The first in the series of 2013 National Ag Day activities is an Agri-Pulse sponsored session titled, “Farm to Fork Politics: An Insider’s look at the year ahead for food and agriculture” Join us for this panel discussion moderated by Sara Wyant of Agri-Pulse and featuring J.B. Penn of John Deere, former USDA Chief Economist, Dr. Keith Collins and B. …
Media Bias in Animal Ag Story
Fox News loves to point out media bias in mainstream reporting on politics in particular, but probably not when it comes to agriculture. Fox carried an AP story over the weekend about state bills seeking to make it more difficult for animal rights activists to go undercover at agricultural operations to get video of abuse and sometimes hold it for …
2013 National Ag Day Activities
It is time for National Ag Day and activities to celebrate it will kick off today in Washington, DC. National Ag Day is a project of the Agriculture Council of America. My coverage of this year’s activities is being sponsored once again by the American Seed Trade Association along with BCS Communications. I talked with Andy Lavigne, President/CEO, ASTA, about …
Innovations in Every Corner
I had so much fun talking with Dr. Jennifer Holland in the BASF booth during Commodity Classic because the passion she has for her job simply radiates through. Jennifer is the Technical Marketing Specialist with the Row Crop Fungicide Team at BASF. She had a wealth of knowledge to share with me and more importantly to growers about their proven …
Zimfo Bytes
American Royal’s annual meeting included an update on plans to replace Kemper Arena with a new Agricultural Events Center and officer elections. S&W Seed Company announced that it has agreed to purchase 100% of Seed Genetics International Pty Ltd, subject to due diligence and other customary conditions. As a steadfast supporter of open markets and free trade, Cargill welcomes Japan’s …
New USDA Rural Definition Stirs Controversy
A guest post by Agri-Pulse Editor Sara Wyant A proposed definition of the term “rural” submitted by the Department of Agriculture to Congress last month could have broad implications for small towns across America and not everyone is happy about it. The report, delivered two and one half years late after it was required by Congress to be delivered by …
New Documentary to Feature Next Gen Farmers
It is very encouraging to see major film projects taking a realistic and truthful look at farming in America today. Examples are “Harvesting the High Plains” and “The Great American Wheat Harvest.” Now here’s a new one that is not yet in production. It isn’t even titled yet but was announced last week. Working with the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers …
Celebrate National Biodiesel Day
Today is National Biodiesel Day! The Iowa Biodiesel Board is asking Iowans to reflect on the contribution the biodiesel industry is making to Iowa and to the nation. March 18 is National Biodiesel Day because it is Rudolf Diesel’s birthday, the man who invented the engine that bears his name. He ran early models on peanut oil, and was a …
Precision Pays iPad mini Giveaway Contest Winner
Over on our sister website, Precision Pays, the winner of the iPad mini Giveaway Contest has been picked via random selection. He’s Nick Leibold of New Hampton, IA. Nick farms about 600 acres of corn and 400 acres of soybeans. Cindy visited with Nick by phone to let him know about his winning and to learn a little bit about …
Farm Shorts Wants To Help Tell Farm Stories
A growing number of agvocates are learning how to use today’s social media platforms and that includes YouTube. How many of you farmers have given this a try? Here’s a story about a new initiative to showcase sustainable farms and farmers. Of course most farmers are sustainable. Otherwise they wouldn’t be able to stay in business. What do you think …