A $1 million grant from John Deere will fund the development of a new John Deere Technology Innovation Center at the University of Illinois. Illini students and faculty will use the center for studies and research in agriculture, business, engineering and information technology. The new facility, which is expected to be ready by July, is located in the University Research …
Bio Economy Transition
Biofuels have been making headlines all over the place lately. I’m sure the weather in the central United States is going to continue to fuel the issue. It’s also taking us out on the road a bit this month. Cindy’s at the Fuel Ethanol Workshop and later this week I’ll be at the Iowa Indy Corn 250. Next week I’ll …
Turkey Talk on Facebook
The National Turkey Federation is becoming more savvy in online social networking. June is ‘Turkey Lovers’ Month’ and to celebrate, the federation is debuting its new identity on Facebook.com The federation chose to focus the concept on Facebook, to reach a younger audience that is talking with their peers through this social networking community. Campaign participants will add a “turkey …
Farm Foundation Elects New Chair
Richard Hahn succeeds Sara Wyant as chair of the Board of Trustees of Farm Foundation. Barry Flinchbaugh of Kansas State University was named Vice Chair. The election took place at the Board’s annual meeting June 7, 2008, in Canandaigua, NY. Established in 1933, Farm Foundation is directed by a Board of Trustees comprised of leaders in agriculture and the food …
CUTC Media Mania
While I was attending the Corn Utilization and Technology Conference recently, I turned the tables on one of the media representatives covering the conference. Pictured on the left is Andy Vance, Buckeye Ag Radio Network along with NCGA’s Christina Koboldt. Christina was a big help by the way, helping those of us who haven’t attended a CUTC in a while. …
Organic’s Got Nutrients
Organic milk from pasture-fed cows is believed to be full of nutrients. A study recently published from Newcastle University in the UK suggest that cows that graz on fresh pasture produce milk with higher levels of antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids, such as omega-3’s. “Grazing dairy cows on grass or grass and clover swards produces milk with a healthier fatty …
Corn Farmers Concerned about Google/Yahoo Advertising
Cindy found an interesting story on Cnet, titled, “Corn farmers take anti-Google fight to Washington.” It’s about a letter from the American Corn Growers and some other ag groups to Congress, urging them to look into a proposed advertising partnership between Google and Yahoo. It’s kind of a complicated story to explain easily so I encourage you to read the …
Joe Jobe Competes in Celebrity Tractor Race
Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board (left) and Chuck Leavell, keyboardist for the Rolling Stones (right) were two of the competitors out here at the Michael Peterson/New Holland Celebrity Tractor Race today. I spoke to both of them before their competition runs and will post my interview with Chuck later. In this post you can watch Joe give …
FFA Working in New Holland Booth
Laura posted a video clip with Dustin Delp, seated on the right, the other day at the start of the CMA Music Fest parade. Today I sat down with him at the New Holland booth where he and other FFA members are helping out. It’s a great project and some of the ones here this year were also here last …
Celebrate Food the Slow Way
San Francisco is hosting the largest celebration of American food in U.S. history. Slow Food Nation is expected to attract tens of thousands in an experience that highlights the connections between plate and planet. The celebration is scheduled for Labor Day weekend, August 29 through September 1, 2008. The majority of Slow Food Nation’s events will be free and open …