Risk Management Agency Update from CIRB

Jamie Johansen February 9, 2015

Brandon Willis, Administrator of Risk Management Agency (RMA) for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), provided an RMA update for those at the recent annual meeting for the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB). Brandon shared insights for activity in the coming year and discussed the long-term outlook for crop insurance.

Prior to joining USDA in 2009, he served as agricultural staff for Senate Agriculture Committee member and Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus. So, he is no stranger to the needs of farmers across the country and strives to keep those communication lines open to aid in crop insurance education.

“We have a lot to do this year. While the program might be up and running, a lot of farmers still need to learn more about them.”

“I believe the actions we take over the next few years will make sure we have a safe net for everybody and insure our program is one that is free from abuse and will have the same impact for the programs future as past ones did that got us here today.”

Learn more about RMA from Brandon complete presentation here: Interview with Brandon Willis, USDA-RMA

2015 Crop Insurance & Reinsurance Bureau Annual Meeting Photo Album

Coverage of the Crop Insurance & Reinsurance Bureau Annual Meeting is sponsored by

Ag Groups, Audio, CIRB, Insurance

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes February 9, 2015

Applications being accepted through Friday, Feb. 13th for six, $1,500 stipends to help defray the costs of attending the 2015 IFAJ World Congress in New Zealand, Oct. 14-18.
Farm Journal Media announced that veteran agricultural journalist Mike Walsten has been appointed as Editor of The Agriculture Letter.
Leading Minneapolis marketing agency broadhead is re-organizing under the Broadhead + Co umbrella to expand its branded offerings, led by two of its long-time leaders Beth Burgy and Troy Schroeder.
Nufarm’s chairman, Mr Donald McGauchie AO, announced that Managing Director and Chief Executive Doug Rathbone had stepped down and that a global search for his replacement had commenced.

Zimfo Bytes

Agnerd Giveaway – BrydgeAir

Chuck Zimmerman February 9, 2015

This edition of the AgNerd Giveaway is a BrydgeAir keyboard and case for the iPad Air. I took it on the road to the National Biodiesel Conference to try it out. I used it in the airport, on the plane and as seen here, in my lap during the conference sessions. I left my Macbook Pro in the media room and only had to carry my iPad to the session to use for tweeting, etc.

Before we get into more on this giveaway product let me announce that Chris was the winner of our last AgNerd Giveaway, a QiPack wireless gadget charger. Way to go Chris!

Okay. Back to keyboards. The Brydge keyboard for iPad is a really solid piece of hardware (single piece of aluminum). By having built in clips to hold the device it allows you to open, close and adjust the screen angle so you feel much more like you’re using a small laptop than with other keyboards I’ve tried. The keyboard felt great. Other keyboards I’ve used work okay but either the keyboards are too small for my fingers or it just feels frail. Not this one. And the keys are backlit! That’s a “have to have” in a dark room.

It took me a minute or two to realize that it has built in speakers that have their own bluetooth connection to my iPad. Other than that it’s simple to set up and operate. I’m not sure how long the battery in it will last since I’ve only charged it once and the keyboard hasn’t need re-charging yet! Their website says up to 3 months. The speakers are louder than your iPad but the quality doesn’t quite match.

I think this device with the handy leather zip sleeve gives someone who only wants to travel with their iPad a great option. I will take a keyboard if I know I’m only going to use my iPad or need to use it when I don’t want to get my Macbook Pro out. Otherwise I like to use my iPad more for reading so I am often switching cases. This is simple so it doesn’t bother me.

So, I’m giving away this great device. Just let me know in comments here or on Twitter or Facebook if you’re interested and we’ll pick a winner by end of day this Friday. I can only ship free in the U.S. btw.

Gadgets

Changes at National Cotton Council

Cindy Zimmerman February 9, 2015

The National Cotton Council has a new president and a new chairman following elections held over the weekend at the organization’s annual meeting.

Dr. Gary Adams, who has served as the National Cotton Council’s (NCC) vice president of Economics and Policy Analysis since 2002, was elected by the NCC’s board of directors to be president and chief executive officer, replacing retiring NCC President/CEO Dr. Mark Lange who served in that role since 2003.

In his new role, Adams will play a pivotal role in guiding the industry’s seven segments to reach consensus on critical policies affecting U.S. cotton – with the overall mission of helping each of the U.S. cotton industry’s seven segments compete effectively and profitably in global markets.

