Thursday July 07 Ag News

 Nebraska Grazing Conference to be held in August

The 2022 Nebraska Grazing Conference will be held August 9 and 10 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney, NE with a program bridging grazing lands conservation and management.

The conference will begin with a field tour from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at the Cottonwood Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) northeast of Bertrand, NE and move to the Linder WPA, which is 1.5 miles from the first stop. Discussion topics include conservation practices and grazing management. Scheduled speakers are producers Tim Hawk and Robert Steinbrink and Brad Krohn, Project Leader with the US Fish & Wildlife Service. There is no fee to attend the field tour.

This year’s conference features speakers presenting topics related to conservation, invasive species management, grazing systems, and wildlife management. The featured speaker for the Conference is Steve Kenyon, a producer from Alberta, Canada.

Another highlight is the recognition of the 2021 Leopold Conservation Award recipient. This year’s recipient is the Switzer Ranch and will be represented by Sarah Sortum. Other speakers include Dirac Twidwell, Dan Uden, and Cheryl Dunn from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Keith Harmoney from Kansas State University; David Augustine from USDA-ARS; Ben Wheeler of Pheasants Forever; and John Laux from Nebraska Game & Parks Commission.

Sponsor and exhibitor booths will showcase new programs, equipment, and products to conference participants. Additional information about becoming a sponsor or exhibitor is outlined on the NGC webpage. Questions related to booth space may be directed to Brent Plugge at (308) 236-1235 or brent.plugge@unl.edu.

There have been a few changes to this year’s conference format. Please note that the conference has been shortened and will be held over two days with the Field Tour being held on Tuesday morning of the first day. Conference sessions will begin on Tuesday afternoon following the field tour and conclude with Steve Kenyon speaking at the Tuesday evening banquet. The second day will open with a breakfast buffet and the conference will conclude following the Wednesday morning sessions around noon.

To learn more about the conference, or to register (after July 15), go to https://grassland.unl.edu/nebraska-grazing-conference-registration. Questions about the conference may be directed to Daren Redfearn, chair, Nebraska Grazing Conference at dredfearn2@unl.edu



UNL, Other Land Grants Conduct Ag Safety and Health Research

Agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in the U.S. Across the nation, people who work or live on farms and ranches are regularly exposed to dangerous machinery, sharp tools, toxic chemicals, biological pathogens, confined spaces, extreme temperatures and other hazards that can cause injuries or deaths. These injuries and deaths can have a ripple effect on the economic and social wellbeing of their communities.

However, Land-grant Universities are addressing agricultural health and safety issues. Researchers, educators, government and industry have made farms and ranches safer, but improvement is still needed.

Since 2000, a committee of experts at Land-grant Universities across the U.S. has worked to pinpoint the knowledge, outreach, engineering, and legislation needed to prevent work-related injury, illness, and death. Diverse expertise enables the committee to tackle a wide range of risks from multiple angles.

The committee has fostered numerous collaborations and generated an estimated $45 million in support of their efforts. The multistate approach also helps tools and information reach a broad audience. Collaborations with organizations such as the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health, and Canadian Agricultural Safety Association further increase the committee's capacity and reach.

The project is supported in part through USDA-NIFA Hatch Multistate funding and grants to participating institutions: University of California-Davis, University of Illinois, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, University of Kentucky, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, University of Tennessee, Utah State University, West Virginia University, University of Wisconsin. Other partners include AgSafe BC, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. In 2020, NCERA-197 funding was renewed through 2025. Learn more: bit.ly/NCERA197

The committee has increased awareness and technical understanding of agricultural health and safety issues as well as specific tools and practices that can mitigate risks. In just the last five years, the committee's training efforts reached at least 300,000 farmers and ranchers, helping them avoid injuries and deaths.

Committee members conduct in-person and virtual safety and health programs and demonstrations in their states. In the past five years, committee members trained an estimated 300,000 farm and ranch workers. Many of these trainings targeted young workers and beginning farmers. Tens of thousands of farmers participated in grain safety demonstrations. Committee members also trained agriculture teachers about safety topics. In addition, committee members trained over 4,500 emergency first responders on safe and effective extrication procedures.

The committee's findings and advocacy have influenced engineers, manufacturers and policymakers, resulting in new design guidelines and regulations that make machines and facilities safer. Recent efforts have also bolstered infrastructure support for agricultural health and safety research, Extension, and teaching.

