2025 Tech Hub Live

Precision Ag News 10/4

Carrie Muehling

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making more than $3 billion in funding available for agricultural producers and forest landowners nationwide to participate in voluntary conservation programs and adopt climate-smart practices in fiscal year 2024 as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
  • AGCO Corporation, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural machinery and Precision Ag technology, announced it has entered into a Joint Venture with Trimble, where AGCO will acquire an 85 percent interest in Trimble’s portfolio of Ag assets and technologies for cash consideration of $2.0 billion and the contribution of JCA Technologies.
  • The Tech Hub LIVE Conference and Expo, a leading event at the crossroads of agriculture and technology, was held in Des Moines on July 24-26. The conference, under the theme of Integrated Solutions Driving Profitable Decisions, drew a record-breaking attendance and showcased groundbreaking advancements in ag technology.
  • A partnership of 13 public and private entities led by Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE) finalized an $80 million grant from the federal government’s first pool of funds from the U.S.D.A’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program. The funding will be used in a five-year pilot project in Iowa and Missouri called ‘Horizon II’ to demonstrate a “Climate-Smart Future for Corn, Soybean, Livestock, and Renewable Natural Gas Production.”
  • Biotalys announces the appointment of seasoned agricultural executive Kevin Helash as the company’s new CEO. Mr. Helash, currently CEO of EnviroKure, will take on his new responsibilities upon termination of his current engagement, at the latest on December 1. Mr. Helash will replace Patrice Sellès, who will then step down from his position as CEO and director in mutual agreement with the company. Mr. Sellès has agreed to remain in an advisory role for 30 days from the end of his appointment to ensure a smooth transition.
  • Bonsai Robotics, which provides the first computer vision-based automation solutions for harsh, off-road environments, announced that it has raised a $13.5M seed round led by Acre Venture Partners with participation from E14, Congruent, Serra Ventures, Fall Line Capital, SNR Ventures, Andros, and angels including Travis Deyle (founder of Cobalt Robotics), Lee Redden (founder of Blue River Tech), and Matt Barnard (founder of Plenty). Bonsai Robotics will use the funds to accelerate its product roadmap and invest in both hiring and sales & marketing.
  • A new farm manager has been hired at the Michigan State University Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center in Benton Harbor. Michael de Schaaf, a small agricultural service business owner with nearly three decades of winemaking experience, assumed the role Oct. 1.
  • Precision Farming Dealer has announced the full speaker and session lineup confirmed for the 2024 Precision Farming Dealer Summit that is 100 percent focused on equipping your company to run a more profitable precision farming business.
  • LG Seeds will add 28 new corn hybrids ranging from 80- to 118-day relative maturities (RMs) in 2024. The new corn hybrids feature seven different trait offerings – conventional, Roundup Ready, Agrisure 3110, VT Double PRO, Agrisure Duracade 5222, SmartStax and SmartStax PRO.
  • Kubota North America Corporation (KNA) announced at its annual Kubota Connect dealer meeting the company’s plan to be a first-time exhibitor at CES 2024 in Las Vegas in January 2024. The move signifies Kubota’s readiness to share its broad technology story and 2030 vision, built on more than 100 years of providing customer solutions to societal issues in the areas of food production, clean water, and the environment, and to provide attendees a virtual glimpse into the future of its vision for next-generation equipment announcements.
  • BioLumic, an agricultural biotech startup, announced grant funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to use the company’s proprietary ultraviolet (UV) light seed treatment technology to enhance the crop performance of rice – specifically Direct Dry Seeded Rice, rice grown using sustainable practices.
  • Stine Seed Company is celebrating the 50th episode of the Stine Seedcast — the company’s agricultural podcast — with company founder Harry Stine. Since its introduction in November 2021, the biweekly podcast, hosted by Stine national marketing and sales director David Thompson, has had Stine leadership, agronomy experts and industry partners on the show to provide timely agronomic and product advice to growers when and where they need it.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Minnesota Farmer Takes Over as NCGA President

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Minnesota farmer Harold Wolle, takes over as president of the National Corn Growers Association this week with a theme of “shaping the future.”

    During a press conference today, Wolle talked about his goals over the next year, saying reauthorizing a farm bill that reflects the priorities of corn growers will be a pressing concern. “My most immediate objective is to make sure corn grower priorities are included in the farm bill and that we get the bill across the finish line,” said Wolle. “We are particularly focused on crop insurance and the safety net programs of the farm bill.”

