Third Tech Hub LIVE Spotlights Innovative Companies

Cindy Zimmerman

The third annual Tech Hub LIVE is set to open its doors next week and bring together the largest gathering yet of ag tech practitioners, thought leaders, and innovative solution providers, with some of the industry’s leading companies on display.

Tech Hub LIVE offers an unparalleled opportunity for ag retailers, distributors, consultants, manufacturers, and other stakeholders in the ag supply chain to discover the latest advancements in decision-making and analytics software, with an exhibit hall featuring over 75 booths and meeting rooms. With over 88 speakers, including 19 tech talks, 19 fireside chats, 17 roundtable discussion groups, and 10 breakout sessions, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to turn new technology opportunities into practical business advantages on the farm.

More industry partners, sponsors, and exhibitors have come together this year to make Tech Hub LIVE possible, as those from previous years have returned. Among this year’s event partners are Education Partner Ever.Ag; Sustainability Partner Indigo Ag; and Networking Partner Proagrica, as well as Destination Sponsor Greater Des Moines Partnership.

Click here for a complete list of exhibitors.

Scott Cogdill, Director of Business Development at Proagrica, talks about why they are helping to sponsor Tech Hub LIVE again.
2023 Tech Hub LIVE partner preview with Scott Cogdill, Proagrica (8:23)

AgWired Precision, Audio, Precision Agriculture, Tech Hub LIVE, Technology

The IFAJ Flag has been passed to Switzerland

Chuck Zimmerman

Passing the IFAJ flag to SwitzerlandThe International Federation of Agricultural Journalists has several traditions. One is at the end of the annual Congress when the IFAJ Flag is passed on to a representative of the country guild that will be hosting next year’s Congress. In this case the flag is being passed to Switzerland. Representing is Markus Rediger, past president of IFAJ and in Switzerland and Lena Johansson, current IFAJ president. You can listen to their remarks here:
2023 IFAJ Congress passing the flag (3:27)

Here are details for next year’s IFAJ Congress Switzerland. Interlaken, August 14-18, 2024

Welcome to Switzerland. We invite you to the IFAJ Congress in Switzerland, where we will talk about the high expectations of society and take a look behind the scenes of Swiss agriculture. The congress will take place in Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland. An impressive landscape and a diverse agriculture awaits you.

Speaking of flags, another IFAJ tradition. At every annual congress, IFAJ has the tradition of putting up the flags of each member country, either at the Delegate Assembly or during the closing banquet (or both!). It is an impressive sight to see all 40+ flags hung around the room and is an inspiration for the internationalism that IFAJ stands for. You can see them displayed around the room in the photo album.

Thank you to Alltech for making it possible for me to attend this year’s IFAJ Congress.

Click here for the IFAJ Congress 2023 Photo Album.

Audio, IFAJ, International, Media

Animal Ag News 7/17

Carrie Muehling

  • Performance Livestock Analytics (PLA), a leader in data analytics solutions for livestock producers, announced its separation from Zoetis. The newly independent PLA business is led by its original founders, Dane Kuper and Dustin Balsley, and with financial investment from Builders VC.
  • The National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry will provide poultry facility and corporate safety professionals with the tools to help ensure industry personnel’s continued well-being and protection. The Conference, sponsored by the Georgia Tech Research Institute/ATRP and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, is scheduled for Aug. 14-16 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Destin, Fla.
  • U.S. Poultry & Egg Association announces the promotion of Gwen Venable to executive vice president – expo & communication services. She will assume the position as Nath Morris transitions to president.
  • U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Dairy Business Innovation Act of 2023, bipartisan legislation that will reauthorize and strengthen the Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives to help more American dairy farmers and processors add value to their businesses, including creating new products, expanding their markets, and modernizing their production facilities. Senator Baldwin successfully created the DBI Initiatives through the Dairy Business Innovation Act in 2018, which passed as part of the 2018 Farm Bill and has since delivered almost $40 million to help Wisconsin dairy businesses innovate and reach new customers.
  • FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, along with other members of the Midwest Dairy Coalition, endorsed the Dairy Business Innovation Act of 2023 that was introduced by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). This bill would increase the funding authorization for the Dairy Business Innovation Act, which supports dairy businesses in the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Alltech Continues Support of IFAJ Young Leaders

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Alltech/IFAJ Young Leaders with sponsors at Alltech ONE Calgary

    Once again this year, ten outstanding young agricultural journalists and communicators had the opportunity to attend the IFAJ Congress thanks to Alltech, which has sponsored the IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders program since 2006.

