Leroy Startz, Chair of the ARA Conference Planning Committee since 2009, spoke with Chuck Zimmerman while at the ARA Conference & Expo in Palm Desert, CA recently. After wrapping up a busy week, Startz was pleased with the overall event. He highlighted the importance of early planning to put together a successful, relevant week for ag retailers. Early planning helps … Read More
FAA Requires UAS Registration
Today the FAA announced new regulations requiring drone (UAS) registration for recreational and hobby users of UAS. The registration process is for owners of small unmanned aircraft weighing more than 0.55 pounds and less than 55 pounds, including payloads such as on-board cameras or sensors. Those 13 and older who have purchased a drone prior to December 21, 2015, must … Read More
Wheat Improvement Panel at #ASTACSS
During the ASTA CSS & Seed Expo this week, attendees were invited to a panel titled, “Value Chain Engagement in Wheat Improvement” that brought together representatives from across the wheat value chain to discuss needed innovation in the wheat industry. Justin Gilpin, CEO of the Kansas Wheat Commission, focused on the benefit of public/private partnerships as well as work the … Read More
#ASTACSS Taking Cover Crops Mainstream
A diverse panel covered the topic of cover crops at the ASTA CSS 2015 and Seed Expo Tuesday, exploring how the practice is starting to hit the mainstream. David Pearl with the CISCO Companies in Indianapolis, who serves as chair of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Cover Crops Working Group, says this was the first full cover crops session … Read More
Panel On Taking Cover Crops Mainstream at #ASTACSS
During a session on “Taking Cover Crops Mainstream” at the ASTA CSS/Seed Expo this week,, a panel of representatives from across the industry spoke about their experiences with cover crops, the work they’ve done on either their farm or in their business, and the impact cover crops can have on soil health. Two growers who integrate cover crops on their … Read More
Koch Agronomic and Eco Agro Settle Patent Litigation
Following a mediation scheduled months ago by the parties, Koch Agronomic Services, LLC and Eco Agro Resources LLC jointly announced an agreement that settles litigation between the companies. The parties have been engaged in litigation since 2014 concerning claims brought by KAS with respect to one of its patents and counterclaims brought by Eco Agro. Financial and other terms of … Read More
Manolovits Earns AGCO Operator of the Year Honors
Brian Manolovits, ag operator for Wilbur Ellis hailing from Mott, N.D., was selected as the 10th Annual Operator of the Year. Manolovits earned the top honor at the 2015 Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) Conference and Expo held Dec. 1 through Dec. 3 in Palm Desert, California. “I am honored to be selected as AGCO’s Operator of the Year from among … Read More
Soil Health Institute Aims To Protect, Improve Soils
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, in partnership with the Farm Foundation, announced the launch of the Soil Health Institute today. For years, the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and Farm Foundation have been providing education and insight into the importance of agriculture and proper land stewardship. In 2013, they launched the Soil Renaissance. The movement brought together growers and organizations across … Read More
Gearheard Earns ARA Lifetime Achievement Award
Richard Gearheard, former President and CEO of Agrium Retail, was presented with this year’s Jack Eberspacher Lifetime Achievement Award from the Agricultural Retailers Association. Gearheard served as Senior Vice President of Agrium, Inc. and President of the Retail Division from August 1996 until his retirement in April 2014. He also worked in various capacities with other Agrium retail companies such … Read More
Andersons Honored As ARA Retailer of the Year
The Agricultural Retailers Association this week named The Andersons as Retailer of the Year for 2015. The award was accepted by Joe Hodges, Vice President of the Southern Region Plant Nutrient Group, during the ARA Conference and Expo. “On behalf of all the employees of The Andersons – thank you for this special recognition,” Hodges said. “It’s extra special when … Read More