Top AgWired Stories of 2014

Cindy Zimmerman

2014-agwiredIt’s that time of year when we take a look at the stats and see what stories were the most read, shared and liked in 2014.

These top ten stories are from our Word Press stats. Taking a look at them, it seems our most popular posts are technology, John Deere and New Holland. But a lot happened in 2014. What do you think were the most important stories of the year?

2015 John Deere Product Launch
iPhone 5S vs Galaxy S4 Mini
Typo Keyboard for iPhone 5s
Typo Keyboard for iPhone review
New Holland agriculture claims world record
New Holland unveils new CR Series Combines
Dairy Carrie Exposes PETA sham
Make your message more personal Julie Borlaug
New Holland features 2014 Diesel of the Year
Wearable Technology – Google Glass

John Deere, New Holland, Technology, ZimmComm Announcement

PacificAg Can Help Growers Increase Profits in 2014

Cindy Zimmerman

pacificag-logoThe largest and most experienced biomass harvest company in the country is helping growers see increased profits in the emerging biomass markets. The company provides a comprehensive suite of services that allow growers to further diversify their operations and experience additional revenue.

PacificAg started in the residue management business nearly 20 years ago harvesting forage crops for feed in Oregon and CEO Bill Levy says they help growers to further diversify their operations and experience additional revenue.

“For growers I think PacificAg is an easy solution for managing residue,” says Levy. “The grower doesn’t need to invest in capital in both equipment and people necessary to perform the harvest. They can really focus on their primary harvest and let PacificAg come in with the latest equipment and skilled staff and manage that residue to the right level and make sure it’s performed sustainably as well.”

The most recent call for residue management assistance has come from the bioenergy market. “The great thing about residue management is that it’s unlocking value for a grower,” says Harrison Pettit, a partner with PacificAg. “One of the unique things that we do is that we connect and understand a grower’s needs and tailor a residue management program to fit these needs. We’re linking this with a long-term, year round bioenergy conversion plant. So it’s the first time a specific company like PacificAg has been matched with a long-term marketplace. This enables growers to unlock value that hasn’t existed before.”

PacificAg wants to share the benefit of their experience and turn that into long-term returns for growers. If you are a corn, wheat or milo grower who lives within 100 miles of an advanced ethanol biorefinery, is looking for new markets for your biomass and is interested in adding a new revenue stream to your operations, PacificAg wants to hear from you.

Find out more in these interviews:
Interview with PacificAg CEO Bill Levy Interview with PacificAg partner Harrison Pettit

Audio, Biofuels, Corn, sorghum, Wheat

USFRA Launches Fun How To Video Series

Cindy Zimmerman

USFRAHave you ever wondered how to milk 1,200 cows three times a day? Or gather 50,000 eggs a day? Or how to keep 7,000 pigs feed, watered, clean and happy? Well wonder no more. The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) has launched a fun and very informative “How To Farm” series that also looks how no-till techniques can aid in soil health.

Hosted by blogger “ReDefined Mom” Kelly Snyder, USFRA’s online video series illustrates different farming practices – with a fun twist. The featured farmers make their jobs producing our food easy, but behind the scenes a lot of work goes into growing and raising our food. Snyder, a blogger mom of two based in Kansas City, visited four Midwest farms to learn just how farmers and ranchers do what they do every day – and why.

The videos also highlight new technology used on farms and ranches today, and address common misconceptions about food production. The first four videos give viewers an up-close look at just how farmers grow and raise food, including:

“People know what farmers generally do, but not exactly how they do it. The opportunity to spend time on a farm alongside a farmer is not one that most people get,” said Randy Krotz, CEO of USFRA. “This new online video series brings the farm to your living room, office, kitchen, classroom, mobile device — anywhere you are. Americans have so many questions about food production and the first videos in this series can help address some of those by showing just how farmers are growing and raising food.”


Agribusiness, Farming, USFRA, Video

Experts Predict Food Trends for 2015

Jamie Johansen

University of FloridaFor the second year, University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences faculty members predict the food-related trends that could end up on your dinner plates and grocery store shelves in 2015:

Wow, that’s…pungent: Americans continue to develop a fondness for fermented foods, which often create strong, unique flavors in such products as kimchi, sauerkraut, beer, wine and yogurt. Besides being fun to eat, such foods are said to be good for digestive health. Doug Archer, dlarcher@ufl.edu, 352-392-1784, 352-392-5507.
Cheetos have left the (school) building: School foods will continue to become healthier, thanks to Smart Snacks in School standards that took effect earlier this school year. For instance, a pack of cookies might be replaced by light popcorn; a vending machine chocolate bar by a small serving of peanuts. Those doughnut school fundraisers? Still OK. Karla Shelnutt, kpagan@ufl.edu, 352-273-3535, 352-246-5028.

