Over 140 stakeholders testified at a hearing Thursday on the Environmental Protection Agency proposal to lower the biofuels targets under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in 2014, and those opposed to the plan outnumbered those in favor by a ratio of more than two to one. “More than 100 of the 144 speakers support #ethanol, #biodiesel & advanced biofuels,” tweeted …
BCS Communications Celebrates Ten Years
In this week’s program we’ll help celebrate BCS Communications ten year anniversary. They actually celebrated quite a bit last night but I couldn’t be there. It was their annual holiday open house. However, a lot of people were there including surprise guest Robert De Niro (red jacket). So, congratulations to the agency for this milestone celebration. We’ve got a few …
EPA Hearing on Biofuels to Draw Big Crowd
A huge turnout is expected Thursday at a public hearing on the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Renewable Fuel Standard volume obligations for 2014. Literally busloads of stakeholders, both opposed to and in favor of cutting the requirements, are attending the hearing at the Hyatt in Crystal City, Virginia. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad will be attending with several Iowa livestock producers, …
Lowering Biofuels Targets Could Hurt Farmers
Representatives from state government, the agriculture community, and the ethanol industry all say the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) biofuels requirements would have a negative impact on agriculture and rural economies. During a telephone press discussion today about the proposal Iowa Governor Terry Branstad said he was proud of his state’s leadership in biofuels production and …
Research, Promotion & Education at Pork Board
The National Pork Board is the entity that conducts research, provides education and promotes the product. They were at the recent NAFB Convention and I caught up with them during the always busy, yet fun and exciting Trade Talk. Dale Norton, Vice President of the National Pork Board, farms with his brother in Michigan and has been a part of …
Canadian Farmers Have Record Year
Canadian farmers harvested record crops this season, according to the latest report out today from Statistics Canada. Production of most field crops increased this year in Canada compared with 2012 with both canola and wheat production reaching record levels. Canola production increased 29.5% from 2012 to a record 18.0 million tonnes with a record average yield of 40.0 bushels per …
Merck’s Attack on BRD
Merck Animal Health is dedicated to spreading the awareness of one of the most common diseases found in the cattle industry. Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) continues to take an economic toll on herds across the country. During NAFB’s Trade Talk I spoke with Dr. Brent Meyer, technical services veterinarian for Merck. He shares what the company is doing to tackle …
NASS Talks Crop Numbers and Census at NAFB
Representatives from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) were on hand at NAFB Trade Talk last month to discuss the 2013 crop and the 2012 census. The 2013 harvest is considered completed at this point and Lance Honig with NASS says with a record corn crop and near record soybean crop forecast it’s turned out to be a pretty good …
Bison – The Fastest Growing Meat Industry
The fastest-growing sector of the meat industry may not be what you think. The National Bison Association is the answer and they were present at NAFB’s recent Trade Talk to show that they are dedicated to maintaining their position as a niche in the marketplace. I spoke with Dave Carter, Executive Director of the organization and he talked about their …
BASF Advanced Plant Health and Grower Engagement
Advanced plant health and grower engagement were two topics that BASF Crop Protection representatives discussed with reporters at the recent National Association of Farm Broadcasting Trade Talk. Dr. Brianne Reeves is a member of the BASF Plant Health Technical Market team and in that role supports field research efforts and manages technical training for Priaxor® fungicide. Brianne is a DPM …