Sledge Taylor, a ginner from Como, Mississippi was elected National Cotton Council chairman for 2015, succeeding Wallace L. Darneille, a Lubbock, Texas, cooperative marketer.

Taylor is president of the Como Consolidated Gin Co., Inc. in north Mississippi. He also is owner of Buckeye Farms, where he raises cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat, peanuts and cattle, and was named the Sunbelt Southeastern Farmer of the Year for Mississippi in 2004.

The NCC’s vice chairman for 2015 is Shane Stephens, a Greenwood, Miss., warehouseman. Arizona producers Clyde Sharp was re-elected secretary-treasurer.

Ag Groups, Cotton

Eco Agro Resources Teams with Ekompany

Cindy Zimmerman February 9, 2015

US-based Eco Agro Resources today announced an agreement expanding its product range to include Ekote, a line of eco-friendly controlled-release fertilizers by Netherlands-based Ekompany.

Ekompany developed Ekote coated mineral fertilizers to reduce carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions as compared to conventional processes and fertilizers. “This new generation of controlled release fertilizer allows macro- and micro-nutrients as well as minerals to be delivered over a prescribed time period,” said Eco Agro Resources CEO Andrew Semple, who anticipates great demand for an alternative source of controlled release fertilizers in the North American markets. “By releasing just what the plant needs when it needs it, crop growth is maximized while minimizing environmental loss of nutrients.”

Eric van Kaathoven, CEO and founder of Ekompany, said they are excited to enter the North American market with Eco Agro Resources to meet the needs of the local growers and farmers. “Our state-of-the-art technology has demonstrated proven quality in both lab conditions as well as on the field, in different regions and climates world wide, and I am confident the results will be excellent here as well,” he said.

Agribusiness, Fertilizer

Bayer Introduces New Soybean Varieties

Cindy Zimmerman February 9, 2015

Bayer CropScience today announced the introduction of 12 new CredenzTM soybean varieties featuring the LibertyLink® trait.

The new varieties are specifically tailored for growers in the Mid-South, Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S. regions and are available immediately for the 2015 growing season to help growers maximize performance and fight glyphosate-resistant weeds.

The new varieties represent relief for growers in the south where there are limited options for combatting glyphosate resistant weeds. Through the new line-up of Credenz varieties, LibertyLink® will now be more widely available to southern growers in more maturity groups than previously available.

Launched in 2014, Credenz is Bayer CropScience’s first global soybean seed brand and integrates smart genetics and traits to help soybeans grow stronger and heartier under a wide variety of growing conditions. Over the next few years, Bayer CropScience will invest more than $1 billion in R&D annually, helping to fuel the company’s well-filled product pipeline to continue to bring growers new, innovative products to meet their challenges.

“As weed resistance continues to spread, it is more important than ever to ensure growers have a wide range of options in their arsenal to ensure a long-term sustainable approach to integrated weed management on their farm,” said Diego Angelo, global soybean seed marketing manager, Bayer CropScience. “Bayer is committed to driving innovation in the ever-expanding U.S. soybean market, and our smart genetics and traits help soybeans grow stronger under a wide variety of growing conditions.”

Farmlink Names New VP of Communications

Jamie Johansen February 9, 2015

FarmLink announced that Jennifer Goldston has joined the company as Vice President of Communications. In the newly-created position, Goldston will develop and implement the company’s overarching communications strategy as it continues to expand its presence and position in the agriculture industry.

Goldston brings more than 20 years of experience in public affairs, marketing and communications, having most recently led communications in Africa, Asia and Europe for DuPont Pioneer.

“It is an exciting, transformative time in agriculture that requires those involved to have a bold and clear message,” said FarmLink Chairman and CEO Ron LeMay. “At FarmLink, we are bringing a new way of thinking to agriculture. We see the nexus of technology, data and shared resources as the most effective way to help meet the world’s food demands in a sustainable manner while helping individual farmers improve their profitability. Jennifer is the ideal person to help us engage in robust dialogue with all those who can benefit from FarmLink’s capabilities.”

As the founding investor, LeMay, formerly CEO of Sprint Wireless, recognized FarmLink’s potential benefit to farmers in using shared resources, data analytics and wireless capabilities to accurately and precisely gather and transmit yield data. This actionable data enables farmers to make informed farming and investment decisions. Today, FarmLink’s team of data scientists, analysts, entrepreneurs, technologists and agricultural professionals create new technologies and tools that help farmers better manage costs, increase productivity, and ultimately create more profitable acres.

