Public Comments Open for New EQIP Rule

John DavisConservation, USDA

eqip1The public comment period for one of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) largest conservation programs has opened. USDA now has a 60-day comment period for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), accepting comments through regulations.gov or by the mail by Feb. 10, 2015.

“This interim final rule provides a roadmap to help streamline and simplify EQIP for farmers and ranchers,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “We strongly encourage agricultural producers, private forest landowners and stakeholders to provide comments on our implementation processes. This feedback will help us improve our operation and deliver technical and financial assistance more efficiently to our nation’s agricultural producers and forest landowners.”

The changes are intended to simplify the EQIP regulation regarding conservation practice scheduling, payment limitations and other administrative actions. Vilsack said USDA has enhanced EQIP by streamlining the delivery of technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners, nationwide.

Highlights of program changes in this rule include the following:

Requires at least 5 percent of available EQIP funds be targeted for conservation practices that promote wildlife habitat;
Establishes EQIP as a contributing program for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program;
Increases the advanced payment from 30 percent to 50 percent for eligible historically underserved producers, including beginning farmers, to help purchase material or contract services;
Targets assistance to veteran farmers and ranchers including eligibility for the new 50 percent advance payment and up to 90 percent of the cost to implement EQIP conservation practices;
Increases the payment limitation for EQIP from $300,000 to a maximum of $450,000 for benefits received during 2014-2018 and removes the option for a waiver to exceed payment limitations;
Eliminates the requirement for a program contract to remain in place for one year after the last practice has been implemented, allowing practices to be scheduled through the tenth year of a contract;
Includes an option to waive the irrigation history requirement under certain conditions;
Incorporates the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program functions into EQIP.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers EQIP, a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to eligible agricultural producers and forest landowners to help them address soil, water, air and related natural resource concerns on their lands in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner.

Ag Retailers Precision Ag Panel

Chuck ZimmermanAgribusiness, ARA, Audio

ARA Precision Ag PanelOne of the key general session panels at the Agricultural Retailers Association Convention was titled, “Meeting the Needs of Precision Growers.” This panel was moderated by Dr. Dave Downey, Purdue University, and included Brad Murray, Meadow Brook Farms, Jeff Wilson, Lone Oak Hog Farms and Byron Seward, Seward & Son Planting/Seward & Harris Planting.

The challenge for the group was to examine how ag retailers can best support the agronomic, technological and mechanical needs of ultra-precision farmers. I think you’ll find the questions and answers in this session interesting a maybe a little eye opening. For example, one panelist said, “My biggest frustration with precision ag isn’t hardware. It’s the software.” Sounds like an opportunity!

You can listen to the panel discussion here: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/ara/ara-14-precision-panel.mp3″ text=”ARA Convention Precision Panel”]

2014 ARA Convention & Expo Photo Album

What’s the Biggest Challenge for Seed Industry?

Jamie JohansenZimmPoll

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How should Congress handle tax breaks?”

Congress is once again considering a package of tax breaks for businesses and individuals that include everything from section 179 deductions to renewable energy tax credits. An overwhelming majority believe a flat tax is the answer. Will Congress think the same? Making tax breaks permanent and not allowing them at all tied for second place in our poll. Still looks like many are all over the board on what they think should be done.

Here are the poll results:

  • Make them permanent – 18%
  • One year at a time – 10%
  • Keep letting them expire & renew – 3%
  • Don’t allow any – 18%
  • Two words – FLAT TAX – 43%
  • Don’t know – 5%
  • Don’t care – 3%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, What’s the biggest challenge for the seed industry?

The seed industry gathered in Chicago for the annual seed expo and research symposium for corn, soybeans and sorghum and many issues were discussed. Since all of agriculture depends in some way on seed, the long term survival of that industry impacts everything from food and feed, to fuel and fiber, to flowers. What do you see as the biggest issues for the future of the seed industry?

