Our U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack spoke at the annual National Ag Day banquet in the USDA Whitten Bldg. First up in his remarks was a sales pitch for moderator, The Big O, Orion Samuelson’s book, “You Can’t Dream Big Enough.” I’ll bet that didn’t hurt sales! If you like Orion’s Ole and Lena jokes then you’ll really enjoy …
James Wesley Thanks a Farmer
From an #AgDay @Reply to me this afternoon comes a link to a new single by James Wesley, Thank a Farmer. Thought it would be good to share before I head to this afternoon’s National Ag Day banquet at USDA. You can find Jame’s song on YouTube and purchase it in iTunes. I’ve got it. So, go get it. 2013 …
Congressman Lucas Encourages Ag Day Attendees
During our Mix and Mingle Lunch today as part of the 2013 National Ag Day activities we heard from Chairman for the House Committee on Agriculture, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK), who praised America’s farmers and ranchers. I was held up by the President’s motorcade and missed most of his message but he agreed to a quick hallway interview. He wants …
USFRA Ag Day Educational Session
This morning the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance celebrated the 40th anniversary of National Agriculture Day with a breakfast on Capitol Hill and educational briefing on “The New Language of Food and Modern Agriculture.” More than 150 people — including Ag Day participants, members of the food industry, and Congressional staff — joined USFRA at the event to hear about …
Insider Look at 2013 for Food & Agriculture
How about some Farm to Fork Politics? That’s what we got to kick off 2013 National Ag Day activities in Washington, DC. Here are the panelists for the session that was sponsored by Agri-Pulse just prior to their annual reception. Seated l-r are Dr. Keith Collins, former USDA Chief Economist, B. Hudson Riehle, Senior VP of the Research & Information …
Farm to Fork Politics
The first in the series of 2013 National Ag Day activities is an Agri-Pulse sponsored session titled, “Farm to Fork Politics: An Insider’s look at the year ahead for food and agriculture” Join us for this panel discussion moderated by Sara Wyant of Agri-Pulse and featuring J.B. Penn of John Deere, former USDA Chief Economist, Dr. Keith Collins and B. …
2013 National Ag Day Activities
It is time for National Ag Day and activities to celebrate it will kick off today in Washington, DC. National Ag Day is a project of the Agriculture Council of America. My coverage of this year’s activities is being sponsored once again by the American Seed Trade Association along with BCS Communications. I talked with Andy Lavigne, President/CEO, ASTA, about …
New Documentary to Feature Next Gen Farmers
It is very encouraging to see major film projects taking a realistic and truthful look at farming in America today. Examples are “Harvesting the High Plains” and “The Great American Wheat Harvest.” Now here’s a new one that is not yet in production. It isn’t even titled yet but was announced last week. Working with the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers …
Precision Pays iPad mini Giveaway Contest Winner
Over on our sister website, Precision Pays, the winner of the iPad mini Giveaway Contest has been picked via random selection. He’s Nick Leibold of New Hampton, IA. Nick farms about 600 acres of corn and 400 acres of soybeans. Cindy visited with Nick by phone to let him know about his winning and to learn a little bit about …
Farm Shorts Wants To Help Tell Farm Stories
A growing number of agvocates are learning how to use today’s social media platforms and that includes YouTube. How many of you farmers have given this a try? Here’s a story about a new initiative to showcase sustainable farms and farmers. Of course most farmers are sustainable. Otherwise they wouldn’t be able to stay in business. What do you think …