The Hibbity-Jibbities

Melissa Sandfort October 15, 2015

My bedroom when I was a child had two windows and in the fall (despite my horrible allergies to weeds, grass, pollen, mold, dust, you name it) I would keep my windows open as I fell asleep. I’d lie awake listening to the sounds of crickets and cicadas in the weeping willow tree. Below each window was a large evergreen bush. And usually attached from the evergreen bush to the screen on my window was a large spider web, home to many a garden spider.

These innocent, yet very large, spiders were just enough to keep a 14-year-old from sneaking out of the house through the window. To this day, I believe mom and dad chose that room for me because they knew I’d never escape if I had to go around a spider!

I have said many times how many similarities there are between my daughter and I. I know what she’s going to do, when she’s going to do it, and WHY she does it. There’s no pulling the wool over this mom’s face! (Poor girl.)

A few weeks ago, I took this picture of the garden spider and guess where he was. Right outside of my daughter’s bedroom window.

Life has a funny way about it, doesn’t it?

Until we walk again …

Uncategorized

Cabs Now Available on New Holland Compact Tractor

Kelly Marshall October 15, 2015

The Boomer 37/41/47 compact tractors from New Holland now come with a factory-installed cab. The new cab is spacious and climate-controlled for year-round comfort. Side and rear-opening windows also allow natural ventilation for those beautiful weather work days.

“Whether you load mulch, mow the lawn, move snow, or do farm chores, New Holland’s Boomer tractors have set the standard for efficiency, convenience, and ease of operation. Now, operators can work even more productively with the year-round comfort and protection of a cab,” says Todd DeBock, Pro Work Tools Market Segment Leader.

Boomer compact tractors are designed with New Holland’s signature sloped hood and without a muffler in the operator’s line of sight. The cab features ample window space for excellent forward visibility as well as to the rear drawbar and linkage. The view is enhanced with a lighting package that illuminates both front and sides for greater productivity and safety when operating in the early or late hours of the day.

Convenience continues inside the cab, with an adjustable cloth seat with easy fore/aft movement and adjustable arm rests. Controls are conveniently located on the right fender for easy access.

The tractors are run by Tier 4B fuel efficient engines. The engines decrease greenhouse gases and hydrocarbon pollution while using fuel with more efficiency and require no extra fluids or operator input. The New Holland system is completely automatic.

Agribusiness, New Holland, Tractor

Monsanto Co. Top 2015 World’s Best Workplaces

Jamie Johansen October 15, 2015

Great Place to Work® has named Monsanto Company to the list of the World’s Best Multinational Workplaces for the fourth consecutive year. This year, Monsanto ranked No. 9 in the world’s largest annual study of workplace excellence that identifies the top 25 best multinational companies in terms of workplace culture and is the top ranking agricultural company.

“At Monsanto, we pride ourselves on the diverse, inclusive culture we’ve created that allows us to achieve great results for our customers and others who depend on us,” said Hugh Grant, Monsanto Chairman and CEO. “Teamwork is the foundation of our culture and helps us build the strong partnerships needed to pursue solutions to the big challenges we all share.”

Monsanto was named a Great Place to Work® in 12 national lists, up from nine in 2014. Monsanto is the only St. Louis-based company and the only agriculture company recognized again this year.

To be eligible for the Top 25 World’s Best Multinational Workplaces list, qualifying companies must have appeared on at least five national Great Place to Work® lists, have at least 5,000 employees worldwide, and have a global workforce where at least 40 percent of their employees work outside the company’s home country.

Agribusiness

More Growers Needed to Meet Specialty Food Demand

Joanna Schroeder October 15, 2015

According to a new report, “Beyond Organic: The Revolution in Consumer Food Expectations,” specialty foods are here to stay. The report looked at consumer preferences and purchase habits of specialty foods including gluten free and ethically produced (non-GMO, antibiotic, hormone free, etc.). According to co-author Peter Walter, consumers are particularly committed to certain types of specialty, or organic foods. For example, 70 percent of respondents who purchase either occasionally or frequently prefer all natural products while 68 percent prefer locally produced food. However, many Big Food companies are struggling to keep up but those who address health, sustainability and ethical concerns of consumers are positioned to benefit.

