CropLife America Supports Science Behind Glyphosate

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CropLife America president and CEO Chris Novak is hopeful that science will prevail in the end when it comes to legal and regulatory challenges to products such as glyphosate.

“The thing that we can rely upon is the science conducted by, not just the U.S. regulatory agencies, …but most all of our chemistries are approved and in use in countries around the world,” said Novak in an interview at the Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit this week in Washington DC. “When you start to take a look at the safety profile of glyphosate, there’s a strong story to be told.”

CropLife America was a major sponsor of the Agri-Pulse summit. Listen to my interview with Chris here: Agri-Pulse 2019 Summit Interview with Chris Novak, CropLife America

Bayer Reacts to Verdict in Second Roundup Case

AgWired Precision, Bayer, Herbicide, Monsanto

A jury in California reached a unanimous verdict Tuesday that the herbicide Roundup was a significant factor in causing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma to develop in a second person. Another jury reached that conclusion last year and awarded the plaintiff $289 million.

The verdict is the first phase of the trial in the case of 70-year Edwin Hardeman. The trial will now proceed to the damages phase.

Bayer, which acquired Roundup when it bought Monsanto last year, stands by the safety of the glyphosate-based herbicide.
A statement from the company says, “We are disappointed with the jury’s initial decision, but we continue to believe firmly that the science confirms that glyphosate-based herbicides do not cause cancer. We are confident the evidence in phase two will show that Monsanto’s conduct has been appropriate and that the company should not be liable for Mr. Hardeman’s cancer. Regardless of the outcome, however, the decision in phase one of this trial has no impact on future cases and trials because each one has its own factual and legal circumstances. We have great sympathy for Mr. Hardeman and his family, but an extensive body of science supports the conclusion that Roundup™ was not the cause of his cancer. Bayer stands behind these products and will vigorously defend them.”

Precision Ag Bytes 3/20

AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes

  • Kubota Corporation announced its decision to utilize the development and production capabilities of Buhler Industries Inc. for a new series of tractors. Buhler has a proven track record for designing, manufacturing, and distributing large tractors in North America.
  • The Yield Lab Institute has released a new report on agtech ecosystems titled “Foundations for Agricultural Ecosystems.” The Yield Lab Institute and Universidad Austral commissioned this whitepaper in an effort to begin to define the “Rules of Engagement” for agriculture technology stakeholders.
  • Weather conditions halted nitrogen applications last fall, and with a wet start to spring, it’s likely farmers’ fertilizer plans will remain behind schedule. With March in full swing, farmers may soon need to weigh their options on how and when to apply nitrogen and still hit optimum planting dates. Jason Welker, Mycogen Seeds commercial agronomist for western Nebraska, says there are still several valid options for farmers to apply the required nitrogen.
  • Belchim Crop Protection USA announces that Beloukha®, a new biodegradable herbicide, has received approval for EPA registration, and has been submitted to all states for registration across the United States.
  • Aromyx, Inc., a CA-based, big data start-up set to revolutionize agtech, has been announced as the winner of the Radicle Challenge at the World Agri-Tech 2019 Pitch Day in San Francisco. Selected from a pool of eight finalists, Aromyx, Inc. has unlocked a $250k investment and mentoring from Radicle Growth.
  • Concentric Ag Corporation, a developer of biological and plant nutrient inputs, has formed an alliance with AgroCares that will add real-time soil nutrient diagnostics to the services it currently provides to broadacre and specialty crop growers.
  • Corn researchers from around the world gathered in St. Louis last week for the annual Maize Genetics Conference. This year, many presentations and posters highlighted the importance of the Genomes to Fields research initiative, which has been financially supported through state and national corn grower organizations.
  • Scientists at NRGene have unveiled the most complete genome assemblies ever achieved for the top two leading cultivated cotton species. The study sheds light on the mysterious origins and domestication of modern cotton—and helps explain how differences in the genes between cotton species has led to striking changes in fiber quality, growth habits, and yields. The research was published in Nature Genetics.

ZimmCast 611 – National Ag Day

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This week’s program focuses on National Ag Day activities in our nation’s Capitol.

In the program you’ll hear from Senator Pat Roberts who made remarks during the Celebration of American Agriculture reception. I also interviewed Isabella Chism, American Farm Bureau Federation, who is the Chair for National Ag Day. 

Next up is USDA Deputy Secretary, Steve Censky, who spoke prior to moderating a panel discussion, “Observations from the Next Generation of America’s Agriculturists.” After his remarks you can listen to National Ag Day Essay Contest winner Grace Brose, South Dakota.

You can find a recap of National Ag Day activities here. If you’d like to listen to more from the events and find lots of photos then check out my virtual ag newsroom here.

I hope you enjoy this week’s program and thank you for listening.

Listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 611 – National Ag Day

Another Successful Agri-Pulse Summit

Agri-Pulse, AgWired Animal, AgWired Energy, AgWired Precision, Audio, Farm Policy, USDA

The 2019 Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit was another success for the best farm policy news team in the free world.

The event at the National Press Club featured an all-star line up that started with USDA Chief Economist Rob Johannson, and ended with Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney, with Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach at midday. Dozens of agricultural organizations, agribusinesses and food companies were also included on the program, as sponsors, and in attendance.

