A highlight to Chuck’s recent trip to Argentina for the International Federation of Agricultural Journalist (IFAJ) Congress, was during the livestock tour where he witnessed gauchos drive horses and cattle across a local river. Unable to turn down the opportunity for a unique interview, Chuck chatted with the Argentinian boat captain while he guided the tour boat across high waters. …
BASF to Acquire Verenium
BASF Corporation has entered into an agreement to acquire biotechnology company Verenium Corporation. The agreement, in which BASF will purchase all of the outstanding shares of Verenium’s common stock for US$4.00 per share, has been unanimously approved by both Verenium’s and BASF’s Boards of Directors. Based on all outstanding shares and including all net financial liabilities, the enterprise value would …
What Partnerships Mean to New Holland
New Holland has continued to develop their support for the ethanol industry. Their relationships with other leaders in agriculture and beyond has added growth and partnerships to their brand. Director of Growth Initiative Institutional & Speciality Sales, Ron Shaffer, shared that the New Holland brand is focused on growth and his job revolves around anything that will grow revenue for …
First Annual National Eat Local Day
Chef Sarah Stegner of Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook, IL and Cindy Kurman of Kurman Communications, Inc. in Chicago have founded National Eat Local Day to be held annually on the Fall Equinox, which this year is on September 22. “Our hope is that leading chefs across the country can work together to raise awareness of the importance of supporting …
Zimfo Bytes
University of Georgia mycologists in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences found one Macrocybe titans—a species that produces the largest mushrooms in the Western Hemisphere—in the lawn of an abandoned Athens home last October. The iPhoneography webinar on September 30th is designed for anyone who wants to enhance their cell phone photography and be inspired to be more creative. …
Policy Panel at NAMA Fall Conference
The NAMA Fall Conference featured a policy panel moderated by Sara “Legs” Wyant of Agri-Pulse, and featuring Mike Deering with the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Garrett Hawkins with Missouri Farm Bureau, and Steve Censky with the American Soybean Association. The need for a new farm bill was the major topic of discussion. “We’re all kind of waiting to see what happens …
The #FoodD Conversation
U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) & Missouri Farmers Care brought the Food Dialogues to Columbia, Missouri. Expert panelists discussed animal welfare, livestock handling, conventional vs. non-conventional farming and much more. The purpose was to simply start conversations with consumers about where their food comes from and how it is produced. Dan Kleinsorge, Executive Director for Missouri Farmers Care, spoke …
Soybeans Get Boost from Biodiesel
The longtime and still primary feedstock for biodiesel has received a bump up in its demand and value. Figures from the United Soybean Board show that in order to meet this year’s federal requirement of 1.28 billion gallons of the green fuel this year, it will take 9 billion pounds of vegetable oils and animal fats, with a majority, at …
Nutrition Bill Passes House
All Democrats voted against the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act, but nearly all Republicans voted for it, enough to pass the bill that finally completes the House work on a farm bill. “This has been an unusual process, but it remains my goal to get a five-year farm bill enacted,” said House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK). “It …
A Tale of Two…Naughty Boys
This week Aunt Jeanette writes: Actually you get two stories for the price of one this week, but you will see how they are related when you have finished reading. The first story is about two boys – my husband, Dan, and his younger brother, Steve. One of the dishes their mother served for dinner was mashed turnips. You know …