Diamond K Gypsum Introduces New Prilled Product Line

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Diamond K Gypsum is pleased to introduce its new prilled gypsum line, providing solutions for growers during times of high sulfur prices and water shortages. Premium Prill Gypsum allows precision nutrient delivery of both sulfate sulfur and calcium in a single application that cuts nutritional, application costs, and saves water by reducing runoff and soil crusting.

The primary ingredient of the new Diamond K prill line is organic calcium sulfate dihydrate gypsum which is mined, processed and manufactured into prills in Utah. The new prill line is engineered for accurate blending and broadcast application post-harvest and pre-season to bolster depleted sulfur and calcium levels The new prill line is available at leading agrichemical dealers nationwide.

“As growers and their crop consultants contend with record high sulfur and sulfate fertilizer prices, Premium Prill and Premium Prill HA offer enormous cost savings,” says Tom Tankersley, director of sales at Diamond K Gypsum. “The sulfate in our calcium sulfate dihydrate gypsum costs hundreds of dollars less per ton than sulfate fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate. Better yet, the organic calcium sulfate dihydrate gypsum in our new Premium Prill line also provides calcium which enables growers to reduce supplemental calcium applications.”

Premium Prill Gypsum is designed for ease of application, accurate blending, and precise placement in the field.

Read more.

AgWired Precision, Nutrient Management, Precision Agriculture

Sec. Rollins Visits Farm Progress Show

Cindy Zimmerman 2 Comments

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa Tuesday to announce a new data collection plan for USDA and comment on recent actions taken by the administration on biofuels, fertilizer, and beef.

Rollins says USDA’s new Data Modernization Plan is designed to put Farmers First, reduce unnecessary burdens on producers, and improve the timeliness, accuracy, and usefulness of the agricultural data that informs decisions across American agriculture. “These changes will reduce the duplicative requests that you receive over and over and over again. It will limit the amount of time that our producers spend reporting information and get you back to what you do best, which is growing food and fuel for our country,” said Rollins.

For biofuel producers, Rollins touted the administration’s action to preserve the highest renewable volume obligations or RVOs in the history of the Renewable Fuel Standard by reallocating all volumes being exempted under the large number of small refinery waivers granted by EPA this week. “We’ve also issued summer waivers for E15 and continue to support E15 year around for our congressional leaders to finally get that done,” said Rollins.

Addressing high input costs for farmers, Rollins said, “We’ve got to drive down the cost of our inputs…Just last week, USDA broke ground on two fertilizer plants in Louisiana, one will be the largest ammonia plant in the world when it’s finished and the other will allow us to reshore 60% of our potash back to America phosphate back to America just in the next few years.”

Following up on last week’s action by the administration to import lean beef trimmings for ground beef, Sec. Rollins spoke about USDA’s Ranchers First Initiative announced Monday. “The fact that we are at the lowest herd in 75 years is not lost on anyone,” she said. The plan includes the Beef Retention and National Development (BRAND) endorsement for Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) that will allow producers to insure the economic value of retaining a heifer for breeding over a two-year period. The endorsement would establish a protected value based on the expected slaughter value of the heifer at the time of enrollment.

Listen to Rollins’ comments here:
FPS26 - Rollins remarks 39:46

2026 Farm Progress Show photo album

AgWired Animal, AgWired Precision, Audio, Farm Progress Show, USDA

VANE Named Finalist for E&S Underwriting Award

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Congratulations to VANE, a leading provider of unique, field-level revenue insurance solutions for agribusinesses, which has been named a finalist for “E&S Underwriting Team of the Year” at the 2026 Insurance Insider US Honors. The nomination recognizes the success and impact of VANE’s E&S Basis Risk Revenue Insurance.

“Being named a finalist alongside some of the most respected names in E&S underwriting is a strong validation of the work our team has done to close a real coverage gap for agribusinesses,” said Don Preusser, Founder and President of VANE.

The Insurance Insider US Honors celebrates standout performance, innovation, and excellence across the United States insurance and reinsurance market. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on September 30 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.

Agribusiness, Crop Insurance

Learnard Seed Services Celebrates 90 Years of Service

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Learnard Seed Services in East Central Illinois, is celebrating 90 years of serving farmers across Vermilion County and surrounding areas, a milestone that reflects decades of trusted relationships, agronomic expertise and commitment to agriculture.

