Precision | Page 398 | News and reviews from the precision agriculture industry

NCGA Joins USB, Taking Action on Weeds

Jamie JohansenJune 26, 2014Ag Group, Corn, NCGA, Soybeans, USB, Weed control

The National Corn Growers Association has added a new “Take Action on Weeds” section to its website as a resource of farmers combating herbicide resistance issues. This resource, developed by the United Soybean Board through its Take Action program, offers a wide array of information developed over several years to help farmers combat weed resistance through best management practices.

“The increased exposure of this program comes at a fortuitous time as many herbicide resistant cropping systems are currently under consideration by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” said NCGA Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team Chair Jim Zimmerman. “This program demonstrates the proactive measures our industry is taking to monitor itself and constantly push for the adoption of ever-evolving best management practices. As farmers, we understand the importance of cooperation and proactive adoption of practices that benefit the industry and the environment. We do not see a need for expensive government regulation in light of our efforts.”

The “Take Action on Weeds” center includes a variety of resources developed to help farmers increase their understanding of current best management practices. With information on herbicide classifications, integrated pest management-plant protection programs and a weed scouting guide, the interactive resource offers a wide and rich array of information and tools.

NCGA, along with several other commodity organizations, joined with USB to help promote this important program. It enjoys broad support across the agricultural community and serves as an example of an effective collaboration between a cross-commodity partnership and agricultural input companies.

Soybean Grower Testifies on Biotech and Trade

Cindy ZimmermanJune 26, 2014ASA, Audio, biotechnology, Government, Soybeans, trade

The Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing Wednesday on “Trade Enforcement: Using Trade Rules to Level the Playing Field for U.S. Companies and Workers” addressing concerns that as new trade agreements are being considered those that are already in place are not being adequately enforced.

“Without strong enforcement, no trade deal – old or new – is able to live up to its potential for jobs and economic growth,” said Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR). “And foreign companies that get unfair backing from their own governments will continue undercutting our manufacturers, farmers and ranchers.”

American Soybean Association (ASA) Treasurer Richard Wilkins, a farmer from Delaware, testified before the committee about the importance of biotechnology to soybean farmers as the U.S. pursues trade agreements abroad.

“Other countries have adopted systems for approving biotech traits, but these decisions are subject to differing regulations or are overtly political, which can result in lengthy delays between approvals in importing and exporting countries,” he testified. “This is a concern because, until an importer approves a new trait, even a trace amount of that trait detected in a cargo can result in its rejection and major losses for the shipper.”[wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/government/hearing-asa.mp3″ text=”Richard Wilkins, American Soybean Association, senate testimony”]

One Day, Countless Insights into Big Data Issues

Jamie JohansenJune 26, 2014Uncategorized

Forward-thinking growers are learning more and more about the benefits of data collection and application. Increased productivity, efficiency and profitability are just the start. Find out how you can make the most of your data at the PrecisionAg Data Workshop, Big Data: Managing Your Most Elusive Farm Asset, August 25, at Iowa State University in Ames.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and American Soybean Association President Ray Gaesser will kick off a full day of informational sessions about big data. View the complete agenda here. Join your peers for:

– Understanding the Value of Data – Dr. Matthew Darr, Associate Professor, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University
– Data Ownership and Privacy – Dr. Shannon Ferrell, Associate Professor, Agricultural Law, Oklahoma State University
– AgGateway – Joe Tevis, Director, Agronomic Products and Services, Topcon Precision Ag
– Data and Sustainability – Catherine Campbell, Consultant, Field to Market
– Players and Partners: Collecting, Moving and Storing Data – Dr. John Fulton, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Biosystems Engineering, Auburn University; Dr. Scott Shearer, Professor and Chair, Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University
– Empowering Data-Driven Decisions: Yield Building and Beyond – Panel of Experienced Farmers

Biobased Products Important for Ag

Jamie JohansenJune 26, 2014ZimmPoll

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How important are biobased products for agriculture?”

An overwhelming majority of those polled believe biobased products serve a purpose in the agriculture community. At the USB Biobased Stakeholders Dialogue in Washington D.C., USDA officials shared what they are doing to expand biobased opportunities. Listen to those interviews here.

Our poll results:

Very – need new markets – 71%

Somewhat helpful – 7%

Waste of resources – 7%

What are bio-based products? – 7%

Other – 7%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Where are you in #hay14?”

The hay making process is a necessity for all raising livestock across the country. Many got an early start this year, yet others have had delay after delay because of Mother Nature. I was raised to never complain when it’s raining and after droughts the last couple of years I have learned to take all we can get. However, getting hay up on time and between spring showers has been hard for many farmers and ranchers. Have you finished your first cuttings or are you still in the heat of it? Join the hay making conversation on New Holland’s Facebook page and learn about their Roll-Belt app here.

