Industry Ag News 12/15

Carrie Muehling

  • American farms represent a diverse set of business operations and farm operators. An annual report issued by USDA’s Economic Research Service, America’s Farms and Ranches at a Glance: 2023 Edition, describes characteristics of U.S. farms and ranches with the most recent data from the Agricultural Resource Management Survey, an annual survey conducted by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service and Economic Research Service.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Agriculture Future of America (AFA), formalizing a partnership to promote the common goals of strengthening the future competitiveness and sustainability of the U.S. agriculture industry by preparing more young people for careers in agriculture.
  • The National FFA Foundation announced its new chair for the Sponsors’ Board during the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis this fall. Mary Snapp, vice president of strategic initiatives for Microsoft, was named chair for the upcoming year. Snapp grew up in rural Kansas and joined Microsoft in 1988 as the company’s first female attorney. She currently leads various strategic initiatives in the Office of the Vice Chair and President. She formerly led Microsoft’s legal support for all of its product and engineering teams, as well as Microsoft’s Global Philanthropies team, partnering with nonprofits and communities across the world to use technology to create a lasting positive impact.
  • Food insecurity is linked to numerous geopolitical risks, including mass migration, radicalization, terrorist threats, and lost economic opportunity, according to a recent report commissioned by Farm Journal Foundation.
  • Global futurist and best-selling author Jack Uldrich will address attendees as mid general session keynote speaker during the 2024 American Farm Bureau Convention on Sunday, Jan. 21.
  • During its annual meeting, the American Soybean Association elected the executive committee members who will lead the organization through the coming year’s top advocacy priorities. Josh Gackle (ND), will serve as 2024 ASA president. Immediate past president Daryl Cates (IL) moves to the role of ASA chairman and Caleb Ragland (KY) was elected as ASA vice president, a role that puts him in line to serve as the association’s president in 2025.
  • The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) welcomed the UN’s decision to designate 30 May as International Day of Potato, an opportunity to raise awareness of a crop regularly consumed by billions of people and of global importance for food security and nutrition.
  • Culver’s Thank You Farmer’s Project provides passionate support for the future of agriculture and the hardworking people that make up the industry. As the program celebrates the end of its tenth year, Culver’s has announced that the Thank You Farmers Project has officially surpassed $5 million in donations – including over $1 million raised in 2023 alone.
  • Ron Seeber, who serves as CEO Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association, Kansas Grain and Feed Association, and Renew Kansas Biofuels Association was elected chairman of the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City at the group’s annual meeting held December 14. Kristie Larson, Strategic Relationship Manager, The DeBruce Foundation, was elected vice chairman.
  • The U.S. economy has remained remarkably steady despite an unrelenting series of shocks over the last three years. America’s economic resilience was again on display throughout 2023, as the Federal Reserve continued the most aggressive round of interest rate hikes the country has seen in more than 40 years. Steadfast consumer spending has fueled the economy through much of the recent adversity. However, lingering high prices are expected to take a bigger toll on the economy in 2024, according to a comprehensive year-ahead outlook report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange.
  • AgTrust Farm Credit announced its official merger between the former associations of Lone Star Ag Credit and Ag New Mexico Farm Credit Services. With its headquarters based in Fort Worth, Texas, and Joe Hayman remaining Chief Executive Officer, AgTrust is poised to continue making a significant impact in the agricultural industry. This merger, which was completed in early December, resulted in a larger and stronger cooperative with approximately $3 billion in total assets and over $450 million of capital. The decision to pursue this merger was unanimous by both associations’ boards of directors, recognizing the potential for growth and diversity through the joint collaboration.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Ethanol Industry Pleased with SAF Guidance

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today released guidance on the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Credit established by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

    Under the guidance issued today, numerous fuels will qualify for the credit, including valid biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuels, cellulosic biofuel, or cellulosic diesel that have been approved by EPA under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

    Fuels that achieve a 50% or greater reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions under the most recent Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) standard will continue to qualify under today’s guidance. In addition, EPA, DOT, USDA, and DOE are announcing their commitment to release an updated version of DOE’s GREET model by March 1, 2024. Pending further guidance from the Treasury Department, the updated GREET model will provide another methodology for SAF producers to determine the lifecycle GHG emissions rates of their production for the purposes of qualifying for the SAF Credit for SAF sold or used during calendar years 2023 and 2024.

