Industry Ag News 1/19

Carrie Muehling

  • Soybeans and their products—soybean meal and soybean oil—are the most traded agricultural commodity, accounting for nearly nine percent of the total value of global agricultural trade. A new report from USDA’s Economic Research Service, Soybean Production, Marketing Costs, and Export Competitiveness in Brazil and the United States describes the factors that affect production, marketing costs, and export competitiveness of the world’s leading soybean exporters—the United States and Brazil. This study compares the differences between farm-level production costs and returns for soybeans in the United States and Brazil in Marketing Year 2017/18–2021/22 for the most productive growing regions in each country.
  • Scientists at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) use innovative technology to study the lifecycle of potatoes (including development, production, and postharvest storage), ensuring a high-quality supply year-round for snack food processing facilities, restaurants, and grocery stores. Paul J. Collins, a research geneticist for the ARS Eastern potato breeding program based in Orono and Presque Isle, Maine, is working to develop new varieties for chip processing and table markets with improved agronomic attributes, disease resistance, climate resiliency, and quality traits. Successful varieties developed by this program include Atlantic, a variety that is widely grown across the U.S. for potato chips and is within the top ten most popular potato varieties grown in the nation.
  • The International Federation of Agricultural Journalism (IFAJ) and Alltech have opened nominations for the 2024 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders program. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2024.
  • American Farmland Trust will be the Title Sponsor for the 2024 Solar Farm Summit, North America’s Agrivoltaics Expo, with a three-year commitment to collaborate in the development of an effective and catalytic annual event focused on solar projects that combine active farming with energy generation—a dual land use known as “agrivoltaics.”
  • Propagate and Rodale Institute announced a new strategic partnership to promote agroforestry. The goal of the partnership is to increase the adoption of agroforestry and tree crop systems in North America.
  • The latest report from the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer indicates that U.S. farmers’ inflation expectations have subsided while overall producer sentiment changed little. The December barometer recorded a reading of 114, just one point lower than in November. Both subindices of the barometer, the Index of Current Conditions and the Index of Future Expectations, mirrored this slight decline, settling one point below their respective November figures at 112 and 115. Notably, farmers’ inflation expectations for the upcoming year were markedly lower than those reported a year ago for 2023.
  • After several months of development, Michael Hinton, America’s Premier Antique Tractor Enthusiast and Founder of Antique Tractor Preservation Day, announced the launch of a new website: TalkingTractors.com. The website was conceived with a profound objective to educate and create an online communication portal for recognizing our Nation’s deeply-rooted and proud Agricultural Heritage. It includes information and links to recent articles & interviews about Hinton’s passion for agriculture & vintage farm equipment; as well as features a comprehensive Antique Tractor Resource Directory.
  • The National Corn Growers Association said it is deeply disappointed in a decision released by the International Trade Commission, which upholds an earlier opinion that found material injury to U.S. fertilizer companies during a time of rising on-farm fertilizer prices that went on to reach record highs.
  • It is the height of the Florida strawberry harvesting season and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association says it has been an incredible year in terms of flavor and quality. UF/IFAS researchers have developed several new varieties in recent years such as Florida Pearl, released in 2020, which gets its name from its unusual, white exterior. Some consumers say it tastes like pineapple or apricot.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Preview of CattleCon 2024

    Chuck Zimmerman

    ZimmCastHello and welcome to the ZimmCast.

    This week we’re going to get a preview of the new CattleCon. I love that name. It is new and perfect for the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. In fact, CattleCon is the official new name.

    CattleConTo learn all about what’s new and different with CattleCon I talked with Kristin Torres, Executive Director of Meetings and Events, NCBA.

    CattleCon is where the beef industry meets! We’re Onward to Orlando from January 31 to February 2, 2024. At CattleCon, you’ll discover a unique and comprehensive experience that brings together education, networking, business opportunities, advocacy, and fun for the whole family, all under one roof. Join us at CattleCon, the ultimate destination where the beef industry meets to learn, connect, grow, and enjoy. Registration for CattleCon24 is now open. Click here to register for the largest event in the cattle industry.

    Listen to the episode here:ZimmCast 724 - Preview of CattleCon (14:59)

    That’s the ZimmCast for this week. I hope you enjoyed it and thank you for listening.