Soil Renaissance Strategic Plan for Soil Health

Jamie JohansenJune 26, 2014Agribusiness, Conservation, Soil

Goals and strategies for advancing soil health were announced with the release of the Soil Renaissance Strategic Plan during the World Congress of Conservation Agriculture in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

“This Strategic Plan is a starting point that will evolve and expand as work is completed, new challenges are identified and more individuals and groups join the Soil Renaissance,” said Neil Conklin, President of Farm Foundation, NFP. Farm Foundation and the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation are leading the Soil Renaissance but collaboration among diverse stakeholders will be key to its success.

“For the Soil Renaissance to meet its full potential, it will require multiple individuals and organizations,” says Noble Foundation President and CEO Bill Buckner. “Many groups already are working in specific areas of soil health. The Soil Renaissance is a central hub through which people can learn what’s now being done, gaps to be filled and ways they can help.”

The first task of the Soil Renaissance team was to agree on a definition of soil health. After lengthy discussion, the team adopted the definition used by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): The continued capacity of the soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals and humans.

The Strategic Planning Team has identified goals in each of the four key work areas:
– Measurement: To incorporate soil health measures into standardized soil testing that is readily available, affordable and commercial viable.
– Economics: To quantify the effects of soil health on economic risks and returns.
– Education: To reawaken the public to the importance of soil health.
– Research: To convene the research community to advance soil health.

Tech Symposium for UAV Uses on the Farm

Jamie JohansenJune 25, 2014Aerial Imagery, Agribusiness, Aviation, technology, UAV

The region’s most impressive showcase of high-tech agricultural innovation is just two weeks away! Register today for the Delta AgTech Symposium: Advancing UAVs in Agriculture, to be held July 7-8, 2014, at Agricenter International in Memphis.

Entira, Inc., an agricultural marketing and management firm, with support from the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), is organizing the two-day conference that will showcase the on-farm uses of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Advanced registration is available and encouraged at www.deltaagtech.com, though walk-ins are welcome. Event organizers are offering discounts for groups: Register 10 or more at $125/attendee; register 20 or more at $100/attendee.

The Delta AgTech Symposium will bring together crop consultants, agronomists, farmers, and the businesses who serve them, along with UAV manufacturers and researchers, to collectively explore how this technology can be integrated into farming practices. The two-day event—sponsored by FarmSpace Systems and Horizon Precision Systems—will include UAV technology and flight demonstrations, speakers, and a trade show for organizations to share their knowledge and solutions. Confirmed speakers include leaders from the following organizations: Federal Aviation Administration, FarmSpace Systems, AUVSI, Middle Tennessee State University, National Agricultural Aviation Association, NextGen Air Transportation Center at the Institute of Transportation Research and Education at North Carolina State University, Horizon Precision Systems, RoboFlight Systems, and Ausley McMullen, a law firm working with emerging UAS regulations. In addition, there will be a panel discussion on matching end-user needs to technologies. Many of the event speakers will also be part of our exhibit area, along with AgriImage and UAVExperts.Aero, among others.

According to a report from AUVSI, it is estimated that agriculture will account for 80 percent of all UAV commercial usage, with public safety use coming in at a distant second. More of UAVs’ potential role in agriculture is discussed on Entira’s news page.

I spoke to Kelli Polatty with Entira about the upcoming event and she shared how excited they are to be able to provide information to growers from across the country about UAV technology. Listen to my complete interview with her here: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/delta-agtech.mp3″ text=”Interview with Kelli Polatty – Entira”]

ASTA Committee on Innovations and Policy

Cindy ZimmermanJune 25, 2014ASTA, Audio, biotechnology, seed

The American Seed Trade Association has had a Biotechnology Committee for two decades, but as it is now the Innovations and Policy Committee. Pictured here from the ASTA annual meeting are immediate past committee chair Keith Newhouse with Winfield Solutions and current chair Mark Krieger of Dow AgroSciences who presided at the first meeting of the committee under the new name.

Newhouse says they feel that innovations is a better word for the committee than biotechnology. “It’s more representative of the range of new technologies that are being used to develop new and better plants for agriculture and the food industry,” he said. [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/asta/asta-14-innovation-newhouse.mp3″ text=”Interview with Keith Newhouse, Winfield Solutions”]

Krieger says the direction of the committee is to broaden the conversation on innovation in the seed industry. “To make sure that we’re looking at biotechnology as just one slice of innovation in plant breeding .. so we’re advocating for policy solutions that impact all of the tools, techniques and sectors of the industry,” he said, adding that the opportunities right now are huge. [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/asta/asta-14-innovation-krieger.mp3″ text=”Interview with Mark Krieger, Dow AgroSciences”]

ASTA Annual Meeting Photo Album

First Crop of Locally Sourced Canola to Create Biopolymer

Jamie JohansenJune 25, 2014Agribusiness, bioproducts, Canola

Meredian, Inc., a privately held biopolymer manufacturer, harvested its first locally sourced canola crop in Decatur County, Ga. The harvesting of the 1,000 acres of canola fields planted last year began May 12 and continued through Memorial Day.

