This evening I was proud to be the skeptic in an episode of HuffPost Live titled, “Who Cares About Drought?” A drought of historic proportions continues to grip much of the U.S. We discuss the impact of drought and how innovative water supply solutions can create jobs and stimulate the economy. I actually don’t think I was really a skeptic, …
Smartphone Apps to Manage Herd Records
Who would have thought just a few years ago that seeing farmers in the field managing information with their phones would be common place? As this video clip from Certified Angus Beef shows, mobile devices are embraced by farmers and besides helping save them time they are also helping their consumer customers have more confidence in the food they produce. …
Put Some LabelBling on Your Groceries
LabelBling, a new line of high impact labels by Yerecic Label, uses new techniques to create an upscale look at an affordable rate for fresh produce growers, packers and shippers. The line focuses on the use of eye-catching visuals such as holographic films, sparkle inks and embossing to draw attention and interrupt the shopper as they carry out their shopping …
Nutrient Management with Late Planting
Planting progress continues to be slowed by wet and cold weather in most of the major corn producing states. According to USDA, just 5% of the U.S. corn crop was planted as of Sunday, only a percentage point of difference compared to the previous week. Last year at this time, nearly half the crop was in the ground and normally …
ISU Seeks Input on DDGs
Iowa State University is conducting a survey of livestock producers use of feed-related co-products from ethanol production (distillers grains). The survey is focused on the beef, dairy, swine and poultry sectors. It is being funded by a coalition consisting of the Renewable Fuels Association, the Distillers Grains Technology Council and the Corn Utilization Councils from Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska. “The …
Zimfo Bytes
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, along with Bill Gates, and U.S. Chief Technology Officer Todd Park, kicked off a two-day international open data conference. The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance recently received national recognition from the Public Relations Society of America and the National Agri-Marketing Association for its 2012 consumer communications aimed at restoring trust in the food production system. National …
Dollar General Honors Moms as “Every Day Heroes”
In recognition of moms who do extraordinary things every day for their families and communities, Dollar General is partnering with Procter & Gamble to honor a Florida mom as its official Every Day Hero for May. As part of its Every Day Heroes program, Dollar General will feature Maria Segura in a campaign thanking moms in Dollar General communities across …
Weed Scouting Critical for Resistance Control
Scouting is more popular than ever to help farmers to be prepared. A recent BASF poll showed nearly 80 percent of growers are changing their weed management programs to head off herbicide-resistant weeds – and with resistance confirmed across 31 U.S. states, a good scouting technique is a must for every field. “Understanding the biology of the weeds already present …
Red River Farm Network App
There’s now an app to get your Red River Farm Network. The RRFN app delivers the power of the Red River Farm Network agriculture journalism team to your fingertips. Farm news, weather, market analysis, agronomy information and the latest RRFN broadcast is now available anytime, anywhere. “At the Red River Farm Network, we’re reporting agriculture’s business,” said Mike Hergert, president, …
Most Important Word in Social Media: Why
“Everyone” has a Facebook page (or Twitter account or LinkedIn page, etc.), but is it the right social media decision? That’s the question Steve Hershberger, principal and co-founder of the social media company ComBlu, posed during one of the breakout sessions at the 2013 Agri-Marketing Conference recently in Kansas City. “One of my favorite tools in my toolbox is the …