A coalition of agricultural leaders is calling on the presidential candidates to commit to publicly support U.S. agriculture. Ag America has developed a set of “Principles for Our Ag Future” that “outline the path forward to ensure that American agriculture continues to be the envy and leader throughout the world.” “Ag America is calling on all of the fine men …
Our Important Voice
From the time Roger Rickard was 13 years old he was driven by causes and has been politically minded ever since. His experiences along the way lead him to start Voices in Advocacy and write a book, “7 Actions of Highly Effective Advocates.” He brought his expertise to the stage addressing attendees of the 2016 National Young Farmers & Ranchers …
Emerging CIRB Leaders Build Future of Crop Insurance
Sheri Bane kicked off the 2016 Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau Annual Meeting with her opening remarks. When Chuck Zimmerman caught up with her later he was able to learn more about the organizations first year with the Emerging Leaders Program. “We had company representatives nominate up and coming leaders within their organizations,” Bane explains. “Those six people began the program late last …
Trump a Future Farmer?
Donald Trump was “honored” that he placed second in the Monday caucuses in Iowa and expressed his love for the state during his speech to supporters last night, with a parting note that he could become a farmer. “Iowa, we love you, we thank you, you’re special,” said Trump. “We will be back many, many times – in fact, I …
Trump Tops @AgriPulse Poll of Farmers
As Iowa voters gather to caucus today, a new Agri-Pulse poll shows most farmers support Donald Trump for president. In the most extensive poll of how U.S. farmers and ranchers plan to vote for president, respondents overwhelmingly say they’ll support a Republican, and 40 percent of those are Trump supporters. That compares to 15 percent for Sen. Ted Cruz, 11 …
Ethanol, Farmers and Politics in Iowa
With the Iowa caucuses coming up on Monday, agriculture and renewable fuels finally got some attention in the Republican debate last night, as Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas was asked about his position on the Renewable Fuel Standard. “We should be developing oil and gas and coal and nuclear and wind and solar and ethanol and biofuels but I don’t …
USDA Pledges $9M Towards Wetlands
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the establishment of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wetland Mitigation Banking Program, made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill. The program will provide $9 million to help states, local governments or other qualified partners develop wetland mitigation banks that restore, create, or enhance wetland ecosystems, broadening the conservation options available to farmers and …
Bipartisan Child Nutrition Reauthorization Passes Senate
There’s not a lot that Republicans and Democrats can agree upon, especially in this election year, but a bipartisan bill that reauthorizes vital child nutrition programs brought them together. Senate Agriculture Committee officials say the “Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act of 2016,” reforms and reauthorizes child nutrition programs under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and …
Poll Shows Farmers Back Trump
A new poll among farmers show Trump is the Republican forerunner for the nomination due to his strong support of agriculture. Conducted by Farm Futures, the poll found 37 percent of those favoring a Republican candidate said they would vote for Trump “if the election were held today.” Trump’s support among GOP farmers was even stronger at 39 percent from …
AGree Tells Prez Candidates to Focus on Ag & Food Policies
A coalition of stakeholders in the food and agriculture systems is urging the presidential candidates to focus on the policies that can improve the health of America’s families, economy, farms and the environment. In this news release from AGree, the call includes a strategy for elevating food and agriculture as a national priority. “Many people don’t realize the degree to …