Two past presidents of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) became the newest members of the organization’s Hall of Fame at the 72nd annual convention in Kansas City. Ron Hays of Radio Oklahoma Ag Network served as NAFB president in 1991. During his 45-plus years behind the mic, Ron has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including NAFB …
TPP Big Topic for Ag Groups at #NAFB15
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is no doubt the biggest issue for ag groups at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention in Kansas City this week. Representatives from six national farm groups joined USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Phil Karsting in Kansas City Wednesday for a press event to discuss the TPP. The event featured farmer leaders from the American …
#NAFB15 Scholarship Winners
NAFB Convention Photo Album The first big event at the 2015 National Association of Farm Broadcasting annual convention Wednesday was the awarding of the NAFB Foundation Scholarship winners. The scholarships were presented during the NAFB Foundation Scholarship luncheon sponsored by the CME Group. A brand new award this year is the Grow Smart Scholarship presented by BASF, which went to …
Welcome to #NAFB15
The 72nd National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) annual convention is officially underway, back in Kansas City as usual. The man in charge of the convention is Brian Winnekins of WRDN Radio in Wisconsin, the president-elect of NAFB, who is especially excited about welcoming FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai on Friday. “Commissioner Pai has been a big proponent of the AM …
“Here’s the Deal” – Details on TPP Released
The White House today released the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, which Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack calls “an important step forward in the process to make this landmark agreement for U.S. agriculture a reality.” According to Vilsack, the text confirms that this agreement “will expand U.S. agricultural exports, generate more rural economic activity, and support higher-paying American jobs” …
Senate Disapproves of #WOTUS
By a vote of 53-44, the U.S. Senate passed a joint “resolution of disapproval” of the EPA Clean Water rule known as ‘Waters of the United States’ (WOTUS). Resolution sponsor Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) says the action would “put an end to” the expanded EPA rule. “Our resolution stops the EPA from continuing to act as an unchecked federal agency …
Senate to Vote on Second WOTUS Bill
After failing to invoke cloture on a bill that would require EPA to re-work the Clean Water rule known as WOTUS, the Senate did vote to allow debate on a resolution of disapproval, sponsored by Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, that would scrap the WOTUS rule entirely. “My legislation is the necessary next step in pushing back against this blatant power …
Senate Fails to Take WOTUS Rework to Vote
Forty-one senators voted against moving forward with debate on a bill that would require EPA to rework the controversial Clean Water rule known as Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS), which was enough to keep the bill from a vote on the floor. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Barrasso (R-WY), would instruct EPA to craft a WOTUS rule that “takes into …
Ag Groups Welcome Ryan as Speaker
Agricultural organizations are pleased with the election of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) to succeed Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman says they look forward to working with the new speaker. “Speaker Ryan has been a faithful friend of farmers and ranchers in his time in Congress,” said …
Agricultural Champions of Change Honored
Twelve individuals from across the country involved in the agriculture industry were honored Monday in Washington DC as “White House Champions of Change for Sustainable and Climate-Smart Agriculture.” The diverse group of farmers, ranchers, researchers and educators were recognized for their exemplary leadership in supporting change in their communities through innovation in agricultural production and education. The Champions were chosen …