ZimmCast 714 – Margy Eckelkamp, Farm Journal

Cindy Zimmerman

ZimmCastIn this episode of the ZimmCast we are featuring an interview with AgWired’s first intern.

Margy Eckelkamp was Margy Fischer and a senior at the University of Missouri when she and Mary Irelan were chosen by Monsanto to be the student bloggers for the 2006 Commodity Classic – the first time it had ever been done and this new media thing was just getting started. Margy immediately showed how capable she was as a multi-media journalist by writing on the spot reports, doing interviews, attending press conferences and taking photos. Farm Journal hired her when she graduated and she’s been there ever since, recently earning another promotion with the ag media group.

We had a nice conversation about where ag media has been and where it might be going in the future. Listen to the ZimmCast here:
ZimmCast 714 - Margy Ecklekamp, Farm Journal (22:00)

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Audio, Farm Journal, Journalism, Media, Podcasts, ZimmCast

Animal Ag News 7/10

Carrie Muehling

  • The USDA Agricultural Research Service‘s National Animal Germplasm Program (NAGP) has collected and preserved more than one million samples from over 64,000 animals across the United States. These samples, dating from the late 1940s to the present, aim to maintain the genetic diversity of American livestock, providing genetic security and an improved understanding of genes that influence and control valuable animal characteristics.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must end dairy product mislabeling by manufacturers of synthetic, cell-based “dairy” ingredients that are in violation of federal dairy Standards of Identity to prevent a repeat of the plant-based labeling fiasco that’s created confusion among consumers and regulatory headaches at the agency, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) said in a letter to the agency.
  • The Public Lands Council (PLC) has submitted grazing coalition comments raising concerns with the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed rule titled “Conservation and Landscape Health.” Together with PLC affiliate members the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), as well as partners from the American Farm Bureau Federation, the comments garnered signatures from 55 state organizations and several additional national partners.
  • Cookbook author and social media influencer, Shereen Pavlides, will host a live cook along from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Culinary Center, funded by the Beef Checkoff, on Tuesday, July 11 at 4:00 pm mountain time. Pavlides will showcase beef on her popular Cooking with Shereen Instagram page. She is known for her cooking style and social media teaching method which have earned her a following of more than six million across her Instagram, TikTok and Facebook pages.
  • Earlier this month, Sens. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Mike Rounds, (R-S.D.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) in cosponsoring the American Beef Labeling Act of 2023 (S.52), reigniting support for the bill across rural America. R-CALF USA and its partners in the national MCOOL coalition remain strong in their support of the Act and are hopeful for the reintroduction of its House companion bill.
  • The USPOULTRY Foundation is now accepting applications from colleges and universities for the Industry Education Recruitment Funding program. The funding supports student recruitment at colleges and universities that cultivate careers in the poultry and egg industry.
  • The 2023 USPOULTRY Financial Management Seminar provided attendees with a variety of topics related to financial management in the poultry and egg industry. Subject matter, ranging from regulatory updates, cybersecurity, tax updates and accounting principles in live production and auditing, was covered. The diverse selection of “Experience Sharing Sessions” ensured that attendees came away with a well-rounded perspective on the most pressing issues facing financial professionals in poultry and egg companies.
  • Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) continues to support the education of the next generation of veterinarians focusing on caring for food animals through the Illinois Veterinary and Training (IVET) loan program.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Trump Launches Farmers for Trump Coalition in Iowa

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Former President Donald Trump held a rally and launched his Farmers for Trump coalition this past weekend in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with several state agriculture leaders serving as co-chairs.

    The Iowa Farmers for Trump Co-Chairs include three current farmer members of the Iowa state legislature who serve on the agriculture committee, Reps. Mike Sexton, Derek Wulf, and Heather Hora, in addition to former state rep David Kerr and former USDA official Jeremy Davis.

    “No president has ever come close to me in fighting for farmers and ranchers,” Trump claimed before the crowd of supporters. “I’m proud to be the most pro-farmer president you’ve ever had in the White House.”

    The Republican presidential candidate touted actions he took while in office to help farmers, such as rolling back the Waters of the United States, ending the estate tax, renegotiating trade agreements, and supporting ethanol, while attacking both his GOP opponent Ron DeSantis and current President Joe Biden.

