#FarmCredit100 Fresh Perspectives Top Leaders

Cindy Zimmerman March 16, 2016

As part of the National Ag Day festivities in Washington DC Tuesday, Farm Credit announced the top honorees of the Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives program, a nationwide search to identify and honor 100 leaders who are changing rural communities and agriculture for the better.

LtoR: Jennifer Sirangelo, National 4H Council; with Farm Credit honorees Chris Fesko, Trevor Hoff, and Allison Boyd

The Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives program is the cornerstone of Farm Credit’s 100th anniversary of supporting rural communities and agriculture. The search took place between July and December 2015, and netted more than 1,000 nominations from all 50 states. Selected by a panel of experts on rural matters, including Farm Credit leaders and others from around the agriculture industry, the top 100 honorees represent the very best of those positively shaping what is next for rural communities and agriculture.

“It was truly inspiring to learn more about individuals and organizations dedicated to making a meaningful difference every day,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO, National 4-H Council, Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives selection panelist, and moderator of the Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives honoree panel. “After reviewing the nominations of so many exceptional leaders, I am proud to say the future of rural communities and agriculture is remarkably bright.”

See the complete list of Farm Credit 100 Fresh Perspectives honorees

2016 Ag Day Photo Album

Ag Day, Farm Credit

Agri-Pulse: Farm to Fork Panel

Jamie Johansen March 16, 2016

To kick off National Ag Day, Agri-Pulse hosted a panel discussion on Capitol Hill tackling “Farm to Fork Politics: How Sustainability is Reframing Food Production and Marketing.”

Agri-Pulse Editor, Sara Wyant, moderated the discussion between panelists including Rod Snyder, president, Field to Market, Chris Policinski, CEO, Land O’Lakes Inc., Dave White, co-founder, 9B and former NRCS Chief, and Gregg Halverson, CEO, Black Gold Farms.

Each panelist made remarks on the importance of sustainability in food production for our future and the role politics plays. Listen to the complete panel discussion here: Farm to Fork Panel

Chuck sat down with each panelist to learn more:
Interview with Rod Snyder
Interview with Chris Policinski
Interview with Dave White
Interview with Gregg Halverson

View and download photos from the Agri-Pulse panel here: Agri-Pulse Farm to Fork Photo Album

Ag Day, Agri-Pulse, Audio

Agri-Pulse Presents 2016 Doan Award

Jamie Johansen March 15, 2016

Yesterday during the Agri-Pulse Farm to Fork Politics discussion and reception the annual Doan Award was presented to Ben Nuelle, Iowa Agribusiness Farm Network. The award is sponsored by Agri-Pulse and was presented by Senator Pat Roberts from Kansas and Greg Akagi current National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) president.

The Doan recognizes and encourages excellence in reporting agriculture. The purpose of the award is to recognize excellence in reporting skill, thoroughness and attention to audience interest. Entries describe the approach used to develop the reporting and coverage of an issue. The entries also include examples of the program illustrating the scope of work.

Ben’s winning entry titled “Buried To The Neck” provides a first-person perspective on surviving a horrific grain bin entrapment. All farmers know the danger of becoming entrapped in grain, and very few survive. Ben interviewed survivor Dennis Schneider of Corder, Missouri for the news story. Dennis Schneider’s mission moving forward is to educate on grain bin safety and help prevent this from happening to others.

“Steward Doan helped Agri-Pulse build our Washington policy coverage with a series of weekly and daily broadcasts on www.Agri-Pulse.com – a tradition that continues to this day. Agri-Pulse is honored to celebrate his tremendous legacy as well as the important role that all broadcasters play in educating the American public about farming, food, and rural issues,” said Agri-Pulse CEO and founder Sara Wyant. “The Doan Award is a great way to recognize excellence in broadcasting.”

Listen to the Doan Award presentation here: Doan Award Presentation

View and download photos from the Agri-Pulse panel here: Agri-Pulse Farm to Fork Photo Album

Ag Groups, Agri-Pulse, NAFB

New Holland Unveils New World Campaign

Jamie Johansen March 15, 2016

With both National Ag Day and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament as its stage, New Holland has revealed a new brand campaign focused on a drive to help prepare the agricultural industry for what’s ahead: a new world that demands more from the land and the pioneering individuals who grow, farm, and build on it every day.

More than seven decades after inventing the world’s first self-knotting baler, New Holland aims to reaffirm its commitment to being a go-to-partner for agricultural operators by providing the agricultural industry with expertly engineered equipment. This reaffirmation has inspired the Equipped for a New World campaign, which speaks to approaching the industry’s emerging technologies, demands, and challenges.

“For more than 120 years, New Holland has built a brand around its passion for farming and enduring focus on innovation,” said Chun Woytera, Senior Director of Marketing for New Holland North America. “When we launch a new product or technology, we do so because we know it will help our customers operate more efficiently to meet the ever-growing demands placed on the industry and the people who make a living by it. That is the story we’re sharing with our new campaign.”