Founded in 1936 by Elmer Learnard during the Great Depression, the business began by selling seed corn and later expanded into soybeans for neighboring farmers. Originally located northwest of Georgetown, Illinois, the dealership now operates one mile south of Catlin.

Today, Learnard Seed Services remains family-owned, led by third-generation owner Greg Learnard with fourth-generation involvement. Over the years, the business has grown from part-time seed sales into a full-service operation focused on seed, agronomy and advancing technology. Learnard has maintained a relationship with DEKALB since the company’s early farmer-dealer model and continues that legacy today with both DEKALB and Asgrow products.

“I have the benefit of offering my customers the full lineup of Bayer’s seed and crop protection portfolio and industry-leading traits,” said Learnard. “I can also provide the strong network of product and agronomic support that customers require today.”

That long-standing partnership, combined with consistent product performance, has helped build strong, multi-generational customer loyalty. Many farm families have worked with the dealership for decades.

The dealership is celebrating the milestone this year with custom apparel, advertising, and a customer appreciation event later this summer.

Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Bayer, Corn, Seed, Soybean

AgGateway Announces Annual Meeting Agenda

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

The 2026 AgGateway Annual Meeting and Conference is set for November 9-11 this year at the Hilton Nashville Downtown in Nashville, TN.

The three-day agenda includes three general sessions and four exceptional expert presentations designed to get attendees up to speed on the state of digital connectivity in agriculture, the ongoing impact of artificial intelligence, and government policy and priorities in the wake of a historic mid-term election.

Among the conference keynote presentations will be “A Farmer’s Warning to the Industry: AI Is Changing What Farmers Will Pay For. Are You Ready?,” presented by Paul Windemuller, a first-generation dairy farmer and an internationally recognized authority on the integration of artificial intelligence in agriculture.

Back by popular demand for the second year in a row, agriculture policy expert Mary Kay Thatcher will share her perspectives on the direction policy and regulation will be headed in the wake of one of the most highly anticipated mid-term elections in history.

All digital connectivity stakeholders in agriculture are welcome to attend the AgGateway Annual Meeting and Conference to share ideas, work on key projects, assess the state of connected agriculture, and set a course for the future of the organization. An important goal for the event is getting volunteer leadership and members together to discuss current and future projects that AgGateway is coordinating.

Visit the conference web page for more information and registration

AgGateway, Agribusiness, AgWired Precision, Precision Agriculture, Technology

Animal Ag News 8/25

Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began a coordinated, phased reopening of southern cattle ports, beginning August 24. USDA opened the Douglas, AZ port of entry to cattle trade, while simultaneously initiating the operational steps necessary for subsequent openings at the Santa Teresa, NM, and Columbus, NM, ports. Every animal entering the United States through these ports will undergo a full USDA inspection to ensure it is free of any signs of New World screwworm (NWS).
  • National Pork Producers Council President Rob Brenneman, a pork producer from Washington County, Iowa, applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s announced pork purchase for federal food assistance programs under Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935.
  • USDA is making available $35 million for partnerships to respond to the threat feral swine pose to American agriculture, landscapes and human and livestock health. This partnership opportunity is part of a broader $105 million investment for the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program, where USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service are working together to target feral swine.
  • The Meat Institute announced the publication of new peer-reviewed research in Frontiers in Climate that gives livestock and meat companies a practical way to better account for emissions and disclose methane’s role in their greenhouse gas inventory. The study, “Bridging the Climate-Corporate Gap: Utilizing GWP* with GWP100 for Livestock Companies’ Greenhouse Gas Inventories,” was authored by Sarah C. Klopatek, Logan R. Thompson, Sara E. Place and Matthew R. Beck. The research addresses a challenge facing agriculture and food companies: how to report methane, a short-lived greenhouse gas, in a way that reflects both current reporting requirements and the latest science on warming over time.
  • The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is pleased to welcome Abigail Tierney as manager of global policy. In this position, Tierney will educate policymakers, represent the AFIA in trade discussions and advocate for science-based regulations to reduce non-tariff barriers. She will also represent the U.S. animal food industry at meetings both domestically and internationally, analyze global trade trends and develop tools to support industry members.
  • The leader in intelligent nutrition announced the launch of the NOVUS® Raw Material Compendium, a digital platform designed to support more informed, data-driven feed formulation strategies. The platform provides nutritionists and feed formulators with a centralized resource to evaluate ingredient variability, compare nutrient values across the most relevant databases, assess internal ingredient data, and explore alternative raw materials. By bringing multiple data sources into one tool, NOVUS is helping to simplify a process that is often complex and time intensive.
  • The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit organization funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, recently hosted its “Dairy Does More” initiative, a community effort in partnership with Ingles Markets and regional dairy processor Milkco to support families recovering from Hurricane Helene across North Carolina.
  • New artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools could help poultry producers detect Salmonella more quickly using smartphone images and bird activity patterns, according to a newly published study conducted at the University of Georgia. The project was funded by the USPOULTRY Foundation to advance innovative solutions for poultry health and food safety. The research is part of the Association’s comprehensive research program, which encompasses all phases of poultry and egg production and processing, and is made possible in part through proceeds from the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo.
    • AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Animal Bites

