Allergen-Free Peanuts Among USDA Innovations in FY 2014

John Davis

USDAAllergen-free peanuts is just one of the many innovations in ag during fiscal year 2014 for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The agency’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) says USDA received 83 patents in FY2014, up from 51 patents in 2013, leading to new patents and inventions with the potential for commercial application and potential economic growth.

“USDA has a proven track record of performing research that has tangible benefits for the American public, and studies have found every dollar invested in agricultural research returns $20 to our economy,” said [Ag Secretary Tom] Vilsack. “USDA is now accelerating the commercialization of federal research, and government researchers are working closely with the private sector to develop new technology and transfer it to the marketplace.”

Highlighted discoveries from USDA’s 2014 Technology Transfer Report include:

Procedures to remove up to 98-percent of the allergens from peanuts without affecting the flavor;
A new process for pasteurizing shelled eggs using radio frequency energy that is 1.5 times faster than the current pasteurization process;
A portable method for identifying harmful bacteria in food that could improve the response to foodborne illness outbreaks;
A new method for mosquito control that specifically silences genes in the mosquito so it does not pose a danger to other insects, including pollinators;
A new soil nitrogen test that rapidly and inexpensively determines the total amount of nitrogen in the soil that is available to a plant, reducing costs for farmers while benefiting the environment;
Improved information on non-honey bee pollinators and methods for trapping bees to assure quality apple production.

Besides the 83 patents received in the last fiscal year, there were 119 patent applications filed and disclosed another 117 new inventions, which may lead to future patents. The USDA has 267 active Cooperative Research and Development Agreements with outside partners, which includes Universities, and other organizations, and more than 100 small businesses.

Research, USDA

Drake Named to Ag Public Relations Hall of Fame

Kelly Marshall

ARCThe Agricultural Public Relations Hall of Fame will be adding Steve Drake, ag communicator and consultant.  The honor is to recognize those who have contributed to public relations and the Ag Relations Council (ARC).  ARC along with Agri Marketing magazine sponsor the program.

Steven has previously won an ARC Founders Award and has worked in public relations for more than 30 years.  His career began as an Associated Press news reporter, followed by 10 years in college public relations.  He moved in to the ag industry in 1978 with American Soybean Association.  From there he began Drake & Company, focusing on association management, mostly of companies in agriculture.  Some of his accomplishments include:

  • Winning a PRSA Silver Anvil by developing at PR team at ASA
  • Taking Soybean Digest to a commercial magazine
  • Coordinating Monsanto’s flood relief program in 1993, which won him the Silver Anvil.
  • Expanding the National Christmas Tree Association through Trees for Troops and many other programs
  • Working with other leaders to develop the Ag Meida Summit.

Ken Bader, former CEO of ASA and president of Global Agribusiness says, “His imaginative and effective public relations efforts are deserving of this national acclaim and recognition.  I have known Steve for over 40 years when he was responsible for all public relations activities as well as serving as my ‘second in command.’  He is a superb and innovative public relations expert.”

Steve is currently president and owner of SCD Group, Inc. and editor of the SCDdaily blog.  His firm provides advice to associations and nonprofits regarding marketing and strategic visioning and he works with associations and for-profit companies on generational issues.  

Agribusiness, ARC

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes

Zimfo Bytes

  • The Pork Checkoff has selected 12 college students to be a part of the #RealPigFarming Student Social Forces team this year.
  • Valent U.S.A. Corporation announced it has been named a 5-star member of the National FFA Foundation.
  • DuPont Pioneer announced a technology license and research collaboration agreement with Vilnius University to further the technical and commercial utility of guided Cas9 genome editing technology.
  • The National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame committee is asking for nominations for present, past or deceased NAFB Broadcast Council members that have made significant contributions to farm broadcasting and the association.
Zimfo Bytes

Corn Growers Tell EPA the #RFSWorks

Cindy Zimmerman

Corn growers from across the nation were in Kansas City, Kansas yesterday to testify and rally in support of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

rfs-hearing-ncgaLeaders of the National Corn Growers Association were among over 200 stakeholders to provide comments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to reduce the volume of ethanol required to be used in the nation’s fuel supply under the RFS.

