A recent International Food Information Council (IFIC) report concludes that 84% of Americans have favorable or neutral impressions of agricultural plant biotechnology, while less than 16% hold an unfavorable impression. Click here for more information. Novus International is proud to announce the appointment of Duarte Diaz, Ph.D. as Ruminant Research Manager. Dr. Diaz will be responsible for managing ruminant research …

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology is releasing a new CAST Commentary — Convergence of Agriculture and Energy: III. Considerations in Biodiesel Production — during special presentations at the National Farmers Union and the National Coalition for Food and Agriculture Research in Washington, D.C. The full text is available here, along with many of CAST’s other scientific publications. Cherrie …

T. Boone Pickens will bring his message addressing the energy crisis to farmers, ranchers and rural landowners with a special edition RFD-TV “LIVE” television broadcast, which will originate from RFD-TV’s Nashville studios on Wednesday evening, Oct. 29, beginning at 8pm ET/7P CT. A repeat of Pickens’ RFD-TV Town Hall meeting will be rebroadcast on both Thursday, Oct. 30 at 10am …

Novariant, Inc., announced that Tom Ruschhaupt has joined the company as General Manager of its AutoFarm precision agriculture division. In his new role, Ruschhaupt will be responsible for the AutoFarm division’s Global performance including its North America region, plus Australia, Europe and South America. Novus International Inc., awarded the 2008 Novus International Research Award at Auburn University to Mr. Adolfo …

E. Gordon Gee, President, The Ohio State University, and 4-H Alumnus, has been elected to National 4-H Council’s Board of Trustees. The Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) has unveiled a new Web site as the next step of an ongoing campaign to promote independent seed companies. The site features a “Members Only” section, as well as a search function to …

Novartis Animal Health US, Inc. sponsored an interactive quiz at the recent 2008 American Association of Bovine Practitioners Annual Convention. This activity resulted in donations of $2,470 to the AABP Amstutz Scholarship Fund and $500 to the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s student AABP Chapter. Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine took top honors. The 17th annual …

The United Soybean Board (USB) currently seeks nominations for its annual Outstanding Achievement Award and Excellence in Communications Award. This is given to an individual, organization or group that has made an outstanding positive impact on the soybean industry and the soybean checkoff. Click here for a nomination form or contact Jennifer Anthony, 888-235-4332, ext. 1978. Deadline is Dec. 1, …

National Agri-Marketing Association reports the 2008 Awards of Excellence recipients are as follows: Marketing Communications — Paul Redhage, FMC Communications Manager, FMC Agricultural Products; Public Relations — Beth Andersen, Senior Vice President, Managing Partner, Charleston Orwig, Inc.; and Sales — Vernon Benes, Director of Business Development, Beck Ag, Inc. Dow AgroSciences LLC is acquiring the assets of Sudwestsaat GbR (SWS), …

A recent survey (2008 Intern and New Grad Benchmark Report) of agriculture interns and new graduates released by AgCareers.com provides university and industry professionals with compensation information such as salaries, intern housing costs and relocation packages. This was the first year for the survey, but AgCareers.com is planning to conduct the survey on an annual basis. If you are interested …

Tarter has joined Tractor Supply to co-sponsor the Diversified Livestock Production Proficiency Award Program for the 2008 National FFA Convention to be held in Indianapolis, Ind., from Oct. 22-25. The Diversified Livestock Production Proficiency Award recognizes FFA members’ application of best management practices to efficiently produce and market a combination of two or more livestock-related species such as beef, dairy, …