Growth Energy has launched a new radio and digital ad campaign telling listeners in the Midwest that it’s “make or break time” for the rural economy. The ads encourage farmers and ethanol stakeholders to call on President Trump to lift federal restrictions on the sale of E15 fuel blends, a move that would boost farm income amid the sharpest agricultural …
New USDA Program for Producers Hit by Hurricanes
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced details this week on eligibility for a new USDA disaster program, 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (2017 WHIP). USDA will also provide $340 million through a block grant to the State of Florida specifically for Hurricane Irma losses to citrus production expected during the 2018 through the 2020 crop year to provide reimbursement …
ASTA Policy and Leadership Conference Next Month
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) will be in Washington, D.C. June 9-13 for the new ASTA Policy & Leadership Development Conference. This new event combines ASTA’s annual convention, which has been held each June in different locations for the past 134 years, and the organization’s annual Storm the Hill lobbying day on Capitol Hill. Educational session tracks will cover: …
Deere Introduces New Chisel Plow & Nutrient Applicator
John Deere introduces two new products aimed at increasing precision and productivity for primary tillage and nutrient application. The 2430 Chisel Plow and 2430C Nutrient Applicator share common new features that differentiate them from the 2410 models they replace, including the TruSet™ precision depth control system, radial tires and rear hitch. For both the chisel plow and nutrient applicator, TruSet …
New Free App Can Help Manage Federal Dicamba Regulations
Cropstream, a new communication network built for agriculture, has released a free crop registry app that allows growers to easily share their crop trait information with other farmers, agronomists and applicators right from their computer browser. A mobile app allows users to view nearby crop technology traits to help manage the federal dicamba requirement of consulting a sensitive crop registry …
Foundation Grants $5 million for Irrigation Innovation
The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), a nonprofit organization established by the 2014 Farm Bill, has awarded a $5 million grant to launch the Irrigation Innovation Consortium. The purpose of the consortium is to “accelerate the development and adoption of water and energy efficient irrigation technologies and practices through public-private partnerships.” The $5 million FFAR grant was matched …
Growth Energy Thrilled with Automotive Training Partnership
A new partnership between the American Ethanol program and the biggest automotive technical institute in the country is an important step forward in Growth Energy‘s mission to show consumers the many benefits of high octane biofuels. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says the new partnership is with Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the nation’s leading provider of technical training for automotive, …
Deere Plans New Test Lab at Iowa State University
Deere & Company has announced plans for a new test lab at Iowa State University focused on agricultural spraying and applications technology. “As a leader in precision agriculture, John Deere is focused on providing customers with innovative, high quality products and services,” said Aaron Wetzel, Deere’s vice president of the global crop care platform at John Deere. “Our customers will …
Farm Broadcasters Question EPA Chief About RFS
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt faced a grilling from agricultural reporters Tuesday about the agency granting waivers exempting refineries from Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) obligations and why it is taking so long to decide on allowing year round use of 15% ethanol in all markets. The embattled administrator, who faces Congressional hearings this week where he will likely be questioned on …
Perdue Celebrates Anniversary With Senate Ag Committee
Tuesday was the first anniversary for Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture and he spent it briefing the Senate Agriculture Committee on The State of Rural America. “It’s a fascinating job,” said Perdue. “Even more broad and vast and deep and wide and impactful than I could have ever imagined.” Most of the questioning for the secretary revolved around trade …