Bayer Showcase Tours Offers Products + Education

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Bayer CropScience, Events

bayer-showcase-illinois-28-edited Daren Bohannan is a Technical Development Representative for Bayer and he took some time to talk with AgWired’s Jamie Johansen about Bayer’s first annual Showcase Plot Tours in central Illinois. The tours allow growers and retailers to get out in the field and see Bayer’s products in action. They’ve got everything from seed treatments and herbicides, to the Liberty Link system and the whole line up of Credenz on display.

“It’s an educational process, not just a sales pitch for our products,” Bohannan explains. “And actually how to use them right and incorporation with other companies products, because we don’t have a portfolio that covers everything that a grower might need, so we’re always trying to work together on that type of situation.”

Bohannan also spoke with Jamie about Sudden Death Syndrome and Bayer’s ground-breaking treatment designed to suppress and control the pathogen that causes SDS. “We’ve seen tremendous benefit to growers in the last two years,” he says.

Learn more about the Showcase Plot Tours in Jamie’s interview: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/bayer-plot-tour-bohannan-1.mp3″ text=”Interview with Daren Bohannan, Bayer”]

Bayer Showcase Days Photo Album

Raven Goes Beyond Technology

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Audio, InfoAg, Raven

RavenTechnology is important in today’s agriculture world, but using that technology, actually getting what you need for your farm, that can sometimes be a hold up. That’s why Tim Heins at Raven is excited about the products they offer.

“At Raven we are just making sure we are doing a good job of helping you get a good application,” he explained to AgWired at the recent InfoAg Conference. “There are a lot of technologies at this conference, a lot of things that can feed in, but at some point you’re going to have to do something with it, you’re going to have to execute the plan. And we feel Raven has all the technology to do the best job with that application.”

Their booth provided demonstrations of the improved nozzles that provide precision application for fertilizer, as well as the new Vipor 4+ monitor that offers a faster processor, brighter screen, and increase ability to accept different types of files. Combined with the Slingshot wireless connectivity tool, Raven is prepared to offer improved efficiencies for application, not just more technology.

Hear specifics about Raven’s new updates in my interview with Heins: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/InfoAg16-Raven-Tim_Heins_.mp3″ text=”Interview with Tim Heins, Raven”]

2016 ICPA/InfoAg Photo Album

Coverage of the InfoAg Conference is sponsored by
Coverage of the InfoAg Conference is sponsored by John Deere Coverage of the InfoAg Conference is sponsored by CropTrak

MapShots Rolls Out What’s New in 2016

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Audio, InfoAg

MapShots Attendees at the InfoAg 2016 Conference were looking for a variety of things, but Clint Ingram of MapShots said mostly they just want to know what is new and what is changing. As product owner of the Ag Studio suite Ingram gets to decide what comes down the pipeline at MapShots. For 2016 that includes the first release of SP0, along with a new soil test automation module. The Crop Zone Boundary editor has been rebuilt as well, Ingram says.

“Obviously we want some brand recognition, get our name out there and drive some more people our way,” Ingram says about potential customers. “But also to kind of help the industry in general move forward with new technologies.”

Listen to my interview with Clint to learn more: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/InfoAg16-MapShots-_Clint_Ingram.mp3″ text=”Interview with Clint Ingram, MapShots”]

2016 ICPA/InfoAg Photo Album

Coverage of the InfoAg Conference is sponsored by
Coverage of the InfoAg Conference is sponsored by John Deere Coverage of the InfoAg Conference is sponsored by CropTrak

CAPA Endorses PrecisionAg Conference

Kelly MarshallAg Group, Agribusiness, Events

PrecisionAg Vision ConferenceThe Coalition to Advance Precision Agriculture (CAPA) is supporting the first-ever PrecisionAg Vision Conference.  The event will be held in Pheonix, Arizona on October 18-20, 2016.

“Precision is at the intersection of so many issues we’re facing in agriculture today – efficient use of nutrients and making sure those nutrients stay put, minimizing spray drift, helping farmers maximize efficiency, scouting from unmanned aerial vehicles, and so on,” said Daren Coppock, CAPA Co-chair and President & CEO, Agricultural Retailers Association. “People are amazed when they learn what’s being done on today’s modern agricultural landscape thanks to precision agriculture. And with technology developing at a very rapid rate, CAPA is pleased to be associated with the Precision Ag Vision Conference, which is bringing the players in this space together.”

“Our goal is for attendees to come away from this conference energized about the technologies and opportunities available in the precision agriculture field,” said Paul Schrimpf, Executive Editor, PrecisionAg Media®.

