The farm economy is apparently not hurting as much as other sectors, since attendance at the 2009 Commodity Classic is expected to be as good or better than last year. According to the conference organizers, pre-registrations by the end of last week were virtually the same as last year, although the number of farmers registered was already higher. Now, that …
Commodity Classic Has Started
Cindy and I arrived yesterday at Commodity Classic here in Grapevine, TX. She got in before me to work with our sponsor, BASF, and I got in later after finishing up duties at the National Ethanol Conference. The evening was devoted to catching up with friends and clients. BASF hosted a group of media representatives to a wonderful evening of …
New BASF Crop Protection VP at Classic
Nevin McDougall, new BASF Group Vice President for the North America Crop Protection took part in the third annual “Science Behind” symposium at the Commodity Classic on Wednesday, which focused on BASF’s new Kixor herbicide. “We made the decision in 2003 to develop Kixor despite predictions that the herbicide market would decline and despite the fact that competitors were walking …
Kixor Kicks Off Commodity Classic
For the third year in a row, BASF has helped kick off the Commodity Classic with its “Science Behind” symposium. This year the symposium focused on Kixor™ herbicide, which BASF is introducing this year. Helping to explain the science behind Kixor was Bryan Young, professor of Weed Science and Agronomy at Southern Illinois University who talked about why new chemistries …
Global Renewable Fuels Alliance Formed
At the Conference today, the Renewable Fuels Association, the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association and the European Bioethanol Fuel Association announced the formation of the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance. Pictured are (l-r), Bliss Baker, Executive Director, Global Renewable Fuels Alliance; Gordon Quaiattini, President, Canadian Renewable Fuels Association; Robert Veirhout, Secretary General, European Bioethanol Industry Organization; Bob Dinneen, President and CEO, Renewable …
Tom Buis Moves To Growth Energy In March
As our sources predicted, Growth Energy announced this morning that Tom Buis, NFU, will be their new CEO starting March 16. They also announced that former Congressman Jim Nussle, IA, will be on the board as an advisor. Growth Energy today announced Tom Buis, recent president of the National Farmers Union, as the new CEO of the organization and former …
Zimfo Bytes
DuPont unveiled the latest innovation to increase agricultural productivity – nicknamed Boreas — mobile wind machines that test the ability of higher-yielding experimental corn hybrids to withstand violent windstorms that cause significant standability issues and subsequent yield loss. Pioneer Hi-Bred unveiled Optimum Brand Innovations, the brand name of a new family of traits, products and accompanying programs that enable growers …
Meyocks Group Adds Three
The Meyocks Group has added three new faces to their team. Jessica Cooper joins the agency as an account executive. Cooper previously was an account coordinator at Valassis Sales & Marketing Services in Chicago. She also has been a media planner with Bernstein-Rein Advertising in Kansas City. A native of Maryville, Missouri, Cooper earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising and …
NFU President To Lead Growth Energy
Growth Energy will be holding a press conference this morning just 15 minutes prior to the RFA press conference. Interesting timing. Growth Energy Co-Chairman General Wesley Clark will announce two new members of the leadership team at Growth Energy on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. EST. Clark will name a CEO and a Senior Advisor, both known for …
Biofuels Bloggers
Cindy snapped a photo of Joanna Schroeder and me working in the main conference session room. RFA set up a great work station for us with internet access, power outlets and our own mult box to record speakers. Hint to all you conference organizers. It’s really great to provide media with a nice work station in the general conference room. …