GROWMARK Names New Vice President for Agronomy

Cindy Zimmerman

GROWMARK has announced the appointment of Mark Orr as Vice President of Agronomy, succeeding Jim Spradlin who was recently named GROWMARK CEO-elect. “Mark brings proven leadership experience and an excellent understanding of retail agronomy marketing and operations to this role,” Spradlin said. Orr began his career in the GROWMARK System career in 1990 at Schuyler-Brown FS. He served as controller …

GROWMARK

PrecisionAg Legacy Awards

Cindy Zimmerman

There were two PrecisionAg Institute Legacy award winners recognized this year at the InfoAg 2014 Conference in St. Louis. Dr. Scott Shearer, Professor and Chair of the Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering at The Ohio State University, was recognized for his work in spectral and spatial image processing in agriculture and controls and methodologies for metering and distribution of inputs …

Audio, Precision Agriculture

Welcome to the MapShots AgStudio Expo

Cindy Zimmerman

The 2014 InfoAg Expo kicks off tomorrow at St. Louis Union Station, but prior to that event, MapShots has brought in about 140 farmers and crop consultants for an AgStudio Expo today. “Little day session that goes through some of the aspects of AgStudio and that line of products from the farm version to the pro version,” said Clint Ingram …

Audio, data, Precision Agriculture, Technology

Serious Thoughts from a Funny Guy

Cindy Zimmerman

Damian Mason is a seriously funny guy. Chuck interviewed him twice last year – at the NAMA conference and then again at the O.H. Kruse event – but the first time I have seen him was over the weekend at the Southern Peanut Growers Conference, and I suspect it won’t be the last. He is making a name for himself …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Audio, BASF, Peanuts, SPGC, Video

GROWMARK Picks AgIntegrated for Info Platform

Cindy Zimmerman

GROWMARK has teamed up with AgIntegrated (AGI) for the development of FS Advanced Information Services (FS AIS), a suite of tools to “connect data, analysis, insight, and application into one complete user experience for advanced field optimization.” AgIntegrated is an independent provider of ag information management consulting and technologies based in Pennsylvania and President Duane Reese says they are excited …

Audio, data, GROWMARK, Technology

Arkansas Congressman and Former Farm Broadcaster

Cindy Zimmerman

In keeping with a fine tradition of bringing outstanding farm state lawmakers to the Southern Peanut Growers Conference, this year we were honored to hear from Rep. Rick Crawford of Arkansas, a member of the House Agriculture Committee and a former farm broadcaster. “In fact, we started a network back in ’06 and it has grown to about 53-54 stations …

Audio, Peanuts, SPGC, Video

Farm Aid 2014 in North Carolina

Cindy Zimmerman

The year was 1985 when the first Farm Aid concert was held – the height of the farm crisis. It was thought to be a one-time event, but it has been carried on over the years by organizers Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp and this year’s event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre …

Events, Farming

Foundation for Food and Ag Research Formed

Cindy Zimmerman

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the creation of the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research (FFAR), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, and the appointment of a 15-member board of directors. The 15 voting members of the board include a former agriculture secretary, a number of university professors, a representative from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, an executive …

Corn, Farm Bill, NCGA, USDA

NPPC President Elect Arrested at Capitol

Cindy Zimmerman

The president-elected of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) was arrested at the U.S. Capitol today with a 9-mm Ruger handgun in his bag. Ron Prestage, a veterinarian and part of family-owned Prestage Farms of South Carolina, was charged with carrying a pistol without a license. Reports indicate Prestage has a concealed carry permit in South Carolina but the charge …

NPPC, Pork

Make Plans for Canada’s 21st Outdoor Farm Show

Cindy Zimmerman

Starting September 9, Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) returns to Woodstock, Ontario after an extremely successful 20th anniversary last year. The annual three day event is arguably Canada’s largest and top farm show. Best known for interactive outdoor demonstrations in the field, Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) continues its 20-year tradition once again with a full line-up of new technology …

Events, Farm Shows