    Industry Ag News 8/25

    Carrie Muehling Leave a Comment

  • On August 22nd, communities across America celebrated Antique Tractor Preservation Day and honored the farmers, families, innovators, and machines that played an important role in building our nation. Please take a moment to enjoy this special tribute to our nation’s rich agricultural heritage—and to the farmers, families, innovators, and machines whose legacy continues to be an important part of the American story.
  • The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) has named Meyocks as its creative agency to develop creative assets supporting U.S. dairy producers and processors compete in global markets. Following a competitive review, the appointment builds on Meyocks’ more than 40 years of experience partnering with organizations across the food and agriculture industries.
  • Farm Credit Administration Board Chairman and CEO Jeff Hall announced the appointment of Stephen H Ravas to serve as inspector general and director of the Office of Inspector General.
  • Lessiter Media has announced the addition of Dale Jackman as Senior Sales Representative for the company’s ag division, where he will work with customers to develop integrated marketing programs across the company’s industry-leading brands, digital platforms and live events.
  • The Georgia Peanut Commission announces a new award and cash prize for food entrepreneurs: The Georgia Peanut Innovation Award will recognize and reward the most unique and viable new product concept inspired by Georgia Peanuts. The $10,000 cash prize will be awarded at the Sunbelt Ag Expo on Oct. 22, 2026. The contest is open to any new and unique application of peanuts, whether the product idea is in the prototype phase or has been on the market for less than a year. While the product must be food-related, it can be intended for either human or animal consumption. 
  • The United Soybean Board (USB) is pleased to announce that Courtney Knupp will join the organization as its chief executive officer starting October 1. Knupp currently serves as director of global supply chain at the National Security Council. USB’s board of farmer-leaders, representing more than 30 states, ratified the decision at its July board meeting in Indianapolis.
  • In the year ahead, the United Soybean Board (USB) will boost demand for U.S. Soy, drive on-farm resilience and bring value to the nearly half a million U.S. soybean farmers. Led by its 77 farmer-leaders, USB recently approved a $122.5 million budget for the 2027 fiscal year, strategically allocating funds across vital research, promotion and education investments. This spans the food, feed, fuel, industrial, exports and sustainable production market segments.
  • Registration is now open for the 2026 Sustainable Agriculture Summit, November 18-19 at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Register now through August 31 to secure an Early Rate of $800 and our lowest rates of the year. Single day passes and discounted rates for farmers, government employees, academia, students, and breakout speakers are also available. Learn more at www.sustainableagsummit.com/register.
  • The National Corn Growers Association filed comments this week with the Office of Management and Budget encouraging the agency to reconsider updates recommended by one of its committees to more directly capture the economic impact of the emerging bioeconomy.

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    Zimfo Bytes

    Deltapine® Launches “Committed to Cotton Communities”

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Bayer’s Deltapine® cotton seed brand has announced a new program designed to help strengthen rural communities by encouraging cotton growers to nominate local nonprofit organizations for the chance to receive a charitable donation.

    “Committed to Cotton Communities” reflects Deltapine’s long-standing commitment to the cotton industry and recognizes the important role growers play in supporting their local communities. Through the program, eligible cotton growers with at least 250 acres of any cotton brand can nominate any qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization they believe is making a meaningful difference in agriculture, education, youth development, community well-being, or other local causes. The plan is to announce winning organizations on World Cotton Day, October 7, 2026.