ZimmComm Intern’s Agriblogging Adventures

Jamie JohansenIntern, ZimmComm

taylor interviewThis fall the ZimmComm Team was honored to have Taylor Truckey travel with us learning the ropes of the agriblogging highway. The talented young lady didn’t miss a beat as she jumped right in to conducting interviews, snapping photos and joining the crazy banter. It was an honor to have her join our efforts in sharing the news of agriculture. A special ZimmComm announcement awaits readers at the end!

After spending a few weeks working with the AgWired team this fall, I can truly say that I was able to learn the world of agriblogging from some of the best. My time as the AgWired Fall Intern had me traveling from Louisville, KY where I spent time at the 2014 National FFA Convention, to Kansas City, MO for the 2014 National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention. It was an incredible two weeks filled with a whirlwind of people, places, photos, blogging, and interviews sprinkled with lots of laughter and plenty of gold stars to go around!

Although I’m an agronomy major and my heart is with the crop production side of the industry, I will admit that I fell in love with broadcast media this fall. After having the chance to do some incredible interviews with even cooler people, I’ve learned how important it is to collect, condense, and share information to an audience of aggies across the country. One of my favorite interviews was conducted while at the National FFA Convention and Expo. I had the opportunity to sit down with Jeff Simmons, of Elanco, and hear the passion that he has for improving global food security by working with future and current generations of agriculturalists.

nafb photoboothAnother favorite experience was being able to attend the 2014 Trade Talk at NAFB Convention. Walking into a huge room full of agriculture companies with representatives there to share upcoming projects, platforms, and relevant hot topics within their respective industries was a neat experience. As you looked around the room, cameras were flashing, microphones were held up, and by the end, there were a few tired industry reps looking for the door.

I spent the first week in Louisville working with Jamie Johansen; I’m so thankful for Jamie and the time she invested into showing me how to interview, edit, and post content to all of the AgWired viewers. The week I spent in Kansas City brought the whole ZimmComm team together. Being able to see the “family” together made me feel right at home, especially when I was earning more gold stars then the rest!

Overall, I treasure my time as the AgWired Intern this fall and am so thankful to Chuck and Cindy for offering this opportunity to college students each semester. With that being said, I’m incredibly excited to announce that I will again be joining the AgWired group this spring as they travel to Commodity Classic and NAMA annual convention.

GMO Food Regulation Hearing Draws Crowd

Cindy ZimmermanAFBF, Ag Group, biotechnology, GMO, Government

labeling-hearingA hearing on the role of the Food and Drug Administration in the regulation of genetically modified food drew quite a bit of interest on Capitol Hill Wednesday.

“I only wish every hearing drew this much interest,” said Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.

Among the witnesses at the hearing were animal genomics and biotechnology specialist Alison Van Eenennaam with the University of California-Davis; Scott Faber with the Environmental Working Group; Vermont state representative Kate Webb; Kansas Farm Bureau board member Stacey Forshee; and Tom Dempsey with the Snack Food Association.

“As a hard-working American family who lives off the land and the products it provides, we would never allow a product we grew or raised to enter the food supply unless we knew it was safe,” said Forshee, who is a farmer and cattle rancher with her husband in north central Kansas. Forshee testified that she has seen firsthand the benefits of biotechnology crops, including higher yields over fewer tillable acres, reduced pesticide use and improved soil conservation.

The Coalition for Safe Affordable Food (CFSAF) supports the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, authored by Reps. Mike Pompeo (R-KS) and G.K. Butterfield (D-NC). CFSAF spokesperson Claire Parker says the hearing shows Congress is taking this issue very seriously. “Representatives Pompeo and Butterfield are to be commended for advancing a bipartisan solution that will ensure consumers’ grocery prices are not increased by unnecessary government red tape,” said Parker.

Read hearing testimony and watch video here.

