AgNewsWire

2026 AgGateway Annual Meeting Preview

Cindy Zimmerman — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 16:00:38 +0000

The 2026 AgGateway Annual Meeting & Conference is coming up November 9-11 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The theme of the meeting this year is Driving The Future of Connected Agriculture and the key words are Implement, Impact and Advocate, according to AgGateway President and CEO Brent Kemp. “Our members and Ag Gateway don’t just develop standards. We implement standards and resources, Member companies implement them within their businesses and among their trading partners. And when they do, they produce real measurable efficiencies and savings,” said Kemp.

Kemp says the annual meeting is the one place where digital connectivity stakeholders from across the agriculture value chain come together to share ideas, work on key projects, assess the state of connected agriculture, and set a course for the future of the organization.

Learn more about what’s in store at the meeting in this interview.

Interview with Brent Kemp, AgGateway 10:46

DWFI Podcast 56 – Water, Climate and Health

Cindy Zimmerman — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:32:13 +0000

In this episode of the Water for Food Podcast, Taylor Dahl talks with Dr. Jesse Bell about his recent trips to Mongolia for COP17 and Sweden for World Water Week. They explore how drought, water resilience and human health are connected, and why communities need to move from reacting to drought to planning and preparing for its impacts. Jesse also shares insights on global collaboration, capacity building and knowledge sharing, while reflecting on how lessons from around the world can strengthen drought resilience here in Nebraska.

Dr. Bell is director of the Water, Climate and Health Program at UNMC and the director of Water, Climate and Health at the University of Nebraska’s Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute. Taylor Dahl is Communications and Community Outreach Specialist at the Water, Climate & Health Program.

Learn more about the Water, Climate and Health program at https://www.unmc.edu/publichealth/research/multidisciplinary-programs/wch/index.html

DWFI podcast episode 56 33:33

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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Farm Bill Reported Out of Senate Ag Committee

Cindy Zimmerman — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:22:31 +0000

The Senate Agriculture Committee met again Wednesday for the first time in over a month to re-vote on the Agriculture Act of 2026 – the farm bill, including E15 – and pass it along party lines by a vote of 12 to 11. Republicans prevailed on the vote this time with the presence of both Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sen. Tom Tuberville (R-AL) who were absent during the last meeting.

As he opened the meeting, Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) called for a vote immediately without any discussion and was surprised by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) bringing up an amendment she wanted to make to Title 12 of the bill that would protect livestock producers from state legislation like California’s Proposition 12. “I didn’t expect this,” said Boozman, as Sen. Ernst repeatedly called for a ruling from the chair. “It was a timely amendment. It is not out of order,” said Ernst. Ultimately, both Ernst and fellow Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley voted in favor of reporting the bill out of committee, despite their differences with the chairman.

Listen to the committee meeting proceedings here:
Senate ag committee farm bill vote 40:14

ZimmCast 764 – Syngenta at the Farm Progress Show 2026

Cindy Zimmerman — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 16:03:41 +0000

Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast.

In this episode I’m going to share several interviews that Laura McNamara conducted with Syngenta during the 2026 Farm Progress Show. You can find many more along with photos in our AgNewsWire virtual newsroom for the show.

Let’s start with Eddie Kahle, Golden Harvest, Head of Marketing. Next will be Matt Dolch, Syngenta Corn Products Manager. Then ending with Ryan Dunsbergen, Golden Harvest Soybean Product Manager. Lots of new products and more will be coming from Syngenta.

Listen to the episode here:
ZimmCast 764 - Syngenta at the Farm Progress Show 2026 (12:43)

That’s the ZimmCast for now. I hope you enjoyed it and thank for listening.

Subscribe to the ZimmCast in:

President Trump Reinforces Commitment to Ranchers

Cindy Zimmerman — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:05:52 +0000

Flanked by beef producers from around the country, President Donald Trump signed Executive Orders on Friday and USDA made additional announcements supporting America’s ranchers and protecting our nation’s cattle herd.

The orders and announcements include efforts to allow on-farm meat processing, stricter enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, protecting herds from gray wolves, and studying implementation of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL). Much of what is outlined in the EOs is in the form of studies and reports to be done, or requires additional action at the state or federal level, such as MCOOL, which was authorized in the 2002 and 2008 farm bills but was challenged by Canada and Mexico when it was finally implemented and ultimately ended in 2015. When President Trump was asked about implementing labeling, he said, “I understand Congress has something to do with that one, so we’re putting it in front of Congress right away. It should be no problem.”

