We were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing this week of Mike Harper, who worked for FMC Agricultural Solutions for 39 years – starting as a Chemical Sales Rep, working up to Industry Relations Manager in 2017. I interviewed Mike several times over the years, most recently at last year’s Commodity Classic. He was always very passionate about …
DEUTZ-FAHR Introduces New 6 Series Tractors at #NFMS19
During the 2019 National Farm Machinery Show, PFG America, exclusive distributor of DEUTZ-FAHR tractors in the USA market, unveiled the new small frame 6 Series tractors boasting FARMotion diesel engines. Laura Handke spoke with Taylor Grout, Sales and Marketing Director for DEUTZ-FAHR USA and Aiden Zimmerman (pictured), Zimmerman’s Equipment. Since 2016, DEUTZ-FAHR has offered the 6 Series Agrotron models that …
Ag Day Essay Contest Winners Announced
The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) has announced the 2019 National Ag Day video and written essay winners, based on the theme “Agriculture: Food for Life. How does our nation lead the way?” The national written essay winner is Grace Brose from Box Elder, South Dakota. She receives a $1,000 prize and travel to Washington, D.C. for recognition at the …
The Fundamentals of Disease Management from FMC
The fundamentals of disease management was the topic of my interview with Bruce Stripling, Horseshoe East Technical Services Manager, FMC. Besides talking with me in the FMC booth, Bruce also presented during an FMC educational session at the 2019 National Farm Machinery Show. We started out our conversation talking about why you need a fungicide. Bruce says that the first …
Animal Ag Bites 2/18
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association recognized five companies that have been exhibiting for 50 or more years at the International Poultry Expo (IPE), part of the 2019 International Production & Processing Expo. The Dupps Company, VAL-CO and Zoetis were recognized for 65 years of exhibiting at IPE. Poultry Times was recognized for 60 years of exhibiting, and Hy-Line International was …
CIRB Year in Review and Look Ahead
2018 was a very good year for the crop insurance and reinsurance industry and 2019 is looking good also. “This was a momentous year for the industry, compared to what might have been,” said Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) executive vice president Mike Torrey in his update at the organization’s annual meeting last week in San Diego. “We were …
USDA RMA Administrator Updates #CIRB2019
USDA Risk Management Agency administrator and Illinois farmer Martin Barbre attended the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) annual meeting this week to provide an update on his agency’s priorities. Barbre discussed a number of issues, including the Multi County Enterprise Unit, upcoming deadlines, a Farm Bill implementation listening session coming up February 26, disaster relief, and the Dairy Revenue …
FMC Talks About the Danger of Reduced Herbicide Rates
At the 2019 National Farm Machinery Show I spoke with Drake Copeland, Technical Services Manager, FMC. Our topic was the danger of reduced herbicide rates. Drake talks about the importance of pre-emergence residual herbicides for weed control and what happens when a grower uses reduced herbicide rates. He also talks weed size and it certainly does matter. There’s a lot …
Case IH Unveils AFS Connect Magnum Series Tractors
During the 2019 National Farm Machinery Show Case IH unveiled the new AFS Connect Magnum Series Tractors. Working with me here at NFMS is Laura Handke who took photos, recorded the unveiling presentation and interviewed Bill Webber, North America Marketing Manager for High Hp Tractors, Case IH Brand. Case IH is unveiling new AFS Connect™ Magnum™ series tractors, giving producers …
Zimfo Bytes 2/15
Tom Sleight, president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Grains Council since 2012, will retire this summer following the appointment of his successor, the Council’s Board of Directors announced this week at the organization’s membership meeting in Cartagena, Colombia. American Vanguard Corporation, parent company to AMVAC Chemical Corporation, is celebrating 50 years in business. The milestone is being honored …