Farmers to Decide on CentraGro Cooperative

Kelly Marshall May 12, 2015

The Boards of Directors for North Central Farmers Elevator (NCFE) and Wheat Growers (WG) have reached an agreement to join the two cooperatives. Now it is in the hands of the members to ratify the decision and become member-owned, locally governed CentraGro Cooperative.

“The vote on the Unification Agreement taken by our Board members reflects the overall support we’ve heard from our membership over the past several weeks,” said NCFE Board President Richard Osterday. “More and more, people understand that our main objective in moving forward with the proposed unification is to build on our past successes to create an even stronger, more competitive future for our members.”

“With the thorough due diligence that we’ve conducted, we have even more confidence in the benefits that our patrons will experience as a result of a unification,” said WG Board President Hal Clemensen. “These benefits will translate into increased patronage, a stronger balance sheet, and more investment in products, services and facilities to better serve our member-owners.”

For a schedule of upcoming NCFE/WG member meetings, the voting process, and other information regarding the proposed unification, visit www.growingtogether.coop. Questions can be submitted on the website or by calling 1-888-429-4902 (WG) or 1-800-658-3353 (NCFE).

Agribusiness, Cooperatives

Agworld Developing Apple Watch App

Chuck Zimmerman May 12, 2015

AgNerd’s everywhere, rejoice! You will soon have an app to use when you get your new Apple Watch thanks to AgWorld.

Agworld, a leading global information management and cloud collaboration software for growers and consultants, announced that it is developing an app for the Apple Watch in response to the growing demand for a new breed of field-ready, connected apps. I spoke with Zach Sheely, Agworld, about their plans for this new wearable technology in a special ZimmCast edition of the AgNerd Cloud.

Agworld’s centralized software platform, available as web, iPad and iPhone apps, allows for real-time collaboration and management of critical information, activities and recommendations throughout the crop production cycle – in field, where it matters most.

Agworld’s Apple watch app will be an extension of the platform’s key functionality in order to deliver contextual information at a glance. This includes:

Field data
· Agronomic snapshot and crop history of the current field you’re standing in
· Financial snapshot for users who have permission to view farm financials
Project Management
· Notifications when your agronomist has sent you a new field recommendation or when your applicator has just completed a job
Safety and compliance
· Know whether your field is safe to enter and clear for harvest

“Since launching the industry’s first iPad ag app in 2011, we’ve been focused on delivering the mobile technology farmers need infield.” said Zachary Sheely, VP Sales and Operations Agworld. “The Apple Watch app, like all of our products, is grounded on an understanding that farming happens in the field, not in the office, where critical data is needed to underpin smarter, infield decisions.”

You can sign up for early access to Agworld’s Apple Watch App here.

Learn more about Agworld and their pending Apple Watch App in this week’s program: Agworld Apple Watch App

Subscribe to the ZimmCast podcast here.

The ZimmCast

sponsored by

Locally owned, globally strong.

Agribusiness, Apps, Audio, Gadgets, Precision Agriculture, ZimmCast

First USDA Crop Estimates

Cindy Zimmerman May 12, 2015

USDA’s May World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate report released today includes the first estimates for crop production this year.

Overall, the report is projecting wheat production to be higher and corn and soybeans lower this season. All wheat production is projected at 2,087 million bushels, up 3 percent. Corn production is projected at 13.6 billion bushels, down 586 million from the record 2014/15 crop with a lower forecast area and yield. Soybean production is projected at 3,850 million bushels, down 119 million from the 2014 crop with record harvested area more than offset by lower
yields.

Total corn supply is forecast to be at a record 15.5 billion bushels, and corn utilization is projected at a record 13.8 billion bushels. “These numbers for 2015 reflect the importance we are placing on building profitable demand for corn,” said National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling. “They are still an early look at supply and demand, but with two record crops back-to-back and current stocks high, we’re committed to increasing the corn market here and abroad.”

USDA is estimating the average price for corn this marketing year at $3.55 to $3.75 per bushel, with the all wheat season-average farm price projected at $4.50 to $5.50 per bushel, and soybean prices for 2015/16 projected to decline to $8.25 to $9.75 per bushel compared with $10.05 in 2014/15.