Among those who joined President Trump in the White House for the announcement were American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, R-CALF USA President Dave Hyde, ranchers Jim Mundorf, Casey Murph, and Amanda Radke, and former NFL Hall of Famer and first generation Wisconsin rancher Joe Thomas.

Listen to the President and others at the signing.
President Trump and beef producers 28:27

Ethanol Report from the 2026 Farm Progress Show

Cindy Zimmerman — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:29:17 +0000

The 2026 Farm Progress Show kicked off September 1 in Boone, Iowa with breaking news for the ethanol industry. On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency announced new small refinery exemptions for the 2025 compliance year, along with a plan to reallocate the lost volume. And second, breaking in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, California lawmakers passed a fix to hopefully allow sales of E15 to finally happen in the state.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper, along with Robert White, Senior VP of Industry Relations & Market Development, were at the show to talk with farmers and the media about those two developments and what they mean for the industry and agriculture. This edition of The Ethanol Report includes their comments, as well as part of Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ remarks at Farm Progress Show.

Ethanol Report 9-4-26 12:21

The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

Choose an option to subscribe

DIAMOND K GYPSUM INTRODUCES NEW PRILLED GYPSUM PRODUCT LINE

Cindy Zimmerman — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 20:32:29 +0000

New Pelletized Gypsum Reduces Sulfate Costs and Saves Water

Richfield, UT – September 1, 2026 — 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.”

According to Tankersley, other water saving and agronomic benefits of Premium Prill Gypsum include:

• Improved soil structure
• Increased infiltration of moisture and air in the soil profile
• Reduced soil compaction and runoff
• Increased soil moistures reserves
• Lower irrigation pumping costs
• Reclaiming sodic and saline soils
• Leaching salts below root zone

The sulfate sulfur and calcium in Diamond K calcium sulfate dihydrate is exceptionally pure and highly soluble, which means increased availability to crops upon application. Diamond K’s proprietary milling process fractures calcium sulfate dihydrate particles to produce a very fine powder which is then formed into prills that are bound together with lignosulfonates.

Every ton of calcium sulfate dihydrate mined and processed near Richfield, Utah contains 18 percent sulfur and 23 percent calcium. The molecular structure of Diamond K’s organic mined calcium sulfate dihydrate gypsum contains two water molecules, making it more soluble than anhydrate gypsum which contains just one water molecule and takes years to solubilize.

“As growers face increasing economic pressures from ever increasing fertilizer prices and low commodity crop prices, they need alternatives that are immediately available and not subject to supply chain issues,” added Tankersley. “They also need solutions to environmental pressures such as water shortages, increasing soil salinity, and nutrient tie-up due to increasing bicarbonates and salts in the soil.”

“Our new Premium Prill Gypsum is a practical tool that cuts fertilizer costs, saves water, and improves nutritional performance to preserve operational ROI. Bottom line, we’ve got an organic product made in America with a consistent supply that saves money for growers,” Tankersley concluded.

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

For more information, visit https://diamondkgypsum.com/new-products/.
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Media Contact:
Mason Allred,
mason@diamondkgypsum.com

2026 Farm Progress Show

Cindy Zimmerman — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:55:58 +0000

The 2026 Farm Progress Show, held September 1-3, in Boone, Iowa, is the nation’s largest outdoor agricultural trade show, featuring hundreds of exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge farming innovations, equipment, and technology. The show features nearly 600 exhibitors, including the Renewable Fuels Association and Syngenta Seeds.

This virtual ag newsroom includes links to photos and audio content available free of charge for digital or print publication or broadcast.