Recently, the group revised the National Agenda for Action document (originally created by the group in 2003) to help Land-grant University researchers and educators prioritize and plan their efforts.

New data on existing and emerging health and safety topics are guiding potential solutions:

- Researchers modeled the force needed to extract males of different body sizes from below the grain surface, helping researchers explore new rescue techniques and improve grain bin safety.

- Many tractors are equipped with foldable rollover protective structures, but these structures can be difficult to raise and lower, and many rollover fatalities have occurred because the structure was not raised. Researchers are testing a lift assist mechanism and collecting data about farmers' willingness to retrofit their tractors.

- Researchers identified ways to manage financial stress, which can lead to distraction, injury, and other mental and physical health problems for farmworkers.

- Researchers investigated the use of wireless technology to monitor agricultural worker health.

- Other recent studies provided new data on risks from manure gas, falls, drones, and ATVs.

Research influenced new safety standards for agricultural facilities, machinery, and personal protective equipment. In recent years, the committee guided safety standards for tractor-mounted boom-type posthole diggers and ventilating manure storage. Committee members also helped revise standards for classifying farm and agricultural injuries. The committee maintains an up-to-date inventory of ongoing Land-grant University research and Extension that addresses agricultural health and safety.

The committee supports agricultural safety and health research, Extension, and teaching at Land-grant Universities by:

- Advocating for additional funding to be allocated to agricultural safety and health issues.

- Encouraging and supporting "specialist" positions at universities to study, advise, and teach agricultural safety and health in each state.

- Maintaining the Agricultural Safety and Health Extension Community of Practice (https://ag-safety.extension.org/) which currently totals over 100 members from over 40 universities and organizations and receives over 45,000 visits each year (up from 11,802 people the first year).

- Recognizing researchers and educators who are addressing agricultural safety and health issues through award nominations and other distinctions.



Northwest Iowa Research Farm Field Day Is July 13

The annual Northwest Iowa Research and Demonstration Farm field day will be held Wednesday, July 13, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the farm, 6320 500th St., Sutherland. New this year, an optional corn rootworm field day will also follow lunch at 1 p.m.

The event will focus on timely topics, including tar spot, nitrogen management, weed control, carbon and renewable energy and more.

“Farmers and agronomists can plan for a full day of learning at the research farm,” said Joel DeJong, field agronomist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “This year we are offering two field days in one day in an effort to maximize education and networking time.”

The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. with Chad Hart, professor in economics and extension grain markets specialist at Iowa State, presenting “Outlooks: Ag, Carbon and Renewable Energy.”

Following Hart, in-field learning will address:
    Tar Spot, led by Alison Robertson, professor in plant pathology and microbiology and extension specialist at Iowa State.
    Nitrogen Management, by Antonio Mallarino, professor in agronomy and extension specialist at Iowa State.
    Timely Agronomic Topics, by Gentry Sorenson and Joel DeJong, field agronomists with ISU Extension and Outreach.

At the completion of the morning field day, a complimentary noon lunch will be served.

Following lunch at 1 p.m., the Corn Rootworm Field Day will begin. Erin Hodgson and Ashley Dean, entomologists with ISU Extension and Outreach, will provide in-field education using a corn-on-corn demonstration plot.

“The demonstration plot will have non-Bt rootworm corn, SmartStax corn and SmartStax Pro corn with the new RNA-i trait, all with and without insecticides,” DeJong said. “Roots will be rated so everyone can see the differences in person.”

Attendance at the morning and/or afternoon field day is free and open to the public. Registration is not needed. Complimentary morning refreshments are sponsored by Security State Bank, with lunch sponsored by O’Brien County Ag Supply, J&K Insurance, C-S Agrow and 5th Gen Ag.

For more information, contact DeJong at 712-546-7835 or jldejong@iastate.edu.



Knight Hired as IDALS Consumer Protection and Regulatory Division Director  

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that Dr. Travis Knight has been hired as the Consumer Protection and Regulatory Division Director at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Knight will oversee the Food Safety and Animal Health and Consumer Protection and Industry Services divisions.

“We are committed to serving Iowans through effective consumer protection and regulatory programs,” said Secretary Naig. “With over 17 years at the Department and leadership experience collaborating with a wide variety of partners and stakeholders, Dr. Knight will be a great asset to our team in his new role.”

