Over 120 members of the American Seed Trade Association “stormed the Hill” this week, meeting with their elected officials in Washington DC to talk about important issues for the seed industry. “It was the most people we’ve had Storm the Hill ever,” said incoming ASTA chair Risa DeMasi of Grassland Oregon. “This is the first time that I’ve gone to …
RIP Former AFBF President Dean Kleckner
Just received word from Iowa Farm Bureau that former American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) president Dean Kleckner, 82, passed away June 15 at his home in Minnesota with his wife of 62 years, Natalie, and family members by his side. Kleckner was best known for his decades-long leadership within the Farm Bureau on the local, state and national level beginning …
Secretary Vilsack Visits #ASTAannual
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stressed the importance of the seed industry to American agriculture and the nation as a whole during an address kicking off the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) annual meeting on Thursday in Washington DC. “Clearly the seed industry has been responsible for an extraordinary increase in productivity in American agriculture,” said Vilsack. “But more than that, …
Seed Industry Heads to DC
The 132nd annual meeting of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is being held this week in Washington DC where members of the industry will be talking with lawmakers about issues important to them. ASTA president and CEO Andy LaVigne says it is a chance for them to raise awareness about the seed industry with elected officials. “We will be …
Agri-Pulse to Travel Rural Route to White House
“The Rural Route to the White House” is a new series being launched by Agri-Pulse Communications and sponsored by American Farm Bureau Federation to cover the 2016 presidential campaign with a special focus on issues important to agriculture and rural America. “The 60 million hardworking farmers, ranchers and rural Americans who produce and process our food deserve to know how …
Nebraska Governor Concludes European Trade Trip
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts wrapped up his first agricultural trade mission this week with a visit to Novozymes world headquarters in Denmark, where a company tour showcased the production of unique enzymes and microbial products used in the animal nutrition, agriculture, and biofuels industries. The visit marked the end of the trade mission with agriculture industry representatives that also included …
New Location for Southern Peanut Growers
After being held in Panama City Beach since it began in 1998, the Southern Peanut Growers Conference is heading for the hills – actually the mountains – and a change of venue this year. The 17th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference will be held July 23-25, at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia. This year’s conference offers farmers an opportunity to …
NCGA Drone Demo
National Corn Growers Association president Chip Bowling got a first-hand drone demo in his home state of Maryland last week. The demonstration was one of several educational tours for NCGA board members highlighting advances in technology and sustainability, as well as diversified farming operations. Bowling, left, got a lesson in flying an unmanned aerial system from Matthew Creger of Maryland-based …
Confusion over TPA
Votes on Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) were held Friday in the U.S. House of Representatives, but for many it was unclear what exactly happened – did it pass or didn’t it? Yes and no. The actual Trade Promotion Authority bill passed, but the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) portion of the bill that was separated out in the House, supposedly as …
Nebraska Gov Visits New Holland at #ExpoMilano2015
CNH Industrial welcomed Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts this week at the Expo Milano “Sustainable Farm Pavilion” sponsored by its agricultural machinery brand New Holland Agriculture. The governor was accompanied by a delegation that met with CNH Industrial management to discuss activities and investment in Nebraska through its manufacturing facility and commercial network. The Governor is on his first trade mission …