It’s hard to forget the spring of 2013 when growers had more rain then they could handle. For some they lost crops, for others the seed was planted a bit late. But what if there was a way to improve your changes for a better harvest despite too much soil moisture. Well, there is a way to do just that: …
The Cow in Patrick O’Shanahan’s Kitchen
There is a cow in Patrick O’Shanahan’s kitchen this morning as his dad makes his world famous french toast. Why? Because Patrick thinks his food comes from the grocery story until the cow, a menagerie of chickens and a few maple trees appear causing him to rethink where his food comes from. In this new children’s book, “The Cow in …
Ag Leader Proud to Sponsor Iowa Power Farming Show
Ag Leader had a great 2013 and 2014 is shaping up to be even better. I caught up with Mike Olson, Ag Leader North America Sales Manager, who gave me an overview of what 2014 will bring as well as spoke to me about their sponsorship of the 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show. Olson said they have been an event …
2014 Iowa Power Farming Show Round-up
The 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show is in full swing this week in Des Moines, Iowa and according to Tom Junge, show director nearly 25,000 people are expected to attend the third largest farm show in the United States. The show expands 7 acres and features exhibitors from 29 states and 4 Canadian Provinces; represents 750 companies and more than …
EcoEngineer’s Jim Baker Wins John Deere FFV Mower
If there was one item that was coveted above all others at the 8th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit, it was the E85, flex fuel riding lawn mower donated by John Deere. Attendees who submitted comments to the EPA in regards to their proposed 2014 renewable volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) were registered to win. As soon …
PERC Renews Farm Incentive Program
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has renewed the funding for propane-fueled farm equipment. Farmers who purchase propane in 2014 will be eligible for up to $5,000 in purchase incentives through the 2014 Propane Farm Incentive Program. PERC works directly with original equipment manufacturers to develop and commercialize new propane-fueled farm equipment. According to PERC, the program saw record …
Santa Delivers Anaerobic Digester for Christmas
Franklin, Vermont farmers Denna and Mike Benjamin were heading into the holidays with a big wish: natural gas to start their anaerobic digester to convert the methane fro their cows’ manure to electricity. The project was partially funded by a federal grant, and if the digester was not operating by year’s end they would lose a major portion of the …
Ethanol is a Win for Illinois, A Win for Agriculture
Illinois State Representative Donald Moffitt knows agriculture. He grew up on a family farm, on which his son still farms (and Don occasionally helps). This has been a huge asset for him in his role as state representative because agriculture is the number one industry in both his 74th District as well as the state of Illinois. Rep Moffitt was …
Ag Industry Dealt a Blow from EPA
The agriculture industry has been dealt a blow according to Adam Nielsen, director of legislation and policy development for the Illinois Farm Bureau. Nielsen, who spends a significant amount of time promoting the agricultural industry in Washington, D.C., said the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed 2014 reduction of the amount of corn ethanol blended as part of the Renewable Fuel …
EPA Unveils 2014 RFS Renewable Fuel Volumes
Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its proposal for the 2014 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for the amount of renewable fuels to be blended into gasoline and diesel. The EPA has proposed to set the cellulosic biofuel category at 17 million gallons, biomass-based diesel at 1.28 billion gallons, advanced biofuel at …