NCGA President Chip Bowling of Maryland, NCGA Ethanol Committee chairman Jeff Sandbourn, and NCGA Chairman Martin Barbre of Illinois testified that EPA’s proposal would cut nearly 4 billion gallons of ethanol from the RFS through 2016, representing nearly a billion and a half bushels in lost corn demand.

rfs-rally-chip“We simply cannot afford – and will not tolerate – efforts to cut the demand for corn, and that’s exactly what your proposal will do,” Bowling told the EPA. “We cannot let this stand. We’ve done our part, and our allies in the ethanol industry have done their part. It’s time the EPA sided with those of us supporting a domestic, renewable fuel that’s better for the environment.”

Corn growers also led a rally near the hearing in support of the RFS. “We have never before seen so much grassroots interest in a particular issue,” said Bowling. “The many who came here today had to set aside important work back home, with delayed planting or other important field work. They are here because they know what’s at stake.”

Listen to the corn growers testimony here:
NCGA testimony at RFS hearing

Listen to the rally speakers here:
RFS Works Rally

EPA RFS Public Hearing photo album

Coverage of EPA RFS Hearing is sponsored by
Coverage of EPA RFS Hearing sponsored by RFA
Audio, Corn, Ethanol, Farming, NCGA

Dancing Bachelor Farmer Supports Ethanol

Cindy Zimmerman

syngenta-enogen-nascar-15-soules2He’s been a guy handing out roses to the ladies on “The Bachelor” and wowing everyone with his fancy footwork on “Dancing with the Stars.” Now, Chris Soules says he just a “normal famous guy” back home in Iowa supporting agriculture and getting back to what he loves: farming. He recently served as the grand marshal for the American Ethanol 200 and talked to Chuck at the race about the importance of ethanol and how Syngenta’s Enogen corn seed, bred especially for ethanol production, is an key part of the food and fuel products coming from American farms.

“This is an exciting event for me,” he said. “We’re promoting Enogen corn that’s helping build the ethanol industry and adding value back to the farmers. It’s exciting to have a platform that helps farmers connect with the consumer and tell the story of ethanol and how important it is to Iowa’s and the entire U.S.’s economy.”

Soules knows firsthand how much value ethanol has added to corn. He remembers the days when we had $1.30 a bushel corn, and while the prices are down a bit now, they’re still better with the ethanol market. He also pointed out how farmers are making feed and fuel for America and the world. “Having that diversity in our energy is really important. Keeping that market is something we need to work hard to do.”

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Chris Soules here: Chris Soules at American Ethanol 200

2015 American Ethanol 200 Presented by Enogen Photo Album

Coverage of the American Ethanol 200 sponsored by Enogen
Coverage of the American Ethanol 200 is sponsored by Enogen
Audio, Corn, Ethanol, Syngenta

The Passing of the 2014 Farm Bill

Chuck Zimmerman

Here’s an interesting mini documentary of the passing of the Agricultural Act of 2014. It features the work of Rep. Frank Lucas, Agricultural Committee Chairman.

Every few years a farm bill must be passed to ensure the state of American agriculture. Farmers like Danny Davis of Oklahoma rely on the provisions granted in the legislation to maintain their farms, and Americans rely on farmers like Davis for everyday needs like food and clothing. However, with Congress more divided than ever, this nearly annual task is threatened. Rep. Frank Lucas, Agricultural Committee Chairman, put his all into creating a bipartisan solution to pass the 2014 Agricultural Act.


