Strategic Communications Director Retires from FFA

Kelly Marshall

Members of the FFA community will miss Bill Stagg, 40 year director of strategic communications of the National FFA Organization. Stage has announced that he will retire at the end of this month. He has been with the National FFA Organization since November of 1978, dedicating his life to the motto “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.”

“Working for FFA has been such a joy,” said Stagg. “From the moment I set foot in a local high school agricultural education program, I saw caring teachers working with students in extraordinary ways. I understood the power of that close teacher-student relationship to transform the lives of young people and accelerate their personal, academic and career development. I’ve loved working on behalf of FFA members, their teachers/advisors and the dedicated professionals who support them. The story of FFA is a uniquely American one, and it’s been immensely satisfying to share it with others and see it evolve.”

Ag Groups, FFA

New Biodiesel Board Chairman from ADM

Cindy Zimmerman

Kent Engelbrecht of ADM was elected chairman of the National Biodiesel Board in November, marking the first time that company has moved into the leadership position for the organization.

“We’ve been involved in biodiesel since 2006,” said Engelbrecht. “We’ve got four plants in North America producing a lot of biodiesel, and that uses a lot of soybean oil, and that comes from a lot of soybeans.”

In this interview, Engelbrecht talks about last week’s 14th National Biodiesel Conference in San Diego and his excitement for the future of the biodiesel industry. Interview with Kent Engelbrecht, NBB chairman

2017 National Biodiesel Conference photo album

Audio, Biodiesel, Biofuels, National Biodiesel Conference, Soybean

Most Ag Groups Pleased with Ag Secretary Choice

Cindy Zimmerman

The agriculture industry had to wait until right up to the end to learn Trump’s choice for Secretary of Agriculture, but now that he’s nominated former Georgia Governor, Sonny Perdue, the agriculture groups seem generally pleased.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association calls him “an excellent pick” to head USDA. “As a lifelong agri-businessman and veterinarian, as well as the two-term governor of a state where agriculture’s the largest industry, Gov. Perdue has a unique and expert understanding of both the business and scientific sides of agriculture,” said NCBA president Tracy Brunner of Kansas.Interview with Tracy Brunner, NCBA

“America’s dairy farmers are looking forward to working with Secretary of Agriculture-designate Sonny Perdue, whose role as the chief advocate for farmers and rural America is absolutely crucial in the new Trump Administration, especially when milk prices have been in a prolonged slump,” said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). Interview with Jim Mulhern, NMPF

The National Farmers Union is cautiously optimistic. “Given the challenging state of the farm economy, more than ever, family farmers and ranchers need a champion in Washington,” says President Roger Johnson.  “I am hopeful we will find that champion in Sonny Perdue.”

Congratulations came from the National Corn Growers Association President Wesley Spurlock. “Agriculture is the backbone of rural America, and we need strong leadership within USDA to keep moving the industry forward through difficult economic times.[…] We stand ready to work with President-Elect Trump and the new USDA leadership to move agriculture and our country forward.”

The National Cotton Council is ready to work with Perdue as well. “It is encouraging to see a Secretary of Agriculture nominee with a strong production agriculture and agribusiness background and with experience, who comes from the second largest cotton-producing state,” NCC Chairman Shane Stephens said.

Ron Moore, President of the American Soybean Association, welcomes Perdue as the nomination. “From working to implement a viable risk management framework to helping expand our markets overseas, to investing in agricultural research here at home, these are critical elements of the farm economy, and we look forward to working alongside USDA under Secretary Perdue to ensure that the department continues to serve American soybean farmers in the most effective manner possible.”

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry also weighed in, giving this endorsement: “I appreciated my conversation with Governor Perdue before his announcement and look forward to meeting with him again as the Committee completes a thorough confirmation process. Together, we must get to work addressing these immediate and future challenges.”

Ag Groups, Audio, USDA

Presidential Inaugural Parade to Highlight Agriculture

Kelly Marshall

RFD-TV has invited every tractor manufacturer in the nation to participate in the Rural Tractor Brigade that will be participating in the 2017 Presidential Inaugural Parade. Case IH, Challenger, John Deere, Kioti, Kubota, Mahindra, Massey-Ferguson and New Holland have all confirmed that they will be showcasing modern tractors when the parade broadcasts live on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC at 3 p.m. EST today.

The purpose of the Rural Tractor Brigade is to “reconnect city with country.” The theme is “We The People: Our American Journey,” and will feature members of the National FFA carrying the banner. RFD-TV and Rural Radio, channel 147 on SiriusXM, will provide updates throughout the day, beginning at 9 a.m. EST.

Several leaders of agriculture associations will be representing their members by driving a tractor in the parade. Those leaders include Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation and their 5.9 million members; Ron Moore, president of the American Soybean Association and his wife Deb; Randy Krotz, CEO of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance; John Weber, president of the National Pork Producers Council; and Jim Odle, co-founder of Superior Livestock Auction. Also driving to represent rural media include National Association of Farm Broadcasting past and current presidents Mark Oppold and Max Armstrong, Duncan Smith of Sinclair Broadcasting, and Patrick Gottsch, founder and president of RFD-TV and RURAL RADIO on SiriusXM.

Tractor

John Deere Showing Biodiesel Support

Chuck Zimmerman

There was some John Deere green during the National Biodiesel Conference Vehicle Showcase this year.

