EPA Chief Talks WOTUS with Corn Growers

Cindy Zimmerman

ginaSpeaking to members of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) meeting in Washington DC this week, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy defended her agency’s Clean Water Rule, better known as WOTUS or Waters of the US.

“With more extreme weather across the country it’s more important than ever that we protect our water resources,” said McCarthy. “This is why EPA and the Army Corps took the step to finalize a Clean Water Rule so we can protect the streams and wetlands that one out of three Americans rely on for their drinking water. And we did it in a way that does not create any new permitting requirements and maintains all of the previous exemptions and exclusions.”

McCarthy was invited to address the summer Corn Congress session by NCGA President Chip Bowling, a farmer from Newburg, Maryland. “I invited her to Corn Congress because I wanted farmers to hear from her directly,” said Bowling. “To her credit, she had the courage to show up and talk to farmers face to face.”

McCarthy also addressed concerns that corn growers have about the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy at NCGA Corn Congress

Audio, Corn, NCGA

NJ Welcomes World’s Largest Indoor Vertical Farm

John Davis

NJaerofarmsState officials in New Jersey broke ground and welcomed the world’s largest indoor vertical farm. This news release from the governor’s office says AeroFarms’ new 69,000-square-foot headquarters and indoor vertical farm is the future today.

“This isn’t your father’s farming. The farms of the future – like AeroFarms – rely ever more closely on technology,” said Acting Governor [Kim] Guadagno. “As agriculture faces rising demand and limited resources, we celebrate an important step in tackling those challenges head-on. Today we break ground on a vertical farm in the heart of the Ironbound District that will provide the community with healthy produce through sustainable and environmentally friendly farming.”

Founded in 2004, AeroFarms is the commercial leader for indoor vertical farming, using aeroponics and LEDs to grow year-round crops without sun, soil or pesticides. When completed, the new facility will have the capacity to grow up to 2 million pounds of baby leafy greens and herbs per year. Its year-round growing cycle offers 75 times more productivity per square foot annually than a traditional field farm while consuming more than 95% less water…

“New Jersey has a long agricultural tradition, and we are not only known for our rich farmland and high-quality product, but also as a leader in new agricultural technologies,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher. “We welcome AeroFarms’ indoor vertical farming to the Garden State and have had the chance to see their impressive operation. We look forward to their full-scale production of flavorful and healthy leafy greens year-round.”

“Today’s groundbreaking takes us one step closer to addressing the tremendous demand for our locally grown produce that is setting a new culinary standard for freshness and taste. We are excited to redefine not only the Garden State but also agriculture overall,” said David Rosenberg, CEO for AeroFarms. “Partnering with RBH, Goldman Sachs, Prudential, NJEDA, the City of Newark, and the ICC allows us to bring our global headquarters and the world’s largest indoor vertical farm close to where the consumer is, while also creating jobs.”

Originally headquartered in Ithaca, New York, AeroFarms received a $6.55 million New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) award to come to the Garden State.

Agribusiness

AGree Criticizes K-12 Food and Ag Ed in US

John Davis

AGree1A group that represents a cross-section of the food and agriculture system says education in those areas in the U.S. is “disjointed and ineffective.” AGree released a paper that makes the claim and identifies needed reform.

The paper, “Food and Agricultural Education in the United States,” authored by Stephanie Mercier, former Chief Economist of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee and currently with the Farm Journal Foundation, is the most comprehensive summary to date of the current state of play in K-12 food and agriculture education, its evolution, and ideas that could help to focus and modernize instruction.

“Americans are increasingly interested in where their food comes from, yet are also more disconnected from agriculture than ever before. Agriculture literacy is critical; agriculture, food, and nutrition topics should be embedded in how we teach science and technology,” said Deborah Atwood, executive director of AGree. “Our current system is struggling to prepare the next generation for success.”

The paper outlines five recommendations to strengthen food and ag education, laying the foundation for the U.S. food and ag sector to meet the challenges facing the global food and ag system in the 21st century.

“We need to step up our game when it comes to food and ag education in both rural and urban America, or we will be woefully unprepared to compete in the global marketplace, which is now vital to U.S. agriculture,” said Dan Glickman, AGree Co-Chair and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

The paper offers five ideas to improve food and ag education:

1. Create a system that assesses and/or ranks the effectiveness of available curricula in food and ag education.
2. Link food and ag education to STEM programs for young people.
3. Establish a “Perkins Plus” program that would offer additional funds to programs deemed to be top performers.
4. Have the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service conduct a national survey to assess agricultural literacy.
5. Establish a committee to review progress in the area of food and ag education.

