Tag: Agriculture

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Company News

The Seam Joins AgLaunch for Its 2020 Virtual Field Day

AgLaunch Virtual Field Day

The uncertainty and volatility of a global health crisis has further heightened the hardships of the agriculture world, the ramifications of which are being felt at the farm gate and in under-resourced communities.

That said, struggle often leads to innovation, and there is a unique chance for farmers to pursue new opportunities.

The 2020 AgLaunch VIRTUAL Field Day highlighted the farmers, entrepreneurs and communities that are working together to make the agricultural value chain more sustainable and resilient, while also demonstrating that a strong network of farmers is positively impacting rural and urban communities from health care to education.

The Seam was honored to take part in this event, and our CEO Mark Pryor spoke on agtech, focusing on traceability, transparency and sustainability throughout the industry.

Watch the video below. Mark’s segment begins at 34:25.

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Peanuts

APSA 2020 Pre-Harvest Meeting Recap

American Peanut Shellers Association | The Seam

The 2020 Pre-Harvest Meeting, conducted by the American Peanut Shellers Association and the National Peanut Buying Points Association, was held Wednesday, August 12. While the format was forced to go virtual this year, attendees were still presented with great information on a wide range of industry topics.

Congressmen Austin Scott (R-GA) and Drew Ferguson (R-GA) shared a few insights from the Hill, including an update on future relief packages and upcoming hearings on support programs for growers, as well as an update on trade.

Karl Zimmer (CEO, Premium Peanut) spoke about the impact of aflatoxins on peanuts and the effects on international trade. Aflatoxins are causing increased issues with trade into the EU, with a higher percentage being tested now due to not meeting the EU aflatoxin specs. Japan also reported issues with not meeting specs. This is causing a $120 million impact to the peanut industry, or an impact of $84/acre, as exports account for 25% of the peanut sales. Zimmer also spoke on the efforts of the Aflatoxin Task Force to counter the effects on trade and further aflatoxin research.

Attendees also heard from brands, including Jif and Hershey’s. New information and insights were provided on sustainability and the impact of aflatoxin from the brands (see below).

The annual meeting was rounded out with a crop update from each producing state and an update from The Peanut Institute.

The Seam is proud to be a longstanding member of the American Peanut Shellers Association, the National Peanut Buying Points Association and many other organizations that are working tirelessly to move the industry forward.

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Company News

Commodity Futures Trading Commission Technology Advisory Committee Holds 2020 Meeting

Agtech | The Seam

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is hosting its Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) public meeting via phone conference July 16, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. At this meeting, the TAC will hear presentations from the TAC subcommittees on automated and modern trading markets, distributed ledger technology and market infrastructure, virtual currencies and cybersecurity. The TAC meeting agenda includes key issues that will be discussed and the speakers for each panel.

The Seam CEO Mark Pryor will be presenting Thursday at the Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) public meeting of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). As a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) sub-committee member, Mark will join Shawnna Hoffman, Global Cognitive Legal Leader, IBM, and Yesha Yadav, Professor of Law, Vanderbilt University Law School as lead participants.

Viewing/Listening Instructions: Watch the live webcast (including audio) at www.cftc.gov. To listen to the live audio feed (no video), call the toll or toll-free numbers below. Call-in participants should be prepared to provide their first name, last name, and affiliation.

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AgTech

How to Develop and Improve Industry Standards

Technology is growing at an exponential rate, and it’s important for industries to adapt their standards accordingly in order for companies and organizations to work with one another efficiently.

If processes and standards are not established, companies will hold different expectations and evaluate business on a different scale, essentially speaking different languages. These points of disconnection create a lack of continuity that not only impacts the business owners, but also their clients or customers.

Whether you aim to create or improve standards within your industry, there are a few crucial steps to keep in mind.

PICK A TEAM AND ASPIRE FOR COOPETITION

Gather a group of your professional peers and key players in your industry to work with. These people should be thought leaders and advocates for change who share a common goal of unity, for the sake of collective progression and profitability.

One person or company cannot change industry standards alone. The purpose of a standard is to be recognized across a wide spectrum of players. Picking the right team can ensure the best results and the best chance of spreading awareness.

