On the eve of the 2012 Farm Progress Show, the media was invited to Monsanto’s Huxley, Iowa facility for a sneak preview of FieldScripts, the company’s first product from the Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) platform. Monsanto IFS commercial lead John Raines says FieldScripts will deliver two things for farmers. “A variable rate corn hybrid prescription in that field, as well …
Ready for some NASCAR
It’s NASCAR time for me again this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. My good buddy Kenny Wallace will be on the track Saturday for the Dollar General 300 Nationwide Series race. The cars will be running on Sunoco Green E-15, a blend of fuel that contains 15% corn-based ethanol. The American Ethanol green flag will drop at 2:30pm central. I’ll be …
Zimfo Bytes
DuPont Pioneer recently received all necessary regulatory approvals for import into major world markets of grain grown from Optimum AcreMax XTreme products. Christie Communications announced that NaturaTech Sustainable Growing Solutions has retained the agency to develop and manage their strategic branding and communications campaign. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations for the Peanut Standards Board. National 4-H Council …
Packer Sues Over Lean Finely Textured Beef Story
Meat packing giant BPI has filed a lawsuit against broadcaster ABC, three of its reporters, and others for “knowingly and intentionally publishing false and disparaging statements regarding BPI and its product, lean finely textured beef (LFTB).” This news release from BPI says the network and others launched a concerted disinformation campaign against the meat packer, costing the company money and …
Discharge Could Re-Charge Farm Bill
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives have resorted to unconventional means to try and force a farm bill to the floor for a vote. Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA) formally filed a “discharge petition” on Thursday in an effort to bring the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act passed by the House Agriculture Committee on July 12 to …
Minimum Tillage Changes Due to Drought
Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, ” What tillage practice changes will you make due to drought?” Our poll results: Thirty-one percent said No change, continue conventional till; 35% said No change, continue conservation till; 15% said Will start conservation till (no-till, strip-till, other) on part of crop; and 19% said Will start conservation till (no-till, strip-till, other) on all …
New Chair of Apple Processors Association
Thomas M. DeNisco, Vice-President, General Manager & CFO of Knouse Foods Cooperative, Inc. has been elected Chairman of the Apple Processors Association (APA). DeNisco will serve a two-year term as industry leader of the 25-year old association charged with representing and improving the nation’s apple processing industry. DeNisco is a 20-year financial executive with the apple processing industry, and a …
Up On End
I proudly work for the beef industry and up until I was in high school, my dad had a small feedlot. He has since rented the pens out to a neighbor to use for feeding, but the bunks are still there. I remember my dad loading up steers in the late evening hours and making the trip to the Omaha …
Bayer CropScience Showcases One World Theme
At the recent Farm Progress Show, Bayer CropScience showcased its “One World to Grow On” theme… a holistic approach that helps producers figure out how to maximize harvests in the short and long terms. “Our purpose is to propel farming’s future,” said Inci Dannenberg, VP commercial operations for Bayer CropScience. “The whole idea was to take a look at what …
Rally Calls for Farm Bill Now
About 500 people turned out for the Farm Bill Now rally near the Capitol on Wednesday, which featured members of Congress as well as representatives from a number of the nearly 100 organizations who make up the coalition calling for a comprehensive, five year food, farm and jobs legislation before the current bill expires at the end of this month. …