A University of Chicago economist says banning the herbicide Atrazine would add to the current unemployment level in the United States. According to University of Chicago economist Don L. Coursey, a ban on the herbicide atrazine would cost between 21,000 and 48,000 jobs from corn production losses alone. His findings were presented today at a National Press Club briefing sponsored …
USDA Planted Acres Report Lowers Corn
USDA’s new planted acreage report out this morning says corn acres are two percent higher than last year, but that is down a point from the March report with more acres are going to soybeans. Corn planted area for all purposes in 2010 is estimated at 87.9 million acres, up 2 percent from last year. Acreage is up in Illinois, …
Why Agriculture Needs Corn Ethanol to Survive
“If you really look at whose behind the ethanol industry, it’s the American agricultural industry,” said Steve McNich, CEO of Western Plains Energy based in Oakley, Kansas. “There’s no better example at working your way out of a market than the American farmers. The history of the American farmer is that if there is ever an opportunity to make money, …
Iowa Corn Growers Tour Indy Garages
One of the cool things to do at an Indy race is tour the garages where the technicians work on the engines in preparation of race day. The Iowa Corn Growers conducted multiple tours of the garages during race weekend for the Iowa Corn Indy 250. I followed one group and interviewed several grower participants. First up was Tim Recker, …
Iowa Corn President Had Exciting Father’s Day
The President of the Iowa Corn Growers Association is Don Elsbernd, pictured on the right, presenting the trophy for the Iowa Corn Indy 250 to Tony Kanaan. He had a big day on Father’s Day when he got to start the race by waving the green flag and saying the most famous words in motor racing. That’s when the adrenalin …
BASF Eco-Efficiency Model Shows Headline Benefits
The biggest news out of the recent BASF Agricultural Solutions Media Summit was the first Eco-Efficiency Analysis for corn in the Midwest, both with and without the fungicide Headline. The reason it was relevant is that it shows the potential for measuring sustainability. During a breakout session at the summit, BASF vice president for Crop Protection Marty Mascianica got into …
Tony Kanaan Wins Iowa Corn Indy 250
Iowa corn growers are big winners again on race day in Newton, IA. Actually the winner of the Iowa Corn Indy 250 is Tony Kanaan, #11 the 7-11 Car. He lifted the big gas pump trophy in joy since he’s had some tough luck here on this track in the past. The Iowa Corn Growers and Pioneer Hi-Bred have got …
Iowa Corn Indy 250 Underway
The Iowa Corn Indy 250 is underway in Newton, IA. Waving the green flag is Iowa Corn Growers Association President, Don Elsbernd. I’m just guessing what his pulse rate is! The weather is cooperating and I’ll be updating with our winner later this afternoon. Right now it’s time to load some race photos to the photo album Iowa Corn Indy …
Iowa Speedway Media Room on Race Day
Welcome to race day at Iowa Speedway for the 4th Iowa Corn Indy 250. The Agriblogger is on location after a great media breakfast with the Iowa Corn Growers. They fed us well so we have the strength to make it through the day. We’re hoping for a break in the weather and I just heard that pre-race activities have …
The Power of Ethanol
We had a very competitive qualifying session for the Iowa Corn Indy 250 today at Iowa Speedway. Here’s our Peak Performance Pole Winner Will Power, #12, Verizon Team Penske. He put in a qualifying speed of 181.337 mph. I guess you could say that shows the “Power” of ethanol! This is Will’s 4th pole of 2010 and his first on …