Tech Hub LIVE Announces Keynote Presenter

Cindy Zimmerman

The Tech Hub LIVE Conference and Expo, taking place July 24-26th in Des Moines, Iowa, has announced Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft as the keynote presenter for this year’s event.

Whitcraft is well-known in the field of agricultural technology, dedicating her career to harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies to address the challenges faced by the agricultural industry and her work continues to be a driving force behind advancements in the industry. She is the Executive Director of NASA Acres and the immediate-past Deputy Director of NASA Harvest. NASA Acres, which officially launched in April 2023, is NASA’s latest investment in agriculture that builds on the successes of the NASA Harvest global consortium to advance solutions for agriculture in the U.S. Her talk, titled “From Space to Soil: How NASA Data and Tools are Supporting a Revolution in Ag Tech,” will delve into the groundbreaking research and applications that NASA Acres is spearheading to tackle the unique challenges faced by farmers and ag retailers today.

Tech Hub LIVE, now in its third year, provides a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and showcasing the latest advancements in ag tech. With a focus on digital farming, robotics, precision agriculture, and data analytics, Tech Hub LIVE attracts a diverse audience of ag retailers eager to explore emerging technologies and gain a competitive edge.

Register today and secure your spot at the must-attend ag tech event of the year.

AgWired Precision, Precision Agriculture, Tech Hub LIVE, Technology

Animal Ag News 6/20

Carrie Muehling

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it is implementing a multi-step effort aimed at strengthening the substantiation of animal-raising claims. This action builds on the significant work USDA has already undertaken to protect consumers from false and misleading labels and to implement President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American economy.
  • Farm Journal’s Trust In Food is proud to welcome Tyson Foods to Trust In Beef, a collaborative value chain program designed to help ranchers integrate climate-smart agriculture into their operations while sharing their learnings and success stories.
  • The second stop of the Alltech ONE World Tour was held in Dublin, Ireland June 19–20 with more than 500 international agri-food leaders to discuss collaborative solutions and strategies for success in today’s agriculture and agri-food industries.
  • The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Young Cattlemen’s Conference program concluded its successful relaunch after a three-year hiatus. This year’s class included 71 leaders from across the nation and every segment of the beef industry. After nine days of intensive leadership training and a five-city tour which showcased every facet of the beef industry, these leaders completed their trip with a full day of representation in Washington, D.C.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) named Megan Fulmer, director of import and export programs for Darling Ingredients Inc., as one of AFIA’s 2023 Member of the Year award recipients.
  • According to news reports, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) has decided to withdraw its membership from the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) over IDFA’s decision to proceed with its petition to modify the federal milk marketing order system. DFA said in a statement that the decision was made “following requests to return to a neutral policy position until a consensus position could be reached.” During an informational session, USDA shared that it is considering 38 proposals from 12 different organizations.
  • FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative applauds the introduction of the Dairy Farm Resiliency Act to make changes to the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. This bipartisan supported bill would require USDA to update the production history calculation in the program every five years, and to be based on the producer’s highest production year out of the last three years. If included in the 2023 Farm Bill, this provision would update the production history to that of the highest production year of 2020, 2021, and 2022. The bill also increases the Tier 1 threshold from five million pounds to six million pounds.
  • The Public Lands Council launched a grassroots campaign regarding the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) proposed rule “Conservation and Landscape Health.” The proposed rule would create significant, concerning changes to the BLM’s authority to manage the nation’s public lands and would open the door to removing livestock grazing from the range.
  • In comments submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), R-CALF USA expressed general support of the agency’s proposal for new requirements for the voluntary “Product of USA” label but urged the USDA to take additional steps for mandatory reforms.
  • Ann Marie Magnochi, of Footville, Wisconsin, has been hired by Select Sires Inc. as a communications specialist. In this role, she will collaborate with team members and adjacent departments to create and implement digital communications highlighting Select Sires’ genetics, programs and services.
  • Norbrook has added Tauramox (moxidectin) Injectable Solution to its extensive portfolio of cattle health products available to North American producers and veterinarians. Tauramox is the first generic Cydectin (moxidectin) Injectable Solution available for the treatment of a broad range of internal and external parasites that impact the health and performance of beef and nonlactating dairy cattle (under 20 months of age).
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Second Alltech ONE World Tour Stop Wraps Up

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The second stop of the Alltech ONE World Tour (ONE) wrapped up today in Dublin, Ireland, after two days with more than 500 international agri-food leaders to discuss collaborative solutions and strategies for success in today’s agriculture and agri-food industries. The discussions fostered at ONE Dublin explore collaborative solutions to the greatest challenges facing the agri-food industry as it confronts the “4 Cs” — the major forces of climate, conflict, consumer trends and rising costs.

    Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, welcomed delegates to Dublin. “Agriculture can transform things in ways that other industries cannot and is at the interface of nourishing the present and preserving the future,” Lyons said. “Our belief is that agriculture has the greatest potential to positively influence the future of our planet, provide nutrition for all, help rural communities thrive and replenish our planet’s resources.”

    Following Dr. Lyons, Dr. Vaughn Holder, director of ruminant research at Alltech, and Nikki Putnam Badding, registered dietician and director of human nutrition initiatives at Alltech, to discuss agriculture’s role in saving the planet.

    ONE Dublin delegates also heard from industry experts on various topics, including consumer demands, succeeding through conflict, and demonstrating the relationship between agriculture and sustainability for the world, and were able to attend focus-track sessions on soil and crops, animals, and the business of food and farming.

    The Alltech ONE World Tour continues after ONE Dublin, with the next stop in Calgary, Canada, on July 3–4, following the upcoming IFAJ Congress next week. For more information and to register for an Alltech ONE World Tour stop, visit one.alltech.com.

    Agribusiness, AgWired Animal, Alltech, Animal Agriculture

    Agricultural Relations Council Golden ARC Awards

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Janice Pearson, Deron Johnson, and Lynn Henderson

    The Agricultural Relations Council met last week in Des Moines and (ARC) inducted two members into the Agricultural Public Relations Hall of Fame during the Golden ARC Awards Banquet.

    The new members are Janice Person, Grounded Communications CEO/founder and Deron Johnson, Curious Plot executive vice president, chief brand & culture officer. This award is given to agricultural public relations professionals who have made lifetime contributions to the industry. The Agricultural Public Relations Hall of Fame is sponsored by ARC and Agri Marketing magazine.

    Golden ARC Award winners

    The winners of the 2023 Golden ARC Awards contest were also presented last week, recognizing the stellar work created by public relations professionals in the agricultural industry this past year. OBP won the Golden ARC de Excellence Award for its “DEKALB Brand + Field Of Dreams” created for client Bayer DEKALB.

    This year’s Golden ARC Awards contest drew 75 entries from 26 organizations, including individuals, agencies, companies, commodity groups and ag associations/checkoffs. In addition to the Golden ARC de Excellence Award, ARC presented 27 Golden ARC awards. Multiple awards were received by Kansas Farm Bureau, Purina, Bayer, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, State Fair of Texas, OBP, Padilla, AdFarm, and Curious Plot.

    Others receiving Golden Arc awards were Agoro Carbon Alliance, AgBiome, Merck Animal Health, TELUS, American Royal Rodeo, FMC, United Soybean Board, EarthOptics, Cargill, Missouri Soybean Assn and Farm Credit East, Filament and Cultivate.

    Ag Groups, Agencies, Agribusiness, ARC, Public Relations

    Field Notes from Koch Agronomic Services – Episode 29

    Chuck Zimmerman

    The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less.

    Micronutrient Deficiencies

    In this episode, we’re talking about micronutrient deficiencies. We’ll learn what growers can do to optimize their crops’ yield potential and how growers in each region can utilize testing and solutions to overcome limiting factors. We’ll speak with KAS technical agronomist, TJ Bingham, and product manager, Brandon Peterson. They’ll discuss the need for micronutrients and what solutions growers need to reach maximum yield potential in their regions.

