Monsanto Transforms Plant Breeding

John DavisAgribusiness, Monsanto, Research, seed

monsanto1Monsanto has announced a $20 million investment in integrated technology centers as part of its global breeding program that will help feed a hungry, growing world. This company news release says these tech centers will use continuing advancements in data science, genomic breeding methods and predictive analytics to further enhance seeds and unlock untapped yield potential.

“We are at a unique inflection point in the evolution of plant breeding where data science and predictive analytics will help to unlock previously untapped potential of plant genetics,” said Sam Eathington, Monsanto vice president of global plant breeding. “Monsanto is committed to continue to deliver new agricultural solutions through plant breeding so that farmers can keep up with the growing demands of food production in the face of population growth and climate change.”

Monsanto utilizes its broad network of breeding and field testing locations, global germplasm library and advanced technologies to develop better products for farmers. And with today’s announcement, the company highlighted its commitment to invest $20 million over the next two years to accelerate plant breeding research across integrated technology centers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota and Nebraska. These integrated technology centers will enable the company to combine some local operations, utilize new advancements and discoveries, as well as share best practices across crop research.

Monsanto officials go on to say that advanced plant breeding techniques and data science are key elements that work together to contribute to a food-secure future.

NAGC, AgIDG Partner to Accelerate Ag Tech

John DavisAg Group, Agribusiness, Corn, NCGA, Research, technology

NAGCAgIDGA group that furthers science for agriculture has partnered with another group that looks to bring new tools to farmers that will accelerate the commercialization of agricultural technology. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced the partnership between the National Agricultural Genotyping Center and the Ag Innovation Development Group.

The technologies created will increase farm production, improve sustainability and increase income.

“Partnerships like this are important to the economic future of American farmers,” said Richard Vierling, Ph.D., director of research for NCGA. “We need to attract more money into agricultural startups. Vetting technology through NAGC will help identify commercially viable technologies and lower the risk for investors.”

NAGC, a non-profit initiative founded by the National Corn Growers Association and Los Alamos National Laboratory, will provide research and testing services to both public and private researchers. The center will translate scientific discoveries into solutions for production agriculture, food safety, functional foods, bioenergy and national security.

“Ag Innovation Development Group was founded to help increase the efficiency of commercializing university research in the agricultural sector to benefit farmers,” said Ag Innovation Development Group CEO Pete Nelson. “A core part of this mission is to partner with farm organizations and their commercialization efforts. The partnership with NAGC will allow us to achieve this mission and ultimately grow more startup companies in the agricultural sector.”

Best Future Jobs in Agriculture

Jamie JohansenZimmPoll

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What should US do about WTO COOL ruling?”

The industry has reacted to the World Trade Organization (WTO) decision against the United States on the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) law since the announcement was made earlier this week. Some feel the issue can be handled by USDA, others feel Congress should take charge. But it looks like an overwhelming majority of those who took our poll feel we should appeal and do nothing.

Here are the poll results:

  • Appeal and do nothing – 83%
  • Congress should change – 4%
  • USDA should amend again – 3%
  • Should be repealed – 6%
  • Don’t know – 4%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, Where are the best future jobs in ag?

This week thousands of FFA members from across the country have flooded the streets of Louisville, KY for the 87th National FFA Convention & Expo. The future of agriculture is in the hands of these young people who are passionate about the agriculture community. The number and variety of careers in agriculture continues to grow. This week we want to know what field of study are the best future jobs in agriculture.

$3,000 Grand Prize in World Ag Expo Video Contest

John DavisAg Group, Video

worldagexpo2015aA $3,000 grand prize is being offered in the World Ag Expo contest for the video that best answers the questions, “Where Would We Be Without Farmers?” The videos are due for submission by December 1, when they will be evaluated by a panel of judges and then posted on www.WorldAgExpo.org for the public to vote for their favorites.

“Farmers play an integral role in every part of our lives,” said Jerry Sinift, chief executive officer of the International Agri-Center. “We’re asking for talented individuals to portray the connection between farmers and the world they feed and clothe.”

