DWFI Podcast 45 – From Chance Encounters to Global Impact

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

This episode of the Water for Food Podcast explores the valuable collaborations that can arise from in-person interactions, even in a digital age. Host Frances Hayes, DWFI director of communications and public relations, shares a story that perfectly illustrates the lasting impact of those face-to-face moments, which can lead to unexpected and valuable partnerships.

Adam Keough, program manager with Catholic Relief Services and Treaven Scheideler, a University of Nebraska student, discuss their cross-cultural collaboration, sparked by a chance meeting at a tractor museum during the 2023 Water for Food Global Conference. Adam’s team in El Salvador needed hands-on training with mechanized equipment and Treaven, drawing on his own farming experience in Nebraska, provided assistance while taking advantage of a formative learning experience.

Click to view photos from Treaven’s visit to El Salvador

Listen here or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform:
DWFI podcast episode 45 28:04

The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska was founded with the mission to have a lasting and significant impact on achieving more food security with less pressure on scarce water resources by conducting scientific and policy research, using the research results to inform policy makers, and sharing knowledge through education and communication.

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AgWired Precision, Audio, Equipment, Podcasts, Water, Water for Food

ZimmCast 750 – Interviews from the Farm Progress Show

Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

ZimmCastHello and welcome to the ZimmCast. I’m Chuck Zimmerman.

It has been a busy time for the the ZimmComm Team in the past few weeks. After the Tech Hub Live conference it was on the way to the Southern Peanut Growers Conference, Ag Media Summit, ACE Annual Meeting and the Farm Progress Show. I’m on my way home from the 2025 FPS and thought I’d share some interviews.

Besides an interview with Rob Shaffer, Illinois farmer, about the John Deere announcement about B30 biodiesel compatibility across all of their engine portfolio, I’m sharing an interview with Andy Heggenstaller, Global Oilseeds and Cereals Portfolio Strategy Head, Syngenta, who talks about Syngenta and M.S. Technologies and the next generation in soybean herbicide tolerance, and then Craig Abell, National Executive Agronomist, Syngenta, who talks about a new soil-applied insecticide product soon to come to market.

There are lots of other interviews and audio, besides photos, in our AgNewsWire virtual ag newsroom from this year’s Farm Progress Show. I want to thank Syngenta for making it possible to attend the show this year.

So, that’s the ZimmCast for now. I hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening.

Listen to the episode here:
ZimmCast 750 - 2025 FPS Interviews (16:52)

That’s the ZimmCast for now. Please let us know if you have ideas for a future podcast. Just email Chuck at chuck@zimmcomm.biz.

We hope you enjoyed it and thank you for listening.

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Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Audio, Farm Progress Show, ZimmCast

Industry Ag News 8/28

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Pro Farmer, a division of Farm Journal, shared its much-anticipated national production estimates for the 2025 U.S. corn and soybean crops after analyzing information from the 33rd Annual Pro Farmer Crop Tour and other sources. The Pro Farmer estimates are informed by Crop Tour data and observations collected throughout the week via an exceptional effort by scouts in thousands of fields across seven key Midwestern states. Key considerations such as plant maturity and health, historical analysis and areas outside of those sampled on Crop Tour also factor into the estimates.
  • Farmers for Free Trade announced the launch of its “Motorcade for Trade” campaign, a 14-state tour across America’s agricultural heartland designed to amplify farmer voices calling for open markets and reduced trade barriers. The campaign will kick off September 5th with Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) in Nebraska then Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and will visit key agricultural districts across the nation, culminating with a major event in Washington, D.C.
  • Family farms comprise 95 percent of all U.S. farms, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture Farm Typology report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The farm typology report primarily focuses on the “family farm,” defined as any farm where the majority of the business is owned by the producer and individuals related to the producer. The report classifies all farms into unique categories based on two criteria: who owns the operation and gross cash farm income (GCFI). GCFI includes the producer’s sales of crops and livestock, fees for delivering commodities under production contracts, government payments, and farm-related income.
  • The American Soybean Association is urging President Trump to prioritize soybeans in U.S.-China trade talks, warning that retaliatory tariffs are shutting American farmers out of their largest export market going into the 2025 soybean harvest. In a letter sent to the White House, the group called for the removal of Chinese tariffs on U.S. soybeans and commitments for future purchases. ASA also released a white paper outlining the financial consequences of losing long-term market share in China.
  • Meyocks unveils a comprehensive rebrand that includes a new logo, website, messaging and cultural promises. Reintroducing itself as “the agency that gives a damn,” Meyocks reinforces both its industry-leading capabilities and 41-year legacy of serving brands that make a positive impact across food and beverage, health and wellness and agriculture.
  • The White House released a statement regarding the Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade made by the United States and the European Union. According to the U.S. EU Joint Statement, The European Union intends to eliminate tariffs on all U.S. industrial goods and to provide preferential market access for a wide range of U.S. agricultural goods. Additionally, the European Union and the United States have committed to work together to address non-tariff barriers affecting trade in food and agricultural products.
  • Agri-Pulse is pleased to announce that Matt Herman has joined the digital media company as the national business development lead.
  • U.S. Sugar, a South Florida-based sugarcane and vegetable farming and processing business, announced that it has tapped longtime IT leader Matt Miller to lead its technology division. Miller was announced as the Company’s Vice President for Information Technology.
  • The Georgia Cotton Commission, Georgia Peanut Commission and the University of Georgia Extension Cotton and Peanut Teams, will co-sponsor a joint research field day on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Tifton, Georgia.
  • Thinking about taking the leap into freelancing, or already navigating the journey? Join the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists webinar on building a successful freelance career in agricultural journalism.
  • The American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health and Sejfarms Consult Limited are building on their three-year partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding for strengthened collaboration to advance Nigeria’s fish production. The MOU recognizes the significant role that high-quality soy-based feeds play in achieving regional aquaculture sector growth and success.
    • Zimfo Bytes

