Freshman Lawmaker Learns & Teaches on Farm Bill

John Davis

rod-davisOne of the problems of being a new lawmaker is you seem to come in on the middle of things.

“I feel like a person who walked into a coffee shop three years after a debate started, sat down at the table, and they say, ‘Hey, help fix this.’ I had a steep learning curve,” said Illinois freshman Congressman Rodney Davis when asked about his part in the new Farm Bill, which he is happy about, adding that he felt his role was to help educate non-Midwesterners about the impacts of some parts of the bill.

Speaking with Cindy during the recent American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) Biofuels Beltway March in Washington, D.C., Davis said part of that education effort was talking about how the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to slash the amount of ethanol and biodiesel to be blended into the Nation’s fuel supply could affect the commodity title of the bill. Plus, he said part of the reason pro-ethanol forces, including himself, lost the food-versus-fuel debate was the lack of educating the public.

“We need to make sure we educate those who may not know why they’re against ethanol production, why they’re against renewable fuels, and educate them how ethanol production is making cheaper, better feed for our livestock industry and how we can work together to make sure we put more homegrown fuels in our system and still provide cheap food,” Davis said.

Another big issue for the first-term congressman is the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), a bill that includes provisions to update locks and dams on the Nation’s transportation waterways critical to agricultural trade and passed the House by a nearly unanimous margin last year but is hung up in the Senate.

“We’re going to work together over the next month to push this bill out, because it’s crucial to our farmers, because 80 percent of the products that go down the Mississippi River, which my district abuts, are coal and grains. If we can’t get our products out into the open ocean, then we can’t continue to feed the world.”

Listen to all of Cindy’s conversation with Davis here: Interview with Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL)
2014 ACE Biofuels Beltway March photo album

Audio, Ethanol, Farm Bill

Corn Growers: Plantings Down, But Plenty of Stocks

John Davis

ncga-logo-newThis year’s corn plantings are expected to be down this year, but growers say there will be plenty of stockpiles for all needs. While soybean plantings are expected to be a record, the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture figures show that American farmers expect to plant 3.7 million fewer acres of corn this year, down four percent from 2013. But the National Corn Growers Association says, don’t worry, there are plenty of stocks going into the year, and it would still be the fifth-largest U.S. corn acreage planted.

“In 2013, U.S. farmers produced a record crop abundant enough to meet all needs and provide an ample carry over into 2014,” National Corn Growers Association President Martin Barbre said. “While it is still early in the season and many factors may change the reality on the ground as planting progresses, the public can rest assured that bountiful stockpiles and adequate plantings will ensure our corn security for the year to come.”

NCGA says the plantings will yield 13.37 billion bushels, and corn stocks stand at more than 7 billion bushels, up 30 percent from the same time last year.

Corn, Ethanol, NCGA, USDA

This Year’s After the After Party with Rhea + Kaiser

Jamie Johansen

pancake-rayThe founders of Rhea + Kaiser have always been true proponents of professional development. That is one reason they are a big sponsor of the National Agri-Marketing Association Conference. Chuck spoke with Diane Martin with Rhea + Kaiser about their coveted After the After Party event.

“In recent years we have been a sustaining partner with NAMA. With that investment we decided to really kick it up a notch to heighten our involvement and presence in an unexpected way, but also provide some level of consistency whether we are sponsoring the National Marketing Conference or regional events.”

Rhea + Kaiser currently sponsors the After the After Party during NAMA. Diane said the inspiration came about five years ago when a R+Ker craved pancakes after a night visiting a few of the parties. This led to their sponsorship of a pancake breakfast.

“We’re taking it outdoors this year since we are going to be in a warmer climate. There’s a new chapter in Pancake Ray’s life. He has been experimenting with the menu so there might not be pancakes this year, but there will still be some good breakfast items. We also have a few new promotional items that will give people something different to take home besides a paper dinner hat.”

Diane believes the success of this event is simply because it’s fun, carefree and no one takes it too seriously. They are also solving a classic need people have after a night of socializing with friends. She also is sending out a warning well in advance to all the single ladies who plan on attending the event. Pancake Ray just might be on the prowl and looking for love.

For every breakfast served Rhea + Kaiser will make a donation to the Agribusiness Educational Foundation (ABEF). ABEF helps young people get started in their professional careers and Rhea + Kaiser believes by supporting the foundation they are supporting future R+Kers.

