Livestock organizations and food associations are concerned that their members will face economic harm because the farm bill out of conference committee this week makes no changes to the U.S. Country of Origin Labeling law (COOL). Canada and Mexico filed a complaint over the law with the World Trade Organization, which is expected to rule on it next month. If …
Consumer Demand Drives Poultry Processing
A large Chick-fil-A sign welcomes attendees to the 2014 International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta, claiming the city to be the “chicken eating capitol of the world” in cow speak. That may or may not be entirely true, but it is certainly the center of the poultry processing world this week. To kick off the event, Novus International hosted …
CommonGround Iowa
In this week’s program we’ll meet Sara Ross, Iowa farmer and part of CommonGround Iowa. I visited with Sara in the media room at the National Biodiesel Conference and we spoke via ZimmGlass. Here’s what CommonGround Iowa is: We’re a group of Iowa farm women working to dispel myths about modern agriculture and build trust in farming communities and farm …
Kirk Leeds Receives Biodiesel Award
One of the National Biodiesel Board Awards was presented this morning for Industry Partnership to Kirk Leeds, Iowa Soybean Association. Kirk is Chief Executive Officer of the Association and has been a leader among soybean organizations in supporting biodiesel efforts since the industry’s inception. ISA’s support of the National Biodiesel Board over the years has allowed the industry to prepare …
National Biodiesel Conference – Strong Reality
This morning Joe Jobe, CEO, National Biodiesel Board, rallied his troops at the National Biodiesel Conference in San Diego. He told attendees that the petroleum industry is misleading Americans about fuel policy and called on President Barack Obama to stand firm behind his previous commitments to supporting alternative energy industries. In his annual address at the Biodiesel Conference & Expo, …
National Biodiesel Conference Blogging
It’s hard to believe I’ll be the biodiesel blogger for the 9th year this week. The 2014 National Biodiesel Conference is taking place in San Diego and I’m on my way. I’ll be working as the Biodiesel Blogger on the NBB Conference Blog as well as publishing stories on energy.agwired.com. Things will get going late today and through Wednesday. You …
Ethanol Policy Important to Illinois FB
New Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert took an active role in the policy development session at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting this week in San Antonio. “I’ve always enjoyed policy and being a part of Illinois Farm Bureau and the policy making decisions,” said Guebert, who was elected to replace Phillip Nelson as president of the organization …
Partnership For Farming Entrepreneurs
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and The Georgetown University McDonough School of Business Global Social Enterprise Initiative (GSEI) recently announced a partnership to help strengthen rural America. The multi-year collaboration will address solutions to building greater economic opportunity and security for those who live in rural communities, starting with a program involving the Georgetown Entrepreneurship Initiative to advance rural …
Sharing the Farmers Voice Through Music
Attendees of the 2014 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention had the opportunity to hear music from James Wesley. Chuck had a chance to chat with him following the concert and James admitted that he was surprised at how many farmers and ranchers were there to take part in the annual convention. A true testament to AFBF members commitment to …
New YF&R Chair Elected
Jake Carter from McDonough, GA has been elected the new Chairman for the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. He takes over in February and will serve for one year. This honor will also allow him to serve one-term on the AFBF Board of Directors. Carter graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in business management. …