After six years of serving as the Chief Executive Officer for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Forrest Roberts has announced his resignation, effective July 31. Roberts is leaving NCBA to “pursue other opportunities in the cattle industry and agribusiness” but will remain with the organization until the end of July to help with the transition of staff leadership and …
Corn Growers Tell EPA the #RFSWorks
Corn growers from across the nation were in Kansas City, Kansas yesterday to testify and rally in support of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Leaders of the National Corn Growers Association were among over 200 stakeholders to provide comments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to reduce the volume of ethanol required to be used in the nation’s fuel supply …
Dancing Bachelor Farmer Supports Ethanol
He’s been a guy handing out roses to the ladies on “The Bachelor” and wowing everyone with his fancy footwork on “Dancing with the Stars.” Now, Chris Soules says he just a “normal famous guy” back home in Iowa supporting agriculture and getting back to what he loves: farming. He recently served as the grand marshal for the American Ethanol …
Fast Track Makes it to the Finish Line
After lots of drama and much political posturing, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) finally cleared the final hurdle before being sent to the president’s desk, passing the U.S. Senate Wednesday by a vote of 60-38. “The Senate’s bipartisan passage of Trade Promotion Authority today sends a strong signal to foreign governments that we mean business at the bargaining table and are …
Bayer CropScience Celebrates Investments
Bayer CropScience this week celebrated two recent investment milestones: the completion of a $33 million office modernization project and the groundbreaking of Greenhouse 6, a $34 million research facility at its Research Triangle Park (RTP) headquarters. “The modern office at our North American Crop Protection and global Seeds headquarters in RTP reflects Bayer’s desire to play a leading role in …
Honors at #ASTAannual
Distinguished Service and Lifetime Honorary Member awards were presented by the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) during the closing banquet on Friday night. Honored for distinguished service to the seed industry were retired DuPont Pioneer quality supply technology manager Greg Lamka, and Betsy Peterson of the California Seed Association. Lamka, who was unable to attend to receive his award in …
ASTA Chairman Presides Over Busy Year
It’s been a busy year for John Schoenecker of HM Clause as chairman of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA). One priority for the organization has been to develop a communications strategy and Schoenecker says they have moved forward with that plan in the past year developing a new video message that stresses the importance of seeds in our daily …
ASTA CEO Pleased with 2015 #ASTAannual
American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) president and CEO Andy LaVigne is pleased with the turnout of industry members at the 132nd annual meeting in Washington DC this week and with the reception they have received on Capitol Hill. In his opening session welcome, LaVigne said he was especially thrilled to have Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack address the meeting despite his …
Fast Track Back on Track
The U.S. House passed Trade Promotion Authority Thursday by a vote of 218-208 getting fast track back on track and most agricultural organizations are very pleased. “The House’s bipartisan passage of trade promotion authority legislation brings us a step closer to completing ambitious trade negotiations around the world,” said American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman. “We must break down …
ASTA Members Storm the Hill
Over 120 members of the American Seed Trade Association “stormed the Hill” this week, meeting with their elected officials in Washington DC to talk about important issues for the seed industry. “It was the most people we’ve had Storm the Hill ever,” said incoming ASTA chair Risa DeMasi of Grassland Oregon. “This is the first time that I’ve gone to …