    Reacting to the announcement, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper said, “While there are important carbon modeling updates and details that still need to be worked out, we are cautiously optimistic that today’s guidance could open the door to an enormous opportunity for America’s farmers, ethanol producers and airlines. The Biden administration is recognizing that the best way to meet ambitious SAF targets is to maximize marketplace flexibility, make use of existing low-carbon fuel assets, and stimulate innovation and competition across the entire supply chain.”

    Cooper discusses the guidance in this interview:
    RFA CEO Geoff Cooper interview (5:53)

    Audio, Corn, Ethanol, RFA

    Climate Smart Ag Partnerships at ASTA FCSC

    Cindy Zimmerman

    L-R: Bruce Knight, Jared Knock, and Ben West

    With governments and corporations increasingly leading with climate-smart and sustainability initiatives, there is a role for the seed industry to play.

    At the American Seed Trade Association’s Field Crop Seed Convention last week, former USDA NRCS Chief Bruce Knight with Strategic Conservation Solutions led a panel on the topic with Ben West, Farmers for Soil Health, and Jared Knock, South Dakota farmer and Director of Business Development for Millborn Seeds.

    Listen to their conversation and an interview with Knight below:
    ASTA FCSC Climate Smart Ag Partnerships panel 1:06:15

    Interview with Bruce Knight, Strategic Conservation Solutions
    ASTA FCSC interview with Bruce Knight, Strategic Conservation Solutions 8:54

    ASTA, Audio, climate, Conservation

    Precision Ag News 12/13

    Carrie Muehling

  • A ruling by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service allows farmers and growers to run trials on corn plants developed by Insignum AgTech. These plants use naturally occurring pigment to signal when specific plant stresses begin. Insignum AgTech CEO Kyle Mohler said the plant turns purple to indicate that a fungal infection has started but is not yet apparent. Mohler, who earned his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Purdue University’s College of Agriculture, founded Insignum AgTech in 2019.
  • Unit sales of 4-wheel-drive agriculture tractors grew in both the U.S. and Canada in November, continuing a strong final quarter of 2023, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). In the U.S., the November data shows that 4-wheel-drive tractors grew year-over-year 72.6 percent, the only segment to see growth for the month. Year-to-date, 4-wheel-drive tractor sales are up 38.2 percent, leading all segments in unit sales growth. In Canada, 4-wheel-drive unit sales were up 84.8 percent for the month, and 41.5 percent year-to-date.
  • Larry Estep has joined 4B Components Limited as Electronics Division Sales Manager, bringing his unique brand of customer success strategies and expertise to the industry.
  • Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute is uniquely positioned to advance water management for greater food security. By leveraging the world-class research at the University of Nebraska; the state’s expertise in agricultural and water resource management; and private sector partnerships, DWFI is making real progress on a more water- and food-secure future. In its recent annual report, DWFI demonstrates the impact this effective combination has achieved in the state of Nebraska and around the world.
  • The Tech Hub LIVE Conference & Expo is the premier event convening the ag tech and ag retail communities to connect, engage, and share insights and experiences with the latest innovations to deploy data-driven, tech-enabled agriculture solutions. Prospective speakers are encouraged to submit detailed proposals including: the session format – whether a slide presentation, a panel discussion, a pre-conference workshop, a facilitated small group discussion, or other proposed format; session specifics – the title, description, and intended attendee takeaways or an articulation of the actionability of the session; as well as speaker specifics – including contact information, a professional biography, and a headshot. The deadline to submit is January 12, 2024.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    MyLand Agronomist Honored for Leadership

    Cindy Zimmerman

    MyLand Senior Manager for Agriculture Research Amy Rial has been named to the Fruit + Vegetable 40 Under 40 class of 2023. The award honors 40 outstanding individuals who exemplify leadership, innovative thinking, and commitment to the future of the industry.