    Subscribe to the ZimmCast in:

    Ag Groups, Animal Health, Audio, Beef, Cattle Industry Conference, Meat, NCBA, ZimmCast

    And It’s Titanium

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Apple Watch Ultra 2 iPhone 15 ProYep. It is titanium. As in, Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Watch Ultra 2. And I’ve got it baby.

    I would love to write a very detailed description of these devices but you can find a lot of them and frankly, I’m still learning their capabilities. It’s a major contrast to either of them in the past. But, really, the fact that they are using titanium doesn’t excite me. I’m more interested in what they can do to make me create and work better and faster. For example, the iPhone camera is a vital part of my work. They just keep getting better and so do the photos and video I shoot. The Watch has a more robust app list than in the past that interact with the iPhone and I like the large amount of apps dedicated to fitness and medical measurements. I’m still learning how to use both these devices. There are lots of options to consider.

    There are a couple upgrades that are very handy and that includes the “alway-on” home screen. And depending on how much I’m using these in a day, I can get close to 2 days of battery life and using the right chargers, I can charge them full very quickly.

    So, what has really changed is not so much the devices themselves but the operating systems. With the iPhone 15 Pro I’m currently on iOS 17.2.1. I’m getting used to it but it has made a lot of changes that I don’t like. A simple example is opening up Messages, tapping Edit and the drop down list now includes my profile when I mainly want to Select Messages so I can delete them. I’m constantly accidentally tapping my profile which I don’t want.

    On a related note, I have a MacBook Air, M2. I love it but I don’t love the latest OS there. I’m on Sonoma 14.2.1 and it still has some weird bugs in it. Just do a search and you’ll quickly see what I mean. And the updates just keep coming. Hopefully Apple can finally get the software back to being as dependable as it used to be.

    Technology

    Pivot Bio Presents Study on Boosting Microbial Nitrogen in Dairy

    Cindy Zimmerman

    A new study presented yesterday at the Dairy Business Association’s Dairy Strong event in Green Bay, Wisconsin, demonstrated that replacing up to 40 pounds per acre of synthetic nitrogen with Pivot Bio PROVEN® 40 significantly improved silage tonnage without sacrificing quality.

    The study, conducted in collaboration with over 30 dairy producers during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons showed that farmers who used PROVEN 40 and a reduced rate of nitrogen saw a 0.91 increase in tonnage per acre, representing a 4.2% advantage over the grower standard.

    Agricultural Innovation in Focus: Andy Heath of Pivot Bio Shares Groundbreaking Silage Data at the 2024 Dairy Strong Conference

    PROVEN 40 not only increased silage production but also boosted farmer profitability. Replacing synthetic nitrogen with up to 40 pounds of PROVEN 40 led to a 3.4% increase in milk production per acre. While production per acre increased, milk per ton remained consistent, demonstrating that production can increase while maintaining quality.

    “PROVEN 40 isn’t just about increasing production. It’s also a path to maximizing profit for farmers,” said Andy Heath, a Pivot Bio agronomist from Central Wisconsin. “For the second year in a row, our results show that Pivot Bio’s revolutionary microbial nitrogen is a step toward a more prosperous future in corn silage production, optimizing tonnage, maintaining quality, improving environmental outcomes and ultimately driving profitability.”

    The study found consistent advantages of PROVEN 40 in increasing silage yield across diverse weather conditions, soil types and corn silage management systems. Dairy producers who replaced up to 40 pounds of synthetic nitrogen per acre with PROVEN 40 increased tonnage per acre by 0.91, a 4.2% boost when adjusted to 65% moisture content.

    Check out the study here.

