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

Stallman to Retire as AFBF President

Cindy Zimmerman

afbf-stallmanAmerican Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman announced today that he will not seek re-election in January 2016. Stallman, a cattle and rice producer from Texas, has served 16 years as the organization’s 11th president.

“It has been a tremendous honor to serve the nation’s Farm Bureau members and represent agriculture and rural America,” Stallman said. “After 16 years as AFBF president, six as Texas Farm Bureau president and several more in other Farm Bureau roles, it is time to hand over the reins of leadership—a decision that is made easier by knowing the great leadership and foundation that exist to continue moving Farm Bureau forward. I am as optimistic as ever about the future of American agriculture and Farm Bureau.

“On the wall of the AFBF office is a quote by President Thomas Jefferson: ‘Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness.’ I couldn’t agree more, and I would add that a most rewarding pursuit is working for the men and women who make up American agriculture. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to do so.”

Under Stallman’s presidency Farm Bureau membership nationwide has grown by more than one million member families. Programming has grown to include more efforts to build rural communities and economies and more leadership development programs to help farmers and ranchers become advocates for agriculture. AFBF acquired the IDEAg farm events and publications business in 2013.

A new AFBF president will be elected to a two-year term at the 97th annual meeting of voting delegates, Jan. 12, 2016, as part of the AFBF Annual Convention and IDEAg Tradeshow, Jan. 10-13, 2016, in Orlando, Florida.

AFBF, Ag Groups

Preview of NAMA Fall Conference 2015

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmCast 482It’s not too early to look ahead to the National Agri-Marketing Association Fall Conference. This year it is taking place in Denver, CO, September 22-14.

NAMA Fall ConferenceTo learn what it’s all about I spoke with Committee Chair Alison Berry, HLK. She says the theme, “Reach New Peaks,” really hits on the location and on the fact that since everyone is trying to reach a new level in their career, this conference will help them reach new peaks! If you haven’t attended a NAMA Fall Conference you’ll find it more relaxed than the spring convention which has much more activity surrounding it. Alison says this year’s Fall Conference features an early arrivals reception. I have to say that more parties sounds good to me. But it does allow for more networking which is one of the best things about attending any NAMA function.

Alison reviews the program this year including all the speakers who are on the schedule. To get registered just go to the NAMA website.

Listen to my conversation with Alison in this week’s program: Preview of NAMA Fall Conference

Subscribe to the ZimmCast podcast here.

The ZimmCast

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Audio, NAMA, ZimmCast

Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Rep. Cheri Bustos

John Davis

Agri-Pulse Open Mic this week features Rep. Cheri Bustos.

open-mic As a member of the House committees on Agriculture as well as Transportation and Infrastructure, the Illinois Democrat is positioned to cast important votes for farmers and rural America. In this informative interview you’ll hear her thoughts on congressional consideration of trade agreements and angst against the EPA on implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard. Bustos wants a long term fix for highway spending and believes the charter for the Export/Import Bank should be renewed.

Click here to listen to Agri-Pulse Open Mic with Rep. Cheri Bustos.

Agri-Pulse, Audio

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes

Zimfo Bytes

  • Go straight to the source of your favorite Vermont food during Vermont Open Farm Week, August 3-9, taking place across the state.
  • DuPont Pioneer opened a new research facility in Lethbridge, Alberta, that will focus on providing growers additional, higher-value crop choices and fueling growth of the Western Canada agricultural landscape.
  • Dow AgroSciences announced that its new corn herbicide, previously referred to as GF-3471, will be named Resicore™ herbicide.
  • Mycogen Seeds is helping growers in the western Corn Belt manage multiple environmental variables with a holistic solution: its new stress-tolerant corn portfolio.
Zimfo Bytes

IFAJ Congress 2016 Announced

Chuck Zimmerman

IFAJ Congress 2016We still have a 2015 IFAJ Congress coming up but now you can look ahead to 2016. The 2016 International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress is being hosted by the Association of German Agricultural Journalists (VDAJ). Here’s an excerpt from the welcome letter by Joachim Rukwied, President of the German Farmers Association (DBV).

It is an honor for the German agricultural sector to host the 2016 Congress of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists. This meeting offers us the perfect opportunity to show our international guests the efficiency and competitiveness of the German agricultural economy. Our farmers will present its model of agriculture with its rural entrepreneurial structure and sustainable, future-oriented economic systems.

With the slogan “Sustainable Agriculture – Made in Germany” agricultural media representatives from across the globe will attend the pre-congress in Berlin, the main congress in Bonn, and visit farms and companies in the various federal states.

You can find the program here.

IFAJ, International, Media