Acquisition of Precision Planting Contested

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, John Deere, Precision Planting

Precision PlantingThe U.S. Department of Justice has blocked John Deere‘s attempt to acquire Precision Planting.  Deere & Company and The Climate Corporation have both announced plans to legally contest that action.

Plans for Deere to purchase Precision Planting were announced last November.  Both parties have been fully cooperating in the DOJ’s antitrust review process.  The DOJ states the competitive impact of the transaction are misguided but Deere and Climate Corp deny these allegations.  Deere believes the addition of precision equipment solutions will allow them to assist farmers in becoming more productive, a core value of the company for generations.

In an era of rapid growth in precision technologies, competition for all avenues of development is high.  Deere hopes to acquisitions would ensure growers could buy new machinery or retrofit older equipment while still using the newest innovations.  When the acquisition is finalized Deere states they will preserve Precision Planting’s independence in order to ensure innovation and maintain benefits for Precision Planting customers.

Over 300 Global US Soy Customers Attend Trade Exchange

Jamie JohansenAg Group, Audio, Exports, Feed, Food, Soybeans, USSEC

ussec-16-115-editedThe 4th annual U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange & Midwest Specialty Grains Conference and Trade Show hosted by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the Midwest Shippers Association (MSA), took place in Indianapolis, IN and is the premiere global soy and grain trade event. Over 700 attendees gathered with 300 of them representing 55 countries around the world, focused on U.S. soy.

The event brought in the North American grain and oilseed industry, international buyers and traders, the transportation community, grain elevator managers, farmer producers, agriculture researchers and many others interested in international agriculture trade and the latest food trends.

It didn’t take me long to grasp a common theme and goal for all in attendance…creating connections and building relationships. Those 300 international representatives were able to put a face on the American farmer, have one-on-one conversations while touching on the nitty-gritty and visit the field to see research and sustainability in action.

During the event I sat down with newly elected Chairman for the USSEC Board, Jim Miller. Going forward he said the boards two main objectives were to build preference for U.S. soy and work on market access issues. He also hit on what this global trade event means for U.S. soybean growers and how it sets the framework for lasting relationships.

Listen to my complete interview with Jim here: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/ussec-16-miller.mp3″ text=”Interview with Jim Miller, USSEC Chairman”]

View and download photos from the event here: 2016 US Soy Global Trade Exchange Photos

John Deere Expands Compact Utility Tractor Family

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Equipment, Farm Progress Show, John Deere, Tractor

John Deere knows every farm and every budget is different.  That’s why they’ve expanded their 3E and 2R Series Compact Utility Tractor lineup.

JD 3E The 3025E features an easy-to-use, two-range hydrostatic transmission and Twin Touch foot controls for an automatic-like experience.  This 25 horsepower options also provides color-coded controls that are ergonomic and intuitive and comes with a comfortable, contoured seat.  An optional iMatch Quick-Hitch makes rear implement hookups simple; this workhorse can be used with implements ranging from box blades to rotary cutters.

“Our 3E Series compact tractors have a reputation for being reliable machines that customers can trust to power through the toughest of jobs,” said Michelle Bentley, product marketing manager. “With the new 3025E, John Deere has combined capability and comfort at an affordable price, meeting a diverse range of needs for our hardworking customers.”

“The 3025E will surprise customers, who would, for the lower price, expect to find nothing more than a basic, ‘bare-bones’ tractor,” Bentley continues. “Instead, they discover the nicely equipped, hardworking machine that goes beyond, providing reliable performance at an affordable price”

Two large-model chassis, the 2032R and 2038 R have also been redesigned.  They offer 38 horsepower, in addition to a wider stance and longer wheelbase for improved stability.  You’ll still find a premium suspension seat and ergonomic controls, plus a tilt steering wheel, cruise control and thick rubber floor mat to reduce operator fatigue.  These models come standard with work lights on the fender and have an option for an LED work light kit.

