Samuelson Honored by American Agri-Women

John Davis December 11, 2014

Award-winning ag broadcaster Orion Samuelson has been honored by the American Agri-Women (AAW) with its VERITAS award. This AAW news release says the group handed at the award at its 39th annual convention in Ohio.

Its VERITAS award is the highest award given to a non-member. It is given annually to a person who has given public witness to “the pursuit of truth” in accordance with the principles enunciated in the AAW statement of philosophy, “The Call to Power.”  

Samuelson is the host of two nationally syndicated radio shows, The National Farm Report and Samuelson Sez, and co-host with Max Armstrong of the weekly TV show on RFD-TV This Week in AgriBusiness. After more than 54 years of broadcasting 16 daily agribusiness reports on WGN Radio in Chicago, Samuelson has an unequalled record of service to the nation’s farmers. The most honored agriculture journalist in the country, Samuelson is a member of the Scandinavian- American Hall of Fame, the National 4-H Hall of Fame, the National Association of Farm Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the National Radio Hall of Fame, where he was presented for induction by broadcast legend and friend Paul Harvey. Samuelson grew up on a farm in the Kickapoo Valley of Wisconsin.

“It is truly an honor to receive this recognition for just doing my job and I am grateful to American Agri-Women. I am even more grateful for the work AAW has done for 40 years by emphasizing the role of women in agriculture and using member talents to help the 98% of our population not involved in farming understand what it takes to put food on their table, a roof over their head, clothing on their back, and now, energy in the tank. I remember the founding of AAW and have shared your activities with my audience for four decades,” Samuelson says.

Ag Groups, Agribusiness

2014 Census of Horticulture Underway

John Davis December 11, 2014

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has started 2014 Census of Horticultural Specialties. This news release says the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting the survey that will provide a comprehensive picture of the horticultural sector of the U.S. economy, along with offering detailed production and sales data for the U.S. floriculture, nursery and specialty crop industries, including greenhouse food crops.

“The recent Census of Agriculture quantified the value of nursery and floriculture products alone at more than $14.5 billion in 2012, showing just how important this part of U.S. agriculture is,” said NASS Administrator Joseph T. Reilly. “Additional information supplied in the 2014 Census of Horticulture will be used to help develop new technologies and programs to support sustainability and growth within this agriculture sector.”

In mid-December, NASS will mail the census to approximately 40,000 horticultural operations in the United States that grew and sold $10,000 or more of horticultural specialty products, as reported in the 2012 Census of Agriculture. Producers are asked to provide information on horticultural activities conducted during 2014, including production of horticultural crops, value of products, square footage used for growing crops, production expenses and more. Growers can complete the census securely online at www.agcensus.usda.gov, or return their questionnaire by mail by February 5, 2015.

The Census of Horticulture only comes along once every five years, and NASS promises to keep all individual information confidential.

Agribusiness, USDA

BASF Talks Emerging Seed Industry Trends at CSS

Cindy Zimmerman December 10, 2014

Two main trends emerging in the seed industry are biological crop inputs and seed coatings, according to Mike McFatrich, BASF global seed solutions business director.

“I think we have seen a real increase in looking at more sustainable options and being able to do more with less,” said McFatrich at this week’s CCS 2014 and Seed Expo in Chicago where BASF is a major sponsor. “Both the biological crop input products, which impart either a biofungicide or nutrient-enhancing characteristic, and the seed coatings are two very strong trends moving forward.”

McFatrich says both of these areas are specifically interested in these two areas and the acquisition of Becker Underwood two years ago has helped the company broaden its footprint in that space. “When we look at the combination of traditional seed applied fungicides and insecticides with biologicals and coatings, we’re looking at extending the window of protection,” he explained.

Listen to my interview with Mike here: Interview with Mike McFatrich, BASF
2014 ASTA CSS & Seed Expo photo album

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ASTA, Audio, BASF, Crop Protection, Seed

Seed Industry to Launch Consumer Education Effort

Cindy Zimmerman December 10, 2014

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) today unveiled results of new research that shows consumers have a lack of knowledge and appreciation for the importance of seeds and seed improvement, until they are presented with specific examples of the environmental, economic and health benefits of seed.

