EFC Systems Integrates with Mavrx

Kelly MarshallAerial Imagery, Agribusiness, Data

efc-systems-tmEFC Systems, Inc. has announced its FieldAlytics product will now integrate with Mavrx Inc.‘s ariel imagery service.  This partnership means users can schedule imagery capture scenes on a field set up in FieldAlytics and expect a seamless flow of data ready for immediate use, giving growers access to real-time decision making information on every inch of their field.

“We wanted to let our users easily order and schedule timely in-season imagery, so by teaming up with Mavrx, we are providing FieldAlytics users with the tools to do this. We feel the information and data they receive will go a long way in helping make impactful and timely management decisions. We’re excited to offer Mavrx services to our users without requiring them to work within separate tools.” said Devron VonGunden, EFC Systems’ Senior Product Manager for FieldAlytics. With this integration users will be able to identify problem or stress areas in a field and utilize the embedded tools to address and correct these areas.

mavrx“This capability provides seamless access to market leading decision tools.” said Ernie Chappell, EFC Systems’ President & C.E.O. “We see Mavrx as a leader for on-demand imagery capture services.” EFC Systems’ customers have flexibility to utilize and market Mavrx to their grower customers in a flexible fashion, and can optionally choose which fields should benefit from the joint offering.

“The integration with FieldAlytics is a great example of some of the many steps we’re taking to further enhance the experience and value of using Mavrx services and analytics this coming season,” said Max Bruner, Mavrx CEO. “Through this partnership, farmers and retailers who seek the highest level of efficiency have access to our nationwide network of pilots to capture and deliver ultra-high resolution (UHR) imagery exactly when and where it’s needed. This gives our clients the ability to monitor field performance, target yield at risk, and streamline scouting efforts to take necessary action in the field.

New Chairman for National Sorghum Producers

Kelly MarshallAg Group, NSP, Sorghum

nsp-blossThe National Sorghum Producers board of directors has selected Don Bloss to serve as chairman.

“Don Bloss is an experienced voice in the sorghum industry, having served previously as the chair of NSP’s Legislative Committee,” said Tim Lust, NSP CEO. “We look forward to his contributions and insights as NSP engages in discussions related to the next farm bill.”

Other returning officers include: vice chair Dan Atkisson from Stockton, Kansas;  James Born from Booker, Texas, as past chairman position; and re-elected industry member, Mike Battin of Chromatin Inc.  Newly elected officers are: Bobby Nedbalek from Sinton, Texas; Kody Carson from Olton, Texas; and Larry Earnest of Star City, Arkansas.

“We welcome these new leaders and are excited to have their representation and diverse experiences on the NSP board of directors,” said Bloss. “There are crucial issues our board will face in the coming year, and we look forward to their assistance in moving the sorghum industry forward.”

Nedbalek farms in South Texas and is a member of Texas Regional Water Planning Group, San Patricio County Economic Development Corporation and the South Texas Cotton and Grain Association. Nedbalek hopes to utilize his experience to work with industry leaders and consumers in promoting the sorghum industry.

Carson is an active member in his local West Texas community where he farms. He is also involved with the Ag Producers Co-op and Plains Cotton Cooperative Association. Carson wants to capitalize the strengths within the sorghum industry when working on legislative and marketing matters.

Earnest farms in southeastern Arkansas and is currently involved in the National Research Center Administrators Society and the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientists. Earnest plans to work on increasing awareness of the value of sorghum and linking the importance of sustainable agriculture to both the public and world leaders.

“These directors have served our industry well during their tenure on the NSP board of directors,” Bloss said. “We appreciate their time and devotion to the industry and the legacy they leave to future sorghum leaders.”

Top 10 Rural Entrepreneurs Announced

Cindy ZimmermanAFBF

fb-rural-challenge-17The top ten teams in the 2017 Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge have been announced, with the top four to compete for the title of Rural Entrepreneur of the Year at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual convention in January.

“Entrepreneurship is alive and well in rural America,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “It’s a pleasure to recognize these 10 outstanding businesses. The FB Challenge addresses some of the unique obstacles entrepreneurs typically face, namely, limited options for support such as startup funding.”

