Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast. I’m Chuck Zimmerman. After missing it for a few years I was able to attend the Agricultural Relations Council (ARC) Annual Meeting which took place in Richmond, VA. We had a good turnout with some great sessions. I interviewed several of the attendees. More on that in a moment. The Golden ARC Awards, which …
Ethanol Report on RFA Message to COP26
The 26th U.N. Climate Change Conference, better known as COP26, is now underway in Scotland and the Renewable Fuels Association wants to send a message to world leaders that ethanol is already available to help meet climate goals. A new one-page fact sheet spotlights recent research and data proving that ethanol is an immediate solution for cutting greenhouse gas emissions …
2021 Ag Relations Council Annual Meeting
The 2021 Agricultural Relations Council (ARC) Annual Meeting takes place in Richmond, VA, in-person. The program includes several panel discussions with ag editors, ag organizations that work in Washington, DC and annual award presentations. Over the course of the event this week we’ll be posting interviews and photos. Chuck is the conference photographer. You can contact him if you have …
Salvus Gearing up to Start Clinical and Market Trials in 2022
Company adds product manager role to support future growth Salvus™ LLC, part of the CJB family of companies, expects to take delivery on its first commercial pathogen and chemical contamination detection devices in December and anticipates clinical and market/demo trials to commence in early 2022. “Global semiconductor supply chain challenges have delayed device deliveries by three to four months. We …
Skyward Apps Expands its Developers’ Training on Software Security Risks
Maryland agriculture technology firm takes added steps to protect client applications (Columbia, MD) – Skyward Apps, a top-tier agriculture technology firm, has put its software engineers through training on the Top 10 software security vulnerabilities, as defined by the global Open Web Application Security Project. Skyward’s additional training comes amidst a sharp uptick in ransomware attacks on the agriculture food …
Bayer Provides Crop Science Update
Bayer provided an investor update this week on progress in delivering customer-focused, sustainable agricultural innovation, particularly in fungicides and herbicides. Participating in the call were: Liam Condon, member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and President of the Crop Science Division. Bob Reiter, Bayer Head of R&D for Crop Science Division Selected sound bites: Condon: 2021 US XtendFlex …
Senators Seek Answers on Biofuels COVID Assistance
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and several of his Senate colleagues sent a letter this week to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asking him to explain the delay in delivering financial assistance to biofuels producers negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grassley addressed that issue during a call with reporters on Tuesday morning. (1:05) Sen. Grassley stressed the need for President …
BetterSoil Alliance Rewards Growers for Sustainable Achievements
Yara and Heliae® Ag invite the almond industry to join them in driving practical solutions that positively impact food production by improving water productivity and soil health Yara North America, Inc. with Heliae® Agriculture, has launched the BetterSoil Alliance to support the California almond industry in the pursuit of sustainable farming practices to improve water productivity and soil health, while …
Ethanol Report on 13 Years of Sturgis Promotions
The Renewable Fuels Association began promoting ethanol at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 2009 as a way of reaching motorcycle riders with the facts about ethanol in gasoline. Since that time, the organization’s sponsorship at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground has grown to include a permanent fueling station that sells 10% ethanol fuel (E10) year-round. The 2021 Sturgis Rally showed …
Bayer and Luke Bryan Continue Farm Tour Partnership
After donating close to 5 million meals across the United States, Bayer will continue its partnership with five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan in 2021 to celebrate America’s farmers and help fight hunger by encouraging use of the hashtag #HerestotheFarmer on social media to help families in need. Bryan wrapped his FARM TOUR 2021, playing six concerts between September …
Farmers for Free Trade Panel
Farmers for Free Trade held a virtual roundtable last Thursday to focus on the current trade landscape, the Biden administration’s trade agenda, and how ag exports are critical to workers throughout America. On the panel was Dr. Joseph Glauber, currently Senior Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute but well known as former chief economist at USDA from …
US and EU Seed Groups Cooperate on Plant Breeding Innovation
The U.S. and the European Union are entering a new era of transatlantic dialogue on agricultural innovation for a sustainable food system with both nations setting the ambitious objective to become carbon-neutral by 2050. The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) and Euroseeds jointly hosted a webinar Tuesday aimed at promoting dialogue between EU and U.S. stakeholders focused on how increased …
Water for Food Global Forum
The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute this week kicked off its “Water for Food Global Forum,” a virtual series of events convening international experts, growers, and organizations to focus on achieving global water and food security. The event features both on-demand and live virtual events. Water and Food Systems Panel and Discussion Dr. Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted – Global Lead …
House Ag Committee Hearing on State of the Livestock Industry
The House Agriculture Committee held a hearing Thursday to address the current state of the livestock industry, meat processing, production and supply. Among the witnesses testifying were Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President Todd Wilkinson of South Dakota, and François Léger of FPL Food, on behalf of the North American Meat …
SD Senator Speaks Out on Policy Impacting Agriculture
Sen. John Thune (R-SD) spoke out on the Senate floor this week about Democrat policies that he says are harmful to farmers and ranchers. “For starters, I’m worried that Democrats’ bill could mean the end of some family farms thanks to the bill’s expansion of the death tax,” said Thune. “Death should not be a taxable event.” Sen. Thune also …