    Rial’s work contributes to creating a healthier planet from the ground up. As the Senior Manager, Agriculture Research at MyLand, Rial partners with growers and staff researchers to pioneer sustainable agricultural practices that achieve improved soil health, greater productivity, and increased profitability.

    Under Rial’s leadership, MyLand’s grower testing program has expanded to include assessments for marketability, nutrient ratios, and microbial communities. “Amy quickly improved our service to fruit and vegetable growers with complementary soil health tests and analyses to address issues like blossom end rot, pests, and diseases. Her commitment to advancing agricultural science and sustainable practices in these sectors is setting a new standard for soil health innovation,” said Kris Nichols PhD, MyLand Principal Scientist and Research Director.

    Rial is a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and an experienced Agronomist with over 10 years of diversified experience in horticulture and agriculture. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental biology from Northern Arizona University.

    The 2023 award recipients were celebrated during the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Market EXPO on December 5, 2023.

    Agronomy, land, people, Soil

    VISION Conference Advance Registration Deadline

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The advance registration discount deadline for the 2024 VISION Conference is approaching quickly. Register by December 15 to join the conversation and shape the strategic roadmap for the ag tech industry.

    VISION 2024, a premier gathering of leaders in the ag tech ecosystem, is set to strategize the future of agriculture at its 7th annual conference January 22-24 at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa. With a mission to foster sustainability and innovation in food, feed, fiber, and fuel, VISION promises an immersive experience for attendees, featuring collaborative sessions, industry experts, and groundbreaking solutions.

    Responding to attendee feedback, VISION 2024 introduces a more interactive agenda. A pre-event ‘Executive Insights’ report sets the stage for in-person discussions, with a focus on addressing challenges through interactive working groups. Amplified networking opportunities and a dedicated Women in Ag TechSM platform enrich the conference experience. Our esteemed sponsors Corteva Agriscience, AquaSpy, Ever.Ag Agribusiness, MentorMate, and Raven Industries are focused on addressing how to adopt technology that will align with future demands.

