Early in 2015 documentary film maker Conrad Weaver got into the field to start his latest project, Thirsty Land. He has been in states from Kansas to California filming the drought situation and meeting with many farmers to learn about the effect the drought has been having on rural communities. This morning I spoke with Conrad to find out how …
Food Dialogues to Focus on Sustainability
The Food Dialogues®: Dairy Strong Farming; for the Future panel will tackle the concept of “sustainability” and all it’s different meanings for different people. The panel, hosted by the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), will take place at the Dairy Strong conference from 10:15 – 11:45 a.m. CT on Thursday, January 14, 2016 in Madison, Wis. and will be …
Requesting Submissions for Ag Day Essay Contest
The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) is inviting ninth- to 12th-grade students to take part in an essay contest about the importance of agriculture. Students may choose to write a 450 word essay or create a 2 minute video that showcases the theme: “Agriculture: Stewards of a Healthy Planet.” The deadline for submission is January 29, 2016. The contest provides …
Panel On Taking Cover Crops Mainstream at #ASTACSS
During a session on Taking Cover Crops Mainstream at the ASTA CSS/Seed Expo this week, a panel of representatives from across the industry spoke about their experiences with cover crops, the work they’ve done on either their farm or in their business, and the impact cover crops can have on soil health. Two growers who integrate cover crops on their …
Corn Growers Talk Sustainability at Climate Change Talks
American corn farmers were talking about just how sustainable U.S. agriculture is during the recent COP21 United Nations climate talks in Paris this week. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says the group shared U.S. corn farmers’ perspectives on a wide array of sustainability and environmental issues. The event, hosted by Field to Market, Business for Social Responsibility and Pepsico, …
Farm & Food Partnerships – A New Paradigm
The topic was “The New Paradigm: Farm + Food Partnerships to Meet New Consumer Demand.” Our opening keynote speaker at the Agricultural Retailers Association Conference & Expo was Steve Peterson, Retired Director of Sourcing and Sustainability, General Mills. Steve actually just recently retired and is now farming full time on his farm in Minnesota. Steve told us that he has …
Sustainable Farmer Award Applications Sought
Bayer CropScience is seeking young agricultural producers that demonstrate leadership and excellence in the areas of business and environmental sustainability through the 2016 Young Farmer Sustainability Award. Any farmer or rancher age 40 and under who receives at least half of his or her income from farming and farm-related ventures is eligible to apply. Applications may be accessed and completed …
BASF’s Farm Network Conference Promotes Sustainability
BASF recently gathered experts from six European countries to talk about best farming practices and how to spread them across key stakeholder groups. This news release from the company says the conference is part of the Farm Network’s activites, a partnership by BASF, to foster programs that balance farm production with the protection of the land and the environment for …
Sustainable Ag Expo Educates Growers
The 11th Annual Sustainable Ag Expo will be held November 16-17, 2015, at the Madonna Inn Expo Center in San Luis Obispo, California. The expo, hosted by the Vineyard Team, promises educational information for growers of many crops. “The Expo started as a way to explore various issues affecting different types of ag professionals,” said Kris Beal, Executive Director for The …
Agricultural Champions of Change Honored
Twelve individuals from across the country involved in the agriculture industry were honored Monday in Washington DC as “White House Champions of Change for Sustainable and Climate-Smart Agriculture.” The diverse group of farmers, ranchers, researchers and educators were recognized for their exemplary leadership in supporting change in their communities through innovation in agricultural production and education. The Champions were chosen …