Diane shared three cornerstones to why NAMA is such a great organization. They are the opportunity for professional development, the chance to create a professional community of friends and the chance to recruit young professionals.

Listen to Chuck’s complete interview with Diane here: Interview with Diane Martin

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Audio, Events, Marketing, NAMA

Cute Baby Blogging

Chuck Zimmerman

Chelsea and CruzI’m taking a time out from our regular programming to do some cute baby blogging. Actually, this ties right in to what we’re all about here on AgWired. The miracle of a baby is one of the most beautiful things in the world. You can scroll through the #felfie hashtag on Twitter and see lots of babies of different kinds.

Our grandson, Cruz, and his parents, Caitlin and Clint, showed up for a visit. As you might guess, Cindy has been eagerly waiting on them. So has our daughter Chelsea who got to see Cruz for the first time this morning. He’s 2 1/2 months old now and just a little bundle of joy.

Cindy and I will be taking a little time to spend with the Cruz Dude this week as we also make final preparations for the Agri-Marketing Conference next week in Jacksonville.

ZimmComm Announcement

Agribusiness & Food World Forum in Cape Town

Jamie Johansen

ifamaThe International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) and The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) are partnering to convene the Agribusiness and Food World Forum in Cape Town, South Africa on June 17-19, 2014. Framed by three overarching themes – The Talent Factor, Noble Ambition of Feeding the World, and Africa Agribusiness’ Age of Opportunity, the Forum will bring together over 500 multi-sector leaders representing over 30 countries. Participants will discuss current and new models for raising the professionalism of agribusiness and developing a sustained talent pipeline to responsibly feed the world, today and in the future.

“Each year, the IFAMA World Forum is a highly anticipated event. We are excited to partner with The Corporate Council on Africa this year in order to increase participation from the private sector and draw on CCA’s expertise in the African agribusiness sector,” says Don Vondriska, Executive Director of IFAMA.

“Agriculture and agribusiness are projected to grow from $313 billion USD today to $1 trillion USD in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030,” says Stephen Hayes, President and CEO of CCA. “With this projected growth and Africa’s agricultural sector employing at least 65 percent of the continent’s labor force, IFAMA’s partnership with CCA to bring its annual World Forum to Africa is a significant contribution to strengthening agribusiness on the continent.”

More than 60 industry leaders will speak at the Forum on topics ranging from entrepreneurship to transformative technologies. In addition to workshops and plenaries tailored to the private sector and NGOs, the Forum will also include a 2-day, research-based symposium for academic scholars; a student case competition; and a pan-African trade exposition of agribusinesses operating successfully across Africa.

“People feed the world. And as agribusiness leaders, it is our responsibility to develop future generations of talent passionate about creating and implementing solutions that will ensure we can overcome the food security challenges in Africa and around the world,” said Thad Simons, President and CEO of Novus International, President of the IFAMA board of directors, and a CCA board member.

Ag Groups, Events, Food

Sen. Thune Talks Rail Delays and Livestock Aid

Cindy Zimmerman

Rail delays are impacting shipments of ethanol and grains, among other commodities, thanks in part to the long, cold winter – but also due to increased transport of crude oil from North Dakota.

thune“The railroads are going to have to do a better job,” said Sen. John Thune during an interview in Washington DC last week after meeting with biofuels supporters from the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE). “It’s important that the railroads recognize that agricultural commodities need to be shipped too.”

Thune, who is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is looking forward to seeing the farm bill finally passed by Congress getting implemented quickly, especially for livestock producers in his part of the country still waiting for disaster aid after the deadly blizzard last fall. “Normally once they get the rules out and the sign up period starts…it’s a couple of weeks to get the money out there, so we hope that if the ag department is correct and they can get it done by the middle of April, that by the end of April-first part of May we’ll be getting some assistance in the hands of livestock producers,” he said. “It can’t come soon enough.”

The senator from South Dakota also discusses the EPA proposal lowering the Renewable Fuel Standard and getting expired tax credits for renewable energy extended. Interview with Senator John Thune (R-SD)
2014 ACE Biofuels Beltway March photo album

Coverage is sponsored in part by Patriot Renewable Fuels

Audio, Biofuels, Ethanol, Livestock

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes

    Zimfo Bytes

  • The World Food Prize Foundation awarded its Dr. Norman E. Borlaug Medallion to the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center.
  • Please join U.S Farmers & Ranchers Alliance, Kansas Farm Food Connection & Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City for a private screening of Farmland.
  • On Tuesday, April 1, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden will host a Google+ Hangout to discuss types of agricultural credit and ways to access them in support of new farmers and ranchers.
  • A new six-part miniseries debuted this week on NCGA’s YouTube page, with the first episode providing an up-close look at how corn growers are active in areas to promote the use of ethanol as a motor fuel.
Zimfo Bytes

Novus International Names New CEO

Cindy Zimmerman

novus-signThe Board of Directors for Novus International has named François Fraudeau as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective immediately. He replaces Thad Simons who is officially retiring as CEO and will become the Senior Executive Advisor to the Board.

