This year’s entires into the National Corn Growers Association 2016 National Corn yield Contest showed some of the highest results ever, with a record five entries surpassing the 400 bushel per acre mark. Six production categories mean there is no overall winner, but the top three entries in each of the six categories averaged more than 375 bushels per acre. When …
Why #Farmers Grow #GMOs
Maryland farmer Chip Bowling agrees with a new survey that finds the main reason farmers have increased their use of genetically modified (GM) crops is sustainability. “We’re better at what we do because of technology, whether it’s seeds and traits or through the equipment that we use,” says Bowling, who farms on the Chesapeake Bay. He is also chairman of …
US Challenges Chinese Quotas for Rice, Wheat, and Corn
The Obama Administration has launched a new trade enforcement action against the People’s Republic of China over tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for rice, wheat, and corn. The complaint was filed with the World Trade Organization (WTO) by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). “China’s TRQ policies breach their WTO commitments and limit opportunities for U.S. farmers to export …
#Farmers View GMOs as Sustainable
According to a new survey of U.S. farmers and ranchers, the majority view biotechnology and GMO crops as an important solution in helping raise crops more efficiently. The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) surveyed over 280 farmers across the United States about their attitudes toward GMO crops and specifically the impact of biotechnology …
DuPont Pioneer Virtual Pressers Unveil New Products
With the theme of “Innovation Elevates Performance for Growers,” DuPont Pioneer used virtual press conferences this week to unveil new corn and soybean products by region, and pulled it off with technical perfection! Technical issues are common even in simple telephone press conferences, so it was amazing to see one incorporate a phone feed with a live web feed including …
Industry Pleased with EPA Biofuels Rule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced final renewable fuel volume requirement increases under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. “By implementing the program enacted by Congress, we are expanding the nation’s renewable fuels sector while reducing our reliance on imported oil,” said Janet McCabe, the agency’s acting assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. Under the …
I AM @USFRA – Kansas Corn
The Kansas Corn Commission is one of 16 state corn grower groups that are members of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), along with the National Corn Growers Association, and communications director Sue Schulte says it is very beneficial for them. “USFRA is really working on a multi-level campaign to advocate for agriculture, not only with consumers but with …
Reaction to Election and Policy Priorities for NCGA
Much of the conversation during NAFB’s Trade Talk last week surrounded the industry’s response to the election of Donald Trump, and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Wesley Spurlock was on hand to discuss what this new administration will mean for NCGA and how the organization intends to move forward into the future. “It is great to have the …
NCGA Partners with Benson Hill Biosystems
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has partnered up with agriculture technology company Benson Hill Biosystems to use the power of cloud biology for the creation of new corn hybrids. The primary goal of the funding and partnership initiative will be to accelerate breeding and development of new corn hybrids utilizing CropOS™. “Our members are telling us loud and clear …
Big Crops Get Bigger
USDA increased the numbers for corn, soybeans, cotton and oranges in the latest crop production forecast out Wednesday. Corn production is now forecast at 15.2 billion bushels, up one percent from the October forecast and 12 percent higher than last year with yields expected to average 175.3 bushels per acre, which will be the highest yield and production on record. …