Textile executives from 10 Korean companies will tour the U.S. Cotton Belt on April 17-22. The executives will observe U.S. cotton production, processing and marketing and will meet with U.S. cotton exporters. This Cotton USA Korean Special Trade Mission is being conducted by Cotton Council International (CCI), the National Cotton Council’s export promotions arm. Korea currently ranks as the sixth …
IFAJ Congress 2016 Early Registration Extended
The organizers of the IFAJ Congress 2016 have extended early bird registration to April 10. So you have a little more time to look at the programs for the pre and post tours as well as the main Congress. This morning I Skyped with Mark Moore, freelance agricultural journalist and photographer who is helping the Congress committee. Mark has been …
Ethanol Trade Mission to Peru
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) took part in a recent trade mission to Peru led by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack which included discussions about increasing cooperation with that country when it comes to ethanol production and exports. In this edition of the ZimmCast, RFA General Counsel Ed Hubbard talks about the March 13-15 trade mission which visited Lima and the …
Pope Francis Prays for Small Farmers
Each month the Pope publishes a special prayer intention. The faithful are encouraged to add their prayers to his. For April, 2016 he Holy Father’s universal prayer intention is: “That small farmers may receive a just reward for their precious labour”. I say a big AMEN to that prayer and hope you’ll join in. Pope Francis also issues a prayer …
US Ag Colleges Stand Out in World Ranking
The QS World University Ranking system has released its latest standings for the world’s top agriculture universities, showcasing fifty exceptional programs on their website. While the top spot went to Wageningen University in the Netherlands, the strength of American agriculture universities continues to shine as twenty two of the top fifty spots went to U.S. agriculture programs, including seven of …
China’s Wheat Policies Hurt US Farmers
A 2014 study by DTB Associates revealed that China pays farmers more than $10 per bushel of wheat and subsidizes input costs as well. The U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) have demonstrated several times in the last few years how policies like this one are hurting wheat trade in the U.S. and other …
Historic Agreements for Ag Trade with Cuba
Agriculture could play a key role in normalizing trade relations with Cuba, according to President Obama on his historic visit to that nation this week. “If we build on what we’re doing in agriculture and we see more U.S. farmers interacting with Cuban farmers, and there’s more exports and imports, the possibility of ending the embargo increases,” Obama said to …
U.S. Ag Journalists – Register for IFAJ Congress in Germany
Registration is now open for the IFAJ 2016 Congress which will take place in Bonn, Germany. There are pre and post tours in addition to the main Congress. Find the program and registration information on the Congress website. If you have never attended an IFAJ Congress then you really should consider it. Cindy and I have attended many of these …
Alltech ONE Set To Inspire Industry
Last year, Alltech’s Rebelation symposium offered the industry an unprecedented opportunity for global collaboration by hosting programs, discussions, and information sessions with some of the worlds greatest innovators. This year’s symposium is called ONE, and it promises to be even more unforgettable. ONE is a forum, hosted by Alltech, for industry professionals to discuss world-changing ideas with other industry leaders …
Alltech Continues Support for Ag Journalism
The IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Award has been able to reach young journalists across the globe, and this international impact will be extended in 2016, thanks to changes in the federation’s constitution and renewed support from key sponsor Alltech. The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) accepted eight new guilds for membership at its annual congress in New …