Last week I attended the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) convention in Las Vegas. It was the third time we have had the opportunity to find out more about these “unsung heroes of agriculture,” thanks to our friends with BASF. Among the many ways BASF supports NAAA is by sponsoring the convention kick off breakfast, which always features a speaker …
The Magic of BASF
There was magic in the air at the BASF booth during the National Agricultural Aviation Association NAAA convention and trade show this past week in Las Vegas. Those of you who visited with BASF at the 2011 Commodity Classic may have gotten a chance to see corporate magician Jon Petz perform there. BASF liked him so much that they brought …
BASF Updates Ag Aviators on New Labels
During the National Agricultural Aviation Association NAAA convention this week, Dr. Gary Fellows had the opportunity to educate aerial applicators on what’s new from BASF. Gary participated in a session with a few other crop protection product companies to provide an update on BASF herbicides and fungicides. First of all, Gary talked about the anticipated registration next year of Priaxor …
Ag Aviators Facing Unnecessary Regulations
Like all of agriculture, aerial applicators are facing potentially onerous regulations that could ground them if they are allowed to continue. The biggest issue they are dealing with right now is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, which National Agricultural Aviation Association executive director Andrew Moore told me just went into effect on Halloween. “It’s kind of …
Ag Aviators All in the Family
At this year’s National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) convention, I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful family that is dedicated to the business of aerial crop protection in North Dakota. Left to right, they are Jayse Wharam, his mother and father Vernie and Glen, and brother Chris. Glen is the owner of Valley Sprayers in Park River, ND and …
Ag Aviators are Unsung Farming Heroes
Aerial applicators really don’t get the credit they deserve when it comes to helping to feed a growing population. “I do think we’re the unsung heroes,” said National Agricultural Aviation Association president Rick Richter of Richter Aviation in Maxwell, CA. “We don’t get the credit but we don’t ask for it. We just want people to let us do our …
BASF Supporting Young Ag Aviators
The kick-off breakfast for the National Agricultural Aviation Association convention for the last several years has included the awarding of two scholarships, sponsored by BASF Ag Products, for young ag aviators. This year’s winners were Jordan Loewen of Valley Sprayers in Park River, ND and Brad Taylor of Corinth, MS. They are pictured here in the center, Brad on the …
Great Outlook for Beef Exports
The first six months of 2011, exports of U.S. beef and variety meat exports totaled over $3 billion, a 40% increase over the same time period in 2010 and something that has made beef cattle producers very happy this year. “It’s looking really good,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president-elect J.D. Alexander of Nebraska during an interview at NAFB Trade …
Alltech Global 500 Coming Up Next Week
Coming up next week in Lexington, Kentucky is an event that dairy and beef producers should not miss. Since 2008, more than 800 of world’s most progressive dairy and beef producers have convened for the Alltech Global 500 to network and discuss the most relevant and challenging topics in the industry. This year, the Global 500 explores the future landscape …
Nuseed Expands Seed Platform with Acquisition
Nuseed, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nufarm Limited, this week announced the acquisition of Seeds 2000 Inc, based in Breckenridge, Minnesota, USA. Seeds 2000 is a seed research, production, sales and marketing company focused primarily on the development of elite oil and confection sunflower hybrids that benefit both the farmer and end-use food customer. The company has significantly expanded its …