The chief agricultural negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative gave a detailed explanation of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention on Sunday. “The TPP is an agreement that unites 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific in a comprehensive trade agreement, with 40 percent of global gross domestic production on the table,” Vetter said. “It …
Florida Ag Commissioner Welcomes #AFBF16
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam welcomed the 97th annual American Farm Bureau Convention to his state on Sunday. “It’s a poor frog that won’t croak in his own pond so I want to tell you a little bit about Florida,” he said. “Agriculture in Florida is $120 billion a year industry. We produce 300 different commodities from seafood to citrus.” …
Stallman Meets the Press for Last Time #AFBF16
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) president Bob Stallman held his final press conference as president of the nation’s largest general farm organization on Sunday. “You will get to do the closing press conference with a new face up here,” he said. Four candidates are vying for the title and the new president will be elected on Tuesday. Stallman addressed several …
#AFBF16 Honors Two Former Senators
The American Farm Bureau Federation presented Distinguished Service Awards to former Senators Mike Johanns of Nebraska and Saxby Chambliss of Georgia during the 97th AFBF Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show on Sunday. For more than three decades, Johanns served America’s farmers and ranchers tirelessly as Nebraska governor, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and U.S. senator. Johanns’ unfailing dedication to the …
So Long from @FarmBureau President Stallman #AFBF16
After 16 years, Bob Stallman gave his last opening general session address to the American Farm Bureau Federation membership on Sunday at the organization’s 97th annual convention. “This is the final time I will appear before you at this podium as AFBF president. In just a couple of days, my last official act as president will be to announce the …
Hot Dog & Sausage King
His real title is President of the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. He’s Eric Mittenthal. But we need a much better title for him and perhaps you could suggest one. Eric is taking over the position from the “Queen of Wien” herself, Janet Riley. Both also work for the North American Meat Institute which oversees the NHDSC. Riley will …
Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Farm Bureau Pres. Bob Stallman
Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features Bob Stallman, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation. In this interview, Stallman reflects on his tenure as leader of the nation’s largest general farm organization and many of the changes that occurred. Stallman discusses accomplishments in the last session of Congress and identifies ominous challenges still facing the industry on Capitol Hill and …
New Foundation Launched by @USFRA
The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) has launched a new foundation with a mission of furthering agricultural education and understanding of agriculture among America’s consumers including young people and millennials. The U.S. Farming and Ranching Foundation (USFRF) is the result of a collaborative effort led by the agriculture and food industry to expand the dialogue with consumers regarding food …
Agri-Pulse Open Mic with ASTA CEO Andy LaVigne
Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features Andy LaVigne, CEO of American Seed Trade Association (ASTA). The seed industry is among many groups hoping Washington will approve legislation to establish a national voluntary GMO labeling standard. In this in-depth interview, Andy LaVigne discusses industry implications if Congress fails to develop national guidelines to override state statutes and how the Trans-Pacific Partnership …
A Thirsty Land Update
Early in 2015 documentary film maker Conrad Weaver got into the field to start his latest project, Thirsty Land. He has been in states from Kansas to California filming the drought situation and meeting with many farmers to learn about the effect the drought has been having on rural communities. This morning I spoke with Conrad to find out how …