Dr. Knight will oversee the regulatory functions of the Department. These operations include animal industry, dairy products control, commercial feed and fertilizer, the Iowa Laboratory bureau, meat and poultry inspection, pesticides, agricultural diversification and market development, entomology, grain warehouse and weights and measures.

He joined the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship in 2005 as Laboratory Bureau Chief just as the new laboratory facility in Ankeny was completed. In addition to his role leading the laboratory, Dr. Knight was involved in the 2022 highly pathogenic avian influenza response and has been serving as interim Division Director.

Prior to his time at the Department, Dr. Knight was as an assistant scientist in the department of animal science at Iowa State University. Preceding that position, he worked as a post-doctoral fellow at Des Moines University for two years.

Dr. Knight earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Iowa State University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural biochemistry and a master’s degree in nutritional physiology, both of which are also from Iowa State.



CHS Reports Third Quarter Earnings
Third Quarter Net Income of $576.6 Million in Fiscal 2022

CHS Inc., the nation's leading agribusiness cooperative, today released results for its third quarter ended May 31, 2022. The company reported third quarter net income of $576.6 million and revenues of $13.1 billion, compared to third quarter fiscal year 2021 net income of $273.6 million and revenues of $10.9 billion. For the first nine months of fiscal year 2022, the company reported net income of $1.2 billion and revenues of $34.4 billion, compared to net income of $305.0 million and revenues of $28.0 billion recorded during the same period of fiscal year 2021.

Fiscal 2022 third quarter highlights:
    Continued strong global demand, coupled with increased market volatility, resulted in higher commodity prices and improved earnings.
    In our Ag segment, processing and wholesale agronomy businesses delivered another strong quarter, building on momentum that began earlier in the fiscal year.
    Refining margins in our Energy segment were higher, driven by robust demand across global energy markets and favorable pricing for Canadian crude oil, which is processed by CHS refineries.
    Certain CHS equity method investments continued to perform exceptionally well, including our CF Nitrogen investment. Favorable market conditions for CF Nitrogen were driven by strong global demand for urea and urea ammonium nitrate.

"Global grains and oilseed market demand remained strong throughout the third quarter," said Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS Inc. "Decreased global supply due to geopolitical factors, supply chain disruptions and market volatility also contributed to increased earnings. I am proud of our team's continued dedication to delivering superior value for our farmer-owners and customers in this unprecedented global market."

Debertin added, "The ongoing war in Ukraine has resulted in significant uncertainty and contributed to ongoing volatility across global energy markets. We are leveraging our U.S. refineries to reliably meet the energy needs of CHS customers. We continue to invest on behalf of our owners in infrastructure, supply chain capabilities and innovative technology that is driving operational improvements and efficiency gains throughout our expansive network. And while logistical challenges and inflationary pressures linger, CHS remains well positioned to continue to maximize value for our member cooperative and farmer-owners."

Energy
Pretax earnings of $163.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2022 represent a $158.3 million increase versus the same period a year ago.
-    Improved market conditions in our refined fuels business led to increased earnings, driven by higher refining margins and more favorable pricing of heavy Canadian crude oil, partially offset by continuing high renewable energy credit costs.
-    The ongoing war in Ukraine has contributed to significant market volatility in crude oil prices as sanctions and other responsive measures have disrupted global supply.

Ag
Pretax earnings of $273.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2022 represent a $133.6 million increase versus the same period a year ago.
-    Margins increased significantly in our oilseed processing business, driven by strong meal and oil demand.
-    Robust global demand and increased market volatility resulted in higher commodity prices and improved earnings across most of our Ag segment businesses.

Nitrogen Production
Pretax earnings of $178.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2022 represent a $131.6 million increase versus the same period a year ago.
-    Our strategic investment in CF Nitrogen continues to perform exceptionally well, due to current market conditions and strong global demand for urea and urea ammonium nitrate.

Corporate and Other
Pretax earnings of $23.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal year 2022 represent a $40.9 million decrease versus the same period a year ago. The lower earnings were due primarily to our joint venture Ventura Foods, LLC, which had exceptionally high earnings in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, as COVID-19 restrictions began to ease.