Ag Groups, Education

More “Little Things”

Melissa Sandfort

20150712_063500Today Aunt Jeanette writes:

The older I get, the more I appreciate the little things in life…the first tomatoes on my tomato plants, a plant I have been babying all summer finally flowering, someone saying a simple “thanks for doing that”, a rainbow after an unexpected shower, a cloud covering the sun when I am mowing in 95 degree temperatures, an employee (knowing I am extremely busy) taking the initiative to mow for me several times, butterflies sipping nectar from my flowers, finding the road construction has been completed on my trip to visit Mom & Dad, beautiful wildflowers along the roadside, a doe and her spotted fawn standing in belly-deep grass…you get the picture. It doesn’t take much to make me happy!

However, there are some little things I just can’t bring myself to appreciate. Those would be the insects and creepy crawlies of summer. Flies are annoying, mosquitoes drive me crazy, snakes scare the living daylights out of me, and the only good place for a spider is either on its web or on the underside of my shoe.

My Gerbera Daisies were holding a little surprise for me as I was watering early one morning. I thought I saw something move on one of the leaves. I took a closer look and saw a tiny praying mantis. I probably should have shooed it off, but I just couldn’t. Instead I called for Dan to come and look, and we, acting like proud grandparents, both took a picture of it.

A few weeks have passed and I have looked for the praying mantis (now fondly known as “Manny”) every morning when I water. It finally made another appearance this morning. Dan had already left to irrigate so I took a picture and sent it to him.

As I finished watering, I told Manny not to wait so long to make another appearance as he seems to be growing quite rapidly. Yes, the “little things” make my day!

Until we walk again …

Uncategorized

3rd Annual Ozark Bacon Festival

Kelly Marshall

ozark bacon festThe 3rd annual Ozark Bacon Fest– a tribute to Bacon, Bourbon & Beer will be held Saturday, October 10, 2015 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E-Plex.  Guests can experience the Ozark’s best chefs’ creative bacon snacks, shop for bacon and bacon inspired products, and view displays from National brands.  Mixologists and brewers will supply bacon-inspired cocktails, beer and wine.  The crowning glory will be a Bacon Eating Contest, with participating restaurants competing for cash and prizes in a Bacon Inspired Food Challenge.

Cost of admission is $30/ticket, which includes dames of bacon and bacon infused and inspired foods, local and regional beers, wines and spirits.  Local and regional companies will also be offering food items for those who enjoy shopping.

A $45 VIP Bacon Fest Pass allows entry to the event an hour before doors open to the public, and an Ozark Bacon Fest goodie bag with treats, discounts, and gear.

Tickets are limited and a sell-out is expected!

Agribusiness, Events, Food, Pork, Swine

Corn Growers on the Hill

Cindy Zimmerman

Members of the National Corn Growers Association have been on Capitol Hill this week talking about issues important to them, especially the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

rfs-dc-rallyMore than 300 corn farmers joined members of Congress and ethanol industry leaders at a rally Wednesday calling attention to the proposed cutting of the RFS` for corn ethanol by 3.75 billion gallons through 2016, which represents nearly 1.5 billion bushels in lost corn demand.

“Our message to the EPA is clear and unequivocal: Don’t mess with the RFS,” said NCGA Chairman Martin Barbre, a farmer from Carmi, Illinois. “We are gathered here today because we all understand what’s at stake.”

Corn growers were also talking to legislators this week about the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule promulgated by the EPA and scheduled to take effect at the end of August. “We at NCGA were the one association that kept working with the EPA trying to get the rule better, I think we made it worse,” says Barbre. NCGA recently joined with a number of other organizations representing a variety of industries that would stop implementation of the rule and send it back to the drawing board. Interview with Martin Barbre, NCGA

ncga-heidiAlso on Wednesday, Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) received the NCGA President’s Award for her leadership to advance issues important to corn farmers and agriculture.

“Senator Heitkamp has been a champion for farmers during her time in Washington,” said NCGA President Chip Bowling. “Her recent support of Trade Promotion Authority was critical to getting that legislation across the finish line. She has also introduced legislation to help increase agricultural exports to Cuba.”

“Every day when I come to work in the Senate, I’m fighting for rural America – and that includes the corn growers across North Dakota and the country who work hard to provide food and fuel for our families and communities,” said Heitkamp, who has also been a strong defender of the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Audio, Corn, Ethanol, NCGA

FFA Convention Back to Indianapolis This Year

John Davis

ffa_logoThe National FFA Convention & Expo returns to Indianapolis for 2016-2024. This news release from the organization says the annual convention, being hosted in Louisville, Kentucky, this year, attracts more than 64,000 attendees from across the country.

