For the first time the Soil Health Institute has selected a Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Steven R. Shafer, one of the nation’s top agricultural research leaders, has been selected for this position. “The Soil Health Institute is committed to safeguarding and enhancing the vitality and productivity of our soils. To accomplish this mission, high priority, outcome-driven research and education are … Read More
Turkish Investigation Disputed by NCC
Turkey is the second largest export market for U.S. cotton, but now that is being threatened by what the National Cotton Council (NCC) maintains are false allegations. The government of Turkey has claimed the United States dumped cotton into the Turkish market, injuring their domestic prices. They have now released their final decision, based on their investigation of the incident. … Read More
Microbial Content Could Change Future of Soil Testing
If soil sampling for information about fertilizer application or soil pH is important on your farm then changes may be in your future. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) recently released a blog post that goes into detail about the presence of microbes in the soil how that affects nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium recommendations. “In a recent Canadian study, straw … Read More
CommonGround Earns Honors at NAMA
The National Agri-Marketing Association recognized the advocacy group, CommonGround during their National Awards Ceremony. The group won first place in the Social Tactic category, as well as Best of Show- Digital and the first-ever NAMA Grand Champion award for their video, “Ask a Farmer.” Their newly redesigned website also won first place in the Website Directed to Consumers category. CommonGround … Read More
NCGA Asks EPA to Delay Pesticide Review
The EPA has scheduled an April 19-21 meeting of the Science Advisory Panel to review the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos. Forty-two ag groups, including the National Corn Growers Association, have responded to this action by sending a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. The organizations say the meeting was “hastily called” and is an attempt to “fundamentally alter [the … Read More
AFBF Tells Congress About Farm Financial Pressure
The continued commodity price slump is hurting American farmers and Zippy Duvall is trying to make sure Congress understand just what that means to agriculture. The American Farm Bureau Federation President (AFBF) explained to the Agriculture Subcommittee that, while all farmers and ranchers will be affected, new and young farmers will struggle most as they work to build equity, write … Read More
Reports Look Down for Corn Prices
While optimists hoped the increased demand for ethanol would help drive corn prices, the USDA reports say it won’t be enough to off-set other factors. Demand estimates are lower by 24 million bushels of corn, and ending stocks are higher by 25 million bushels. Production estimates remain unchanged from March. “U.S. corn farmers have indicated their intention to grow another … Read More
Ag Groups Urge Congress to Back TPP
More than 200 farm and food groups have come together to send a bipartisan letter to Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan; Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi; Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell; and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The letter encourages Congress to finish the work of approving TPP in 2016. “If faithfully implemented, TPP will … Read More
ASA Requests Pressure on EU to Approve Soybean Traits
The American Soybean Association (ASA) is pressing the administration to urge the European Commission to approve three biotech soybean traits. In a letter from the ASA to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, the organization highlights the need for approval of Monsanto’s dicamba-resistant trait, Vistive Gold’s high-oleic soybeans, and Bayer CropScience’s isozaflutole-resistant soybean. Theses traits have … Read More
Nominate a Future Giant of the Seed Industry
Seed World and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Future Seed Executives are looking for those poised to make an impact on the seed industry. The Future Giant is an award given to an early-career individual who is passionate about the seed industry. The award will be given at ASTA’s Annual Convention, June 18-22 in Portland, Oregon. The winner will … Read More