Established in 1984 by a grant from the U.S. Congress, the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) uses comprehensive data and computer modeling systems to analyze the economic impact of policy decisions on the food and agriculture industry. FAPRI director Dr. Pat Westhoff shared some of his insights on the economic impact of the farm bill at the Southern …
Ethanol Report on RFA Leadership Succession
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has announced a change in leadership for the ethanol industry’s leading trade association. Executive Vice President Geoff Cooper will assume the position of president and CEO in October 2018, while current President and CEO Bob Dinneen will transition into the role of RFA’s Senior Strategic Advisor. In this edition of The Ethanol Report, Dinneen talks …
Seasonal Lamb Production White Paper Released
A new white paper addresses the seasonality of lamb production so members of the industry can understand it in more depth and make informed decisions about management alterations to better supply a more consistently available product. “Seasonality of the US Lamb Industry: A Review of Current Information” is now available for download at LambResourceCenter.com in the Production Resources section. The …
Biofuels Advocates Testify at EPA Hearing
Biofuels advocates brought their concerns about damage to the industry caused by former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to a hearing on the proposed 2019 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Wednesday in Michigan. The proposed rule raises the total 2019 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) by 3 percent over the 2018 requirement, and maintains a 15-billion-gallon requirement …
Dinneen to Step Down as RFA CEO
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is marking the beginning of a new era. The Reverend of Renewables is climbing into the backseat of the ethanol organization and allowing Executive Vice President Geoff Cooper to drive. Cooper will assume the position of president and CEO in October 2018, while current President and CEO Bob Dinneen will transition into the role of …
FDA Considering Fake Meat and Milk
The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is spending time this month discussing meat and milk. Last week, FDA held a public meeting to discuss foods produced using animal cell culture technology – mainly lab-grown fake meat products – and which agency should be in charge of regulating. The meat industry believes fake meat should be regulated by USDA. “Any …
Inari Aims to Transform Agriculture
A new plant breeding technology company called Inari Agriculture is being introduced today with the mission to transform agriculture and its impact on society and the environment by developing a more personalized plant breeding approach. Inari is a Flagship Pioneering company headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., which started in early 2016 and has since recruited more than 80 leading research scientists …
Southern Peanut Growers Celebrating 20 Years
The 2018 Southern Peanut Growers Conference is celebrating 20 years this week, July 19-21 at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, Florida. The gathering brings together peanut farmers and industry partners from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. The three-day event provides farmers with information about peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. In addition to the conference sessions, …
Ag Equipment Sales Higher at Mid-Year
All categories of agricultural machinery sales are in the plus column so far this year compared to last, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). “We view 2018 as a rebuilding year for agriculture; we’ve experienced a steadily improving economy, tax reform provides incentives and machines need to be replaced,” said Curt Blades, AEM senior …
Alltech Founder Honored by Irish-U.S. Business Group
Alltech founder, the late Dr. Pearse Lyons was honored on the 4th of July with the Kennedy-Lemass Medal by the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland. The award honors U.S. leaders of Irish heritage who have helped to strengthen the Irish-U.S. relationship. Pictured with the award here are Dr. Lyons’ wife Deirdre and son Mark. Chamber president Barry O’Sullivan described Dr. …