The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed “Waters of the US” rule was published in the Federal Register last week – all 111,000 words of it. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) responded with just three words – “Ditch the Rule”. AFBF Public Policy Director Dale Moore says the “ditch” part comes from the fact that a reading of the rule indicates …
Farmers Present Case for Immigration Reform
The Partnership for a New American Economy and the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform released a report Tuesday entitled “No Longer Home Grown: How Labor Shortages are Increasing America’s Reliance on Imported Fresh Produce and Slowing U.S. Economic Growth.” The report found that the share of fresh fruits and vegetables imported and consumed by American families has grown by almost …
Grassley and Ag Reject Japan’s TPP Offer
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) took time between votes today to join with several agricultural organizations and voice strong opposition to Japan’s negotiating position in the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership to exclude a number of agricultural products as part of a final agreement. “Japan seems to believe that they’re entitled to keep five sacred agriculture products off the table,” said Grassley, who …
Farm Bureau Kicks Off ‘Our Food Link’ Program
Farmer and rancher members of Farm Bureau from around the country officially kicked off the organization’s new “Our Food Link” program in conjunction with a conference for state leaders of Women’s Leadership and Promotion & Education programs. “Our Food Link is a year-round program that county and state Farm Bureaus use to provide consumers of all ages and backgrounds with …
President Signs Farm Bill in Michigan
A young Michigan cherry farmer had the honor of introducing the president of the United States prior to signing of the new farm bill at Michigan State University Friday. “On behalf of farmers across Michigan, I want to say thank you Congress for passing a great farm bill,” said Ben LaCross, former American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher chairman. …
Climate Corp Adopts Data Privacy Standards
The Climate Corporation today announced principles and commitments related to data use and privacy published on-line in a Guiding Principles on Data and Privacy statement. “The application of data science in agriculture is relatively new, and with the development of new technologies comes some level of uncertainty about its potential implications. In our experience, farmers are more likely to embrace …
Farm Bill Could be Final This Week
Agricultural groups hailed passage of the compromise farm bill by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday and look forward to swift action in the Senate. National Corn Growers Association President Martin Barbre of Illinois observed the floor vote from the House gallery while visiting the Capitol. “This legislation provides an adequate and flexible farm safety net, as well as …
Farmers in the SOTU
It is rare for agriculture to even be mentioned in a State of the Union address, but President Obama brought attention to the hardworking farmers of our country in the opening minute of SOTU 2014. “A farmer prepared for the spring after the strongest five-year stretch of farm exports in our history,” said the president, with a split screen image …
Young Farmers and Ranchers Win Big During AFBF
Earlier this week during the 95th American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture competitions were announced. The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who have excelled in their farming or ranching operations and exhibit superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s …
Ethanol Policy Important to Illinois FB
New Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert took an active role in the policy development session at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting this week in San Antonio. “I’ve always enjoyed policy and being a part of Illinois Farm Bureau and the policy making decisions,” said Guebert, who was elected to replace Phillip Nelson as president of the organization …