We know that OPEC has had a monopoly control over the price of oil on the world market and we hope that the increase of more environmentally friendly biofuels will force that to change. However, David Zilberman, University of California, Berkeley, has created a model to measure how much impact we’re having. I spoke to David here at the Farm …
Corn Wipes Out Competition
Some students at Purdue University came up with a whole new way to look at corn and, umm . . . toilet paper. Glad they’re using the (Nature’s) silk. Better than the cob methinks. Three teams of Purdue University students that created new uses for corn and soybeans – melt-away cupcake liners, biodegradable cork and toilet paper – took top …
FMC Launches New Tools for Growers
FMC Corporation has launched several new products for the upcoming growing season including Capture® LFR™ a liquid insecticide that mixes with a starter fertilizer. “This year is shaping up to be rather challenging with fertilizer prices and we have a product, Capture LFR, that mixes very well with a starter fertilizer, said Brent Neuberger, Technical Specialist with FMC. “This product …
Pioneer Set to Launch Optimum Acre Max
Pending EPA approval, Pioneer is getting ready to launch their new Optimum Acre Max which is part of the Herculex family of traits. Specifically, the Herculex RW trait helps protect corn from corn rootworm damage. “Our hope is to be able to reduce corn rootworm refuge, and also to integrate rootworm refuge in a bag,” said Bill Belzer, Senior Manager Marketing, …
Pioneer Launches New Optimum Brand Innovations Products
Pioneer recently launched several new products within their Optimum Brand Innovations line. I was able to speak with Tracy Lindo, the Senior Marketing Manager – Optimum GAT about these new products. “Optimum Brand Innovations is the umbrella brand for our high quality input traits that Pioneer is hoping to bring to the market in the next few years,” explained Linbo. …
Corn Farmers Coalition Launched
After last week’s announcement about the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance and Tom Buis moving from NFU to Growth Energy I thought we now had plenty of organizations promoting not only renewable fuels but corn in particular since it is such an integral part of biofuels production today. However, we now have another new organization. This time it’s the Corn Farmers …
A Classic Event
Everyone at Commodity Classic this year seemed to be impressed that attendance was as good or better than ever, despite the economy. “As I understand it, we are either right at the record or over it, so that is phenomenal,” said National Corn Growers Association CEO Rick Tolman. Unofficial numbers I heard were about 4500 total registration with 1500 of …
BASF Supports Young Corn and Soybean Leaders
BASF, the American Soybean Association (ASA) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced this year’s scholarship winners for both organizations at the 2009 Commodity Classic. The scholarships are awarded to tomorrow’s agricultural leaders pursuing a degree in an industry-related field. Adam Burnhams (center) with U.S. Crop Protection Products at BASF presented the students with their awards on Friday. Four …
BASF Booth Features Corn Carpet
At the 2009 Commodity Classic trade show, growers are finding that the BASF exhibit not only features new products to help them be more productive, it is also showcasing new products made from the corn they grow. The floor in the BASF exhibit is covered with a carpet made from corn polymers, and they are giving away plastic coffee cups …
BASF Kixor is Cutting Edge
As BASF prepares to introduce its new Kixor™ herbicide this year, the media got a preview of the “Science Behind” this new product at the Commodity Classic on Wednesday. Kixor is cutting-edge chemistry that basically kicks weed butt. It offers rapid burndown and residual control of more than 90 broadleaf weeds, including the toughest weeds that have become more tolerant …