Concept Ag Introduces Tech for Foliar Application

Kelly MarshallNutrient Management

Concept Ag Soil & Plant Nutrition is introducing TransMaxx Technology, a process that allows for foliar applications of products like calcium and other specific nutrients previously considered ineffective when applied in this manner.  The TransMaxx Technology is a process that designs the micronutrients specifically for translocation throughout the xylem and phlegm of all crops.

“TransMaxx is an innovative way to deliver specific, and often hard-to-get nutrients, to all crops,” said Daniel Hensley, Concept Ag’s lead agronomist. “The improved and precise delivery of specific nutrients through TransMaxx will help growers to avoid a common bottleneck in advancing crop performance,”

Kubota Honors Farmer Veteran

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Tractor

Kubota has donated another tractor to a farmer veteran as part of their “Geared to Give” program. Chad Tackett served in the U.S. Air Force before he came home to manage 200 acres of pines, hardwoods and pasture ground with his wife Shirlene. At a special ceremony, Tackett was presented the keys to a new Kabota L-Series compact tractor as thanks for his service from Kubota and their partner, the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC).

“This program empowers farmer veterans to achieve their dreams and make a true difference through their farming operations,” said Todd Stucke, Kubota senior vice president of sales, marketing and product support. “Kubota is proud to offer a token of our gratitude for those who have done so much for this country through their military service. We are extremely pleased to help Chad continue to make a difference in his community for many years to come.”

Tackett’s response was one of shock and surprise. “I am so glad to replace my broken-down 1970 tractor and I can’t wait see what my new Kubota can do on my farm and for the local farmer veteran community. I’ve never been so lucky and am incredibly grateful for this recognition.”

TFI Announces 2017 4R Advocates

Lizzy SchultzAg Group, Award, Nutrient Management

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) has named the 2017 4R Advocate winners, recognizing five farmer and retailer partnerships who are leading the way in implementing 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices on the farm. This year’s advocates farm 13,200 acres of land using 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices.

“4R Nutrient Stewardship is a top priority for the fertilizer industry, which is committed to enhancing environmental and economic sustainability across their operations – from the production plant to on-farm application,” said Chris Jahn, TFI President. “Today, we honor those in the industry who are exemplifying this commitment and using the 4R principles to increase yields, improve soils, and decrease fertilizer’s environmental footprint.”

The 2017 Advocates include:

Gary Reeder, Palmetto, Fla.
Dennis Coleman, Crop Production Services, Parrish, Fla.
Kyle Brase, Edwardsville, Ill.
Joe Huebener, CHS Shipman, Shipman, Ill.
Grant Strom, Brimfield, Ill.
Adam Dexter, West Central FS Inc., Williamsfield, Ill.
Dave Legvold, Northfield, Minn.
Ken Thomas, Farmers Mill & Elevator, Inc., Castle Rock, Minn.
Lynn Fahrmeier, Wellington, Mo.
Scott Bergsieker, MFA Incorporated, Lexington, Mo.

These winners will receive an expense-paid trip to the 2017 Commodity Classic, where they will be honored at an awards banquet hosted by TFI. While at Commodity Classic, the advocates will represent the 4R program at the trade show and participated in various interviews. Throughout the year they will also be part of TFI’s outreach efforts to promote nutrient management practices by hosting farm field days, participating in conference panels, and speaking on behalf of 4Rs to their farming peers.

ARA Retailer of the Year at #ARA2016

Cindy ZimmermanARA, Audio

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) presented this year’s Ag Retailer of the Year Award during the the ARA Conference & Expo to Gar Tootelian, of central California. The award, sponsored by Monsanto, ARA, and AgProfessional magazine, is highly esteemed by the industry and honors the very best among ag retailers.

Gar Tootelian was represented at the ceremony by president Greg Musson and managing partner Karen Musson. The company was founded by Karen’s parents and is still owned and operated by Karen, her sister, and their daughters

“We’re really honored to see my parents company going into its third generation,” said Karen in an interview during the ARA Foundation Dinner at this year’s conference. “We’re not the biggest or oldest ag retailer in the country, but we’ve been around for 67 years and we’ve seen a lot of changes in that length of time, and we’ve also seen a lot of growth in that industry.”

Gar Tootelian was recognized not only for the investments the company has made in its growers, but for the investments it has made in the surrounding community. The Mussons have shown continuous involvement in local charities and support groups and have worked to promote agricultural careers to local high school and college students.

