The Organic Trade Association, along with the GRO Organic Core Committee, has formally petitioned the USDA to begin steps to conduct a vote on and implement a research and promotion check-off program for the organic industry. You can read an executive summary of the proposal here (pdf). OTA’s action reflects three years of dialogue with the entire organic sector and …
Speedy Spud Competition
Potato Lovers Club bloggers are participating in the second Speedy Spud Challenge. This recipe competition has seven competitors. I picked the photo of this entry because it is one of the entries that contains bacon! The competition is being held by the United States Potato Board. Bloggers were asked to create an original, yum-worthy potato recipe that can be made …
Nationwide Efforts of Protect the Harvest
Protect the Harvest is an advocacy group that started in Missouri five years ago to fight back against animal activists groups. During the Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholders Summit, policies impacting the future of animal agriculture was an important issue discussed. Brian Klippenstein, Executive Director, Protect the Harvest, spoke on how they are helping farmers and ranchers nationwide provide for a …
Sustainability Education at Animal Ag Summit
A panel of industry leaders shared their thoughts and research concerning sustainability during the recent Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholders Summit. Dr. Roger Cady, Sustainability Lead, Elanco Animal Health, said he liked to divide sustainability into the three pillars of environment, economic and social. “Farmers are the natural environmentalists of the land. Key to this is preserving our land, preserving our …
More Than $2.7 Million in Scholarships From FFA
The National FFA Organization and Foundation recently awarded more than $2.7 million in scholarships to 2,156 recipients. This was made possible thanks to the generosity made available by sponsors and individuals to reward and encourage excellence and enable students to pursue their educational goals. More than 7,000 students applied for the scholarships, with many of the applicants being considered for …
Hot Issues Tackled at Animal Ag Stakeholders Summit
The Animal Ag Alliance wrapped up the 2015 Stakeholders Summit yesterday in Kansas City, Mo and president of the organization, Kay Johnson Smith, said each year they strive to bring emerging issues to the forefront of discussion. “We know that agriculture is always on a journey to improve, to excel and find ways to do better. But we aren’t sure …
High School Students Win Environmental Video Contest
The Population Connection has announced the winners from their “World of 7 Billion” video contest. The competition encouraged high school students around the world to create and enter videos on population growth relating to one of three topics: universal education; diminishing farmland; and the sixth mass extinction. Over 1,600 high school students participated in the contest and submitted a total …
Soil Renaissance and Phytobiomes Initiative Collaborate
Today the Soil Renaissance and Phytobiomes Initiative announced announced a collaboration aimed at understanding how soil health and the broader phytobiomes in which plants exist impact food production for a growing population. In December 2013, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and Farm Foundation, NFP, launched the Soil Renaissance to bring attention to soil health’s critical role in feeding a global …
Nat Geo Editor Talks #FutureofFood at Animal Ag Event
“Journey to the Extraordinary” was the theme for the 2015 Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit, held in Kansas City instead of the usual Washington DC venue. One of first speakers at the event was National Geographic’s Dennis Dimick who provided an in-depth look at how the magazine covers agricultural issues, particularly the 2014 “Future of Food” series. “We didn’t want …
Farm Bureau Survey Outlines Women Leadership Skills
A new survey from Farm Bureau outlines the leadership skills for women in agriculture to master. This news release from the group says the Women in Ag Survey found communicating effectively, establishing and achieving goals, and strategic planning as the highest on a list of important leadership skills for women. “The survey results point to a need for a deeper …