Evelyn Browning-Gariss, The Browning Newsletter, is a historical climatologist who advices the masses about what the coming season will bring. She has spent over 30 years explaining the impact of changing climate on economic and social trends. During last week’s Crop Insurance & Reinsurance Bureau’s annual meeting, Evelyn talked to attendees about what they can expect from a changing climate. …
Ag Media Perspective from CIRB
As leaders in crop insurance flocked to the annual meeting of the Crop Insurance & Reinsurance Bureau, so did members of the agriculture media. Chuck thought it would be interesting to gather their perspective on some of the important issues discussed to help chart the course for the future. Sara Wyant, AgriPulse, shared her takeaways and a few things that …
NCC Expects Cotton Acres to Decline
A new survey says fewer acres of cotton will be planted this year. This news release from the National Cotton Council cites the group’s 32nd Annual Early Season Planting Intentions Survey that shows U.S. cotton producers intend to plant 9.4 million acres of cotton this spring, down 14.6 percent from 2014. Upland cotton intentions are 9.2 million acres, down 15.2 …
Millennials’ High Standards for Animal Welfare
More than ever before, millennials have higher expectations of animal welfare practices being carried out by today’s producers. This news release from the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance says the group hosted a recent Food Dialogues panel, with this one focusing on on dairy operations, and the group attending in-person and online was told by Bruce Feinberg, global animal health …
New Leadership for CBB
Cattle feeder Jimmy Maxey from Fresno, CA., was elected by fellow Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) members to serve as CBB chairman in 2015. The vote came during the 2015 Cattle Industry Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Melissa Sandford sat down with him to find out what he hopes to accomplish in his year as chairman. Other new leadership to …
Risk Management Agency Update from CIRB
Brandon Willis, Administrator of Risk Management Agency (RMA) for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), provided an RMA update for those at the recent annual meeting for the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB). Brandon shared insights for activity in the coming year and discussed the long-term outlook for crop insurance. Prior to joining USDA in 2009, he served …
Changes at National Cotton Council
The National Cotton Council has a new president and a new chairman following elections held over the weekend at the organization’s annual meeting. Dr. Gary Adams, who has served as the National Cotton Council’s (NCC) vice president of Economics and Policy Analysis since 2002, was elected by the NCC’s board of directors to be president and chief executive officer, replacing …
Farm Aid Sets 30th Anniversary Concert Date
The 30th anniversary of Farm Aid takes place this year, and the co-founders of the concert to benefit family farmers announced this year’s show will take place on Sept. 19. Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp made the announcement at the 17th annual GRAMMY Foundation® Legacy Concert, where the GRAMMY Foundation honored Farm Aid for its ability to harness the power …
Rep. Rodney Davis Receives CIRB Award
This morning Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) received the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau’s 2015 Chairman’s Award. Representing Illinois’ District 14, Congressman Davis serves on the House Agriculture Committee and is a champion for farmers and a strong crop insurance program. He was present via a video clip since he’s at work in Washington, DC. He will receive the award in …
Proposed Crop Insurance Cuts Concern Ag Groups
A coalition of more than 30 agricultural, banking and insurance organizations are concerned about the President’s proposed budget cuts to some elements of crop insurance. The group sent a letter to Congressional leaders this week to highlight the importance of crop insurance and how it can save consumers money and help farmers recover from weather disasters. The American Soybean Association …