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Talia Goes

The National Potato Council (NPC) will award one $10,000 academic scholarship to honor a graduate student (Master’s degree or higher) working to improve the future of the U.S. potato industry. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announces the retirement of Mark Harris, Chairperson of USDA’s Agricultural Statistics Board and Director of the Methodology Division, after a 36 year career with …

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Corn Up, Soybeans Down in #USDA Report

Cindy Zimmerman

The 2016 Prospective Plantings report out today from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) shows farmers expect to plant more corn and less soybeans this year. U.S. corn growers expect to plant 93.6 million acres to corn this year, the first increase in corn planted acreage since 2012 and, if realized, will be the third largest corn acreage since 1944. …

Audio, Corn, Cotton, Markets, Soybean, USDA, Wheat

Candidate Trump Addresses #Farm Labor Issues

Cindy Zimmerman

Like Sen. Ted Cruz, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump also had the opportunity to address the issue of immigration as it relates to farm labor during a CNN town hall forum Tuesday night. Wisconsin dairy farmer John Pagel explained to Trump that the state’s dairy industry “is being challenged right now by having a labor force dependent on an immigration …

Audio, Dairy, labor, politics

Culver’s Raises Money for 153 FFA Jackets

Kelly Marshall

The average age of the American farmer gets a little older each year, but Culver’s restaurant is working with their franchisees to encourage the next generation of farmers.  Culver’s Support Center in Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin and the National FFA Organization are helping match deserving young people with a local Culver’s restaurant where money is being raised to provide that …

Ag Groups, FFA

First of its Kind Report Details Impact of Fertilizer

Kelly Marshall

While we often take for granted the important role fertilizer plays in food production, the economic impact in terms of jobs provided by the industry has been generally overlooked.  Now a study sponsored by The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is shedding light on those numbers at both the state and congressional district levels. “We are excited to be able to share …

Agribusiness, Fertilizer

Candidate @TedCruz Addresses #Farm Labor Issues

Cindy Zimmerman

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas had the opportunity to address the issue of immigration as it relates to farm labor during a CNN Town Hall forum Tuesday night. Jason Vorpahl, who operates a 2800 head dairy farm in Wisconsin, questioned Cruz about the issue. “We offer a competitive wage and offer full benefits to all our employees,” …

Audio, Dairy, politics

Farm Bill Survey Helps Shape NFU Policy

Kelly Marshall

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is offering growers a chance to have their opinions heard regarding the next Farm Bill by offering a survey for farm and ranch families across the U.S.  The survey is in addition to multiple member listening sessions being held that also offer a chance for feedback. “As a farmer-led organization, we work closely with our …

Ag Groups, Farm Bill

Agronomist Authors Children’s Book on Soybeans

Lizzy Schultz

In honor of Soy Foods Month this April, an agronomy professor has created an interactive book to help spread the message of Coolbean the Soybean and teach youngsters in grades 3-5 how to think like scientists about the important field of agriculture. “I wanted to develop a fun, yet educational, tool to help teach today’s youth about where food comes …

Ag Groups, Agronomy, Food, Publication, Soybean

Deere Aligns with Hagie for High-Clearance Sprayers

Kelly Marshall

Deere & Company and Hagie Manufacturing have entered into a joint venture.  Hagie is a national market leader when it comes to high-clearance sprayers.  In this new agreement Deere gains majority ownership of Hagie Manufacturing. The equipment produced in the current plant at Clarion, Iowa will continue to carry the Hagie brand, but sales and services will be integrated into …

Agribusiness, Equipment, John Deere

NCGA Partners with SoAR for Ag Research

Kelly Marshall

The National Corn Growers Association recently told us of their new strategic plan to increase demand and improve productivity and sustainability.  Now they’re showing us just what it is they plan to do about it.  The organization has now joined the Supporters of Agricultural Research (SoAR), a coalition of scientific, consumer and producer groups that seek out sound research policies …

Agribusiness, NCGA, Research