AgJunction, TeeJet Join Forces for Precision Solutions

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Company Announcement

AgJunctionAgJunction Inc. and TeeJet Technologies are furthering their successful business relationship with a new partnership.  AgJunction, a leading application tech provider for agriculture, will become the preferred steering supplier for TeeJet’s precision farming solutions.

Rich Gould, OEM business manager for TeeJet Technologies said: “I am delighted that we have reached this agreement to integrate AgJunction steering technology with our precision farming products. One of our objectives is to offer innovative and field-proven solutions for our OEM and aftermarket partners. The combination of AgJunction best-in-class steering technology and TeeJet guidance and control capabilities results in outstanding performance and value for our customers”.

teejet-logoDave Vaughn, CEO of AgJunction, added: “Integrated automation and innovative precision steering solutions are important levers for Agtech companies like TeeJet to raise efficiency and productivity whilst ensuring safety and quality. As a reliable partner we will support TeeJet by providing a unique integrated steering portfolio comprising of both hardware and software”.

#GMO Disclosure Bill Passes Senate

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, biotechnology, Food, GMO, Government

gmo-bill-stabenowLate Thursday evening, the U.S. Senate Wednesday voted 63-30 to pass the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard that preempts individual state laws to require labeling of foods containing genetically engineered ingredients.

The bipartisan compromise legislation, which was worked out by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), requires mandatory disclosure with several options, including text on package, a symbol, or a link to a website (QR code or similar technology). The bill now goes to the House, which passed a voluntary labeling law last year.

Listen to Stabenow’s remarks on the floor Thursday night: [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/gmo-bill-stabenow.mp3″ text=”Sen. Stabenow’s floor speech on labeling bill”]

Listen to Roberts’ comments on the floor Wednesday. [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/roberts-gmo-floor.mp3″ text=”Sen. Roberts floor speech on labeling bill”]

PrecisionAg Institute Announces Award Winners

Joanna SchroederAgribusiness, agronomy, Award, Nutrient Management

PrecisionAg Institute LogoThe PrecisionAg Awards of Excellence have been selected to honor outstanding people, programs and organizations that are making a positive impact on the precision ag industry. According to PrecisionAg Media, this year’s winners have devoted their careers to technology designed to improve crop production stewardship, agronomy and efficiency.

And the awards go to…

  • Educator/Researcher of the Year – Dr. Brian Arnall, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, whose program focuses on implementing precision ag technologies and nutrient management with emphasis on site-specific techniques.
  • Legacy Award – Dr. Marvin Stone, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK (posthumous award), who during his time at OSU authored nearly 100 papers, received millions of dollars in grants, and taught legions of young, aspiring engineers while mentoring and advising dozens of graduate students across multiple disciplines.
  • Crop Advisor/Entrepreneur of the Year – Ag Partners, L.L.C., Albert City, IA provides products, services and market access in the areas of grain, agronomy, feed, and petroleum. The company has developed and manages InSiteCDM, a unique crop data management program that helps producers maximize profits and make more efficient inputs.
  • Farmer of the Year – Craige Mackenzie, Greenvale Pastures & Three Springs Dairies, Methven, New Zealand, is an innovative dairy and crop farmer since 1984 in Methven, New Zealand. His focus is on utilizing precision agriculture systems to maximize nutrient and irrigation efficiency for improved farm sustainability, both environmental and financial. In 2010, Craige and daughter, Jemma, established Agri-Optics Ltd., New Zealand’s first precision agriculture service company providing precision ag tools and services to NZ farming systems with a focus on field sensing (crop sensing and Electro Magnetic soil surveying) and spatial data management solutions.

This year’s winners will be officially honored during the InfoAg Conference taking place August 2-4, 2015 in St. Louis. Missouri. Click here for more information about the winners.

Study Finds Vermont GMO Labeling Misleading

Joanna SchroederASA, biotechnology, GMO, Labeling

Screen Shot 2016-07-06 at 3.38.56 PMWith July 1st come and gone the new genetically modified ingredients (GMO) labels hit the shelves in Vermont. The anticipation of the new label prompted an online survey of 1,665 online shoppers, commissioned by the American Soybean Association (ASA). The survey found that the labels are misleading to consumers. The five food labels tested were common food label statements related to trans-fat, allergens, gluten, organic and GMOs.

According to ASA, when consumers were asked about the GMO label statements mandated by the Vermont law, the survey showed that on-pack labeling misled substantial percentages of consumers to wrongly perceive the labeled product as less safe, less healthful, less nutritious, and worse for the environment. Approximately 73 percent of consumers indicated they would be less likely to buy foods bearing one of the required on-pack GMO label disclosures. The survey found that the Vermont mandated GMO label statement caused approximately:

36% of consumers to incorrectly perceive the food to be “less safe.”
28% of consumers to incorrectly perceive the food to be “less healthful.”
22% of consumers to incorrectly perceive the food to be “less nutritious.”
20% of consumers to incorrectly perceive the food to be “worse for the environment.”
73% of consumers to be less likely to buy the food.

