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 …
#TPP Signed Amid Protests in New Zealand
Protesters nearly shut down the city of Auckland, New Zealand yesterday, but the ceremonial signing of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) went on as scheduled. Trade ministers representing Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, United States, and Vietnam gathered for the signing of the historic agreement concluded four months ago in Atlanta. The ministers …
China Company to Buy Syngenta
*UPDATED with audio* Here’s some big news of the day. Syngenta announced today that ChemChina has offered to acquire the company for $43 billion. The Board of Directors of Syngenta considers that the proposed transaction respects the interests of all stakeholders and is unanimously recommending the offer to shareholders. There is committed financing for the deal and a strong commitment …
Chile & Peru Slated for Stops on USDA Trade Mission
Two South American countries have been slated for a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) trade mission. This news release from the agency says Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will lead a trade mission March 14-18 to expand export opportunities for U.S. agriculture in Chile and Peru. “Thanks to existing free trade agreements, the United States enjoys strong trading relationships with both …
Ag Secretary Comments on Climate Accord
As the announcement came over the weekend that negotiators from nearly 200 countries had approved a landmark climate accord, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack commented on what the deal means for our nation’s farmers and ranchers. “The historic COP21 deal supports a better-nourished, stable, secure future for the United States and every nation,” Vilsack said in a statement. “The benchmarks outlined …