American corn farmers were talking about just how sustainable U.S. agriculture is during the recent COP21 United Nations climate talks in Paris this week. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says the group shared U.S. corn farmers’ perspectives on a wide array of sustainability and environmental issues. The event, hosted by Field to Market, Business for Social Responsibility and Pepsico, …
The Debut of Sage – A Creative Marketing Agency
BCS Communications has changed its name to Sage, A Creative Marketing Agency. The name change reflects a new strategic direction and personality of the agency nearly 13 years after it was founded by company partners Leigh Ann Cleaver and Kelly Schwalbe. Last night the team celebrated the change and I took the opportunity to chat with them both. Leigh Ann …
November Best Month Ever for MGEX
November 2015 was the biggest volume month in history for MGEX, with a total volume of 272,202. This surpassed the previous record set in August by more than 6,000 and is a 39 percent increase from November 2014. This marks the fifth time this year MGEX has reported a monthly volume greater than 200,000, doing so for the first time …
USDA: Climate Change to Impede Global Food Security
A new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says climate change will likely impede progress on global food security. This news release from USDA says the “Climate Change, Global Food Security and the U.S. Food System” report identifies the risks that climate change poses to global food security and the challenges facing farmers and consumers in adapting to changing …
Farm & Food Partnerships – A New Paradigm
The topic was “The New Paradigm: Farm + Food Partnerships to Meet New Consumer Demand.” Our opening keynote speaker at the Agricultural Retailers Association Conference & Expo was Steve Peterson, Retired Director of Sourcing and Sustainability, General Mills. Steve actually just recently retired and is now farming full time on his farm in Minnesota. Steve told us that he has …
AgFuse Wants to Connect Farmers
It has been a while since I’ve seen an announcement of a social network designed to connect farmers and the whole agricultural community. But I just found out about AgFuse. Take a look and let me know what you think. Learn more below. AgFuse is a free social media tool created specifically to connect farmers and the agricultural community with …
Agricultural Retailers Gather in California
The 2015 ARA Conference & Expo is underway in Palm Desert, CA. Opening the general session this morning is Steve Peterson, Retired Director of Sourcing & Sustainability, General Mills. I’ll share an interview with him later. We have a big crowd attending again this year. The theme is Performance. Precision. Passion. and the conference programs reflect those concepts. After a …
Farm Journal Purchases Assets of Vance Publishing
Farm Journal Media, along with Bobit Business Media and CCI Media, have announced they are each acquiring assets from Vance Publishing Corporation. The agreement states that Farm Journal will receive the agricultural properties of the company while Bobit purchases the beauty market portion and CCI obtains Woodworking Network and related assets. Farm Journal will obtain a portfolio that includes 21 …
Potato Expo Hosts First Food Truck Chef Competition
The largest conference and trade show for the potato industry will be hosting a food truck chef competition a their 2016 Potato Expo. The Spud Nation Throwdown will be held January 12. Three food truck chefs have been selected from a national competition to bring their most creative and flavorful potato dishes. Judges will chose one “Top Spud” and award a prize …
Sustainable Farmer Award Applications Sought
Bayer CropScience is seeking young agricultural producers that demonstrate leadership and excellence in the areas of business and environmental sustainability through the 2016 Young Farmer Sustainability Award. Any farmer or rancher age 40 and under who receives at least half of his or her income from farming and farm-related ventures is eligible to apply. Applications may be accessed and completed …