Crowdsourcing Comes to Agriculture

Jamie Johansen

We are all familiar with crowdfunding campaigns, however in the past they have mainly been found in the techie world. That is no longer the case. Now projects related to livestock, irrigation system or anything on the farm might be made possible thanks to newly launched Harvest Funders. Crowdsourcing.org said the platform got its start when founder Jesse Lasater heard …

Ag Groups, Farming

Fertilizer Safety Alliance Announced

Chuck Zimmerman

Here is the list of organizations involved with today’s alliance signing to advance fertilizer safety. The Agricultural Retailers Association The Fertilizer Institute International Fire Fighters Association National Volunteer Fire Council Ammonia Safety and Training Institute Fertilizer Safety and Health Partners Alliance Occupational Safety and Health Administration Environmental Protection Agency In the photo is Chris Jahn, President, TFI; Dr. David Michaels, …

Ag Groups, ARA, Fertilizer, Safety

NFU Accepting Applications for Beginning Farmers Institute

John Davis

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is now accepting applications for its 2015 Beginning Farmers Institute (BFI). This news release from the group says the program is open to individuals who are new to farming, in the process of transferring an operation from a relative or non-relative to themselves, or contemplating a career in farming or ranching. “The Beginning Farmers Institute …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness

FFA Visit South Africa for 14-day Experience

Jamie Johansen

FFA members recently returned from a 14-day educational and cultural experience in South Africa. Members participated in the 2015 International Leadership Seminar for State Officers, an annual, international opportunity through the National FFA Organization for past and present state FFA officers. The experience allows FFA members to experience foreign culture, learn about international agriculture and become more knowledgeable of the …

Ag Groups, Education, FFA

USFRA Food Dialogues – Dairy Forum Live

Chuck Zimmerman

The first Food Dialogues event of 2015 in live right now. The focus is on “Animal Care and Consumers’ Emerging Expectations.” It is being held in Florida in conjunction with the International Dairy Foods Association meeting taking place there. The event is also sponsored by the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance. The Food Dialogues panel of food industry and animal …

Ag Groups, Animal Agriculture, Animal Health, Food, USFRA

Soybean, Biodiesel Groups Blast Biodiesel Import Decision

John Davis

Soybean growers and their close allies in the biodiesel industry in this country are blasting the U.S government’s decision to allow Argentinian biodiesel easier access to American markets. The American Soybean Association (ASA) and the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) say the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ease sustainability requirements of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to fast-track …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, ASA, Biodiesel, EPA, Soybean

United Fresh Produce Rebrands

Cindy Zimmerman

The United Fresh Produce Association has a fresh, new look and website. The organization formally announced a new Association logo and redesigned website with the new year. “January is symbolically a time of fresh starts,” said United Fresh President & CEO Tom Stenzel. “As we move into the New Year, this transition comes with a new look for our association …

Ag Groups, Produce

Farmers’ Data Could be Big Cash Crop

John Davis

It’s said that knowledge is power, and now information could be a powerful cash crop for farmers. Attendees of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 96th Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show heard from Jason Tatge, current president, CEO and co-founder of FarMobile, who sees huge potential for farmers to dictate the sale of their data to large agricultural companies. According …

AFBF, Ag Groups, Agribusiness, data

Regional NAMA Banquet Time

Chuck Zimmerman

Maybe you haven’t been able to attend a National Agri-Marketing Association regional banquet but you can still see photos and lists of the winners. In this photo our new President, Marvin Kokes, celebrates with Region III winners at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines, IA. You can find photos from Region II and Region III on …

Ag Groups, NAMA