BIVI Talks Pig Protection at #WPX15

Jamie Johansen June 3, 2015

The industry’s first commercially available quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Lawsonia (ileitis) has been developed by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) Health Management Center and will become available for testing July 1, 2015. The new test provides producers with bacterial concentration levels, unlike the similar qualitative PCR testing which simply detects for the presence of Lawsonia.

BIVI’s announcement came during their media dinner during the 2015 World Pork Expo. Dr. Jessica Seate, technical manager for the enteric solutions portfolio at BIVI, spoke to the media in attendance about the results of quantitative PCR testing. “For ileitis, in particular, studies show a strong correlation between fecal bacterial load levels and clinical disease and impact on average daily gain and production. The quantitative PCR test for Lawsonia, along with efficacious vaccines such as Enterisol Ileitis, are part of the suite of tools we offer veterinarians and producers to better monitor disease status of their pigs and improve overall health and productivity of their herds.”

Enterisol Ileitis, proven protection made easy, has five building blocks to protect herds globally BIVI wants you to remember. 1) oral administration is easy for everyone, 2) it builds immunity at the site of potential infection, 3) modified-live vaccines most closely mimc natural infection, 4) over 500 million doses have been sold worldwide and 5) it is tested over and over and over again.

Listen to my complete interview with Jessica to learn more about the new testing program and vaccines at BIVI here: Interview with Dr. Jessica Seate, BIVI

Find photos from the event here: 2015 World Pork Expo Photo Album

Agribusiness, Animal Health, Audio, Boehringer Ingelheim, Swine, World Pork Expo

Apple ZimmWatch Setup and Ready for the Road

Chuck Zimmerman June 3, 2015

My Apple Watch just arrived this week and I have completed setup with a personal Apple assistant (nice touch Apple). I’ll need to practice but I’ve already made and received texts on it, a phone call, snapped a photo remotely with my iPhone and set up my activity goals. I already got reminded to stand and walk around for a minute.

My first big test of the Watch will be on the road next week to Milan, Italy and Expo Milano with New Holland!

My first impressions include:

My sport model and band feel very comfortable. The larger size is just right IMO.
Set up was easy and initial syncing with all my apps was fast. Quite a few already have Watch versions.
Notifications and Calendar integration is going to be very helpful.
I like being able to put both my Watch & iPhone in Airplane mode just from the Watch.

That’s a quick look at the ZimmWatch. After traveling with it I will certainly be writing more.

Gadgets

West Central Expands SoyPlus Plant in Iowa

Jamie Johansen June 3, 2015

West Central celebrated a big announcement this morning at their headquarters in Ralston, Iowa. The manufacturer of SoyPlus, an industry-leading high bypass protein dairy feed, made public their plans for expansion of the SoyPlus plant to increase production capacity by 50%.

The $27 million investment will include an additional line of mechanical presses, soybean storage, soybean oil storage, finished product storage and load-out access. The addition will come on in phases with new production volumes available as early as fall 2016.

Milan Kucerak, President and CEO of West Central, shared his excitement for the announcement and explain their unique diversity when it comes to coops. Their development of Dairy Nutrition Plus gives them a huge upper hand when it comes to animal nutrition. We also heard from Mark Cullen, West Central’s Executive VP of Animal Nutrition, who said the multi-million dollar expansion will create 11 new jobs and an additional 1,800 tons of SoyPlus production.

Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture was also present to share in the celebration of Iowa’s growing agriculture community. He is excited for the opportunity for local growers and the potential for dairies nationwide with the use of West Central’s Dairy Nutrition Plus. He also commented on the latest numbers of birds in Iowa impacted by avian flu.

You can also listen to remarks from Grant Kimberley, director of market development for the Iowa Soybean Association. Grant said adding value to the soybean in turn adds values to all livestock and the entire ag sector. He added that this West Central expansion will open doors both domestically and internationally.

