No doubt that water use issues are among the biggest challenges facing agricultural producers nationwide, but particularly in states where water is at a premium. That’s why corn growers are getting more pro-active in states like Texas. The Texas Corn Producers rolled out a new public information campaign just this week, with the message that water conservation goals can be …
USDA Deregulates Corn Amylase
Syngenta Seeds announced today it has received full deregulation from USDA for corn amylase (Event 3272), the first corn output trait designed to help ethanol industry become more efficient, profitable and environmentally friendly. Syngenta Seeds plans to sell corn containing Event 3272 under the “Enogen” seed brand. “Enogen corn is a breakthrough product that provides ethanol producers a proven means …
Promoting Grain Bin Safety
Grain bin accidents and fatalities on the farm have been on the increase in recent years, but more attention to some simple safety rules could reverse that trend. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the research and education arm of the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) recently unveiled a new video to promote awareness about grain bin safety …
BASF Research Shows Products Increase Yields
At a recent grower seminar in Chicago, BASF Crop Protection announced the results of a comprehensive 2010 crop protection study that shows how using a portfolio of BASF products can help increase corn and soybean yields. Small-scale replicated field studies in soybeans and corn conducted at university and BASF research sites throughout the Midwest found “an average 9.1 bu/acre increase …
Biotech Alfalfa Deregulated
Farmers can prepare to “grow the feed, not the weeds” once again, anywhere they want, with the complete deregulation of alfalfa that has been genetically engineered to be resistant to Roundup. USDA made the announcement today. “After conducting a thorough and transparent examination of alfalfa through a multi-alternative environmental impact statement (EIS) and several public comment opportunities, APHIS has determined …
State of the Union Talks Trade and Biofuels
President Obama made some folks in the ag industry happy with his State of the Union (SOTU) address Tuesday talking about the importance of both biofuels and free trade agreements. Corn farmers and representatives of the renewable fuels industry were especially pleased to hear the president say that America needs to “break our dependence on oil with biofuels.” “The success …
NCGA Applauds EPA’s Latest E15 Decision
This morning, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is approving the use of E15 (15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline) in conventional vehicles and light duty trucks manufactured in 2001 or later. Last October, the EPA had approved the use of E15 for model year 2007 or newer. During a press call, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said, …
Support for “Corn Sugar” Growing
Support from corn grower organizations to use the term “corn sugar” instead of high fructose corn syrup is growing. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) recently sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration supporting use of the term ‘corn sugar,’ and other state organizations such as the Texas Corn Growers have also voiced their support. “We are calling …
Kenny Wallace Supporting Family Farmers
Kenny Wallace, NASCAR driver, says, “Ethanol all the way in NASCAR!” That’s what he told me this afternoon in the American Farm Bureau Federation Pavilion on the floor of the AG CONNECT Expo. Thanks to Tricia Braid, Illinois Corn Growers, for setting up our interview and taking the photo. Kenny was signing autographs in the Nationwide Insurance exhibit. You won’t …
Pioneer Announces AQUAmax Corn Hybrids
This morning Pioneer Hi-Bred announced a new generation of corn hybrids under the AQUAmax name that will work well in dry environments. I joined the press conference during opening remarks. You can listen in and download below. DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred launched a new generation of corn hybrids developed and tested to help deliver a yield advantage in water-limited environments, …