Precision Ag News 2/28

Carrie Muehling

  • A recent survey by the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) found that an added 10.5 million acres of cover crops will be planted in the next five years as a result of USDA’s Partnerships for Climate Smart-Commodities projects. The program, announced in February of 2022, was established to support conservation practices, particularly for small and underserved producers. ASTA’s survey focused on cover crop acres through the lifespan of the projects, using numbers provided by the respective projects leads.
  • Harvest Returns, an online platform for agriculture investing, announced a partnership with Good Agriculture, a farmer-first, tech-enabled company focused on helping agriculture producers manage the business side of their operations. The partnership entails customer referrals between the two companies for their respective services.
  • Bushel released its annual State of the Farm Report, sharing the voice of the U.S. farmer with preferences and opinions on farming practices, grain marketing strategies, and technology usage and perceptions. Bushel is an independently owned software technology company focused on developing digital tools for the agricultural supply chain. Started in 2017, the Bushel State of the Farm Report is based on one of the largest farmer surveys in the industry.
  • Purdue University’s Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC) has launched its new interactive chilling hours tool. Growers now can more closely monitor accumulated chilling hours, an important factor that tracks how long fruit plants have been exposed to an ideal range of cool temperatures throughout the dormant season.
  • SweetWater Technologies Powered by Gripp has launched a new business partnership opportunity for the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. The enterprise, a turn-key, owner-operator drone business, is targeting young agricultural partners carving out their own niche within the farming industry and providing them an active way to contribute to their family’s existing farm operations.
  • Today marks 10 years since the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) created regional Climate Hubs, which were established to help support the agricultural producers and rural communities make climate-informed decisions. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is highlighting how these regional climate centers – bolstered by President Biden’s historic climate agenda – are helping farmers, ranchers, forest landowners and communities address the threats of climate change.
  • SVG Ventures| THRIVE, a global venture and innovation platform, and Alberta Innovates, the innovation engine of Alberta, Canada, join forces to unveil the Climate Challenge – a ground-breaking initiative aimed at accelerating innovation at the intersection of agriculture and energy to combat climate change and create a sustainable future.
  • Registration is now open for the 17th annual Conservation in Action Tour, hosted by the Conservation Technology Information Center on June 10-11 in Arkansas, with Memphis, TN as the hotel base. Delve into Arkansas’s conservation efforts through farm tours and hands-on demonstrations.
  • The American Soybean Association congratulates this year’s regional winners of the 2024 Conservation Legacy Award: Brad and Joyce Doyle, Weiner, Arkansas (Southern Region); Jacob Kaderly, Monticello, Wisconsin (Upper Midwest Region); Donald Morse, Birch Run, Michigan (Northeast Region); and Chris Von Holten, Walnut, Illinois (Midwest Region).
  • Syngenta announced that it has a new seed treatment in development for soybeans and cotton, which will be called Victrato. Upon approval by the Environmental Protection Agency for registration, which is anticipated by the 2025 growing season, the new seed treatment will introduce targeted technology to stop nematodes, Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and Cotton Root Rot (CRR) without harming beneficial organisms.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    ZimmCast 726 – Clean and Renewable Fuels

    Cindy Zimmerman

    ZimmCastThe push for everything to be more carbon neutral and sustainable has never been stronger, and that continues to increase the demand for clean and renewable fuels.

    Clean Fuels Alliance America and the Renewable Fuels Association have both held their annual conferences this year to focus on the challenges and opportunities for the U.S. biofuels industry. The Clean Fuels Conference was held in Fort Worth and the National Ethanol Conference took place in San Diego.

    This episode of the ZimmCast includes comments from leaders of both organizations, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and representatives from the two major players in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry – Gevo and LanzaJet.

    Listen to the episode here:ZimmCast 726 - Clean and Renewable Fuels (22:25)

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

    Subscribe to the ZimmCast in:

    Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, Clean Fuels Alliance, Ethanol, National Ethanol Conference, RFA, ZimmCast

    Agri-Pulse Celebrates 20 Years

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Agri-PulseIt was great to catch up with good friends Sara Wyant and Al Johnson of Agri-Pulse while at the National Ethanol Conference last week in San Diego.

    We have known Sara and Al for a very long time and are sharing the significant milestone of 20 years for both of our companies this year. In this interview, Sara and I chat about 20 years of Agri-Pulse and the upcoming Agri-Pulse Ag & Food Policy Summit: Reviving Rural Revenues on March 18 at the National Press Club.

    During the 2024 Ag & Food Policy Summit, we’ll explore a wide variety of options, from local food systems to biomanufacturing, environmental markets and the potential to increase overseas demand. We’ll wrap up with a panel of policy analysts who’ll explore some of the outside influences that are impacting the future of food and agriculture’s ability to stay economically sustainable.

    Interview with Sara Wyant, Agri-Pulse
    Agri-Pulse, Audio

    National Ethanol Conference Wrap Up

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The 29th National Ethanol Conference held in San Diego California last week may go down as one of the best and most timely industry meetings ever, setting the stage for major decisions that hang in the balance this year, including year-round availability of E15 and a revised GREET model that will determine ethanol’s role in sustainable aviation fuel.

