Soy Based Paint Can Shrink Your Footprint

Kelly Marshall June 5, 2015

Two parking lots in New Jersey are being refreshed, with the first waterborne traffic paint made with soybean oil. The Medford Township school system continuously searches for sustainable initiatives, which lead the director of operations and technology, Joe Bilkuck, to BioStripe. This soy-biobased traffic paint is being tested on two of the district’s parking lots, because in addition to being biobased, Biluck also requires products to meet his criteria.

“We won’t make a switch unless the products meet two important criteria: they must get the job done as well — or better — than the product they’re replacing, and they must be cost-competitive,” said Biluck.

In addition to the traffic paint, Medford now uses biobased spray lubricants, drain and septic treatment, mold and mildew remover, carpet shampoo, white board restorer, all-purpose cleaner, motor oil, and truck/bus wash as well as biodiesel and the soy-backed carpet.

U.S. soybean farmers have invested millions of dollars to research, test and promote biobased products. Much of this work was done through the USB, which is composed of 70 U.S. soybean farmers appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to invest soybean checkoff funds. To learn more about biobased products, visit www.soybiobased.org.

Ag Groups, Biotech, Soybean, USB

Branstad, Vetter Keynote #WPX15 Luncheon

Joanna Schroeder June 4, 2015

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad delivers the “State of Agriculture” during the 2015 World Pork Expo.

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad along with Iowa Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds spent some time at the Iowa Fairgrounds during World Pork Expo 2015 held is Des Moines, Iowa. While onsite, they spoke to dozens of Iowa pork producers as well as address a crowd during the SIP luncheon hosted by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). Branstad noted that Iowa is the largest pork producing state as well as the largest pork exporting state. In addition, Iowa’s pork industry adds $7.5 billion to the states’s economic activity. He stressed that increased trade is a great thing for Iowa, and the country and added his support to the efforts underway to open the doors to export pork products to additional countries such as Australia and Japan.

Listen to Iowa Lt. Kim Reynolds followed by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad’s comments on Iowa’s state of agriculture here: Branstad Keynote

Following the Iowa pork industry outlook, was a national outlook on trade as it impacts the pork industry delivered by Ambassador Darci Vetter, chief agriculture negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Vetter, who graduated from Des Moines-based Drake University, has been pounding the pavement and meeting with Congressman in support of the the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) that would open the door for pork exports to several more countries.

Ambassador Darci Vetter presents “Opportunities for U.S. Pork in a Global Market” to pork producers during the 2015 World Pork Expo.

So why the need for TPP? Vetter explained that trade and the TPP along with other trade agreements support economic growth and job creation, avoids losing marketshare and outlines strategic and geopolitical benefits. The TPP, she stressed, would also eliminate or reduce existing and non-tariff obstacles, clearing the path for additional pork exports. One issue in particular that is being addressed is allowing the exports of pork products to countries who have different views on animal health and welfare. The TPP would improve transparency and establish science-based regulations to overcome these barriers.

The TPP is a treaty and so to pass the TPP, the president needs Trade Promotion Authority which has passed the Senate and is under review in the House. Vetter is championing the ag export cause personally and said that if passed, exports would increase by 50 percent over the next 10 years post implementation. If not passed, all countries are creating these free trade authorities and if America doesn’t do one and other country’s do, then products from competing nations will the gap.

Listen to Ambassador Darci Vetter’s comments on trade here: Opportunities for U.S. Pork in Global Market

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

Agribusiness, Audio, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pork, Swine, Trade, World Pork Expo

Pork Addresses Key Industry Issues

Jamie Johansen June 4, 2015

This morning on day two of the 2015 World Pork Expo the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) hosted another press conference to address three issues impacting pork producers, swine businesses and organizations and the consumer.

Dr. Howard Hill, NPPC past president, began the morning discussing the 2015 Dietary Guidelines that were released in February. He noted the committee did not use the established scientific library to reach a majority of its conclusions, including reducing the amount of red and processed meat recommended. He said NPPC is addressing this issue and is pushing for a revision of the guidelines. NPPC Presser - Dietary Guidelines

Next off was the topic of Mandatory Price Reporting update. Neil Dierks, NPPC president, explained the law is reauthorized every five years and will expire by September 30, 2015. NPPC says the real issue is to have the Mandatory Price Reporting law kept into effect so there is available price reporting and data available for producers and the industry. NPPC Presser - Mandatory Price Reporting

The last topic of discussion this morning was Waters of the United States, or better known as WOTUS. John Weber, NPPC president-elect, said that as a producer, WOTUS has been top of mind as the rule was being developed. He, along with other producers, submitted comments. The purpose was to clarify the “waters” of the United States. As a producer, Weber said they did not accomplish this goal; rather, it is even more complicated. He believes that producers will be under jurisdiction by the EPA in areas that were not before. He noted that the EPA has stated there will be exemptions for agriculture, but remains concerned about the impact this rule will have on producers’ operations. NPPC Presser - WOTUS

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

Ag Groups, Audio, Food, NPPC, Pork, Swine, Water, World Pork Expo

AgCareers’ Roundtable to Focus On Human Capital

Kelly Marshall June 4, 2015

Erika Osmundson, Director of Marketing Communication for AgCareers.com, recently spoke with AgWired’s Jamie Johansen about an upcoming event- the Ag and Food HR Roundtable. Now in it’s 13th year, the Roundtable is set to take place in St. Louis, MO on Aug 4-6. The event will address the issue of human resources in the ag industry.

With an expected turn-out of 240-250 HR professionals and university career services attendees, human capital will be the focus of the discussion.

“We’re going to talk about recruitment and retention of human capital in the industry. It’s a hot topic at all levels in busiesses and so we’ve got some really good topics lined up for this year,” Osmundson related. Human capital, she further explains, is about how to find the right people and how to engage them in your business so you’re not always looking for replacements.Erika Osmundson Discusses Roundtable

Other points of interest will be diversity recruitment, cultural fit, as well as college recruitment.

To learn more and to register go to agcareers.com.

AgCareers, Agribusiness, Events

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

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