There is a Future for Agriculture

Kelly Marshall November 3, 2015

Rachel Greig has been part of the FFA program for 7 years and intends to make it part of her life for many years to come. She attended the 2015 National FFA Convention this year as Pennsylvania’s State FFA Secretary and you can hear her passion for the future of agriculture in her interview with Jamie Johansen.

Pennsylvania State FFA Secretary Rachel Greig

“My passion about agriculture is advocating for younger people or our future generations because not everybody knows what agriculture is all about, or even what FFA is all about, so its very important we know where our food comes from and who does all the work to put into our food,” Rachel says.

Her future plans are to attend college and become a speech and language pathologist, hopefully in an elementary school, and coming home to beef cows, pigs, and sheep after the bell rings. She’d like others involved in FFA to know there’s a place in agriculture for them when their time in high school is over.

“I’d like them to know there is a future for agriculture. And here [at the convention] you can go and visit many colleges– ag colleges, and they are amazing. So it doesn’t just end after high school. You can move forward and keep moving forward. It just never stops.”

Find photos from the event here: 2015 National FFA Convention Photo Album

Coverage of the National FFA Convention is sponsored by

Ag Groups, Audio, FFA

Agri-Pulse Partners with Tom Davis

Kelly Marshall November 3, 2015

The well-respected source of farm and rural policy information, Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc., has grown substantially in the last year. With their online presence experiencing a boom the company has reached an agreement with respected publisher, Tom Davis. The plan is to enhance the strategic planning, marketing and sales efforts of the fast growing company.

“We are very pleased to have someone with Tom’s publishing experience and industry networking skills join the Agri-Pulse team,” said Sara Wyant, Agri-Pulse President. “As we continue to expand our paid circulation and develop an even stronger web presence, we wanted to add another experienced media professional to provide strategic insight and work with prospective subscribers and advertisers.”

Davis brings a wealth of previous publishing experience, including 37 years with Meredith Corporation where he served as Publisher of Successful Farming magazine. Most recently, he served as Vice President/Group Publisher for several of Meredith’s consumer media products.

Tom graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University and has been recognized as a Distinguished Agricultural Alumni. He has held leadership positions in a number of industry organizations, including the National Agri-Marketing Association, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, American Business Media’s Ag Council and the National FFA Organization.

Visit Agri-Pulse.com or sign up for Agri-Pulse Daily Harvest to keep up with policy affecting rural America.

Agri-Pulse, Agribusiness, politics

Nominate a Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives

Jamie Johansen November 2, 2015

Farm Credit is looking for an individual or group of individuals whose leadership and vision is changing the future of agriculture and rural America for the better. They are searching for 100 leaders who are positively shaping what is next for rural communities and agriculture to award Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives.

Whether the leader is a “farm kid” who speaks to youth in urban areas about the importance of agriculture; a business leader respected for commitment to their community and the thriving future of rural America; an agriculture educator who may have inspired thousands throughout the years; or a farmer or rancher dedicated to progress and innovation on their farm or ranch, we invite you to help us identify these dynamic visionaries. Please consider submitting a nomination today.

Following your nomination, a panel of experts on rural matters, including Farm Credit leaders and representatives from around the agriculture industry, will evaluate and help select the top 100 honorees. We will announce the Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives honorees in March 2016.

Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives honorees will have the opportunity to share their stories and inspire with their vision throughout the Farm Credit centennial year in 2016 and beyond. Additionally, ten distinguished Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives honorees — one from each nomination category — will receive a $10,000 award to help further their contributions to thriving rural communities and agriculture. These ten honorees and a guest also will be invited to Washington, D.C. to participate in a special Farm Credit recognition event in 2016. Nominations will be accepted through December 18, 2015. Please see the Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives official rules for further details. Doesn’t have to be a farm credit borrower to be nominated or win.

Agribusiness, Farm Credit

NeATA Asks Farmers to Save the Date

Kelly Marshall November 2, 2015

The University of Nebraska is asking farmers to mark their calendars for the upcoming Nebraska Agricultural Technologies Association Conference. The event will be held February 3-4 in Lincoln, NE at a new locations in the Nebraska Innovation Campus Center. The keynote speaker for the conference will be Governor Pete Ricketts.

You can follow the NeATA on Facebook and Twitter for more updates.

Ag Groups, Events, Technology

Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Sen. Joni Ernst

John Davis November 2, 2015

Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features Sen. Joni Ernst.

From her family’s Iowa farm to the troubled lands of the Middle East, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst has dedicated her life to the nation’s security: for ample food and against foes. In this week’s Open Mic Interview U.S. Senator Joni Ernst shares her thoughts on proposed legislative action to block the EPA’s new clean water rules, the economic significance of the agency’s RFS volume obligation announcement, long term funding for the Highway Trust Fund and why Washington should address GMO food labeling.

Click here to listen to Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Sen. Joni Ernst.

Agri-Pulse, Audio, politics

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes October 30, 2015

Tom Liebe has been hired as president and CEO of Cooperative Network, the statewide association for cooperatives in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Missouri’s farmers and ranchers are helping tell the story of agriculture and the beef industry through a new interactive exhibit opening summer 2016 at the Saint Louis Science Center.
At its October 27, 2015, Organizational Meeting, the MGEX Board of
Directors named 2015-2016 public directors, named Board officers and approved committee
assignments.
Agriscaping Technologies announced the launch of Agriscaping University to educate and provide career opportunities in sustainable landscaping.

Zimfo Bytes

Bayer’s #Thankful4Ag Surpasses Goal

Chuck Zimmerman October 30, 2015

Bayer CropScience has smashed another goal for their annual #Thankful4Ag campaign. In this week’s program I talk with Jeff Donald about the program and its progress.

