A new report that shows the U.S. biobased industry adds $369 billion and 4 million jobs to the American economy. This news release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that number is poised to grow under changes in the 2014 Farm Bill. “This report is the first to examine and quantify the effect of the U.S. biobased products …
Farmfest to Feature Minnesota’s 1st Rural Broadband Day
Underscoring the need for high-speed broadband access for farmers and ranchers, this year’s Farmfest will feature Minnesota’s first Rural Broadband Day. This news release from Farm Bureau says the farm show’s opening on August 4 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, makes the case to the public that with the rise of precision technology in agriculture, producers need the broadband to increase …
Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Canadian Ag Minister Gerry Ritz
Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. Ritz says the US is out of options and out of time with regard to Country-of-Origin labeling. He discusses the retaliation timetable and the billions of dollars in tariffs that could be placed on U.S. goods. In addition, Ritz says Canada is closely watching the Trade Promotion Authority vote …
Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Sen. John Boozman
Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features Sen. John Boozman. The Arkansas Republican sees strong opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed clean water rule and says Congress must quickly address the COOL rule. As co-chair of the hunger caucus, Boozman has strong interest in nutrition programs and expects policy reform this year. In this interview, Senator Boozman explains his thoughts …
Alltech REBELation Brings Together World on Food Issues
This year’s Alltech REBELation Symposium brought together a diverse audience of more than 3,000 people (10,000 if you also count the half marathon before the event}. But while there was diversity, there was a lot of similarity reflecting how the world’s consumers present that two-sided coin. “Consumers are more diverse and more similar at the same time,” explained Alltech’s Dr. …
New Holland Finalist Celebrates with Florida Georgia Line
One of theNew Holland Voice of the Next Gen Contest winners got a special way to celebrate her birthday. Rachel Markwiese of Chicago, Illinois, celebrated her 23rd birthday as one of the five finalists in the contest who traveled to Hershey, Pennsylvania, to meet Tyler Hubbard and enjoy a Florida Georgia Line concert. “This is the best birthday present ever!” …
Pharmacist is New Holland ‘Next Gen’ Finalist
A pharmacist from Canada might not know a lot about blue tractors, but she knew enough about the song to be a New Holland Voice of the Next Gen Contest winner. Melinda Lee is from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and was turned on to the contest by a Facebook friend. “They didn’t want to sing themselves, so they sent it to …
Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Rep. Adrian Smith
Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith. The Republican representing Nebraska’s 3rd District outlines a challenging agenda for House members following the Memorial Day break. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Smith expects a great deal of debate over Trade Promotion Authority, tax reform, and identifying financial resources for the Highway Trust Fund. …
NAFB Taking Applications for College Scholarships
The National Association of Farm Broadcasting Foundation is accepting applications for three $5,000 scholarships for college students studying agriculture communications. Application deadline is June 6, 2015, and the scholarships are named after farm broadcasting pioneers: Glenn Kummerow Memorial Scholarship. Glenn dedicated himself to the farm broadcasting industry, and was a respected authority in ag radio. He was a true friend …
New Board Members for American Farmland Trust
The American Farmland Trust (AFT) has elected a pair of nationally recognized leaders of agriculture to its board. This news release from the group says Jim Moseley and Greg Watson will join the board this fall. John Hardin, vice chair of the AFT board said, “Jim Moseley and Greg Watson bring a wealth of agriculture and conservation experience, expertise and …