As cow-calf producers prepare for fall and winter feeding conditions, the makers of CRYSTALYX® have launched a new self-fed protein supplement for beef cattle to help improve forage utilization. CrystalBlox, developed by Ridley Block Operations which is part of the Alltech feed division, is the first supplement of its kind to be brought to the market in nearly 40 years. …
President Trump at 91st National FFA Convention
The synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh on Saturday delayed President Donald Trump’s arrival at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis and led to a somewhat disjointed address to nearly 70,000 blue jacketed members with their family, advisers and industry supporters. Trump first made remarks about the tragedy and called on a local rabbi and pastor to pray for the victims of …
Georgia Farmers Still Counting Hurricane Michael Losses
Hurricane Michael hit Georgia agriculture right at harvest season for many crops, including peanuts, where only half of what was looking to be a pretty good crop had been harvested. The remaining 50 percent is yet to be harvested as crop conditions deteriorate and damaged peanut buying points struggle to regain power to dry and grade the peanuts. Officials with …
NCBA Advocates for USDA to Oversee Fake Meat
Officers of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) reiterated their unwavering support for USDA oversight of lab-grown fake meat during a public meeting this week, hosted jointly by USDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). President-Elect Jennifer Houston explained why USDA is well-positioned to apply current food safety processes to lab-grown fake meat products, since two-thirds of the facilities …
Concerns Raised About E15 Rulemaking Delay
Ethanol interests have been raising concerns this week about the Environmental Protection Agency delaying the start of the rulemaking process for year-round E15 until February 2019, which would make the timeline for getting it approved before next summer very tight. “EPA ought to speed it up, or otherwise it’s going to look like the president wasn’t serious about his announcement,” …
Sorghum Growers Benefit From Export Exchange 2018
Exports are very important to U.S. sorghum growers, so the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) was pleased to take part in Export Exchange 2018 and take a couple of teams on tours. “We are excited to host the upcoming trade teams and grow our network at Export Exchange 2018 as sorghum exports have represented a large portion of the U.S. …
Garth Brooks Wows National FFA
“This isn’t a convention, it’s a freaking PARTY!” That’s what Garth Brooks said at last night’s “private” concert for some 70,000 members, advisors, and supporters at the 91st National FFA Convention. Many of them took to social media to share the experience of seeing the #JustOneFFA and only Garth, who is now an honorary lifetime member of FFA. It was …
National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center Celebrates 15 Years
The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE) is celebrating 15 years of biofuels research this month. The Illinois Corn Growers Association was instrumental in fostering development of the Center in 2003 and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has worked closely with NCERC since its inception and continues partnering on various projects. NCERC Executive Director John …
Export Exchange Furthers USGC Mission
The chairman of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) is optimistic about the growth of export markets for grains and ethanol co-products such as distllers grains (DDGS). “In the 2017-18 marketing year, the U.S. set a new record for exports of feed grains and co-products for the second year in a row,” said USGC chair Jim Stitzlein, manager of market development …
Meet Cargill’s Cowboy Robot
Cargill has developed the first ever robotic cattle driver to improve both animal welfare and employee safety. The robots are designed to move cattle from pens to the harvest area, reducing stress to the animals by minimizing their proximity to human activity. Employees operate the robots from a catwalk located above the pens, reducing safety risks by keeping those who …