The four finalists and six semi-finalists were chosen from a total of 356 applicants. Six semi-finalists in the competition were awarded $10,000 each, thanks to the sponsorship of Farm Credit, and the final four teams were each awarded $15,000 and will advance to the next phase of the challenge.

The final four are:

Grow Bioplastics LLC of Knoxville, Tennessee – ag tech entry. Renewable, biodegradable products that eliminate oil-based plastics for farmers, greenhouse and nursery managers, and home gardeners.

Levrack LLC, of Seward, Nebraska – support services entry. An efficient and orderly solution to reduce clutter in farm shops.

Vertical Harvest Hydroponics of Anchorage, Alaska – farm/ranch entry. Turnkey, hydroponic vegetable production facilities inside 40-foot-long insulated shipping containers.

Windcall Manufacturing Inc., of Venango, Nebraska – ag tech entry. Grain Goat, a battery powered, hand-held combine for sampling moisture content of grain.

The challenge, now in its third year, provides opportunities for individuals to showcase business innovations being developed in rural communities throughout the U.S. It is the first national business competition focused exclusively on rural entrepreneurs working on food and agriculture businesses.

Coalition Urges EPA to Remove Roadblocks

Kelly MarshallAg Group, environment, EPA

biogenic-co2-coalitionToday agriculture groups have come together as the Biogenic CO2 Coalition to urge the Environmental Protection Agency  to stop blocking the development of emerging bioeconomy.

The Biogenic CO2 Coalition is a working group of leading trade associations and companies that support American farmers and the national “bioeconomy” that a new USDA economic analysis estimates to be $393 billion, provides 4.2 million American jobs, and is the leading source of domestic renewable energy. The Coalition recently sent letters to 2016 Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Gary Johnson and Jill Stein, urging them to support American farmers and processors by announcing their support of the bioeconomy and recognition that agriculture offers key solutions to energy and environmental policy challenges.

Under its recent Clean Power Plan and other policies, EPA has been treating farm products as sources of greenhouse gas pollution. EPA should recognize that farm feedstocks are not the same as fossil fuels or petrochemicals. When farmers grow crops, they store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, and when agricultural feedstocks are used for food, fuel and fiber, CO2 simply returns to the atmosphere in a natural biogenic cycle.

“The Biogenic CO2 Coalition has shared its concerns with EPA and offered our resources to assist with its deliberations, but now is the time to increase public awareness by formally launching our initiative,” stated John Bode, Chairman of the Biogenic CO2 Coalition and President & CEO of the Corn Refiners Association. “We would likeEPA to recognize, even on an interim basis while it continues to deliberate, the life-cycle benefits from crop-based feedstocks compared to fossil fuels and petrochemicals,” Bode continued.

The Coalition states that emissions from use or processing of crops should be a zero under the Clean Air Acgt, that the EPA should retract its attempt to regulate sustainable farming practices in its Clean Power Plan rule making, and that Congress should prevent the EPA from unnecessarily regulating farmers and processors.

Individuals may contact the EPA to weigh in on these issues as well.

Bayer, West Central Partner for Soybean Treatment

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Bayer CropScience, Soybeans

bayer CropScienceBayer and West Central Distribution, LLC are partnering to offer growers a combination fungicide seed treatment for soybeans.  Redigo™ 480 + Trilex® will be offered exclusively through West Central Distribution.

Redigo 480 is a seed treatment fungicide from Bayer for control of seed and soil-borne disease on soybeans and other crops.

Redigo 480 + Trilex brings two powerful modes of action against many seed and soil-borne fungi, including Rhizoctonia and Fusarium. The combination is offered in West Central’s STI Customized seed treatment service and as components using the On Demand™ system from Bayer.

West-Central“West Central is pleased to be the exclusive provider of the Redigo 480 + Trilex combination,” said Blake Murnan, product development manager for Custom Seed Treatments at West Central. “This exclusive offer reinforces West Central’s continued commitment to offering unique, high-quality seed treatment solutions.”

