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

CTIC Tour to the Everglades

Cindy Zimmerman

If you ever wanted to see the Florida Everglades up close and personal, here is your chance! Lettuce, sugar cane and owls will be just a few of the crops and creatures seen on this year’s Conservation in Action Tour, hosted by the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC). Early-bird registration is now open for CTIC’s seventh annual tour, which showcases …

Conservation, CTIC

Busy Week in DC for Corn Growers

Cindy Zimmerman

Members of the National Corn Growers Association had a busy week in the nation’s capital last week – hearing from and meeting with administration officials and lawmakers, saying goodbye to retiring industry leaders, and inspiring new young leaders. One of the highlights was an update from EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe on the proposed Waters of the United States rule. …

Ag Groups, Audio, Corn, NCGA

Southern Peanut Growers Meet this Week

Cindy Zimmerman

It’s time once again for the Southern Peanut Growers to head to Panama City Beach. The 16th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference will be held July 24-26 at the gorgeous Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida. The three-day event provides farmers an opportunity to learn more about the industry and important issues while also enjoying a relaxing time …

Ag Groups, Events, Peanuts

James Garner Original Beef Spokesman

Cindy Zimmerman

With the passing of film and television actor James Garner over the weekend, many are remembering his popular roles such as Bret Maverick in the 1950s western-comedy series Maverick and Jim Rockford in the 1970s detective drama The Rockford Files. One great role he played for the Beef Checkoff was the voice and face for some of the very first …

Beef, Beef Checkoff, Video

Farm Groups Dissatisfied with WOTUS Explanations

Cindy Zimmerman

Despite increased efforts by Environmental Protection Agency officials to explain and defend the proposed Waters of the United States rule, farm groups continue to have concerns. The American Farm Bureau Federation this week sent Congress a comprehensive document that responds to inaccurate and misleading comments made about the rule by EPA acting assistant administrator for water Nancy Stoner in a …

AFBF, Ag Groups