The winner will be announced on January 30, 2015 and awarded the $3,000 cash prize. The top video will be posted on World Ag Expo’s website; will play during the show, February 10-12, 2015 in Tulare, California and the winner will be recognized at World Ag Expo.

To enter, upload your video to your own YouTube or Vimeo account and complete the online entry form on the World Ag Expo website. Videos must be at least 30 seconds long and may not exceed six minutes. Anyone of any age is eligible to enter.

FFA Part of How FMC Invests in Farming’s Future

John DavisAgribusiness, Education, FFA, FMC, Youth

FMCSaulHSPresentationIllustrating its commitment to investing in farming’s future, FMC Corporation is helping youth education through support of FFA.

“To continue America’s leadership in agriculture, we need to engage students now,” said John Kasper, FMC Agricultural Solutions North America commercial business director. “FFA prepares students for more than 300 careers and reaches more than 600,000 members. Our support can make a positive difference in the lives of many young people who will be the future scientists, business leaders and educators in global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource industries.”

FMC is providing grants to FFA chapters in each of its three, U.S.-based FMC Agricultural Solutions plant communities. The support is aimed at helping expand students’ interest in science and agriculture by engaging with FMC visiting scientists, and developing vital career skills through participation in Career Development Events (CDE). The local FFA chapters earning grants are located at Walter Biddle Saul High School in Philadelphia, Pa.; Stark County High School in Toulon, Ill.; and Royalton-Hartland High School in Middleport, N.Y.

Nationally, students will be recognized with the FFA Agriscience Plant Systems Research Proficiency Award, which is co-sponsored by FMC. This award supports students engaged in plant systems research. The research covers the life cycles, classifications, functions and practices of plant systems related to crops, turf grass, trees and shrubs and/or ornamental plants. Awards are made available to every FFA chapter across the country. Four national finalists will receive a $500 cash award, and the winner receives an additional $500 award. FMC executives will judge the national finalist entries and present the awards during the National FFA Convention on October 29-31.

“FFA makes it possible for students to match their classroom learning with supervised experiences and leadership programs,” said Glenn Sims, National FFA Foundation senior regional director. “It is because of the ongoing educational support from our sponsors, such as FMC, that agricultural students grow and gain career success.”

New Holland Seeds of Life Series Highlights Farm Heroes

John DavisNew Holland, seed, Video

New Holland Expo MilanoNew Holland has unveiled a video series called “The Seeds of Life Series.” Below is the trailer for the series. This is part of the overall involvement New Holland has with Expo Milano 2015 where the company is building a “Sustainable Farm Pavilion.” The video series is a storytelling project for the Heroes who feed us all.

Farmers feed the planet. The seeds they plant today will be the food we eat tomorrow. The Seeds of Life Series will tell the stories of these Heroes, showing how their work and lives intertwine despite the distance. Follow eight real Farmers from eight different countries as they face the force of nature, the tireless planning and the unforgiving hours that being a farmer requires. See how they face whatever comes their way. The Series will show how the same challenge is faced by Farmers living in countries very far from each other.


Follow what New Holland is doing in preparation for Expo Milano 2015 here. You are encouraged to use the hashtag #ThanksToHeroes to tweet your thanks.

More New Products for USDA BioPreferred Program

John DavisFarm Bill, USDA

The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to move some new products into a preferred procurement initiative for federal agencies. USDA is using the 2014 Farm Bill to justify making available some new, biobased forest products in the BioPreferred® program, along with some other traditional biobased products and other mature market products, which have been produced in innovative ways.

vilsack-usda“Today, small businesses and global companies alike have harnessed the power of America’s farms and forests to create new and innovative biobased products that are used all around the world,” said [Ag Secretary Tom] Vilsack. “The expanding bioeconomy means more than just additional consumer choices, it also means new jobs.”

The proposed action responds to new requirements in the 2014 Farm Bill for USDA to promote biobased products, including forest products, that apply an innovative approach to growing, harvesting, sourcing, procuring, processing, manufacturing, or application of biobased products regardless of the date of entry into the marketplace. The proposed rules provide the framework for implementing the new requirements, and will replace previous regulatory provisions excluding mature market products. The action further revises the definition of “biobased product” to state that the term includes forest products that meet biobased content requirements, notwithstanding the market share the product holds, the age of the product, or whether the market for the product is new or emerging.