    “Every Iowan needs to know that Ron DeSanctus totally despises Iowa ethanol and ethanol generally,” said Trump. “Joe Biden is trying to kill Iowa ethanol and replace it with expensive electric cars.”

    Listen to some of Trump’s remarks here:
    Pres. Donald Trump Iowa rally (26:56)

    Audio, politics

    Industry Ag News 7/7

    Carrie Muehling

  • Register here for a July 13 NAMA webinar at 11 a.m. central time titled “Brevity: Being a More Effective Communicator” with presenter Merritt Neil of M&C.
  • Celebrate marketing excellence by submitting nominations for the NAMA Professional Development Awards by August 1. Individuals may nominate agribusiness and marketing professionals for the awards. NAMA chapters may also host awards at the local level and submit chapter recipients to the national level, or a chapter can nominate candidates directly for the national awards. Awards are presented at the NAMA Fall Conference, October 9-11 at the Ritz Carlton in Clayton. Award winners receive complimentary registration to the meeting.
  • Two former presidents of the Ag Communicators Network (ACN), have been named ACN’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients for 2023. Greg Lamp and Karen McMahon were selected based on their outstanding leadership and professional and personal achievements, emphasizing contributions made toward improving the viability and value of the Ag Communicators Network.
  • American Farmland Trust has opened applications for the 2023 cohort of the Brighter Future Fund program. The program helps farmers nationwide improve farm viability, access, transfer, or permanently protect farmland or adopt regenerative agricultural practices. The last day to submit applications is July 15th. AFT’s Brighter Future Fund provides grants up to $10,000 per project. A project may involve one or more individual farmer(s) or farm families, and projects will be awarded on a one-per-farm basis.
  • If you are looking to earn some extra recognition and cash, enter the Livestock Publication Council’s 2023 People’s Choice Photography Contest (previously known as the Best of the Bunch.) Entries should be submitted and paid for online by July 14.
  • Farm Foundation, an accelerator of practical solutions for agriculture, will host its next virtual Forum, Ownership and Investment in U.S. Farmland, on Tuesday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Central. This Forum will touch on the challenges and opportunities surrounding agricultural land ownership in the U.S.
  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) encourages qualified graduate students to apply for the Research Ambassador program. If you are interested in building a personal network of future agricultural leaders as you begin your career, you will want to apply today.
  • The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index improved in June, rising 17 points to a reading of 121. The upswing in sentiment was driven by producers’ more optimistic view of the future; however, their perception of current conditions remained unchanged from May. The Index of Future Expectations rose 25 points to a reading of 123, while the Index of Current Conditions held flat at a reading of 116 in June. The Ag Economy Barometer is calculated each month from 400 U.S. agricultural producers’ responses to a telephone survey. This month’s survey was conducted June 12-16.
  • AgTruckTrader.com, part of The Certified Agriculture Group (TCAG) is kicking-off a Summer Get-A-Grip Giveaway for two Michelin 14.9R24 Agribib tires to be provided to a farmer or rancher entering the sweepstakes. The offer has a retail value of more than $3,000.
  • The Sorghum Promotion, Research and Information Order was approved by USDA in May 2008 and began collecting assessments on July 1, 2018. On July 1, 2023, the United Sorghum Checkoff Program celebrated its 15th anniversary. This milestone marks a decade and a half of relentless dedication to advancing sorghum genetics, expanding market opportunities, conducting impactful research, promoting education and raising consumer awareness.
  • International Food and Agribusiness Management Association welcomes Aidan Connolly to the presidency. Aidan is President of AgriTech Capital LLC – an advisory resource for new and established companies working at the interface of agriculture and technology. His firm helps governments, fortune 500 food companies and large agri-businesses develop their agtech strategies to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.
  • National Association of Farm Broadcasting Emeritus member Bruce Lease passed away on July 2, 2023. Lease became a farm broadcaster at KWOA radio, serving as farm director from 1969-1987. He continued his broadcasting career at KLQL and KITN radio until retiring in 1998. Lease served as NAFB North Central Region Vice President in 1977 and remained active and connected to NAFB throughout his career.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    A Very Good Alltech ONE

    Cindy Zimmerman

    This week’s Alltech ONE World Tour stop in Calgary, Canada was the third a series of international events bringing the ideas and inspiration of the annual Alltech ONE Conference to the world, and Alltech President and CEO Dr. Mark Lyons is pleased with how the tour is going so far.