The Equipped for a New World campaign debuts today with the company’s first television spot ever which will air during the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament. This new campaign will be featured in print, social, digital display, online video, dealer point-of-sale and via a new landing page.

Agribusiness, New Holland

Senate Begins Debate on Food Labeling Bill

Kelly Marshall March 15, 2016

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, (R-KS), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, has announced that the Senate has proceeded to floor debate on his proposed food labeling bill. The bill was created to set a national standard for providing consumers with information about biotechnology.

“This legislation is a true compromise,” said Chairman Roberts. “I have worked with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to find a balance between consumers’ right to know and ensuring an even playing field in the marketplace.”

“This will be one of the most important policy decisions for agriculture in recent decades. Farmers and food producers deserve certainty. This legislation does just that.”

Roberts’ substitute language provides a national solution to a developing patchwork of state laws on biotechnology labeling before Vermont’s state laws take effect in July. The proposal creates a voluntary national standard for biotechnology labeling of food and provides incentive for the marketplace to provide more information. To ensure consumers have multiple ways to access information about how food is grown, a mandatory labeling program would go into effect only if the voluntary program does not provide significant information after several years. Food companies would then have adequate time to utilize a variety of options to disclose information directly to consumers. Click here to read text of the bill.

The legislation has support from those in the farming community, including cooperatives, agribusinesses, processors, seed makers, handlers, food and feed manufacturers, lenders and retailers. It also has bipartisan support in Congress.

Voting could happen as soon as Wednesday.

Food

TPP is a Priority for SoyGrowers this Week

Kelly Marshall March 15, 2016

The Trans-Pacific Partnership and its impact on the soybean growers of this nation is a top issue for the American Soybean Association. Their annual spring meeting is being held this week in Washington D.C. and President Richard Wilkins has taken the opportunity to highlight what the agreement will mean to producers in a down farm economy.

“We recognize that with an election in November, we’re facing a difficult political climate in Washington, but that doesn’t subtract from the critical importance of moving the TPP forward in 2016.” he said. “The TPP means jobs, it means increased exports and it means growing demand in 11 extremely important developed and emerging economies for the meat proteins that demand our soybean meal to produce. It’s too important to let Congress get to it when it’s convenient; we have to press now,” Wilkins said.

The meeting also coincides with the introduction of Senator Pat Robert’s food labeling bill, making it a priority as farmers head to the Hill.

“The Roberts bill is the top priority of soybean farmers this spring and the closer we get to the July 1 implementation of the Vermont labeling law, the more important it becomes for Congress to step up and pass a national standard to avoid the convoluted and expensive patchwork that state-by-state solutions present,” said Wilkins. “The message we’re taking to the Hill this week is one of urgency. Research shows that the Vermont law alone will add an additional $1,050 to the average American family’s grocery bill, which is reason enough to take action, but add to that the unwarranted stigmatization of safe and sustainable modern agricultural practices, and it’s clear that the time for the Senate to act is now.”

Other issues the Board of Directors will be addressing in the near future include:funding in the FY17 Energy & Water Appropriations bill for operations, maintenance, and upgrades to inland waterways infrastructure as well as harbors and ports; and co-sponsorship of House and Senate bills that will be re-introduced to extend and reform the biodiesel tax credit; and normalization of relations with Cuba.

Ag Groups, ASA, GMO, Trade

CTIC Hosting Summer Tour In Idaho

Lizzy Schultz March 15, 2016

The team at the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) was on hand during the 2016 Commodity Classic, using the event as an opportunity to spread the word about their search for a new Executive Director, as well as their upcoming Conservation in Action Tour.

The CTIC board of directors is searching for a new executive director, as former director Karen A. Scanlon moves to another opportunity at Dairy Management Inc., where she’ll be helping to support the sustainability and social responsibility initiatives of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. Applications. Applications for the new position are open until March 9th, and interested applicants can find more information here.

CTIC was also excited to announce that this year’s Conservation In Action Tour, which allows representatives from all areas of production agriculture to connect with leaders in conservation agriculture, will take place in the Treasure Valley of Idaho. Participants will have the opportunity to explore some of the area’s exceptional conservation efforts in the areas of air quality, nutrient management, and water quantity.

“We’re looking to highlight some of the great conservation work that’s going on in the Treasure Valley of Idaho, and help to put a spotlight on some of the great producers that are making that happen,” said Chad Watts, CTIC Project Director, in an interview during Commodity Classic. “I think it’s a great opportunity for a wide audience across the industry, and it’s also a great networking opportunity that brings people across the industry together, from the halls of Washington, DC to the farm fields of Idaho.”

