A new report from the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri (FAPRI-MU) shows how many farmers are using Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) plans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Highlights from the report, titled, “U.S. crop program fiscal costs: Revised estimates with updated participation information,” include: · The FAPRI-MU baseline … Read More
Lower Corn Acres This Year
Wet weather in the corn belt and plenty of carry over has pushed down the number of acres of corn planted this year. But the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says there’s plenty of the crop for all uses from the grain. Citing the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Acreage report, NCGA says total corn planting in the United States … Read More
USDA to Resurvey Growers for Acres Planted in Several States
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the June 30 planted acreage report this week, but weather issues that have caused planting delays in several states mean the numbers are not as accurate as they should be by now. Four states are to be re-surveyed. NASS previously collected planted acreage information during the first two weeks of June, with the … Read More
Polenske Named Crop Adviser of the Year
Jeff Polenske of Tilth Agronomy Group in Appleton, Wisconsin, has been picked as the International Certified Crop Adviser’s (ICCA) Adviser of the Year. Polenske began work with a bachelors’ degree in Agronomy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and experience as an intern in a county extension office, scouting fields and providing reports. Crop consulting was just starting as a profession, … Read More
AGree Report Calls for Food & Ag Research Reform
A new report calls for reforms in food and ag research. AGree, a group that’s supported by leading foundations that fund food and agriculture, international development, and health and well-being, unveiled its comprehensive report on food and ag research, “Research & Innovation: Strengthening Agricultural Research,” which includes nine recommendations to strengthen the impact of public research dollars by reforming the … Read More
Farmers Union Backs Declaration on Food & Sustainability
The National Farmers Union (NFU) is backing a declaration on feeding the growing world population in a sustainable way. This NFU news release says the group backs the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) General Assembly’s pronouncement on the need to produce a food supply sufficient for the 9.2 billion people who will inhabit our planet in 2050 in a sustainable and … Read More
Valent Expands Partnership with National FFA Foundation
Crop protection company Valent has expanded its partnership with the National FFA Foundation. This company news release says it’s moved up to 5-star status with the FFA group that builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. As part … Read More
USDA Makes $17.5 Mil Available for Wetland Conservation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made $17.5 million available for wetland conservation on agricultural grounds. This agency news release says USDA is now looking for voluntary partners who want to protect, restore and enhance critical wetlands on the farmland. “USDA has leveraged partnerships to accomplish a great deal on America’s wetlands over the past two decades, [Agriculture Secretary Tom] … Read More
Software Company Wins Iowa Farm Bureau Award
A global company headquartered in Iowa is being recognized for its innovative software and data solution products, as well as their support of rural Iowa. Kingland Systems software and data is the new recipient of the Iowa Farm Bureau Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur award. Kingland Systems, with satellite offices in Ames and Dalian, China, is used in more than 150 … Read More
Potential Monsanto/Syngenta Merger Creates Controversy
As Monsanto is seeking to acquire Syngenta, company leaders say the deal would lead to better products and innovative solutions for farmers. Monsanto is currently seeking constructive engagement with Syngenta in regards to the potential deal. Monsanto President and COO Brett Begemann says the acquisition would help better meet the world’s agriculture demand. “We’re seeing a lot of opportunity driven … Read More