    Corn, Dairy, Feed

    Precision Ag News 1/17

    Carrie Muehling

  • “Unlocking the Value of Innovation” is the theme of the 2024 VISION Conference coming up January 23-24 in Glendale, Arizona, preceded by the co-located Women in Ag Tech (WiAT) meeting January 21-22. Register at https://www.thevisionconference.com/register/ and save $200 with Promo Code: LASTCHANCE.
  • The 2024 class of Brevant brand corn features 40 new products with industry-leading genetics and traits. Farmers will have expanded access for the upcoming growing season to the latest corn innovations, including Brevant brand Vorceed Enlist corn and Brevant brand PowerCore Enlist corn.
  • Combine harvester sales closed out the year ahead of 2022 levels, while almost all tractor segments saw declines in both the United States and Canada, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Total U.S. farm tractor sales fell 5.1 percent in December compared to 2022, while year-to-date sales came in 8.7 percent lower than a year ago. However, 100+hp tractors grew 5.2 percent for the year and 3.6 percent in December, while combine harvesters finished 2023 with sales up 1.7 percent last month.
  • From CES 2024, the biggest tech event in the world, Kubota North America Corporation (KNA) unveiled its 2030 vision and holistic approach to innovation and technology integration, built on more than 130 years of providing customer solutions to societal issues in the areas of food production, clean water, and the environment. Company leaders from around the world came together to provide attendees with an immersive experience into the future for its next generation of equipment that will seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence, automation, and electrification.
  • Precision Planting revealed their newest product, a fully custom, factory-built planting system called CornerStone. The CornerStone Planting System, which comes fully built with everything but the planter bar and is integrated with Precision Planting’s technology, was announced during the first day of Precision Planting’s annual Winter Conference. The company also announced that Panorama from Precision Planting now has two Application Programming Interface (API) connections and is available for purchase. Additionally, a larger 20|20 monitor was announced, as well as updates on the Radicle Agronomics platform.
  • Missouri headquartered Concept AgriTek is pleased to announce the further expansion of the sales team with the recent addition of Ethan Jones who will serve as district sales manager for customers and dealers in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and the northwest corner of Iowa.
  • The Ag Innovation Forum, Presented by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, will be held February 13, 2024. Now in its eighth year, this forum will showcase and celebrate agricultural innovation in the Midwest.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    North America-based RaboResearch Team Expanding

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Rabo AgriFinance, a subsidiary of Rabobank, a leading global food and agribusiness bank, announces the expansion and strengthening of the RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness (F&A) team in North America by welcoming Chase Beisly, Eric Gibson, Charlotte Talbott, and Matt Lewis to the growing team.

    Rabobank’s RaboResearch F&A group is a global team of more than 80 analysts who monitor and evaluate global market events that affect food and agriculture worldwide. The new members join more than 20 analysts based in North America who are internationally respected experts in sectors ranging from dairy to produce, farm inputs to consumer foods and beverages. The F&A team discerns key insights into agricultural markets; conducts in-depth analysis of the factors that drive sector success or failure; and examines megatrends that ultimately influence clients’ business strategies.

    Chase Beisly joins the RaboResearch team as an Animal Protein Analyst to leverage his practical livestock and farming background with direct research and project management experience. Beisly comes to Rabobank from Seaboard Foods, the largest U.S.-owned pork producer, where he served as a Business Logistics Analyst. His expertise working with both primary producers and industry leaders in the animal protein value chain combined with his agricultural data analysis experience will complement the world-class animal protein team.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Beisly holds a Master of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the University of Missouri.

    Eric Gibson joins the team as a Farm Inputs & Crop Production Sustainability Analystwith experience to effectively to build robust relationships with U.S. crop producers and coordinating industry sustainability efforts. He brings a hands-on farming and livestock background combined with 10 years of industry experience in market research and data analysis and agricultural marketing. Gibson comes to Rabobank after serving as a Fusion Leader & Intelligence Analyst at Aimpoint Research. He also spent six years with the U.S. Soybean Export Council in both Industry Relations Manager and Stakeholder Relations positions, where he helped coordinate USSEC’s sustainability program.

    Charlotte Talbott joins the team as the Animal Agriculture Sustainability Analyst and brings a strong background in applied agricultural research and a passion for livestock sustainability. She has experience working closely with research institutions, industry partners, and producers to make practical contributions to the food and agriculture industry’s understanding of challenges and opportunities regarding sustainability.​​​​​​​ Prior to joining Rabobank, Talbott served as Associate Director of Beef Sustainability Research at National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA), where she managed sustainability research projects under NCBA’s Beef Checkoff program to advance the environmental, social, and economic pillars of sustainability in the beef industry.