This major shift in consumer preference will require overhauling or rebuilding supply chains, launching or acquiring new brands, and identifying how to manage input costs while still turning a profit. But important for Big Food, Walter says consumers are willing, and pay more, for specialty products and this trend is here to stay.

Significant commitments have been made by CPGS, grocery and food service to consumers and the supply chain is evolving to cope with this. A critical part of the supply chain? Growers.

USDA’s Organic Survey (2014) found organic product sales by farms in the U.S. increased 83 percent between 2007 and 2012. USDA’s report is a third in a series of ongoing surveys to assist not only producers but suppliers to the organic industry who use the data to plan production and marketing of new products.

Organic vegetables at a Kroger store in Smyrna, Georgina. Photo Credit: Joanna Schroeder

The USDA Organics Survey looks at how many acres are currently “organic” approved, exempted or in the transition phase to become organic. The survey finds there are 14,093 current certified or exempted organic farms in the U.S. with 3,670, 560 total organic acres in production with California leading in organic farms and organic acres in production.

One way the financial risk is being offset by food chains such as Walmart, is contracting directly with growers. Walter says companies that offer farmers the same price or a premium will help growers on the fence begin the three year process of organic conversion. He notes so far the dairy industry output has been adequate whereas fruits and vegetables are still being imported. In addition, Walter says, there is not adequate supply of non-GMO corn in the U.S. a trend that is still high-profile, and food companies are importing the ingredient.

Other production areas that are seeing widespread change is in the poultry industry where retail chains such as McDonalds have committed to moving to 100 percent cage free eggs by 2025. Walter says the U.S. market is not big enough to meet current demand, let alone growing demand as more restaurants follow suit.

Walter is confident that the food industry will catch up and that growers, with continued growth of the specialty food industry along with contract commitments, will continue to make the transition of at least a portion of their acres to natural and organic ingredients.

Agribusiness, Food, Organic, Research

#GAPReport2015: Productivity, Sustainability Must Be Priority

Joanna Schroeder October 14, 2015

The global productivity of agriculture has stagnated for the second year in a row and productive, sustainable agriculture must be a priority. This was one of the main findings of the 6th annual Global Agricultural Productivity Report: Building Sustainable Breadbaskets (#GAPReport2015) released by the Global Harvest Initiative (GHI) today during the World Food Prize taking place this week in Des Moines, Iowa. The authors of the report caution that unless this trend is reversed the world may not succeed in sustainably providing food, feed, fiber and biofuels needed for growing worldwide population.

To meet food production goals over the next few decades, global agricultural productivity must increase by 1.75 percent per year. It is estimated there will be 9.7 billion people in 2050 with 40 percent of the growth taking place in Sub-Saharan Africa.

According to GHI’s annual assessment of productivity growth – the GAP Index™ – the current rate of growth is only 1.72 percent. The rate of annual productivity growth in low-income countries is much lower, at an average of 1.5 percent. At this rate, 15 years from now (2030) sub-Saharan Africa will only be able to meet 14 percent of its food demand, driving up food prices for poor households and requiring significant imports, food assistance, and opening up environmentally sensitive land for agricultural production. Productivity growth is also slowing down in the U.S.- a key U.S. economy driver providing $2 trillion in annual revenue.

“Raising global agricultural productivity requires long-term investments in the research and development of science-based agricultural technologies, agricultural extension services and education for farmers around the world, efficient transportation and telecommunications infrastructures, and support for the next generation of farmers,” said Dr. Margaret Zeigler, Executive Director of GHI during her introduction remarks during the report launch. “We also need agreements for better facilitation of global and regional trade and we must prioritize agriculture technologies and practices that help mitigate climate change and conserve natural resources.”

This year’s GAP Report highlights the legacy of U.S. agriculture and conservation system and also shines a spotlight on Zambia, a country leading the way in diversifying its agricultural production systems in a sustainable way. Zambia is working to become a regional breadbasket in southern Africa. The report also stresses that significantly more investments must be made globally, especially among small farmers and women farmers to enable growers to grow more with less.