CAPA-member organizations and companies have been collaborating to create a ground-breaking event by brining together true decision makers and focusing on working together to take advantage of opportunities.  “We’re proud and pleased to receive CAPA’s support for the first Vision Conference,” Schrimpf said.

The PrecisionAg Vision Conference will provide a unique and valuable education and networking experience, bringing together some of the brightest agriculture leaders with technology and data experts from across the country to examine the big trends and technologies that will impact the ag industry over the next decade.

CAPA member organizations include:

• AgGateway
• Agricultural Retailers Association
• American Farm Bureau Federation
• American Farmland Trust
• American Seed Trade Association
• American Soybean Association
• Association of Equipment Manufacturers
• Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
• CropLife America
• Field to Market – The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture
• Irrigation Association
• National Agricultural Aviation Association
• National Association of Wheat Growers
• National Corn Growers Association
• National Cotton Council of America
• Solutions from the Land
• The Fertilizer Institute

Great Lakes Ag-Tech Business Earns $55,000

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, technology, USDA

GLATBIThe United States Department of Agriculture has granted the Great Lakes Ag-Tech Business Incubator (GLATBI) $55,000 to further serve entrepreneurs, farmers and ag-tech businesses.  GLATBI is located in Ottawa County, the third highest in the state for total farm receipts, making it a great location to encourage the development of new technologies.

The grant is offered through the Rural Business Development Grant program and the funding is to help promote GLATBI’s services and connect those seeking assistance.  The grant is a competitive program aimed at developing or expanding small businesses in rural areas.

Development of ag-technology ideas and inventions can create new businesses and jobs that will spark the economy in Ottawa County and around the State. GLATBI provides hands-on, customized business services to help clients address their specific challenges as they launch their ag-technology into the marketplace. The GLATBI’s eight sponsor organizations also use their expertise to assist staff in addressing each client’s unique business hurdles.

Once an entity meets with the GLATBI about their ag-technology, staff uses their industry resources to assess the viability of the entity’s concept or invention before signing an agreement to provide services to the entity. This ensures a high level of success for both the GLATBI and their clients. There is no upfront fee for clients to receive services. When the client begins generating revenue, then a portion of that revenue, called a business services fee, is paid to the GLATBI. The amount of the business services fee depends upon whether the client builds a business, licenses their product, or if the client is an existing business.

To learn more about GLATBI, visit www.agtechincubator.com.

Study Finds China Dominates Global Production Market

Lizzy SchultzAg Group, Financing, Markets, Research

marketline-logo Research firm MarketLine has found that the global agricultural products market reached a value of just over $2.2 trillion in 2015, and the Asia-Pacific revision accounted for well over half of the world’s agricultural production.

MarketLine found that, despite a decrease in overall value terms last year, China continues to be the dominant country in the agricultural products market, with a 2015 market value of approximately $830 billion and an expectation to grow by 11.2% through to 2020.

The firm’s latest report states that the production of cereal crops continues to be the strongest segment, accounting for 32.1% of all agricultural products globally.

“Prices have been particularly unstable in recent years and this volatility has contributed to some declines in the value of the market,” said Chris Bertenshaw, Analyst for MarketLine. “However, volumes have grown steadily, suggesting that global production and demand is unaffected, and the signs suggest that the market will produce more stable growth in value through to 2020.”

The report also found that agricultural growth is becoming less crucial to the Chinese economy, and that China is beginning to drop out of its pattern of very high growth, which we have seen in previous years. Over time, China may be a less reliable source of growth in comparison with countries like India, which offer more potential for efficiency improvements in overall yields.

“Further industry issues revolve around government intervention in certain key markets,” adds Bertenshaw. “For instance, India and the US heavily subsidize key crop production for their domestic consumption, which can drive down the global price when domestic needs are catered for and there is an overflow into world markets.

Enlist Cotton Has Full Export Approval

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Cotton, Herbicides, Weed control

enlistEnlist Cotton Traits have full export approval for 2017, meaning U.S. cotton growers can plant varieties with confidence in the coming year.  The approval also means growers will have access to the most advanced weed control technology available.

“This is a great step forward for cotton growers and the Enlist weed control system,” says John Chase, Dow AgroSciences, Enlist commercial leader.

The Enlist™ weed control system is an important technology for U.S. growers. It takes weed control to the next level by building on the Roundup Ready® system. Enlist™ cotton, part of the Enlist weed control system, is tolerant to new 2,4-D choline, glyphosate and glufosinate for postemergence control of tough weeds. Once registered for use on Enlist cotton, growers can use Enlist Duo® herbicide, a combination of a new 2,4-D and glyphosate. Registration of Enlist Duo for use on Enlist cotton is anticipated for the 2017 cropping season.