“Our customers are looking for efficient, durable and easy-to-use solutions that allow them to do more work in less time with less effort,” said Jared Lowe, John Deere product marketing manager for compact utility tractors. “When designing the new 2R Series models, we focused on improving machine stability, comfort and implement attachability to deliver on those needs.”

JD 2R The easy to use features also make the 2R Series stand out.  The CommandCut lift system gives quick and accurate cutting hight at the bump of a lever and the turn of a dial.  Twin Touch foot controls, eThrottle and cruise control assist the operator while driving.  Implements can be installed in front, mid and rear and combined in seven different ways.

Our AgWired team got to see these new models at the Farm Progress Show last week.  Check out our Flickr album to see more.

2016 Farm Progress Show Photos

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by John DeereCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by GrowmarkCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience

DuPont Pioneer Boosts Encirca Services

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Audio, Dupont Pioneer, Farm Progress Show, Nitrogen

DuPont Pioneer, O'Brien Not everyone is ready to jump in with both feet when it comes to a nitrogen management service. That’s why DuPont Pioneer is releasing an Encirca service for growers who’d prefer to begin by just dipping in a toe.

I spoke with Encirca Services Lead, Ken O’Brien at the Farm Progress Show to learn a little bit more about the program and what it offers growers. O’Brien says most farmers just want to know- will it really work? Nitrogen management has been a traditionally difficult piece of the puzzle, with rates varying widely from year to year in terms of maximum yield versus input costs. This new program has helped make good decisions 75 percent of the time and that’s pretty exciting for many.

The new pieces of the Encira service make it easier for growers to try it out and see before signing up for the full-service option. By choosing per acre based fees for weather and nitrogen management those who prefer can use this self-serve model.

“We recognize that every field is different, every operation is different and every grower is different,” said Eric Boeck, DuPont Pioneer marketing director, Encirca℠ services. “Some prefer to have an advisor to talk things over with and some prefer the self-serve model. We are listening to our customers and catering to their varying needs with the addition of our new Pro level of Encirca℠ services.”

The Pro level service is fueled by Encirca℠ services’ latest technology and analytics, soil science, agronomy expertise and local weather. It empowers growers to independently monitor nitrogen levels and simulate different nitrogen plans and field details, as well as to understand the impact changes will have on crop growth and the probability of achieving desired outcomes. The service includes the ability to set automated alerts for changing field conditions.

The Pro level service is delivered through the new Encirca℠ Nitrogen app, which will be available for download from the App store by mid-September. Growers are encouraged to try the Pro level service for free through Oct. 31, 2016.

“Customers who prefer more hands-on support may still use an Encirca℠ certified services agent through the Premium level of Encirca℠ Nitrogen service,” said Boeck. “And as important as nitrogen is to increasing yields, data is what drives those decisions. DuPont Pioneer is striving to make individual operation data accessible and actionable for all growers regardless of management style.”

Learn more by listening here: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/FPS16-Pioneer-OBrien.mp3″ text=”Interview with Ken O’Brien, DuPont Pioneer”]

2016 Farm Progress Show Photos

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by John DeereCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by GrowmarkCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience

China Commits to 146 Million Bushels New Crop US Soy

Jamie JohansenAgribusiness, Audio, Exports, Soybeans, USSEC, Video

ussec-16-42-editedDuring the 2016 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange in Indianapolis, buyers from China committed to buy nearly $1.8 billion worth of U.S. soy, totaling 146 million bushels of new crop U.S. soybeans. Several of these commitments were made official at a signing during the event, hosted by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC).

“China continues to be the No. 1 importer of U.S. soybeans,” says Xiaoping Zhang, USSEC Country Manager – China. “International buyers have many options, so the fact that Chinese buyers purchase such a magnitude from the U.S. is testament to the U.S. Soy Advantage and the quality and sustainability that it provides.”

Last year, U.S. soybean farmers exported a record 62.88 million metric tons of soy and soy products, valued at $27.7 billion – a record high. Economists are predicting even more in 2016.

