Ag Innovation Campus Grand Opening Tomorrow

Cindy Zimmerman

The new Ag Innovation Campus in Crookston, Minnesota is crossing the bridge into production this week with its long-awaited grand opening on Thursday.

“I’m looking forward to bringing everybody together to showcase all the time and energy that has been put into this project,” said Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) Chair Tom Frisch, who also serves as AIC treasurer. “It’s a huge win for Minnesota’s agriculture industry.”

As a not-for-profit crush facility, the AIC will produce an estimated 240 tons of soybean meal daily, equaling a grand total of 62,400 tons of soybean meal per year. With three independently operated mechanic crush systems, the AIC will be able to crush organic, non-GMO and GMO soybeans.

The crush plant is only the first phase in this three-phase project. Phase two will feature an office complex and research labs. Phase three consists of rentable discovery bays that will be available for short to midterm use. Companies can then use the space to prove their designs at full production scale. The “Crushwalk” will also allow visitors to view the processing facility in a safe and bio secure manner.

“We are super excited about the Grand Opening,” said Frisch, who also sits on the United Soybean Board. “Once we get the crushing plant up and running, AIC can start on phase two and three, which will bring the entire vision to life.”

Spearheaded by Minnesota’s farmers, the AIC is changing Minnesota’s agricultural landscape. Expected guests at the AIC’s Phase 1 Grand Opening include Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen; legislators; AIC directors and Acting CEO Tom Slunecka; farmer-leaders; City of Crookston officials; and assorted industry notables.

There is still time to register to attend the grand opening event, which is made possible by the United Soybean Board, Minnesota Soybean, and the soy checkoff. AgWired will be there on the ground to cover it as it happens, so stay tuned!

Soybean, Technology

DWFI Podcast 28 – Ron Yoder, UNL IANR

Cindy Zimmerman

Ron Yoder is a pillar of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln community and most recently served as the senior associate vice chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). After nearly 20 years of leadership at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Yoder has announced he will retire this fall.

Yoder joined UNL in 2004 as the department head for the Department of Biological Systems Engineering before becoming the associate vice chancellor for IANR in 2011. He also served as interim NU vice president and IANR vice chancellor in 2016, after then-IANR vice chancellor Ronnie Green was named the UNL chancellor.

In this episode, Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute Director of Communication and Public Relations Frances Hayes talks with Yoder about the important role he played in formation of DWFI more than 10 years ago. They also look back on Ron’s storied career on the eve of his retirement.

Listen here or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:
DWFI Podcast 28 - Ron Yoder, UNL IANR 19:52

The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska was founded with the mission to have a lasting and significant impact on achieving more food security with less pressure on scarce water resources by conducting scientific and policy research, using the research results to inform policy makers, and sharing knowledge through education and communication.

How to subscribe:

Audio, Food, Podcasts, University, Water, Water for Food

NAMA 2023 Professional Development Awards of Excellence

Chuck Zimmerman

The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) is pleased to announce three marketing and agricultural leaders as winners of the 2023 Professional Development Awards of Excellence.

The NAMA Professional Development Awards of Excellence honor members of the organization based on outstanding achievement in each of the Professional Development Areas. The awards will be presented in conjunction with the NAMA Fall Conference, October 9-11 in St. Louis.

This year, NAMA recognizes Laura Svec, Corteva, in the Marketing Communications area, Kenna Rathai, broadhead, in the Public Relations area and Jennifer Saylor, JL Farmakis, in the Sales area.
Read More

Ag Groups, Agencies, Agribusiness, Media, NAMA

Bayer Continues Sponsorship of Luke Bryan Farm Tour

Chuck Zimmerman

Luke Bryan Farm TourFive-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan will headline his fourteenth Farm Tour this September and Bayer is returning as the presenting sponsor. The Georgia native will set up stages in the fields of American farms September 14-23, 2023.

Continuing a partnership that began in 2015, Bayer is once again joining the tour as presenting sponsor and teaming up with Luke to help honor America’s farmers for providing us with access to critical health and nutrition through its #HerestotheFarmer campaign.