“It’s really important that students today, and parents and families as well, realize that farming touches them and is integral to their lives, and that we do have their very best interests at heart,” she said

Learn more in Chuck’s full interview with Karen here:
[wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/ara-16-musson.mp3″ text=”Interview with Karen Musson, Gar Tootelian”]

View and download photos from the event here: 2016 ARA Conference Photo Album

Coverage of the ARA Conference and Expo is sponsored by Coverage of the ARA Conference and Expo is sponsored by FMCCoverage of the ARA Conference and Expo is sponsored by Ag Retailers Association

Shareowners Approve Monsanto/Bayer Merger

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Bayer CropScience, Monsanto

Monsanto Company held a special meeting of shareowners earlier this week to vote on the merger of Monsanto with Bayer Aktiengesellschaft. The agreement states that Monsanto shareowners receive $128 per share in cash.

“We are pleased we received such strong support from our shareowners,” said Hugh Grant, Monsanto Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This is an important milestone as we work to combine our two complementary companies and deliver on our shared vision for the future of agriculture. By bringing together our expertise and our resources to drive this shared vision, we can do even more together to benefit growers around the world and to help address broad global challenges like climate change and food scarcity.”

“The acquisition of Monsanto is driven by our strong belief that this combination can help address the growing challenges facing farmers and the overall agriculture industry today and in the future,” said Werner Baumann, CEO of Bayer AG. “Together, Bayer and Monsanto will be able to offer the new, innovative solutions that our customers need. We look forward to completing the transaction and working closely with Monsanto to ensure a successful integration.”

Based on a preliminary tabulation of the shareowner vote, approximately 99% of all votes cast, which represents approximately 75% of all outstanding shares on November 7, 2016, the record date for the special meeting, were voted in favor of the merger. Monsanto shareowners also approved the proposal to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, certain compensation that may be paid or become payable to the Company’s named executive officers in connection with the merger. The final voting results on all agenda items will be filed with the SEC in the company’s Form 8-K and will also be available at http://www.monsanto.com/investors/pages/default.aspx.

Follow with Bayer/Monsanto merger at www.AdvancingTogether.com.

Syngenta Finds Unexpected Use for Enogen Corn

Kelly MarshallAudio, Ethanol, NAFB, Syngenta, Traits

Duane Martin manages the Agrisure portfolio for Syngenta corn and soybeans. “We’re very proud of the technology we’ve brought to the corn and soybean market over the last several years- launching more new technology, more new traits, to especially the corn business one the last five years than any other company in the industry,” he told me at the NAFB Trade Talk event.

Selling traits is about helping growers solve problems, and Syngenta has products in place to help with many issues facing farmers today– like the recent resurgence in pests or water stress. Trait packages and trait stacks can mean a world of difference in situations where pests don’t make themselves know until the combine drives through the field. Products like Agrisure Artesian offer high-yeilding crops in good years while protecting plants when they’re missing critical rain fall.

But possibly most exciting is the new use of the Syngenta’s Enogen brand. Enogen was developed to provide 360 degree value for the farmer receiving premiums to ethanol plants gaining higher efficiency. However, good technology companies do more than just develop new products, Martin explained. They also look for additional uses for existing products, which is how Syngenta discovered the benefits of Enogen corn to livestock feed. The product provides a much more digestible feed for beef and diary herds and benefits producers struggling to balance on a tight budget.

Learn more about Enogen and Syngenta’s other traits in the full interview here: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/nafb-16-martin.mp3″ text=”Interview with Duane Martin, Syngenta”]

View and download photos from the event here: NAFB Convention Photo Album

Ag Groups Join with NRCS

Kelly MarshallARA, Conservation, USDA

Agribusiness and agricultural associations from across the nation, including the Agricultural Retailers Association, have joined together to promote and expand federal conservation programs.  Members of the group signed a memorandum of understanding with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to expand the reach of technical and financial assistance to extend conservation adoption and increase the overall sustainability of farming, ranching and forestland operations.

It was signed by the National Association of Conservation Districts, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, The Fertilizer Institute, ARA, American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society, Crop Science Society, Syngenta and CropLife America.

The MOU establishes “a collaborative framework for cooperative activities intended to enhance and accelerate the transfer and adoption of technologies and approaches.” Together, the partnering organizations will develop initiatives such as employee training, producer outreach, joint projects and communications efforts that advance conservation practices. Efforts will be focused on soil health and 4Rs (Right source, Right rate, Right time and Right place).

“The Agricultural Retailers Association is proud to join this collaborative effort to promote and expand conservation programs,” said ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock. “As a trusted resource, ag retailers are in a prime position to advise farmers on implementing conservation methods and tactics that improve nutrient stewardship, sustainability and profitability.”

