National Biodiesel Board Shares “Vision 2020”

Cindy Zimmerman

The 2020 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo kicked off Tuesday in Tampa with a new industry vision for a new decade.

National Biodiesel Board CEO Donnell Rehagen unveiled the new industry vision statement in his state of the industry remarks to attendees.

Biodiesel, renewable diesel, and renewable jet fuel will be recognized as mainstream low-carbon fuel options with superior performance and emission characteristics. In on road, off road, air transportation, electricity generation, and home heating applications, use will exceed six billion gallons by 2030, eliminating over 35 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gas emissions annually. With advancements in feedstock, use will reach 15 billion gallons by 2050.

“Without a clear vision of the future – what we want to be, where we want to go, and how we’ll get there – we’ll never be more than we are today,” said Rehagen. “While the volumes in our new industry vision may seem ambitious, there is a very clear path to meeting this vision as long as we stay committed to working together and continuing to collaborate.”

The association’s plan includes a new tagline to go with the long-used biodiesel logo that emphasizes the benefits of the fuel in a succinct way – Better. Cleaner. Now!

Listen to Rehagen’s remarks:
NBB2020 Opening session - NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen (18:52)

Rehagen met with members of the media at the National Biodiesel Conference after his state of the industry address on Tuesday. Many of the questions dealt with the biodiesel tax credit extension and when it will provide some relief for the industry.

“Producers should be working on it as we speak to get those forms into the IRS,” said Rehagen. “Our understanding is 60 to 90 days they should be seeing refund checks. So hopefully that will start putting them back in a good position to make forward looking decisions.”

Rehagen also talked about the new biodiesel industry vision and working on increasing biodiesel’s space in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

NBB2020 NBB CEO Donnell Rehagen press gaggle (14:23)

2020 National Biodiesel Conference photo album

Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, National Biodiesel Conference

Association Leaders Advocate for Produce Industry

Carrie Muehling

A veteran of the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Bill Brim of Lewis Taylor Farms continues to feel passionate about engaging in the industry and helping fellow growers along the way.

“Board members put a lot of effort into it, and people don’t really realize what we do. And we’re doing it for them,” said Brim, who served as the first president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Association in 1996.

Brim said even after some difficult seasons from a growing standpoint and challenges on the trade front, produce farmers remain optimistic as they head into 2020. Brim believes the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will hurt the produce industry in the southeastern United States, and is hoping the USDA will provide marketing funds for labeling products as American grown or Georgia grown.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Bill here: Interview with Bill Brim, Lewis Taylor Farms

2020 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference Photo Album

Audio, Produce, Vegetables

Helping Hemp Farmers to Know What They Grow

Carrie Muehling

Companies like Phylos Bioscience are looking to partner with hemp distributors across the nation. That’s why the Portland-based company exhibited at the 2020 Heart of America Agricultural Hemp Classic in Independence, Mo.

Phylos Bioscience is a genetics testing company in the hemp and cannabis space, which identifies male and female plants and also hosts a 3D repository of all the DNA they’ve sampled over the years to provide transparency and help farmers to know exactly what they are growing.

“Take the time to really do the research on how to grow it, and make sure that whatever variety you do have is actually hemp,” said Aaron Jarvis with Phylos.

Jarvis said the company is already working with the Missouri Hemp Association and American Hemp Research, and they intend to develop more partnerships in the days to come.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Aaron here: Interview with Aaron Jarvis, Phylos Bioscience

Listen to Aaron’s presentation here: Presentation by Aaron Jarvis, Phylos Bioscience

2020 Heart of America Agricultural Hemp Classic Photo Album

Audio, Cannabis, hemp

American Hemp Research Offers Help for New Farmers

Carrie Muehling

The CEO of American Hemp Research is hoping hemp production can bring some stability to rural America.

“The main thing that I wanted to get out of hemp was maybe some economic stability for rural America to where we don’t have to wait for a China deal to get done, because the last three years, we’ve been pretty much at the mercy of the government, and I don’t know how you can risk manage politics. It’s almost impossible,” said Andy Huston, who farms with his brother in Roseville, Ill.