“The survey demonstrates that the Vermont on-pack GMO labeling law that is effectively setting GMO labeling policy for interstate commerce is misleading to consumers and powerfully disparaging of a safe, environmentally appropriate technology,” read a statement from the organizations that commissioned the study. “The Roberts Stabenow compromise bill now pending in the U.S. Senate would preempt the inappropriate Vermont GMO labeling law and permit GMO disclosure without the on-pack labeling that is so misleading and disparaging to consumers.”

The U.S. Senate Wednesday voted 65-31 to limit debate on the Roberts-Stabenow National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard that would preempt individual state laws to require labeling of foods containing genetically engineered ingredients. With cloture invoked, the Senate is expected vote on final passage as early as today.

New Challenger Tractors Take Precision to Next Level

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Equipment, Farm Progress Show, technology, Tractor

AgCoAGCO’s Challenger brand is bringing something entirely new to the field.  The Challenger 1000 Series tractors offer lower cost of ownership per acre, advanced connectivity and world-class performance.  The new series is available in four models ranging from 396 to 517.  Farmers can get their first look at the new offerings at the 2016 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa on August 30-September 1.

“The needs of producers in North America continue to evolve as operations become larger and require more efficiency,” says Josh Keeney, tactical marketing manager at AGCO. “The Challenger 1000 Series tractors bring an entirely new solution to the market. These tractors combine the power of a small-frame, articulated 4-wheel drive with the flexibility and speed of a lighter-weight, fixed-frame row crop machine.

“Using what we call the new Accu™ platform, the 1000 Series tractors are built to be smarter, more intuitive and efficient, to help producers reduce input costs, increase productivity and ultimately be more profitable,” Keeney adds. “This approach is a logical next step in Challenger’s evolution after our work perfecting the track tractor.”

Key to the new Series is the entirely new AccuDrive™ powertrain concept and an upgraded stepless CVT transmission, which provide the tractors with both their power and flexibility. Add to this the tractor’s full suite of on-board technology and an all-new, comfort-focused cab, and these tractors are a single solution for today’s high horsepower needs, from planting and heavy tillage or row crop work to harvesting and on-road hauling up to 31 mph.

Each of the Challenger 1000 Series models come with ISO-compliant AccuTerminal to provide one-stop control of all functions.  This program fully ingrates with AGCO’s Fuse suite and services, taking precision farming to the next level.

CTIC Names New Executive Director

Cindy ZimmermanConservation, CTIC

The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) has named Chad Watts as new Executive Director.

ctic-wattsWatts joined CTIC in 2012 as Project Director, leading a range of highly successful conservation programs including the Indian Creek Watershed Project, the Great Lakes Cover Crop Initiative and the influential National Cover Crop Survey, which has been cited in Congressional testimony.

“Chad’s deep commitment to conservation agriculture and his experience with agricultural conservation systems, local capacity building, and bringing a wide range of interests together to develop programs that help farmers and the environment make him an outstanding choice for CTIC’s executive director,” says Lara Moody, senior director of stewardship and sustainability programs at The Fertilizer Institute and chair of CTIC’s board of directors. “Chad’s organizational skills and leadership will help CTIC implement its new strategic plan.”

Watts, an Indiana native, began his career in conservation with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources soon after graduating from Purdue University in 1994. He then moved to The Nature Conservancy, where he launched the 1.2 million acre Tippecanoe River Watershed Project, which he managed for 12 years before joining CTIC. Watts lives with his family near Winamac, Indiana, and is very active in his local community.

CTIC, based in West Lafayette, Indiana, is national public-private partnership that champions, promotes and provides information on farming systems that conserve and enhance soil, water, air and wildlife resources. Since 2008, CTIC has hosted Conservation in Action Tours around the country, and this year’s event will be held in Treasure Valley, Idaho August 23-24. Find out more here.

4R Approach is Just Good Agronomy

Cindy Zimmermanagronomy, Audio, Fertilizer, FS System, Growmark, Nitrogen

growmark-4r-rickRick Klevze is the location manager at the GROWMARK FS Bloomsbury, New Jersey location and was one of five crop specialists recently named as the first recipients of the new GROWMARK Endure 4R Advocate award.

Klevze, who has over 35 years of experience and has been a Certified Crop Adviser since 1994, believes the 4R approach is a sensible way to balance environmental concerns with the economic needs of the farmer. “The 4Rs for us means doing the agronomics right,” said Klevze. “We want to be as efficient as possible producing food.”

According to Klevze, the 4R approach – the right fertilizer source at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place – builds on centuries of farming. “It uses sustainable agronomic practices learned from 2,000 years of agricultural progress and utilize everything we’ve learned to maximize fertilizer efficiency and minimize nutrient losses,” he said.

Klevze says farmers in the Northeast face significant environmental pressures from the public. “We have a lot of people here, we have a lot of scrutiny,” said Klevze. “We have a little more accountability here in New Jersey.”