Dow Unveils Conkesta as Insect-Resistant Soybean Trait

John DavisAgribusiness, Dow AgroSciences, Soybeans

dow agrosciences1Dow AgroSciences LLC has announced Conkesta will be the brand name for its novel insect-resistant trait. This company news release says that, when commercialized, Conkesta will provide soybean farmers with the broadest spectrum for insect control against lepidopteran pests.

The company’s insect-resistant soybean trait, originally announced to the market in 2013, continues to move through regulatory processes as the first trait to be submitted for approvals that expresses two Bt proteins. Conkesta will provide broader in-plant protection of lepidopteran pests, as well as improve sustainability of the technology compared to other soybean technologies being advanced in the market with only one Bt protein.

Submitted to regulatory authorities for approval in key soybean countries as part of the global authorization process, Conkesta is initially targeted for commercialization in South America. Brazil represents the largest opportunity where insect pressure results in significant yield loss every year. Argentina soybean farmers also face significant impact to their soybean yields due to insects. The company plans to broadly license the Conkesta technology to regional seed companies in these countries to provide wide access for farmers.

“Conkesta is outstanding technology that will help farmers control significant lepidopteran pests,” says Rolando Meninato, global leader, Seeds, Dow AgroSciences. “Combining this new technology with our Enlist™ Weed Control System and market leading germplasm will deliver the broadest pest control package of both insect and weed management so soybeans can deliver their maximum yield potential.”

Once clearing regulatory hurdles, Conkesta will be offered as a stack with the company’s innovative Enlist soybean traits in elite and high-yielding varieties.

New ASTA Consumer Research on Seed Attitudes

Cindy ZimmermanASTA, Audio, seed

asta-infoThe American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) today unveiled results of new research that shows consumers have a lack of knowledge and appreciation for the importance of seeds and seed improvement, until they are presented with specific examples of the environmental, economic and health benefits of seed.

ASTA president and CEO Andy LaVigne briefed members of the media during the CSS 2014 & Seed Expo in Chicago. “The agricultural industry recognizes the significance of seed innovations and that many of the things that improve our quality of life can be traced back to a seed,” said LaVigne. “But, when we reach beyond the industry, we realize we have work to do in educating people about the value of seed and seed improvement.”

ASTA surveyed more than 600 moms, millennials and “food-focused” people – three consumer segments recognized for driving conversation around food issues and who have significant purchasing power – to measure consumer awareness regarding the role seed innovation plays in improving quality of life. According to LaVigne, the survey revealed that the work of the seed industry is generally undervalued among educated consumers. Yet three in four educated consumers believe that the role of technology in agriculture is important.

“When we spent time with those consumers and shared additional information about the seed industry, they began to show increased appreciation and understanding of seed improvement and innovation,” said LaVigne. Specifically, survey respondents were provided examples of seed improvements in areas of food, feed, fuel and fiber. Total positive impressions among millennials increased by 18%, total positive impressions among moms increased by 13% and total positive impressions among foodies increased by 16%.

Listen to Andy explain the research and how they hope to use it to educate specific target groups with the message “Seed – Where Better Life Begins.” [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/asta/asta-css-14-press.mp3″ text=”ASTA CEO Andy LaVigne unveils consumer research”]
2014 ASTA CSS & Seed Expo photo album

Coverage of CSS 2014 and Seed Expo brought to you by
Coverage of CSS 2014 and Seed Expo brought to you by the American Seed Trade Association and Coverage of CSS 2014 and Seed Expo brought to you by BASF Ag Products

HarvestMaster Debuts Data Collection Tool for Ag Research

John DavisAgribusiness, Equipment

H2-GrainGage1Utah-based equipment maker HarvestMaster has debuted a new harvest data system. This company news release says the H2 High Capacity GrainGage is designed to collect highly accurate data on large-plot, high-volume grain samples, such as corn or soybeans.