Huston said it is important for farmers forging into the area of hemp production to be cautious and to work with reputable people. He shared his experiences and commitment to being a credible resource with those gathered at the 2020 Heart of America Agricultural Hemp Classic in Independence, Mo.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Andy here:
Interview with Andy Huston, American Hemp Research

Listen to Andy’s full presentation here:
Presentation by Andy Huston, American Hemp Research

2020 Heart of America Agricultural Hemp Classic Photo Album

Audio, hemp

Produce Association Feels Like Family

Carrie Muehling

The president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Association said the association is strong and growing, which is important for producers as they maintain a voice within the industry.

“I just enjoy the atmosphere. I enjoy the people. The agriculture industry is made up of some unbelievable people. I enjoy being around them. I enjoy learning from them,” said Aries Haygood, who will lead the organization in the coming year. “I’m a family oriented guy, and that’s what it feels like.”

Haygood said he was drawn to the organization because of the chance to stay informed about how legislation or food safety laws may be changing, and by networking opportunities. He and his wife recently took over operation of the her family’s produce farm, where they grow Vidalia onions.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Aries here: Interview with Aries Haygood, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Association

2020 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference Photo Album

Audio, Produce, Vegetables

Animal Ag Bites 1/20

Carrie Muehling

  • Alltech is lending its support to Australia’s agriculture industry in the wake of devastating wildfires, launching a global fundraising effort for farmers and pledging to match donations dollar-for-dollar. The Australia Farming Relief Fund will provide goods and services directly to producers and will be coordinated on the ground by Alltech family companies Alltech Lienert Australia and KEENAN Australia.
  • The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association recognized Morris Westfall, Halfway, Missouri, with its “Pioneer Award” at its 52nd Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show on January 11, 2020. The award is the highest honor given by the association and is comparable to a lifetime achievement award.
  • Milk Specialties Global, the global leader in animal nutritional supplements and dairy protein ingredients, debuts VitalChol DX™, a new rumen-inert choline supplement designed to optimize cow health during the transition phase.
  • The National FFA Officer Candidates have been invited to attend the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2020 International Production & Processing Expo, as a result of the USPOULTRY Foundation’s ongoing initiative to further attract students to the poultry and egg industries. The students will receive an all-expense paid trip to IPE in Atlanta, Georgia, and this opportunity is made possible in part by an endowing Foundation gift from Tyson Foods.
  • At the upcoming International Production & Processing Expo, WATT Global Media will host three live events and showcase its current digital publications and products plus additional events scheduled for 2020. IPPE will take place on January 28-30, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.
  • The International Production & Processing Expo offers attendees access to the latest in protein and feed technology through exhibits and educational programing. TECHTalks are free, 20-minute technical presentations, offered each day at IPPE. For the 2020 IPPE, 65 presentations will be given in the TECHTalks theaters in the A-Hall at Booth A246, B-Hall at Booth B8648, and C-Hall at Booth C9249.
  • The winner of the 2020 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year award is Flint, an Australian shepherd owned by Utah Farm Bureau members Rhett and Beth Crandall. The American Farm Bureau Federation, with support from Nestlé Purina, recognized Flint, four runners-up and a People’s Choice Pup at AFBF’s 101st Annual Convention.
  • The 400 ranchers gathering at the National Bison Association‘s 25th Anniversary conference and the association’s Gold Trophy Show and Sale at the National Western Stock Show, are bringing more than 100 head of live bison to Denver, along with a commitment to continue building the market for bison meat based upon the quality of the meat and a dedication to sustainable ranching practices.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s top official overseeing the agency’s marketing and regulatory programs will be among the speakers addressing more than 400 bison ranchers, marketers and enthusiasts scheduled to gather at the Renaissance Denver Hotel January 22-25. Greg Ibach, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulation, is expected to focus on the agency’s work in improving animal traceability, but will likely touch on a variety of other issues important to U.S. bison ranchers and markets.
  • The pork industry has released its new sustainability report, Commit and Improve: Pig Farmers’ Approach to Sustainability, and updated website, porkcares.org. The report and website share firsthand accounts and data supporting pig farmers’ progress toward sustainability through the We Care ethical principles.
  • Following the USDA’s announcement to award $10.2 million for the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program and National Animal Health Laboratory Network, NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn issued the following statement: “We’re pleased to see 16 state departments of agriculture receive $1.8 million in new funding for disease preparedness and emergency response training. NASDA members act as the first responders to animal health emergencies, in addition to safeguarding our nation’s food supply and international markets year-round.” In the same announcement, USDA announced further development of the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank. All three programs were of top priority to NASDA in the 2018 Farm Bill.
AgWired Animal, Animal Bites

ZimmCast 634 – Questions About Growing Hemp

Chuck Zimmerman

Hello and welcome to the ZimmCast. This week’s program includes several interviews I did at the inaugural Heart of American Agricultural Hemp Classic in Independence, MO. The event was organized by the Missouri Hemp Association.

