David Schmidt, Country Life in BC, was this year’s recipient of the Canadian Farm Writers Federation Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is presented to David for his outstanding commitment to the Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation and to the agricultural communications or media industries. Presenting the award to David is Tamara Leigh. David made a point of saying that he doesn’t …
Sorghum Producers Elect New Chairman
The National Sorghum Producers board of directors has selected Don Bloss to serve as chairman. “Don Bloss is an experienced voice in the sorghum industry, having served previously as the chair of NSP’s Legislative Committee,” said Tim Lust, NSP CEO. “We look forward to his contributions and insights as NSP engages in discussions related to the next farm bill.” Other returning …
USDA Issues 2015 Market Downturn Payments
Many of the 1.7 million farms enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs will now be receiving safety-net payments, thanks to the down markets of 2015. “This fall, USDA will be making more than $7 billion in payments under the ARC-County and PLC programs to assist participating producers, which will account for over 10 …
MGEX To Auction Historic Cash Tables
MGEX is auctioning off seven antique cash tables in a public, online auction this month. The tables being offered are over a century old and were used on the historic trading floor of the Minneapolis Grain Exchange, now just known as MGEX, which was established in 1881 and is celebrating 135 years this year. From October 10 through October 28, …
USDA Report Shows Biobased is a Growing Industry
The USDA has released a report showing the biobased products industry contributed $393 billion and 4.2 million jobs to the American economy in 2014. That’s a growth of 220,000 jobs and $24 billion over 2013. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has found the biobased economy to be one of the four pillars that support the rural economy of the U.S. “When …
Dream Big at the ARA Annual Conference
The Agricultural Retailers Association will be hosting their annual conference and expo in Orlando, Florida- a place known for magic. The keynote speaker will be conjuring up a little of that enchantment as he presents his message on leadership and world-class customer service. Lee Cockerell is a retired Disney executive, a man in charge of 73,000 team members who daily created …
Agworld Offers Farm Management Program
All the precision tech in the world isn’t going to do much good unless a grower can get them to work together. That’s were Agworld comes in. The global provider of farm management software and applications has introduced Collaborative Farming Solution (CFS), a cloud-based platform that allows growers and retailers to work together. Most farm systems were developed for specific …
Pearse Lyons Accelerator Seeking Entrepreneurs
The Pearse Lyons Accelerator is now accepting applications for its inaugural term. The progarm is looking for food and agribusiness innovators with a proven technology that is ready for market. Selected participants will be part of a three-month intensive boot camp that offers market opportunities to allow entrepreneurs to develop their agribusiness plans. Chosen innovators will present at ONE: The …
Monsanto Invests $1.6 Million in Carbon Smart Research
Monsanto has announced they will be supporting the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and its Soil Health Partnership (SHP)‘s efforts with a $1.6 million investment. NCGA was recently awarded $1 million dollars from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) to help farmers find better solutions for reducing climate change. Monsanto’s contribution will provide expertise, tools and resources …
Bayer Invests in United Fresh Start Foundation
In an effort to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to school children, Bayer has partnered with United Fresh Start Foundation to place salad bars in elementary and secondary schools in the Pacific Northwest and California. The company has invested $20,000 to put healthy choices in front of students at schools like Sunnyslope Elemenatry School in the Wenatchee Public School district. …