And they’re eating veggies, too: Getting kids to eat more fruits and vegetables may be as easy as linking Florida farmers with school food service directors, and connecting bona fide chefs to school food directors, to ensure that school lunches taste great. UF/IFAS’ Farm to School team is helping forge these relationships with the hope that students will then ask for fresh foods at home. Danielle Treadwell, ddtreadw@ufl.edu, 352-273-4775, 352-284-8337.

Hot enough for ya?: New and more intense flavors, such as smoky flavor infused into alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, will become more commonplace. Hot foods will become hotter. Doug Archer, dlarcher@ufl.edu, 352-392-1784, 352-392-5507.

No slightly-less-than-perfect tomato left behind: UF/IFAS faculty members are working on postharvest technology and handling practices for the fresh fruit and vegetable industries that will work for small operators, such as those at farmers’ markets. Smartphone apps to help smaller producers make harvest and handling decisions are in the works, as are hot water treatments to reduce decay and boost antioxidants in fresh produce. Jeff Brecht, jkbrecht@ufl.edu, 352-273-4778.
Would you like to downsize that?: “Minimalism” is becoming a new word in food—with smaller portions being offered both at home and in restaurants. The goal is to help folks understand smaller portions lead to better health. Doug Archer, dlarcher@ufl.edu, 352-392-1784, 352-392-5507.

Would you like to downsize that?: “Minimalism” is becoming a new word in food—with smaller portions being offered both at home and in restaurants. The goal is to help folks understand smaller portions lead to better health. Doug Archer, dlarcher@ufl.edu, 352-392-1784, 352-392-5507.

Ag Groups, Food

Murray Wise: Different Market Ahead for Farmland

John Davis

murraywise1A leading expert in land, auction and agribusiness related transactions says 2015 is going to be a different kind of market for farmland. Murray Wise Associates, LLC says while falling commodity prices will play a role, there’s more at work there.

“This year has been one of transition, with prices varying widely depending on land quality and location. The market has been rewarding the more productive land, but buyers have been less enthusiastic about lower quality land in poorer areas. As to the overall direction, I think we’ll start to get more clarity in the coming months, especially in the Corn Belt,” said [farmland authority Murray Wise, president of Murray Wise Associates].

Low commodity prices have put downward pressure on the market in the Midwest, but Wise said that’s only one of many factors expected to influence next year’s land prices.

“Commodity prices vary a lot year to year, and farmland buyers generally are thinking in terms of a time frame that’s 10 years or longer. So today’s low corn prices are just one of many factors — and a short term one at that,” said Wise. Other considerations include interest rates and the availability of alternative investments. Even international developments play a role, including output of other countries and the Chinese government’s policies for allowing the import of genetically modified crops.

An exception to the cloudy and mixed outlook is Florida, where Murray Wise Associates has sold almost 12,000 acres during the past 24 months. That surge has been fueled by strength in the groves, row crops, pasture and woodland markets.

Agribusiness

Season’s Greetings from HighQuest

Jamie Johansen

Screen Shot 2014-12-22 at 4.59.29 PMSeason’s greetings!

During this time of year, we stop to reflect upon those people that we are most thankful for.

With that in mind, we’d like to thank you — our valuable partners and clients — for your continued support.

On behalf of all of us at HighQuest Group, we’d like to wish you a joyous holiday season and may you all experience wonderful blessings in the New Year.

Warm regards,

Greg Mellinger and colleagues at HighQuest Group

Ag Groups

Season’s Greetings From Alltech

Jamie Johansen

Screen Shot 2014-12-22 at 10.00.00 AMSeason’s Greetings From Alltech.

Thank you for your support in 2014 and I wish you and your family the very best of health and happiness for the upcoming year.

Please click here to enjoy a special seasonal musical performance.

Agribusiness, Alltech

A Holiday Gift From eMarketer

Jamie Johansen

Screen Shot 2014-12-22 at 4.46.38 PMeMarketer doesn’t want you to get left out in the digital cold in 2015. Find a link to their holiday gift below.

‘Tis the season for giving, so please enjoy our gift to you: a free copy of eMarketer’s “Key Digital Trends for 2015” report. Grab a mug of peppermint cocoa and dive in for a taste of what the year ahead will hold. By that last sip, you’ll see how our data and insights will keep you at the forefront of digital marketing. Talk about a Happy New Year!

Marketing

Happy Holidays from the Missouri 4-H Foundation

Jamie Johansen

Screen Shot 2014-12-22 at 4.52.36 PMThe Missouri 4-H Foundation wishes you joy and happiness for the New Year.

For the best in this new year…

Throughout the year your generosity changes young lives, provides new possibilities and fosters community. From all of us at the Missouri 4-H Foundation, thank you for your support, and best wishes for a happy and healthy new year!

Trustees and Staff of the Missouri 4-H Foundation

Photo Credit: “Baby Goats,” by Darby Schmidt of the Daniel Boone 4-H Club in St. Charles County inspired our 2014 holiday greeting. The original photograph is featured in the Missouri 4-H PhotoCorps Flickr group.

Ag Groups