For the past 25 years, GROWMARK has challenged students to think creatively about the future of agriculture and how cooperatives can continue to thrive and contribute to the industry through an annual essay contest. This year’s 2018 GROWMARK Essay Contest asks students “How can cooperatives demonstrate their value to the next generation of agriculturists?” All high school FFA members in Illinois, Iowa, …
FS Simulator Ensures Professional Application
When the idea of GROWMARK’s FS Simulator was brought to FS operations managers it was hit with many questions. However, with input, advice, and research the questionable idea turned into a valuable tool managers are eager to introduce to their teams. The FS Simulator is centered around a training module for FS System operators to allowing the practice, study, and …
NAMA Going Full Throttle in Milwaukee
There are over 180 agri-marketing professionals here in Milwaukee this week for the 2017 NAMA Fall Conference, and 30 of those are new members, which makes NAMA president Amy Bradford very happy. “It is one of the higher new member numbers we’ve had at a conference,” said Bradford, who is Corporate Relations Manager for GROWMARK. “We’re making a concerted effort …
GROWMARK’s FS Simulator Makes Training Fun
GROWMARK’s FS applicator simulator was on display for media this week in Bloomington, IL. The simulator was created as a training module for FS System operators to practice, study, and enhance their ability, knowledge, and safety skills. “To the best of my knowledge, this simulator is the first of its kind in agriculture being used for training,” said Erik Wilcox, …
GROWMARK Committed to Nutrient Management
Nutrient management was a focus of the GROWMARK-FS System exhibit at the 2017 Farm Progress Show in Decatur. The regional cooperative has spearheaded a number of initiatives to help farmers learn more about nutrient management strategies and to assist them in executing those practices on their farms. “The main thing we do when we’re working with customers is trying to …
GROWMARK Eyes Priorities for New Farm Bill
GROWMARK Executive Director for Corporate and Government Relations Chuck Spencer heard some clear messages at a farm bill listening session during the 2017 Farm Progress Show in Decatur. Spencer says agricultural producers in the Midwest have strong opinions about the need for crop insurance and how to improve current options. Farmers shared the desire for a strong safety net, hoping …
GROWMARK Supports Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts
GROWMARK has donated $50,000 to support relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey through the Midwest Food Bank, a Salvation Army First Responder organization. The contribution was made through The GROWMARK Foundation, GROWMARK’s philanthropic arm which supports not-for-profit charitable organizations. “They have put together disaster relief boxes to help those residents who have been affected by Harvey,” said GROWMARK Foundation manager Amy …
Illinois Farmers Reach Out With GROWMARK 4R4U
Illinois farmer Jack McCormick uses social media platforms to share information about projects that can fit into the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy with other farmers and the general public. The effort is part of the Illinois 4R4U program, launched in October 2016. The collaboration between GROWMARK and county Farm Bureaus in Illinois includes trials on cover crops, nitrogen and …
GROWMARK Leading in Nutrient Loss Reduction
GROWMARK and the FS System have been leaders in the state of Illinois when it comes to helping farmers adopt best management practices to reduce nutrient losses, contributing to the success of the state’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. At the Farm Progress Show this week, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey visited the GROWMARK FS tent to learn what he can …
Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Report
The directors of the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency yesterday presented the state’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Biennial Report at the Farm Progress Show. This report describes actions taken in Illinois during the last two years to reduce nutrient losses and influence positive changes in nutrient loads over time. Illinois’ Strategy is one of numerous other …