The 2016 Commodity Classic in New Orleans, March 3-5, will be the biggest and best trade show ever. The addition of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers as a presenting sponsor is no small part of that. The 600,000 plus square foot trade show floor is the largest to date in the 20 year history of the trade show. Several of the …
Ethanol, Farmers and Politics in Iowa
With the Iowa caucuses coming up on Monday, agriculture and renewable fuels finally got some attention in the Republican debate last night, as Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas was asked about his position on the Renewable Fuel Standard. “We should be developing oil and gas and coal and nuclear and wind and solar and ethanol and biofuels but I don’t …
Zimfo Bytes
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack appointed four members to serve on the United States Department of Agriculture Grain Inspection Advisory Committee. The International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) is accepting applications for participation in the 2016 Student Case Competition. Farm Journal Media unveiled a new beef market strategy at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association conference Kent Nutrition Group, Inc., (KNG) …
USDA Pledges $9M Towards Wetlands
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the establishment of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wetland Mitigation Banking Program, made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill. The program will provide $9 million to help states, local governments or other qualified partners develop wetland mitigation banks that restore, create, or enhance wetland ecosystems, broadening the conservation options available to farmers and …
Improving Production with Farm Controllers
The 2016 International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) is all about innovation, with several companies using the expo to showcase innovative new strategies to help improve production. Intelia has always been a standout when it comes to electronic innovations, and their latest products offer producers the potential to see exceptional improvements in both production and sustainability efforts. The Canadian company, …
Monsanto Scientist Wins Biodiesel Impact Award
Beth Calabotta, former Monsanto Director for Bioenergy and currently serving on the National Biodiesel Foundation, was honored during the 2016 National Biodiesel Conference and Expo with the “Eye on Biodiesel” Impact award for her tireless dedication to the advancement of biodiesel. Beth’s experience in the field of agricultural yield technology and the markets that drive demand for protein give her …
Biodiesel Policy on Track Says NBB’s Steckel
Biodiesel policy is laser-focused right now on two primary issues – the RFS and the tax incentive – two policies that drive growth in the industry. During an address to the membership at the 2016 National Biodiesel Conference, NBB Vice President of Federal Affairs Anne Steckel said they should take credit in the success of getting higher volumes under the …
MGEX Sets New Open Interest Record
MGEX has set a record for its highest open interest total in its 135-year history. This news release from the trading organization said it closed the day Tuesday at 82,279. This breaks the previous record of 82,056 set on April 17, 2014. The Exchange has seen an increase in open interest each of the past seven days and has now …
NFMS Will Hear From Ag Executive Panel
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) will be hosting an agribusiness panel discussion featuring some of agriculture’s leading manufacturers at the National Farm Machinery Show. On February 10, the AEM Ag Executive Outlook panel will discuss key issues including the future of agriculture, new technologies, and the vital role of ag advocacy at the local and national level. The AEM …
USPOULTRY Elects New Chairman
The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) elected a new chairman at a board meeting held during the 2016 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). Previous vice chairman of the board, Paul Hill, of Ellsworth, Iowa, was elected into the position, and was presented with the time-honored “working man’s gavel” by Sherman Miller, the 2015 chairman. Hill is a native …