ASTA president and CEO Andy LaVigne briefed members of the media during the CSS 2014 & Seed Expo in Chicago. “The agricultural industry recognizes the significance of seed innovations and that many of the things that improve our quality of life can be traced back to a seed,” said LaVigne. “But, when we reach beyond the industry, we realize we have work to do in educating people about the value of seed and seed improvement.”

ASTA surveyed more than 600 moms, millennials and “food-focused” people – three consumer segments recognized for driving conversation around food issues and who have significant purchasing power – to measure consumer awareness regarding the role seed innovation plays in improving quality of life. According to LaVigne, the survey revealed that the work of the seed industry is generally undervalued among educated consumers. Yet three in four educated consumers believe that the role of technology in agriculture is important.

“When we spent time with those consumers and shared additional information about the seed industry, they began to show increased appreciation and understanding of seed improvement and innovation,” said LaVigne. Specifically, survey respondents were provided examples of seed improvements in areas of food, feed, fuel and fiber. Total positive impressions among millennials increased by 18%, total positive impressions among moms increased by 13% and total positive impressions among foodies increased by 16%.

Listen to Andy explain the research and how they hope to use it to educate specific target groups with the message “Seed – Where Better Life Begins.” ASTA CEO Andy LaVigne unveils consumer research
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ASTA, Audio, Research, Seed

Simplot CEO Speaks at ASTA CSS

Leah Guffey December 10, 2014

The opening session of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) CSS and Seed Expo was highlighted by keynote speaker J.R. Simplot president and CEO Bill Whitacre. Since inventing the first viable frozen french fry the J.R. Simplot Company, has become one of North America’s largest, privately held food and agribusiness companies, with over $4.5 billion in annual sales. Simplot has served many of the largest restaurant and grocery chains in the world, with major operations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and China. Bill Whitacre, Simplot President and CEO, keynote address

During his remarks, Whitacre stressed that much of what has helped him along the way was the mentors and leaders he got to know from being a part of ASTA. Simplot is one of the largest family owned agribusiness companies in the United States. Whitacre says while his company may be one of the largest suppliers of food they are still a rural company and a very hands on operation from the way they raise their crops, cattle, and how they treat their employees.

Whitacre believes it is important to be involved with those who are up and coming through the seed industry because they are the future and he remembers what it was like to be young and trying to learn as much as he could. After his address, he was pleased to visit with members of ASTA’s Future Seed Executives (FuSE), answering questions and encouraging them to reach out to high level executives and learn as much as they can from them.

Listen to my interview with Bill here: Interview with Bill Whitacre, Simplot President and CEO
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Ag Groups, Agribusiness, ASTA, Audio, Seed

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes December 10, 2014

Valent U.S.A. Corporation announced a series of expansions to its commercial business aimed to support its growing specialty and row crop portfolio, as well as enhance service and technical support to customers across the agricultural regions of the United States.
The Climate Corporation announced the acquisition of 640 Labs, an agricultural technology startup based in Chicago.
Bayer CropScience, in partnership with the National FFA Organization, will provide grants to inspire interest in agriculture and apiculture professions among America’s youth.
The National Restaurant Association announced that the Beef Checkoff Program is a new sponsor of the Association’s award-winning Kids LiveWell program, a voluntary industrywide initiative designed to help make the healthful choice the easy choice when dining out with children.

Zimfo Bytes

Historical Comparison of PRV & PRRS at BIVI Seminar

Jamie Johansen December 10, 2014

The North American PRRS Symposium took place in Chicago over the weekend. Boehringer Ingelheim’s sponsored PRRS session was centered around coordinating efforts for area disease control. The 20th anniversary of global PRRS solutions brought together the leading researchers and veterinarians to drive the discussion on the next steps to tackling the long-standing virus.

One of the keynote speakers was Dr. Joe Connor, veterinarian at Carthage Vet Service. He was involved in the eradication of PRV and shared a historical perspective of Area Regional Control (ARC) in PRV and what lessons learned during that time-period can be applied to the control and elimination of PRRS.

The charts that Dr. Connor shared showed many clear similarities in the two diseases, however PRRS is still around and PRV isn’t. So, what are the differences that are restricting progress? “At the end of the PRV program we had very highly effective vaccines, particularly a vaccine that would prevent the transfer of the virus to the fetus. We have effective vaccines for PRRS, but they don’t prevent the transfer of the virus. When sow herds become infected, we get discouraged because we go back to having abortions, weak pigs and higher mortality.”

