Corn Growers Tell EPA the #RFSWorks

Cindy Zimmerman June 26, 2015

Corn growers from across the nation were in Kansas City, Kansas yesterday to testify and rally in support of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

Leaders of the National Corn Growers Association were among over 200 stakeholders to provide comments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to reduce the volume of ethanol required to be used in the nation’s fuel supply under the RFS.

NCGA President Chip Bowling of Maryland, NCGA Ethanol Committee chairman Jeff Sandbourn, and NCGA Chairman Martin Barbre of Illinois testified that EPA’s proposal would cut nearly 4 billion gallons of ethanol from the RFS through 2016, representing nearly a billion and a half bushels in lost corn demand.

“We simply cannot afford – and will not tolerate – efforts to cut the demand for corn, and that’s exactly what your proposal will do,” Bowling told the EPA. “We cannot let this stand. We’ve done our part, and our allies in the ethanol industry have done their part. It’s time the EPA sided with those of us supporting a domestic, renewable fuel that’s better for the environment.”

Corn growers also led a rally near the hearing in support of the RFS. “We have never before seen so much grassroots interest in a particular issue,” said Bowling. “The many who came here today had to set aside important work back home, with delayed planting or other important field work. They are here because they know what’s at stake.”

Listen to the corn growers testimony here:
NCGA testimony at RFS hearing

Listen to the rally speakers here:
RFS Works Rally

EPA RFS Public Hearing photo album

Coverage of EPA RFS Hearing is sponsored by

Audio, Corn, Ethanol, Farming, NCGA

Dancing Bachelor Farmer Supports Ethanol

Cindy Zimmerman June 26, 2015

He’s been a guy handing out roses to the ladies on “The Bachelor” and wowing everyone with his fancy footwork on “Dancing with the Stars.” Now, Chris Soules says he just a “normal famous guy” back home in Iowa supporting agriculture and getting back to what he loves: farming. He recently served as the grand marshal for the American Ethanol 200 and talked to Chuck at the race about the importance of ethanol and how Syngenta’s Enogen corn seed, bred especially for ethanol production, is an key part of the food and fuel products coming from American farms.

“This is an exciting event for me,” he said. “We’re promoting Enogen corn that’s helping build the ethanol industry and adding value back to the farmers. It’s exciting to have a platform that helps farmers connect with the consumer and tell the story of ethanol and how important it is to Iowa’s and the entire U.S.’s economy.”

Soules knows firsthand how much value ethanol has added to corn. He remembers the days when we had $1.30 a bushel corn, and while the prices are down a bit now, they’re still better with the ethanol market. He also pointed out how farmers are making feed and fuel for America and the world. “Having that diversity in our energy is really important. Keeping that market is something we need to work hard to do.”

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Chris Soules here: Chris Soules at American Ethanol 200

2015 American Ethanol 200 Presented by Enogen Photo Album

Coverage of the American Ethanol 200 sponsored by Enogen

Audio, Corn, Ethanol, Syngenta

The Passing of the 2014 Farm Bill

Chuck Zimmerman June 25, 2015

Here’s an interesting mini documentary of the passing of the Agricultural Act of 2014. It features the work of Rep. Frank Lucas, Agricultural Committee Chairman.

Every few years a farm bill must be passed to ensure the state of American agriculture. Farmers like Danny Davis of Oklahoma rely on the provisions granted in the legislation to maintain their farms, and Americans rely on farmers like Davis for everyday needs like food and clothing. However, with Congress more divided than ever, this nearly annual task is threatened. Rep. Frank Lucas, Agricultural Committee Chairman, put his all into creating a bipartisan solution to pass the 2014 Agricultural Act.