Corn, NCGA, Soybean, USDA, Wheat

2nd Annual Alltech Craft Brews & Food Fest

Chuck Zimmerman May 12, 2015

If you really want to kick off a major customer event in an impressive way and provide a positive agricultural message to the general public, consider having a craft brews festival. That’s what Alltech is doing again this year.

Just prior to Rebelation, the annual Alltech Symposium, the Lexington Convention Center will be open to the public for the Alltech Craft Brews & Food Fest.

This festival will be bigger and better than you remember. With over 50 breweries from across the country, the beer will be the star of the show. We have doubled the number of food vendors and will have an excellent selection of samples and plates for sale from some of the best chefs in the state of Kentucky.

The Alltech Craft Brews and Food Fest will run from noon until 8pm on Saturday, May 16. This event will include live music, local food samples, and of course 20 samples of the best beer in the nation all for just $35 at the door, or $30 in advance at the link below. Just remember to enjoy responsibly, this is a 21 and over event. See you there!

I will be there and with Alltech’s support, covering their Symposium along with Jamie Johansen.

Agribusiness, Alltech

New Holland Exec Testifies in PA

Cindy Zimmerman May 12, 2015

New Holland North America Vice President Abe Hughes testified this week before the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee to provide insight into the company’s view of the economy and business climate in the state, specifically regarding agriculture.

During his testimony, Abe Hughes shared his perspective on topics such as property tax relief for farmers, farm labor, and New Holland’s support of farmland preservation through Lancaster Farmland Trust.

“New Holland Agriculture and New Holland Construction are very much a part of the Pennsylvania business community – we were founded in New Holland, Pa., 120 years ago, and New Holland’s North American headquarters and global hay tools engineering and manufacturing facilities are still located there today,” said Hughes. “We are all impacted by the decisions made by state legislators, so we appreciated the opportunity to talk with the state legislators and present our business challenges, as well as some of those facing our dealers and customers in Pennsylvania.”

The hearing was part of a statewide jobs tour in which local business owners and statewide business associations were offered the opportunity to discuss challenges facing Pennsylvania’s businesses. The business leaders provided testimony to the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee on state taxes and regulations, how to improve the state’s business climate, the preparedness of Pennsylvania graduates to fill in-demand jobs, and how to attract new business to the area.

Agribusiness, New Holland

Syngenta Rejects Monsanto Bid

Cindy Zimmerman May 12, 2015

The board of directors for Syngenta last week rejected a bid to by the company from Monsanto.

The proposal for $481 per share with approximately 45 percent in cash was considered by the Syngenta board to be undervalued. “Syngenta is the world leader in Crop Protection, the number three in Seeds and the first company to introduce integrated solutions for growers,” said Syngenta chairman Michel Demaré. “Monsanto’s proposal does not reflect the outstanding growth prospects of Syngenta’s integrated strategy and the significant future value potential of the company’s crop-focused innovation and market leading positions.”

Monsanto released a statement regarding the offer saying the company “has long respected and followed Syngenta`s business and believes combining the two companies would deliver significant value to all stakeholders, including shareholders.”

Creating a new company from the combination of Syngenta`s strengths and leadership in crop protection chemicals and Monsanto`s leadership in seeds, traits and information technology would form an integrated global leader in agriculture with comprehensive and complementary product portfolios, and an Ag-focused organization with enhanced abilities to develop and accelerate innovative solutions for growers. Monsanto believes the combined company would be uniquely positioned to deliver a comprehensive suite of integrated solutions to farmers around the world and to accelerate technological innovation through precision agriculture and advanced research and development capabilities aimed at increasing the world`s food supply in a sustainable fashion.

Agribusiness, Syngenta

Sustainability Education at Animal Ag Summit

Jamie Johansen May 12, 2015

A panel of industry leaders shared their thoughts and research concerning sustainability during the recent Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholders Summit.

Dr. Roger Cady, Sustainability Lead, Elanco Animal Health, said he liked to divide sustainability into the three pillars of environment, economic and social. “Farmers are the natural environmentalists of the land. Key to this is preserving our land, preserving our water supplies to continue to produce the food we need.”