The day packed in enough food for thought about the future of agriculture and farm policy to keep us all from going hungry for a long time! Here is just a taste of what was on the menu for your listening pleasure.

Agri-Pulse 2019 Summit – USDA Chief Economist Rob Johannson

Agri-Pulse 2019 Summit – USDA Under Secretary Greg Ibach

Agri-Pulse 2019 Summit – USDA Under Secretary Ted McKinney

2019 Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit Photo Album

Deere Updates Gen 4 Software

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John Deere recently released 19-1 Gen 4 software and Machine Sync updates to further enhance the automation, documentation, functionality and security of its Generation 4 4600 CommandCenter™ and 4640 Universal Displays.

In fact, the release came just days after the 2019 Commodity Classic, where we talked to John Mishler, marketing manager for precision ag technologies at John Deere. Learn all about it in this interview – Interview with John Mishler, John Deere

2019 Commodity Classic Photo Album

National Ag Day Honors Youth

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The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) honored the winners of the 2019 National Ag Day video and written essay contest during the celebration in Washington DC this week, and also featured a youth panel discussion moderated by USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky.

The theme for the video and essay contest this year was Agriculture: Food for Life. How does our nation lead the way? The theme presented an opportunity for students to address how American agriculture feeds the growing population. The national written essay winner was Grace Brose from Box Elder, South Dakota, who received a $1,000 prize and travel to Washington, D.C. to read her essay at the National Press Club event and take part in the panel discussion on issues and challenges in agriculture. The national video essay winner for 2019 is Jacob Kandell from Mason, Ohio who also received a $1,000 prize for his video.

Listen to Grace read her essay:
Grace Brose Reads Her Essay

ACA chair Isabella Chism, American Farm Bureau Federation, presented Brose with her award. In this interview, she talks about the National Ag Day activities this week in D.C. and why ACA sponsors the event.
Interview with Isabella Chism

Find more content from National Ag Day on AgNewsWire:
National Ag Day Virtual Newsroom

2019 National Ag Day Photo Album

Bayer Honored at National 4-H Legacy Awards

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Bayer was recognized for helping foster the next generation of STEM leaders in agriculture with the National 4-H Council’s 2019 Corporate Leadership Award during ceremonies this week in Washington, D.C.

Bayer was recognized for its nationwide partnership with 4-H on a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) STEM program called Science Matters, which since 2017 has provided more than 25,000 youth across the United States with access to essential agriculture programs and opportunities. In the photo, 2019 4-H Youth in Action winner in Agriculture Addy Battel presents Philip Blake, President of Bayer US, with the award.

“We are proud to receive this prestigious award from 4-H, which honors our longstanding commitment to CSR,” said Blake. “We couldn’t have achieved this without our employees who have dedicated their time to the communities where we live and work volunteering and mentoring 4-H’ers.”

National 4-H Council holds its Legacy Awards event each year to honor those who make life-changing experiences possible for millions of kids and outstanding 4-H youth members who are making a difference in their communities. Bayer was among the many honorees recognized at last night’s 10th Anniversary of the 4-H Legacy Awards including Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Jennifer Nettles, who received the 4-H Brand Champion Award, and legendary, triple crown winning race horse trainer Bob Baffert, who received the Distinguished 4-H Alumni Medallion.

Happy National Ag Day!

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President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed today as National Ag Day, the third year that the administration has publicly recognized National Ag Day as a salute to the contributions of America’s farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses.

USDA officials and the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee joined members of the agricultural community gathered in Washington DC yesterday evening to kick off the official Ag Day celebration with a reception at the Capitol Visitors Center. Sen. Pat Roberts, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Steve Censky and California Representative Doug LaMalfa all made remarks at the event, which you can hear in the audio file below.

Today, Censky along with Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney will take part in the National Ag Day event at the National Press Club. Photo album is started and will include photos from all of the National Ag Day activities. National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA), a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public’s awareness of agriculture’s role in modern society.

National Ag Day Reception remarks from Sen. Roberts, Steve Censky, and Ted McKinney

2019 National Ag Day Photo Album

ForwardFarming with Bayer

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One of the topics discussed at the 2019 Bayer Agvocacy Forum was the company’s ForwardFarming initiative, which partners with exemplary farmers from around the globe to host field days where influencers can see what sustainable agriculture looks like in practice. Bayer Project Manager for the U.S. ForwardFarming Initiative Becky Langer said the events provide opportunities to learn what sustainability looks like to different farmers. That looks different for a Midwest corn farmer than it does for a California vegetable farmer. Technology in agriculture is also a hot topic.

“I think one of the greatest takeaways is there are a lot of questions about digital ag and artificial intelligence,” said Langer. “We know that our farmers are doing that, and for them it almost becomes routine because they’re working it day to day. They have to continue to generate that excitement to the outside audiences and helping to explain what that means and how they are utilizing it in their every day operations.”

Langer said the program currently works from a farm in Rock Hall, Maryland, and Bayer will launch additional locations in California and the Midwest in the coming year.

Listen to Kristin’s interview with Becky here: Interview with Becky Langer, Bayer

2019 Bayer Agvocacy Forum Photo Album