ConocoPhillips CEO to Talk of ‘Shared Energy Future’ in Detroit

Laura McNamara

The Chairman and CEO of ConoPhillips will speak on “Our Shared Energy Future” before the Detroit Economic Club on Wednesday October 3, 2007. James Mulva will discuss current U.S. energy policy and layout plans for incorporating renewable fuels at Burton Manor in Livonia, MI. In a speech titled, “Our Shared Energy Future,” Mr. Mulva will describe the shortcomings of current …

Agribusiness, Biodiesel, Environment, Ethanol, Technology

Agritechnica Hands Out Innovation Awards

Laura McNamara

Agritechnica organizer Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agri-cultural Society has awarded 7 Gold Medals and 33 Silver Medals for leading innovation in agriculture. Agricultural companies worldwide submitted a total of 331 innovations to DLG, making this year’s submissions the highest number of submissions in twelve years. “This can be assessed as a clear indication that agricultural machinery manufacturers are starting an …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Equipment, Farm Shows, Farming, John Deere, New Holland, Technology, Tractor

Lower Insurance Premiums for Farmers Using Monsanto Hybrid

Laura McNamara

Monsanto says its latest agreement with the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation means farmers can opt to have their insurance premiums slashed by up to 24 percent in four states. Monsanto is launching an innovative crop insurance pilot program with its hybrid corn seeds. A new pilot program recently approved by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) will provide farmers an …

Agribusiness, Corn, Farming, Research, Technology

CropLife America Elects Board Members

Laura McNamara

Leaders from top crop science companies monitor pesticide management regulation as newly elected and re-elected board members of CropLife America. CropLife has elected its new Board of Directors. Eric Wintemute, president and chief executive officer of American Vanguard Corporation, was elected chairman of the Board of Directors of CropLife America, the nation’s largest trade association for pesticide manufacturers, formulators, developers …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, BASF, Research, Technology

Bunge Expands With Growth of Ag Shipping Industry

Laura McNamara

The number of shipments of raw and processed agricultural commodities is steadily increasing and Bunge North America is expanding its trade capabilities to meet that growth. The food and feed ingredient company has added a Georgia port to its shipping operations. Bunge North America, the North American operating arm of Bunge Limited (NYSE:BG) , announced that it has signed a …

Agribusiness, Farming, Food

CropLife Rewards Pesticide Excellence

Laura McNamara

The nation’s largest trade organization for agriculture pest management, CropLife, has named the recipients of its annual awards for excellence in pesticide development. The CropLife awards are meant to recognize responsible and effective use of pesticides to provide a safe, affordable and abundant food supply. Fourteen recipients of 2007 CropLife America industry awards were honored in six categories for excellence …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, BASF, Research, Technology

Agritechnica Excitement Mounts

Laura McNamara

Chuck and Cindy have been providing international ag coverage for the past several weeks, and in November, it will be my turn. I’m planning to join John Deere at the preview days for the 2007 Agritechnica exhibition in Hanover, Germany. Agritechnica leadership is getting excited about the event and about the record setting number of exhibitors. Dr. Reinhard Grandke, Chief …

Agribusiness, Biodiesel, Equipment, Farm Shows, International, John Deere, Technology, Tractor

Competing Crop Solution Companies Monsanto and Dow Launch Joint SmartStax Innovation

Laura McNamara

The competition in crop protection is getting rather friendly. Two of the largest suppliers of technology-based agricultural solutions in the U.S., Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences, are teaming up in the unprecedented release of an eight-gene stacked corn combination. See the Zimfo Bites Melissa posted for media event information. Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences LLC, a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, …

Agribusiness, Corn, Farming, Research, Technology

US Ag Journalists Meet With Top BASF Officials

Cindy Zimmerman

The agricultural journalists on this week’s media event in Germany had the honor of being able to personally interview some of the top corporate executives of BASF Agricultural Products. You have to admit, this is a darn good looking group. We do clean up well. Along with myself, the seven other journalists on the trip and our BASF communications manager …

Agribusiness, BASF

Multi-Use Propane

Laura McNamara

For Robert Jacobs, it’s about maximum output. Robert is the Chairman for the Propane Education & Research Council Agriculture Advisory Committee. He headed a panel at the 2007 Propane Technology Forum that demonstrated the different ways propane application can be applied to agriculture, including heat remediation, heat defoliation of crops, heat sanitation and pest control. I spoke to Robert about …

Agribusiness, Audio, Education, Farming, Propane, Technology