Listen to the complete press conference here: West Central Presser

West Central Press Conference Photo Album

Agribusiness, Audio, Dairy, Nutrition, Soybean

World Pork Kicks Off with Positive Forecast

Joanna Schroeder June 3, 2015

World Pork Expo kicked off this morning in rainy conditions but the weather is not hampering the estimated 20,000 attendees coming through the gates this week for the largest international trade show dedicated to all things pigs. With more than 400 exhibitors plus dozens of educational events, this year is sure to be a winner.

Dr. Ron Prestage, NPPC President, vet and pork producer from Camden, South Carolina kicks off World Pork Expo 2015

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), who sponsors the Des Moines, Iowa-based event, gave media industry updates during a press conference this morning. NPPC President Ron Prestage, who is a pork producer and vet from Camden, South Carolina, noted the success they have had during the past year as the voice for pork producers in Washington, D.C. He stressed that their goal is to protect the livelihoods of producers and one way NPPC is doing that is with Prestage’s participation yesterday in Washington, D.C. He joined over 150 experts in human and animal health to address the issue of antibiotic resistance.

Listen to the Dr. Ron Prestage’s remarks: Ron Prestage Remarks

Dr. Paul Sunberg has been named Director of the Swine Health Information Center and will take the reigns July 1, 2015.

Prestage was followed by Dr. Howard Hill, NPPC past president who gave an update on trade. Three key issues they have been addressing include the strike at western ports that delayed and impeded exporting pork first quarter of this year. In addition, he updated the group on TPA that was passed by the Senate 11 days ago. He said they are now working closely with the House on their version of the bill. Finally, he gave an update on TTIP – the free trade initiative between U.S. and the European Union.

Listen to the Dr. Howard Hill and Dr. Paul Sunberg remarks: Dr's Howard Hill & Paul Sunberg Remarks

Steve Meyer, vice president, pork analysis, Express Markets Inc. Analytics, gave the economic outlook and said that the port issues gave the industry a hit but expects the market to pick up, and is seeing prices rally to low $80s already. However, a virtually PEDv-free season has increased baby pig survival. This will lead to an estimated 2.5-2.6 million head expected for 4th quarter that could have lower price impacts in 2016.

Listen to the Steve Meyer remarks: Steve Meyer Remarks

Of special note was the announcement that Dr. Paul Sundberg, currently the vice president of science and technology at the National Pork Board, will be taking the reigns as Director of the national Swine Health Information Center (SHIC). The Center is funded, in part, with $15 million over five years from NPPC. The goal of the SHIC is to improve preparedness to handle a disaster such as PEDv.

Find photos from the event here: 2015 World Pork Expo Photo Album

Agribusiness, Audio, NPPC, Pork, Swine, Trade, World Pork Expo

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes June 3, 2015

Swanson Russell announces the promotion of Melissa Dohmen in its Lincoln office and John Vogel in its Omaha office.
The National AgrAbility Project at Purdue University is offering an interactive webinar to help operators of small farms make informed decisions when buying equipment.
The American Soybean Association (ASA) and DuPont are seeking applicants for the 2016 ASA DuPont Young Leader Program.
Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City and Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association are hosting
“Our Town Our Food” on July 20th in Kansas City, MO.

Zimfo Bytes

Meat Labeling & Grilling

Jamie Johansen June 3, 2015

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What should Congress do about COOL?”

Those who chimed in for our recent poll on Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) seem to be leaning towards the creation of a generic North American label. Followed closely by a voluntary program or a repeal for meat products. What will Congress do?…time will tell. Listen to comments from Sec. Vilsack, Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and the House Ag Committee press conference here.

Here are the poll results:

Repeal for meat products – 15%
Make program voluntary – 21%
Create generic North American label – 36%
Delay action as long as possible – 0%
Ignore it – 14%
Other – 14%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, What fuels your grill?

Many parts of the country are still experiencing mild temps or overly wet conditions. But that doesn’t stop many from pulling out their grills to kick off the summer months. What’s your go to grilling method?

