Retired four-star general and former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, Gen. Stan McChrystal, gave the keynote address at the closing session of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Convention. Overcoming adversity both in the military and as civilians was his focus and how important that is in becoming a strong leader. “When an organization is small it …
North Dakota to Tell the Wheat Production Story
North Dakota leads the nation in hard red spring wheat and durum production. Independent filmmaker, Conrad Weaver of ConjoStudios, LLC., the North Dakota Wheat Commission, along with other state ag groups have teamed up to sponsor the Great American Wheat Harvest documentary film. Other state wheat sponsors include the Nebraska Wheat Board, Oklahoma Wheat Commission and the Montana Wheat and …
AFBF Sets Policy for 2014
Voting delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 95th annual meeting concluded this week by approving resolutions that will provide the organization with its marching orders in 2014 on unfinished business like the farm bill and immigration, as well as setting policy on new issues such as drones and agricultural data. “Congress is still haggling over dairy policy, but for …
ACA Assumes Assets, Programs of Farm-City Council
The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) Foundation has agreed to assume the assets and selected programs of the National Farm-City Council. The Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing links between farm families and urban residents. With this action, the Farm-City Council will move to dissolve on a national level after decades of narrowing the “understanding gap” between urban …
Not-so-beardless Duck Dynasty Brother at AFBF
He’s been called the “beardless brother” of the Robertson clan, but he had a full face of fur at the Farm Bureau meeting this week, albeit not quite the ZZ Top look the other “Duck Dynasty” males sport. As the newest member of the “Duck Dynasty” cast, Alan Robertson told thousands of farmers and ranchers that his reason for joining …
AFBF Voting Delegates Make Policy
The annual meeting of the voting delegates of the American Farm Bureau Federation is underway here in San Antonio, TX. This is grass roots at its finest. Throughout the day the delegates will work through the AFBF policy book making changes and perhaps adding new policy positions. Each one is placed on very large screens so everyone can easily read …
United Soybean Board Tackles Weed Resistance
Bob Haselwood, Kansas soybean farmer, is the Vice Chairman of the United Soybean Board (USB) and Chuck met up with him during the 2014 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention to see what we can see from USB in the upcoming year. Bob shared that their main focus during AFBF is to talk with farmers about weed resistance. USB recently …
Bridging the Gap Between Farmers and Consumers
Delegates of the 2014 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention are a few of the lucky ones who get a sneak peak of the Farmland film. Directed by James Moll, USFRA is a huge sponsor of the documentary that takes you into the lives of farmers and ranchers across the county. Randy Krotz, U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) talks about …
Ag Secretary Vilsack Speaks to AFBF
This morning’s general session at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention featured a speech by our U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. Yes, he spoke about the farm bill and the need for Congress to pass a new one. Interestingly, he also told us a personal story about being an orphan. Through his adopted father’s side of the family he’s …
Ensuring Accessibility to Biotechnology
Ensuring access to biotechnology was the topic Biotechnology Industry Organization’s (BIO), Dr. Cathleen Enright, presented on during the 2014 American Farm Bureau Federation convention this week in San Antonio. Cathleen is the Executive VP for Food and Agriculture at BIO. Her presentation focused on the need to advocate on behalf of biotech in light of challenges from activists and others. …