KANSAS CITY, MO – Ride shares are the new form of easy and affordable transportation, but what about equipment sharing in the ag world? MachineryLink is looking to bring the successful service-sharing platform model to ag by connecting farmers with the equipment they need. 

As farmers continue to look towards cost saving methods and diversify their operations, this new service is looking to circumvent one of the costliest aspects of farming; the equipment. According to a USDA farm census, farm equipment is the second-largest farm expense. Nationwide, farm equipment totals $244 billion in worth. 

“Farmers have been sharing equipment for decades, of course. A grower alluded to that last week—‘our grandpas were doing this,’” stated Vice President Ben Dye to Delta Farm Press. 

MachineryLink said that its platform is a simple solution to two problems, according to Delta Farm Press; connecting farmers with affordable access to equipment needed, and extending profits to farmers whose equipment would normally be idle.

On the company's site is a variety of equipment used for farming and ag. Users are able to rent out the equipment required, and an optional operator (if needed). The equipment can be transported from anywhere in the country, though users must pay for transportation.

Registration is free, and the site currently boasts more than 1,200 users and tens of millions of dollars in equipment for farmers to choose from. 

As the produce world continues to look towards cutting costs and streamlining efficiency, stay up with AndNowUKnow as we continue to report on this innovative concept and how it could change operations in the industry.

MachineryLink Sharing

IRVINE, CA - The Supreme Court has tied in a ruling on immigration reform, ruling 4-4 in United States v. Texas to affirm a lower court’s injunction against an executive action that would have shielded undocumented immigrants from deportation.

The case revolved around an executive action from President Barack Obama that expanded the Delayed Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and added the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program, allowing immigrants who qualified to be eligible to apply to stay in the country for three years to work legally.

Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif, had these comments in response to this week’s Supreme Court ruling:

“We believe our nation’s immigration policies should be determined by the legislative branch of our federal government. We also recognize that Congress has abdicated its duty to reform our broken immigration system, which is why we understand the motivation of the Obama Administration. However, neither DAPA, DACA, nor any other Executive Order will adequately address the long-term immigration challenges facing our country,” explained Nassif.

Nassif continued, “In light of this ruling, we urge the Administration and all members of Congress to reflect on their responsibilities to the American public and renew the immigration reform debate in earnest. Congress should bring forth a comprehensive immigration reform plan that considers agriculture’s unique needs. Any reform measure should include provisions granting legal status to existing farmworkers and one that creates a new, more workable and market-oriented visa program to ensure a future flow of labor."

As more information is released about the pending immigration actions, AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you updates.

Western Growers

MCLEAN, VA - Gladstone Land Corporation has expanded its secured note purchase facility with Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation ("Farmer Mac”), growing from $75 million to $125 million. The deal, through one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, also extends its current terms by two years, to December 11, 2018. 

"We are pleased to build on our relationship with Farmer Mac, as they offer some of the best financing terms available," said David Gladstone, President and CEO of the Company. "This expansion and extension will provide us with additional flexibility as we continue our due diligence on the list of farms we're looking to buy, and we believe the attractive rates will allow us to strengthen our margins and enable us to pass on some of the savings to our stockholders in the form of distributions."

A press release on the matter stipulates that bonds issued under this newly expanded facility are secured by mortgage loans on agricultural real estate owned by the company, and have an effective loan-to-value ratio of up to 60% of the underlying agricultural real estate. 

Since the beginning of 2016, Gladstone has purchased several news farms, including 453 Acres in California for about $15.5 million (about $34,200 per acre), and 6,190 Acres in Colorado for $25 million (about $3,117 per acre). Stay tuned for more coverage as this farmland powerhouse continues to grow its portfolio.

Gladstone Land Corporation

WATSONVILLE, CA – As Tour de Fresh is coming upon the industry in just four weeks, the event looked to garner an extra boost of donations during the recently ended United Fresh. Tour de Fresh aimed to raise $2,500, but far surpassed that goal by securing $4,115 to support the event.

“We’re thrilled to have exceeded our goal during United Fresh, thanks to the support of the industry,” said Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing for California Giant Berry Farms, in a press release. “It was inspiring to see people take a moment out of their time on the show floor to rally behind our volunteer riders in support of getting more fresh produce in schools.” 

California Giant Berry Foundation hosted a stationary bike ride with a photo opportunity at its United Fresh booth, to encourage additional fundraising. Sponsors, riders, and tradeshow attendees brought industry colleagues and partners to participate, helping the event surpass its fundraising goal. 

“I’m confident that we’ll meet our goals this year,” shared Adam Linder of CHEP. Linder was nominated to ride the booth’s bike for his entire team at United Fresh. “We have a history of stepping up as an industry to exceed expectations, and this is no exception as made clear by our ability to earn almost double our goal of $2,500 during United Fresh.” 

Currently, Tour de Fresh has raised a total of $64,569 of its goal to reach $175,000+ by July 26, 2016. To continue the momentum and reach the goal, Tour de Fresh and its sponsors encourage industry members to make donations and support the event on social media. Ultimately, Tour de Fresh aims to place 60+ salad bars in schools nationwide.