Canola is a major component of Meredian’s process to produce biopolymers which are raw materials that can be used for manufacturing a wide range of completely biodegradable plastic products. The company can use any plant derived oil to convert carbon into biopolymers, but canola is the perfect option because it possesses the ability to be grown locally. Growing locally stimulates Georgia’s economy, while allowing Meredian to continue their mission of manufacturing biopolymers from renewable, natural resources that equal or exceed petroleum-based plastics in price and performance.

USDA certified scales and seed analysis equipment were used to check and verify that the crop’s moisture content was within specifications. In some parts of the 1,000 acres that were planted, more than 43 bushels were produced per acre. The success of this season supports Meredian’s decision in choosing locally grown canola as their major source to produce their completely biodegradable PHA.

Currently, Meredian Inc. is repurposing a one-million square foot facility where the equipment will clean and crush canola seeds into oil by a solvent and toxin-free, cold press process. Once the equipment is installed, the majority of the seeds recently harvested will be crushed to produce oil for the current PHA production needs.

The seeds that are not crushed to meet production needs will be used for next year’s harvest, which will be planted this fall and set to be harvested in Spring 2015. Meredian expects between 10,000 and 15,000 acres of canola fields to be planted this fall. Eventually, the company hopes to utilize 100,000 acres to grow canola in order to sustain the capacity of their 60 million pound fermentation facility.

Google Glass Out on the Farm

Chuck ZimmermanJune 25, 2014Agribusiness, Apps, Audio, Gadgets, Glass, Mobile, technology

It’s time to get a ZimmGlass update. Actually, this is more of a wearable technology update that includes Google Glass. My guest in this week’s ZimmCast podcast is Bruce Rasa, TekWear, LLC. You might have met Bruce on a program somewhere demonstrating Google Glass.

Bruce has been using Glass longer than I have and in more places. He’s demonstrated it to people from 22 countries and has had his personal device in the hands of over 1,000 people! We both agree that we’re getting less of a visible reaction from people in the public but find that there is still a high level of interest from people who are fascinated by the technology. Concerns for privacy seem to be more general consuming public focused than with industries like agriculture that are looking at Glass as a potential new tool.

The areas of highest interest for agricultural applications for Glass are in field related activities like crop scouting, agronomist/consultants use, remote equipment maintenance, animal handling and identification. Many companies are considering building applications for Glass specifically or adapting existing applications to work on Glass. One of the biggest advantages Glass has is its hands free capability. This brings up options for increased safety for lots of tasks that might include checking grain bins where it would be essential to use your hands for climbing but also being able to have a device you can communicate with at the same time.

If you’re an agnerd like Bruce and myself or just plain interested in why anyone would want to wear a computer on their face then I think you’ll enjoy this week’s program.

Listen in to our conversation to learn more about what’s going on with wearable technology for agriculture: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/zimmcast/zimmcast443-6-24-14.mp3″ text=”Wearable Technology for Agriculture”]

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsor, GROWMARK, locally owned, globally strong, for their support.

Subscribe to the ZimmCast podcast here.

ASTA Urges Congress to Ratify Plant Treaty

Cindy ZimmermanJune 25, 2014ASTA, Audio, Government, International, seed

You may have never heard about the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture but the multi-lateral agreement is considered crucial in the fight against global hunger and poverty.

“The treaty is an international regime where countries decided that we needed to do something about conserving and sustainably using plant genetic resources for food and agriculture,” said Tom Nickson of Monsanto, who provided an update on the treaty to members of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Intellectual Property Rights Committee during the recent annual meeting.

Over 130 countries are currently “contracting parties” to the treaty, including Australia, Brazil, Canada and the European Union nations. A number of others, such as the United States, are only “signatories” to the agreement. The treaty has been awaiting ratification by Congress since 2002. “It came very close about four years ago,” said Nickson. “But we’re hoping we can resurrect the conversation and get this over the goal line.”

ASTA supports ratification of the treaty and Nickson says they are urging Congress to make it a priority. “We don’t have to change any of our laws, it’s philosophically aligned with what we’re trying to do in our national plant germplasm system to protect and conserve genetic resources, so we’re really, really very close,” he said.

Find out more in this interview. [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/asta/asta-14-treaty.mp3″ text=”Interview with Tom Nickson, Monsanto”]

ASTA Annual Meeting Photo Album

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