2021 National Environmental Stewardship Winner to be Announced July 26

The 2021 national winner of the Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) will be announced at a reception during the Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting in Reno, Nevada, July 25-27. Established in 1991 by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the award identifies outstanding land stewards in the cattle industry. Each year, seven families are recognized with regional Environmental Stewardship awards, with one being honored as the national winner.

“Cattle producers across the country work tirelessly to conserve natural resources for future generations,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Don Schiefelbein. “I’m glad we can honor the nation’s top cattle operations for their environmental conservation efforts.”

2021 Regional Winners:
Region I - EZ Acres, LLC, Homer, New York
Region II - Vaughn Farms, Forsyth, Georgia
Region III - Robbins Land & Cattle, Scranton, Iowa
Region IV - Dry Creek Ranch, San Angelo, Texas
Region V - Joe C King & Sons Ranch, Winnett, Montana
Region VI - JY Ferry & Son, Inc., Corinne, Utah
Region VII - Blair Brothers Angus Ranch, Vale, South Dakota

Past National ESAP Honorees:
2020 - Beatty Canyon Ranch, Colorado
2019 - Blackbeard’s Ranch, Florida
2018 - Thunder View Farms, New York
2017 - Jim O’Haco Cattle Company, Arizona
2016 - Black Leg Ranch, North Dakota
2015 - Maggie Creek Ranch, Nevada

The Environmental Stewardship Award Program is generously sponsored by companies and federal agencies that share the industry’s commitment to caring for the environment and protecting natural resources. Sponsors including Corteva Agriscience, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, McDonald’s, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partner with NCBA to promote environmental stewardship throughout the beef supply chain.

For more information about ESAP, visit www.environmentalstewardship.org. For more information about Summer Business Meeting and to register to attend, visit www.ncba.org.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 7/1/2022

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association for the week ending July 1, ethanol production was curbed for the third consecutive week with output declining 0.7% to 1.044 million b/d, equivalent to 43.85 million gallons daily. Production was 2.2% less than the same week last year but 3.0% above the five-year average for the week. The four-week average ethanol production volume increased 0.2% to 1.053 million b/d, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.14 billion gallons (bg).

Ethanol stocks expanded 3.3% to a four-week high of 23.5 million barrels. Stocks were 11.1% higher than a year ago and 8.4% above the five-year average. Inventories built across all regions except the Rocky Mountains (PADD 4) and West Coast (PADD 5).
                                                                                                              
The volume of gasoline supplied to the U.S. market, a measure of implied demand, jumped 5.5% to 9.43 million b/d (144.30 bg annualized), the largest weekly volume this year. However, demand was 6.3% less than a year ago and 1.2% below the five-year average.

Conversely, refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol eased 0.4% to 904,000 b/d, equivalent to 13.86 bg annualized. Net inputs were 4.7% less than a year ago and 1.7% below the five-year average.

There were no imports of ethanol for the fifth consecutive week. (Weekly export data for ethanol is not reported simultaneously; the latest export data is as of May 2022.)



US Exports of Biodiesel in May up 22% From Year Ago

The U.S. Census Bureau said Thursday that U.S. exports of goods and services totaled $255.9 billion in May, up $3.0 billion from April. May imports totaled $341.4 billion, up $1.9 billion on the month. The resulting trade deficit of $85.5 billion was down $1.1 billion from April. USDA later used Census Bureau data to provide more details for exports of ethanol, biodiesel, and distillers grains.

USDA said U.S. exports of ethanol totaled 147.1 million gallons in May, down from 185.2 million gallons in April and up 109% from a year ago. Canada was the top destination in April, accounting for 28% of total exports and followed by South Korea. In the first five months of 2022, U.S. ethanol exports were up 24% from the previous year.

U.S. exports of biodiesel totaled 100,259 metric tons (mt) in May, up from 70,214 mt in April and up 22% from a year ago. Canada was the top destination in May, accounting for 69% of all U.S. exports and was followed by Peru. In the first five months of 2022, U.S. biodiesel exports were up 6% from a year ago.

U.S. exports of distillers grains totaled 966,108 mt in May, up from 813,749 mt in April, but down 7% from a year ago. Mexico was the top destination in May, taking 24% of U.S. exports and was followed by South Korea and Vietnam. In the first five months of 2022, U.S. exports of distillers grains were up 4%.