Jeff says that last year the program had a goal of donating 200,000 meals to hungry people via Feeding America. That goal was broken and this year it is 330,000 by tomorrow October 31st. That has been surpassed too!

This third year the #Thankful4Ag campaign introduces consumers to the types of crops they were born to grow with a fun, interactive quiz, all while introducing them to real American growers and helping to feed the 48 million Americans living in food insecure households through Feeding America®.

#Thankful4Ag invites everyone to visit www.Thankful4Ag.com to take the “What type of farmer are you?” quiz, where participants will learn if their calling is to be an Idaho potato grower, a South Georgia kale grower or one of 10 other crops. From now until Oct. 31, each time someone takes the quiz and shares the results, or uses the hashtag #Thankful4Ag, Bayer CropScience will donate $1*, or 11 meals to Feeding America, up to 330,000 meals.

From Sept. 30 through Oct. 12, the campaign traveled with Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour, sparking a social media frenzy with this PSA featuring the country music star.

Listen to this week’s program for more: Bayer #Thankful4Ag

Subscribe to the ZimmCast podcast here.

The ZimmCast

sponsored by

Locally owned, globally strong.

Agribusiness, Audio, Bayer, ZimmCast

Deputy Ag Secy Harden Believes FFA is the Difference

Jamie Johansen October 30, 2015

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden attended her first National FFA Convention and took the stage to address FFA members during the third general session of the 88th annual event. She said she doesn’t use prepared notes but her message was clear. She believes in the future of agriculture and doesn’t just think FFA members will make a difference. She believes wholeheartedly that they are the difference.

Before she took the stage, Deputy Secretary Harden spent time with the media to not only address the future of agriculture, but USDA’s programs and services that serve new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Yesterday USDA also announced a tailored web tool designed to connect farm entrepreneurs with programs and resources available to help them get started.

“This announcement is symbolic of the evolution of USDA’s efforts to better serve the next generation of farmers and ranchers. What began seven years ago with the recognition that the rapid aging of the American farmer was an emerging challenge, has transformed into a robust, transparent, tech-based strategy to recruit the farmers of the future,” said Harden. “No matter where you’re from, no matter what you look like, no matter your background, we want USDA to be the first stop for anyone who is looking to be a part of the story and legacy of American agriculture.”

Listen to Deputy Secretary Harden’s remarks here: Ag Deputy Secretary Harden Presser

Find photos from the event here: 2015 National FFA Convention Photo Album

Coverage of the National FFA Convention is sponsored by

Ag Groups, Audio, FFA, USDA

Webinar for Farm Transition Planning

Kelly Marshall October 30, 2015

Ag Transition Partners, and American Agri-Women (AAW) are hosting a no-cost farm transition webinar to help producers plan for the future. Three webinars are planned and on-site or virtual coaching and action templates will be provided as well.

The first webinar is already avaliable for download on the AAW website. The second webinar will be held November 17 at noon Central. This webinar will help growers use the Ag Transition tool to learn the process and gather information to develop a plan.

You can register at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5386075726088145410
Webinar ID: 118-664-379

The third session “Making it Happen” is scheduled for December 8. Registration detail will follow later.

The project’s multi-layer approach sets it apart from other planning processes, better helping farm families ensure the legacy of their operations. Each family will be coached by a member of the Ag Transition Partners and action plans will be developed using the University of Minnesota’s Ag Transitions online templates.

This project is free for participating farm and ranch families and is made possible through a grant from North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center (NCERMEC) and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

An estimated 70 percent of farms and farmland are expected to transition ownership in the next 20 years, with less than half having estate plans in place. Fewer than 70 percent have chosen a successor, and only 11 percent have a transition plan. An estate plan can help families work together, rather than leave family members overwhelmed with taxes and unable to run the business.

For more information, or to sign up to for the project contact Kristine Ranger, project manager, at kristine@knkowledgenavigators.com or (517) 974-5697.

Ag Groups

Novozymes is Ranked Best Science Employer

Kelly Marshall October 30, 2015

Science Magazine released it’s annual Top Employers Survey, and Novozymes has been ranked number one. The survey encompasses employees from biotechnology, pharmaceutical and related companies and ranks the top 20 globally. Novozymes was selected because they are leaders in their industry, treat employees with respect, and are socially responsible.

“We are very proud to be recognized as the best employer by this leading scientific journal,” says Per Falholt, Chief Science Officer at Novozymes. “We develop biological answers to some of the greatest challenges of our time. Our growing world needs more food, better farming, renewable energy, and clean air and water. Our products really make a difference, and I believe that is a great motivation for everybody at Novozymes.”

Novozymes has pioneered the field of industrial biotechnology since the 1940s. One in five of its 6,500 employees work in research and development (R&D), with the company’s main research centers located in Denmark, China, U.S. and India. Novozymes invests 13-14% of total revenue into R&D each year.

As the world’s largest maker of industrial enzymes and microorganisms, Novozymes’ biotechnology is used by companies everywhere to save on energy, water and raw materials in a wide range of products. From laundry detergents, textiles and beer, to biofuels, animal feed and crops. In 2014, the worldwide application of Novozymes’ biological solutions helped customers reduce their CO₂ emissions by an estimated 60 million tons, equivalent to taking 25 million cars off the road.

“Many answers to the world’s biggest problems can be found in some of the smallest things in nature,” says Per Falholt. “Proteins and microorganisms have helped humans since the dawn of time. They are right there waiting for us to discover just how much biology can do to create a world in balance.”

Science Magazine is a production of the American Association of the Advancement of Science and considered one o the top scientific publications. Results were taken from 5,701 surveyed responses. View the complete ranking at www.sciencecareers.org/TopEmployers2015.

Agribusiness, Biotech

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