Alltech is looking for videos that tell the story of how game changing innovations are helping farmers feed the world. The Kentucky-based animal health and nutrition company has announced the first ever “Farming Film Festival,” offering a $2,000 grand prize. Following the theme of the Alltech 27th Annual International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium, The Game Changers, video submissions should … Read More
Get More From Burndown as Planting Begins
Planting season has officially started with the first USDA crop progress report of the year released this week. Three percent of the nation’s corn crop planted – the same as both last year and the five year average. Cotton is running on schedule with seven percent planted and sorghum is 20 percent. As the planters start moving through the fields, … Read More
Computer Model Calculates Livestock Numbers
Ranchers in the central Great Plains may be using some of their winter downtime in the future to rehearse the upcoming production season, all from the warmth of their homes, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) soil scientists. The ranchers would use the GPFARM (Great Plains Framework for Agricultural Resource Management)-Range computer model to see which cattle or sheep … Read More
CAST Honors Two for Ag, Science and Technology
During the recent National Ag Day festivities in Washington DC, the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) Executive VP/CEO Dr. John Bonner presented Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE) and Representative Collin Peterson (D-MN) with the President’s Award which recognizes those individuals who have furthered the cause of agriculture, science, and technology. Senator Johanns grew up on a farm and eventually … Read More
Organic Farmers File Lawsuit Against Monsanto
Monsanto is facing a legal challenge from organic farmers over genetically modified seed. The Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT) filed suit this week on behalf of 60 family farmers, seed businesses and organic agricultural organizations, against Monsanto Company as a preemptive measure “to protect themselves from being accused of patent infringement should they ever become contaminated by Monsanto’s genetically modified seed, … Read More
The John Deere FarmSight Strategy
John Deere introduced FarmSight during the Commodity Classic earlier this month and we told you about it at the time, but I also had a chance to learn more about it from Audrey Bartlett, product manager for John Deere Ag Management Solutions. “John Deere FarmSight is really all about having these advanced technology solutions integrated with our platform equipment – … Read More
Count Down to AGRITECHNICA
Only eight months until the world’s largest agricultural machinery and equipment exhibition opens its gates in Hanover, Germany with more manufacturers of tractors, agricultural machinery and equipment than ever before. During the 2011 Commodity Classic, I had a chance to chat with our friends Malene Conlong and Annette Reichhold with DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society) who organize the … Read More
FS Green Plan Provides Agronomy Based Solutions
Planting season is almost upon us now, which means a new year for farmers to discover how they can increase yields and profitability. GROWMARK FS Green Plan Solutions helps farmers do just that. I recently spoke with Jim Spradlin, vice president of agronomy for FS Green Plan, about how they help their farmers. “The FS system works very hard to … Read More
PrecisionAg Awards Nominations Sought
The PrecisionAg Award of Excellence program is still accepting nominations for “some of the most important people and programs that have helped agriculture realize the full benefits of technology to improve agronomy, efficiency, and stewardship in crop production.” The awards are given in the following categories: • Educator/Researcher Of The Year • Legacy Award • Crop Adviser/Entrepreneur Of The Year … Read More
Alabama NRCS Offers Precision Ag Incentive
The Alabama Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is encouraging growers to sign up for the Precision Farming Incentive under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). According to State Conservationist Dr. William Puckett, the Precision Farming Incentive is designed to encourage the adoption of variable-rate application of nutrients and pesticides and promote the use of GPS-enabled precision agricultural technology and equipment. … Read More