The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council is conducting a first ever event today in Mankato, MN. The event, “Biodiesel 2015 & Beyond: A Biodiesel/Bioheat Forum,” brings together biodiesel industry market developers, researchers and a number of representatives of east coast oil heat and fuel companies. The open forum is providing an educational look at what’s going on in the …
Missouri’s Agriculture Stewardship Assurance Program
Missouri Department of Agriculture held a press conference on the opening day of the Missouri State Fair about the launch of their Agriculture Stewardship Assurance Program (ASAP). The program goals are to encourage sustainable agricultural practices throughout the state, increase consumer confidence in Missouri agriculture and provide global marketing opportunities for the state’s producers. ASAP is a verification program that …
Farm Bureau: EPA Massively Increasing Its Authority
New maps released by Farm Bureau shows the federal government is massively increasing its authority at the cost of American producers. This news release from the group says the Environmental Protection Agency will radically expand its jurisdiction over land use if its controversial Waters of the United States rule takes effect as expected Aug. 28. That expansion comes even as …
Cheese & Beverage Pairing App
To the delight of cheese-loving smartphone users, the Wisconsin Cheese Cupid cheese and beverage-pairing app from Wisconsin Cheese is now available for Android mobile devices. Developed by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Wisconsin Cheese Cupid takes the guesswork out of pairing cheese with wine, beer and spirits. With its easy-to-use features, the app can help users create expert pairings on …
Partnership Launches No-Cost Farm Transition Project
A group of educators and agricultural consultants is launching a new, no-cost farm transition planning project to make sure farmland stays in families’ hands. Ag Transition Partners, supported by American Agri-Women, a coalition of farm, ranch and agri-business women is offering the project with webinars, on-site or virtual coaching and action plan templates. The project’s multi-layer approach sets it apart …
Food Dialogues – Minneapolis
It is time to talk about food again. So let’s have a dialogue in Minneapolis on “Farm to Consumer: Bridging the Gap between Consumer Concerns and Food Production and Sourcing Decisions.” Thanks to USFRA, we’ll will be there tomorrow to watch, learn, interview, tweet. From environmental sustainability to GMO safety and animal welfare, consumers increasingly want to know if the …
Ding Wins National Potato Council Scholarship
The National Potato Council (NPC) is pleased to announce the winner of the 2015-15 $10,000 academic scholarship. Shunping Ding, a PhD. student in Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is a graduate student who earned the award for her interest in research benefiting the potato industry. Ding is an enthusiastic researcher and dedicated student, who has proven to be a leader both …
Join the Biodiesel & Bioheat Forum
Next week I’ll be attending the Biodiesel and Bioheat Forum, sponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. Want to join me? Get registered now. Home heating oil and biodiesel leaders will discuss a biodiesel blend with significant environmental and economic benefits and the role Minnesota soybean farmers can play in meeting the demand of this market. “The Midwest …
Farm Financial Standards Councils Elects Neiffer
The Farm Financial Standards Council has elected Paul Neiffer (center) serve as president for 2015-16. Neiffer is a principal with ClifftonLarsonAllen, LLP, in Kennewick. Neiffer is flanked to his right by Stephen Severe, CFO of Padlock Ranch, Ranchester, WY, who will serve as the organization’s vice president. The secretary/treasurer of the Council is Janice P. Bitter, vice president of Farm …
Tiemann Elected Chairman of U.S. Grains Council
A Nebraska corn farmer and state Corn Board member is the new chairman of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC). Alan Tiemann from Seward, Nebraska, was elected at the organization’s 55th annual board of delegates meeting in Montreal, Canada, after serving as USGC vice-chairman over the previous year. “I have enjoyed addressing issues and helping open markets for the Grains Council …