The 96th annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation is underway in San Diego, kicked off by president Bob Stallman Sunday morning telling the membership that agriculture must push harder for important policy reforms in 2015. “We cannot ignore the extremes of the left and right, but we must speak to the center: the legislators in both parties who …
‘My American Farm’ Reaches 1.5 million Youth
The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has announced that it has reached more than 1.5 million school-age youths through its educational “My American Farm” program. In 2015, the web-based resource will have a new look to improve the user experience thanks to continued support from DuPont Pioneer. “Over the past four years, we have reached more than a million …
Farm Bureau Convention Preview
The 96th annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation is being held in San Diego starting this weekend. Among the highlights are a new IDEAg Innovate Conference and Trade Show that will preview for invited guests on Friday night and officially kick off on Saturday morning at 8 am featuring topics such as big data, drones, and Internet strategies …
Farm Bureau Proud 2015 Convention
Innovation and technology will be in the spotlight at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 96th annual convention, which begins this weekend in San Diego. Big, new and really different this year is the IDEAg Innovate Conference and Trade Show that will feature topics such as managing agricultural big data, the use of drones for farming purposes, precision agriculture and Internet …
Farm Bureau Names New Promotion Committee
In an effort to develop and centralize resources that inspire and equip Farm Bureau members to convey the significance of agriculture, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has appointed farmer and rancher members to the organization’s new national Promotion & Education Committee. AFBF President Bob Stallman announced the appointment of the following members to the committee: Phyllis Couture, West Valley, …
Agriculture May Benefit From Cuba Relations
The White House announcement Wednesday that the United States will begin the process of normalizing relations with Cuba brought positive responses from the agriculture industry. “Throughout history, agriculture has served as a bridge to foster cooperation, understanding and the exchange of ideas among people,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement. “I have no doubt that agriculture will continue …
Media Training for ASTA Members
American Farm Bureau Federation director of media and advocacy training Johnna Miller conducted a workshop for members of the American Seed Trade Association during CSS 2014 on how to effectively communicate with the media. Johnna says farmers and ranchers have a great story to tell, but it’s not always easy for them to do. She hopes attendees walk away from …
Ag Groups Call for Longer Tax Extensions
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 378-46 Wednesday night to approve HR 5771, which reinstates a host of tax incentives for 2014, setting up a potential Senate vote in the coming days. The package includes items important to farmers and ranchers such as Section 179 and the biodiesel tax credit, but agricultural interests would like a more long-term solution. “Farmers …
No Agriculture in Obama Immigration Action
President Obama made good on his promise to make changes in the nation’s “broken” immigration system, but there’s no mention of agriculture or farm workers in his plan. “In practical terms, we do not expect the president’s initiative to help America’s farmers deal with the real labor challenges they face,” said American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman in a …
Thanksgiving Dinner Price Survey
Your turkey dinner this year with all the fixings is just a little bit higher this year, but still under $5 per person – something to be thankful for, indeed! The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 29th annual informal price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 …