RFA Ethanol Podcast

Sustainability Education at Animal Ag Summit

Jamie Johansen

A panel of industry leaders shared their thoughts and research concerning sustainability during the recent Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholders Summit. Dr. Roger Cady, Sustainability Lead, Elanco Animal Health, said he liked to divide sustainability into the three pillars of environment, economic and social. “Farmers are the natural environmentalists of the land. Key to this is preserving our land, preserving our …

Ag Groups, Animal Agriculture, Audio, Elanco, Environment, Sustainability

More Than $2.7 Million in Scholarships From FFA

Jamie Johansen

The National FFA Organization and Foundation recently awarded more than $2.7 million in scholarships to 2,156 recipients. This was made possible thanks to the generosity made available by sponsors and individuals to reward and encourage excellence and enable students to pursue their educational goals. More than 7,000 students applied for the scholarships, with many of the applicants being considered for …

Ag Groups, Education, FFA

Hot Issues Tackled at Animal Ag Stakeholders Summit

Jamie Johansen

The Animal Ag Alliance wrapped up the 2015 Stakeholders Summit yesterday in Kansas City, Mo and president of the organization, Kay Johnson Smith, said each year they strive to bring emerging issues to the forefront of discussion. “We know that agriculture is always on a journey to improve, to excel and find ways to do better. But we aren’t sure …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Animal Agriculture, Audio

High School Students Win Environmental Video Contest

Jamie Johansen

The Population Connection has announced the winners from their “World of 7 Billion” video contest. The competition encouraged high school students around the world to create and enter videos on population growth relating to one of three topics: universal education; diminishing farmland; and the sixth mass extinction. Over 1,600 high school students participated in the contest and submitted a total …

Ag Groups, Education, Environment

Nat Geo Editor Talks #FutureofFood at Animal Ag Event

Jamie Johansen

“Journey to the Extraordinary” was the theme for the 2015 Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit, held in Kansas City instead of the usual Washington DC venue. One of first speakers at the event was National Geographic’s Dennis Dimick who provided an in-depth look at how the magazine covers agricultural issues, particularly the 2014 “Future of Food” series. “We didn’t want …

Ag Groups, Animal Agriculture, Food

#Planting15 and Technology

Jamie Johansen

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How will high path avian flu impact industry?” The number of outbreaks grows by the day and I am afraid the worst is yet to come. Just yesterday, Iowa announced four more cases. It looks like the majority feel exports will be greatly impacted and many agree that we haven’t seen the worst of …

ZimmPoll

The Science Behind Food Safety

Jamie Johansen

Food safety is on the hearts and minds of all throughout the agriculture community. So, there is no doubt it was a hot topic during the recent Chicken Media Summit held on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and sponsored by the National Chicken Council and US Poultry & Egg Association. Dr. Ashley Peterson, VP of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for the National …

Ag Groups, Audio, Chicken Media Summit, Food, Poultry

Chicken Litter – A Hot Commodity

Jamie Johansen

Jenny Rhodes, Extension Educator for University of Maryland in Queen Anne’s County and local poultry farmer, was asked to attend the 2015 Chicken Media Summit to talk about chicken manure. For her first 10 years in extension, Jenny wrote nutrient management plans. These plans are state mandated and any farmer meeting it’s requirements must have one for their operation. “In …

Ag Groups, Audio, Chicken Media Summit, Fertilizer, Poultry

How Will High Path Avian Flu Impact Industry?

Jamie Johansen

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What is your favorite alternative fuel (to gasoline)?” A hands down winner in this week’s poll on alternative fuels was ethanol. Which is not a surprise. However, many may be surprised to see the clear runner-up was solar. We had many chime in for the other category. A few of those included: algae diesel, …

ZimmPoll

Monsanto Announces Top 5 Farm Mom’s of the Year

Jamie Johansen

When Monsanto opened its search for the 2015 America’s Farmers Mom of the Year, the company knew it would get a lot of fantastic nominations. This year, though, the judging was particularly difficult because of all the amazing women who were entered. Monsanto, along with the American Agri-Women (AAW) are proud to announce its new 2015 class of regional winners. …

Ag Groups, Farming