Vote for Your Fav New Holland Next Gen Video

Cindy ZimmermanNew Holland

Vote New HollandIt’s time to vote in the New Holland Voice of the Next Gen Contest. Voting is active now and concludes March 31. There are five chances to win an all-expense-paid trip for two to the Florida-Georgia Line concert at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa. on May 2, 2015. The contest winners and their guests will also take part in an exclusive meet and greet with FGL’s Tyler Hubbard at New Holland’s Pennsylvania headquarters.

The Voice of the Next Gen contest is part of New Holland’s year-long 120th Anniversary bash, celebrating not just the accomplishments of the past, but looking forward with excitement to the next generation of New Holland SMART products, customers and dealers.

The five Grand Prize winners will be selected from among the top 20 videos, as determined by the public through likes from March 23-30, 2015. Criteria for selecting the five winners will be based on originality, creativity, entertainment value and interpretation of New Holland’s Voice of the Next Gen theme. One winner from among the five Grand Prize winners will be awarded the “New Holland Voice of the Next Gen” title.

Propane Upgrade Grain Dryer Efficiency

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, Commodity Classic, Energy, Grain, PERC, propane

propane-grainFarmers at Commodity Classic were showing increased interest in upgrading their grain dryers to high efficiency propane units.

Cinch Munson with the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) says their research shows that a new propane grain dryer can result in 50% efficiency savings. “PERC has worked with a number of grain dryers manufacturers over the past few years to upgrade the efficiency of grain dryers on the market,” he said. In addition, PERC offers incentive programs to help farmers with the purchase price of a new grain dryer. “There’s also other grant programs available to help people purchase high efficiency grain dryers,” said Munson.

In this interview, Munson also talks about more interest in propane-powered lawnmowers and propane heating systems for animal containment facilities and greenhouses: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/commodity-classic/classic15-perc-cinch2.mp3″ text=”Interview with Cinch Munson, PERC”]

2015 Commodity Classic Photo Album

What is Best for GMO Labeling?

Jamie JohansenZimmPoll

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Which potential presidential candidate would be best for ag?”

Of the 12 potential presidential candidates included in our poll, only one has officially declared. But two hopefuls have risen to the top of our poll. It seems many believe Hillary Clinton and Scott Walker might have the best interest of agriculture in mind, if elected.

Here are the poll results:

  • Joe Biden – 3%
  • Jeb Bush – 11%
  • Ben Carson – 5%
  • Chris Christie – 1%
  • Hillary Clinton – 22%
  • Ted Cruz – 7%
  • Mike Huckabee – 13%
  • Rand Paul – 4%
  • Rick Perry – 2%
  • Marco Rubio – 3%
  • Scott Walker – 19%
  • Elizabeth Warren – 10%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, What is best for GMO labeling?

Agricultural organizations are voicing support for the bi-partisan Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act introduced in the U.S. House recently. What do you think is best when it comes to the labeling of GMO’s? Should it be mandatory or voluntary? Should it include all foods? Should states decide? Let us know your opinion.

Research Finds Propane Cuts GHG Emissions

Cindy ZimmermanEnergy, Equipment, Irrigation, PERC, propane

propane-savesNew research commissioned by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) finds that propane equipment cuts greenhouse gas emissions and reduces fuel costs.

“A Comparative Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Propane and Competing Energy Sources,” prepared by Nexight Group, studied 14 applications to compare emissions from propane-powered equipment with emissions from conventional energy sources such as gasoline, diesel, and electricity.

Among the findings of the analysis was that propane-powered irrigation engines emit 20 percent fewer GHGs than those using gasoline, and 11 percent fewer GHGs than by using diesel.

Propane-autogas-powered work trucks like the Ford F-350 by Roush CleanTech produce 11 percent fewer GHGs than gasoline without sacrificing torque, horsepower or payload. Compared with those using gasoline, propane-powered forklifts produce 12 percent fewer GHGs.

Propane also beats electricity in cutting GHGs. Propane-powered furnaces emit 73 percent fewer GHGs, and propane-powered water heaters emit between 36 percent and 39 percent fewer GHGs than their electric counterparts.