    “This has been a great idea,” said Lyons in a wrap-up interview. “I think doing it this way is making the event so much more accessible. There’s an opportunity to really understand and hone in on real issues in each market.”

    The Alltech ONE World Tour will continue with stops in the U.S., Asia, South America and the Middle East.

    Listen to Chuck’s wrap up interview with Dr. Lyons here:
    ONE Calgary - interview with Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech (2:31)

    Alltech ONE World Tour – Calgary Photo Album

    Alltech, Audio

    Sustainability Insights at Alltech ONE Calgary

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Alltech ONE Calgary featured global and Canadian experts discussing agricultural trends, animal nutrition and business, including a Sustainability Insights discussion.

    “Our industry is navigating unprecedented disruption yet remains confident and committed to evolving toward a more sustainable food system,” said Tara McCarthy, global vice president of ESG at Alltech. “The key to success will be the development of innovative solutions, but even more critical is the capacity of the industry to work together across the value chain.”

    Alltech recently released initial findings of its 2022 Sustainability Insights report, with the complete report to be released later this summer. McCarthy talked about some of those findings including:

    There is a strong level of optimism and positivity with 85% of respondents agreeing that the food system can rise to the challenge.

    Respondents were similarly realistic about the need for support for the primary producers of the food that the 8 billion people on this planet eat. 66% agree that unless the farmer is incentivized, things will never change.

    There is recognition that we won’t be able to resolve the challenges ahead without a huge degree of innovation and harnessing technology to enable us to feed ourselves sustainably, with 92% of respondents believing that technology and innovation are key to more sustainable food systems.

    There is a near-universal recognition that we need a collaborative conversation and effort across the value chain, with 93% of respondents agreeing that we all have to work together to create a better food system for the future.

    Listen to McCarthy’s remarks here:
    ONE Calgary - Tara McCarthy, Alltech (19:14)

    Alltech ONE World Tour – Calgary Photo Album

    Agribusiness, Alltech, Animal Agriculture, Audio

    Precision Ag News 7/5

    Carrie Muehling

  • The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is urging farmers to submit comments to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding a new proposal on multi-pollutant emissions standards. The call-to-action was launched after EPA first announced the proposal in April. The comment period deadline closes on July 5.The new standards would effectively force automakers to produce electric vehicles at an increasingly rapid rate to comply with the stringent proposed rule.
  • Enriched Ag is pleased to announce the inclusion of its insights products in the INCA Exchange app by the Indian Nations Conservation Alliance. The data-driven insights focus on helping producers with grazing management, conservation and supply chain needs. The INCA Exchange app was designed for Native small-scale producers to enhance their participation in local agricultural markets, social connections and resource sharing.
  • Applications are open from now to Sept. 4 for the 2024 AgLaunch365 Accelerator program, a one-of-a-kind, farm-immersive business development experience for startups with a product or service that has the potential to be transformative in production agriculture.
  • Join the 2023 ARA Conference & Expo where the theme “Launching the Future of Ag Retail” will guide the forward-thinking keynote speaker messages and breakout sessions.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) signed a memorandum of understanding strengthening the collaboration between the two agencies, including efforts to improve agricultural and Earth science research, technology, and agricultural management, and the application of science data and models to agricultural decision making.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    Alltech ONE World Tour Stops in Calgary

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Alltech ONE CalgaryThe Alltech ONE World Tour continued this week in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. ONE Calgary welcomed more than 300 attendees from across Canada to explore collaborative solutions to the greatest challenges facing the agri-food industry, especially as they relate to the Canadian marketplace.

    Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech President/CEO, made remarks to get the party started. Pictured with him are the Calgary Stampede Royalty, Alayiah Wolf Child, 2023 First Nation Princess (left) and Sarah Lambros, Calgary Stampede Princess.