Photos

2026 Farm Progress Show photo album

Interviews/Audio

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins presentation
FPS26 - Rollins remarks 39:46

Sec. Rollins and Pivot Bio CEO Chris Abbott on Pivot Pathways
FPS26 - Pivot Bio and Rollins 8:08

Syngenta/Golden Harvest interviews
Matt Dolch, Syngenta Corn Products Manager – Durastak, Enogen, Golden Harvest
FPS26 Matt Dolch, Durastak 2:23
FPS26 Matt Dolch, Enogen 2:20
FPS26 Matt Dolch, Golden Harvest 2:18

Ryan Dunsbergen, Golden Harvest Soybean Product Manager
FPS26 Ryan Dunsbergen, Golden Harvest Soybean 4:00

Eddie Kahle, Golden Harvest, Head of Marketing
FPS26 Eddie Kahle, Golden Harvest 5:19

Jared Benson, NK Soybean Product Manager, Enlist E3® soybeans with Expance trait technology
FPS26 Jared Benson, NK Soybean Product Manager 2:49

Clay Cole, soybean product manager for Golden Harvest
FPS26 Clay Cole, Syngenta Soy NA Product Manager 3:14

Stefan Swenson, Syngenta Corn Product Manager
FPS26 Stefan Swenson, Syngenta 2:16

Renewable Fuels Association interviews
Geoff Cooper, RFA President and CEO, comments on EPA small refinery exemptions, E15, and record ethanol exports
FPS26 Geoff Cooper, RFA 13:17

Robert White, RFA Senior VP, Industry Relations & Market Development, comments on California E15
FPS26 Robert White, RFA 6:58

VANE NAMED A FINALIST FOR “E&S UNDERWRITING TEAM OF THE YEAR” AT THE 2026 INSURANCE INSIDER US HONORS

Cindy Zimmerman — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:00:46 +0000

New Prague, Minnesota, September 1, 2026 — VANE, a leading provider of first-of-its-kind, field-level revenue insurance solutions for agribusinesses, today announced it 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.

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, 2026, at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.

“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.

About VANE
VANE was founded to deliver innovative insurance solutions that help agribusinesses protect their revenue and balance sheet from weather-related financial risk the field-level.

Operating as an Excess and Surplus (E&S) agribusiness Managing General Agency (MGA), VANE offers revenue protection insurance to input manufacturers and distributors, ag service providers, ag retailers and cooperatives, and grain handlers. VANE underwrites business in 15 states and StarStone Specialty Insurance Company, a U.S. excess & surplus lines insurer and subsidiary of Core Specialty Insurance Holdings, Inc., is the policy issuing carrier.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Darcie Meador
Marketing & Relationship Manager
(507) 574-271
Darcie.Meador@VANE.ag

Learnard Seed Services Marks 90 Years of Serving Local Growers

Cindy Zimmerman — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 12:00:44 +0000

Catlin, Ill. — Learnard Seed Services is celebrating 90 years of serving farmers across Vermilion County and surrounding areas, marking 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.

“Strong relationships are the foundation for any successful seed dealership, and I take great pride in the trust we’ve built with our customers over the years,” Learnard said.

Learnard Seed Services is also known for helping growers adopt new technology. Early adoption of grid soil sampling, variable-rate practices, seed traits and GPS guidance has supported improved productivity and more informed decision-making.

“I share the information and data growers need to feel confident taking that first step in an ever-changing agricultural landscape,” Learnard said.

Key milestones in the dealership’s growth include the introduction of biotech traits in the 1990s, construction of a seed warehouse in 2005 and the addition of seed treatment capabilities in 2008.

Beyond its business operations, Learnard Seed Services continues to support the local agriculture community through Farm Bureau, FFA and agricultural education.

“I’m a firm believer in Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom programs and enjoy speaking at schools or hosting visits to help teach the next generation about agriculture,” Learnard said.

To celebrate the 90-year milestone, the dealership is promoting the anniversary through apparel, advertising and a planned customer appreciation event later this summer.

“In the words of the great Lou Gehrig, ‘Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.’ I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the best farmers and company employees over the years, and each one has impacted my life in a special way. I take great pride in the relationships I’ve built, many of which have grown from customers into close friends,” Learnard said.

Learnard Seed Services will continue to focus on delivering trusted agronomic advice, strong seed performance and long-term relationships as it looks ahead to the next generation of agriculture.

About Learnard Seed Services
Learnard Seed Services is a family-owned business based in Catlin, Illinois, providing seed, agronomy and technology solutions to farmers across Vermilion County and surrounding areas. Founded in 1936, the company remains committed to supporting growers through innovation, expertise and trusted relationships.

Media Contact:
Janie Plendl
Marketing Solutions Coordinator
712-539-9809
janetta.plendl.ext@bayer.com