    The Renewable Fuels Association was pleased to welcome USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to the NEC this year, as well as Doug McKalip, Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative. This edition of the Ethanol Report includes comments from both of them, as well as RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper, RFA Chairman Erik Huschitt of Badger State Ethanol, Dr. Michael Wang with Argonne National Laboratory, and RFA Senior VP, Industry Relations & Market Development Robert White.

    Ethanol Report 2-26-24 19:10

    2024 National Ethanol Conference Virtual Newsroom

    The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

    Choose an option to subscribe

    Audio, Ethanol, National Ethanol Conference, Podcasts, RFA

    Animal Ag News 2/26

    Carrie Muehling

  • USDA announced that the 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) sign-up will open Feb. 28 and run through April 29. For more NMPF resources related to the DMC program and other federally backed risk management programs, visit here.
  • The Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin’s leading dairy advocacy group, held its sixth annual Dairy Day at the Capitol event in Madison. Over 30 DBA members, both farmers and other corporate professionals, gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol to advocate for the state’s dairy community.
  • San Antonio, Texas, will host CattleCon 2025, the largest cattle industry event in the country, Feb. 4-6, 2025. Thousands of cattlemen and women will gather to learn, conduct business, network and have fun.
  • To deepen meat industry coordination and government collaboration in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the Canadian Meat Council (CMC), Consejo Mexicano de la Carne (COMECARNE), and the Meat Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalizes the three associations’ ongoing work to improve trade, reduce regulatory barriers and enhance information exchange within North America. The organizations also finalized a Joint Statement of Coordination that emphasizes their collective commitment to addressing foreign animal diseases, sustainability and non-tariff trade barriers.
  • Smithfield Foods has donated $100,000 to fund a mobile food retail market that will provide fresh food in food deserts throughout southeastern North Carolina. The donation to Ripe for Revival, a nonprofit founded to address food insecurity in North Carolina, was used to purchase a bus that has been transformed into a mobile food market. The bus will offer fresh, local, healthy food to the public, including many families experiencing food insecurity, at pay-what-you-can prices. Smithfield’s donation brings Ripe for Revival’s fleet up to a total of five buses.
  • Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the oldest and largest livestock association in the Southwest, announced the TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to develop future land and livestock stewards and leaders. The TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation will support high school and college programs, internships, young professional development opportunities and grant programs.
  • Sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and the Meat Institute, the annual Animal Agriculture Sustainability Summit brought together more than 125 attendees to hear the latest on how the meat, poultry and egg, animal feed and pork industries are advancing their sustainability programs. The summit was held during the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Ga.
  • U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) recognized six poultry farms that were nominated for the annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award at the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo. The award is given annually to recognize exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.
  • The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council recognized four poultry facilities with the Frank Cruice Innovation in Safety & Health Award at the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). The facilities were recognized for a significant advancement in operational excellence in a safety and/or health innovation.
  • During the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), six researchers presented their findings from recently completed research projects funded by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) and its Foundation as part of the TECHTalks sessions offered during the Expo. All the researchers’ presentations have been made available on USPOULTRY’s YouTube channel and can be viewed at youtube.com/USPOULTRY.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    DWFI Podcast 33 – Economic Cost of Drought

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Aakanksha Melkani, a postdoctoral research associate at the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI), researches the economic implications of drought in the United States, specifically on agricultural sectors. In this edition of the Water for Food Podcast, we are sharing an episode of Nebraska on Tap, a podcast produced by the Middle Republican Natural Resources District in Nebraska. Host of the show, Heather Dizmang, discusses Aakansha’s findings so far, as well as her time in Africa studying maize production.

    Listen here or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:
    DWFI podcast episode 33 20:58

    The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska was founded with the mission to have a lasting and significant impact on achieving more food security with less pressure on scarce water resources by conducting scientific and policy research, using the research results to inform policy makers, and sharing knowledge through education and communication.

    How to subscribe:

    Audio, Podcasts, Water for Food, Weather

    Industry Ag News 2/23

    Carrie Muehling

  • In an unprecedented opportunity for Commodity Classic attendees, both United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan will keynote the General Session of this year’s event, fast approaching Feb. 28-March 2 in Houston. The General Session is Friday, March 1, 8:30-10:30 a.m. (CST) at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency announced that it will grant the request by eight Midwestern governors to allow the year-round sale of fuel with a 15 percent ethanol blend, or E15, in their states beginning in the summer of 2025. The announcement was welcomed by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), which has been fighting to break down barriers to the environmentally friendly biofuels.
  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced that Sean Arians has joined the organization as vice president of Sustainable Production.
  • Registration is open for the IFAJ 2024 Congress in Interlaken, Switzerland. Register now to take advantage of a CHF 100 early bird discount.
  • America’s farmers grow many different types of fruits and vegetables throughout the country, requiring a diverse crop insurance program that meets the highly specialized risks of each region. To help break down the ins and outs of crop insurance, National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) recently launched “Keep America Growing,” a new five-minute monthly podcast hosted by NCIS President Tom Zacharias.
  • Be part of the experience as we celebrate the American farmers who work and preserve the land to feed millions. This year National Ag Day celebrates with live AND virtual events.
  • An Indianapolis marketing and advertising agency specializing in agriculture, Blank Page (BLNKPG) Marketing, recently welcomed Chris McNeely to the team as Account Director.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association welcomed Lucas E3, Aon Risk Services, Ocean Park, Cereal Process Technologies, and StormFisher Hydrogen as its newest associate members.
  • Jay Bryant, CEO of Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association (MDVA), was recently awarded the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) Robert B. Engel Farmer Co-op Manager of the Year Award. The award is for the recognition of individuals that oversee and manage their organizations effectively and who provide impactful advocacy for the cooperative model.
  • The National Cotton Council announced the results of its 2024 planting intentions survey and its economic outlook for 2024. U.S. cotton producers intend to plant 9.8 million cotton acres this spring, down 3.7 percent from 2023, according to the NCC 43rd Annual Early Season Planting Intentions Survey.
  • Awards were presented during the National Cotton Council’s (NCC) 2024 annual meeting held February 16 -18 in Orlando, Florida. Eddie Smith, a former chairman and vice chairman for the National Cotton Council received the 2023 Harry S. Baker Distinguished Service Award. Steve Verett, a former director of the National Cotton Council and current special advisor, received the Oscar Johnston Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023. The National Cotton Council also announced its directors for 2024.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    EPA Announces E15 Waiver Approval for 8 States in 2025

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday approval of requests from state governors to remove the 1-psi volatility waiver for gasoline-ethanol blends containing 10 percent ethanol in their states, but delays the effective date to April 28, 2025.

    “After review of the emissions modeling results presented by the governors in their requests, EPA is removing the 1-psi waiver in the following states: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin,” EPA states, adding that the delay in implementation is “due to concerns over insufficient fuel supply with an earlier effective date, consistent with statutory provisions.”

    USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack previewed the announcement earlier this week at the National Ethanol Conference, adding that he believes the approval will ultimately go beyond the eight Midwestern states. “We understand higher blends need to be supported which is why I am confident that 2025 we will have E15 across the country and this summer we will likely see waivers as we have the last couple of summers,” Vilsack said in remarks. Regarding the delay until 2025, he told reporters, “I think it’s important to have the justification for the expansion locked down solid so that if there are any concerns expressed about it as often the oil industry provides, that we’re in a position to defend this as strongly as we can.”

    NEC24 Vilsack E15 waiver comments 2:10

    Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper called the delayed approval a good news, bad news situation. On one hand, the EPA decision finally allows retailers in these eight states to sell E15 year-round. But on the other hand, it delays implementation until 2025, creating uncertainty and confusion about the availability of E15 this coming summer. “Summertime is just around the corner, what’s the marketplace going to do with E15 come June 1?” said Cooper. “Long term we’ve got to resolve this in a way that provides certainty in the marketplace and stability.”

    NEC24 Cooper E15 waiver comments 1:08

    RFA Chairman Erik Huschitt, CEO of Badger State Ethanol, is of the opinion that 2025 is better than never. “If we have to wait until 2025 it’s an embarrassment of our political leadership that they can’t get it done earlier,” said Huschitt. “We’ll take it in 2025…as long as we have a clear path we’ll show a little more patience.”

    NEC24 Huschitt E15 waiver comments :21

    Audio, EPA, Ethanol, RFA, USDA

    Virtual Newsrooms in Early 2024

    Chuck Zimmerman

    AgNewsWire2024 has been a busy one for the ZimmComm Team. So far we’ve worked at six conferences and they each have a virtual ag newsroom available for all ag journalists out there. Just in case you have missed any of them and are looking for interviews and photos then look no further than these on a variety of different parts of the overall ag industry. They are all published via our AgNewsWire service and I will provide a link to them below.

    There is more on the schedule coming up soon. These include:

    Commodity Classic
    Washington, DC Fly-in & Government Affairs Summit
    Agri-Pulse Ag & Food Policy Summit
    National Ag Day
    National Agri-Marketing Conference

    Since this is all about AgNewsWire you can see many press releases we have distributed during this same time. All you have to do it go to AgNewswire.com and scroll through the press releases as well as podcast episodes we produce and publish there. Lots of good fresh content! Let us know how we can help you with your marketing efforts, especially targeted to ag media. Just let me know.

    Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Audio, Photography

    AGOLIN/Alltech Partnership for Eco-Friendly Nutrition Solutions

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Martha Baker, AlltechDuring the recent CattleCon I visited with Martha Baker, Alltech. She is the AGOLIN Lead for Alltech. The company acquired a majority interest in AGOLIN last year. She says AGOLIN is “foundational to their sustainability and approach to carbon markets.” Martha describes that in more detail in our interview.

    AGOLIN products are blends of high-quality plant extracts from traditional herbs and spices. They have a pleasant scent and highly refined physical form, which are well accepted by both the feed industry and producers. All compounds used in AGOLIN products are of food quality and GMO-free. In this situation with CattleCon the focus is on beef and dairy cows nutrition.

    Learn more in my interview with Martha.

    Interview with Martha Baker, Alltech 5:33

    Alltech, Animal Health, Audio