    “As our customers and partners continue to face many challenges and uncertainties, we determined that 2023 would be dedicated to meeting them in their market,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO. “This special edition of the ONE endeavors to deliver global expertise to locally relevant issues. In the midst of economic and political uncertainties that fuel regionalization, this ONE reflects the responsibility we have as a global company to be a connector of people and ideas, ever advancing our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™.”

    You can listen in to Mark’s welcome here: Alltech ONE Calgary - Dr. Mark Lyons Remarks

    Thank you to Alltech for making it possible for me to attend this Alltech ONE Word Tour stop in Calgary.

    Click here for the Alltech ONE World Tour stop in Calgary, Alberta, Canada Photo Album.

    Agribusiness, Alltech, Audio

    Animal Ag News 7/3

    Carrie Muehling

  • Quick action by FAS, USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has resolved an issue that temporarily stopped U.S. poultry product exports to Colombia, our 10th largest market for these products. Colombia’s Ministry of Agriculture instructed all Colombian ports to deny import permits to any poultry products beginning June 1 on concerns of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Roughly $1.1 million in U.S. exports were impacted by the ban between June 3 and June 8.
  • As of June 1, there were 72.4 million hogs and pigs on U.S. farms, up slightly from June 2022 and down one percent from Mar. 1, 2023, according to the Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
  • July 1st is the start to the second half of 2023 and the opening day for three National Cattlemen’s Beef Association applications. Opportunities to get involved include the CattleCon24 Internship Program, the National Anthem Contest sponsored by Norbrook, and Scholarships to attend CattleCon.
  • The National Pork Board recently announced a new five-year effort focused on addressing consumer questions related to the pork industry’s We Care® Ethical Principles and strengthening consumers’ confidence in choosing pork for their plate. The Real Pork Trust Consortium brings together the diverse expertise of five universities and will focus on three key areas to build consumer trust: 1) research designed to answer consumer questions about pork and pork production, 2) communications that share the research findings in a relatable, relevant way consumers can easily understand and use when making decisions, and 3) training to empower people from various walks of life to share research-based information about the pork industry.
  • Across America each day, nearly 5,650 animal food manufacturing facilities produce millions of tons of livestock, poultry and aquaculture feed and pet food, providing animals with safe and adequate nutrition while supporting an abundant U.S. food supply. Now, new research from the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) shows that these facilities drive economic growth, not only across the national economy but also in the counties and states where they are located.
  • The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) submitted comments on the protocols to examine the scientific questions that will be addressed by the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC). In submitting comments, IDFA was responding to the 2025 DGAC’s request for feedback as it reviews the body of scientific evidence on nutrition and health necessary to formulate a credible and reliable Dietary Guidelines for Americans report at the end of 2024.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    USDA Crop Report Surprises

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Planted Acreage report released Friday surprised many with an estimated 94.1 million acres of corn planted in the United States for 2023, up 6% from last year, while soybean area planted is estimated at 83.5 million acres, down 5% from last year.

    “You get a big surprise here I think on the movement around the crops and in particular between corn and beans,” said USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer. “Once one pulls all the pieces apart, it makes a lot of sense.”

    The report showed a significant change from the planting intentions survey in March, which indicated farmers would plant just four percent more corn and slightly more soybeans than last year, which Meyer said showed they were “maintaining some flexibility” going into planting.

    “You gained acreage sprinkled around in a number of different areas,” said Meyer, including more hay, sorghum, and spring wheat acres.

    All wheat planted area for 2023 is estimated at 49.6 million acres, up 9% from last year, with winter wheat 11 percent higher and spring wheat up three percent. All cotton planted area for 2023 is estimated at 11.1 million acres, 19% below 2022. Growers planted 6.81 million acres of sorghum for all purposes in 2023, up 8 percent from last year.

    Producers intend to harvest 52.0 million acres of all hay in 2023, up 5 percent from 2022. Alfalfa harvested acreage is expected to be 15.7 million acres, up 5 percent from 2022. All other hay (excluding alfalfa) is expected to be up 5 percent from last year, at 36.3 million acres.

    Listen to this soundbite from Meyer from USDA.
    USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer comment on planted acreage (1:09)

    Audio, Corn, Cotton, Soybean, USDA