This morning I participated in a media call with Luke and Beth Roden, Bayer’s Senior Vice President & Head of Communications. You can listen to their remarks and my question here:

Remarks by Beth Roden, Bayer and Luke Bryan: Luke Bryan/Bayer Farm Tour Remarks (2:54)

Question for Luke Bryan: Luke Bryan question (2:19)

The campaign supports Bayer’s vision of Health for All, Hunger for None and asks fans to join in by using #HerestotheFarmer on their social media channels now through November 30, 2023.

As part of the initiative, Bayer will donate up to 1 million meals to people in need through Feeding America®. Since the partnership’s inception, 6 million meals have been donated and more than $180,000 has gone to Feeding America member food banks and local farmers at each of the tour cities.

Agribusiness, Audio, Bayer

Tendovo in Action at #FPS23

Carrie Muehling

Syngenta gave farmers a closer look at its new soybean herbicide, Tendovo, at the 2023 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill.

“A lot of herbicides out there control the weeds. They do what they’re supposed to do. But some sacrifice the crop safety piece, and that’s really important,” said Jonathan Furasek, Soybean Product Marketing Lead, Herbicide Portfolio. “When we have cool, wet soils early in the season – farmers are planting earlier – we need a herbicide that’s not only going to control the weeds, but not thin our stands or hold our crop back so it can ultimately achieve canopy faster.”

Furasek said Tendovo has three unique active ingredients that provide three modes of action against weeds. It controls more than 70 weeds including Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, as well as common and giant ragweed and cocklebur.

“It’s never to early to start thinking about weed control,” Furasek said. “If you’re not controlling weeds, you’re sacrificing yield.

Syngenta Tendovo herbicide – interview with Jonathan Furasek, Soybean Product Marketing Lead
2023 Farm Progress Show interview with Jonathan Furasek, Syngenta Tendovo 3:39

Audio, Farm Progress Show, Syngenta

Animal Ag News 9/11

Carrie Muehling

  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced it has joined the steering committee of the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA). FACA consists of more than 80 organizations representing farmers, ranchers, forest owners, agribusinesses, manufacturers, the food and innovation sector, state governments, sportsmen and sportswomen, and environmental advocates.
  • The National Milk Producers Federation announced a significant staff reorganization as it transitions to new leadership, as incoming President & CEO Gregg Doud began work with the organization this week as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, a position he will hold until current President & CEO Jim Mulhern retires in January.
  • Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative announced changes in two strategic roles in its federal policy advocacy area. The organization named Karen Gefvert as director of government affairs. Travis Senn will serve as director of public affairs.
  • The Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) New Product Competition for college students is accepting entries for 2024. The competition seeks innovative dairy product concepts and is open to undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. The deadline entry is Jan. 15 and winning teams will be recognized at the American Dairy Science Association’s annual meeting in June. More information is available at www.usdairy.com/research-resources/new-product-competition.
  • North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Aggie cows will mooo-ve into the age of “precision agriculture” as the University Dairy hosts an open house for its new, state-of-the-art Automated Milking System (AMS) on Wednesday, Sept. 20.
  • Could your freezer beef carry the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) brand logo? Perhaps. With the launch of a new program, Angus farmers and ranchers have the option to market their beef directly to consumers as CAB product. Ranch to Table, a direct partnership program between CAB and cattle operations using Angus genetics, allows ranchers to use the brand’s trusted reputation for increased gain.
  • Livestock Marketing Association members have a front-row seat to a disturbing trend: the continued loss of livestock producers across the U.S. They see this as a critical threat, not only to the livestock industry, but to the nation’s food supply. That’s why they’re launching an initiative to strengthen producers’ bottom lines and incentivize the next generation of farmers and ranchers. To join the conversation, visit producerprofitability.com or contact your local LMA member livestock marketing business.
  • As a global leader in animal nutrition and sustainable ag solutions, Alltech is proud to partner with companies that share its commitment to Working Together for a Planet of Plenty. Alltech announced this week that it is partnering with National Dairy Farms and Masakin Dairy Farms, two prominent companies owned by Emirates Food Industries (EFI), to bring leading-edge carbon footprint benchmarking and methane-reducing technologies to the Middle East.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) welcomes Jessica Morse as its new director of meetings and events and Emily Alvarez as its fall communications intern.
  • The Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2023 College Aggies Online (CAO) program kicks off on September 11. Influencers Emily Schaapman, known online as @DairyGirlFitness, Natalie Kovarik (@NatalieKovarik), Brandi Buzzard (@BrandiBuzzard), Jessica Peters (@SeeJessFarm), and Ryan Goodman, known online as @BeefRunner, are among the list of 2023 student mentors. More than $20,000 in scholarship awards are available to participating students and clubs.
  • Ralco Nutrition, Inc. announced that Glenn Bader has been promoted to the role of President & CEO, replacing current President & CEO Brian Knochenmus. Brian will continue as owner and chairman of the board in addition to his duties as chairman of the board of The trū Shrimp Companies, Inc.
  • WATT Global Media has launched its new Feed Mill of the Future website. FeedMilloftheFuture.com features articles, video, expert insights and leading-edge information exploring emerging feed manufacturing technologies and trends, spanning equipment innovations, automation, animal feed formulation and, nutrition and, sustainability in feed production.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Syngenta Sustainability