Enlist cotton gives growers additional postemergence options to control difficult and resistant weeds. The Enlist trait is being incorporated into top-performing PhytoGen® brand varieties. These varieties will continue to help growers improve cotton yield and quality while providing options for improved weed control.

“The Enlist cotton trait and Enlist weed control system will help growers across the United States manage hard-to-control weeds in our high-yielding PhytoGen brand varieties,” says Hank King, U.S. leader for PhytoGen. “These key export approvals mean full speed ahead for the Enlist trait in cotton for our PhytoGen growers in 2017.”

“Broad export approval will allow us to build on the successful 2016 launch of the Enlist trait in PhytoGen cottonseed,” Chase says. “We will be able to accelerate our ability to bring this valuable trait to more cotton growers who need new solutions to difficult weed challenges.”

Bayer Showcases #Peanuts and #Cotton

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, Bayer CropScience, Cotton, Peanuts

Bayer has been holding a series of Showcase Plot Tours around the country since early July and we had a chance to check out the latest in cotton, peanuts and soybeans for the Southeast at Tuesday’s event in Dawson, Georgia at the company’s brand new breeding facility.

bayer-showcase-ga-hand“This is a new breeding facility that Bayer felt would put us in a better position to help launch new germplasm specifically for the southeast cotton market,” said Bayer District Sales Manager John Hand.

It was great to see John at the event since we have gotten to know him well over the years at the Southern Peanut Growers Conference and he says Bayer has a deep commitment to peanut and cotton farmers. “Those crops for Georgia are so big and we have such a wide portfolio of products for that market, it’s extremely important for us,” he said, adding that they are excited about bringing even more new products to market for those farmers.

Listen to my interview with John here: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/showcase-ga-john.mp3″ text=”Interview with John Hand, Bayer”]

Bayer Showcase Days Photo Album

More Showcase Days are on the schedule over the next month, including one today in Athens, IL event on Thursday where we will be attending to find out more of what Bayer has in store for soybeans and corn.

The rest of the dates on the schedule are:
Sparta, IL – August 16
Pikeville, NC – August 30
Troy, OH – September 8
Stockbridge, MI – September 13

Rainbow of Seed Colorants from @Clariant

Cindy ZimmermanASTA, Audio, seed

clariant-agrocerThis summer, specialty chemicals company Clariant announced its full range of Agrocer™ seed colorants in North America and we saw them on display at the recent American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) annual meeting in Portland.

Philip Adams, Regional Sales and Marketing Director, Business Unit Pigments, says the Agrocer line fits in well with Clariant’s sustainability platform. “All business units within the Clariant corporation are involved in a number of key sustainability growth areas and agro-chemicals are vitally important within the food chain,” said Adams.

Agrocer colorants are available in a whole rainbow of colors and have been tested for seed safety, according to Mark Self, Segment Manager for Special Applications. “There are seven products – six primary colors plus white – and this allows you to do an infinite number of blends,” said Self. “Companies can then blend them for certain applications and they can also use it as a branding technique.” He adds that Clariant will have a display featuring Agrocer at the ASTA CSS 2016 and Seed Expo coming up December 5-9 in Chicago.

Manufactured as pigment powders and pigment preparations, Agrocer colorants comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inert ingredients regulations and are globally available.

Learn more about Clariant and Agrocer in this interview: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/clariant.mp3″ text=”Interview with Philip Adams and Mark Self, Clariant”]

Esri Talks GIS Technology at InfoAg

Lizzy SchultzAg Group, Audio, computers, Data, InfoAg, Software

infoag-16-esri Another company that made a presence at the 2016 InfoAg Conference was Esri.  Esri is a software company that allows growers to integrate high-resolution imagery, field observations, and real-time data feeds to help growers manage their land more efficiently with GIS technology.

Charlie Magruder, Agriculture Lead, Natural Resources for Esri, sat down with AgWired’s Kelly Marshall during this year’s conference to talk about how Esri’s technology is unique, and explained some of the unique benefits that technology is offering growers.

“What we allow an organization in agriculture to do is take and form tasks that they might want to do, whether it’s backing up database management or precision agriculture activities or tasks related to field management, we have the ability to offer that as a solution that is completely tailored to your needs and wants and is deployed in any way that you want,” said Magruder. “We have a set of tools that can be as easily deployed as downloading an app.”

Listen to Kelly’s full interview with Charlie here:
[wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/infoag-16-esri-magruder.mp3″ text=”Interview with Charlie Magruder, Esri”]

View and download photos from the event here: 2016 ICPA/InfoAg Photo Album

Coverage of the InfoAg Conference is sponsored by
Coverage of the InfoAg Conference is sponsored by John Deere   Coverage of the InfoAg Conference is sponsored by CropTrak