Melissa Chu, Bayer SeedGrowth product manager, echoed this enthusiasm. “We are thrilled to be able to work with West Central to bring this exciting technology to the market. Bayer is committed to providing solutions to help soybean growers combat disease and optimize yields.”

Bayer Presents Second Luke Bryan Farm Tour

Chuck ZimmermanBayer CropScience

Bayer Luke Bryan Farm TourDo you like Luke Bryan? Are you #Thankful4Ag? Then this story is for you. Bayer is presenting the Luke Bryan Farm Tour for the second straight year. The tour has eight stops in cities across the U.S. Bryan launched the tour in 2009 as a way to highlight and celebrate the contribution America’s farmers make in putting food on tables in the United States and throughout the world.

“I come from a farming background so I understand the hard work it takes for farmers to feed America and feed the world,” said Luke Bryan. “Bayer and I did some great things together during last year’s tour including donating to local farmers and raising money to help feed America. I’m excited to do even more good work with them this year.”

Bayer is the title sponsor of the tour and will highlight its annual #Thankful4Ag campaign which activates consumers to provide meals to those in need while thanking farmers for their contribution to feeding the planet. Last year, Luke Bryan and his fans helped Bayer provide over 300,000 meals to families across America—this year’s goal is 500,000 meals. Show stops will also feature opportunities for attendees to learn more about Bayer’s commitment to agriculture through innovation, science and responsibility.

“This tour is all about the farm and the farmer. Given the mutual commitment Bayer and Luke Bryan have towards American farmers, and with how much great work we accomplished together in 2015, we’re proud to team up with Luke for a second year,” said Ray Kerins, SVP for Bayer Corporation. “Once again, for eight nights this harvest season, we’ll join Luke in giving thanks to those in agriculture who dedicate their lives to making everyone’s better. Farming is a 24/7 job so we’re excited to help give them a few nights of fun with one of today’s top stars.”

You can help this campaign by sharing the #Thankful4Ag hashtag. For every share, Bayer Corporation will donate a meal to Feeding America* to help feed families facing hunger. Just do it before November 30, 2016. Visit Thankful4Ag.com for more information.


Downturn Markets Mean USDA Payments

Kelly MarshallUSDA

USDAMany of the 1.7 million farms enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs will now be receiving safety-net payments, thanks to the down markets of 2015.

“This fall, USDA will be making more than $7 billion in payments under the ARC-County and PLC programs to assist participating producers, which will account for over 10 percent of USDA’s projected 2016 net farm income. These payments will help provide reassurance to America’s farm families, who are standing strong against low commodity prices compounded by unfavorable growing conditions in many parts of the country,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

“At USDA, we are standing strong behind them, tapping in to every resource that we have to help. So far in 2016, this has included creating a one-time cost share program for cotton ginning, purchasing about $800 million in excess commodities to be redirected to food banks and those in need, making $11 million in payments to America’s dairy farmers through the Dairy Margin Protection Program, and reprogramming Farm Service Agency funds to expand credit options for farmers and ranchers in need of extra capital. As always, we continue to watch market conditions and will explore opportunities for further assistance in the coming months. For producers challenged by weather, disease and falling prices, we will continue to ensure the availability of a strong safety net to keep them farming or ranching.”

Unlike the old direct payment program, which issued payments during both weak and strong market conditions, the 2014 Farm Bill authorized the ARC-PLC safety net to trigger and provide financial assistance only when decreases in revenues or crop prices, respectively, occur. The ARC and PLC programs primarily allow producers to continue to produce for the market by making payments on a percentage of historical base production, limiting the impact on production decisions.

Nationwide, producers enrolled 96 percent of soybean base acres, 91 percent of corn base acres and 66 percent of wheat base acres in the ARC-County coverage option. Producers enrolled 99 percent of long grain rice and peanut base acres and 94 percent of medium grain rice base acres in the PLC option. Overall, 76 percent of participating farm base acres are enrolled in ARC-County, 23 percent in PLC and one percent in ARC-Individual. For other program information including frequently asked questions, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc.

