Vilsack addressed the European Parliament Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) and the EU Agricultural Outlook Conference.

In Paris, he will be attending the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) climate change summit. At the conference, Vilsack will participate in three side events where he will address the impacts of climate change on agricultural production and food security. The secretary is hosting a side event on Climate Change, Global Food Security, and the U.S. Food System, where he will unveil a new report identifying the effects of climate change on global food security through 2100.

“Climatic stresses impact all of us and have real consequences on food production, dramatically affecting the yields of crops and threatening food security,” said Vilsack. “All nations have a role to play in supporting agricultural growth and driving the innovation necessary to survive. Greater access to innovative tools and technologies will allow farmers, ranchers, and producers to curb the effects of climate change, increase access to food, and ultimately, provide ladders of opportunity for people in rural areas around the world.”

Secretary Vilsack will also announce a new report highlighting progress on sustainable land use over the past six years.

USDA

Does EPA Biofuels Rule Measure Up?

Jamie Johansen

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Does your agribusiness/operation have a crisis communications plan?”

There is no doubt agribusinesses, farms/ranches and agriculture organizations need to be proactive in communicating our products to our consumers. I was a little shocked that a small majority believe they have no need for a crisis communications plan. In my opinion, you can never be too prepared.

Here are the poll results:

  • Yes – 33%
  • No, but needs one – 28%
  • No, don’t see a need – 39%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, What’s your opinion of EPA rule for biofuels volumes?

The EPA has released a final rule for biofuels volumes under the Renewable Fuels Standard for 2014-2016, which increased the obligations for refiners to use ethanol, biodiesel and advanced or cellulosic biofuels. While it is an increase over the proposed rule, some in the agriculture and biofuels industries say it still does not measure up to the intent of Congress, while others are mostly satisfied, and still others believe it goes too far. What do you think?

ZimmPoll

Updates from Case IH at #NAFB15

Jamie Johansen

nafb-15-108-editedThe Case IH team was out in full force for the 2015 NAFB Trade Talk in Kansas City. One highlight for the well-known equipment company is their 20-year anniversary of tracks on their Steiger tractor. Mitch Kaiser, marketing manager for the Steiger tractor line, said the 2016 enhancements set the bar for high performance, operator experience and all around improvements.

“It’s all about improving efficiency and running faster through the field. We have changed the transmission line up using less parasitic horsepower.”

Listen to my complete interview with Mitch to learn more about their track technology and other innovations from Case IH in the coming year. Interview with Mitch Kaiser, Case IH Steiger

nafb-15-114-editedCase IH’s Advanced Farming Systems (AFS), Leo Bose, was also on-hand to share key upgrades to AFS Connect. These include expanded industry-leading coverage to more than 180 carriers and two-way wireless file transfer.

“Our tools we have for our producers reduce overall inputs. We use technology to drive that.” Leo said it’s more than looking at locations. Producers can pull productivity reports on performance, yield and average flow. “This updates every 60 seconds. Allowing me to look at what that machine is doing in the field.” Listen here to learn more: Interview with Leo Bose, Case IH AFS

nafb-15-112-editedKelly Kravig is marketing manager in Case’s combine and header division and we chatted about the updates to the new 140 series axial-flow combines. After taking time to listen to their customers, Kelly said these updated features are exciting. For example, a new two-speed electric shift transmission that makes it easier for operator to shift.

“Many of the producers who get in the machine appreciate how simple it is to shift and how responsive the transmission is for both in-field operation and roading. But the thing that is most impressive is the ability to maintain field speed and productivity.”

Listen to my complete interview with Kelly to learn more about the 140 combine series updates. Interview with Kelly Kravig, Case IH Combines

View and download photos from event here: NAFB Convention Photo Album

Agribusiness, Audio, Case IH, Equipment, NAFB

FFA Joins #GivingTuesday Movement

Kelly Marshall

ffaThe National FFA Organization and the National FFA Foundation are encouraging the use of #GivingTuesday.  Held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, the day is designed to encourage generosity after the shopping events of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  The FFA hopes to inspire others to give back and support causes they in which they believe.

“Donations to the National FFA Foundation go to support nearly 630,000 FFA members in the pursuit of premier leadership, person growth and career success. Giving Tuesday is a unique opportunity for FFA supporters to celebrate the impact of their generosity on a global day of giving,” said National FFA Foundation President Molly Ball.

92Y − a cultural center in New York City that, since 1874, has been bringing people together around its core values of community service and giving back − conceptualized #GivingTuesday as a new way of linking individuals and causes to strengthen communities and encourage giving. In 2014, the third year of the movement, #GivingTuesday brought together 30,000 partners in 68 countries and registered 32.7 million impressions on Twitter, with its eponymous hashtag mentioned 698,600 times. Since 2012, online giving on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has increased more than four-fold, based on findings by Blackbaud and the Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, produced in partnership with the Case Foundation.

“We have been incredibly inspired by the generosity in time, efforts and ideas that have brought our concept for a worldwide movement into reality,” said Henry Timms, founder of #Giving Tuesday and executive director of 92Y. “As we embark on our fourth year of #GivingTuesday, we are encouraged by the early response from partners eager to continue making an impact in this global conversation.”

To join the FFA’s #GivingTuesday visit www.ffa.org/givingtuesday.

Ag Groups, FFA

Davies Named Associate Editor at Agri-Pulse

John Davis

davies-headshotAgri-Pulse has a new associate editor. This news release from the company says Steve Davies joined the team in the Agri-Pulse’s Washington, D.C. office.

Davies has a great deal of experience dealing with federal and state regulatory issues. Most recently he worked as the editor of Endangered Species & Wetlands Report, a monthly newsletter covering regulations, legislation and litigation, which he launched in 1995. Prior to that, he wrote for Green Markets and Green Markets Dealer Report, newsletters focused on the fertilizer industry.

“I am delighted to add someone with Steve’s knowledge and experience to our editorial team,” says Agri-Pulse Editor Sara Wyant. “As farmers and agribusinesses are faced with more and more regulatory challenges, he will be closely monitoring these issues and also help us continue to expand our Capitol Hill coverage.”

Davies began his professional journalism career as a copy editor and reporter at the Gazette Newspapers in Gaithersburg, Md., before moving on to The Sentinel in Carlisle, Pa., where he covered Cumberland County government.

Growing up primarily in Maryland, he’s also lived in Russia, India and Poland. He’s a 1984 graduate of Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in Russian Studies.

Agri-Pulse