    You can listen to the program here: Micronutrient Deficiencies 20:03)

    And to make sure you don’t miss an episode, choose an option to subscribe

    For Spotify on your computer download the desktop app

    Agribusiness, Agronomy, Audio, Koch Agronomic Services

    Industry Ag News 6/16

    Carrie Muehling

  • The outdoor recreation boom is paying dividends — as much as $20,000 per year — for farmers and ranchers using alternative passive income strategies by listing their land for hunting, fishing and other activities. In a free webinar, set for Tuesday, June 20, at 12 p.m. CDT, landowners will share how they have added income to their operations. Hosted by LandTrust.com and Farm Journal, the webinar is free, but attendees must register to access the session. Register now at: https://fjwebinars.com/account/register/agweb/171.
  • The National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Corn Board has elected Ken Hartman Jr. to become the organization’s next first vice president for the new fiscal year, which begins October 1, 2023. Hartman is a fifth-generation farmer who operates a grain farm along with his wife, Anita, daughter, Amanda, and mother, Joann in Waterloo, Illinois.
  • More than 150 farmers and ranchers from across the country traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet directly with lawmakers and discuss priorities for the 2023 farm bill. The American Farm Bureau Federation Advocacy Fly-In included remarks from Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Penn.) and Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.). House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member David Scott (D-Ga.) sent a video message.
  • Potato retail sales increased 16 percent in sales but decreased in volume by -4.4 percent from January to March 2023 compared to the same timeframe a year ago, according to Potatoes USA. Despite a decrease, volume sales remain above pre-pandemic levels.
  • The National Cotton Council (NCC) has scheduled tour dates and locations for the 2023 Producer Information Exchange (P.I.E.) Program. During the week of August 13-18, producers from the Southwest and West will see Mid-South farming operations in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. The second tour, set for August 20-25, will enable Southeast and Mid-South producers to travel to the Southwest and observe farming operations in south Texas.
  • The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) elected its 2023-24 officer team during its annual Leadership Summit, June 10-14 in Sacramento, CA. The members of the new officer team, beginning official duties on July 1, are: Chair David Armstrong, Sakata Seed America; First Vice Chair Dan Foor, DLF North America; and Second Vice Chair Dave Treinen, Syngenta.
  • The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) released a report finding that 97% of fruits and vegetables sampled within the state in 2021 met federal pesticide safety standards. The 2021 California Pesticide Residue Monitoring Program Report shows that 97% of domestically grown and imported produce samples collected in 2021 had either no detectable pesticide residues or had residues within the allowable federally-established tolerances. In addition, more than 98% of produce samples labeled as “grown in California” had no residues or tolerances that exceeded allowable levels.
  • The Sunbelt Ag Expo is proud to continue the tradition of the Farmer of the Year Program into 2023. The Farmer of the Year Program selects one farmer from each of the participating states and recognizes them at the Sunbelt Ag Expo, where the overall winner is announced.
  • The 2023 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue is scheduled for October 24-26 in Des Moines, Iowa. The theme Harnessing Change is a deliberate progression of the 2022 theme, Feeding a Fragile World. After focusing on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and conflict, this year will address harnessing innovation, adaptation and diversification to improve systemic resilience, recover from shocks and sustainably nourish all people.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    Precision Ag News 6/15

    Carrie Muehling

    • The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) elected its 2023-24 officer team during its annual Leadership Summit, June 10-14 in Sacramento, CA. The members of the new officer team, beginning official duties on July 1, are: Chair: David Armstrong, Sakata Seed America; First Vice Chair: Dan Foor, DLF North America; and Second Vice Chair: Dave Treinen, Syngenta.
    • Lessiter Media has announced it will be launching the first-ever Precision Specialist Week on August 13-19, 2023. This annual celebration, involving farmers, dealers and manufacturers, will recognize the hard work and dedication of those making today’s precision farming systems possible.
    • Four-Wheel-Drive Tractors and Combine Harvesters continue growth while some other segments continue declines according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Overall U.S. ag tractor unit sales gained in all but one segment. U.S. self-propelled combine sales grew the most, up 54.6 percent, with 4WD tractors (up 51.1 percent) and 100+hp 2WD units (up 9.8 percent). However, a 2.7 percent decline in the sub-40 hp segment resulted in a 0.7 percent reduction in total farm tractors. Total farm tractor sales in the U.S. for the year are down 12.2 percent versus 2022, while combines are up 68.3 percent.
    • The AgriBusiness Global Trade Summit for crop protection, biologicals, and plant and soil health, is pleased to announce the opening keynote presentation by Derek Oliphant and Allister Phillips of AgbioInvestor. The summit will take place on 9-10 August 2023, at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa in Aventura, Florida, United States.
    • Agoro Carbon Alliance celebrates their second anniversary of partnering with farmers and ranchers for better soil health and climate-smart ag outcomes.
    • Regenerative farming pioneer David Brandt, who passed away recently from complications resulting from an automobile accident, will be honored with his name’s addition to the Kendra Brandt scholarship fund, the Soil Health Academy announced.
    AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture

    AgGateway Working Groups Making Progress

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The AgGateway Mid-Year Meeting this week in Altoona, Iowa is the place where the work of digital connectivity gets done.