ZimmPoll

Apple Watch Has Arrived

Chuck Zimmerman June 2, 2015

I know there are AgWired community members just waiting to see the Apple Watch in the wild. Well, here’s what it looks like when you take it out of the UPS delivery box.

This is as far as I’ve gotten. More unboxing to follow and then setup time. But right now I’ve got other work pressing so I thought I’d just tease the moment when this shows up on the AgriBlogger’s wrist.

More AgNerdishness to come.

Uncategorized

Agvocating for a Thirsty Land

Chuck Zimmerman June 2, 2015

Conrad Weaver just announced a collaboration with the AgChat Foundation on his latest documentary project, Thirsty Land. The AgChat Foundation is the in-kind “Fiscal Sponsor” and fundraising partner of “Thirsty Land” film. The Foundation will provide fundraising support as a 501c3 non-profit organization, enabling Weaver to receive grants, and other tax-deductible donations for the film project.

Weaver is launching a “Crowdfunding” campaign for “Thirsty Land” on June 1 through
IndieGoGo.com with a goal of raising $25,000 to help with the production of the film. Visit https://conjostudios.leadpages.net/thirstyland-trailer/ to view the film trailer, and sign up for more information.

I talked with both Conrad and Jenny by phone this morning. In this week’s program you can get an update on the documentary project and why the AgChat Foundation decided to get involved. By the way, AgWired is the media sponsor for Conrad’s film.

For interview requests and more information on the making of the film, contact Conrad Weaver at
301-606-7794 or email conrad@conjostudios.com today.

ZimmCast on the how you can agvocate for a Thirsty Land: Agvocating for Thirsty Land

Subscribe to the ZimmCast podcast here.

The ZimmCast

sponsored by

Locally owned, globally strong.

Ag Groups, Audio, Water, ZimmCast

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes June 2, 2015

Charleston|Orwig announces the addition of two marketing communications professionals to its expanding team.
AgView.net and AgView Radio have recently added several new affiliates to its network of entities utilizing the various AgView products.
Crystal Kasper of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., is receiving $25,000 to use for a landscape makeover for her yard, plus a John Deere Gator™ 625i, for being the grand prize winner of the 2015 John Deere Green Fever Sweepstakes.
The National AgrAbility Project at Purdue University is offering an interactive webinar to help operators of small farms make informed decisions when buying equipment.

Zimfo Bytes

Congressman Ryan tours CNH Plant

Kelly Marshall June 2, 2015

U.S. Congressman Paul Ryan toured CNH Industrial‘s plant in Racine, WI last week. He met with management, toured the plant, and attended a town hall forum.

Congressman Ryan chairs the Ways and Means Committee in the US House. He met with chief officers and members of CNH Industrial’s North American management team to discuss manufacturing and trade issues.

“Our employees around the world are tied together by a common purpose, to be a leading provider of products and services to professional industrial equipment and commercial vehicle customers,” said Richard Tobin, Chief Executive Officer of CNH Industrial. “Congressman Ryan is attuned to the needs of our company and has been a supporter of trade policies that will continue to allow our products to compete in both our domestic and export markets.”

“There is robust demand for Wisconsin-made goods across the globe and we need to make sure our businesses and workers successfully reach the 96 percent of consumers that live outside the U.S.,” said First District Congressman Paul Ryan. “There is no doubt that Wisconsin’s manufacturers, including CNH Industrial, will benefit from expanded trade policies.”

The Racine plant manufactures equipment for CNH Industrial’s agriculture brands, including Case IH and New Holland Agriculture. They employ approximately 2,400 workers, who were able to voice opinions and ask the congressman questions during a town hall meeting that followed the plant tour. Participants discussed manufacturing, trade issues, and economic issues. The congressman was also treated to a ride and drive in a new Case IH Magnum Rowtrac.

Agribusiness, Case IH, New Holland

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