New research commissioned by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) finds that propane equipment cuts greenhouse gas emissions and reduces fuel costs. “A Comparative Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Propane and Competing Energy Sources,” prepared by Nexight Group, studied 14 applications to compare emissions from propane-powered equipment with emissions from conventional energy sources such as gasoline, diesel, and …
Drones Can Increase Efficiency of Farming
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), better known as drones, will make farming more efficient, lower operating costs, and reduce their environmental impact. That was the message from National Corn Growers Association Manager of Public Policy Clint Raine to a group of policymakers and reporters during a panel about the applications of UAS technology to the agricultural industry. “I’m optimistic about the …
Zimfo Bytes
Wisconsin’s largest craft beer week returns May 1-10, 2015 to celebrate its 5th anniversary. New Holland recently announced that Bridon Cordage will be its official supplier of New Holland-branded plastic twine. Peyton Schmitt of Nichols, Iowa, has been named the Iowa state winner of the 2015 GROWMARK essay contest for FFA members. Agnition announced that it has launched Commence for …
Commodity Prices Greatest Challenge Facing Farmers
A new poll of farm credit leaders says commodity prices are the greatest challenge facing farmers in 2015. This news release from AgriBank says weather and the Farm Bill are also near the top of the list of challenging issues for ag producers. More than 61 percent of the directors — from the boards of 17 Farm Credit lenders in …
What is Best for GMO Labeling?
Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Which potential presidential candidate would be best for ag?” Of the 12 potential presidential candidates included in our poll, only one has officially declared. But two hopefuls have risen to the top of our poll. It seems many believe Hillary Clinton and Scott Walker might have the best interest of agriculture in mind, if …
2015 Ag Media Summit Program First Look
Planning on attending the 2015 Ag Media Summit? Good. Still considering? The first schedule with topics and speakers for the sessions has been posted to the AMS website. It’s not a final schedule so you might want to check it periodically. Online registration begins May 1. Headquarters Hotel: Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch 7500 E Doubletree …
Propane Grain Dryers Increase Efficiency
Farmers at Commodity Classic were showing increased interest in upgrading their grain dryers to high efficiency propane units. Cinch Munson with the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) says their research shows that a new propane grain dryer can result in 50% efficiency savings. “PERC has worked with a number of grain dryers manufacturers over the past few years to …
Ag Groups Support Non-GMO Label Bill
Agricultural organizations are voicing support for the bi-partisan Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act introduced in the U.S. House Wednesday by Reps. Mike Pompeo (R-KS) and G. K. Butterfield (D-NC). The bill includes a new provision to allow those who wish to label their products as GMO-free to do so by through an accredited certification process. “Our goal for this …
Deere Updates 3E Series Compact Utility Tractors
The 2015 John Deere 3032E and 3038E compact utility tractors feature some new customer-driven updates for added convenience, comfort and ease of use. The 3032E and 3038E are equipped with powerful, emissions-compliant Final Tier 4 engines with 31.1 (22.3 kW) and 37.3 (27.4 kW) horsepower, respectively. A hydrostatic transmission with Twin Touch™ pedals provides operators with simple, comfortable-to-use controls to …
FarmHer at Ag Day
During last week’s Ag Day Activities in Washington, DC I met Marji Guyler-Alaniz, FarmHer, Inc. during the Celebration of Agriculture dinner. Earlier in the day Marji participated in a Google Hangout with USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden and Dr. Linda Young, Chief Mathematical Statistician and Director of Research and Development of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The discussion was about …