    Matt Lewis joins the team as a Consumer Food & Beverage Sustainability Analyst with a career squarely focused on the intersection of finance and environmental sustainability. He has collaborated with global corporate clients and investors to help further their journey around sustainability and other ESG-related goals. Previously he served as a Senior ESG Consultant at Aeterra, LLC, where he coordinated and conducted both buy and sell side ESG-related reviews for merger & acquisition transactions in various industries, including food & beverage. Lewis held related roles at Adams Street Partners and ABN AMRO, where he focused on investment strategy and risk management related to ESG.​​​​​​​

    people

    Animal Ag News 1/16

    Carrie Muehling

  • EmGenisys, Inc., an animal health company improving success rates of embryo transfer (ET) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) for cattle producers, announces open enrollment for EmVision. EmVision analyzes the viability and health of embryos at the microscope, giving producers and embryologists objective data to make strategic decisions on transferring embryos. The software will identify the 20 percent of embryos that are already dead or dying to help improve pregnancy rates.
  • Join the Livestock Publications Council for the January Coffee and Collaboration on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 10 a.m. CT. This session is titled “Finding the Stories Within You: How I overcame three decades of writer’s block to (finally) complete a book” with Eric Grant, Managing Director, Grant Company. This free monthly webinar is moderated by Jennifer Shike and Angie Stump Denton. No registration necessary! It’s open to members and non-members.
  • The third class participating in the National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s (NIAA) Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders has been selected and will convene for their first session in Chicago in February 2024.
  • The International Federation of Agricultural Journalism (IFAJ) and Alltech have opened nominations for the 2024 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders program. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2024.
  • Dairy producers and veterinarians can confidently implement mastitis treatment protocols against mastitis cases caused by Gram-negative bacteria with Spectramast LC (ceftiofur hydrochloride) Sterile Suspension from Zoetis. Research from the University of California, Davis — published online in the Journal of Dairy Science (published in press Nov. 2, 2023) — showed that treatment of nonsevere (mild and moderate) cases of clinical mastitis caused by Gram-negative bacteria with Spectramast LC was effective in improving bacteriological and clinical cures, lowering mastitis recurrence, reducing use of supplemental therapy and minimizing mastitis-related culls and deaths.
  • A huge selection of sports paraphernalia, entertainment and historical memorabilia, VIP trips and hunting packages, jewelry and handbags, and spirit and wine packages are among the diverse selection of items that will be auctioned during the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Jan. 30 – Feb. 1.
  • The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) will present “Let’s Talk Research – Current Poultry Research and Findings” as part of the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo’s (IPPE) TECHTalks on Thursday, Feb. 1. Six USPOULTRY-funded research projects completed during 2023 will be reviewed by the researchers who conducted them. The topics will focus on poultry diseases, animal welfare and food safety.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Breeding for Fusarium Wilt Race 4 Resistance

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Cotton production across the United States is under serious threat from a soil-inhabiting fungus called Fusarium oxysporum vasinfectum race 4 (FOV4), which causes Fusarium wilt. After years of fighting the fungus in California, the battle field is now in Texas and cotton breeder Dr. Jim Olvey discussed the topic at the recent Beltwide Cotton Conferences.

    “It’s been a great collaborative effort between private industry, public sector and Cotton Incorporated in a unique problem-solving approach,” said Olvey. “It was an ongoing problem and I think we’re really close to solving it.”

    Olvey says they have developed advanced upland lines that are resistant to FOV4. “This year we’re going to spend a lot of time working with different seed companies with different varieties and find out how many commercial varieties growers grow have resistance. I suspect it’s very few.”

    Learn more in this interview with Dr. Jim Olvey, O&A Enterprises cotton breeder.
    Interview with Jim Olvey, cotton breeder 4:19