More than a dozen Chinese representatives are in attendance this week at the Global Trade Exchange to network with U.S. farmers and learn more about the sustainability of U.S. soybeans. In addition to signing commitments for U.S. soy, they will network with buyers from other countries around the world, learn from industry experts and get a firsthand glimpse of U.S. farmers’ sustainable practices.

The USSEC connects U.S. soybean farmers with opportunities to improve human nutrition, livestock production and aquaculture. This mission is accomplished with a science-based technical foundation and a global network of partnerships including soybean farmers, exporters, agribusiness and agricultural organizations, researchers and government agencies.

Following the signing I spoke with Xiaoping to learn more. Listen to my complete interview here: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/ussec-16-xiaoping.mp3″ text=”Interview with Xiaoping Zhang, USSEC China”]

View and download photos from the event here: 2016 US Soy Global Trade Exchange Photos


The Future is Bright at GROWMARK

Lizzy SchultzAg Group, Agribusiness, Audio, Company Announcement, Growmark

growmark-spradlin The 2016 GROWMARK Annual Meeting and Agribusiness Symposium was held this week in Chicago, Illinois. This year’s event theme was “Next,” with a focus centered on the innovations and ideas that will lead the future of agriculture and ensure its success.

Jim Spradlin, CEO of GROWMARK, sat down for an interview during the Annual Meeting. He discussed the company’s vision behind this year’s event, including this year’s new addition of the Agribusiness Symposium.

“We took a different approach this year by expanding it by a day and adding in some educational components, and we tried to choose topics that fit our current ag environment, which is currently in a down cycle,” he said. “There are challenges relative to economics, there are challenges related to regulations, and there are added environmental pressures, so we tried to pick speakers that help us could provide insight to our audience and our members and educate our owners on how to deal with these issues going forward.”

Highlights at this year’s event included a comprehensive panel on sustainability, an economic outlook from Dr. Mark Dotzour, and keynotes from retired General and former Secretary of State Colin Powell and retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Keni Thomas, whose acts of bravery during a famous mission in Somalia were recounted in the movie “Black Hawk Down.”

“GROWMARK’s mission is to improve the profitability of our member-owners, so we try to focus everything we do on how we can help our farmers become more profitable, which starts with providing trusted advice,” said Spradlin.

Listen to Lizzy’s full interview with Jim here:
[wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/growmark-16-spradlin.mp3″ text=”Interview with Jim Spradlin, GROWMARK”]

View and download photos from the event here:2016 GROWMARK Annual Meeting & Agribusiness Symposium Photo Album

PrecisionHawk Offers Value in Technology

Kelly MarshallAerial Imagery, Agribusiness, Audio, drone, Farm Progress Show

PrecisionHawkI got to speak with Thomas Haun, senior vice president of PrecisionHawk at the recent Farm Progress Show and learned something every farmer will be glad to hear: drones are tools, not toys.

As proof of this claim Haun walked me through their booth, pointing out the new DJI Matrice 100 drone that can be used to survey a large field.  PrecisionHawk provides software for this drone that allows it to scout crops, even to the detailed level of counting plants.  Then, with their satellite partner, PrecisionHawk can layer satellite and drone data to look at change over time; an action which provides a lot more information than looking a a single moment.

“PrecisionHawk’s specialty and focus is really on turning that data into an insight,” Haun explained.  “So not only do we hand a grower raw data, which we do, but we also hand them something they didn’t know about their farm before.  It could be exactly how many plants are in their field, or what is the height of the plants across their field.  So by being able to give them that new piece of information we believe their management practices will get that much better.”

They also make sure those insight are actionable, with shape files that can be uploaded straight to the tractor for, say, purposes of replanting.  They’re also a full service company and will come to your farm to capture data for you.  A recent FAA allowance gives PrecisionHawk the ability to fly beyond line of sight, meaning that Matrice 100 can now cover your whole farm, rather than just a field.

