The first quarter of fiscal year 2017 has been a good one for Monsanto as the company continues working with Bayer to finalize the acquisition deal by then end of this calendar year. On Thursday, Monsanto announced net sales for the first quarter totaled $2.7 billion compared to $2.2 billion a year ago and gross profit increased to $1.3 billion. …
Welcome to #PotatoExpo from @NufarmUS
The 2017 Potato Expo is underway in San Francisco with more than 180 exhibitors at the trade show with the latest products and technology for the potato industry. Nufarm seed treatment specialist Evan Carlisle says they are showcasing four products at the show this year. “We have three fungicides and one insecticide for seed treatments for potatoes,” said Carlisle. “I …
#Seed Industry – Past and Future
“Glancing Back and Moving Forward in a Rapidly Changing Industry” was a popular session at this year’s American Seed Trade Association CSS & Seed Expo, featuring (LtoR) Jon Leafstedt with Kincannon and Reed, DuPont Pioneer president Paul Schickler, and Sonny Beck, founder of Beck’s Hybrids. Reflecting on the past 20 years, this panel of seed industry leaders discussed their personal …
2016 was a “Terrific Year” for #Ethanol
With the presidential campaign getting all the attention this year, it may have gone relatively unnoticed that 2016 was a very good year for the ethanol industry. Actually, Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen says it was a “terrific” year – with record production, record demand and record exports of distillers feed. Dinneen says the highlight of the …
I AM @USFRA – TX Farm Bureau
A half million members strong, the Texas Farm Bureau is one of 25 state farm bureaus that are affiliate members of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) and president Russell Boening says it helps them connect with consumers in the Lone Star State. “USFRA has done such a good job of communicating our message of modern agriculture to consumers,” …
GROWMARK Cultivating a Positive Workplace
GROWMARK is finding that promoting an inclusive workplace culture can have lots of positive benefits. “When work teams feel that their opinions are valued and that they can have a voice in the decision making process, they’re more engaged in their work and they’re more productive,” says Heather Thompson, GROWMARK Manager of Young Producer Programs. “They’re more committed and they …
I AM @USFRA – #Sugarbeets
The latest addition to the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) family is the 10,000 farmers in 11 states who make up the American Sugarbeet Growers Association (ASGA). One of those farmers is Galen Lee of New Plymouth, Idaho who currently serves as ASGA president. “In addition to sugarbeets, we also raise hay, grain, and corn, because we have a …
Why #Farmers Grow #GMOs
Maryland farmer Chip Bowling agrees with a new survey that finds the main reason farmers have increased their use of genetically modified (GM) crops is sustainability. “We’re better at what we do because of technology, whether it’s seeds and traits or through the equipment that we use,” says Bowling, who farms on the Chesapeake Bay. He is also chairman of …
#Ethanol Reaction to Trump Team Mixed
Some ethanol interests are getting a little nervous about the oil industry ties of several Trump administration cabinet selections. Those include former Texas Governor Rick Perry for energy secretary, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt for EPA administrator and ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) issued a call-to-action to its grassroots membership last …
Chicago School Growing Future Ag Careers
The American Seed Trade Association Future Seed Executives (FuSE) had the opportunity to hear about an agricultural high school right in Chicago that is growing the next generation for the industry. The Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (CHSAS) is located just about a half hour south of the Hyatt Regency where the ASTA CSS & Seed Expo is held …