USDA will look for public comment for 60 days on the proposed rules published in the Federal Register.

USDA Hands Out $18 M+ in Small Biz Research Grants

John DavisAgribusiness, USDA

usda-logoSmall businesses in the ag sector are getting quite a boost, as the federal government gives out more than $18 million in small business grants. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is giving the money in the form of 100 grants through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to companies for high quality, advanced research and development that will lead to technological innovations and solutions for American agriculture.

“Small businesses are adept at finding solutions that can advance agriculture, create new jobs and grow our economy. These grants will provide resources so small businesses can innovate and create new breakthroughs,” said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The SBIR program has provided hundreds of small businesses with the ability to explore new ideas that have led to cutting-edge solutions to pressing challenges and helped keep American agricultural innovative and strong.”

The SBIR program exists to stimulate technological innovations in the private sector and to strengthen the role of federal research and development in support of small businesses. The program also fosters and encourages participation by women-owned and socially or economically disadvantaged small businesses.

Companies initially apply for Phase I feasibility studies, which may be followed by Phase II research and development projects. Phase I grants are limited to $100,000 and a duration of eight months, while Phase II grants are limited to $450,000 and a duration of 24 months. Approximately 30-40 percent of Phase I projects continue onto Phase II.

Since 1983, the SBIR program has handed out more than 2,000 research and development grants to American-owned, independently operated, for-profit businesses with 500 employees or fewer.

Agronomy Big Driver in GROWMARK’s Big Year

John Davisagronomy, Energy, Growmark, renewable energ

Growmark_logoAgronomy was a big reason GROWMARK had one of its best year’s ever this year. This company news release says Fiscal Year 2014 was in the top five income years in company history, with volume records in agronomy, coupled with significant investments in information management technology and infrastructure improvements leading to the success.

bohbrinkMarshall Bohbrink, vice president and chief financial officer, reported record sales of $10.4 billion; consolidated pretax income of $194 million; and total patronage in the amount of $112 million will be returned to GROWMARK member-owners.

“GROWMARK is in extremely strong financial condition and we are well positioned in the event the Ag economy is more challenging in the next few years,” said Bohbrink.

Key highlights of FY2014 operational results include:

GROWMARK Agronomy reported record plant food volume with an overall increase of 6 percent. Seed reported record seed corn unit sales, which increased 11 percent, along with a 15 percent increase in soybean units.
GROWMARK Grain reported a 32 percent increase in grain volume for FY 2014.
GROWMARK continued to emphasize significant investments in energy and plant food terminals, grain systems, and other assets all designed to improve efficiency and support customers.

Interviews Highlight Initiatives to Feed 9 Billion by 2050

John DavisAg Group, International, Research

IFTIt will take some great ideas to get the agricultural community able to produce enough food to feed an expected world population of 9 billion by 2050. And sharing those ideas is the idea behind the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) FutureFood 2050 set of interviews.

Agriculture thought leaders like animal scientist Temple Grandin and BrightFarms’ founder Paul Lightfoot are advocating for new initiatives designed to revolutionize the industry at every step from farm to table, employing technology artfully while maintaining the integrity of fresh, sustainably produced foods.

“Handling living organisms is an entirely different thing from making ordinary industrial products. I think cultivation know-how will be in even higher demand in the future,” says Shigeharu Shimamura, president of a Tokyo, Japan-based agricultural corporation that opened the world’s largest all-LED indoor farm or “pinkhouse” this year, using 17,500 lights that emit only the wavelengths most conducive to plant growth.

This month Lightfoot and Shimamura share their innovative and visionary thoughts on the subject, along with a host of scientists and future leaders.

FutureFood 2050 plans to release 75 interviews with the world’s most impactful leaders in food and science through 2015. These interviews will be the seventh installment of FutureFood’s interview series, following sustainability, women in food science, food waste, food security and nutrition in Africa, aquaculture, and futurists on food.