Listen to Dr. Margaret Zeigler’s introductory remarks here: Dr. Margaret Zeigler's GAP Report Remarks

From left to right: Dr. Margaret Zeigler, Executive Director, Global Harvest Initiative; Dr. Keith Fuglie, Economist, USDA Economic Research Service; Cory Reed, Vice President of the Intelligent Solutions Group, John Deere; Dr. Phyllis Muturi, Makerere University, Uganda and Embu University College, Kenya (AWARD Scholar, Iowa State); Colin Bletsky, Vice President of BioAg, Novozymes; and Ruth Ann Myers, National Vice President, Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Cory Reed, vice president of John Deere’s Intelligent Solutions Group expanded on the need to produce more with less. “By combining precision agriculture with advances in seed, fertilizer and bioagriculture technologies, we are able to “farm smart”, meaning farmers can produce more while also conserving and protecting soils, water, and the natural resource base.” Reed is also the Chair of the GHI Board of Directors.

During the event, a panel took place where participants discussed how to cultivate resilient food and agriculture systems in the U.S. and Zambia, and how the right policies and public-private partnerships advance resilience and help manage risk. Dr. Margaret Zeigler moderated and was joined by Colin Bletsky, Vice President of BioAg, Novozymes; Cory Reed, Vice President of the Intelligent Solutions Group, John Deere; Dr. Keith Fuglie, Economist, USDA Economic Research Service; Ruth Ann Myers, National Vice President, Future Farmers of America (FFA); and Dr. Phyllis Muturi, Makerere University, Uganda and Embu University College, Kenya (AWARD Scholar, Iowa State).

Listen to Kelly Winquist, John Deere, GAP Report 2015 remarks here: Kelly Winquist's GAP Report Remarks

Listen to Ann Steensland, Senior Associate with Global Harvest Initiative remarks here: Ann Steensland's GAP Report Remarks

Listen to Dr. Catherine Woteki, Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics and Chief Scientist, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) closing remarks here: Dr. Catherine Woteki's GAP Report Closing Remarks

Listen to the panel discussion here: GAP Report Panel Discussion

2015 World Food Prize photo album.

Coverage of the World Food Prize Global Harvest Initiative is sponsored by

Agribusiness, Audio, Conservation, Food, John Deere, Precision Agriculture, Sustainability, World Food Prize

Greetings from IFAJ in New Zealand

Cindy Zimmerman October 14, 2015

We have seen the future and it is in New Zealand – 18 hours ahead of central time in the United States!

The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) 2015 Congress is being held in Hamilton, New Zealand where we are learning a lot about this small, two island, South Pacific nation that is home to 30 million sheep, seven million dairy cows, and Richard O’Brien (aka Riff Raff of Rocky Horror Picture Show fame).

The congress began yesterday October 14 in New Zealand time, with the delegates session that included an important change in the organization’s constitution, according to IFAJ president Markus Rediger of Switzerland.

“We decided three years ago to open up our organization to be more global, to be more relevant to our members, especially agricultural journalists in countries that are less developed because communication is important for the development of agriculture,” said Rediger, who adds that the constitution has now been changed to accept into the federation countries where the media is controlled by the government. “We changed and we say now that if the guild of journalists are in favor of freedom of the press, we accept them…it’s an encouragement for them because they already suffer under their government.”

IFAJ is pleased to welcome some new country members at this year’s Congress including Turkey, Croatia, Iran, Congo, and Somalia, just to name a few.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Markus here: Interview with Markus Rediger, IFAJ president

2015 IFAJ Congress Photo Album

Audio, IFAJ, International

AGCO Opens Nominations for Operator of the Year

Kelly Marshall October 14, 2015

AGCO Corporation has announced they are now accepting nominations for their 10th Annual Operator of the Year program. The award recognizes the men and women who spend hours applying fertilizer and crop protection products using technologically advanced equipment to help farmers achieve their best possible yields. The grand prize is a brand new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle.

“Over the past nine years of the program, we have enjoyed getting to know the top application professionals and look forward to meeting even more of them this year. We realize how hard their job is, and that they play an essential role in helping farmers provide food, fiber and fuel to the world,” stated Conor Bergin, tactical marketing manager of AGCO Application Equipment. “In honor of these unsung heroes of agriculture, we have created an original song this year, ‘Watch Him Go,’ that celebrates these professionals’ diligence and hard work.”

Any ag retailer or custom applicator may be nominated, regardless of the equipment brands used in their operation. A panel of judges will be evaluating the applicators performance, looking for performance on and off the field and evaluating for skill, dedication, customer service, and community involvement.

