Despite the best efforts of Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS), the Senate failed to invoke cloture on the Biotechnology Labeling Solutions Bill in a 48-49 vote Wednesday, blocking advancement of the legislation that would create a voluntary federal standard for labeling foods with genetically modified ingredients. Roberts expressed his disappointment at the inability to come to agreement on … Read More
CropLife America Advances Advocacy at #ShowMeYFR
CropLife America made an appearance at the recent American Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Leadership Conference. Kellie Bray, Senior Director of Government Affairs attended the #ShowMeYFR event to represent more than 90 companies who produce crop protection products for both conventional and organic growers. Bray has seen a transition in the concerns of the member organizations in the last … Read More
WOTUS Strikes Back
Farmers and ranchers will need the force to be with them as the EPA has struck back with an even more extreme version of the Waters of the U.S. Rule (WOTUS). Known as the Chesapeake Blueprint, the new rules will severely regulate and burden farms, possibly removing thousands of acres from production agriculture. The American Farm Bureau Federation is once … Read More
Poll Shows Chesapeake Bay Voters Value Local Farmers
The American Farm Bureau Federation recently conducted a poll of registered voters who reside in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed regarding water resource policy. The survey showed that nearly 3 out of 4 residents (1,042 surveyed) in the Watershed say state and local government should have authority over federal government when it comes to water resources. When regulations are needed, nearly … Read More
Agrible Appointed to Data Privacy and Security Board
Agrible, Inc. of Illinois has been appointed to the interim board of a coalition formed to address issues such as big data privacy, security, and transparency for growers. According to an American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) poll, over 80% of growers indicated that they do not know what happens to their data after they upload it to an Ag Technology … Read More
Landowners Seek Balanced Environmental Regulations
In already tough economic times, confusing environmental laws can mean even greater challenges for producers. Navigating the intricacies of environmental laws can leave farmers and ranchers in perilous positions. A more balanced approach to environmental regulations was the topic of a workshop last week at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting. “Environmental law can be harsh, especially for everyday … Read More
#AFBF Attendees Learn About UAV Potential On Farms
Thousands of farmers and ranchers have gathered in Orlando this week for the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 97th Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show. A highlight for attendees was a session where they learned about the advantages and practical considerations of using unmanned aerial vehicles during a workshop presented by the UnmannedFarmer Robert Blair, a fourth-generation farmer and vice president … Read More
AFBF President Bids Farewell
After 16 years, Bob Stallman gave his last opening general session address to the American Farm Bureau Federation membership on Sunday at the organization’s 97th annual convention. “This is the final time I will appear before you at this podium as AFBF president. In just a couple of days, my last official act as president will be to announce the … Read More
AccuGrain Named #AFBF16 Rural Entrepreneur of the Year
AccuGrain of Rose Hill, Iowa was named the Farm Bureau Entrepreneur of the Year, announced at AFBF’s 97th Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show on Monday. The AccuGrain team, led by founder Ryan Augustine, received a total of $30,000 in prize money to implement his business idea, which is X-ray technology to inventory flowing grain in real time. “This is … Read More
AFBF Urges Representatives To Disapprove WOTUS
The Waters of the U.S. rule is still very much a main topic in 2016. The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging members of the U.S. House of Representatives to support S.J. Res. 22, a resolution to disapprove the Waters of the U.S. rule finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers. “The EPA rule poses a … Read More