This morning Joe Jobe, CEO, National Biodiesel Board, rallied his troops at the National Biodiesel Conference in San Diego. He told attendees that the petroleum industry is misleading Americans about fuel policy and called on President Barack Obama to stand firm behind his previous commitments to supporting alternative energy industries. In his annual address at the Biodiesel Conference & Expo, …
National Biodiesel Conference Blogging
It’s hard to believe I’ll be the biodiesel blogger for the 9th year this week. The 2014 National Biodiesel Conference is taking place in San Diego and I’m on my way. I’ll be working as the Biodiesel Blogger on the NBB Conference Blog as well as publishing stories on energy.agwired.com. Things will get going late today and through Wednesday. You …
Baby ZimmGlass
The ZimmGlass Project took a new turn last week when I traveled to Missouri to see my Grandson Cruz. Yep, Cindy and I are now grandparents! While Cindy was holding him this morning I let him try out my ZimmGlass. He didn’t say too much about it though. So, is Google Glass going to be a future tool for the …
IFAJ Leadership in Berlin
The leadership of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists is meeting in Berlin. It is an annual meeting in conduction with the Green Week food show. While there the British Guild held a launch party at the British Embassy to kick of this year’s Congress which will be held in Scotland. Thanks to Facebook for this photo of British Guild …
Patron Saint & Protector of Animals
Today Saint Anthony Abbot, is commemorated by the Catholic Church. He is the patron and protector of animals. In Rome, St. Peter’s Square will be filled with animals and the Italian Association of Livestock Farmers has organized a series of events to honor their patron saint. From the Vatican News Service: The day began at 10:30 with Mass in the …
Atlanta Harvest is Urban Farming
When Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack spoke to the AFBF Convention yesterday he talked about the idea of urban farms and how we should be open to the idea of farm diversity. I just had this project brought to my attention since one of the founders has a connection to my family in Georgia. It’s Atlanta Harvest. They’re looking for …
AFBF Voting Delegates Make Policy
The annual meeting of the voting delegates of the American Farm Bureau Federation is underway here in San Antonio, TX. This is grass roots at its finest. Throughout the day the delegates will work through the AFBF policy book making changes and perhaps adding new policy positions. Each one is placed on very large screens so everyone can easily read …
United Soybean Board Tackles Weed Resistance
Bob Haselwood, Kansas soybean farmer, is the Vice Chairman of the United Soybean Board (USB) and Chuck met up with him during the 2014 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention to see what we can see from USB in the upcoming year. Bob shared that their main focus during AFBF is to talk with farmers about weed resistance. USB recently …
Bridging the Gap Between Farmers and Consumers
Delegates of the 2014 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention are a few of the lucky ones who get a sneak peak of the Farmland film. Directed by James Moll, USFRA is a huge sponsor of the documentary that takes you into the lives of farmers and ranchers across the county. Randy Krotz, U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) talks about …
Ag Secretary Vilsack Speaks to AFBF
This morning’s general session at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention featured a speech by our U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. Yes, he spoke about the farm bill and the need for Congress to pass a new one. Interestingly, he also told us a personal story about being an orphan. Through his adopted father’s side of the family he’s …