Getting a lesson in Ground Speed Management with New Holland tractors was my second one during Operation Blue Force out on a farm near Bakersfield, CA. Our classroom teacher is Vic Constable. After the lesson I got into a T9 4-wheel drive tractor with track units pulling a massive field “Optimizer” to put that lesson in action. My driver, Ryan, …
NCGA CEO to Retire
After 14 years of leading the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), CEO Rick Tolman has decided it’s time to retire – so take a good look at this photo here because it was the last Commodity Classic for Rick as CEO. The announcement was made today from NCGA that Rick told the NCGA Corn Board earlier this week that he …
Opinion About Open Ag Data Alliance?
Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What’s your favorite fish?” Looks like grilled is a favorite by a landslide. Personally, I agree. I didn’t learn to like fish until later in life and still don’t cook it often, but love when someone makes it for me. It is interesting to see all the fast-food chains adding a fish sandwich to …
Bayer’s Investment in Seeds Innovation
Bayer CropScience is showing its dedication to innovation several ways, starting with moving the company’s global seeds headquarters to the Research Triangle Park (RTP) in North Carolina. “This is something that reflects our presence in the market and desire to be close to the market,” explained Geoff Kneen, Bayer CropScience’s vice president, head of strategic initiatives and RTP operations, during …
My Favorite Things
Today Aunt Jeanette writes: Flowers on houseplants and robins in the yard, Bald eagles flying overhead, the time change – so hard! Days working outside, and loving the sun, These signs of spring are the cause for some fun! When the temperature reached 75 degrees a couple days ago, I had an urge to go outside and look for those …
What’s in the Bayer CropScience Trait Pipeline
Our friends at Bayer are working hard to get the next generation of soybean traits in growers’ hands in the next couple of years. At the recent Ag Issues Forum, Chuck caught up with Allen Gent, who is Bayer CropScience’s U.S. soybean product manager for soybean seed and trade. He said they’re working on weed resistant traits, such as their …
Fresh Produce Sales Up in 2013
United Fresh Produce Association released the 2013 Year in Review edition of the FreshFacts® on Retail report, which examines overall retail trends in produce for the past year. The report shows that during 2013, the produce department averaged more than $47,000 per week per store, which was up 4.8 percent over the previous year. The FreshFacts® on Retail report, produced …
Ag Leaders Set to Speak at Indoor Ag Conf.
The second annual Indoor Agriculture Conference, May 14 – 15, 2014, not only highlights some of the industry’s top technological advances, it also offers attendees access to its top professionals. Speaking on subjects ranging from window farming to food security and lighting systems, the Indoor Agriculture Conference features two full days of education on controlled environment technologies, aero/hydro/aquaponic best practices …
Escape Cold – Attend NAMA Conf. in Florida
Tired of winter? Tired of snow? How about a Fresh Perspective in the Florida Sunshine? That’s what you’ll get if you come on down to my home state in April. The 2014 Agri-Marketing Conference is shaping up to be huge! In fact, our hotel room block is FULL. The NAMA staff is negotiating for some overflow already and we’re hoping …
Charles Eastin Award to be Presented at Ag Day
National Ag Day activities keep growing. This year the Agriculture Council of America is presenting the Charles Eastin Award to Lindsay McQueen, Union/Jackson County, IL Farm Bureaus. This award used to be presented by the National Farm City Council. ACA took over the assets and most of the programs of NFCC last year. The Eastin Award honors an individual who …