President Trump’s special assistant for agriculture, trade and food had a special message for National Ag Day today. “One of the first things this administration has gotten done is something you have not seen in at least 16 years,” said Ray Starling during the Ag Day morning celebration at the National Press Club. “I’m pleased to announce that President Trump …
Agri-Pulse Farm Bill Summit Success
The Agri-Pulse Farm Bill Summit Monday at the National Press Club in Washington DC was an unqualified success, thanks to the efforts of the amazing Agri-Pulse team. Major agricultural organizations helped to sponsor the event and provide insight into the development of the next farm bill. Panels covered a range of topics, from “Breaking Down the Baseline and Budget Challenges” …
Bayer Investment Big for Soybean Growers
Soybean growers are pleased with Bayer’s increased investment in the research and development of new soybean varieties. “It’s outstanding that Bayer has put up a billion dollars to expand their soybean breeding all across the United States,” said American Soybean Association president and Illinois farmer Ron Moore. “Looks like Bayer is recognizing that soybeans are an important crop for their …
Perdue Confirmation Hearing Set
Sonny Perdue will get a step closer to the office of agriculture secretary next week. The Senate agriculture committee will hold a hearing March 23 on the nomination of the former Georgia governor, who was the last cabinet member to be named by President Trump. Two other cabinet members, Robert Lighthizer for U.S. trade representative and Alexander Acosta for labor …
Bayer Invests $8 Million in Midwest Soybean Research
On Thursday, Bayer wrapped up a week of grand openings by celebrating the expansion of the Soybean Breeding and Trait Development Center in Champaign County, Illinois. The new station will house research and development to identify, develop and test new varieties, using modern breeding methods, pushing the limits of yield potential for growers in the Midwest. The expansion is part …
Second Biggest @ComClassic Ever!
Despite some challenging economic times in farm country this year, thousands headed to San Antonio earlier this month to “Farmer Up!” and attend the 2017 Commodity Classic. The final total for attendance was 9,303 – second only to last year’s Classic in New Orleans. That total included over 4100 growers and 920 first time attendees. “Commodity Classic continued in its …
Sorghum Partners Powers Yield Winner
Peter Fleming of Triple Creek Farms in Yadkin County, North Carolina loves growing sorghum. “I love to watch it grow, I love to harvest it, it’s a beautiful crop,” said Fleming, who was the National Non-Irrigated Food-Grade winner in the National Sorghum Producers 2016 yield contest with almost 123 bushels per acre. His family farm has been growing sorghum – …
SMART Farmer Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare
Our latest SMART Farmer podcast episode – and the first of three from Commodity Classic – features Illinois farmer and U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) board member, Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare. In the craziness that is Classic, Roberta and I found a quiet corner to sit down and talk about what being a SMART farmer means to her. Roberta says she …
Bayer Opens Texas Cotton Breeding Station
Southwest cotton growers will benefit from a new $16.7 million Bayer breeding and research station near Lubbock, Texas that celebrated its grand opening this week. The facility will focus on developing drought-resistant cotton varieties and traits for limited-input situations. Pictured in the ribbon cutting photo are: Tom Speed, Bayer cottonseed and traits; Tim Timmis, Bayer project execution; Margaret Shields, US …
3RIVE 3D Keeps up with Faster Planters
Keeping up with high speed planters like John Deere’s ExactEmerge can be a challenge for in-furrow applications of products like FMC’s Capture insecticide, but 3RIVE 3D application technology makes it happen. Bill Voorhees of central Illinois has used 3Rive 3D system on his operation for three years. “We’re planting at eight miles an hour and we were surprised to see …