U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers today announced the launch of trade enforcement action against China at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The action challenges China’s use of “market price support” for three key crops (rice, wheat, and corn) in excess of China’s commitments under WTO rules. “These programs …
BASF Helping to #ShapeAg16
Dozens of journalists from around the globe attended the BASF Global Press Conference last week in Ludwigshafen, Germany, including several from the United States. Given the opportunity to speak with BASF Crop Protection president Markus Heldt, the journalists were most interested in finding out what his thoughts were on the negotiations between Bayer and Monsanto – and he had much …
Five Years of #Propane Farm Incentive Program
After five years of applied research through the Propane Farm Incentive Program, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has some good data to back up the benefits for farmers switching to propane equipment in higher performance, improved efficiency, and significant cost savings. Over 400 producers from 32 states have participated in PERC’s incentive program over the last five years. …
Raven Sidekick Pro™ Tests With Engenia™
When Engenia™ herbicide receives regulatory approval, it is expected to have one of the most detailed labels ever for the application of a crop protection product and BASF has done extensive testing to determine the best methods of application. One product that has received the seal of approval is Raven’s Sidekick Pro™ direct injection system and company representative Denton Schwiesow …
Some Changes in USDA Crop Forecast
The September crop forecast out today from USDA decreases the corn crop a bit, but increases both soybeans and cotton. Corn production is now forecast at 15.1 billion bushels, down less than one percent from the August forecast, but still 11 percent more than last year and still expected to be a record. “Based on conditions as of September 1, …
Court Rules EPA Violated Farmer Privacy
The Environmental Protection Agency has violated the personal privacy of tens of thousands of farmers and ranchers, according to a unanimous ruling issued Friday by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in a lawsuit brought by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) over EPA’s release to environmental groups of …
Geared to Give Honors Farmer Veteran
Aaron White is now the owner of an L-Series compact Kubota tractor, thanks to the “Geared to Give” program. White was given the keys during a ceremony at the Farm Progress Show in honor of his years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps and his dedication to farming. “Geared to Give” is a partnership between Kubota and the Farmer …
I AM @USFRA – @Iowa_Corn
Many of the 100 affiliates and partners that make up the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) are state organizations like Iowa Corn and we had a chance to catch up with them in their home state last week during the Farm Progress Show. “We’re strong supporters of USFRA,” says Shannon Textor, Director of Marketing and Communications for Iowa Corn. …
AEM Talks Right to Repair at #FarmProgressShow
As the farmer’s “right to repair” farm equipment has become a headline story even in mainstream media, manufacturers are trying to get the facts out to dispel the hype. At the Farm Progress Show, representatives from the Equipment Dealers Association (EDA), the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), and the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) held a press briefing to talk …
USFRA Research Focuses on Consumers and Sustainability
Sustainability is the biggest buzz word of the day when it comes to food. That’s why the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) has spent a lot of time this year researching just what sustainability means to consumers and their food choices. USFRA Randy Krotz says they found out that while there seems to be no consistant definition of sustainability, …