U.S. Exports of Ethanol Eased in May, while Shipments of DDGS Strengthened
Ann Lewis, Senior Analyst, Renewable Fuels Association
    
May U.S. ethanol exports moderated from April’s four-year high, declining 21% to 147.1 million gallons (mg). However, Canada increased its imports by 4% to 41.8 mg in May, maintaining its status as our top customer for 14 consecutive months and logging its largest monthly volume in eight years (also its second largest on record). South Korea saw weaker sales in May, importing 19.3 mg (down 18%). Exports to the Netherlands climbed 12% to a 19-month high of 15.4 mg. Shipments to these three countries represented half of total U.S. exports  in May. Other substantial importers of U.S. ethanol included India (10.9 mg, -9%), the United Kingdom (8.1 mg, -37%), Brazil (7.7 mg, -74%), and Peru (5.6 mg, -38%). Notably, China again was essentially absent from our export market. Total U.S. ethanol exports for the first five months of 2022 were 725.9 mg, up 24% from the same period in 2021 and remaining on a record pace.

The U.S. logged its first significant imports of foreign ethanol in four months with 10.6 mg of Brazilian undenatured ethanol entering our borders in May (South Africa also shipped 10,411 gallons of denatured fuel ethanol). Total year-to-date imports stand at 21.3 mg (in contrast, there were essentially zero imports during the same period in 2021).

U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS), the animal feed co-product generated by dry-mill ethanol plants, rebounded 19% in May to a 4-month high of 966,108 metric tons (mt). Exports to Mexico—our largest market for 20 consecutive months—hiked up 83% to 229,231 mt. This accounted for a quarter of U.S. shipments and was the largest volume exported to Mexico in six months. Exports to our other larger markets also recovered from soft April volumes: South Korea purchased 26% more (123,077 mt), shipments to Vietnam were 6% higher (111,080 mt), 18% more U.S. DDGS crossed into Canada (94,942 mt), exports to Indonesia lifted 39% to a 17-month high (92,927 mt), and shipments to Ireland quadrupled (57,639 mt). The remaining U.S. DDGS were dispersed among another 28 countries. Year-to-date DDGS exports totaled 4.7 million mt, which is 4% greater than the same period in 2021.



 USGC Showcases Ethanol’s Decarbonization Capabilities At G20 Meeting

U.S. Grains Council (USGC) Regional Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania Caleb Wurth showcased the significant role fuel ethanol plays in decarbonizing the transport sector and bolstering fuel security during a Group of Twenty (G20) workshop entitled, "Biofuels for Green Economy."

Indonesia will host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November, and its Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) invited Wurth to participate in the workshop as part of a series of expert-led seminars on the clean energy transition leading up to the main event.

Wurth stressed the short-term implementation period for fuel ethanol use and the importance of acting fast on commitments to reduce transport emissions, highlighting the readiness of fuel ethanol as a tool to immediately adopt and capture environmental benefits, given its lower carbon intensity relative to conventional gasoline and other aromatics.

“The time for addressing humanity’s effect on our planet is now, and we have the tools to do so if we only seize our moment,” Wurth said. “We believe biofuels are – today – a true viable transition solution.”

Wurth also highlighted the economic benefits of fuel ethanol blending, a crucial consideration for developing nations in particular.

“In addition to environmental savings, ethanol provides economics savings, which is critical to many nations. Ethanol is clearly the most cost-effective octane component for fuel today. Many countries with biofuels policies are now utilizing the availability of competitive global ethanol prices to help subsidize higher cost local production,” Wurth said. “Ethanol is an achievable strategy toward decarbonization for developing nations – achievable today.”

Wurth also highlighted the country as an exemplar of progressive biofuel industry and market development.

“I want to thank the Republic of Indonesia for taking a global leadership role in decarbonization. Much of this progress has been achieved through progressive biofuels policy,” Wurth said. “I applaud Indonesia for recently developing its own biofuels roadmap, which we look forward to assisting with, where needed.”

The workshop also included presentations and panel discussions with industry experts on global developments concerning sustainable aviation fuel and biofuels policy.



Smithfield Settles Price Fixing Lawsuit for $42 Million

Smithfield Foods will pay restaurants and caterers $42 million to settle a lawsuit that accused the giant meat producer of conspiring to inflate pork prices, which will likely only add to concerns about how the lack of competition in the industry affects meat prices.