However, Dr. Connor said if we are patient and focus on individual herds and areas all the tools we have today have been and will continue to be successful.

Listen to my complete interview with Dr. Connor to learn more about the comparison of PRV and PRRS along with the global perspective of this virus here: Interview with Dr. Joe Connor, Carthage Vet School

Find all the photos from the event here: 2014 BIVI PRRS Seminar Photo Album

Agribusiness, Animal Health, Audio, Boehringer Ingelheim, Swine

BASF Helps Feeding America

Cindy Zimmerman December 10, 2014

BASF is donating $75,000 to Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, to help feed struggling families and individuals throughout the U.S.

“Through our contribution to Feeding America, we can help provide healthy fruits and vegetables to people and communities who may not have regular access to them,” said Scott Kay, Vice President, U.S. Crop Protection for BASF. “In many ways, this partnership is an extension of the work we do every day with growers to help them feed our hungry world population,”

The donation will support Feeding America’s National Produce Program, an initiative that helps with planning, transportation and logistics to ensure fresh produce deliveries to the 200 member food banks around the country.

The commitment from BASF will help Feeding America provide 675,000 pounds of produce to families and individuals in need. The donation includes $5,000 in contributions from BASF grower customers who chose to be part of this donation.

Listen to an interview with Scott where he discusses the donation: Interview with Scott Kay, BASF

Audio, BASF, Food

More Farmers Adopting Variable Rate Seeding

Jamie Johansen December 10, 2014

Low corn prices are causing farmers to take a hard look at what new technologies will optimize inputs while minimizing costs. As farmers begin to plan for the 2015 season, SST Software is seeing an increased interest in variable rate planting recommendations. SST’s decision support technologies are used by ag service providers around the world to provide precision ag services to farmers.

Larry Tracy, founder of Precision Agronomics in Danville Illinois, has been using variable rate technologies for over fifteen years. Regarding variable rate planting, Tracy states, “Seeding prescriptions give us the opportunity to improve yield gains in areas where we lower rates and in the areas where we increase rates. Managing inherent yield variability throughout a field tightens the yield range and tends to raise the average.”

To create variable rate planting recommendations, agronomists enter unique agronomic equations into SST’s FarmRite® software. FarmRite® then computes the equation utilizing previously collected data to create new geo‐spatial maps that define productivity zones across the farmer’s fields. Different planting rates are then applied to the various zones according to the yield potential of the zone.

Many ag service providers are utilizing multi‐year yield analysis. This analysis normalizes multiple years of harvest data and then determines productivity zones according to areas of the field that consistently yield above normal, normal, or below normal. Since many parts of a field will yield different results according to whether it is a wet or dry year, FarmRite® also applies statistical measures to determine stability zones. These yield stability maps reveal areas that are highly stable, stable, or unstable from year to year.

In 2014, Patrick Sanders, an Illinois farmer and SST employee, generated impressive results on a test field using variable rate seeding coupled with variable rate nitrogen. Sanders explains, “We decided to try variable rate planting and nitrogen on a 155 acre field using multi‐year yield analysis logic as the foundation. The increase in inputs was two extra bags of seed, totaling $800. Total applied nitrogen was the same as flat rate N but distributed based on yield potential. The result was a 260 bu/ac average, approximately 15 bu/ac more than neighboring fields. At the March corn price of $4.62/bu, that’s a gain of $64 per acre.”

Agribusiness, Precision Agriculture, Seed

ASTA CSS 2014 and Seed Expo Kicks Off

Cindy Zimmerman December 9, 2014

The American Seed Trade Association CSS 2014 and Seed Expo is officially underway in Chicago and possibly may be a record crowd this year.

“We have a great participation this year,” said ASTA president and CEO Andy LaVigne. “Beginning of this week, we had over 2700 registrants and that’s almost 100 more than we finished with last year and we do get a lot of walk-ins.” ASTA also has a new media room this year, sponsored by BASF, and a number of agricultural media are attending the event for the first time.

LaVigne says key issues this year include intellectual property, seed treatments and pollinators, as well as what is happening in the corn, sorghum, and soybean industries – the core commodities which CSS represents.

In this interview, Andy talks about some of the other issues ASTA will be following in the new year. Interview with Andy LaVigne, ASTA CEO

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ASTA, Audio, BASF, Corn, sorghum, Soybean

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