“The Board is grateful for the tremendous leadership and guidance provided by Thad over his many years with Novus,” said Mr. Katsurao Yoshimori, Senior Vice President of Mitsui & Co. (USA), Inc. “Novus has achieved unprecedented success under his direction and we are proud to have had his leadership.” Novus is privately owned by Mitsui & Co. and Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.

novus-francois“Going forward there is no better leader for Novus than François Fraudeau,” noted Thad Simons, member of the Board of Directors. “François is a proven leader with extensive experience in the feed additive industry and ability to bring people together.”

During his career with Novus, Fraudeau has held various positions in Europe, Asia and the USA and has extensive knowledge of methionine and other core Novus technologies. “Novus is a unique company with a truly global footprint in the animal nutrition space, and I am honored to be chosen to lead this company forward,” said Fraudeau. “We have great opportunities in front of us as we deliver on the next chapter in Novus’s continuing legacy of helping to feed the world affordable, wholesome food and achieve a higher quality of life by making a clear difference in sustainably meeting the growing need for nutrition and health.”

Agribusiness, Animal Health, Novus International

USDA Forecasts Record Soybean Plantings

Cindy Zimmerman

According to the USDA 2014 Prospective Plantings report released today, farmers are intending to plant an estimated 81.5 million acres of soybeans in 2014, up six percent from last year and an all-time record high if realized, surpassing the previous record of 77.5 million acres planted in 2009.

USDA-LogoPlanted acreage intentions for soybeans are up or unchanged in all states except Missouri and Oklahoma. The largest increase is expected in North Dakota with a record high 5.65 million acres, an increase of one million acres from 2013. If realized, the planted area of soybeans in Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Wisconsin will also be the largest on record.

Corn growers intend to plant 91.7 million acres in 2014, down 4 percent from last year and if realized the lowest planted acreage since 2010. Expected returns for corn are anticipated to be lower in 2014 compared with recent years. Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts and Utah are expected to increase planted acreage from last year. If realized, planted acres in Idaho will be a record high.

Wheat planted acres are expected to be down one percent from last year at 55.8 million acres while cotton acreage is anticipated to be up seven percent to total 11.1 million acres.

Also released today was the Grain Stocks report, which showed corn stocks up 30 Percent from March 2013. Soybean stocks are one percent lower and all wheat stocks are down 15 percent.

The Minneapolis Grain Exchange crop call on the reports today featured commentary from Mike Krueger of The Money Farm. Listen to or download here: MGEX Prospective Plantings Report call

Audio, Corn, Soybean, USDA, Wheat

FMC Introduces Solstice at Classic

Kristin Liska

classic14-fmcThis year at the Commodity Classic, FMC Corporation was excited to announce the registration of new Solstice herbicide to be used early post-emerge in corn.

Technical Service Rep Nick Hustedde says Solstice is a pre-mix of two modes of action – PPD and HPPD – that creates rapid activity that works especially well on large-seeded broadleaf escapes, such as waterhemp and Palmer Amaranth.

Nick also talked about Authority Maxx, which received EPA registration last fall, as well as Anthem now registered for soybeans. Interview with Nick Hustedde, FMC

While at the FMC booth, I was also able to talk with Matt Hancock about FMC’s Capture LFR insecticide, which he says is now the leading soil-applied insecticide in corn. Matt says one of the main reasons for that is that Capture LFR helps improve yield “by protecting your stand from corn root worms, including resistant corn root worms, and secondary pests like white grubs, root aphids, seed corn maggots, cut worms, wire worms, all those pests that are out there in the soil waiting to damage your stand before it ever really gets started good.”

Matt adds that farmers can visit ZoneOfProtection.com to find out more about Capture LFR – and listen to him explain more in this interview. Interview with Matt Hancock, FMC
2014 Commodity Classic Photos

Agribusiness, Audio, Commodity Classic, Corn, Crop Protection, FMC, Herbicide, Insecticides