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 …
Soybean Variety Getting New Name
A new variety of soybeans will soon get a new name after making a debut at the recent AG CONNECT Expo. MS Technologies Brand Manager Lauren August says their FG72 soybeans, a collaboration with Bayer, will have their new name revealed at the upcoming Commodity Classic later this month. In the meantime, she can tell us about how the beans …
AG CONNECT Attendance, Optimism High
The number of attendees to this year’s AG CONNECT Expo is up and their optimism is high … that’s the evaluation of the new president of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association, Andrew Cummings. “This is the third year [FEMA has had a booth at AG CONNECT], and the attendance is substantially higher, and the optimism is excellent,” Andrew told Chuck …
John Deere’s Field Connect Watches Soil Moistures
We’ve already heard about a couple of the more leading-edge technologies our friends at John Deere displayed at this year’s AG CONNECT, including their JDLink and Machine Sync technologies. Another product that caught attendees’ attentions was Field Connect, John Deere’s soil moisture monitoring tool. “It’s pulling soil moisture information from your field, very specific to that location, and providing that …
Beef Ambassadors At CIC
You would be blind if you missed the National Beef Ambassadors walking around here at the 2013 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show here in Tampa. They are always sharply dressed in red and wearing a smile on their faces. These busy young people have been on the road educating consumers about beef and beef production, as well as …