Nearly 20,000 pork producers and industry experts from about 38 countries are at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines this week, including National Pork Producers Council president R.C. Hunt of North Carolina. I had a chance to chat with R.C. this morning after he gave an update to the media about trade issues. R.C. is excited about expo this …
Survey on Sow Housing Released at WPX
Results of a survey issued opening day at the World Pork Expo show that the overwhelming majority of the U.S. sow herd spends some time in individual housing, known as gestation stalls. The findings confirm concerns by the National Pork Producers Council about food retailers who have bowed to demands of animal activists and announced they will use only pork …
BASF Media Summit Concludes on High Note
What better way to conclude the world-class BASF Ag Media Summit in Chicago than with a trip to the top of tallest building in the Western hemisphere to look out over the city. Pictured here are Kristen Adams and Pat Morrow, part of the crack communications team with BASF Ag that put the event together, and Paul Rea, BASF Vice …
Corn Technology Utilization Conference Concludes
The 2012 Corn Utilization Technology Conference has come to a close and attendance was officially higher than in 2010. It has been a tremendous showcase of all kinds of research being done to continue to make new products and improve others made out of corn which is “Rooted in Human History (pdf).” To close out the conference and give us …
Precision Ag is a Conservation Tool
During the 2012 Conservation in Action Tour the word “precision” came up multiple times. As precision ag continues to develop it is being seen as an effective tool for conservation plans and practices. One of our speakers addressed this subject. He’s Terry Griffin, farmer and also VP, Applied Economics for new precision ag company, CrescoAg. Terry says one example of …
Conservation Benefits Wildlife
During the afternoon of the 2012 Conservation in Action Tour our speakers talked a lot about how soil and water conservation systems benefit wildlife. One of our presenters was Kay Whittington, Chief of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality’s Management Branch, Surface Water Division. Kay says that the same conservation practices that help farmers manage soil and water quality also …
The CTIC Cheerleader
I think he’s the head cheerleader for the Conservation Technology Information Center. He’s board member Ron Olson, Mosaic Company, Eastern Region, Senior Agronomist. Ron is seen announcing door prize winners during our lunch at the 2012 Conservation in Action Tour. Ron told me that the actions and work that CTIC has exhibited over many years is what has kept them …
Ag Solutions is “Powerhouse of Innovation” for BASF
Dr. Andreas Kreimeyer, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE, was the opening act for the BASF Ag Media Summit on Tuesday, outlining the take home theme of the conference. “Innovation and sustainability powered by BASF chemistry,” he said, noting the need to feed 9 billion people by 2050. “The products and solutions to solve these challenges …
Brownfield Interview with BASF’s Nevin McDougall
To accommodate all of the journalists who want to do individual interviews with BASF executives at the Ag Media Summit, these guys are scheduled to talk with reporters until about midnight tonight! Meghan Grebner with Brownfield Ag News got one of the first slots with Nevin McDougall, Senior Vice President, BASF Crop Protection, North America last night, since she has …
Chicago Sets Stage for BASF Ag Media Summit
The city of Chicago is the stage for the 2012 BASF Agricultural Solutions Media Summit again. The summit was held here in 2010 at the amazing Trump Towers. The theme of the event is the concept that innovation and sustainability are very closely linked, according to Paul Rea, BASF Vice President, U.S. Crop Protection. “You’ll hear from a range speakers …