“Previous winners have been praised by their managers and customers for their application expertise, knowledge of their customers’ operations and willingness to do whatever it takes to accomplish the job,” stated Bergin. “Even though these custom applicators have very demanding schedules, they treat every field like it’s their own, and many also play active roles in their communities.”

Nominations are due Saturday, October 31, 2015. Four finalists will be invited to the 2015 Agricultural Retailers Association Conference & Expo on December 1-3, 2015 in Palm Desert, CA. The winner will be announced at the conference and the grand prize of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle will be awarded. The retailer responsible for nominating the winner will also receive 100 hours of use in their choice of ACGO TerraGator or RoGator. All participants will be given a certificate to recognize their nomination.

Agribusiness

Alltech Crop Science Reminds You to #ThankAFarmer

Jamie Johansen October 14, 2015

Alltech Crop Science is paying tribute to farmers and food producers around the world who continue to find ways to feed the ever-growing population to commemorate the United Nations World Food Day, Oct. 16, 2015. There are now approximately 7.3 billion people living off the same amount of farmland compared to that in the 1970s.

What do you do when the global population doubles, but the world’s farmland is finite?

U.S. farmers provide 20 percent of the world’s food using only 10 percent of its land. American farmers produce six times more corn with 20 percent less land compared to their peers of the 1930s. The average corn yield grew from 39 bushels per acre in 1950 to 153 bushels per acre in 2000. Between 1961 and 2005, average cereal yields increased 155 percent. As productivity has improved, so have techniques for sustaining resources. Farmers have become more efficient, allowing the burgeoning population to continue reaping natural resources from the land.

“Farmers are pretty amazing,” said Robert Walker, Alltech Crop Science general manager. “They have to be part agronomist, conservationist, meteorologist and economist. Alltech Crop Science wants you, the consumer, to join us on World Food Day to thank farmers around the world (#ThankAFarmer) for continuing to produce natural, healthy produce.”

In the last decade consumption has increased significantly. Demand for meat has tripled in the developing world in the past four decades, while egg consumption has increased sevenfold. We have also seen an increase in the demand for soybeans (48 percent), corn (37), rice (14) and wheat (13).

“Food production alone must increase by 70 percent, which means we have to produce more food in the next 50 years than that of the past 10,000 years combined,” said Walker. “Alltech Crop Science follows the seed, to feed, to fork, to future mentality. It is about taking a holistic, integrated approach to sustainable production. Producers and farmers must focus on nutrient efficiency and end-product quality as consumer demand rises, while identifying the environmental challenges.”

Alltech

2016 Prez Candidates Address Hunger, Poverty

Joanna Schroeder October 14, 2015

Yesterday following the Iowa Hunger Summit, several nonprofit organizations including Feeding America, Bread for Life and the Iowa Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, launched the Vote to End Hunger Campaign. The initiative is to hold presidential candidates’ responsible for ending hunger and poverty in the U.S. and globally.

The campaign was launched in Des Moines, Iowa they day before the opening of the 2015 World Food Prize, an international meeting of the minds to address food issues such as security, sustainability and the need to feed a growing global population.

Vote to End Hunger supporters want voters to ask presidential candidates, “If you were elected, what will you do to end hunger, alleviate poverty and create opportunity in the U.S. and worldwide?”

So where do the candidates stand on this issue?

Circle of Protection, an organization comprised of various denominational Christian leaders, asked candidates this very question and invited them to submit a three minute video to tell Americans where they stand on hunger and poverty. Many responded and you can watch their videos here.

Food, politics, Video, World Food Prize

Beck Ag Honored as Company of the Year

Kelly Marshall October 14, 2015

Women in Agribusiness recently recognized Beck Ag as Company of the Year at their summit in Minneapolis. They are the third company to be honored with the Demeter Award and join Dow AgroSciences (2013) and Agrium, Inc. (2014) as recipients. The award recognizes a company that supports the professional development, achievements and growth of women in the industry.

Beck Ag has a solid staffing model that allows employees to balance their careers and personal lives. This principle of balance has attracted professionals who wish to stay in their communities and who come from deep agriculture backgrounds. Sixty-seven percent of Beck Ag’s people are women, including five of the nine shareholders. They are committed to developing and compensating women fairly, which has benefitted the company, clients, and industry as a whole.

Agribusiness

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