    Wolle said ethanol remains a top priority for NCGA, including support of the Next Generation Fuels Act in the House and Senate while making ethanol a go-to biofuel in the aviation sector. “First off, we need to get year-round E15 approved,” said Wolle. “Our marketers need to have the reassurance that they’re going to be able to market that year round. We’ve seen a tremendous increase in consumer demand for E15.”

    Listen to Wolle’s press conference here:
    New NCGA president Harold Wolle 20:32

    Audio, Corn, Ethanol, Farm Bill, NCGA

    Field Notes from Koch Agronomic Services – Episode 31

    Chuck Zimmerman

    The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less.

    Reaping the Benefits of Cover Crops

    In this episode, we’ll learn more about the benefits of cover crops and how they can fit into your nutrient management plan. KAS technical agronomists, Lacie Thomas and Evan King, discuss how cover crops can become a cash crop, improve soil health and also act as nitrogen scavengers.

    You can listen to the program here: Reaping the benefits of cover crops (21:00)

    And to make sure you don’t miss an episode, choose an option to subscribe

    For Spotify on your computer download the desktop app

    Agribusiness, Agronomy, Audio, cover crops, Koch Agronomic Services, Nutrient Management, Podcasts

    Fusionware Names Vice President of Sales

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Fusionware, a leading agriculture supply chain platform, has named Lon Gretillat as vice president of sales to lead their continued growth.

    In this role, Gretillat will lead and expand the Fusionware sales organization targeting grow, pack, ship operations looking to connect their entire process into one platform with real-time visibility of each step along the chain. Fusionware’s ‘accounting-system agnostic’ platform seamlessly integrates with legacy systems, allowing for operations automation and providing enhanced visibility and connectivity with trading partners, ultimately leading to increased profitability through informed decision making.

    Gretillat comes to Fusionware with over 25 years of experience in technology sales, operations management and strategic planning. Previously he served as vice president of sales for CropTrak, where he secured major accounts and increased brand awareness of the start-up among leading food and agriculture companies.

    Learn more about Gretillat and Fusionware in this interview.
    Interview with Lon Gretillat, Fusionware 10:55

    AgWired Precision, Audio, people, Precision Agriculture

    Animal Ag News 10/2

    Carrie Muehling

  • As of Sept. 1, there were 74.3 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, up slightly from September 2022 and up 2 percent from June 1, 2023, according to the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
  • Experimental lines of field corn developed by a team of Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and university scientists will usher in new commercial hybrids offering high-methionine grain. The advance, reported in a recent issue of Crop Science, will be especially welcome news for organic poultry producers whose birds require dietary formulations of the amino acid to ensure optimal growth, health and production of meat and eggs.
  • Anderson Cattle was honored with the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) 2023 Commercial Commitment to Excellence Award. Troy, son Zane and parents Roy and Rosemary received the award in September at the CAB Annual Conference in Las Vegas. Anderson continually seeks progress on his Nebraska ranch, which includes increasing the percentage of calves that qualify for CAB.
  • Benoit Angus Ranch, marketing over 150 bulls annually, is a multi-generation family business with sons Doug and Chad. Focused on serving commercial cattlemen, the Benoits built a reputation for high-quality cattle that perform on the ranch, in the feedyard and on the rail. With always-improving cattle to support that renown, and the will to back it up, Benoit Angus Ranch earned the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) 2023 Seedstock Commitment to Excellence Award. The family was recognized at the CAB Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, in September.
  • The new DairyComp and MyDC on PULSE feature, Reproduction Insights, available through VAS PULSE Platform, brings real-time insights for more accessible and precise reproduction management. Learn more about Reproduction Insights at World Dairy Expo Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m. in the Atrium of Exhibition Hall.
  • The first MILK Business Conference award winners have been announced and will be recognized at the 2023 MILK Business Conference set for Nov. 28-30, at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. Honorees include the Leader in Technology, Young Producer and Employee Excellence award winners.
  • The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) awarded the 2023 Clean Water Award to Tyson Foods in Russellville, Ark. and Wayne-Sanderson Farms in Tyler, Texas. The award is presented annually to poultry facilities that excel in their commitment to treat wastewater to a high standard, identify water reuse opportunities and implement initiatives to advance overall sustainability of the facility.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Trump Visits Farmers in Iowa to Campaign

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Former President Donald Trump spent Sunday in Iowa talking to farmers about what his administration did for them and what he hopes to do for them in a second term.

