The National FFA Organization announced a record-high student membership of 649,355, up from 629,367 in 2015 and an increase of 3 percent. The number of FFA chapters grew from 7,757 to 7,859. The top six student membership states are Texas, California, Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio and Missouri. Interest in FFA and agricultural education continues to grow, as membership continues to increase. …
Techies – Have You Got the 7 Yet?
Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How should U.S. normalize relations with Cuba?” The U.S. Ag Coalition for Cuba represents about 120 national groups each working collectively on individual interests with the common goal of improving trade relations with Cuba. Cubans seek to normalize relations with the U.S. which would include the U.S. lifting the embargo, extending credit to Cuba …
New Holland BigBaler at @WDExpo
The New Holland Agriculture BigBaler 340 Plus was on the lot at the 2016 World Dairy Expo for dairy farmers to see how the new model builds on the brand’s leadership in the large square baler market. Seth Doman, Hay & Forage Marketing Segment Leader for New Holland North America, said their customers are lining up to see this machine …
The Dairy Legacy Behind Miss Madison
We have already introduced you to Miss Madison, a gift from World Dairy Expo (WDE) to the Alliant Energy Center in celebration of the event’s 50th Anniversary. Now let’s dive deeper into how she represents the past 50 year legacy of the global dairy community and the people behind it. The 6,900-pound cow, carved from Dakota Mahogany stone, was commissioned …
Help #Celebrate50 with World Dairy Expo
We have officially kicked off the 2016 World Dairy Expo (WDE) in Madison, WI. Fifty years ago the concept of bringing a cattle show together with a dairy industry expo was simply a dream; today it is a legacy. The event is known to bring over 70,000 visitors each year with nearly 3,000 international guests representing over 90 different countries. …
The Cuban Gold Rush
Few Americans can say they have stepped foot on Cuban soil. Even fewer can say they had the opportunity as a journalist and yet even fewer as an agricultural journalist. Luckily, I am one of those who can answer yes to all of the above. Thanks to the American Agricultural Editors’ Association (AAEA) and Alltech, I recently traveled to Cuba …
International Drone Expo to Host Drone Race
International Drone Expo (IDE), the largest gathering of the most innovative and leading members of the UAV community from around the globe, will hold its first annual Drone Race inside the Los Angeles Convention Center this December. MultiGP, the sanctioning body and leading drone racing league for first-person view (FPV) radio-controlled aircraft in the United States, will custom design the …
Some Say Mega Merger Bad News
Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What’s your opinion of the Bayer-Monsanto deal?” The mega merger is still in the news and a small majority of pollers seem to believe the Bayer-Monsanto deal is bad news for the industry. As the companies work out the kinks farmers will soon see what the future holds and how this consolidation will impact …
Egg, Dairy & Chicken Prices Down, Beef Too
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Fall Harvest Marketbasket Survey indicates lower retail prices for several foods, including eggs, whole milk, cheddar cheese, chicken breast, sirloin tip roast and ground chuck. The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare one or more meals was $49.70, down $4.40 or 8 percent compared …
+3,500 Commercial Drones Showcased InterDrone 2016
BZ Media LLC’s InterDrone™ The International Drone Conference & Exposition, held at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas Sept 7-9, drew 3,518 attendees from 54 different countries on 6 continents. The event featured 155 exhibitors and sponsors in more than 230 booths. FAA Administrator Michael P. Huerta gave the Grand Opening Keynote speech to thousands gathered on the first day. …