To learn more about how PrecisionHawk is turning technology into solutions, listen to my full interview with Haun here: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/FPS16-PrecisionHawk-Haun.mp3″ text=”Interview with Thomas Haun, PrecisionHawk”]

2016 Farm Progress Show Photos

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by John DeereCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by GrowmarkCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience

John Deere- Part of the Precision Revolution

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Audio, John Deere, technology

JD WetzelEarlier this week John Deere invited the media to see first-hand all the newest tools the company provides to the ag industry.  Chuck Zimmerman attended the event where he was able to grab video and interviews regarding the new 8 row folding corn head, the new Nutrient Applicator, the ExactApply nozzles, and many other great advancements.

Media also heard from some of the people behind the products– people like Aaron Wetzel, Vice President of Ag & Turf Crop Care.

Wetzel is proud to be a part of the new innovations coming to the market place, products that will help customers be more productive, manage their costs and, of course, improve yields.

“Here in Crop Care, I think I’m part of the great revolution of precision agriculture and I think what we saw here today is really a significant amount of innovations that we’re bringing to our customers.  And we’re doing that through intently listening to our customers and what they need,” he explained.

Meeting the needs of the grower is top priority for Deere.  And they’re being more forward-thinking about that goal than ever before with things like their partnership with Hagie to offer greater nutrient management solutions, and solutions for the Operations Center brought about by the Intelligence Group.

John Deere is helping to drive the precision agriculture revolution, Wetzel asserts.  That means an integration of technology with the equipment and support for all of it offered by the dealer network.  Managing costs is what will make or break grower customers, he said.  And John Deere is making great efforts to be a force that drives their customers forward.

You can hear Wetzel’s full remarks here: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/JDreveal-Wetzel-16.mp3″ text=”Aaron Wetzel, John Deere Reveal”]

John Deere 2016 Product Reveal Photo Album

When Will Autonomous Tractors be on the Market?

Cindy ZimmermanCase IH, New Holland, Tractor, ZimmPoll

zp-nh1Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How important is immigration/farm labor to election?”

This is really a pretty easy one to guess the results to. Somewhat to Very Important got about 84% of the votes. It certainly is an issue for debate in our upcoming Presidential election.

Our new ZimmPoll is live and asks the question, How long until we have autonomous tractors on the market?

Both New Holland and Case IH debuted autonomous concept tractors during the Farm Progress Show. Judging from online comments this is a very polarizing announcement although they are a concept only at this point they show what can be done with new technology that lets an operator run a tractor without physically on the vehicle. You can watch video about the announcements using the links above.

It’s All New at Farmers Edge

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Audio, Data, Data Collection, Farm Progress Show

Farmers Edge When I asked Tim Davis what was new with Farmers Edge at the Farm Progress Show, he told me all of it! The little Canadian company, started by a couple of farm boys dabbling in precision data has only been in the United States for about 9 months, but what they’re offering isn’t little at all.

Famers Edge is a full service agronomy data company, Davis explained. They offer data collection, data analyzation, weather stations for farms, plant health imagery during the growing season, and can also handle soil testing and variable rate prescription. They believe they can be the only data company a farmer needs.

The company looks to be in a good position to provide that as well. Their background is on the farm. The private, independent company will safe-guard your data while helping make decisions without the pressure to purchase a lot of products.

Despite being pretty much completely new themselves, Farmers Edge will be releasing a few additional services for the 2017 growing season. The first is a nitrogen manger that aids in deciding when to top dress and how much. Davis says the product looks very robust and offers growers a great value. The second addition is an E-scouting program that works with the Farm Command software to pinpoint what’s happening in a field. Last but not least is the CanPlug that goes directly into a tractor or combine and offers information about how the equipment preformed in terms of efficiency. This new tools may help growers choose the right size and model of equipment based on economics.

“With the profit margins out there, every advantage we can give growers to make a better decision leads to a successful family farm,” Davis says.

Their unique perspective comes from being an all-around data collection company with a very integrated platform. You can learn more about Farmers Edge in this interview: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/FPS16-Davis-FarmersEdge.mp3″ text=”Tim Davis, Farmers Edge”]

2016 Farm Progress Show Photos

Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by John DeereCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by GrowmarkCoverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience