RFA Ethanol Podcast

Save the Chestnut!

Cindy Zimmerman

Everybody’s heard about chestnuts roasting on an open fire, especially at this time of year, but how many of us have actually ever had any? Apparently, there’s a reason for that. According to the American Chestnut Foundation, the American chestnut tree once reigned over 200 million acres of eastern woodlands from Maine to Florida, and from the Piedmont west to …

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Early Christmas on Capitol Hill

Cindy Zimmerman

Christmas came more than a week early this year, as the House voted just before midnight Thursday to pass the tax package that includes presents for everyone. The final vote was 277-148 on the Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010 (H.R. 4853) which is expected to be signed into law immediately by President Obama. The bill includes another year …

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Are Those Crop Circles?

Melissa Sandfort

On a plane back to Denver, I was listening to the conversation taking place in the row immediately behind me. I heard a gentleman ask of his seat-mate, “Are those crop circles down there?” To which the other man responded, “No, that’s the edge of the field where the water doesn’t reach.” Also knowing the answer, I was about to …

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It’s 100% Wearable

Melissa Sandfort

Before I buy a shirt, I look at the label to see if it’s 100% cotton. If it is, it usually requires ironing. I think I have an iron and ironing board somewhere in the house. Maybe. 100% cotton means it stays on the rack and I look for another shirt. I bet when Grandpa’s mother made a sweater out …

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Death Tax Press Conference Audio

Cindy Zimmerman

In case you were not able to tune in for the estate tax press conference, here is the audio with statements from all the major ag organizations participating. That includes the American Farm Bureau Federation; the American Soybean Association; the National Association of Wheat Growers; the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association; the National Corn Growers Association; the National Cotton Council; the …

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Vote For AGCONNECT Expo 2011 Advocating For Agriculture Awards

Chuck Zimmerman

It’s time to vote for the AGCONNECT Expo 2011 “Advocating For Agriculture Awards.” AG CONNECT Expo 2011 is proud to announce the finalists for its “Advocating for Agriculture” Awards. It’s now up to you to determine the Grand Prize winner for each category by voting online from November 24 – December 9, 2010. Meet our finalists by reading their nominations …

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Area Code First

Melissa Sandfort

I can imagine how it sounded: “Can I have your phone number please, starting with the area code?” “6.” “I’m sorry, I just caught the first number. Can you give it to me again?” “Yes. 6. That’s my phone number.” I can’t even keep up with the latest in cell phone technology. Pretty soon, we’re going to have a chip …

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Cindy Zimmerman

If you have food on your table today – thank God and thank our nation’s fabulous farmers and ranchers for the affordable, safe and abundant food supply they produce for the world. I found this poem online that gives good reasons to give thanks today for those who produce the food, fuel and fiber that we all enjoy everyday: I’m …

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Give Farmers A High Five

Chuck Zimmerman

On this #thankafarmer and #foodthanks day how about giving farmers a high five? Voting is now open in the 2010 Alpharma Reach Teach Learn Student Video Contest. Their are five videos entered in the contest and I just voted. Voting is being done via Facebook and it’s hard to decide but someone has to win!

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The Tea Leaf Collection

Melissa Sandfort

Before we got married, we went to the store and registered for gifts we thought we needed as a new couple, some of which included two sizes of plates, matching bowls and coffee mugs. I think a place setting totaled about $8, if memory serves me right. The coffee mugs have never been used – I guess square plates are …

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