    2025 Farm Progress Show – Day 3

    Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    2025 Farm Progress ShowIt’s going to another beautiful day at the 2025 Farm Progress Show. This photo is from a high platform set up at the GSI exhibit. I appreciate them letting me take some photos on it.

    The virtual ag newsroom we have created on AgNewsWire is full of interviews and other audio and lots of photos. I want to thank Syngenta for once again making my trip here possible.

    Yesterday, I reminisced with several people about when they attended their first Farm Progress Show and how it has evolved into the 2 permanent sites in Decatur, IL and Boone, IA. There are many stories to tell. I’m going to work on a gathering some of them for a future ZimmCast podcast. In the meantime, I’m going to use some of the interviews I have from this show for a new episode.

    2025 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

    Farm Progress Show

    Illinois Governor Announces Fertilizer Plant at FPS

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    At the Farm Progress Show this week, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced a $2 billion investment from Cronus Chemicals to construct a new fertilizer production facility in Tuscola, Illinois, a project more than a decade in the making.

    “Having a fertilizer production facility so close to home will help us meet the rising demand and keep costs lower for farmers. Over the past several years, we’ve seen fertilizer prices skyrocket,” said Pritzker. “Now, Cronus Chemicals will help to stem the high tide of pricing by bringing an annual production capacity of 950,000 short tons of ammonia right in central Illinois.”

    Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello says the farm economy is “extremely unstable” right now. “Anything we can do to help producers is extremely important right now,” said Costello. “The average tariff or tax on ag inputs has gone from one percent to 12 percent in seven months.”

    Pritzker says the company has hung in there over a decade to make the project happen because it makes sense. “They’re locating it here because the farms are here, because the producers are here, because this is the place that the investment is going to pay off greatest for the company and that’s why they’ve chosen it.”

    Gov. Pritzker announcement (10:38)

    AgWired Precision, Audio, Farm Progress Show, Fertilizer

    Syngenta Seeds Gives Farmers Options

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Once again, Syngenta Seeds had a strong presence at the Farm Progress Show to give farmers a peak at the latest developments to help them get the best return on their investment every year.

    “Farmers are at the heart of everything we do at Syngenta Seeds and when we think about commitment to farmers, it really comes in something that is through our people, our product pipeline and our trait pipeline,” said Syngenta Seeds North America Regional Director Eric Boeck. “In today’s agriculture, choice is really important. To have options as a farmer so that you can make the best decisions for your farm and that’s what Syngenta does.”

    Some of what’s new this year for Syngenta is plans to launch a groundbreaking herbicide-tolerant soybean trait stack with M.S. Technologies. “Weed control options are really important for farmers. So what this trait is gonna allow farmers to do is harness the best of genetics, the best of yield, the best of agronomic traits, along with the new herbicide trait that’s going to give them options, at the latter part of this decade.”

    Boeck is also excited about the new Durastak Corn Trait Stack. “Durastak is a new mode of action for corn rootworm, which a lot of farmers battle,” said Boeck. “It is going to be a great opportunity to experience brand new genetics with the first triple BT stack to battle rootworm.”

    Learn more in this interview with Eric Boeck.
    FPS25 Interview with Eric Boeck, Syngenta Seeds (3:57)

    You can find a number of interviews about what’s new from Syngenta Seeds and Seedcare and Golden Harvest in our Farm Progress Show virtual news room.

    2025 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

    Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Audio, Corn, Soybean, Syngenta

    2025 Farm Progress Show – Day 2

    Chuck Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Syngenta BaristaThere’s nothing better than stopping early by the Syngenta booth to see the baristas making great coffee drinks. I started with the cold brew with a little bit of cream. Very good and guaranteed to wake you up.

    Our virtual ag newsroom on AgNewsWire has plenty of pictures and audio. I’ll be working on some more interviews and photos throughout today. The weather has probably been the best ever for a Farm Progress Show. Hopefully that will continue for the last day!

    2025 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

    Farm Progress Show, Syngenta

    USDA Deputy Secretary at Farm Progress Show

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    USDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden filled in for his boss at the 2025 Farm Progress Show Tuesday, chatting on the mainstage with Mike Pearson of This Week in AgriBusiness and answering question from farm reporters on site.

