Sonny Beck: Glancing Back at #ASTACSS

Kelly MarshallAg Group, ASTA, Audio

If you’re looking to learn from the best, it won’t get much better than this.  In this week’s mini series we’re bringing you the “Glancing Back and Moving Forward in a Rapidly Changing Industry” session from ASTA CSS, featuring Sonny Beck, founder of Beck’s Hybrids, Paul Schickler of DuPont Pioneer, and Jon Leafstedt with Kincannon and Reed. To begin the … Read More

NCGA Announces 2016 Yield Contest Winners

Kelly MarshallAg Group, Contest, Corn, NCGA

This year’s entires into the National Corn Growers Association 2016 National Corn yield Contest showed some of the highest results ever, with a record five entries surpassing the 400 bushel per acre mark.  Six production categories mean there is no overall winner, but the top three entries in each of the six categories averaged more than 375 bushels per acre.  When … Read More

TFI Announces 2017 4R Advocates

Lizzy SchultzAg Group, Award, Nutrient Management

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) has named the 2017 4R Advocate winners, recognizing five farmer and retailer partnerships who are leading the way in implementing 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices on the farm. This year’s advocates farm 13,200 acres of land using 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices. “4R Nutrient Stewardship is a top priority for the fertilizer industry, which is committed to enhancing … Read More

Another Successful #ASTACSS

Kelly MarshallAg Group, ASTA, Audio

President and CEO of ASTA, Andy LaVigne, breathed a big sigh of relief at the success of this year’s conference. After planning and scheduling the largest seed conference of it’s kind in the world, all you can do is hope people show up– and show up they did. “We had to bring in tables and chairs,” LaVigne told Cindy Zimmerman. … Read More

Moore Assumes ASA Presidency

Kelly MarshallAg Group, ASA

Ron Moore has moved into the position of president of the American Soybean Association (ASA).  As vice president in 2016, Moore assumed his new position during the annual meeting in St. Louis, Missouri earlier this week. “The industry faces many challenges and many opportunities in the year to come, and I am excited to tackle all of them,” Moore said. “As … Read More

AFBF Approves of Trump EPA Appointment

Kelly MarshallAFBF, Ag Group, EPA

President-elect Trump has selected Scott Pruitt to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President, Zippy Duvall, responded positively to the announcement that the Oklahoma Attorney General who challenged the California caged hen law, investigated the Humane Society of the United States, and sued the EPA on more than one occasion, will now be in a … Read More

New Face of Plant Breeders at #ASTACSS

Kelly MarshallAg Group, ASTA, biotechnology, social media, Video

A new video that puts a face on plant breeders was unveiled by the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) during the opening general session of its CSS 2016 & Seed Expo in Chicago Tuesday. The “Mom, Gardener, Plant Breeder” video is the latest initiative in ASTA’s “Better Seed, Better Life” communications program and it features Jessie Alt, a mother, home … Read More

Survey Highlights Illinois Nutrient Management

Kelly MarshallAg Group, Nitrogen, Nutrient Management, USDA

USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), along with the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council (NREC) and Illinois Farm Bureau have released the latest Producer Survey.  The 2015 survey focused on questions relating to nutrient management and knowledge of  Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS), as well as conservation practices like cover crops, edge-of-field practices, use of soil tests and erosion management.  Responses … Read More

BASF and NAAA Award Aviator Scholarships

Lizzy SchultzAerial Application, Ag Group, Award, BASF, NAAA

BASF and the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) have collaborated to reward two promising aviators with scholarships to assist them as they follow their passion in the field of aerial application. Matthew Burkhammer of Carlisle, Arkansas, and Landunn Koyle of Gooding, Idaho, were awarded NAAA/BASF Agricultural Aviation Scholarships of $2,500 and $5,000, respectively. The two winners were recognized at the … Read More

Soil Health Partnership Celebrates World Soil Day

Kelly MarshallAg Group, Soil Health Partnership, Video

The Soil Health Partnership honored World Soil Day yesterday with a fun and educational video.  “Farmers to the Rescue: How Healthy Soil Can Save the Planet” reflects on steps that can be take to protect our most vital resource. “Soil health is the next frontier in agricultural sustainability,” said Nick Goeser, SHP director. “Restoring organic matter through practices like growing cover … Read More