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AgTech

Breaking Barriers Between Supply and Demand Using Technology

Supply and Demand in Agriculture

The economic law of supply and demand explains the relationship between products and the desire for consumers to purchase them. It outlines how each factor affects the other, and how this relationship determines the price of goods and services. When it comes to agriculture, this principle is a driving force behind technology in the supply chain.

When demand exceeds supply, prices tend to rise. And when supply exceeds demand, you can expect to see prices fall. These shifts can be difficult to measure and prepare for. However, with technological advancements in today’s market, there is more room for predication and more time for preparation.

Shifts in a supply curve can sometimes be the result of advances in technology that reduce the cost of production. If the cost of production goes down, sellers will often lower prices. This plays into the world of agriculture as agritech companies continue to improve the quality of their products and tools. As these companies work to perfect their technologies, and as farmers implement them in the field, they are able to offer products to consumers at a lower price. As a result, farmers and agriculture professionals can invest in more agritech developments, causing the supply curve to shift.

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AgTech

In-The Know: Bi-Weekly Agritech Round-Up (May 10, 2019)

Agritech

The world of agritech is changing every day. Check out our bi-weekly round-up to stay in-the-know on the evolving world that is agriculture technology.

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AgTech

Innovation in Agriculture: Why it Matters

innovation in agriculture

As industries across the globe evolve and adapt to new operational landscapes, it is important for the agriculture industry to take note. As the supply chain changes and becomes more technologically advanced, there is an opportunity for growth in agriculture.

Changing tradition doesn’t have to feel daunting. Consider how innovation could benefit agribusinesses and how they fit into the evolving environment of global agriculture.

The Purpose of Innovation in Agriculture

Innovation in agriculture is meant to modernize farmers’ processes and help farms operate as efficiently as possible. New ideas and operations are also needed to help protect farmers against unpredictable variables such as weather patterns, labor shortages and loss of profit. With the help of innovation, industry leaders can adapt quickly and seamlessly when something changes.

The private sector continually invests in research and development to keep up with demand and create new products that excite consumers, while also improving their quality of life. Agriculture is no exception to these trends. Whether it’s using data standards to measure the quality of crops, introducing automated farming equipment, or improving food sustainability, innovation in agriculture doesn’t have to be a foreign concept. The future of agriculture is now, and it requires collaboration and next-step thinking.

The Future of Agriculture

There is so much to learn about modern farming. Investing in agritech is one way to take the next leap in innovation. Partnering with companies that are developing technologies to make farming and selling crops easier on the farmer can improve efficiency in business operations and ensure high-quality products are reaching customers.

The demand for traceability and transparency by consumers is at an all-time high. People want to know what they are investing in and how it is going to benefit them. Solutions like blockchain technology are becoming crucial to business practices. Innovation in agriculture is not going to slow down anytime soon, and deciding to take part in the evolution can save time, money and resources.

When you combine the hardworking nature of farmers and new scientific research, a promising foundation for the future of agriculture is formed. Being a part of agricultural change not only benefits the farmers of today, but it also sets up a prosperous future for generations to come.

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AgTech

In-The Know: Bi-Weekly Agritech Round-Up (April 26, 2019)

Agritech

The world of agritech is changing every day. Check out our bi-weekly round-up to stay in-the-know on the evolving world that is agriculture technology.

Continue reading “In-The Know: Bi-Weekly Agritech Round-Up (April 26, 2019)”
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AgTech Sustainability

In the Know: Bi-Weekly Agritech Round Up (April 12, 2019)

Agritech 2019

The world of agritech is changing every day. Check out our bi-weekly round-up to stay in-the-know on the evolving world that is agriculture technology.

Continue reading “In the Know: Bi-Weekly Agritech Round Up (April 12, 2019)”
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AgTech

The Importance of Data Standards

Data standards

Today’s agritech landscape consists of digital tools that gather and record data about crops and commodities in order to serve a growing number of consumers. Two manufacturers may purchase the same commodity and utilize it differently, but they must both be able to share and access information about the same product. This is where data standards come into play, providing streamlined processes and guidelines that all players in an industry can follow in order to exchange information and conduct business more efficiently. In agriculture, data standards also reinforce transparency and immutability in the digital supply chain.

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