AFBF President Surprises Vilsack with Branding Iron

Cindy Zimmerman

American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman presented Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack with a special gift Monday to recognize his support of farmers and ranchers. Noting that a Texas cowboy phrase denoting loyalty to the ranch is “ride for the brand,” Stallman gave Vilsack a specially-made “US AG” branding iron. “Mr. Secretary, thank you for riding for the brand for …

AFBF, Audio, USDA

USTR Ag Negotiator Visits AFBF Convention

Cindy Zimmerman

Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the US Trade Representative Darci Vetter made an informal appearance at the American Farm Bureau annual meeting in San Diego Sunday and stopped to answer a few trade related questions from the media. First, Ambassador Vetter was asked about the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations and Japan’s desire to exempt a variety of agricultural products from the …

AFBF, Audio, Trade

Farm Bureau Town Hall with Secretary Vilsack

Cindy Zimmerman

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack held an informal town hall-style meeting with members of the American Farm Bureau on the floor of the IDEAg trade show Sunday in San Diego. On a circular stage with AFBF president Bob Stallman, Vilsack took questions from members on a variety of topics, including the proposed Waters of the US rule, transportation, trade, and biofuels. …

AFBF, Audio, USDA

Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Awards

Cindy Zimmerman

The American Farm Bureau Federation recognized Don Borgman and Dr. Temple Grandin for their distinguished service to agriculture during the organization’s 96th annual convention Sunday in San Diego. Both farmer and industry executive, Don Borgman has been a strong advocate for agriculture for over 40 years. A third-generation corn and soybean farmer from Missouri, Borgman continued to manage his farm …

AFBF, Audio

Farm Bureau Proud and Optimistic

Cindy Zimmerman

The 96th annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation is underway in San Diego, kicked off by president Bob Stallman Sunday morning telling the membership that agriculture must push harder for important policy reforms in 2015. “We cannot ignore the extremes of the left and right, but we must speak to the center: the legislators in both parties who …

AFBF, Audio

‘My American Farm’ Reaches 1.5 million Youth

Jamie Johansen

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has announced that it has reached more than 1.5 million school-age youths through its educational “My American Farm” program. In 2015, the web-based resource will have a new look to improve the user experience thanks to continued support from DuPont Pioneer. “Over the past four years, we have reached more than a million …

AFBF, Ag Groups

Farm Bureau Convention Preview

Cindy Zimmerman

The 96th annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation is being held in San Diego starting this weekend. Among the highlights are a new IDEAg Innovate Conference and Trade Show that will preview for invited guests on Friday night and officially kick off on Saturday morning at 8 am featuring topics such as big data, drones, and Internet strategies …

AFBF, Audio

Farm Bureau Proud 2015 Convention

Cindy Zimmerman

Innovation and technology will be in the spotlight at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 96th annual convention, which begins this weekend in San Diego. Big, new and really different this year is the IDEAg Innovate Conference and Trade Show that will feature topics such as managing agricultural big data, the use of drones for farming purposes, precision agriculture and Internet …

AFBF

Farm Bureau Names New Promotion Committee

John Davis

In an effort to develop and centralize resources that inspire and equip Farm Bureau members to convey the significance of agriculture, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has appointed farmer and rancher members to the organization’s new national Promotion & Education Committee. AFBF President Bob Stallman announced the appointment of the following members to the committee: Phyllis Couture, West Valley, …

AFBF, Ag Groups

Agriculture May Benefit From Cuba Relations

Cindy Zimmerman

The White House announcement Wednesday that the United States will begin the process of normalizing relations with Cuba brought positive responses from the agriculture industry. “Throughout history, agriculture has served as a bridge to foster cooperation, understanding and the exchange of ideas among people,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement. “I have no doubt that agriculture will continue …

AFBF, Ag Groups, ASA, Rice, Soybean, Trade, USDA