    Carrie Muehling

    Syngenta continues to work across the agriculture industry with clients, farmers and legislators to increase sustainability in all areas.

    “Sustainability is certainly something that we are very actively engaged with, everything from Operation Pollinator to soil health to bee health,” said Kathy Eichlin, Corporate and Crop Protection Communications with Syngenta. “I think one of the biggest things we are very proud of is our associations, all of our partnerships.”

    Eichlin said the biggest key for Syngenta is doing more listening than talking, as the needs of customers change from year to year. But it’s also important for the company to convert those messages into action in places like Washington, D.C.

    “We need to listen, but then we also need to be leaders and agvocates for our customers,” Eichlin said.

    Syngenta Sustainability Commitment

    Kathy Eichlin, Corporate and Crop Protection Communications, Syngenta
    2023 Farm Progress Show interview with Kathy Eichlin, Syngenta 3:39

    Audio, Farm Progress Show, Sustainability, Syngenta

    Industry Ag News 9/8

    Carrie Muehling

  • Daren Williams, a veteran public relations and marketing leader with significant experience across food and agriculture, has been named to lead the PR and reputation management practice at Curious Plot.
  • Syngenta Group announced financial results for the first half and the second quarter of 2023. Sales for the first half of 2023 were $17.5 billion, down $0.6 billion or 3 percent year-on-year, compared to an exceptionally strong 2022.
  • Farm Journal Foundation and the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets, with support from the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Foundation, celebrated the grand opening of the New York Voice of the Farmer Garden at the Great New York State Fair. The New York Voice of the Farmer Garden, which offers visitors the opportunity to learn about U.S. agriculture and crops grown in New York and around the country, is the very first statewide garden of its kind to open in the country.
  • DLF, the worldwide market leader in forage and turf seed, announced its acquisition of the Corteva Agriscience alfalfa breeding program effective September 1. This includes Corteva’s global alfalfa germplasm and breeding program, the Alforex Seeds brand name and trademarks including Hi-Gest alfalfa technology, Hi-Ton performance alfalfa, Hi-Salt salinity tolerant alfalfa, and msSuntra hybrid technology, current commercial alfalfa varieties and select Corteva personnel supporting the alfalfa program.
  • In August, American Seed Trade Association President & CEO Andy LaVigne was re-appointed to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade (APAC), a committee jointly managed by the USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. APAC provides advice and information to the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative on the administration’s trade policies. Over the next four years in this role, LaVigne will work to ensure that U.S. agricultural trade policy objectives reflect public and private-sector interests in the global seed marketplace.
  • Ag Partners Coop, a leading agricultural cooperative and retailer of agricultural inputs, energy, grain, and agronomy services, announced its decision to join The GROWERS Retail Network. This collaboration connects Ag Partners to farmers on The GROWERS App, a cutting-edge digital platform that enables farmers to connect with retailers, explore and purchase input products.
  • Protect The Harvest is positioning itself for ongoing growth as it focuses on issues associated with food security, agriculture, property rights, and animal welfare. In addition to rebranding efforts that include a new logo, new tagline (A Free and Fed America), and refreshed website, the organization’s leadership is being restructured to accommodate growth and future needs. Effective September 1, Dr. Mike Siemens assumed the role of executive director, with a focus on strategic development, growth and meeting constituent needs. Theresa Lucas McMahan moved from executive director to the newly created chief administrative officer position, focused on organizational effectiveness and operations.
  • International Fresh Produce Association’s 2023 Washington Conference, September 12-15, is packed with high-impact education, collaboration, and advocacy designed to prepare attendees for influencing the policies and perceptions of produce and floral on Capitol Hill and around DC.
  • Scouts participating in the recent Pro Framer Crop Tour found sporadic and highly variable yields for both corn and soybeans, especially across the western Corn Belt. According to a new research brief from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, soybeans have a much tighter supply situation than corn due to the loss of planted acres. USDA estimates soybean planted acreage fell 4.6 percent year-over-year this spring to the lowest level since 2020.
  • Producer sentiment was notably lower in August, as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index dipped 8 points to a reading of 115. This month’s decline was fueled by producers’ weaker perception of current conditions both on their farms and in U.S. agriculture. The Index of Current Conditions fell 13 points to a reading of 108. The Index of Future Expectations also declined 5 points in August to a reading of 119. This month’s Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from August 14-18.
  • The Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) named 20 industry professionals to its 2023-2024 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) class. This is the largest class of Emerging Leaders since the program’s inception in 2015. The Emerging Leaders Program allows crop insurance and reinsurance professionals to increase their knowledge of advocacy and communications and provides networking experiences with industry leaders.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    ZimmCast 717 – Syngenta at #FPS23

