If there were an award for crop disease of the year, it would be a tie between two types of leaf spot this year, according to FMC Technical Service Rep Nick Hustedde. “In corn, we’ve had a tremendous amount of grey leaf spot…in soybeans, it seems like frogeye leaf spot’s the clear winner,” said Hustedde, adding that both are caused …
Enogen Means Energy for Feed and Fuel
The same trait that makes Enogen corn hybrids great for ethanol production is also good for livestock feed. The higher levels of the alpha-amylase enzyme in these hybrids help break down sugar into energy more efficiently which benefits both ethanol producers and cattle. “The Enogen technology and how it gains efficiencies and makes the ethanol plant money is similar in …
Ethanol Report from 2018 NAFB Convention
The new president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) met with farm broadcasters from around the country recently at the annual National Association of Farm Broadcasting Trade Talk. While Geoff Cooper has been with RFA since 2008, it was the first time he had the opportunity to talk with the ag media as CEO. Among the topics he …
New NCGA CEO Talks Corn Issues at #NAFB18
Jon Doggett participated in his first NAFB Trade Talk this year as CEO of the National Corn Growers Association. Doggett is no stranger to farm broadcasters, having served as head of NCGA’s policy efforts in Washington D.C. since 2002 and becoming executive vice president in 2014. But he was just officially named CEO in September. “I thought I was traveling …
Driving Ethanol Series on 10 Years of Growth Energy
Growth Energy was created in November 2008 and so is celebrating ten years of advocating for ethanol this month. This edition of the Driving Ethanol podcast is the first in a series of three focusing on a decade of accomplishments for the organization. This podcast includes historical comments from the early years with industry leaders, including Greg Krissek, who was …
NAFB18 Participants Learn About Alternative Crops
A discussion about alternative crops was on the agenda at the 2018 National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention in Kansas City. Participants included Dr. Rob Myers from the University of Missouri Plant Science Department and Michael Bowman from the National Hemp Association. With low commodity prices challenging farmers, interest in alternative crops is again increasing. Myers said diverse plant communities …
Can-Am Talks Outdoors at NAFB Convention
There is a new Defender in town and I have personal experience to tell you it is an awesome one. It is a Can-Am Outdoors Mossy Oak Edition Defender. With a 72 hp Rotax HD10 V-Twin engine it delivers both response and loads of low-down torque for active, sport-oriented riding that hauls. My hunting club is using one of these …
ACT Students Learn at #NAFB18
During the 2018 NAFB Convention Cindy and I had the opportunity to talk to the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) who were also in Kansas City for their Professional Development Conference. Our mission was to talk to the group (about 80 ag communications students from more than 10 different universities) about agricultural journalism, where it has been, and where it …
USDA and FDA to Jointly Regulate Cell-Cultured Meat
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced plans to jointly oversee the production of cell-cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry, better known by meat producers as “fake meat.” The joint regulatory framework would include FDA overseeing cell collection, cell banks, and cell growth and differentiation. A transition from FDA to USDA …
Poncho/VOTiVO 2.0 Boosts Yields Again
BASF looks to bring even more yield to growers with Poncho® /VOTiVO® 2.0, adding a third mode of action to a trusted family of products. Since Poncho came on the scene in 2004, followed by Poncho/VOTiVO in 2011, the products have been providing secondary insect protection and yield boosts to growers. The newest product brings even more advantages, said Kerry …