Tour de Fresh

FINLAND - Would you like a towel with your burger and salad? If you are travelling or living in Finland, that is quite the possibility. The Mannerheimintie branch of Burger King in Helsinki has opened an in-store spa as a value-add to the business.

This new element to the Burger King format features a 15-person sauna, shower room, locker room, and media lounge with TV and gaming facilities, according to CNN, where burger lovers can lounge on blue and red benches in the sauna, and watch TV or play video games; all while taking in the steam. As for customer service, servers from the outlet visit the sauna to take menu orders.

The Burger King spa isn’t just getting recognized by CNN, the work of Finnish designer Teuvo Loman just won an award for New Concepts in Food Service by Euromonitor. It was dubbed "a powerful example of localization."

But wait, looking for new place to hold upcoming festivities? Well, the sauna is available for exclusive hire for 250 euros ($283) for three hours, but proceed with caution, there is a $38 charge for lost towels.

So, what inspired this “innovative” new development? Well, Finns love saunas. According to CNN, there is one sauna for every three people in Finland, and this practice is embedded in the culture as a place to relax, socialize, or even conduct business.

If you are travelling to Finland anytime soon, please let us know if you stop by this Burger King Spa, and we hope your salad doesn’t get soggy.

WASHINGTON D.C. - Texas cities Donna, Pharr, and Red Hook terminals have been selected by the U.S. Customs Border Protection to further develop activities as part of the Donations Acceptance Program.

Pharr’s proposal in particular looks to facilitate and expedite shipments of fresh produce from Mexico, according to Bret Erickson, President and CEO, Texas International Produce Association.

“Efforts like this are crucial in facilitating trade and helping grow the Texas produce import industry, which contributed over 4,500 jobs and over $475 million in positive economic activity to the state of Texas in 2015,” Erickson said in an email to members on the announcement.

CBP Commissioner, R. Gil Kerlikowske, said that the patrol is excited to welcome three partnerships.

“Partnerships that CBP believes will lend themselves to a more secure, efficient, and reliable border transportation network,” Kerlikowske said, according to a press release. “Since launching last year, the Donations Acceptance Program has quickly become a viable mechanism and tool for investing in and expediting U.S. port of entry improvements.”

The respective proposals from each city are:

• New inspection facilities and implementing more technologies to facilitate inbound empty commercial vehicle inspections at the Donna-Rio Bravo Port of Entry (POE).
• Multiple improvements, including constructing a new cold inspection facility, a new agricultural inspection training and development facility, and expanding secondary inspection dock space at the Pharr POE.
• Donating a perforating machine in support of operations at the Port of Freeport, Texas, proposed by Red Hook.

The Donations Acceptance Program also announced a new offering called The Small-Scale Donation Proposal Process, now accepting and evaluating proposals valued at $3 million or less on a year-round basis. Details to submit a proposal can be found here.

“At GSA, we understand that all of our buildings are an important part of the communities where they are located,” said Norman Dong, Public Buildings Service Commissioner. “That is why we are so excited to be working together with these three municipalities through the Donations Acceptance Program. This innovative collaboration will allow us to support the kind of trade and travel that is vital to not just these locations, but our country as a whole.”

For the latest announcements that could affect transport of fresh produce, continue to follow AndNowUKnow.

CBP TIPA

CINCINNATI, OH – As the company previously reported strong positive movement to its 2016 Q1 report, Kroger announced that the company’s Board of Directors raised the quarterly dividend by 14 percent. 

"We remain committed to delivering value to shareholders. Kroger has delivered double-digit compound growth in its dividend since we reinstated it in 2006," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Our strong cash flow has enabled us to return to shareholders more than $2.7 billion in dividends since 2006." 

This increase raises Kroger’s quarterly dividend to 12 cents per share, to be paid on September 1, 2016. The dividend will be paid to shareholders as of close of business on August 15, 2016.

The company also reported that a new $500 million share repurchase program, which will replace prior authorization which has been exhausted, according to a recent press release. 

"Kroger has also returned $12.9 billion to shareholders through share repurchases since January 2000 – effectively buying back half the company's shares over the last sixteen years," finished McMullen. 

Kroger stated that it expects to continue increasing the dividend over time. As we previously reported, Kroger recently reached its 50th consecutive quarter of positive identical supermarket growth. The company has been upping its strategies with the expansion of its ClickList services.

As Kroger continues to report its financials and up its retail game, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest in buy-side news.

Kroger

KINGSVILLE, ON – SUNSET® has proudly announced that President and CEO Paul Mastronardi has been named Produce Person of the Year at this year's United Fresh in Chicago, IL. 

Mastronardi was chosen for the honor for his outstanding contributions to the produce industry, especially in regards to themes of innovation. Pamela Riemenschneider, who presented the award at the event, said that Mastronardi is a driving force behind revolutionizing entire categories in the produce department.

“This is an award for the entire company. Without the hard work of the Mastronardi team, we would not be where we are today,” shared Mastronardi. 