Listen to my full interview with Chad here:
Interview with Chad Watts, CTIC

2016 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Coverage of Commodity Classic sponsored by

Ag Groups, Audio, Commodity Classic, Conservation, CTIC, Environment

USDA Encourages Small, Healthy Changes in March

Kelly Marshall March 15, 2016

The USDA has launched a challenge in honor of National Nutrition Month. The MyPlate, My Wins Challenge encourages people to make a small, simple change towards a healthier lifestyle. Teams or groups can join the challenge online and pledge to consume two foods from each of the My Plate food groups a day and be active twice a day for two days.

“The MyPlate, MyWins Challenge as a fun and social way to encourage better health, with support from people around us and a little friendly competition,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “We hope people will take the two-day challenge and realize how easy it is to make small, healthy changes, and then keep the momentum going beyond just those two days.”

The MyPlate, MyWins Challenge is available to the public through CNPP’s SuperTracker, a free, interactive food and physical activity tracking tool. There, anyone can create a group and invite others to join. Participants earn points for eating healthy foods and being physically active, and can compare their progress to others in the group. Group leaders can send messages of encouragement, cheer on members to earn more points, and compare progress amongst the participants. They can also choose from other ready-made challenges or design their own custom challenge specifically for their group. Later this month, CNPP nutritionists will host two-day MyPlate, MyWins Challenges for the public.

“With MyPlate, MyWins, our goal is to help Americans achieve healthy eating styles that they can maintain for a lifetime of good health – small victories along the way are key and can add up to big successes,” said Angie Tagtow, CNPP executive director. “We know that everything we eat and drink over time matters. The two-day challenge this month is a great way to jumpstart things. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it fits in at home, in classrooms, as part of workplace wellness programs, in faith-based settings, and more, helping to create a sense of community around healthy living.”

Find more information about MyPlate, MyWins challenges and videos at http://www.choosemyplate.gov/take-challenge.

Food, USDA

UF/IFAS Photo Contest Needs Your Pictures

Kelly Marshall March 14, 2016

The University of Florida Center for Public Issues Eudcation in Agriculture and Natural Resources (PIE Center) is inviting you to submit your favorite photographs in their 4th annual photo contest. The Center is looking for pictures that capture a moment, landscape, product or service that represents and celebrates the agriculture industry.

All photographs must be submitted by Friday, March 18 at 11 a.m. Voting will begin at noon. Voting will be done on Facebook and winners will be announced in six categories: crops, livestock, wildlife, scenery, leadership and people of agriculture.

Professional photographers are being asked to chose an overall winner and a best of Florida award. The best overall photo will earn a $100 Amazon gift card, sponsored by UF/IFAS Wedgworth Leadership Institute) and the Best of Florida winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card compliments of Farm Credit of Florida.

For more information, please contact Phillip Stokes (p.stokes@ufl.edu) or Laura Bernheim (bernheim@ufl.edu)

Photography

GMO Answers Stands Up For Science

Lizzy Schultz March 14, 2016

The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the controversial legislation surrounding GMO labeling were hot discussion topics at the 2016 Commodity Classic, with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressing the issue during the event, as well as several commodity groups.

In the trade show, the Council for Biotechnology Information (CBI) had a booth dedicated to GMO Answers, an initiative that works to make credible, accurate information on GMOs easier for consumers to find, addresses consumer concerns and misconceptions about the technology, and provides resources to help farmers feel more comfortable talking about GMOs with consumers.

“Farmers are the most trusted voices, and the most important spokesperson on this issue,” said Kate Hall, Managing Director for CBI, at an interview during the 2016 Commodity Classic. “We want to make sure they have what they need to communicate clearly, whether it’s through social media or one-on-one conversations, because the farmers voice is the most important in this conversation.”

Consumers are invited to visit the GMO Answers website to ask questions and voice their concerns about GMO technology. GMO Answers has pledged to answer every question they receive, and has enlisted volunteer farmers, nutritionists, doctors, and academics to help answer consumer questions and concerns. The site also provides studies, articles, and other educational materials on the use of biotechnology in agriculture, and addresses frequently voiced concerns about the health and safety of GMOs.

The organization will continue bringing the experts to consumers through a nationwide farmers market tour this summer, where they will work with local farmers at multiple farmers markets across the country to talk with consumers about GMOs. They are also working with Scientific American to host an event on the way science is portrayed in the media on March 31st in Washington, DC.

“This event won’t just cover GMOs, but also vaccines and climate change, all of the issues where we’re seeing a juxtaposition between what the science says and science denialism, and how that’s affecting people’s perception about these issues,” said Hall.

Listen to my full interview with Kate here:
Interview with Kate Hall, GMO Answers

2016 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Coverage of Commodity Classic sponsored by

Ag Groups, Audio, Biotech, Commodity Classic, Education, GMO

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