- The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) released policy recommendations for the 2023 Farm Bill. The recommendations were recently approved by NACD’s Board by Directors at NACD’s Annual Meeting in New Orleans. NACD’s most important priority is for Congress to keep conservation investments provided by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in farm bill conservation programs.
- Area farmers learned how farmers across the Midwest work to improve soil health and were challenged to think about how they are protecting the local watershed. Nearly 50 attendees heard from various experts and local farmers at the Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers annual meeting. Dr. Lee Briese, an independent crop consultant from central North Dakota, gave farmers ideas on how to help their plants and soils thrive.
- The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online for the 2024 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Now in its 10th year, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
- Farm Journal’s Trust In Food is proud to announce Verdesian Life Sciences has joined America’s Conservation Ag Movement, one of the largest public-private partnerships solely dedicated to the acceleration of conservation agriculture.
- A national survey has launched to gather insight from farmers who plant cover crops, as well as farmers who don’t. Farmers are encouraged to access the National Cover Crop Survey online. The anonymous survey typically takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
- John Deere has introduced new G5 Universal displays, a new JDLink M modem and is also making the StarFire 7000 Universal receiver available all as aftermarket options. These offerings make it easy for farmers to upgrade equipment they already own or to replace dated components so they can take advantage of current and future technology.
- John Deere has announced MY24 updates for its lineup of 7, 8 and 9 Series Tractors that will help prepare them for the future of precision agriculture. Key updates include the new StarFire 7000 integrated GPS position receiver and an all-new G5Plus CommandCenter Display. Both will be included as base equipment.
- USDA’s Economic Research Service will host a webinar on the Precision Agriculture in the Digital Era: Recent Adoption on U.S. Farms report Thursday, March 9th at 1 p.m. ET. Digital agriculture may be a part of the solution to challenges facing U.S. agriculture, including rising production costs, climate change, and labor shortages, among others.
- U.S. Custom Harvesters kicked off their 40th anniversary from February 2-4, 2023 at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska at their Annual Convention. This year saw a record-breaking attendance as 1,147 members and vendors gathered for the event.
- The Global Ag Tech Awards of Excellence program sheds light on some of the most important people and programs that have helped agriculture realize the full benefits of technology to improve agronomy, efficiency, and stewardship in crop production. The nominations must be received by April 15, so please consider nominating a worthy individual or organization today.
- The American Soybean Association congratulates the regional winners of the 2023 Conservation Legacy Award. They are: Terry & Lori Dabbs, Stuttgart, Arkansas (South Region); Tom Perlick, Washburn, Wisconsin (Upper Midwest Region); Michael Vittetoe, Washington, Iowa (Midwest Region); and Les Seiler, Fayette, Ohio (Northeast Region). The award winners will be recognized at the annual ASA Awards Celebration event during Commodity Classic on March 10, 2023. During the celebration, one of the regional winners will be announced as the national winner.
- Take advantage now of the lowest price offered for the 2023 Water for Food Global Conference May 8-11 in Lincoln, Neb. Explore the theme of “Cultivating Innovation: Solutions for a Changing World” and focus on innovative ways to improve water and food security by increasing farmers’ resiliency to a changing landscape.
