Former American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) president Bob Stallman was honored with for his 16 years at the helm of the organization with the 2017 Distinguished Service Award, during the 98th annual convention in Phoenix. “I never felt like it was a sacrifice,” Stallman said, encouraging others to be involved in the organization. “More importantly, encourage and mentor those young …
#AFBF17 Kicks off with New President
Zippy Duvall was feeling a little under the weather but thanks to the prayers of many he found his voice and made it through his first address to the membership as president of the nation’s largest general farm organization at the 98th American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting. Duvall was elected at the AFBF meeting last year to replace Bob …
Second Spud Nation Contest Goes International
The second annual Spud Nation Throwdown cooking contest was held at the 2017 Potato Expo this week, featuring international chefs preparing dishes made with potatoes from the United States. The winner of the $2500 Top Spud prize was Ian Kittichai of Thailand who prepared Beef Massaman Curry. “It’s our first dish in Thailand that we used potatoes,” said Kittichai of …
Monsanto Increases Earnings and R&D
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 …