Farmers Face Financial Pressure, AFBF Tells Congress

Kelly Marshall

The continued commodity price slump is hurting American farmers and Zippy Duvall is trying to make sure Congress understand just what that means to agriculture.  The American Farm Bureau Federation President (AFBF) explained to the Agriculture Subcommittee that, while all farmers and ranchers will be affected, new and young farmers will struggle most as they work to build equity, write …

AFBF, Ag Groups

Corn Prices Projected to Decrease

Kelly Marshall

While optimists hoped the increased demand for ethanol would help drive corn prices, the USDA reports say it won’t be enough to off-set other factors.  Demand estimates are lower by 24 million bushels of corn, and ending stocks are higher by 25 million bushels.  Production estimates remain unchanged from March. “U.S. corn farmers have indicated their intention to grow another …

Ag Groups, Corn, Marketing, Markets, NCGA, USDA

McCornick Named Water for Food Executive Director

Kelly Marshall

The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska has announced a new executive director. Peter G. McCornick, an expert recognized internationally for his research in water, food, and the environment, will be taking the reins for the institute on September 1. Currently McCornick is serving as the deputy director general for the International Water Management …

Ag Groups, Research, Water

Korean Cotton Executives to Visit US

Lizzy Schultz

Textile executives from 10 Korean companies will tour the U.S. Cotton Belt on April 17-22. The executives will observe U.S. cotton production, processing and marketing and will meet with U.S. cotton exporters. This Cotton USA Korean Special Trade Mission is being conducted by Cotton Council International (CCI), the National Cotton Council’s export promotions arm. Korea currently ranks as the sixth …

Ag Groups, Cotton, Events, International, Research

Farm Foundation Forum Discusses Poverty in Rural America

Lizzy Schultz

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and two rural community experts are joining together to discuss the cost of poverty in rural America at the Farm Foundation Forum on Monday, April 18, 2016. The Forum will be held at 9 am in the Holeman Lounge of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. A free, live audiocast will also be …

Ag Groups, Events, Farm Foundation

Seeking Future Giant of the Seed Industry

Kelly Marshall

Seed World and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Future Seed Executives are looking for those poised to make an impact on the seed industry.  The Future Giant is an award given to an early-career individual who is passionate about the seed industry.  The award will be given at ASTA’s Annual Convention, June 18-22 in Portland, Oregon.  The winner will …

Ag Groups, ASTA, Seed

Do Americans Trust Their Food?

Kelly Marshall

Producers today face challenges of water shortages, urban sprawl, weed and antibiotic resistance, and the never ending battle with Mother Nature, but possibly the biggest hurdle to agriculture is consumer trust.  More than ever consumers are asking questions and requesting transparency in the food process. How is the industry doing? Research provided by FoodThink offers new insights into Americans’ understanding of …

Ag Groups, Food, Safety

ASA Seeks State Policy & Communications Coordinator

Jamie Johansen

The American Soybean Association (ASA) is ready to accept applications for the position of State Policy & Communication Coordinator based at Gordley Associates, ASA’s Washington office. This position has multiple responsibilities in two work areas. The first is to work with ASA’s 26 state and regional association affiliates to help achieve national soybean policy priorities, as set by ASA. This …

Ag Groups, ASA, Soybean

Illinois HerbFest Celebrates Earth Day

Lizzy Schultz

The Illinois Herb Association will celebrate this month’s Earth Day festivities during the 2016 HerbFest. The event will be held April 16 in Chillicothe, Illinois, at Chillicothe Public Library. “The annual HerbFest was previously held in June and September, but this year will be moving to April in order to celebrate Earth Day and build nature into the program,” said …

Ag Groups, Conservation, Environment, Planting, specialty crops, Sustainability