Coatings and inoculants are where it’s at in the seed industry these days and BASF Ag Products is in the forefront of this important technology for agriculture. “When we speak of inoculants, we’re talking about rhizobia-based products,” said BASF US Crop Seed Enhancement manager Steve Bergschneider during an interview at the ASTA CSS 2014 and Seed Expo in Chicago. “We …
ASTA Chairs Pleased with CSS 2014
The chairman and first vice chair of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) are pleased with this year’s turnout at CSS 2014 and Seed Expo and with the direction of the organization. ASTA chair John Schoenecker with HM. Clause of California says the program is exceptionally good this year. “Everything from bee health to cover crops, the international treaty for …
USDA Chief Economist to Retire
The chief economist with USDA is retiring at the end of the year after 30 years of federal service. “No one has a higher level of credibility on issues impacting the agricultural economy than Dr. Glauber,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement. “Farm country and, truly, the country as a whole have been extraordinarily well served by Joe …
BASF Talks Emerging Seed Industry Trends at CSS
Two main trends emerging in the seed industry are biological crop inputs and seed coatings, according to Mike McFatrich, BASF global seed solutions business director. “I think we have seen a real increase in looking at more sustainable options and being able to do more with less,” said McFatrich at this week’s CCS 2014 and Seed Expo in Chicago where …
Seed Industry to Launch Consumer Education Effort
The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) today unveiled results of new research that shows consumers have a lack of knowledge and appreciation for the importance of seeds and seed improvement, until they are presented with specific examples of the environmental, economic and health benefits of seed. ASTA president and CEO Andy LaVigne briefed members of the media during the CSS …
BASF Helps Feeding America
BASF is donating $75,000 to Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, to help feed struggling families and individuals throughout the U.S. “Through our contribution to Feeding America, we can help provide healthy fruits and vegetables to people and communities who may not have regular access to them,” said Scott Kay, Vice President, U.S. Crop Protection for BASF. “In many …
ASTA CSS 2014 and Seed Expo Kicks Off
The American Seed Trade Association CSS 2014 and Seed Expo is officially underway in Chicago and possibly may be a record crowd this year. “We have a great participation this year,” said ASTA president and CEO Andy LaVigne. “Beginning of this week, we had over 2700 registrants and that’s almost 100 more than we finished with last year and we …
Smart Ag in the 21st Century
“Smart Agriculture in the 21st Century” is the theme for the 2015 Agricultural Outlook Forum to be held from Feb. 19-20, 2015, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel, Arlington, Va. USDA has announced that the forum’s plenary speakers and sessions will take a global, modern look at different aspects of today’s agriculture industry. Among the highlights, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack …
GROWMARK Preparing for Next Season
A farmer’s work is never done so now that the harvest is complete, it’s time to prepare for next season. “We’re getting done getting the ammonia on because of the cold weather,” said GROWMARK Regional Agronomy Business Director Nate Pierce during an interview at the NAFB convention last month. “We need to start making our plans and working with the …
Ag Groups Call for Longer Tax Extensions
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 378-46 Wednesday night to approve HR 5771, which reinstates a host of tax incentives for 2014, setting up a potential Senate vote in the coming days. The package includes items important to farmers and ranchers such as Section 179 and the biodiesel tax credit, but agricultural interests would like a more long-term solution. “Farmers …