Bayer and ASTA Partner for Communications

Cindy ZimmermanASTA, Audio, Bayer CropScience, seed

Bayer’s Crop Science division announced a new partnership with the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) at last week’s ASTA CSS and Seed Expo in Chicago.

David Hollinrake, VP Marketing for North America, says the partnership involves Bayer sponsoring the ASTA Communications Committee and sharing Bayer’s successful AgVocate initiative research and materials. “It’s really about engaging farmers and engaging all agriculturalists into the conversation with the general public around the benefits of modern production agriculture,” said Hollinrake. “We’ve been able to bring over 10,000 people into the social circle so that we can become stronger agvocates with a prouder voice.”

During his address to the ASTA CSS, Hollinrake noted the similarities between the ASTA slogan “Better Seed, Better Life” and Bayer’s “Science for a Better Life” tag line. “We’ve done a good job describing the better science component, but not so good at describing the better life component.”

In our interview, Hollinrake also discusses Bayer’s proposed acquisition of Monsanto and why they believe it makes sense for farmers. “We’ve got wonderfully complementary skill sets,” he said. “Monsanto is a leader in seed, genetics and biotechnology and we have been a leader in crop chemistry and seed treatments, so combining the capabilities of both really promises greater innovation for the American farmer.”

Listen to it here: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/astacss-16-hollinrake.mp3″ text=”Interview with David Hollinrake, Bayer”]

ASTA CSS 2016 Photo Album

Beck’s & Benson Hill Partner for Corn Genetics

Cindy ZimmermanASTA, Audio, Corn, seed

Benson Hill CEO Matt Crisp (left) in a round table meeting at ASTA CSS

Beck’s Hybrids is one of the largest retail seed companies in North America, and now thanks to a partnership with agriculture technology company Benson Hill Biosystems, they’ll be able to accelerate their corn breeding program in the future. Using Benson Hill’s CropOS cognitive platform, Beck’s will gain yet another tool to enhance the ability to offer farmers improved traits. The new system will bring improvement to emergence, stand ability, plant health, maturity and yield.

Benson Hill’s platform combines biological knowledge and genomic data with high-throughput computing—an intersection of disciplines known as cloud biology—to predict biological outcomes and provide critical decision support in advancing breeding programs. CropOS levels the playing field for organizations that desire to use whole-genome information and machine learning to accelerate genetic gains. Researchers can speed up generations of experimentation and pinpoint desired traits for improved plant performance. CropOS’s machine learning intelligently evolves with every experiment or data set, allowing companies to develop higher performing genetics and create more choice in the marketplace.

“To meet global challenges in agriculture and provide farmers with additional choices, we need more innovation in crop genomics. In the face of additional consolidation, we need to empower a broader agriculture community of innovators,” said Matthew Crisp, CEO and co-founder of Benson Hill. “Beck’s mission to provide farmers with the choices they need to succeed aligns with Benson Hill’s drive to build an innovative and sustainable future for farmers, communities and our planet.”

We talked with Crisp at the ASTA CSS this week to learn more about Benson Hill, CropOS, and the significance of this new partnership. Listen to our conversation here: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/astacss-16-benson-hill.mp3″ text=”Interview with Matt Crisp, Benson Hill Biosystems”]

ASTA CSS 2016 Photo Album

Coverage of ASTA CSS and Seed Expo brought to you by
Coverage of ASTA CSS and Seed Expo brought to you by the American Seed Trade Association and Coverage of ASTA CSS and Seed Expo brought to you by BASF Ag Products

DuPont Pioneer Unveils New Corn and Soybean Products

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, Corn, Dupont Pioneer, Soybeans

With the theme of “Innovation Elevates Performance for Growers,” DuPont Pioneer used virtual press conferences this week to unveil new corn and soybean products by region.

Pioneer is launching 54 new A-Series soybeans for North America; and 53 new top-yielding corn products as part of its expanded lineup for 2017 spring planting.

A-Series soybeans are “the highest yielding line of soybeans” in Pioneer’s long history, the result of innovative soybean research programs and the DuPont Pioneer proprietary Accelerated Yield Technology 4.0 (AYT 4.0). The corn products range from 72 to 118 comparative relative maturity (CRM) and feature 29 new genetic platforms, all cultivated from the DuPont Pioneer global germplasm collection.

Listen to the Delta/Southeast regional presentation of the dual nationwide announcements and follow along with the powerpoint: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/dupont-pioneer-virtual-presser-12-14-16.mp3″ text=”DuPont Pioneer Virtual Presser”]