Early in 2015 documentary film maker Conrad Weaver got into the field to start his latest project, Thirsty Land. He has been in states from Kansas to California filming the drought situation and meeting with many farmers to learn about the effect the drought has been having on rural communities. This morning I spoke with Conrad to find out how …
USDA Celebrates 2015 Achievements
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has released a list of USDA’s top achievements in 2015 in the areas of trade, food security, conservation, energy, research, rural development, and more. “Even with challenges in 2015, including an unprecedented animal disease outbreak and lower commodity prices, America’s rural communities have proven once again that we are a nation of makers, creators and innovators, …
Food Dialogues to Focus on Sustainability
The Food Dialogues®: Dairy Strong Farming; for the Future panel will tackle the concept of “sustainability” and all it’s different meanings for different people. The panel, hosted by the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), will take place at the Dairy Strong conference from 10:15 – 11:45 a.m. CT on Thursday, January 14, 2016 in Madison, Wis. and will be …
USDA to Honor Bob Stallman
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is planning a special day of recognition for outgoing American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) president Bob Stallman next month. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden will proclaim January 6 as Bob Stallman Appreciation Day and present an official proclamation in recognition of Stallman’s commitment to strengthening rural American families and communities. …
Take Advantage of Year End Tax Savings
With the approval by Congress extending the $500,000 Section 179 capital assets depreciation limit and enhanced bonus depreciation, now is the time to take advantage of year end tax savings on farm equipment. The Section 179 tax deduction, which allows farmers and small businesses to immediately write off the full price of up to $500,000 in capital assets purchases instead …
Last Days to Play LibertyLink Real Yield Game
Farmers are already winning by playing the Bayer CropScience LibertyLink Real Yield Game. But the game ends 12/31/15 so get your game on! I spoke with winner Karl Fictum, Wisconsin, and asked him how he learned about the LibertyLink Real Yield Game. He was searching around the Bayer CropScience website and it “popped up” at him so he played the …
Cotton Growers Pleased with WTO Negotiations
Cotton growers were happy to see the latest results from World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations. This news release from the National Cotton Council (NCC) said U.S. trade negotiators were able to resist pressure for further concessions on cotton during the recent 10th WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. “U.S. negotiators held firm with respect to any cotton specific outcomes, ensuring …
NCGA: Boosting Corn Utilization Key Success Strategy
National Corn Growers Association leaders say the corn industry needs a better plan than hoping bad weather fixes weak prices, as some market analysts have suggested. This news release from the group says it has recommitted to boosting corn utilization as a key strategy in achieving a healthy and viable corn industry long term. “To successfully address farmer’s income you …
Merry Christmas from AgWired!
The AgWired team is thankful to all of you for tuning in through a busy 2015 as we worked to provide the latest agriculture news. We’ll be bringing you some new stories throughout the end of the year and resume full coverage on January 2, 2016. We’ll be onsite all over the country next year and look forward to seeing …
Happy Holidays from NAMA
National Agri-Marketing Association is wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday. The NAMA staff wishes you a safe and happy holiday season! The national NAMA office will close December 24 and re-open on January 2, 2016. As another year draws to an end, we would like to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude to you for being a …