Farm Bill, Video

Going Big with the New Holland T9

Chuck Zimmerman

New Holland T9 TractorsLooking for a big boy tractor for those large acre row crop applications? Take a look at this New Holland T9 Series tractor that was on display for ag media on La Belotta Sustainable Farm near Turin, Italy. Darragh Mullin, CNH Industrial, APAC Product Marketing< Tractors gave us a walk around tour of the machine.
New T9 4WD tractors give you the power you need and the comfort you want. If the engine and hydraulic power doesn’t turn your head, the sleek design and the largest cab in the industry certainly will. Six new models are ready to fit your farming needs. For those who want a row-crop ready articulated tractor, take a look at one of the four standard 36-inch-wide frame models up to 507 engine horsepower. The slim T9 engine hood provides improved forward visibility and the inboard planetary drive axles allow for narrow wheel width settings. For broad acre work, check out the two higher-horsepower, wide-frame models in the line-up. Their top-level performance is packaged in a new, beautifully balanced chassis that delivers more power to the wheels for improved productivity. Brain and brawn. New Holland knows it takes both to get the job done right.

You’ll get a lot of information on the T9 from Darragh in the video:


New Holland Expo Milano 2015 Photos

Agribusiness, International, New Holland, Tractor, Video

Ag Relations Council Annual Meeting

Chuck Zimmerman

Ag Relations CouncilThank you to Den Gardner and Kristy Mach for some photos from this week’s Agricultural Relations Council Annual Meeting. In the image below the group is in class getting one of many lessons that are on the program.

Ag Relations Council Mtg.Of course it’s not all work. The group does know how to have fun as seen in this photo of one of the conference dinners.

I’m hoping to get more images and information on the annual awards soon.

ARC, Media

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes

Zimfo Bytes

  • The American Farm Bureau Federation announced that Trudy Wastweet has joined the organization as director of congressional relations in the Public Policy Department.
  • A corner of downtown Lancaster will transform into a mini music festival when LNP Media Group and New Holland present Live on Vine, a six-hour block party and county music concert event for the 21-and-over crowd.
  • West Central Distribution, LLC officially announced the development of an executive team comprised of Dale Engan, chief executive officer; Michael Fiebelkorn, president; and vice presidents: Josh Nuytten, Craig Trettin and Dean Hendrickson.
  • Registration is open for the WAF 2015 Congress, which will be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where they will unite world leaders, with a focus on addressing the challenge of climate change for agriculture by the development of new technologies for productivity and prosperity.
Zimfo Bytes

And Now, The Rest Of The Story…

Melissa Sandfort

20150620_101511This week, Aunt Jeanette writes:

Last week I shared a picture of my clematis and promised “the rest of the story” about the unusual trellis.

A very good friend (who also happens to be my sister-in-law) has exceptionally green thumbs – yep, both of them. Her lawn, flower garden, vegetable garden, and any outside plants are always gorgeous. She can tell you the name of just about every perennial there is, plus where to plant it, and how to care for it.

I should have asked her advice about my clematis before I planted it. It was one of those last minute – half dead, reduced price for quick sale – purchases. The little plastic trellis that was stuck in the pot was about 8 inches high. So, being a sucker for plants, I bought it, took it home, and planted it in what I thought was a good spot – small trellis and all.

I watered it, kept whispering that it was looking great, and watched it start coming back to life. By the end of the summer it actually looked pretty good. The following spring, before I knew it, it started putting on new growth at an amazing rate. I bought a taller trellis and put it behind the first one, not wanting to disturb the vines.

Another year passed and the same thing happened so I put an even taller trellis behind the other two. Are you getting the picture? Yes, I should have asked! Another year – same thing – only this time I bought a very large, tall trellis.

This spring, Dan and I were standing on the deck admiring the first flowers when he said, “Do you think we need to do something with that plant? It is so top heavy it looks like it may fall over.” I told him I didn’t think I wanted to put another trellis behind the plant. He went and found this discarded ladder, put it behind the clematis, and tied the vines up. Oh, thank you, Dan!

Next time I will ask the expert. And, just so you know, there is no room for another trellis!

The picture is of Vicki’s garden. See what I mean?

Until we walk again …

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