    AgWired Precision, Precision Agriculture, Technology

    Animal Ag News 12/11

    Carrie Muehling

  • Alltech Wisconsin presented the 2023 Most Valuable Employee (MVE) Award to Carlos Galvan of Weltzien Farms in Arcadia, Wisconsin. This award recognizes the value of a dairy farm employee with an exceptional work ethic who exhibits integrity and who engages in their responsibilities on a dairy farm in the region, which includes Wisconsin, Minnesota and northern Illinois.
  • The Meat Import Council of America (MICA) is pleased to announce that Bill Westman has been hired as the new Executive Director, succeeding Stephen Sothmann.
  • In recognition of his lifetime of exemplary leadership and service in the agriculture industry, Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) honored Ed Mullins, former CEO of Prairie Farms Dairy, with the 2023 Charles B. Shuman Distinguished Service Award during the organization’s annual meeting in Chicago, Dec. 2-4. The award is the highest given by IFB.
  • Smithfield Foods will end contracts with 26 hog farms in Utah to optimize its supply chain for more efficient operations in the face of an industry oversupply of pork, weaker consumer demand and high feed prices.
  • Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative has added an experienced field services professional to its members services team, with a focus on serving the co-op’s members in South Dakota and Minnesota, including farmers who are part of the Minnesota Milk Producers Association.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) appreciates Representatives Greg Pence (R-Ind.-06), Jim Baird (R-Ind.-04), Kim Schrier (D-Wash.-08), and Angie Craig (D- Minn.-02) for leading the introduction of a key piece of legislation that will improve the regulatory environment for new animal feed ingredients. The Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (Innovative FEED) Act will amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to establish a regulatory pathway for a new category of animal food substances that act solely within animals’ gut microbiomes or in the feed they are digesting to provide a wide range of benefits, giving the Food and Drug Administration the power it needs to ensure regulations keep pace with scientific innovation in feed.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) recognized six individuals whose leadership in food, nutrition and agricultural policymaking has helped to support the U.S. dairy industry. At the annual Celebration of Dairy event held at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes, D.V.M., recognized the following officials with the IDFA Leadership Award: U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Jerry Moran of Kansas and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan; U.S. Reps. John Moolenaar of Michigan and Dan Newhouse of Washington; and Under Secretary Alexis Taylor of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
  • Fifth-generation cattle producer and farmer Kristin Tentinger has assumed the role of General Manager of TenCorp, Inc. She continues a 100-plus year legacy of the family’s beef production business. Ms. Tentinger has been TenCorp, Inc.’s Operations Manager and Community Liaison since 2019.
  • University of Florida researchers found that Florida consumers most willing to buy lamb and goat meat were adventurous, younger (Millennials and Gen Z), had tasted these meats before and liked them or held a belief of cultural significance for these meats.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Industry Ag News 12/8

    Carrie Muehling

  • The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will release the 2022 Census of Agriculture data on February 13, 2024. NASS concluded the data collection this summer with a preliminary national return rate of 61 percent. The ag census, conducted once every five years, was mailed to more than three million producers across the United States and Puerto Rico late last year. NASS plans to release the data from the 2022 Puerto Rico Census of Agriculture in summer 2024. Early next year, NASS will conduct the Census of Agriculture in the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) inducted two former employees to its Hall of Fame. The NASS Hall of Fame honors individuals whose work has had a lasting impact on agricultural statistics and the service NASS provides to the nation. This year’s inductees are Carol House and Raymond “Ron” Bosecker.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Baseline provides a 10-year outlook for seven major U.S. crops (corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum, barley, oats, cotton) and plays an important role in predicting farm program expenditures in the President’s annual budget proposal. To provide the best-possible projections, it is necessary to frequently revisit the underlying models behind the baseline to ensure that they are theoretically consistent and produce realistic projections. A report issued by USDA’s Economic Research Service, Producer Supply Response for Area Planted of Seven Major U.S. Crops, examines the performance of the existing area planted equations for seven major U.S. crops in the U.S. baseline model relative to observed historical area planted values.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched an online application for Direct Loan customers. More than 26,000 customers who submit a Direct Loan application each year can now use an online, interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet and build a farm operating plan. This tool is part of a broader effort by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to streamline its processes, improve customer service, and expand credit access.
  • The American Farm Bureau Federation and South Dakota Farm Bureau presented Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) with AFBF’s Golden Plow award. The Golden Plow is the highest honor the organization gives to sitting members of Congress.
  • Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) announced the election of Brian Duncan, a grain and livestock farmer from Polo, Ogle County, as the organization’s 16th president, and Evan Hultine, a grain farmer from Princeton, Bureau County, as vice president. They will each serve a two-year term at the helm of the organization.
  • Working in partnership with public and private land protection leaders throughout the country, American Farmland Trust (AFT) announces a new “Land Transfer Navigators” program in partnership with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (USDA NRCS) that will help exiting farmers and landowners retire with confidence and help new, beginning and underserved farmers gain secure, equitable land access.
  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), along with 57 agriculture organizations including 22 state corn grower groups, urged the U.S. International Trade Commission to consider the impacts that tariffs on Moroccan shipments of fertilizers are having on family farms.
  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and BASF have partnered for another year to provide scholarships to undergraduate students passionate about agriculture. Over the past sixteen years, more than 80 undergraduate students have received scholarship funds to aid them in their pursuit of higher education.
  • The United Soybean Board (USB) is pleased to announce that Lucas Lentsch will join the organization as its Chief Executive Officer starting January 1, 2024. Lentsch currently serves on the Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) leadership team, which manages the national dairy checkoff. USB’s board of farmer-leaders, representing more than 30 states, ratified the decision at its December board meeting.
  • Farmer-leaders of the United Soybean Board (USB) elected Steve Reinhard from Ohio as the 2024 chair and 10 additional farmer-leaders to serve on the Executive Committee during the USB December meeting in St. Charles, Missouri.
  • Monster Jam, the most unexpected, unscripted, and unforgettable motorsports experience for families and fans in the world, announced a multi-year partnership with JCB, the world’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment, joining together two family businesses. The collaboration establishes JCB as the Official Heavy Equipment Partner of Monster Jam.
  • U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson released the following statement: “After a routine physical and subsequent tests, I was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. While this diagnosis is a surprise, I feel well, and I will continue my work representing the people of Pennsylvania’s 15th District. Anyone who’s worked with me knows I am a person of faith as well as an eternal optimist, both of which will guide me as I undergo treatment. I am grateful to my medical team, my family, everyone I work with and represent in Congress. My faith in God is strong and I will tackle this head on. I appreciate both prayers and privacy during this time.”
  • Rural Minds, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit with a mission to serve as the informed voice for mental health in rural America, and to provide mental health information and resources, announced the launch of a comprehensive online resource center to provide actionable mental health information. The material is designed to address the unique challenges faced by rural Americans and offer information that can be used by anyone at no charge to help address the growing mental health crisis in rural communities.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    ASTA Chair Pleased With Industry Direction