    AgGateway Executive Vice President Jeremy Wilson says the organization gathers in the middle of the year so working groups on various topics can meet in person to share ideas and discuss solutions and possibly wrap up some of their projects. “We’ve been working in the Crop Nutrition area, around some third party reporting, that’s due to wrap up,” said Wilson. “We are also about the wrap up the very first phase of Field Boundaries, and that was basically defining the terms so we can begin the process of creating some standards.”

    Wilson says the working groups are focused on very defined specific project areas for shorter periods of time and once they wrap up a new set is launched that may build on the previous group. “A perfect example is Field Boundary…we might have a dozen working groups before we get that done,” he said.

    Learn more about what AgGateway is working on in this interview.

    2023 AgGateway Mid-Year - Jeremy Wilson, AgGateway 7:52

    2023 AgGateway Mid-Year Meeting Photo Album

    AgGateway, AgWired Precision, Audio, Precision Agriculture, Technology

    ASTA Honors Industry Leaders

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Son John and wife Linda accept ASTA Heritage Award for Bill Latham

    The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) honored seed industry ground breakers during its annual Leadership Summit this week in Sacramento.

    This year, ASTA’s Heritage Award was presented to two worthy individuals: Dick Crowder and Bill Latham.

    Crowder served as USDA Under Secretary of Agriculture for International Affairs and Commodity Programs from 1989 to 1992 before becoming the Senior Vice President of DeKalb Genetics Corporation, then President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association. He served as Chief Agricultural Negotiator from January 2006 to May 2007 in the Bush administration. Crowder is currently C.G. Thornhill Professor of Agricultural Trade at Virginia Tech.

    Bill Latham (1941-2015), Latham Seed, Inc., was raised on a grain and livestock farm in north central Iowa. After service in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve, Bill came home to the family seed business in 1966 where he became its president. He served as President of ASTA, as well as President of the Independent Professional Seed Association and the Iowa Seed Association. Bill and his wife Linda had two sons, John and Christopher, who, along with John’s wife Shannon, are now owners of Latham Hi-Tech Seeds.

    Craig Newman accepts ASTA’s Lifetime Honorary Member Award

    ASTA’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to Donn Cummings, National Association of Plant Breeders. Cummings initiated the NAPB Borlaug Scholar’s Program and continues to serve as a mentor for dozens of students and aspiring plant breeders globally, currently serving as a Liaison between NAPB and ASTA.

    ASTA’s Lifetime Honorary Member Award is one of the highest awards bestowed by the association and is in recognition of untiring service to ASTA, and this year’s award was given to Craig Newman, AgReliant Genetics/Finding Black Ink, LLC. As President and CEO of AgReliant Genetics Newman served as President of the Illinois Seed Dealers and Chairman of the ASTA Board of Directors.

    The Seed Science Foundation’s Excellence in Science Award recognizes the outstanding achievement by a public or private researcher whose accomplishments have had an impact in the areas of Breeding Systems, Seed Quality, Seed Production and Technology, Seed Health and Pathology, Digital Agriculture, or Seed Applied Technology. This year’s award was given to Manjit Misra, Iowa State University/USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

    ASTA, people, Seed

    AgGateway Conducting Mid-Year Business

    Chuck Zimmerman

    The 2023 AgGateway Mid-Year Meeting is all about business. Working groups on various organizational resource programs are meeting this week to complete projects and work on projects still in process. In the photo are first-timer attendees getting an orientation about AgGateway before the real work starts.

    Prior to this week’s meeting I spoke with Brent Kemp, AgGateway President/CEO, for a preview of the meeting and the work being done. I used it for my ZimmCast podcast which you can listen to here. 2023 AgGateway Mid-Year Meeting Preview 18:13

    I’ll be taking pictures and conducting some interviews today before returning home to ZimmComm Headquarters tomorrow. You can find the photos here: 2023 AgGateway Mid-Year Meeting Photo Album

    AgGateway, Agribusiness, Audio, Precision Agriculture, Technology