Farm Bill, Video

Going Big with the New Holland T9

Chuck Zimmerman June 25, 2015

Looking for a big boy tractor for those large acre row crop applications? Take a look at this New Holland T9 Series tractor that was on display for ag media on La Belotta Sustainable Farm near Turin, Italy. Darragh Mullin, CNH Industrial, APAC Product Marketing< Tractors gave us a walk around tour of the machine.
New T9 4WD tractors give you the power you need and the comfort you want. If the engine and hydraulic power doesn’t turn your head, the sleek design and the largest cab in the industry certainly will. Six new models are ready to fit your farming needs. For those who want a row-crop ready articulated tractor, take a look at one of the four standard 36-inch-wide frame models up to 507 engine horsepower. The slim T9 engine hood provides improved forward visibility and the inboard planetary drive axles allow for narrow wheel width settings. For broad acre work, check out the two higher-horsepower, wide-frame models in the line-up. Their top-level performance is packaged in a new, beautifully balanced chassis that delivers more power to the wheels for improved productivity. Brain and brawn. New Holland knows it takes both to get the job done right.

You’ll get a lot of information on the T9 from Darragh in the video:

New Holland Expo Milano 2015 Photos

Agribusiness, International, New Holland, Tractor, Video

Ag Relations Council Annual Meeting

Chuck Zimmerman June 25, 2015

Thank you to Den Gardner and Kristy Mach for some photos from this week’s Agricultural Relations Council Annual Meeting. In the image below the group is in class getting one of many lessons that are on the program.

Of course it’s not all work. The group does know how to have fun as seen in this photo of one of the conference dinners.

I’m hoping to get more images and information on the annual awards soon.

ARC, Media

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes June 25, 2015

The American Farm Bureau Federation announced that Trudy Wastweet has joined the organization as director of congressional relations in the Public Policy Department.
A corner of downtown Lancaster will transform into a mini music festival when LNP Media Group and New Holland present Live on Vine, a six-hour block party and county music concert event for the 21-and-over crowd.
West Central Distribution, LLC officially announced the development of an executive team comprised of Dale Engan, chief executive officer; Michael Fiebelkorn, president; and vice presidents: Josh Nuytten, Craig Trettin and Dean Hendrickson.
Registration is open for the WAF 2015 Congress, which will be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where they will unite world leaders, with a focus on addressing the challenge of climate change for agriculture by the development of new technologies for productivity and prosperity.

Zimfo Bytes

And Now, The Rest Of The Story…

Melissa Sandfort June 25, 2015

This week, Aunt Jeanette writes:

Last week I shared a picture of my clematis and promised “the rest of the story” about the unusual trellis.

A very good friend (who also happens to be my sister-in-law) has exceptionally green thumbs – yep, both of them. Her lawn, flower garden, vegetable garden, and any outside plants are always gorgeous. She can tell you the name of just about every perennial there is, plus where to plant it, and how to care for it.

I should have asked her advice about my clematis before I planted it. It was one of those last minute – half dead, reduced price for quick sale – purchases. The little plastic trellis that was stuck in the pot was about 8 inches high. So, being a sucker for plants, I bought it, took it home, and planted it in what I thought was a good spot – small trellis and all.

I watered it, kept whispering that it was looking great, and watched it start coming back to life. By the end of the summer it actually looked pretty good. The following spring, before I knew it, it started putting on new growth at an amazing rate. I bought a taller trellis and put it behind the first one, not wanting to disturb the vines.

Another year passed and the same thing happened so I put an even taller trellis behind the other two. Are you getting the picture? Yes, I should have asked! Another year – same thing – only this time I bought a very large, tall trellis.

This spring, Dan and I were standing on the deck admiring the first flowers when he said, “Do you think we need to do something with that plant? It is so top heavy it looks like it may fall over.” I told him I didn’t think I wanted to put another trellis behind the plant. He went and found this discarded ladder, put it behind the clematis, and tied the vines up. Oh, thank you, Dan!

Next time I will ask the expert. And, just so you know, there is no room for another trellis!

The picture is of Vicki’s garden. See what I mean?

Until we walk again …

Uncategorized

Ag Leaders Recognized for Excellence

Kelly Marshall June 25, 2015

The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City honored three individuals whose leadership in agriculture policy, practice and academia have contributed to the growth of the industry. The Jay B. Dillingham Award for Agriculture Leadership and Excellence was awarded to Senator Bob Dole, Dr. Brady Deaton, retired Chancellor of the University of Missouri, and Dee Likes, Chief Executive Emeritus of the Kansas Livestock Association.