Listen to Klevze talk about how he helps farmers utilize 4R practices for the benefit of all. [wpaudio url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/zimmcomm/growmark-4r-rick.mp3″ text=”Interview with Rick Klevze, GROWMARK FS”]

Dale Cowan Wins ICCA Adviser of Year Award

Joanna SchroederAgribusiness, agronomy, Award

Dale CowanAGRIS and Wanstead Cooperatives’ Dale Cowan, of Ontario, Canada, has won the International Certified Crop Adviser’s (ICCA) Adviser of the Year Award. The honor recognizes a certified crop advisor who delivers exceptional customer service, is highly innovative, has shown they are a leader in their field and has contributed substantially to the exchange of ideas and transfer of agronomic knowledge within the ag industry.

Cowan embodies all of these traits and more in his role as senior agronomist and sales manager. In this role, he advises large growers and mentors 14 Certified Crop Advisors (CCA). Combined, Cowan reviews recommendations across 275,000 acres comprised of over 300 key accounts. Over more than 35 years, he has advised growers on corn, soybeans, and wheat as well as cucumbers, watermelons, and tomatoes.

“Dale is a great example of the knowledge, experience, innovation, and ethical conduct that the CCA program has come to be recognized for,” AGRIS general manager Jim Campbell said. “Through his professional and volunteer activities, Dale has been instrumental in the development and promotion of sustainable agronomy and precision farming practices throughout Ontario.”

Cowan’s dedication to his growers and the ag industry goes far beyond the field. He is a representative, board member and president of the Ontario Agri-Business Association (OABA); serves as the chair of the Ontario CCA Board; the vice chair of Provincial Nutrient Management Advisory Committee; works with Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Advisory Committee on Funding; and is active on the Crops Input Committee/Agriculture Research and Education Committee. He is also the CCA representative to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs Soil Health Working Group and is a member of the Ontario CCA Exam Committee.

The award is given on an annual basis at the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) Annual Meeting, and consists of hotel and travel expenses for two to the ASA Annual Meeting, $2,000 honorarium, a commemorative plaque, and a one-year membership in the American Society of Agronomy.

#SoyExcited about @Bayer4CropsUS Showcase Days

Cindy ZimmermanBayer CropScience, Corn, Cotton, Soybeans

bayer-plot-toursStarting today, growers around the country will have the opportunity to visit a local Bayer Showcase Days event to learn about the most recent advances in managing weed resistance; sudden death syndrome in soybeans; nematode pressure; and other agronomic challenges. The events will also feature seed traits, varieties and hybrids and demonstrate the success of various Bayer products used on corn, soybeans, cereals, canola and cotton crops.

Showcase Days consists of a series of events scheduled in fields around the country, tailored to provide growers with solutions for their agronomic challenges. Sponsored by Bayer, specialists and local agronomists will be on site to discuss problems and provide solutions, specific to local growers’ fields, soil profiles and environmental conditions.

“Growers have a lot of information to absorb every year, as they plan for the next season,” said Bayer Marketing Manager, Malin Westfall. “These Bayer Showcase Days help growers wade through a lot of that information in a concise way. We invite growers to visit us, see products at work and get honest answers to their questions.”

The Showcase Days road tour will hit 13 states between July 6 and September 13 and growers can register for their local Showcase Days event at ShowcasePlotTours.Bayer.us. This site also includes information for locations and events. Attendees can also enter the Real Yield Sweepstakes onsite for a chance to win prizes like a 500 acre field of LibertyLink for soybeans or cotton.

Summer Field Days Focus on Soil Health

Joanna SchroederAgribusiness, Conservation, Cover Crops, erosion, Nutrient Management, Soil Health Partnership, Tillage

With summer in full swing, the Soil Health Partnership (SHP) has kicked off its field days with a focus on how changing nutrient management and tillage strategies, along with cover crop adoption, can create long-term environmental and economic benefits. The field days began in June and will continue through September with a focus on the Midwest, specifically Iowa and Illinois.

savethedate200x200“We ask a lot of our nation’s farmers: To safely feed a growing world, grow more with less, and perform these tasks with continuous improvement,” said Nick Goeser, director of the Soil Health Partnership. “Time and again, they rise to the challenge with innovation and industriousness. Soil health is the next frontier, and more farmers are realizing that every day.”

Practices that protect and improve soil, such as cover crops and minimum tillage, are some of the most effective options for building organic matter and capturing carbon, Goeser added. “Through a meaningful agricultural transformation, farmers are working to mitigate greenhouse gases by rejuvenating soil, which helps it store carbon more effectively.”

Although each field day will be unique to its region, farmers enrolled in the SHP will host the majority. Working with field managers and agronomists, the farmers adopt agricultural practices that are right for them, then carefully measure the difference in how their farms perform over time. Farmers, land owners and community members can engage in hands-on learning at the field days. Featured topics may include:

  • Cover crop management and machinery set-up
  • Conservation tillage methods
  • Advanced nutrient management
  • A soil pit to observe cover crop root growth and soil properties
  • Water quality news

For more information about the field days, including locations and dates, click here. Additional events will be posted as they are confirmed.