Payments will be made for acres of barley, corn, grain sorghum, lentils, lots, peanuts, dry peas, soybeans, wheat and canola.  Other commodity coverages will be announced in the upcoming months as the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service compiles marketing year average prices.

Precision Ag Bytes

Kelly MarshallPrecision Ag Bytes

precision bytes

  • Vermeer Corporation has announced the sale of its minority interest in Lely Vermeer Maschinenfabrik, Gmbh to Lely Holding. The two companies have successfully collaborated on a number of projects over the last two decades, and this move will allow each organization to focus on their respective core markets.
  • West Hills Community College will be offering a condensed version of their Advanced Precision Farming course on-line. The lecture part of the course will be offered online from November 14, 2016 to December 16, 2016 with a hands-on lab part to be offered on three weekends: Nov 19-20; Dec 3-4; and Dec 10-11 at West Hills College in Coalinga, California.
  • NCGA promoted Rachel Orf to director of stewardship and sustainability.  Orf’s new roll will include leading efforts to bring farmers together for conversations and action to improve the health of air and water in the United States.

Compass Minerals Completes Acquisition of Plant

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Company Announcement

compass-mineralsCompass Minerals has completed its purchase of one of Brazil’s leading manufactures and distributors of specialty plant nutrients.   The remaining interest in Produquímica Indústria e Comércio S.A. (Produquímica) has been sold, an acquisition that is expected to add $.12 to $15 per share to Compass Minerals’ 2016 earnings.

“With this acquisition complete, Compass Minerals has delivered on a key component of our growth strategy. We have expanded the geographic scope of our operations into one of the world’s most important agriculture markets, broadened our portfolio of specialty plant nutrition products, and reduced our dependency on winter weather,” said Fran Malecha, Compass Minerals president and CEO. “I am delighted to officially welcome all of the employees and associates of Produquímica to Compass Minerals and look forward to the growth we can achieve as one company.”

The purchase is expected to impact North American growers in two ways.  By combining U.S. and Brazilian R&D efforts, Compass Minerals will be able to evaluate new products and technologies year round, leading to a stronger pipeline of innovative technologies.  It will also expand Compass Minerals’ manufacturing capacity with the addition of multiple plants fully dedicated to manufacturing ag products.

Compass Minerals purchased 35 percent of Produquímica in December 2015. Total consideration for the remainder of Produquímica was approximately $465 million (based on a Brazilian Real-to-US$ exchange rate of R$3.25/US$1.00). This includes the purchase of equity valued at $328 million based on Produquímica’s estimated 2016 earnings, subject to customary, post-closing adjustments, and the assumption of approximately $137 million of net debt. The company expects to retire a portion of Produquímica’s debt during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Produquimica in based in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  They operate two main businesses, agricultural productivity and chemical solutions.

Pioneer Introduces New Alfalfa Varieties

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Dupont Pioneer

dupontpioneerAlfalfa growers will now have access to DuPont Pioneer‘s HarvXtra technology.  The exclusive varieties offer significant lignin reduction that enables producers to grow a higher quality hay, no matter when they cut.

“These varieties are part of the DuPont Pioneer commitment to improving forage quality at every stage,” said Dan Wiersma, DuPont Pioneer alfalfa business manager. “They increase the level of forage digestibility by 10 to 15 percent, which leads to higher energy in forage diets and may result in more milk production.”

In addition to increased benefits for cattle, the new varieties also offer strong agronomic benefits, producing high yields with resistance to multiple diseases. All Pioneer brand alfalfa products with HarvXtra technology contain the Genuity® Roundup Ready® trait for weed control and have strong winter hardiness profiles. This trait package has shown no impact on lodging resistance compared to most varieties without HarvXtra technology.

“These top-performing products give growers more flexibility at cutting time, based on the needs of their operation,” Wiersma said. “The HarvXtra technology enables growers to maintain their harvest schedule routines and obtain peak quality level, and they can even delay harvest by a few days to obtain higher tonnage without sacrificing acceptable forage quality.”