The 2013 NCBA Trade Show brought industry leaders together to share their latest in agriculture research and technology during the Cattle Industry Convention. Like always, Alltech had a constant crowd gathered to here their newest techniques in agriculture nutrition and technology. I spoke with Jim Bannerman, National Accounts Manager with Alltech, and he shared their focus for 2013. “We always …
Imperative to Showcase Diversity of Biodiesel
For the past two years, Gary Haer has held three jobs: Chair of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Renewable Energy Group (REG), the largest producer of biodiesel in the U.S. and soybean and corn producer – he farms on his family farm in Northwest Missouri. During his presentation at the 10th Annual …
Here’s to a Great 20 Years!
The 10th Annual National Biodiesel Board Conference & Expo wrapped up in Las Vegas last week but the industry is still a buzz with the great things that have been achieved over the past 20 years to successfully promote biodiesel. During the first general session that officially kicked of the conference, Kenlon Johannes, CEO of the Kansas Soybean Commission reminisced …
USB Honored with “Eye on Biodiesel” Award
The 10th Annual National Biodiesel Board Conference: Momentum, was a huge success last week as the biodiesel industry celebrated the great things that have occurred during the past 20 years in Las Vegas. The session focused on the both the history and future of biodiesel and included the announcement of several “Eye on Biodiesel” awards. The winner of the “Influencer” …
Novus’ Commitment to Sustainability
The vision at Novus International is to feed the world affordable, wholesome food. They have adopted a three pillar stance of solution, service and sustainability all tied in to thinking globally, but acting locally. Sustainability is the cornerstone of their vision to improve the quality of life for people around the world. During the recent International Production and Processing Expo, …
NBB Honors Secy Vilsack with Leadership Award
The National Biodiesel Board praised Sec. Vilsack as one of the strongest advocates for renewable fuels in the nation, and presented him with the National Energy Leadership Award during the final day of the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Board Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. “I’ve witnessed the beginning of a rural renaissance that is remarkable, and you, sir, have …
Managing Insects for Greater Yields
We hear a lot about weed resistance but don’t forget about insect resistance. That’s why I visited with Adam Prestegord (not pictured), product manager for FMC’s insecticide business. We talked about Capture LFR. This product protects a seed or young seedling, even a biotech variety, before an insect can do some damage! Farmers can use liquid Capture LFR as an …
New Holland Excavators Handy on the Farm
New Holland is integrating its construction business more closely with agriculture and that was on display here at the National Farm Machinery Show. One of those items on display is a mini excavator. I learned about it by visiting with Barry Newton, seen here talking with a customer. Barry says an excavator is a great machine for moving dirt and …
Sequester Could Cause FSIS Inspector Furlough
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has shaken up the meat and poultry industry with his comments about how sequestration might impact agriculture during a speech to the National Ethanol Conference last week. Answering a question about funding for a farm bill, Vilsack talked more broadly about what might happen after March 1 if Congress fails to act and sequester creates automatic …
NCBA’s Work In Washington
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is hard at work advocating for beef producers year-round, but during the Cattle Industry Convention they get to hear with cattlemen and women from across the country. During this year’s event I talked with Colin Woodall, Vice President of Government Affairs for NCBA. To start off our chat I asked him about some of the …