BASF discusses the future of ag at the 2022 Commodity Classic Show

The biggest Job on Earth is probably the best way to describe what farmers do day in and day out. At BASF, we recognize just how big that job is. That’s why we’re committed to being the partner growers can rely on for the performance and innovation they need to reach their full potential.

A farmer’s job is only getting bigger in size, scope and, especially, responsibility. When it comes down to it, BASF probably has the next biggest job after farming, and that is providing technology, innovation, and expertise to help those growers on the frontlines do what they do best, only better. That’s why we continue to explore how our products match farming’s changing dynamics—to make sure they feel a high level of assurance that we’re bringing them solutions that solve their greatest challenges.

BASF recently had the opportunity to hold a meaningful dialogue with our trade media agricultural partners about how BASF is helping farmers with the Biggest Job on Earth. Ahead of America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience, the 2022 Commodity Classic Show in New Orleans, LA; BASF Agricultural Solutions held an in-depth conversation around R&D and innovations for agriculture to our partners in agriculture.

BASF hosted an informative Science Behind media focused event at Laurenia at Pythian Market just steps away from the iconic French Quarter in the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District. The private venue provided a relaxing setting for our media partners to hear our speakers deliver meaningful presentations for a more detailed and informative conversation.

The night began with an in-depth look at one of BASF’s latest partnerships and developments—the Smart Spraying Solution. BASF Vice President of U.S. Crop Protection, BASF Agricultural Solutions, Scott Kay, explained how technology has been advancing across sprayer systems helping to drastically reduce applications of residual and non-residual herbicides by way of boom-mounted cameras and sensors.

Key speakers included Padma Commuri, Director of R&D, BASF Agricultural Solutions North America, Greg Kruger, Senior Agronomist, BASF Digital Farming, Matt Leininger, Managing Director North America, Bosch BASF Smart Farming, Vincent Orliange, Project Director, Smart Spraying at Robert Bosch GmbH, and Ben Voss, Director of Sales, North America, Raven.  

As one of the largest agriculture companies providing innovative solutions for every acre, it was important that BASF have a meaningful presence. Making ourselves accessible to media for interviews is one way for us to continue creating exposure for our brand, as well as the people and teams who help enable farmers meet the needs of a growing population. The BASF tent was a key destination for ag media, providing all kinds of opportunities for interviews or informative discussions with industry experts.

Scott Kay was particularly busy with a full schedule that began with in-booth one-on-one interviews with ag media, such as Willie Vogt of Farm Progress, Jason Jenkins of ASA Magazine, Gil Gullickson and Chelsea Dinterman of Successful Farming, and Greg Hillyer of Successful Farming. After that, he hosted students from the AFA Institute for an educational and inspirational discussion about the future of agriculture. In the evening, Scott then went to the Convention Center where he held meetings with both ASA and NCGA Leadership.

Throughout the day, plenty of other of BASF colleagues held in-booth interviews with ag media. Kelly Liberator, Technical Service Representative spoke with Successful Farming’s Bill Spiegel about BASF’s focus on agriculture’s future. Also granting interviews to national ag media was Kate Grief, Soybean Residual Product Manager, who, along with Kelly were interviewed by Bob Brunker and Team from Farmakis. Alongside Tech Reps from around the country speaking to growers the following conducted interviews with the media: Katie Grief (3), Kelly Liberator (3), Jeff Miller (1) Greg Krueger (6), Bryan Perry (3), Kim Tudor (3) and Scott Kay (10 in-booths interviews Saturday).

Various media outlets came to the BASF booth conducting nearly 30 interviews including but not limited to these outlets:

• Linder Farm Network
• Madison Mackley: Kansas Farm & Ranch Radio
• Jeff Stewart: Farm Network
• Dale Minyo: Ohio Ag Network
• Jason Jenkins:  Mill Creek Communications
• Gil Gullickson & team: Successful Farming
• Rusty Halverson: KFGO
• Allison Jenkins: Today’s Farmer Magazine
• Brett McCrae: Northern Ag Radio Network
• Colter Brown: Northern Ag Network
• Sabrina Halvorson: SE Ag Network
• Darren Wentz: Ag Central Radio

Making BASF experts available and communicating openly and honestly to our trade media is key to ensuring farmers hear our message and understand what BASF is doing to help them succeed on every one of their acres. 

Friday began with the National Corn Yield Contest State Award Winners Breakfast, which was held at the Hilton Riverside Grand Ballroom. Chuck Benson, Market Strategy, was the keynote speaker, and provided valuable information on understanding the key dynamics driving the agricultural industry. He also offered an evaluation on the opportunities available to respond and shape those upcoming trends.

A few BASF staff also attended and mingled with the winners, NCGA staff, and grower leaders. Being present to congratulate the state winners allows farmers to meet those BASF employees who have dedicated their careers to helping farmers succeed in the field. It also provides us with an extremely important avenue to demonstrate to organizations how we support young talent in agriculture.

Later that evening, BASF sponsored the annual ACN/NAFB/NAMA Connect with Colleagues special reception at the Earnest N. Morial Convention Center. The reception always furnishes a festive atmosphere, and this year was no different. The Connect with Colleagues reception provided a relaxing environment for industry professionals to share new ideas, meet new ag communication colleagues, as well as network with old friends and industry leaders, all before the NCGA Awards Banquet which shortly followed.

The Hilton Riverside Grand Ballroom again provided the setting for what was a memorable NCGA Awards Banquet. Five BASF staff members were invited to sir in the VIP section with the NCGA board, and the NCYC winners, along with media and other important guests.

For BASF, the climax of the evening was awarding two $2,500 scholarships to two aspiring agriculture students. As one of the sponsors, BASF, along with the NCGA, awarded two William C. Berg Excellence in Agriculture Scholarships to the following students: Valerie Bohuslavsky, a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln pursuing a degree in Agribusiness with a minor in Engler Entrepreneurship, and Lane Remmich, a student at West Texas A&M University and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business and Economics.

Saturday Jeff Miller, Seed Agronomist was interviewed live from the trade show floor by AgCentral Radio Network at the Calmer Heads Corn booth.

When it was all over, the BASF said their goodbyes to colleagues, friends and farmers. As an organization, we’re dedicated to finding solutions that help farmers unleash the potential on each acre. We make it our job to continue searching for ways to create conditions for not just a crop to thrive, but also a farmer’s operation.

The Biggest Job on Earth is only getting bigger. And much credit goes to fantastic farm shows like the 2022 Commodity Classic show that provides answers, solutions and information farmers need to gain greater clarity—and create a vision for their farm’s success for years to come.