PERC offers incentive programs to help offset the up-front costs of new propane equipment and home upgrades in exchange for performance data and customer feedback. The Propane Farm Incentive Program offers up to $5,000 on eligible irrigation engines, ag heaters, grain dryers, and portable generators. In addition, the Propane Heat & Power Incentive Program offers financial incentives up to $10,000 for eligible propane-powered products, such as standby generators and combined heat and power (CHP) systems.

Drones Can Increase Efficiency of Farming

John DavisAg Group, Agribusiness, drone, NCGA

ncgadrones1Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), better known as drones, will make farming more efficient, lower operating costs, and reduce their environmental impact. That was the message from National Corn Growers Association Manager of Public Policy Clint Raine to a group of policymakers and reporters during a panel about the applications of UAS technology to the agricultural industry.

“I’m optimistic about the possibilities for UAS technology and what it could mean for farmers,” said Raine. “These devices will make farms more efficient and sustainable. Lowering the costs and environmental impact of farming is good not only for farmers, but also consumers.”

While unmanned aerial systems have many commercial applications, they are expected to have the greatest impact on the agriculture industry – by one estimate, adding more than $75 billion to the economy by 2025. UAS are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, and are currently banned for commercial use. NCGA and other agricultural organizations hope to see that changed.

“If this technology were available for commercial use, some immediate applications include livestock monitoring, crop scouting and field mapping. Being able to use UAS for any of these jobs would increase efficiency on farms and provide instant feedback to the farmer,” said Raine.

Drone technology could be used to detect early pest infestations, crop disease, poor soil health, irrigation levels, and overall crop health. Raine said the technology makes farmers much more efficient, allowing a producer to scout a field in 10-15 minutes in what used to take an hour.

Corn and Soybean Groups Support Non-GMO Label

Cindy ZimmermanASA, biotechnology, Corn, Government, NCGA, Soybeans

Corn and soybean grower organizations applauded the introduction Wednesday of the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, legislation that would create a national, science-based labeling standard for foods containing genetically modified organisms.

NCGA-Logo-3“Farmers and consumers agree on the need for clear, consistent labeling. Labels should be science-based and uniform in all 50 states,” said National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling, a farmer from Maryland. “This legislation provides a common-sense solution for American consumers looking for additional information about the food they buy, while providing certainty to the farmers who produce it. We urge Congress to support it.”

asa“This bill would end confusion for consumers over which food products do not contain biotech ingredients by establishing a national standard for non-GMO labels,” said American Soybean Association president Wade Cowan of Texas. “As consumers ourselves, we agree wholeheartedly, and think that a simple, clear label for products that don’t contain GMOs is the way to provide shoppers the clarity and information they demand.”

The bi-partisan bill, brought forward by Reps. Mike Pompeo (R-KS) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), seeks to establish one common framework for labeling at the national level.

Deere Updates 3E Series Compact Utility Tractors

Cindy ZimmermanEquipment, John Deere, Tractor

OverallThe 2015 John Deere 3032E and 3038E compact utility tractors feature some new customer-driven updates for added convenience, comfort and ease of use.

The 3032E and 3038E are equipped with powerful, emissions-compliant Final Tier 4 engines with 31.1 (22.3 kW) and 37.3 (27.4 kW) horsepower, respectively. A hydrostatic transmission with Twin Touch™ pedals provides operators with simple, comfortable-to-use controls to find the right speed for the job at hand. It’s as easy as pressing a single foot pedal to go forward and another foot pedal to go in reverse. Automotive-style cruise control is optional. Intuitive controls are color-coded (orange for throttle and shifting; black for hydraulics; yellow for power take-off (PTO)) for easy operation.

Both models feature a flat, uncluttered, open station operator platform. A new, higher back seat provides added comfort for long days of work. A foldable, certified rollover protection structure (ROPS) is designed to provide easier storage. Without tools, the operator can manually fold the safety device down for easy parking in a garage or shed. The exhaust system was moved from the top of the tractors and now runs parallel to the ground for improved visibility and a cleaner look.

Four wheel drive comes standard on both the 3032E and 3038E, which are part of the emerging E Series Tractor lineup designed especially for rural property owners, equine and small-scale livestock operations looking for a machine designed to handle a variety of tasks.

House GMO Labeling Bill Re-Introduced

Cindy ZimmermanAFBF, ARA, ASA, biotechnology, Government

pompeoThe Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act was reintroduced in the U.S. House Wednesday by Reps. Mike Pompeo (R-KS) and G. K. Butterfield (D-NC) with bi-partisan co-sponsorship.

