A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators today introduced a bill that would repeal EPA’s “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) proposal. The senators, including John Barrasso (R-WY), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Joe Manchin (D-WV), jointly introduced the Federal Water Quality Protection Act, directing EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers …
Mixed Signals on Biotech from EU
Mixed signals regarding biotech crops coming from the European Union last week have left representatives of the agriculture community shaking their heads. First the EU announced it would allow member nations to ban the import of food and feed containing biotech ingredients, and then a few days later announced the approval of 17 biotech traits for import. “I’m just characterizing …
Two Peas…
Last week, Aunt Jeanette wrote about a bird’s nest perched atop of her old wagon wheel. The story made me chuckle because it only reminded me of how many things we have in common: 1. We both love to read (although I must admit I don’t have as much time to do so anymore). 2. We both enjoy writing (and …
U.S., Honduras Trade Deal to Promote Ag Development
A new trade deal between the U.S. and Honduras is expected to promote agricultural development. This U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) news release says Deputy Agriculture Secretary Krysta Harden and Honduras Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock Jacobo Paz inked the agreement. Through the Food for Progress Program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service will provide the government …
Zimfo Bytes
Lessing-Flynn recently added another enthusiastic, talented member, Abby Miesner, to the team as a Project Manager. Rhiannon Branch of Iuka, Illinois, has been named the Illinois state winner of the 2015 GROWMARK essay contest for FFA members. Georgia peanut farmers reaffirmed the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) by a vote of 92.41 percent during the recent referendum, held March 16 through …
New Award for Agricultural Reporting
The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists in conjunction with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization is introducing a new annual award for excellence in global food security reporting. This is part of the cooperation agreement between the two organizations. The IFAJ-FAO Award for Excellence in Global Food Security Reporting will be exclusively for IFAJ members. One entry from each national …
2015 NAMA Boot Camp
Registration is now open for the 2015 National Agri-Marketing Association Boot Camp. The 2015 NAMA Boot Camp is a great way to cap off your summer. Boot Camp will take place on August 18-20; mark your calendars now so you don’t miss it! The Hotel: The Sheraton Crown Center in Kansas City, MO. The room rate is $137.00 and the …
The Science Behind Food Safety
Food safety is on the hearts and minds of all throughout the agriculture community. So, there is no doubt it was a hot topic during the recent Chicken Media Summit held on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and sponsored by the National Chicken Council and US Poultry & Egg Association. Dr. Ashley Peterson, VP of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for the National …
Famous Idaho Potato Tour on the Road
The Big Idaho Potato on wheels and Tater Team is back on the road. Track it’s progress here. This is its fourth cross-country tour with a new mission to help local charities across the U.S. In a five-month period, the truck will visit 60 cities, travel 22,087 miles and help dozens of charities better serve their communities. “The Truck has …
TekWear in Elite 8 for TAG Business Launch Competition
Congratulations to AgNerd Extraordinaire Bruce Rasa, TekWear. According to his FB feed his company has placed in the elite 8 of a major Georgia-based business launch competition. Team TekWear has been selected as an ‘Elite 8’ finalist for the TAG Business Launch Competition. The contest began this spring with more than 100+ companies. TAG (Technology Association of Georgia) is a …