Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack hit two meetings in one city last week, appearing at both the National Ethanol Conference and the National Biodiesel Conference within a few hours of each other, since they were both being held in Las Vegas a mile apart. Vilsack told both groups that the renewable fuels industry is worth fighting for. “Your country’s future depends …
2013 CIC – Education, Engagement & Entertainment
Education, engagement and entertainment were the focus to this year’s Cattle Industry Convention in sunny Tampa, Fl. Cattlemen and women gathered to gain knowledge, network with fellow producers and take in some sights along the way. Forrest Roberts, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, shared with me highlights for members who attended this year’s convention, NCBA’s priorities for 2013 …
New Beef Board Leadership
The 2013 Cattle Industry Convention is coming to a close but we’ll have more stories to share over the next several days. Today was business meeting day for the CBB, Federation and NCBA. The Cattlemen’s Beef Board now has a new Chairman, Weldon Wynn. Here’s now past Chairman, Wesley Grau, passing the gavel to Weldon. Other officers elected were Kim …
Stuart Varney on Stage
During the 2013 Cattle Industry Convention attendees got to hear from Stuart Varney who serves as a business contributor and substitute host for FOX News Channel’s (FNC) “Your World with Neil Cavuto” as well as the host of FOX Business Network’s “Varney & Co.” He was a very entertaining and informative speaker. To get a taste of what you missed …
Masters & Mavericks Discuss Future at AG CONNECT
One of the highlights of the recent AG CONNECT Expo was the Masters and Mavericks Producer Panel Discussion that took center stage at the show. Chuck caught up with a couple of guys taking part in that panel: master Rick Tolman, CEO of the National Corn Growers Association, and “maverick” Indiana farmer Kip Tom (who likes to say he’s a …
More B for Me Please
More biodiesel please. If you were on the look out for biodiesel it could definitely be seen during the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Conference in Las Vegas. Last year was a roller coaster year for the industry but some good things happened, one of which was the $1 per gallon tax credit coming back. Another – increasing the volume of …
USDA Releases Climate Change & Ag Report
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a comprehensive report that synthesize the scientific literature on climate change effects and adaptation strategies for U.S. agriculture. The report, “Climate Change and Agriculture in the United States: Effects and Adaptation,” was created a an input to the National Climate Assessment with scientists from the federal service, universities, non-governmental organizations, industry, tribal …
Joann Smith Looks Back at Start of Beef Checkoff
One of my favorite people from Wacahoota, FL is Joann Smith. I am proud to say that I have been to Wacahoota! Joann was the first woman president of the National Cattlemen’s Assocation, now NCBA. During the Cattlemen’s Beef Board luncheon yesterday Joann was asked to take a look back at how the Beef Checkoff was started and to offer …
Meet NCBA President-Elect Scott George
During the second general session at the 2013 Cattle Industry Convention, NCBA President-Elect, Scott George, made a huge product announcement for Apple. Keeping up with the pirate themed event, Scott introduced the iPatch and the trend is quickly catching on. The passing of the gavel takes place tomorrow as current NCBA President J.D. Alexander hands over the reins to Scott …
Centuries of Cattle Ranching Captured
The Florida Cattlemen’s Association has welcomed cattlemen and women from across the country this week at the 2013 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show with warm sunshine and a great sense of hospitality. Florida is celebrating 500 years of agriculture and beef production has a rich history here in the Sunshine State. The Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation has created a …