    Cindy Zimmerman

    ZimmCastHello and welcome to the ZimmCast.

    This episode of the ZimmCast features what’s new with Syngenta Seeds, Golden Harvest, and NK Seeds – all from the 2023 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois.

    Listen to interviews with Kramer Farney, Golden Harvest head of marketing; NASCAR Driver Sammy Smith; Mary Kay Thatcher, senior lead for federal government relations at Syngenta; Eric Boeck, Regional Director North America for Syngenta Seeds; Sustainable Oils President Mike Karst; Matt Dolch, NK Corn Product Manager, and Jared Benson, NK Soybean Product Manager.

    Listen to the episode here:ZimmCast 717 - Syngenta at Farm Progress Show (23:49)

    Check out other content from #FPS23 in the Farm Progress Show Virtual Newsroom.

    Subscribe to the ZimmCast in:

    Audio, Corn, Farm Progress Show, Golden Harvest, NK Seeds, Podcasts, Seed, Syngenta, ZimmCast

    Update on Golden Harvest GHX

    Carrie Muehling

    Golden Harvest GHX SeedThe GHX app from Golden Harvest is helping farmers to better understand crop health in their fields throughout the entire season.

    “We’ve made some exciting advancements in the app this year. Our GHX app is a platform that both our sellers, our agronomists, and our customers can all use to manage the crop and manage the relationship with Golden Harvest,” said Morgan Dugan, Commercial Unit Head for Illinois and Iowa.

    Farmers who sign up for the full version of the app can get field specific recommendation, variable rate planting scripts, weather support, scouting and even financing through the tool, which is available for all mobile devices. There is also a guest version of the app for farmers to try it out, even if they aren’t Golden Harvest customers.

    “Agronomy is something that is really important to Golden Harvest as an organization. Our digital tools will help you use agronomy in a new way moving forward,” said Justin Welch, Digital Product Manager, GHX.

    Golden Harvest’s celebration of 50 years in business continued at this year’s Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill.

    Morgan Dugan, Commercial Unit Head for IL and IA, Golden Harvest
    2023 Farm Progress Show interview with Morgan Dugan, Golden Harvest 2:16

    Justin Welch, Digital Product Manager, GHX
    2023 Farm Progress Show interview with Justin Welch, GHX 2:29

    Audio, Farm Progress Show, Golden Harvest, Seed, Syngenta, Technology