A new report from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) shows an increase in both the overall number of growers planting their corn refuge and integrated refuge products. This news release from the group says as part of the enhanced Compliance Assurance Program (CAP), there’s been a strong adoption of integrated refuge products, which include Bt and refuge seed interspersed … Read More
Soybean Growers Announce Conservation Legacy Awards
The American Soybean Association (ASA) has announced the regional winners of its 2015 Conservation Legacy Awards. This news release says Steve Berger, Wellman, Iowa (Midwest Region); Mike Starkey, Brownsburg, Indiana (Northeast Region); and Jimmy Thomas, Timberlake, North Carolina (South Region), are the regional winners and will be recognized at the ASA Awards Banquet, Feb. 27, 2015, at Commodity Classic in … Read More
Have Good Conversations With Consumers
Having good conversations with consumers will be key if farmers want to build long-term trust in today’s food system. That was the message attendees of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 96th Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show heard from Charlie Arnot, CEO of the Center for Food Integrity (CFI). “Farmers are accustomed to fixing things in the next production cycle. … Read More
EPA’s Neonicotinoid Findings Disputed
The American Soybean Association (ASA) is disputing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) findings critical on the efficacy of neonicotinoid seed treatments in soybean operations. ASA President and Brownfield, Texas, farmer Wade Cowan said “…soybean producers use neonicotinoid seed treatments where they are needed and effective, and don’t use them where not.” Cowan pointed to recent research from Mississippi showing … Read More
Railroad Updates Progress
Billions of dollars to improve service on one of the most important railroads for grain producers looks to resolve problems that hurt the grain industry last year. Attendees of the recent American Farm Bureau Federation’s 96th Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show heard from Greg Guthrie, director of ag products for BNSF, who updated them them on a $5 billion … Read More
Farm Foundation Forum on Funding Agricultural Research
Farm Foundation is sponsoring another one of its conversations on topics affecting agriculture. The next free forum, “Tools to Fund Agricultural Research,” will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the National Press Club in Washington D.C., with a live audiocast also available free of charge for those who can’t be there in person. For more than a decade, constraints … Read More
Big Data Could be Next Cash Crop
It’s said that knowledge is power, and now information could be a powerful cash crop for farmers. Attendees of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 96th Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show heard from Jason Tatge, current president, CEO and co-founder of FarMobile, who sees huge potential for farmers to dictate the sale of their data to large agricultural companies. According … Read More
NFU Supports NRCS Conservation Program
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson submitted comments to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on an interim rule regarding the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), commending NRCS for their promotion of conservation in agriculture and offering suggestions to focus the program more heavily on conservation outcomes. “Family farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists,” said Johnson. “NFU members understand … Read More
Field to Market Workshop at AFBF
An alliance for sustainable agriculture is giving farmers, companies and ag organizations what they need to measure sustainability and meet the needs of a booming global population. During the American Farm Bureau Federation’s recent 96th Annual Convention, Rod Snyder, president of Field to Market, the Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, talked about the tools available to help farmers track their progress … Read More
Farm Bureau Workshop Shows How to Fly High with UAVs
Farmers and ranchers at the recent American Farm Bureau Federation’s 96th Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show got a better look at the benefits of unmanned aerial vehicles. This news release from the group says the workshop presented by Kevin Price, executive vice president of applied research and technology development at AgPixel/RoboFlight Systems, LLC, showed how the combination of UAVs … Read More