Mastronardi has earned a reputation in the fresh produce industry for his passion for innovation, quality, and most importantly, flavor. Under the leadership of Mastronardi as its fourth generation CEO, the company has been named Canada’s Best Managed for seven years running. 

“He was instrumental in bringing the Campari® cocktail tomato to the market [back in 1995],” stated Riemenschneider. “Since that time, the tomato category has expanded from basic beefsteaks, Romas, TOVs and cherries to a complete menu of flavors, textures, and colors from bright yellow to a deep brown.” 

Under Mastronardi’s direction, the company has continued to develop unique and flavorful products under the SUNSET® brand.

Congratulations, Paul, from everyone here at AndNowUKnow!

SUNSET®

UNITED STATES – As the industry moves through summer holidays, I decided to take a look in on the potato market as consumers look to highlight the commodity with grilling and potato salad favorites.

As Ralph Schwartz, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Innovation at Potandon Produce recently told me, the company is currently in the tail end of storage season in nearly every state. 

“Yellow potatoes have been shining stars this year,” Ralph says as we talk different varieties of potatoes. “We’ve got about three weeks left in Arizona before we ship to Washington, but so far they’ve been high quality with the best appearance.”

Ralph continues into the mini potato variety, stating that Potandon has just planted several new varieties which is encouraging in terms of the long-term for the segment. “They’ve just been knock your socks off beautiful,” says Ralph. 

Volume for the year has been typical when compared to last, but size profiles have been the biggest conversation piece for Potandon and Ralph. “Idaho and Russett have been seeing good quality for the end of season, but demand across the country has been higher than supply.” 

Ralph says that market should remain steady throughout the season, with prices picking up on the bigger side of potatoes but still remaining mostly steady. Ralph expects volume and demand to also remain consistent with the company’s expectations, with added bumps from summer holidays and good demand for colored and variety potatoes. 

Potandon has seen a bit more cooler days than anticipated, but Ralph says the company has most likely dodged a bullet from the high heat which could slow down development. “It could change in time, but we’re encouraged by our current state and progress,” says Ralph. 

Keep an eye on Potandon Produce as the company looks to launch several new products, details which can’t yet be disclosed but Potandon is excited to release later in the year. 

“We’re looking at extensions to traditional lines, and adding more options for consumers as far as pack sizes. This is all based on consumer research,” finishes Ralph. “We’re looking to really dial in on consumer demand.” 

Eric Beck, Marketing Director at Wada Farms, is also expecting a consistent market through the season. 

“Consumer demand remains to hold a steady course,” Eric tells me. “We are seeing a little movement in the carton market, with hopes of holding firm as the season plays out.”

Planting for Wada Farms’ next season has already been completed, and the company expects volume to remain comparable to the last year’s although it remains in the early stages of growing. 

“We have the majority of summer to get through, but things are looking great so far,” says Eric. 

Wada Farms is also keeping a close eye on the organic market as it moves through the season. “We expect the organic market to continue strengthening as consumer demand continues to grow and become more mainstream for this particular pack,” finishes Eric. 

As the season progresses, keep up with AndNowUKnow for any changes, dips, or surges in the potato market.

Wada Farms  Potandon Produce

LEAMINGTON, ON – With the 9th Annual Greenhouse Competition having come to a close, the industry has been awash with new products and companies recognized for their achievements. Orangeline Farms™ and its brand, Zing! Healthy Foods™, has announced the company took home seven awards from the event.

“It’s what drives us and compels us to continue our journey, to be the brand people think of when making healthy choices, these awards reaffirm our passion and dedication to offer you our finest, that’s the best prize of all,” stated Jordan Kniaziew, Sales and Marketing for Orangeline Farms.

Orangeline took home the five gold awards and two bronze in the Perfect Pepper Category. The company listed its winnings in a press release as the following:

• First place: Specialty Mini Pepper
• First place in Specialty Long Category: Super Sweet Sheperds
• First place for Kids’ Choice Pepper: Yellow Bell Pepper 
• Four wins in the Bell Pepper Category: for red, orange, brown, and yellow varieties

The company said that amongst those judging the produce from Canada’s southernmost town, or “Produce County”, were foodies, experts, connoisseurs, and members of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), then followed by the public. Votes were cast by a blind testing of taste, color, sweetness, heat, and size. 

Orangeline stated that its peppers were part of over 200 entries from Leamington, and that its produce’s Zing! factor largely played a part in its win.

“We can honestly say that it’s our team of employees that make up that very secret. It’s difficult to specialize, it takes an extra bit of effort, a Zing factor if you will, to excel at what you do,” continued Kniaziew. 

The competition was put on by R.E.A.CH. International as a fundraiser for children in need from Uganda, Africa. The organization looks to provide the tools for vital growth in the area, and provide care to its children.

“What an amazing cause, and worthwhile reach we’re able to contribute to, it’s the manner of giving that’s worth more than the gift.” finished Kniaziew. 

Stay with AndNowUKnow as we provide you with the hottest tips about the industry’s most prestigious competitions and awards.

Orangeline Farms