Available for both single and split-plot combines, the H2 GrainGage features advanced technology to provide superior data accuracy, enhanced efficiency, and reduced maintenance for users. The system utilizes patented slope and motion sensors to minimize data errors due to combine movement and ground slope. This way, the H2 may continue to collect high-accuracy data without the operator needing to stop the combine.

The H2 also features a new, streamlined design, with a new weighing system that can collect test weight, moisture, and plot weight measurements simultaneously, drastically reducing cycle time. Another aspect of the H2’s design is based on HarvestMaster’s industry-proven Classic GrainGage™, which helps move grain cleanly in and out of the chambers, further improving data accuracy and reducing maintenance.

“We are really excited with the results we’ve seen from the H2 GrainGage. The improvements in data accuracy and cycle time are significant, and operators are going to love the reduced maintenance as well,” said Allen Wilson, HarvestMaster’s Market Manager. “I can say confidently that the H2 is the best field data collection tool for large grains to date.”

More information on the H2 High Capacity GrainGage is available here.

Hick Chick Chat with GROWMARK at NAFB

Leah GuffeyAudio, Growmark, Hick Chick Chat, NAFB, Nutrient Management

leahpro250At the recent National Association of Farm Broadcasting Trade Talk I had a chance to visit with Dr. Howard Brown from GROWMARK about Nitrogen. Dr. Brown is probably the most passionate person I’ve ever met when it comes to nitrogen application and how to make it work for your growing season. Minimize, Optimize and Maximize (MOM) for higher yields and profitability for the future. You think of MOM for Christmas, don’t you?

15784010132_099dba5031_mDr. Brown also discussed the comment period for the Illinois Nutrient Reduction Strategy. When we recorded this interview the comment period had not yet opened but it is now. You can go here to make your voice heard in the state of Illinois.

You can listen to my chat here: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/podcast/hickchickchat-14-growmark-brown.mp3″ text=”Hick Chick Chat with GROWMARK at NAFB”]

Join in the conversation on Twitter and on Facebook


2014 NAFB Convention Photos

Coverage of the NAFB convention is sponsored by
NAFB Convention is sponsored by FMC

Simplot CEO Appreciates ASTA Mentoring

Cindy ZimmermanAg Group, Agribusiness, ASTA, Audio

15798611948_5d59a2d3d3_zThe opening session of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) CSS and Seed Expo was highlighted by keynote speaker J.R. Simplot president and CEO Bill Whitacre. Since inventing the first viable frozen french fry the J.R. Simplot Company, has become one of North America’s largest, privately held food and agribusiness companies, with over $4.5 billion in annual sales. Simplot has served many of the largest restaurant and grocery chains in the world, with major operations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and China. [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/asta/asta-css-14-simplot-speech.mp3″ text=”Bill Whitacre, Simplot President and CEO, keynote address”]

15803681220_b3f5820c26_mDuring his remarks, Whitacre stressed that much of what has helped him along the way was the mentors and leaders he got to know from being a part of ASTA. Simplot is one of the largest family owned agribusiness companies in the United States. Whitacre says while his company may be one of the largest suppliers of food they are still a rural company and a very hands on operation from the way they raise their crops, cattle, and how they treat their employees.

Whitacre believes it is important to be involved with those who are up and coming through the seed industry because they are the future and he remembers what it was like to be young and trying to learn as much as he could. After his address, he was pleased to visit with members of ASTA’s Future Seed Executives (FuSE), answering questions and encouraging them to reach out to high level executives and learn as much as they can from them.

Listen to my interview with Bill here: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/asta/asta-css-14-simplot-whitacre.mp3″ text=”Interview with Bill Whitacre, Simplot President and CEO”]
2014 ASTA CSS & Seed Expo photo album

Coverage of CSS 2014 and Seed Expo brought to you by
Coverage of CSS 2014 and Seed Expo brought to you by the American Seed Trade Association and Coverage of CSS 2014 and Seed Expo brought to you by BASF Ag Products