“FarmLink is an innovative start-up at the forefront of a data and technology revolution in farming,” said Jennifer Goldston, Vice President of Communications for FarmLink. “I was drawn to the team’s vision for the future of agriculture, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to help share FarmLink’s compelling brand story.”

In addition to her previous role at DuPont Pioneer, Goldston also led Pioneer’s global public affairs team and was a driving force behind its global food security initiatives. Previously, she served as general manager and senior partner of Fleishman Hillard’s Kansas City office, and as manager of public relations for Ocean Spray Cranberries. Goldston holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Washington State University and a master’s degree in integrated marketing communication from Northwestern University.

Agribusiness, Equipment

Broadhead + Co. Reorganizes

Jamie Johansen February 9, 2015

Leading Minneapolis marketing agency broadhead is re-organizing under the Broadhead + Co umbrella to expand its branded offerings, led by two of its long-time leaders Beth Burgy and Troy Schroeder.

The combined Broadhead + Co family will include broadhead, the agency, and Granite Business Group, a consortium of companies providing focused business services, including consulting, strategic insights and research.

Burgy has been named president of broadhead and will lead the company’s 70-person marketing agency. Schroeder has been named president of Granite Business Group and is launching two additional companies, Clutch Business Advisors and Rabbit L.I.V.E. Intelligence.

“At our core, we have always believed in ‘focus and be best’,” says Dean Broadhead, Chief Executive Officer, Broadhead + Co, Inc. “It has served our clients and agency well for 14 years – and as the scope of client needs change and expand, so must we. Long my partners in our overall business, Beth and Troy provide the focused leadership and vision that will help us deliver solutions that benefit our clients and drive business forward.”

Agribusiness, Marketing

USFRA Visits with Cattle Producers

Cindy Zimmerman February 9, 2015

The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) had a booth at the 2015 Cattle Industry Convention’s big trade show in San Antonio last week where CEO Randy Krotz was able to meet with producers and tell them about what the alliance has been doing to help increase communications with consumers.

“The Beef Checkoff is a major funder of USFRA,” said Krotz in an interview with Tony St. James with All Ag News. “We have 85 farm and commodity organizations to address consumer issues like GMOs and antibiotics in meat and animal welfare…those issues unite the ag industry.”

Krotz was able to tell cattle producers about the recent launch of the How To Farm video series and how it is has been received, the recent Food Dialogues: Dairy Forum that discussed current issues such as animal welfare, and the I am Farmland initiative building off the documentary into educational programs.

Listen to Tony’s interview with Randy here: All Ag interview with Randy Krotz, USFRA CEO

Audio, Cattle Industry Conference, USFRA

Farm Aid Sets 30th Anniversary Concert Date

John Davis February 9, 2015

The 30th anniversary of Farm Aid takes place this year, and the co-founders of the concert to benefit family farmers announced this year’s show will take place on Sept. 19. Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp made the announcement at the 17th annual GRAMMY Foundation® Legacy Concert, where the GRAMMY Foundation honored Farm Aid for its ability to harness the power of music for social change as the longest running concert for a cause.

“The first Farm Aid concert featured more than 50 artists on one stage,” said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson, who was among the artists to perform at the GRAMMY Foundation® Legacy Concert. “In the 29 years since, hundreds more artists have given their time and talent to support family farmers. This year, we would like to invite even more artists to join us onstage as we celebrate family farm agriculture.”

In recognition of its unique collection of live performances of more than 400 artists over 29 years, Farm Aid received a preservation grant from the GRAMMY Foundation® Grant Program, which awards grants to organizations and individuals to support efforts that advance the archiving and preservation of the music and recorded sound heritage of the Americas. The $15,000 grant will be used to develop a plan to digitize, preserve and archive the legendary Farm Aid performances.

“The legacy of Farm Aid is twofold: in the change we’ve made in our farm and food system, and in the rich musical record of concerts held since 1985,” said John Mellencamp, who also appeared at the GRAMMY Foundation® Legacy Concert. “The list of artists who have played on the Farm Aid stage is a who’s who of the best artists of our time.”

Farm Aid 2015, an all-day music and food festival, will feature a unique lineup of artists and genres and will offer concert-goers family farm-identified, local and organic foods with its own HOMEGROWN Concessions®.

For concert updates, follow Farm Aid on Twitter (@farmaid), on Facebook (www.facebook.com/farmaid), and visit www.farmaid.org/30.

Ag Groups

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