“These three individuals have had a positive and lasting effect on our community. They are strong examples of what being an advocate for agriculture can accomplish,” says Mike Johanning, Chairman of the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City.

Sen. Dole holds the record as the nation’s longest serving Republican lawmaker. He is a national leader and Kansas legend, as well as 27-year veteran of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. Sen. Dole worked on virtually every major piece of farm legislation during that time, but perhaps none was more important than the 1985 Farm Bill.

Dr. Deaton served as chancellor of the University of Missouri (MU) from 2004-2013, after joining the University as a professor and chair of the agricultural economics department in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources in 1989. In 2011, President Barack Obama appointed Deaton the chairman of the Board for International Food and Agriculture Development (BIFAD). He is Director of the Deaton Institute for University Leadership in International Development at the University of Missouri.

Known as the “face of the Kansas livestock industry,” Thomas “Dee” Likes served as CEO of the Kansas Livestock Association for three decades, working tirelessly on behalf of Kansas livestock producers. During his tenure, Likes positioned KLA as one of the most respected lobbying organizations in Kansas. Most recently he received a commendation by proclamation from Governor Sam Brownback and the Kansas Senate and House of Representatives for the leadership he provided to cattle ranchers and the beef industry in the state.

The event was sponsored by John Deere and JE Dunn Construction. Tom Brand, Executive Director of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, served as master of ceremonies.

Agribusiness

Fast Track Makes it to the Finish Line

Cindy Zimmerman June 25, 2015

After lots of drama and much political posturing, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) finally cleared the final hurdle before being sent to the president’s desk, passing the U.S. Senate Wednesday by a vote of 60-38.

“The Senate’s bipartisan passage of Trade Promotion Authority today sends a strong signal to foreign governments that we mean business at the bargaining table and are ready to complete new agreements that will break down trade barriers and open new markets from Asia to Europe,” said American Farm Bureau president Bob Stallman.

“Today is a huge victory for America’s corn farmers and the entire agricultural industry,” said National Corn Growers Association president Chip Bowling of Maryland. ““With major trade negotiations underway in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe, today’s vote could not have come at a better time. The U.S. is back in the driver’s seat, negotiating the best possible deal for American farmers and livestock producers in these and other future trade agreements.”

The National Farmers Union, which is opposed to TPA, issued no comment after the vote on Wednesday. Fast track authority allows for the administration to negotiate trade agreements with other countries and allows Congress to only vote them up or down with no amendments. Every president since Franklin Roosevelt has been granted such authority by Congress.

AFBF, NCGA, Trade

Interns at O+B Advocate for Agriculture

Kelly Marshall June 24, 2015

Catalina, an aspiring art director from Argentina, sits down beside Laura, a Midwest farmer’s daughter. Nearby, former FFA state officer Jacob rubs elbows with a songwriter-turned-journalist, Zach. What unites this eclectic group? A passion for agriculture and an internship with St. Louis marketing and communications firm, Osborn Barr (O+B).

Eighteen of the best and brightest interns joined O+B in St. Louis this week. They were chosen from more than 600 applicants and hail from 12 universities in six states.

“These students are our upcoming industry leaders, and we rely on them to tell the stories of agriculture, lead the way for rural America and connect with urban consumers,” said Michael Turley, CEO at Osborn Barr. “We value our responsibility to invest in them, and we hope to give them a robust and rewarding experience during their time at O+B.”

Participants pair with a mentor who helps them complete real client assignments. They will focus on their own specialty areas; public relations, art direction, social media, account services, and so on. Interns attend industry courses, learning to blend ag and communications. The program also includes a hands-on visit to CEO Michael Turley’s dairy farm.

Historically up to 25% of the class will be hired as full-time associates at the end of the summer.

Agribusiness, Marketing

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