“We are excited to be bringing the National FFA Convention & Expo back to Indianapolis,” Dr. Steve Brown, the national FFA advisor, said. “The city has extended its very best brand of Hoosier Hospitality to our members in the past, and we look forward to spending the next few years in this city.”

The national convention and expo will utilize downtown venues, including Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Convention Center, the Indiana State Fairgrounds and eight event hotels.

“The National FFA Convention & Expo, much like the National FFA headquarters, is right at home here in Indiana,” said Gov. Mike Pence. “Indiana is ready and committed to support this event and welcome with open arms the 64,000 FFA members who will come to our capital city each of the next nine years. Today’s news confirms that Indiana’s reputation is strong and growing stronger, and I appreciate FFA’s commitment to build on our already-robust agricultural heritage in the coming years.”

“Indianapolis is excited to welcome back the National FFA Convention & Expo,” said Mayor Greg Ballard. “Not only does this commitment create an estimated $36 million in annual economic activity for our residents, but FFA is a model conference dedicated to volunteerism and community service that Indianapolis is privileged to host.”

Ag Groups, FFA

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes

Zimfo Bytes

  • BRANDT, a leading manufacturer of agricultural specialty products, has acquired a majority interest in Target Brasil Fertilizantes Ltda. through its Brazilian subsidiary.
  • Jay Vroom, president and CEO of CropLife America (CLA), announced that Dr. Nader M. Elkassabany will join CLA as senior director of environmental policy, effective July 20, 2015.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and United States Trade Representative Michael Froman recently announced the appointment of Brenda Morris, peanut farmer from Ocilla, Georgia, to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) and Don Koehler, Georgia Peanut Commission executive director, to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Tobacco, Cotton and Peanuts (ATACs).
  • The National Corn Growers Association welcomes Amie Gianino, who joins the organization as Vice President of Market Development.
Zimfo Bytes

Media is Ready for New Holland

Chuck Zimmerman

Leola InnGood morning from the beautiful Leola Inn, Lancaster, PA. Agricultural media representatives are gathering for a couple of days to lean what’s new with New Holland. We will get started mid day today and conclude tomorrow afternoon. I’ll be covering the event right here on AgWired.

I want to have the gardener for the Leola to come visit my house. I need a much greener thumb than the ones I have!

See you from here this week . . .

Agribusiness, New Holland

Senator Heidi Heitkamp Honored by ASA

Kelly Marshall

ASAlogo1The American Soybean Association has honored Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) with the Soy Champion Award for her outstanding public advocacy for soybean farmers.  As a member of the Senate Ag Committee, Heitkmap has done considerable work for biodiesel, farm programs, and trade and transportation.

“Senator Heitkamp has proven herself to be a strong voice for North Dakota soybean farmers,” said Ed Erickson, Jr., a soybean farmer and ASA Director from Milnor, N.D. “She has relentlessly and consistently reached across the aisle to fight for the priorities of soybean farmers, both in North Dakota and across the country.”

ASA presented Sen. Heitkamp with the award during the association’s annual July board meeting and Legislative Forum, in which the ASA directors and representatives from 30 soybean-growing states gather in Washington to meet with lawmakers and raise the profile of public policy issues impacting soybean farmers.

“Growing up in a small town in rural North Dakota, I understand the importance of farms to supporting our way of life. And throughout my career in public service, including in the U.S. Senate, I’ve been an advocate for rural America,” said Sen. Heitkamp. “I greatly appreciate this award which reinforces that the work we do in Congress has serious impacts on farmers and our communities. We need strong policies that give soybean farmers and all farmers the certainty to do their jobs, help biodiesel production grow, and enable farmers to export their products around the world. Working together in a bipartisan way, we can accomplish these goals to support our farms, families, and our country.”

“Senator Heitkamp is a great example of why this week in Washington is such an important one for soybean farmers,” added Erickson. “She grew up in a rural community and throughout her career she has sought farmer insight and input through meetings like the ones we’re having here with week to make sure she represents North Dakotans in the best way possible. Senator Heitkamp quickly made her voice known on the Senate Committee on Agriculture as she helped craft a bipartisan Farm Bill. And she has remained a staunch advocate for our farmers through her work pushing for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard and her efforts to change the Waters of the U.S. rule. Those efforts make a difference for our farmers and families throughout the U.S., and with this award we aim to show our support and gratitude for her work.”

ASA will continue to meet with lawmakers and administration officials in D.C. through Wednesday.

Ag Groups, ASA