    Patrick Charlton, Vice President of Europe for Alltech, says he really enjoys being part of the program, which includes for the participants a special Boot Camp prior to the congress for leadership and skills training and fellowship. “It’s an inspiring opportunity to see how many young, smart, up and coming journalists there are around the world,” said Charlton. “We always have a huge number who enter from Africa and it’s fantastic to see their involvement.”

    This year the group also had the opportunity to attend the Alltech ONE Calgary event, which followed IFAJ. “When we were first talking about putting the ONE on the road, the dates were fixed for this one to tie into the IFAJ meeting so we could build the two in together,” Charlton said. “It was absolutely the right thing for us to do.”

    Learn more about Alltech and the IFAJ Young Leaders program in this interview.
    ONE Calgary interview with Patrick Charlton, Alltech (6:44)

    Alltech, Audio, IFAJ

    Industry Ag News 7/14

    Carrie Muehling

  • Twenty groups representing agricultural, environmental, forestry, wildlife, nutrition and hunger advocates have launched the “Farm Bill for America’s Families: Sustaining Our Future” campaign to urge passage of the 2023 farm bill this year.
  • Farm Progress continues to enrich its offerings, as long-time broadcaster Mike Pearson takes over the reins to host “This Week in Agribusiness” and “Farm Progress America.” With extensive experience in radio and television farm broadcasting, Pearson brings a familiar face and respected knowledge, as he joins Farm Progress full time. Farm Progress also wants to extend congratulations to Armstrong on his retirement, as well as announce his continuing involvement on the broadcast team. Armstrong will remain on the air each week with Max’s Tractor Shed and special segments on “This Week in Agribusiness”.
  • Farm Aid 2023 is coming to Noblesville, Indiana, on Saturday, September 23. This year’s festival will showcase how farmers are leading the way to mitigate climate change with a specific focus on the essential role that water plays in farming and in our lives.
  • Huma, a company regarded for developing innovative humic solutions and technologies to support regen ag and soil health initiatives, has appointed two new members to its board of directors. This includes Chief Marketing Officer Fred Nichols and Chief Financial Officer Steve Lunt, effective immediately.
  • The Renewable Fuels Association announced that Rondo Energy has joined the association as its newest associate member. Rondo Energy is a leading provider of zero-carbon industrial heat, making industrial decarbonization possible and profitable today. The Rondo Heat Battery captures low-cost renewable electricity and delivers continuous high-temperature heat, enabling customers to power their operations with zero-carbon energy.
  • The National Cotton Council announced its Multi-Commodity Education Program participants and tours. Farmers from eight states in the southern half of the nation toured agricultural production and processing operations in Idaho on June 25-30.
  • The National Corn Growers Association joined over 90 other trade groups representing diverse businesses across the transportation sector in urging the Biden administration to reverse course on its proposed tailpipe emissions standards for light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
  • Nancy Martinez, a seasoned Capitol Hill professional with extensive policy experience, has joined the National Corn Growers Association as director of public policy for trade.
  • The American Feed Industry Association announced the addition of Ivy Torres as its global programs specialist, effective July 10.
  • Celebrate marketing excellence by submitting your nominations for the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) Professional Development Awards by August 1.
  • IUNU announced the release of its 2023 State of CEA report. Since 2016, these reports have served as a trusted resource for the CEA industry, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing greenhouse operators.
  • The U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) board of directors seated officers for 2023/24 at their annual meeting July 12, 2023, in Minneapolis, Minn. USW is the export market development organization for the U.S. wheat industry. Michael Peters, Okarche, Okla., accepted the USW Chairman’s gavel from 2022/23 Chair Rhonda Larson, East Grand Forks, Minn.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Third Tech Hub LIVE Ready for Action

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Organizers of the third annual Tech Hub LIVE Conference and Expo, July 24-26 in Des Moines, are expecting it to be the best one yet.

