Illinois-based cooperative GROWMARK, Inc. is acquiring the refined fuels terminal near St. Joseph, Missouri from Magellan Pipeline Company to better serve customers in that area. Acquisition of the facility will enable GROWMARK to ensure continued supply of refined fuels and solidify the cooperative’s commitment to the energy business and to northwestern Missouri and northeastern Kansas, according to Kevin Carroll, GROWMARK …
Ag Conservation Easement Funding Available
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Natural Resources Conservation Service chief Jason Weller have announced the availability of $332 million in financial and technical assistance through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). “Conservation easements are an important tool to help these landowners and partners voluntarily provide long-term protection of our nation’s farmland, ranchland, wetlands and grasslands for future generations,” said Vilsack. …
USDA Releases Prospective Plantings Report
The much-anticipated 2015 Prospective Plantings released by USDA today shows declines expected in corn, wheat and cotton acres this year, with only a modest increase in soybean acreage. Corn planted area for all purposes in 2015 is estimated at 89.2 million acres, down 2 percent from last year. If realized, this will be the third consecutive year of an acreage …
USDA Extends ARC and PLC Deadlines
*UPDATED* with audio below Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a one week extension for producers to choose between Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), the safety-net programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill. The final day to make the decision, update yield history or reallocate base acres will now be April 7, 2015. “This is an …
Research Finds Propane Cuts GHG Emissions
New research commissioned by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) finds that propane equipment cuts greenhouse gas emissions and reduces fuel costs. “A Comparative Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Propane and Competing Energy Sources,” prepared by Nexight Group, studied 14 applications to compare emissions from propane-powered equipment with emissions from conventional energy sources such as gasoline, diesel, and …
Drones Can Increase Efficiency of Farming
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), better known as drones, will make farming more efficient, lower operating costs, and reduce their environmental impact. That was the message from National Corn Growers Association Manager of Public Policy Clint Raine to a group of policymakers and reporters during a panel about the applications of UAS technology to the agricultural industry. “I’m optimistic about the …
Propane Grain Dryers Increase Efficiency
Farmers at Commodity Classic were showing increased interest in upgrading their grain dryers to high efficiency propane units. Cinch Munson with the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) says their research shows that a new propane grain dryer can result in 50% efficiency savings. “PERC has worked with a number of grain dryers manufacturers over the past few years to …
Ag Groups Support Non-GMO Label Bill
Agricultural organizations are voicing support for the bi-partisan Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act introduced in the U.S. House Wednesday by Reps. Mike Pompeo (R-KS) and G. K. Butterfield (D-NC). The bill includes a new provision to allow those who wish to label their products as GMO-free to do so by through an accredited certification process. “Our goal for this …
Deere Updates 3E Series Compact Utility Tractors
The 2015 John Deere 3032E and 3038E compact utility tractors feature some new customer-driven updates for added convenience, comfort and ease of use. The 3032E and 3038E are equipped with powerful, emissions-compliant Final Tier 4 engines with 31.1 (22.3 kW) and 37.3 (27.4 kW) horsepower, respectively. A hydrostatic transmission with Twin Touch™ pedals provides operators with simple, comfortable-to-use controls to …
State Farmers Union Presidents Meet Pope
Five Farmers Union state presidents and National Farmers Union’s (NFU) chief counsel capped off a series of meetings with officials at the Vatican by meeting Pope Francis himself on Wednesday. The presidents of state Farmers Unions in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin have been engaging in discussions about family farmers, food security and environmental stewardship. “In discussions …