    Cindy Zimmerman

    American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Chair Dave Armstrong, President and CEO of Sakata Seed America, sees a lot of opportunity for the seed industry right now.

    “Conservation and cover crops is one area ASTA has been spending a lot of time on because that’s an emerging and rapidly evolving segment for the seed industry,” said Armstrong. “Treated seed is another issue that’s really important for the industry.”

    He says the ASTA policy team is spending a lot of time right now working on the farm bill. “Making sure that we just protect the free movement of seed around the world, and also innovation – that the regulatory environment around innovation is not constraining some the really important techniques like gene editing.”

    Listen to an interview with Armstrong from the ASTA Field Crop Seed Convention in Orlando this week and find more content from the event on AgNewsWire.
    ASTA FCSC interview with Dave Armstrong, Sakata Seed America 9:02

    2023 ASTA Field Crop Seed Convention Photo Album

    ASTA, Audio, Seed

    The Majors Take the Stage at ASTA FCSC

    Cindy Zimmerman

    L-R: Dan Basse, Eric Boeck, Tom Schuler, Jagresh Rana, Tim Glenn

    Representatives from the seed industry’s four largest companies sat down with Ag Resource Company’s Dan Basse at the American Seed Trade Association Field Crop Seed Convention Tuesday to discuss what the future of the seed industry may hold.

    Eric Boeck with Syngenta Seeds, Tom Schuler of BASF, Jagresh Rana with Bayer, and Tim Glenn with Corteva Agriscience talked about global instability, food demand, market access issues, supply chain disruptions, weather problems, climate change, and more. Listen to their conversation.

    ASTA FCSC Majors Panel 56:02

    Boeck sees global demand, sustainability, and technology as the major issues driving the industry right now. “With gene editing on the horizon and that being able to complement biotechnology as a way to drive innovation and drive yields higher for farmers, that’s a big part of it,” he said.

    In this interview, Boeck talks about some of the technology Syngenta Seeds is exploring.
    ASTA FCSC interview with Eric Boeck, Syngenta Seeds 7:55

    2023 ASTA Field Crop Seed Convention Photo Album

    ASTA, Audio, Seed, Syngenta