Carla Wardin is a busy mother of three boys and a 6th generation dairy farmer with her husband in Michigan. She’s also one of the Faces of Farming and Ranching for the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA). “I really enjoy speaking with consumers and other people in agriculture about the issues in farming today,” Carla says. “The part I …
Endure 4R Advocate Award Program from @GROWMARK
GROWMARK has instituted a new award program to recognize the efforts of crop specialists who excel in engaging farmers by using sustainable, best-management practices. The GROWMARK Endure 4R Advocate award was just given to five crop specialists in the FS System for working with farmers to increase their use of the 4R approach; applying fertilizers at the right source, right …
New Faces Sought By @USFRA
The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA®) is looking for a few new faces. This year, through the Faces of Farming & Ranching program search, USFRA is looking for its third class of standout farmers and ranchers who are proud of what they do and strive to be sustainable and technology-driven, eager to share their stories of continuous improvement and …
EPA Atrazine Assessment Criticized
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a draft ecological risk assessment on the pesticide atrazine which is being criticized by the makers and users of the important crop protection chemical. In issuing the report, EPA opened the docket for a 60-day public comment period within one week and stated that a Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) on atrazine will be …
Blazing Trails Theme for @Better_Seed Meeting
A trail blazing joint convention of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) with the Oregon Seed Association this year will highlight the diverse seed industry of the Beaver State. “Oregon is known as the cool season grass capitol of the world,” says ASTA Chair Risa DeMasi of Grassland Oregon, who will be hosting this year’s meeting. “Over 90 percent of …
I AM USFRA – Gene Stoel
Third generation Minnesota farmer Gene Stoel has served on the board of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) for three years now and he considers it time well spent for him representing his family and his fellow farmers. “To me it’s very important to tell people what it is we do, why we do the things we do and …
New Bill Would Address On-Farm Fuel Storage
Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has introduced legislation that would modify EPA regulations regarding on-farm fuel storage. The bill, known as the Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship (FUELS) Act, is co-sponsored by Committee Chairman Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK). “I am proud to introduce the Senate-version of the FUELS Act, which would …
Food and Ag Company Leaders Commit to Sustainability
Leaders of food and agriculture companies joined the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) today to release a new call to action on improving sustainable production. “Food for Thought: A Call to Action on the Future of Sustainable Agriculture” notes that food producers are making important strides on improving sustainable production, but should continue to step up their commitments. Leaders of DuPont, …
Monsanto Rejects Bayer AG Bid
Responding to a $62 billion acquisition offer from Bayer AG, Monsanto Company has announced that its Board of Directors views the proposal as “incomplete and financially inadequate, but is open to continued and constructive conversations.” In a company release, Monsanto chairman and CEO Hugh Grant gave a short statement. “We believe in the substantial benefits an integrated strategy could provide …
Bayer Discusses Bid to Acquire Monsanto
Top Bayer company representatives held an international press conference this morning to discuss the contents of its private proposal to acquire Monsanto. In a May 10 proposal, Bayer made an all-cash offer to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Monsanto Company for $122 US per share or an aggregate value of $62 billion. “We …