    From trade deals to WOTUS to ethanol, Trump touted his support of farmers during a speech in Ottumwa. “The American farmer is a big deal,” said Trump. “I will remain the champion of American farmers with four more years in the White House.”

    Trump spent a lot of time criticizing the Biden administration push for electric vehicles. “When I’m back in the White House, I will save Iowa ethanol by repealing Joe Biden’s absolutely insane, job-killing, electric vehicle mandate on day one,” he said.

    After his speech, Trump stopped at a nearby farm and signed a John Deere combine.

    Donald Trump speech Ottumwa, Iowa 39:53

    Audio, Ethanol, politics

    Industry Ag News 9/29

    Carrie Muehling

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it will begin issuing more than $1.75 billion in emergency relief payments to eligible farmers and livestock producers. These much-needed payments are helping farming and ranching operations recover following natural disasters in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
  • USDA is making more than $3 billion in funding available for agricultural producers and forest landowners nationwide to participate in voluntary conservation programs and adopt climate-smart practices in fiscal year 2024 as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The announcement comes as the Biden-Harris Administration hosts the first-ever White House Climate Resilience Summit.
  • USDA announced that it is expanding crop insurance options with a new Grapevine insurance program, which will provide coverage for loss of grafted vines caused by natural perils such as freeze or fire. The new program also will complement the Grape crop insurance program that covers the fruit growing on the vine.
  • After a thorough review of public relations agencies, John Deere has elected to work with Bader Rutter for the company’s Production and Precision Ag and Small Ag PR effective November 1, 2023. Mod Op will be transitioning media relations efforts and responsibilities to Bader Rutter.
  • Agriculture is on the cusp of revolutionary change. The confluence of a series of powerful technological, geopolitical, economic and social megatrends is poised to create an increasingly chaotic future for us all. But within this sea of uncertainty, a world of opportunity awaits those who embrace change, remain flexible, trust experimentation and work to create a culture of innovation. Global futurist and best-selling author Jack Uldrich will explain at the October 26 NAMA webinar — FREE for NAMA members.
  • On November 29, join the FarmHer team at the Impact Summit, a one-day conference focused on empowering women in agriculture for the purpose of connection, collaboration, and personal development. The event will be held at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa.
  • In its continued efforts to support agriculture and farming communities, Farmland is proud to be an official partner of country superstar Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour for the third consecutive year. The annual concert series gives back by awarding college scholarships to students from farming families who are attending the local college or university near the tour stops. To date, more than 78 scholarships have been granted! To help Luke celebrate year 14 year of the tour, Farmland surprised him backstage in Colfax, Iowa, with a custom Bacon Sushi Bar, uniting two of the star’s favorite foods.
  • In its ninth annual FFA Essay Contest, Culver’s asked students to share what excites them about agricultural programs spearheading this crucial work, like the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action’s (USFRA) Decade of Ag movement. Culver’s selected three winning FFA members’ entries, donating a total of $15,000 to their chapters to help fund agricultural education and leadership opportunities, such as the trip to the 2023 National FFA Convention & Expo, Nov. 1-4, 2023: First place ($7,500): Clara K. of the Rowva FFA in Illinois; Second place ($5,000): Sarah H. of the Locust Grove High School FFA in Georgia; Third place ($2,500): Caleb S. of the Valmeyer FFA in Illinois.
  • The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research’s (FFAR) annual Public Conversation will be held on Thursday, October 5th at 10:30 a.m. EDT. The Public Conversation is an opportunity for the FFAR Board of Directors to engage with the food and agriculture community and for FFAR leadership to provide updates on the Foundation’s recent work. This gathering, held in person and virtually, includes a forum for the public to provide comments on FFAR’s research and other topics concerning the Foundation’s strategic direction.
  • Bartlett, a Savage Company, and POSCO INTERNATIONAL announced the exploration of a joint venture in soybean crush and grain origination and export. A joint venture between the two companies would leverage Bartlett’s North American agriculture supply chain and operational capabilities together with POSCO’s global ag network and market expertise to drive growth and new business opportunities. A joint venture would also be synergistic with the companies’ shared emphasis on sustainability and supporting growing international markets for grain and renewable transportation fuels.
  • Kubota continues its commitment to invest in hometowns across America with its Kubota Hometown Proud community grant program, awarding $600,000 in grants to five deserving communities. Kubota Hometown Proud is an annual grant program that encourages municipalities and nonprofit organizations to partner with their local Kubota dealership to apply for grant funding consideration.
  • Cotton Council International, the export promotions arm of the National Cotton Council, announced the tour dates and locations for its 2023 COTTON USA Orientation Tour.
  • U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the Protecting Future Farmland Act, new legislation to support farmers’ land stewardship efforts as many choose to deploy solar energy on their land. The legislation will ensure that federal investment in rural energy projects prioritizes both land stewardship and responsible deployment of renewable energy to protect America’s farmlands for future cultivation.
  • RiceTec, a global leader in sustainable rice agriculture, announced the appointment of Chakra Sankaraiah as its new Global Chief Technology Officer. With over 21 years of experience in data and digital technologies, Sankaraiah brings expertise to RiceTec’s leadership team.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    ZimmCast 719 – Preview of 2023 NAMA Fall Conference