Farmers have a lot of questions about hemp and in the interviews you will hear from presenters and farmers who have some answers. You can find a lot more in our virtual ag newsroom on AgNewsWire too.

Heart of America Agricultural Hemp ClassicSo, in this episode you’ll hear from: Joe Zahner, Counsel, Missouri Hemp Association; James Bennett, Yeoman; Luke Poindexter, MoCan Extracts and Bill Cook, Executive Director, Missouri Hemp Association.

At the end of the program I take a look ahead at the National Biodiesel Conference taking place this week in Tampa, FL. Cindy and will be there for the 15th year producing content for the Biodiesel Conference Blog!

That’s the ZimmCast for this week. I hope you’ve enjoyed it and thank you for listening.

Listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 634 - Questions About Growing Hemp

2020 Heart of America Agricultural Hemp Classic Photo Album

Subscribe to the ZimmCast by clicking here.

Ag Groups, Audio, Farming, hemp, ZimmCast

Trump Touts Trade Triumphs at Farm Bureau Meeting

Cindy Zimmerman

President Donald Trump addressed farmer and rancher members of the American Farm Bureau Federation for the third year in a row Sunday, and promised to be back next year while continuing to fight for what is important to them.

“My administration understands that if we want to stand up for America, we must stand up for American farmers,” said President Trump. He touted last week’s historic trade deal with China and Senate passage of the USMCA, as well as repeal of WOTUS and other regulatory burdens.

“As long as I’m president, government will never micromanage America’s farmers,” said Trump. “You’re going to micromanage your own farm and that’s the way it should be.”

The president also touched on popular topics including elimination of the estate tax, need for immigration reform, and ethanol.

2020 AFBF President Trump address (51:55)

AFBF, Audio, Ethanol, Trade

101st Farm Bureau Meeting Opens on Somber Note

Cindy Zimmerman

The 101st American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Austin, Texas started off on a somber note with the announcement at the general session Sunday morning that the wife of AFBF President Zippy Duvall had passed away the night before.

“It is with deep sadness that I share the news of Bonnie Duvall’s passing after a courageous battle with cancer,” said Vice President Scott VanderWal. “She was a special member of the Farm Bureau family, from being chosen for the 1982 National Young Farmer and Rancher Award with Zippy, to her travels with him 33 years later when he was elected president of American Farm Bureau.”

2020 AFBF VP Scott VanderWal comments (2:46)

The Duvalls were married 40 years and have four children and five grandchildren.

Since Duvall is obviously needed at home right now, VanderWal is filling in for him at the convention this week.

VanderWal provided a policy update for Farm Bureau members during the general session, and then answered questions from the media during a press conference. Reporter questions were not on mic, but the sound bites deal with the China trade deal, MFP payments and the farm economy, impacts of trade disputes and administration actions, WOTUS, wetlands, dairy policy, and ethanol.

2020 AFBF VP Scott VanderWal opening remarks (13:34)

2020 AFBF VP Scott VanderWal press conference (10:06)

AFBF, Audio

Georgia Ag Commissioner Concerned About USMCA

Carrie Muehling

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black is optimistic about the agriculture industry in his state, and shared a priority to open markets in new places for Georgia-grown products in the months ahead. At the same time, he has some concern regarding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as it stands currently, because of hardships it may bring to produce growers.

“With this agreement, there’s still unbridled access to our market window and that is a cause of concern,” said Black, who attended the 2020 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference.

Black also stressed the importance of looking at food safety standards, regulatory standards and labor practices when passing these types of agreements.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Commissioner Black here: Interview with Gary Black, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture

2020 Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference Photo Album

Audio, Produce, Trade, Vegetables