Today, I thought I would share some reflections from my role as a cattle producer, instead of an agriculture writer. Thanks for letting me stand on this soapbox so often… Nowadays, it seems the worries of a farmer and rancher are monumental. High input costs, ballot initiatives, strict regulations, bad media coverage, consumer misconceptions, animal rights activists’ agendas and low …
Purple Potatoes on West Coast
I would roast or fry these. Wouldn’t you? Purple freedom fries! Klamath Basin Fresh Direct, an association of potato farmers along the Oregon-California border, has been awarded exclusive rights to grow and market a new purple fingerling developed by the USDA and three Northwest universities. The potato is called Purple Pelisse, named for an intense hue inside and out that …
Growers Interested in New BASF Herbicide Technology
There wasn’t a big crowd at the BASF Kixor Herbicide Technology plot tour event in Belleville, IL on Tuesday since many were out spraying, but the nearly 30 who attended were very interested in hearing and seeing what the new family of products from BASF could do for them.BASF Southern Missouri and Illinois farmer Eric Doza says he attended to …
Grad Student Makes Kixor Her Career
BASF reps around the country are excited about getting the new Kixor™ technology on the market for growers soon. Tracy Mellendorf, pictured here in the center with other BASF reps at a Kixor field day in Belleville on Tuesday, is a recent graduate of Southern Illinois University with a degree in weed science and has been working for BASF since …
Kixor Registration Expected Soon
BASF is anxiously awaiting final registration for the herbicide technology known as Kixor™. “It’s going well, the registration is anticipated shortly,” said BASF Tech Service rep Dennis Belcher. “This is kind of a unique registration because it’s actually being reviewed by three countries – Canada, Australia and the United States.” Belcher says once the technology is approved, they will put …
Kixor Kicks Mare’s Tail
BASF is proving that Kixor™ can really kick butt. During a plot tour in Belleville, IL today, growers and dealers got a look at what Kixor™ powered Sharpen herbicide can do to glyphosate-resistant Mare’s-tail. Belleville Research Center station manager Ron Krausz with Southern Illinois University showed off the plot trials. “It is a burndown type product because of its mode …
From Rainy Plains to Dry Mountains
Well, I’m finally here for an exciting week at the 2009 Cattle Industry Summer Convention. I’m writing to you from the News Room at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Denver. I’ve ditched the rainy plains of South Dakota for a much more summery mountain climate of Colorado. Before the week kicks off, I thought I would give an agricultural update …
Army in Afghanistan Helping Plant Seeds of Hope
Wherever we can find a positive story about our military in action we should let others know. You’re sure not going to find it on mainstream media. This one is from the Army’s own website. This has also been done in Iraq and other countries. I think it’s good to point out how important agriculture is to a country and …
CNN Live With Steve Tucker
I am so glad Steve Tucker tweeted that he was about to go live on CNN via Skype! I got on it and got a screenshot for you. The Twittering Farmer just did a great job letting people have a little bit of insight into who produces their food. Steve told ’em like it is. Up to 15 hours in …