ASTA CSS in Chicago this week brought together a panel of experts to talk about the future of gene editing and it’s role in the agriculture industry. “Plant breeding is an evolving practice. It’s an evolving science.” said American Seed Trade Association President and CEO Andy LaVigne. “Plant breeding builds upon itself.” LaVigne outlined the milestones in plant breeding, beginning …
The Ag Outlook at #ASTACSS
The perennial highlight of the ASTA CSS & Seed Expo is Dan Basse with Ag Resource Company with his global ag outlook. No one can cram as much information into a one hour presentation as Dan Basse! Despite the downturn in the farm economy domestically, Basse says it was better on a global scale. “If you’re sitting in Brazil, Russia, …
Measure, Model, Fix – Big Data’s Role in Animal Ag
When the term ‘big data’ is used in agriculture, we generally think crops. However, we are hearing it more and more in animal agriculture circles. “Big data and models: Are they really useful in disease management?” turned the conversation towards swine health at the 2016 North American PRRS Symposium as Dr. Jim Lowe, University of Illinois, took the stage during …
Changing of the Chairs at #ARA2016
A new chairman for the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) took the gavel last week during the organization’s annual meeting in Orlando. BRANDT Chief Operating Officer Tim McArdle received the gavel from Harold Cooper, CEO of Premier Ag Co-Op, and will serve a one-year term. “I’m incredibly humbled to take on this role and I look forward to working with ARA …
Moving the Middle at #ASTACSS
Tim Hassigner with Dow AgroSciences was at ASTA CSS & Seed Expo to talk with members of the seed industry about the gap in information between themselves and consumers. “It’s definitely a time when there’s more questions and concerns related to food, but […] information sharing can make a difference,” he told the audience durning the morning session. The consumer …
#JustGrowIt Video Unveiled at #ASTACSS
A new video that puts a face on plant breeders was unveiled by the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) during the opening general session of its CSS 2016 & Seed Expo in Chicago Tuesday. The “Mom, Gardener, Plant Breeder” video is the latest initiative in ASTA’s “Better Seed, Better Life” communications program and it features Jessie Alt, a mother, home …
Deere Appoints Beverly Flores Media Relations Manager
Congratulations to Beverly Flores for her new role with John Deere. I think the legacy of the Magic Man, Barry Nelson, is in good hands. I wonder if he ever taught Beverly a few card tricks! LOL. Beverly Flores, formerly manager of external communications for John Deere’s Intelligent Solutions Group (ISG), has been named media relations manager for John Deere …
Poll Shows Support for Water Infrastructure Bill
A national poll released by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) found that voters strongly support federal funding for water pipelines and waterways and resources that prevent drinking water contamination crises, like those that occurred in Flint, MI. Congress reached an agreement on the legislation late yesterday, but still have funding issues to work out. These findings were part of …
Topguard® EQ Fungicide at #ARA2016
FMC Corporation just launched its new Topguard® EQ fungicide premix last month so it was a hot topic at the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) convention last week. “We’re launching it in the 2017 planting season for corn and soybeans but it’s going to have a fantastic label…so we’re really excited about what Topguard EQ is going to bring to the …
Ag Economic Outlook at #ARA2016
If there is one word to describe the current economic outlook for agriculture it would probably be uncertain, according to Terry Barr, Senior Director for the Knowledge Exchange Division of CoBank. “We’re entering into a fairly dynamic period of uncertain political and economic realities,” said Barr, who spoke to a standing room only crowd at last week’s Ag Retailers Association …