    “This will be the biggest Tech Hub LIVE,” said conference program chair Lara Sowinski, CropLife Media. “Our sponsors, exhibitors, attendees, all the numbers are exceeding what we’ve had previously.” The event debuted in Des Moines in 2021 and was held in Indianapolis last year.

    Sowinski says they are very excited about this year’s program which includes and improves upon many of the features of the first two events, including Fireside Chats showcasing top retailers and industry leaders, and 10-minute Tech Talks to learn more about the technologies and solutions developed to improve operations.

    She is especially pleased with this year’s keynote speaker Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft, Executive Director of NASA Acres and the immediate-past Deputy Director of NASA Harvest, and about the first meeting of the recently formed Women in Ag Tech on July 24 starting at 2:00 pm.

    More information and registration can be found on the Tech Hub LIVE Conference and Expo website.

    Learn more about what’s in store in this interview.
    Tech Hub LIVE preview with Lara Sowinski, CropLife Media 10:58

    AgWired Precision, Audio, Tech Hub LIVE, Technology

    BLUE Homogeneous Granular Fertilizer Introduced

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Timac Agro USA and Rainbow Plant Food have collaborated to bring a new generation of fertilizer efficiency tools to the agricultural market.

    “BLUE is a new fertilizer efficiency tool harnessing the innovation and technology of Timac Agro USA and elevating the high-quality precision nutrients and micronutrients offered by Rainbow Plant Food so that ultimately growers can realize higher profitability and higher performance with a layer of protection to help be more environmentally sensitive,” explains Michael Pisciotta, Timac Agro USA Director of Agronomy, Southern US.

    BLUE fertilizer products are comprised of superior homogeneous granular technology and a mixture of natural substances that benefit agronomic production. They work to maximize peak performance from the soil to the plant and can be used as a singular source for all necessary nutrients, or as part of a blend to reap the benefits of enhanced fertilizer efficiency across every acre. BLUE grade products can be used in a variety of field situations such as pre-plant, bedded fertilizer, and top-dress.

    Pisciotta says BLUE offers significant environmental benefits as well. “BLUE is a tool for service to not only growers but to the environment. Farmers have to be environmentalists at their heart because ultimately if we don’t preserve the soil and the land we’re not going to be able to farm the next generation,” he said.

    Learn more in this interview with Piscotta:
    Interview with Michael Pisciotta, Timac Agro USA 11:04

    Watch the video below to learn more about BLUE:


    Find additional media assets here: bluefertilizer.ag/media

    Audio, Fertilizer, Video

    Precision Ag News 7/12

    Carrie Muehling

  • Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Rostin Behnam announced the second voluntary carbon markets convening will be held on Wednesday, July 19 at the CFTC’s Washington, D.C. headquarters at 11:30 a.m.
  • Verdesian Life Sciences recently finished in the top three for a BioAg Innovator Award at the BioAgTech World Congress for its newest Phosphorus efficiency technology, the soon-to-be-released Phree-uP. This new product builds upon the long line of Verdesian Phophorus products such as AVAIL and AVAIL T5 with technology that protects applied Phosphorus from being tied up in the soil while also making the Phosphorus already in the soil more available to the plant.
  • Huma, a company regarded for developing innovative humic solutions and technologies to support regen ag and soil health initiatives, has appointed two new members to its board of directors. This includes Chief Marketing Officer Fred Nichols and Chief Financial Officer Steve Lunt, effective immediately.
  • The Center for Food and Agricultural Business has once again partnered with the American Seed Trade Association to present the 2023 ASTA Management Academy. The academy’s unique delivery approach, a blend of asynchronous online and in-person aspects, will take place on Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus August 15-17.
  • Sentera announces the launch of its Crop Damage analytics to empower researchers, product developers, retail ag advisors, and crop insurance professionals to make critical decisions about mitigation strategies for key weather events.
  • Indigo Ag announced a program with Consolidated Grain and Barge Co., a subsidiary of CGB Enterprises, Inc., designed to quantify the environmental benefits of sustainably grown crops sourced by CGB.
  • The pilot episode of Destination Regeneration, a regenerative agriculture docuseries from the Soil Health Academy, has been selected for the prestigious Breck Film Festival and the South Dakota Film Festival, the non-profit organization announced.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    ZeaKal and Nutrien Partner for Soybean Supply Chain