The bill would provide for uniform federal food labeling standards and includes a new provision to allow those who wish to label their products as GMO-free to do so by through an accredited certification process. “Our goal for this legislation remains to provide clarity and transparency in food labeling, support innovation, and keep food affordable,” said Pompeo.

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) supports the creation of a national labeling standard to “give consumers the information they need while avoiding the unnecessary confusion and added cost of a patchwork of state laws,” said AFBF president Bob Stallman. “The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 would clarify the FDA as the nation’s foremost authority on food safety and create a voluntary labeling program run by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, the same agency that administers the USDA Organic Program.”

The Agricultural Retailers Association also endorsed the legislation. “Agricultural retailers are optimistic the broad support of this bipartisan proposal will lead to quick passage of the bill,” said Daren Coppock, ARA President and Chief Executive Officer. “A patchwork of labeling laws would be untenable for farmers and food companies, and result in less clarity for consumers.”

“Introduction of this legislation is a first step towards passage of a federal law to keep the authority to set safe, reasonable and national labeling requirements regarding GMOs with U.S. government agencies that have decades of scientific and regulatory expertise in this area,” added Coalition for Safe Affordable Food spokesperson Claire Parker.

The legislation was introduced last year in the House but never passed and the Senate has yet to propose a companion bill.

Drones Really Take Off with Farmers and Ranchers

John DavisAFBF, Ag Group, Agribusiness, drone, Farm Bureau, UAV

Jeff VanderWerffFarmers and ranchers are accepting and embracing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), better known as drones. This news release from Farm Bureau says one of the group’s members, Jeff VanderWerff, went before a Senate subcommittee to explain drones’ value and how farmers and ranchers are leading the way in exploring commercial use for this technology.

America’s farmers and ranchers embrace technology that allows their farming businesses to be more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly. VanderWerff sees these benefits firsthand on his farm where he where uses precision technology. “I rely on data to produce the accurate information critical to my day-to-day business decisions. These decisions affect my yield, environmental impact and ultimately the economic viability of my farm,” he said.

According to VanderWerff, UAS would provide a valuable tool for farmers and ranchers to manage their fields and respond to threats quickly before they turn catastrophic. “Currently, I spend about 12 hours a week walking the nearly 3,000 acres of land we farm. This may be effective, but it is not efficient,” he said. UAS can also help farmers reduce their environmental impact. “With the imagery from unmanned aircraft, I can spot-treat sections of my fields as opposed to watering and spraying the entire field,” VanderWerff said.

VanderWerff did warn that farmers and ranchers need to be protective of the data gathered by any unmanned aircraft.

Land, Regulations Top Young Farmer Concerns Again

John DavisAFBF, Ag Group, Agribusiness, Farm Bureau, Government, Land, Regulation

farmbureausurvey1A new survey shows that young farmers are still worried about getting adequate land to grow crops and raise animals. This news release from the American Farm Bureau Federation says the group’s annual outlook survey of participants in the Young Farmers & Ranchers program found that 29 percent of respondents were concerned about that issue, followed by government regulations, which was identified by 13 percent of the respondents.

“For young people who want to begin farming or ranching or expand an established farm or ranch, securing adequate land remains their top challenge,” said Jon Hegeman, AFBF’s national YF&R Committee chair and a farmer from Alabama. “Another major challenge is coping with burdensome government regulations.”

Other issues ranked as top concerns by young farmers and ranchers included the willingness of parents to turn over the reins, 10 percent; overall profitability, 10 percent; taxes and the availability of water, both 7 percent; and urbanization and the availability of ag financing, each coming in at 5 percent.

The 23rd annual YF&R survey revealed that 84 percent of those surveyed are more optimistic about farming and ranching than they were five years ago. Last year, 91 percent of those surveyed said they were more optimistic about farming compared to five years ago.

That optimism in farming also showed with 92 percent of the nation’s young farmers and ranchers say they are better off than they were five years ago, and another 91 percent considering themselves lifetime farmers, while 97 percent would like to see their children follow in their footsteps.

Three-fourths of those surveyed also consider communicating with consumers a formal part of their jobs, using social media and traditional outreach methods, such as farm tours, agri-tourism and farmers’ markets, to get that done.