Haas Avocado Board Gets Fresh Direction

Laura McNamara

Two new producer members, one new importer member and new alternates for each position are joining the Haas Avocado Board. Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner authorized the new appointees who will serve three-year terms beginning November 1, 2007. Reappointed to the board are: Charley Wolk, Fallbrook, Calif. and Donald W. Reeder, Ventura, Calif., producer members; Ed Figueroa, Massapeque, N.Y. importer …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Food

Qualisoy Touts Incentive to Plant Alternative Oilseeds in Farm Bill

Laura McNamara

Farmers who plant alternative oilseeds are slated to get some support from the government, well, in the Senate version of the 2007 Farm Bill at least. The version of the bill passed by the U.S. Senate yesterday includes the Commodity Quality Incentive Program, or CQIP. CQIP, introduced by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), is a provision providing special support to farmers …

Agribusiness, Farm Policy, Farming, Soybean

Deadline Approaching for Agribusiness Forum Early Bird Rate

Laura McNamara

Just a reminder about the upcoming 2007 NAMA Agribusiness Forum: early registration deadlines and the hotel cut-off date is just days away. Early birds have until October 29th to get a discounted registration rate. The early registration deadline and hotel cut-off date for the 2007 Agribusiness Forum is one week away on Monday, October 29. After October 29, registration rates …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, NAMA

Farm Bill Disappoints National Corn Growers

Laura McNamara

The Senate Agriculture Committee has passed its version of the 2007 Farm Bill, but the National Corn Growers Association was hoping the bill would include more literature outlining improved risk management tools. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is pleased the Senate Agriculture Committee included a revenue option in the 2007 farm bill, but is disappointed by the committee’s action …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Corn, Farm Policy, Farming

NAMA Announces 2007 Agribusiness Forum Lineup

Laura McNamara

NAMA has an impressive lineup for this year’s Agribusiness Forum: International economist Don Reynolds will deliver a fast paced overview of major trends in the global economy and how they will impact agriculture. From new economic developments to currencies, energy, interest rates and more, Reynolds will address recent market volatility in the financial markets and how you can prepare for …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, NAMA

A Revolutionary Cotton Picker

Chuck Zimmerman

John Deere says that their new 7760 Cotton Picker will revolutionize harvesting the crop. This machine was on display in action at last week’s Sunbelt Ag Expo. Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman was on hand to obtain interviews for me. He spoke with Jamie Flood, Deere’s Cotton Marketing Manager, who worked with the 7760 development in Iowa. You can listen to …

Agribusiness, Audio, Cotton, John Deere

Cotton Highlights It’s ‘Natural’ Quality

Laura McNamara

The “green” trend that’s picking up steam in the U.S. is giving the cotton industry an incentive to promote its “natural” quality. Cotton Incorporated is making some small, but significant changes to its add campaign in an effort to let consumers know that cotton meets the criteria for being “green”. Cotton Incorporated announced the timely return of an American favorite: …

Agribusiness, Cotton

Filling Room in the Mushroom Council

Laura McNamara

This time, it’s four new members and the new appointees are filling in the gaps in the Mushroom Council. Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner appointed four members to serve on the Mushroom Council. Newly appointed producer members who will serve three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2008 and ending Dec. 31, 2010 are: Fletcher Street, Region 1,Tacoma, Wash.; Kathleen K. Lafferty, …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Food

Blueberry Boost

Laura McNamara

The mango industry isn’t the only fruit getting some new representation. Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner has appointed six producer members, including one first handler and alternates to the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. The members will each serve three-year terms of office beginning Jan. 1, 2008 and ending Dec. 31, 2010. Newly appointed producer members are: H. Neil Moore of …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Food

New Members for National Mango Board

Laura McNamara

The acting Agriculture Secretary is swiftly exercising his authority. Ag Secretary Chuck Conner has named six new officials to the 20-member National Mango Board. These six appointees were nominated by the Board to fill three importer positions and three foreign producer positions. The members will start their three-year terms beginning on Jan. 1, 2008 and ending Dec. 31, 2010. Newly …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Citrus, Food