    As part of the program, Deltapine plans to make charitable contributions to selected organizations across three major cotton-producing regions: the Southeast, Mid-South, and Texas/West. The initiative is intended to strengthen connections with cotton growers while creating a positive impact beyond the farm gate.

    “Cotton growers are deeply invested in the success of their communities because those communities are where they live, work, raise families, and build their businesses,” said Eric Best, Deltapine Cotton Product Manager. “Committed to Cotton Communities gives growers a chance to support organizations that matter to them while reinforcing the values that have always defined the cotton industry. At Deltapine, we’re proud to stand alongside growers and help create a lasting impact in the communities that help sustain American cotton.”

    Growers can learn more about eligibility requirements, submission deadlines, and nomination details through their local Deltapine representative or program communications. To enter today, CLICK HERE or type out https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/MxHs75wvHh

    Bayer, Cotton, Seed

    Beef Cattle Industry Reacts to Trump Plan for Imports

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    NCBA members attended White House celebration of agriculture in March

    Cattle producers were surprised and disappointed Friday to read an announcement from President Donald Trump that he plans to lower beef prices by importing “up to 300,000 metric tons of product for ground beef to be imported with no out of quota tariff” for the next three months.

    Blaming the current high beef prices on the previous administration, President Trump wrote on Truth Social that he has “a commitment that this beef will be sold at 25 percent below current market prices. This deal will reduce prices for Americans while giving space for our Great American Beef Herd to grow again.”

    As cattle prices moved lower Friday in response to the statement, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Chief Executive Officer Colin Woodall said they were disappointed. “While America’s cattle producers share the goal of keeping groceries affordable for consumers, flooding the market with government-subsidized, below-market beef is not the way to rebuild the American cattle herd,” said Woodall. “This is a critical time of year for cattle producers, as we approach the season where they are making decisions regarding their herds. Cattle farmers and ranchers are responding to strong market signals and historically high demand, and we are already working to rebuild after years of ongoing drought, high input costs and other challenges that have reduced U.S. cattle numbers. Today’s announcement and other market interventions throw cold water on the prospect of herd expansion and sacrifices long-term stability for short term messaging.”

    “Farmers and ranchers are extremely disappointed to learn that President Trump plans to flood the American market with hundreds of millions of pounds of foreign-raised beef,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “The U.S. is already importing beef at record levels. This decision would be an unprecedented move and would translate to nearly an additional 60% increase in imports over the next 90 days.”

    Duvall notes that, despite high beef prices in grocery stores, prices paid to farmers and ranchers for their cattle have fallen sharply over the past two months, and beef packing plants are shutting down across the U.S. Further undercutting a fragile recovery by swamping markets with foreign products and attempting to manipulate prices threatens to wipe out any progress that has been made. Just a week ago, Tyson Foods announced closure of its beef processing plant in Joslin, Illinois.

    Farmers and ranchers overall have been strong supporters of President Trump, but this move has troubled even ranchers like Amanda Radke of South Dakota, who has traveled to Washington D.C. several times to visit with the Trump administration and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This was very difficult to read this morning from President Trump. Frustrated and disappointed is an understatement,” Radke wrote on X Friday.

    “The U.S. rancher can and will rise to the occasion of the growing demand for beef, but that requires confidence to invest and rebuild the cow herd,” said Radke. “This is a challenge if we are continually getting kicked in the teeth by the government, creating volatility and uncertainty at a time when it should be full steam ahead for producers.”

    Radke will be discussing the issue on The Heart of Rural America podcast this weekend.

    AFBF, AgWired Animal, Animal Agriculture, Beef, Meat, NCBA

    DWFI Podcast 55 – Food Security and National Security

    Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

    Food and agriculture are more connected to national security than most people realize. In this episode of the Water for Food Podcast, host Frances Hayes sits down with Meghan Jackson, Director for Food, Agriculture and Environment Security at the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska. They discuss how we can protect the nation’s crops, livestock and water systems from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.

    Meghan shares lessons from her background at high-security biodefense facilities; breaks down real-world examples like New World screwworm and African swine fever; and explains why redundancy and resilience are key to protecting our food supply. The conversation also covers cybersecurity risks; water scarcity; Nebraska’s growing bioeconomy; and how producers and policymakers can strengthen the systems we all rely on.

    DWFI podcast episode 55 25:25

    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.

    How to subscribe:

    Audio, Food, Water, Water for Food