    Cindy Zimmerman

    ZeaKal today announced a collaboration with ag retailer Nutrien Ag Solutions to support commercialization of ZeaKal’s PhotoSeed™ trait technology for U.S. soybean growers, with the goal of creating higher value, more diversified and sustainable global soybean supply chain.

    The PhotoSeed™ technology increases photosynthetic capacity and the enhanced carbon capture in soybeans results in improved oil and protein without compromising field yields benefiting every participant on the soybean supply chain, including farmers, soybean processors, food companies and ultimately the consumer.

    “There is no question, the world needs a better soybean and the collaboration with Nutrien Ag Solutions brings us one step closer to that reality,” said Han Chen, ZeaKal CEO and Co-Founder. “Nutrien Ag Solutions is a critical piece of the puzzle for ZeaKal, growers and our other collaborators in fully realizing the potential of PhotoSeed. Together, we can accelerate and increase the depth of our product offering with flexible and customized agronomic solutions that protect the yield potential and value created through our genetics.”

    Today’s announcement completes the loop of ZeaKal’s “NewType” agriculture model, bringing multiple supply chain collaborators together for a strategic collaboration that connects genetics in the field to the entire soybean value chain.

    In 2021, ZeaKal signed a partnership agreement with Gro Alliance, one of North America’s largest independent soy and corn contract seed producers, ensuring locally produced seed that improves seed costs for growers. And in 2022 ZeaKal entered into a multi-year collaborative agreement with Perdue AgriBusiness, agreeing to purchase future PhotoSeed soybean harvest from growers. Last month, ZeaKal signed a licensing agreement with the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) to combine ZeaKal’s PhotoSeed™ photosynthetic capabilities with MSMC’s patented high-oleic SOYLEIC® soybean.

    For Nutrien Ag Solutions, this collaboration exemplifies their commitment to offer growers more diversity in their soybean production practices and new income streams not tied solely to yield. Under the terms of the collaboration, Nutrien Ag Solutions will release ZeaKal-branded soybean seeds to U.S. growers in time for the 2024 growing season.

    Learn more about this exciting new venture in this interview with ZeaKal CEO and Co-Founder Han Chen.
    Interview with Han Chen, ZeaKal (12:33)

    Audio, Seed, Soybean

    DWFI Podcast 26 – Mure Agbonlahor and Louise Mabulo

    Cindy Zimmerman

    This is the second in our series of podcasts from the 2023 Water for Food Global Conference, produced by the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska (DWFI) and held May 8-11 in Lincoln, Neb. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Mure Agbonlahor, who works at the African Union Commission as senior Policy Officer, and Louise Mabulo, chef, farmer, entrepreneur, and founder of The Cacao Project.

    Agbonlahor discussed “Financing irrigation for smallholder farmers across scales” and “Policy and pathways for scaling smallholder irrigation” at the conference, while Mabulo served as a keynote luncheon speaker and discussed her “View from the field” on a panel with farmers from other countries. Mabulo was featured in the very first Daugherty Water for Food podcast three years ago.

    Listen here or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:
    DWFI Podcast 26 - Mure Agbonlahor and Louise Mabulo 17:21

    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, Irrigation, Podcasts, Water, Water for Food