    2024 Beltwide Cotton Conferences Photo Album

    Audio, Beltwide Cotton, Cotton

    Industry Ag News 1/12

    Carrie Muehling

  • Already preparing for the 2027 Census of Agriculture, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the National Agricultural Classification Survey (NACS) starting Jan. 24. The survey, an important step in determining who should receive a 2027 Census of Agriculture questionnaire, will go to approximately 250,000 recipients to ask if they conduct agricultural activity. The results of the survey will ensure that every U.S. producer, no matter how large or small their operation, has a voice and is counted in the highly anticipated and influential agricultural census data. NASS encourages recipients to respond securely online at www.agcounts.usda.gov, using the unique survey code mailed with the survey. Completed questionnaires may also be mailed back in the prepaid envelope provided. NASS requests that each person who receives the survey respond promptly.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative are accepting applications for new members to serve on agricultural trade advisory committees.
  • The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) announced U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt will headline a panel at the 63rd Annual Vegetable & Flower Seed Conference. The conference, set to take place January 26-30, 2024, in “America’s Salad Bowl” of Monterey, California, will bring together roughly 1,000 seed professionals from more than 30 countries for an unparalleled educational and networking experience.
  • Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) and former Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill are the recipients of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award and Farm Bureau Founders Award, respectively. The DSA and Founders Award are the highest honors presented by AFBF. Lucas and Hill will be recognized during the 2024 American Farm Bureau Convention, Jan. 17-24, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • The Board of Directors has named Dr. Joseph W. Ward as the Executive Director of the Distillers Grains Technology Council effective January 1st, 2024.
  • Two major agricultural companies, Informa Markets’ Farm Progress and Valent BioSciences, have signed on as sponsors of benchmarking research focused on the use of agricultural biologicals on specialty crops. The two new sponsors join three original sponsors for the study, “Biologicals: Specialty Crop Growers’ Perceptions, Values, and Potential.” Conducted by Stratovation Group, the study will ask growers their sentiments regarding the use, benefits, and future applications of biological inputs in specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, stone fruits, and nuts.
  • Bayer is applying several key changes to the Executive Leadership Team of its Crop Science Division. The new setup will support the company to shape agriculture for farmers, consumers, and the planet, and to deliver against the ambition of becoming the leader in regenerative agriculture.
  • Farm Action Fund released a “Food and Agriculture Policy Platform for Candidates, Written for Farmers by Farmers.” At a time when polling shows that most Americans support stronger antitrust laws, and rural voters in particular are motivated by the fight against corporate greed, Farm Action Fund developed this platform to help candidates take a strong position against monopoly power in the food system.
  • In the segmented industry of food and agriculture, Nathan Laudan stands out as a hands-on connector, making tangible links between urban and rural. Recently honored with the 2023 Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Bridge Builder Award, the Director of Education for the American Royal Association is actively laying the foundation for a more vibrant future in agriculture. The honor, presented at AFA Leaders Conference in November, spotlights an outstanding AFA Alumni making a positive impact in world of food, agriculture and natural resources.
  • RiceTec announced the appointment of Kay Kuenker, Chief Executive Officer, Advanced Agrilytics, LLC., to its Board of Directors. In addition to her role with RiceTec, Kuenker will also serve on the Board of the Liechtenstein Group, the parent company of RiceTec. As a member of the board, Kuenker will provide valuable insight and support as RiceTec furthers its mission to lead innovation for sustainable rice agriculture.
  • Two college students pursuing degrees in agriculture that will benefit the wheat industry will be awarded $2,500 scholarships this semester. Thanks to a great partnership with BASF, the National Wheat Foundation is pleased to award these annual scholarships to undergraduate college students.
  • The Georgia Peanut Commission seeks eligible peanut producers who are interested in serving on the National Peanut Board. All eligible peanut producers are encouraged to participate. Eligible producers are those who are engaged in the production and sale of peanuts and who own or share the ownership and risk of loss of the crop.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Previewing the VISION Conference

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Unlocking the value of innovation is the theme of the 2024 VISION Conference coming up January 23-24 in Glendale, Arizona, preceded by the co-located Women in Ag Tech (WiAT) meeting January 21-22.

    Powered by Meister Media Worldwide’s Global AgTech Initiative, the VISION Conference is the premier event where forward-thinking executives of the ag tech community come together to chart the strategic roadmap for the adoption of the latest innovative technologies and systems, with a focus on the drivers that will transform the agribusiness industry within the next 3-5 years.

    “There’s a lot of different conferences out there that are all very good, but because of Meister Media’s agricultural background, where a lot of them are bringing technology to agriculture, we’re really bringing agriculture to technology,” said Meister President and Chief Operating Officer Joe Monahan.

    Heather Tunstall, corporate content director, says they are excited about what’s new this year, including the co-located Women in Ag Tech meeting. “Women in Ag Tech is focused on community and support,” said Tunstall. “What we’re really looking to do is look at the career paths of many of the successful women in the industry, as well as those just starting out.”

    Tunstall encourages attendees to take a look at the Executive Primer, sponsored by Ever.Ag and available on the VISION Conference website now. “Our executive primer is a digital document we are putting out ahead of the conference that brings to ground some of the main themes we’ll be talking about,” she said. “It will also be available on-site at the event. We think it’s a very valuable piece as a take away and for further understanding.”

    Learn more about the conference in this interview with Monahan and Tunstall, and by going to TheVISIONConference.com. Register at https://www.thevisionconference.com/register/ and save $200 with Promo Code: LASTCHANCE.

    2024 VISION preview interview 12:41

    AgWired Precision, Audio, Precision Agriculture, Technology