CBS News reports that lawyers began notifying companies affected by this latest settlement Tuesday. Previously, Smithfield settled with a different group of pork buyers for $83 million, and JBS agreed to pay the restaurants and caterers $12.75 million in the pork lawsuit. Earlier this year, JBS also said it would pay $52.5 million to settle a similar beef price-fixing lawsuit.

Neither Smithfield nor JBS admitted any wrongdoing as part of those settlements, and officials at Smithfield's headquarters in Virginia declined to comment on the details of the deal.

Additional price-fixing lawsuits have also been filed against chicken producers, with nearly $200 million of settlements approved in chicken price-fixing cases to date.

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation, one the nation's largest chicken producers, based in Greeley, Colorado, was fined $107 million after pleading guilty in February 2021 of conspiring to fix prices and rig bids for broiler chicken products.



USDA Highlights Importance of Innovation at G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists

At the G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture underscored the importance of agricultural research and development in tackling the challenges of global food security and climate change and called on G20 members to support the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate. USDA’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, led the U.S. delegation to the meeting, where agricultural science leaders from around the world convened to discuss global challenges facing agriculture and to align both national and global research and development priorities.

Meeting participants did not reach consensus on the communique due to the absence of language condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In explaining the U.S. position, Jacobs-Young, USDA’s Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics serving under the Biden-Harris Administration, condemned Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine as “an affront to the principles we seek to affirm and our efforts to advance international science, technology and innovation for development. In response to Putin’s aggression, the U.S. government has taken measures to limit bilateral science and technology research cooperation with the Russian government.”

Jacobs-Young also emphasized the significant role global leaders play in ensuring sufficient investment in agricultural research and innovation for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

“Ambitious investment in climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation will help create a surge of solutions, enabling the world to meet nutritional needs, increase agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, conserve nature and biodiversity, build resilience to climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon. For this reason, the United States and the United Arab Emirates launched AIM for Climate at COP26. The initiative continues to grow rapidly, and we look forward to further advancing it at COP27 in Egypt later this year,” she said.

Jacobs-Young also highlighted the United States’ leadership role in the global Coalition for Sustainable Productivity Growth, as well as the United States’ continued focus on innovative technologies and approaches to reduce food loss and waste in the agricultural supply chain.



Celebrate Your Ag Mentor through the Syngenta #RootedinAg Contest

The pursuit of a brighter future is embedded in the foundation of the ag community. A passion for agriculture has been passed down through generations – all thanks to the leadership of friends, family members, teachers and more. Growers and the community who serve American agriculture keep the industry alive, and everyone has a unique story that illustrates why they are #RootedinAg.

Syngenta wants to shine a spotlight on these impactful people through the #RootedinAg contest. Entries are now open for contest participants to share the story of who inspired them to be #RootedinAg.

Three selected finalists will receive a mini touch-screen tablet with a case and wireless earphones. The grand prizewinner also receives a $500 gift card check and a professional photo session with their mentor. In addition, the winner can choose a local civic or charity organization to receive a $1,000 donation.

“Community is at the core of who we are in – and out – of the ag industry,” says Pam Caraway, communications lead at Syngenta. “Our communities and mentors shape us and pave the way for our future. They raise the next generation with the wisdom, grit and lessons learned over a lifetime. The #RootedinAg Contest gives us the chance to celebrate our rural heritage – to sing the songs of our heroes – in a way that resonates in our communities and offers insight to those outside of agriculture.”

Here is how to enter:
·        Go to syngentathrive.com/contest to review eligibility and fill out the #RootedinAg entry form.
·        Write a paragraph or two (about 200 words) that tells the story of how your mentor inspired your passion in agriculture. Please submit a photograph that supports the written entry.

The deadline for entering is August 15. A panel of judges selects the finalists and those entries are then posted on the Thrive website where visitors can vote for their favorite. These votes, along with the judges’ scores, determine the grand prizewinner. Online voting ends October 14. The grand prizewinner will be announced later this year.

For more information about the 2022 #RootedinAg Contest, visit www.syngentathrive.com/contest. Join the conversation online – connect with Syngenta at Syngenta-us.com/social.

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Must be 18 years of age (or the age of majority in their state of residence) or older and resident of the continental United States to be eligible. Employees of Syngenta, its affiliates and agents are not eligible to win. Only one entry per person.