#RealPigFarming Finalist in PR Awards

John Davis

A program that features real pork producers telling their stories has been nominated for a top national public relations award. The National Pork Board’s #RealPigFarming campaign, developed by Des Moines, Iowa-based PR firm Lessing-Flynn, is a finalist in the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Silver Anvil awards competition. “We’re incredibly proud of the #RealPigFarming campaign and the results we’ve …

Advertising, Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Pork, Public Relations

Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Heidi Heitkamp

John Davis

Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp. The North Dakota Democrat was instrumental in crafting the 2014 farm bill and now has proposed legislation to address uncertainty over renewable fuels and waters of the US as well as expanding trade with Cuba. In this interview Senator Heitkamp shares her thoughts on food labeling and outlines senate debate …

Agri-Pulse, Audio

Farm Bureau’s 2015 Photo Contest to Begin

John Davis

Farm Bureau’s 2015 photo contest begins soon. This news release from the group says it is open to all state and county Farm Bureau members and staff above 18 years of age at the time of entry, including professional photographers. Photo submissions will be used to accurately portray today’s agriculture and the safe practices of farmers and ranchers, and also …

AFBF, Photography

Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Collin Peterson

John Davis

Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features the House Ag Committee Ranking Member Rep. Collin Peterson. The Minnesota Democrat discusses his position on Trade Promotion Authority for the Obama administration and the dangers of change to the nation’s crop insurance program. He also believes environmentalists have control of the White House and favors congressional action to thwart implementation of the new …

Agri-Pulse, Audio

Lots of Jobs in Ag for New Grads

John Davis

May is graduation month, and a new survey shows that agriculture is a great place for those new college graduates. This article from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says the information from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Purdue University shows there are nearly 60,000 high-skilled agriculture job openings expected each year in the U.S., there …

AgCareers, Agribusiness, University, USDA

Farm Bureau Survey Outlines Women Leadership Skills

John Davis

A new survey from Farm Bureau outlines the leadership skills for women in agriculture to master. This news release from the group says the Women in Ag Survey found communicating effectively, establishing and achieving goals, and strategic planning as the highest on a list of important leadership skills for women. “The survey results point to a need for a deeper …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness

Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Debbie Stabenow

John Davis

Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features the Ranking Member on the Senate Agriculture Committee, Sen. Debbie Stabenow. The Michigan Democrat says she’s concerned about the budget process and is ready to defend the agriculture policy she and others worked so hard to approve. Stabenow says she wants to export products not jobs. In this interview, she shares her reservations about …

Agri-Pulse

Farm Foundation Forum on Animal Antibiotics

John Davis

The next Farm Foundation Forum will discuss the issue of antibiotics in food animal production. The May 14th discussion will bring together industry experts from production agriculture, the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies to explore the challenges of phasing out the use of antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals. Farm Foundation President Neil Conklin will moderate the panel of experts in …

Ag Groups, Animal Agriculture, Farm Foundation

Former FFA Member Donates to Ag Ed

John Davis

A former FFA member from Texas is donating money to support agricultural education teachers. This news release from FFA says Herman Wilson of Houston was inspired by his ag ed teacher in east Texas more than 62 years ago. Now he’s giving back in the form of $250,000 to establish an endowment to kick start a multi-level initiative. “We want …

Ag Groups, Education, FFA

Pakistani Companies Tour US Cotton Belt

John Davis

Representatives from Pakistani companies are touring the U.S. cotton belt. The tour is going on now through May 9. It’s put on by Cotton Council International (CCI), the National Cotton Council’s export promotions arm, and shows the key textile executives from 11 Pakistani companies the ins and outs of American cotton production, processing and marketing. At this point in the …

Cotton, International, Trade