“We need to focus on the people and some of the prime people we need to focus on are the people that produce the food. Very often, those people are the ones that have the least to eat. Sustainability means providing for the people who help produce the food globally.”

“Economic viability. Unfortunately too many people have focused on profitability. There needs to be a living wage for those that produce and process the food. There also needs to be affordability and accessibility in order to have food security around the world.”

Dr. Cady recommends that we have goals that are outcome based instead of prescriptive. Transparency needs to be evident in all we do so consumers have a better understanding of how things are done. And his last bit of advice is something we have all heard before and that is to simply be proud of our story.

Listen to my complete interview with Dr. Cady here: Interview with Dr. Roger Cady, Elanco Animal Health

Find photos from the event here: 2015 Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholders Summit Photo Album

Coverage of the Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholders Summit is sponsored by

Ag Groups, Animal Agriculture, Audio, Elanco, Environment, Sustainability

More Than $2.7 Million in Scholarships From FFA

Jamie Johansen May 12, 2015

The National FFA Organization and Foundation recently awarded more than $2.7 million in scholarships to 2,156 recipients. This was made possible thanks to the generosity made available by sponsors and individuals to reward and encourage excellence and enable students to pursue their educational goals.

More than 7,000 students applied for the scholarships, with many of the applicants being considered for multiple scholarships. Approximately one in every three who applied was awarded a scholarship. The scholarships available were for two-year or four-year degrees or vocational programs. The average recipient had a GPA of 3.75 on a 4.0 scale and were in the top 15 percent of their class.

This year marks the 31st year for the scholarship program, which began in 1984 with 16 scholarships being offered. In total, more than $41 million has been awarded in scholarship funds through the National FFA Organization.

The selection process takes into account the whole student – FFA involvement, work experience, supervised agricultural experience (SAE), community service, leadership skills and academics.

Ag Groups, Education, FFA

New Holland’s Voice of the Next Gen

Chuck Zimmerman May 11, 2015

It’s time to meet the winners of the New Holland Voice of the Next Gen Contest. There are a total of five winners and I’ll share their stories throughout this week.

Let’s start out with Lindsay Tritle of Shippensburg, Pa., First Place Grand Prize winner and the Voice of the Next Gen. She is pictured here with Tyler Hubbard, Florida Georgia Line. Photo credit to Tyler Hubbard’s photographer.

Lindsay has been singing her whole life and says winning the contest and attending the Florida Georgia Line concert is part of her dream. She heard about the contest through her local radio station that the New Holland dealer, Corey Forrester, Forrester Farm Equipment, ran promotional spots on for this campaign. Lindsay even got to record in a studio at the station!

You can listen to my interview with Lindsay here: Interview with Lindsay Tritle

New Holland Voice of the Next Gen Photo Album

Agribusiness, Audio, New Holland

AgNerd Cloud – Galaxy S6

Chuck Zimmerman May 11, 2015

I promised you a review of the new Samsung Galaxy S6 phone. It’s that time. I’ve been using this phone for several weeks now and have included a Tech 21 minimalist case and screen cover.

My go to and main phone is an iPhone 6 but I carry this second phone with a different carrier (Verizon) to make sure I always have service and a hot spot. I have many of the same apps on both phones but still find I like the iOS versions of many of them better. However, this phone is beautiful. It is the best Android phone I’ve owned or tried to date. It is a solid and fast operating option to an iPhone 6. I think Samsung has a winner here. The latest version of Android is a plus factor since Samsung has included it with the S6 and pushed it out to the S5’s.

The slightly bigger than the iPhone display on the S6 is really nice to look at. But I prefer the more slender iPhone for one hand tapping. The battery life is about the same for me compared to my iPhone 6. I get a day or more depending on how much activity I’m conducting on the device. The S6 is enabled for power mat charging too btw.

The camera on this phone takes photos that I have already used to post onto AgWired and other websites or social media channels. I think we’ve reached a point with these cameras that the level of quality is about right where most consumers and even business need them to be.

I’m not writing this to be an in-depth technical critique of the S6. You can find many of those online. However, I would recommend this phone to anyone for any use.

Gadgets, Technology

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