Chuck Studer, Director of Industry Relations, highlighted John Deere’s vast diesel equipment product line and long-standing involvement with biodiesel. John Deere was one of the first original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to get involved with biodiesel, approving B5 biodiesel blends for use in its engines in 2001. It was also one of the first off-highway equipment manufacturers to factory fill biodiesel blends in North America. Since then, John Deere has continued to conduct biodiesel research and perform lab and field tests using biodiesel fuel, and now supports up to B20 or higher biodiesel blends in its equipment.

Studer featured the best-selling garden tractor in the San Diego area, John Deere’s 5045E, approved for use with B20 biodiesel blends.


Biodiesel, John Deere, National Biodiesel Conference, Video

Trump EPA Nominee Questioned on Ag Issues

Cindy Zimmerman

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt answered questions about regulatory overreach and his support of renewable fuels during his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday to serve as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President-elect Donald Trump.

Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, first asked Pruitt about making sure the agency is “open, transparent, and answerable for its actions”{ and what he would do “to provide relief from an onslaught of EPA rules.”

Pruitt, who as Oklahoma AG has participated in a lawsuits against EPA over WOTUS, expressed his concerns about “regulation through litigation where groups initiate litigation against the EPA, the United States government, and set environmental policy through something called a sue and settle process.”

“Balancing the environmental objectives we have, but also the economic harm that results and the Supreme Court has spoken about that rather consistently of late. I would seek to lead the EPA in such a way to ensure that openness and transparency,” he added.

Pruitt also expressed his commitment to uphold the congressional intent of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “To honor the intent and the expression of the renewable fuel standards statute is very, very important,” Pruitt said. “It’s not the job of the administrator or the EPA to do anything other than administer the program according to the intent of Congress. And I commit to you to do so.”

Listen to Fischer’s questioning of Pruitt here: Pruitt confirmation hearing with Sen. Fischer

Audio, EPA

Groups Welcome Plant Breeding Policy from USDA

Kelly Marshall

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) has been actively engaged with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in developing a rule regarding plant breeding innovation. The rule-making notice was officially released yesterday, and ASTA, along with other organizations like the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), are pleased with the recognition of plant breeder’s history of safety and quality.

“The farm and food value chain is committed to innovating in a responsible and sustainable way,” said ASTA President & CEO Andy LaVigne. “We look forward to continuing these conversations with the Trump Administration to ensure sound policy that fosters continued innovation and promotes the movement of seed and other agricultural products around world.”

“Corn farmers have a strong interest in the availability of new technologies to enhance the sustainability, productivity and competitiveness of U.S. agriculture,” writes the NCGA. “Agriculture biotechnology and next generation breeding techniques allow growers to increase yields while decreasing inputs. Meeting demand, improving processes and minimizing environmental impacts are what make modern corn production a dynamic industry. The documents published indicate that, in large part, federal agencies agree with the basis of our stance and strive to create a more efficient regulatory process allowing growers greater access to new products.”Read More

ASTA, NCGA, Plant Breeding

USDA Seeks Comments on Organic Check-Off

Kelly Marshall

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is moving forward with a proposal for a nationwide check-off program for the organic industry. The USDA announced a public comment period for what is referred to as GRO Organic (Generic Research and Promotion Order for Organic) earlier this week. Commenters have until March 20 to weigh in on the topic. As it currently stands, all certified organic stakeholder paying into the program would be eligible to vote on the final implementation.

The proposed check-off estimates it could raise over $30 million a year to spend on research, technical services, consumer education and promotion of the organic brand.  Read More

Organic, USDA

Trump Ag Secretary Pick Comes at Last Minute

Cindy Zimmerman

President-elect Donald Trump will officially round out his cabinet by nominating former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture just a little more than 24 hours before the inauguration.

As word about the choice spread Wednesday evening, most agricultural groups were waiting until the official announcement to respond, but one of the first was American Farm Bureau president Zippy Duvall who strongly supports his fellow Georgian. “I have known Gov. Perdue for years,” Duvall said. “I’ve seen firsthand his commitment to the business of agriculture as we worked together on issues facing farmers and ranchers in our home state of Georgia.”

George Ervin “Sonny” Perdue III is 70 years old and served as governor of Georgia from 2003 to 2011 and was the first Republican governor elected in 130 years. He grew up on a farm, was a veterinarian and operates grain and fertilizer businesses. And even though Georgia is a top poultry producing state – no, he is not related to the Perdue poultry business.

AFBF

Sage is a 25 Under 25

Chuck Zimmerman

Those wise, as a result of experience, people at Sage, a creative marketing agency, are now a Kansas City 25 Under 25 company.

The awards are presented to 25 local businesses with fewer than 25 employees. An independent panel of judges consisting of area business leaders chooses the winning companies. Nearly 1,500 nominations were submitted.

The Sage staff have 120 years of collective marketing communications experience, founded by Leigh Ann Cleaver and Kelly Schwalbe (Formerly BCS Communications).

Leigh Ann Cleaver, managing partner at Sage, says it’s a tremendous honor for the 13-year-old marketing communications firm and its employees to be recognized for this small business award. “We are very proud of the many clients we serve, the innovative work we do and the role we play in the community. Of the hundreds of well-deserving small businesses in the greater Kansas City area, being selected for this award is a tribute to our employees and their hard work.”

This is the 16th year for 25 Under 25®. This year’s honorees will be recognized during the annual 25 Under 25® Gala on Saturday, March 4, at the Downtown Marriott Hotel. Bob Regnier, president and CEO of Bank of Blue Valley, will receive the Entrepreneurial Legacy Award, which pays tribute to a leader who has made a lasting impact on KC’s business community.

Tickets for the gala will go on sale Jan. 1 at www.25under25.com.

Agencies