The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has reached an agreement with Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and state agricultural leaders to drop a proposed animal rights ballot initiative. At a hastily called press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Governor Stickland stood with Ohio Farm Bureau executive vice president Jack Fisher and HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle to make the announcement, which …
USDA Planted Acres Report Lowers Corn
USDA’s new planted acreage report out this morning says corn acres are two percent higher than last year, but that is down a point from the March report with more acres are going to soybeans. Corn planted area for all purposes in 2010 is estimated at 87.9 million acres, up 2 percent from last year. Acreage is up in Illinois, …
Why Agriculture Needs Corn Ethanol to Survive
“If you really look at whose behind the ethanol industry, it’s the American agricultural industry,” said Steve McNich, CEO of Western Plains Energy based in Oakley, Kansas. “There’s no better example at working your way out of a market than the American farmers. The history of the American farmer is that if there is ever an opportunity to make money, …
ACE Provides Communications Opportunities
For those of you not familiar with ACE you might think hardware but it’s actually an agricultural communications organization. The full name is Association for Communications Excellence in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Life and Human Sciences. I conducted a presentation on social media at their convention recently and recorded a conversation with their President, Steve Dodrill. Steve works in Extension …
Biosecurity, Vaccination, Tracking Keys to PRRS Control
Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome … better known as PRRS … has changed the way farmers raise hogs, and attendees of the Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) seminars at the recent World Pork Expo were able to hear how biosecurity, vaccination and tracking of PRRS are keys to controlling the disease. At the session I was able to attend, Dr. …
Iowa Corn Growers Tour Indy Garages
One of the cool things to do at an Indy race is tour the garages where the technicians work on the engines in preparation of race day. The Iowa Corn Growers conducted multiple tours of the garages during race weekend for the Iowa Corn Indy 250. I followed one group and interviewed several grower participants. First up was Tim Recker, …
IRL Ministers To Race Congregation
On Father’s Day I really enjoyed myself working at the Iowa Corn Indy 250 in Newton, IA as you know. It was Sunday and traveling with the “moving city” are several ministers and a priest. So once again IRL Ministry took care of us spiritually. Fr. Phil DeRea celebrated Mass in the Driver’s Mtg. Room at the Media Center. One …
Iowa Corn President Had Exciting Father’s Day
The President of the Iowa Corn Growers Association is Don Elsbernd, pictured on the right, presenting the trophy for the Iowa Corn Indy 250 to Tony Kanaan. He had a big day on Father’s Day when he got to start the race by waving the green flag and saying the most famous words in motor racing. That’s when the adrenalin …
Cooperative Communicators Seeking Members
The President of the Cooperative Communicators Association is Brian Delgado, seen here welcoming first timers at their recent convention where I conducted a presentation on social media. I recorded a conversation with Brian while I was there to learn more about CCA. He says CCA is an organization designed to help educate cooperative communicators and those working with cooperatives. Membership …
BASF Eco-Efficiency Model Shows Headline Benefits
The biggest news out of the recent BASF Agricultural Solutions Media Summit was the first Eco-Efficiency Analysis for corn in the Midwest, both with and without the fungicide Headline. The reason it was relevant is that it shows the potential for measuring sustainability. During a breakout session at the summit, BASF vice president for Crop Protection Marty Mascianica got into …