    Chuck Zimmerman

    ZimmCastHello and welcome to the ZimmCast.

    It is time to get a preview of what to expect at this year’s NAMA Fall Conference. I spoke with Trista Thompson, Wyffels, Chair for the conference and Laura Rustmann, J.L. Farmakis, Vice Chair. In our discussion we talk about the ag tour the day before the official start of the conference; keynote speakers; breakout sessions, professional development awards and lots of opportunity for networking. You can still register and we hope to see you there.

    Listen to the episode here:ZimmCast 719 - Preview of the 2023 NAMA Fall Conference (17:14)

    That’s the ZimmCast for this week. I hope you enjoyed it and thank you for listening.

    Subscribe to the ZimmCast in:

    Audio, NAMA, ZimmCast

    USDA Agribusiness Trade Mission Delegation Visits Chile

    Cindy Zimmerman

    U.S. Ambassador to Chile Bernadette Meehan (left) and USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor

    USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor led an agribusiness delegation to Santiago, Chile this week with representatives from the U.S. food and agriculture sectors and state departments of agriculture.

    “As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of U.S.-Chile relations, I am honored to lead such an incredible group as we work with Chilean importers on expanding our bilateral trade even further,” said Taylor. “Customers in Chile are especially interested in U.S. consumer-oriented products, such as dairy, beef, poultry, pork, condiments and distilled spirits, providing U.S. exporters with many new and exciting opportunities.”

    While in Santiago, the members of the delegation are looking to establish business relationships and explore opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports to the region. Buyers from Chile, as well as from neighboring Ecuador and Peru, have been invited to participate and meet with U.S. exporters. In addition, this trade mission will allow participants to learn about production and marketing practices throughout South America.

    Taylor held a media call from Santiago, Chile Thursday to talk about the trip.

    USDA Trade Mission to Chile - Under Secretary Alexis Taylor 25:38

    Audio, Exports, Trade, USDA

    ADM and Syngenta Group Partner for New Biofuels Feedstocks

    Cindy Zimmerman

    ADM and Syngenta Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of low carbon, next-generation oilseeds and improved varieties to help meet growing demand for biofuels fueled by sustainable aviation fuel.

    ADM and Syngenta hope to leverage their existing capabilities to accelerate the research, processing, and commercialization of oilseeds such as Camelina that are typically grown in the fallow period of a crop rotation. Such feedstocks could help meet global demand for biofuels which is expected to grow by 35 billion liters per year, or 22%, over the 2022-2027 period, according to the International Energy Association.

    “Farmers have always been stewards of the land,” said Alison Taylor, ADM’s chief sustainability officer. “We’re already expanding our partnerships with farmers through our re:generations™ regen ag program; this MOU represents another pathway for us to help them drive value by positioning their businesses to meet global demand for sustainably-sourced products.”

    “Transforming agriculture will be fueled by innovation, but it must be achieved at scale,” said Daniel Vennard, Syngenta Group’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “This cannot be done alone. The whole food and agriculture system needs to work in partnership with farmers at the center. Our collaboration with ADM is a perfect example of our continued commitment and we are excited to see what we will do together and how we can inspire the industry.”

    The companies expect to sign definitive agreements by the end of the year and are already advancing important work together around growing and processing next-generation varieties.

    Biofuels, Syngenta