The CEO for GROWMARK is Jim Spradlin. Jim took the stage at the annual meeting here in Chicago to report on how GROWMARK is maintaining a focus on its core values while adapting to changing market conditions, leadership and the importance of engaged employees, implementing a strategic plan and being mindful of environmental concerns. He told me that GROWMARK has …
Brazil Tweets Tariff Decision
A tweet from Brazilian Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply Blairo Maggi late yesterday afternoon informed the world that Brazil’s foreign trade chamber has approved a 20 percent tariff on U.S. ethanol imports after a 600 million liter tariff rate quota. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and Growth Energy issued a joint statement on the decision. …
USB Names Ruhland as New CEO
The United Soybean Board (USB) has named Polly Ruhland as the new chief executive officer (CEO) of the checkoff organization, effective November 1, replacing retiring John Becherer. Ruhland has served as CEO of Cattlemen’s Beef Board since 2011. “Polly exceeded all of the attributes for what we as a board were looking for in a new CEO to lead us …
Baize Offers View of Soy Past and Future
When John Baize walked the halls speaking with attendees of the 2017 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange, it wasn’t just some nice thoughts. Baize comes from 38 years of working the global market on behalf of soybeans and other farm products. That experience gives him a great him not just a good view of the past, but also of the …
Preview of GROWMARK Annual Meeting
Just prior to the start of today’s GROWMARK Annual Meeting I spoke with John Reifsteck, Chairman/President to get a preview. I’m a first time attendee, so I needed it! The theme for this year’s meeting is Execute with Excellence. John says that for GROWMARK it is not something you say or do once but it’s a habit. “We think it’s …
Precision Ag Bytes 8/23
The application deadline for the Award for Conservation Excellence (ACE) is August 31, 2017. This non-profit award acknowledges exceptional contribution to wildlife conservation and is presented by Banovich Wildscapes Foundation and Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and sponsored by Cabela’s Outdoor Fund and the Cabela Family Foundation. Monsanto Company has reached a global licensing agreement with biotechnology company, ToolGen, Inc., The agreement …
Midwest Seed Genetics Humbled By Reception
Just a few weeks ago we announced the comeback of seedsmen Don Funk, who is leading a team of entrepreneurs in the launch of Midwest Seed Genetics. While attending the 2017 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange, I ran into Wayne Hoener, Midwest Seed Genetics, we sat down to learn what’s happened since their debut. “It has been overwhelming and we …
Commerce Finds Unfairly Subsidized Biodiesel Exports
The preliminary determination of the U.S. Department of Commerce is that exporters of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia did receive “countervailable subsidies” and may allow for collection of retroactive duties. “The U.S. values its relationships with Argentina and Indonesia, but even friendly nations must play by the rules,” said Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. The department determined that both countries subsidized …
Nebraska USFRA Food Dialogues to Focus on GMOs
The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) is joining with the Nebraska Soybean Board to host a “Food Dialogues: Pivoting the GMO Conversation” at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln September 6 from 1:00-2:30 pm. Among the Dialogue participants will be Hilary Maricle, a Nebraska cattle, corn, pig and soybean farmer and CommonGround volunteer; and USFRA Face of Farming & …
Bayer at Work to Combat Citrus Greening
During the 2017 Citrus Expo I visited with Adrian Percy, Bayer, about the partnership announcement between Bayer and the Citrus Research and Development Foundation to combat citrus greening disease. Adrian says that Bayer is uniquely qualified to take on the disease because of its long history in disease control and a great range of fungicide products and also work in …