    The first topic addressed was New World Screwworm in light of the latest headlines about human case in Maryland. “So the good news is, that case, which is a solitary human case, was because a citizen of this country traveled to Central America, was exposed to it there and brought it back, and it has no implications for agriculture,” said Vaden. “It’s bad for that particular human, although it’s easily treatable with modern medicine. But what we are worried about is ensuring that the fly does not enter into our cattle supply.” To that end, Vaden says USDA has shut the border to cattle from Mexico and is working with Mexican officials on a sterile fly program to keep the pests from entering the U.S.

    Vaden also expressed the administration’s strong support for domestic biofuels. “I think it’s fair to say that the second Trump administration has been the most pro biofuels administration that we’ve had,” said Vaden. “We at USDA are very supportive of the Environmental Protection Agency and the proposed renewable volume obligations. We think those numbers are wonderful and are where they need to be and meet the current ability of America to produce biofuels.

    On the trade front, Vaden talked about the Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s trading practices and increasing export market opportunities for corn and soybeans.

    On stage and answering media questions, Vaden also discussed USDA team and nominees, agency reorganization, modernization of funds distribution to farmers, regional USDA hubs, farm bill future, commodity prices, short term relief, meetings at FPS, markets for ethanol, and staffing questions. Listen to both below:
    USDA Deputy Secretary Vaden mainstage (27:18)

    USDA Deputy Secretary Vaden presser (12:33)

    2025 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

    Audio, Biofuels, Farm Progress Show, USDA

    ZimmComm Recognized for Ethanol Reporting

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    ACE’s Katie Muckenhirn (R) presents award to Cindy Zimmerman

    ZimmComm was honored to receive the media award from the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) last week for our “decades of dedicated reporting on the people, policies, and progress shaping the U.S. ethanol industry.”

    This means a lot to us because the ethanol industry was instrumental in our company’s success and we have been able to cover the most consequential two decades in the history of the fuel since the signing of the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2005. The first photo album in our Flickr collection is the 2005 Indy 500 where it was announced they would begin using a 10% ethanol blend the following year.

    We have had the privilege of being able to cover 27 ACE events since 2008, both their annual meetings and DC Fly-ins, and the pleasure of interviewing and getting to know so many of their members. After over 20 years of traveling to cover various industry events, Chuck and I are retiring from business travel at the end of 2025 and while we will not miss the airports we will miss the friends we have met on the way.

    Thanks to our ACE friends for this special honor, especially Katie Muckinhern, Brian Jennings and Ron Lamberty. You are invited to visit us in Pensacola anytime!

    ACE, Biofuels, Ethanol, ZimmComm Announcement

    Precision Ag News 8/26

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • Fast Ag Solutions, a leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of application equipment, has entered into an agreement with PTx which allows growers to order Precision Planting SymphonyNozzle and SymphonyVision products factory installed on Fast Sprayers, starting with orders in January of 2026.
  • MyLand, a leading innovator in soil health, announced it has won the 2025 AgTech Breakthrough Award for Overall Smart Irrigation Solution. The honor recognizes MyLand’s groundbreaking innovation that transforms traditional irrigation into a powerful tool for soil health restoration and farm resilience.
  • PowerPollen, the leader in breakthrough pollination technology for increased agricultural productivity and profitability, announced the launch of its next-generation fully autonomous AI-enabled precision pollen application system — a breakthrough designed to transform large-scale seed and grain crop pollination. Unveiled during a field demonstration with investors, customers, government officials and growers, the new machines build on the company’s patented pollination technology stack to deliver commercial-scale collection, preservation and application at lower cost, higher efficacy, and reduced input requirements.
  • Intelinair, the maker of AGMRI and a leader in ag data analytics and precision agriculture technology, announced it has been named the 2025 “AgTech Data Analytics Company of the Year” by AgTech Breakthrough. The honor is part of the 5th Annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program, which recognizes the most innovative companies, technologies, and products transforming global agriculture and food technology. This marks the second consecutive year Intelinair has received this award.
  • Bushel, a software company focused on agriculture, announced it has been selected as “Farm Management Solution of the Year” in the 5th annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by AgTech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global agricultural and food technology markets today.
  • Koch Agronomic Services announces their liquid foliar product, OPTRIENT™ MoCo-Ni, is now available to growers for use in a variety of row and specialty crops across the U.S. Previously only available for fruit and nut trees, OPTRIENT MoCo-Ni improves nitrogen utilization, mitigates stress and optimizes crop performance by delivering a targeted application of molybdenum, cobalt and nickel.
  • John Deere announced the start of a strategic collaboration with the Reservoir, a California-based agricultural technology on-farm incubator platform that brings together grower networks and deep tech R&D studios to accelerate innovation in high-value crop (HVC) agriculture.
  • Registration is open for the 2025 Great Plains Water Conference held in Omaha, Nebraska, on September 18 and 19. For more information about the conference, speakers, and registration, visit go.unl.edu/waterconference.
  • The World Food Prize Foundation announced the Top Ten agritech startups selected for its inaugural Innovate for Impact Challenge, a global competition recognizing scalable, science-based innovations advancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. The semi-finalists were selected from nearly 400 submissions spanning 65 countries across all hemispheres.
    • AgWired Precision, Precision Ag Bytes, Precision Agriculture