The United Soybean Board (USB) has named Polly Ruhland as the new chief executive officer (CEO) of the checkoff organization, effective November 1, replacing retiring John Becherer. Ruhland has served as CEO of Cattlemen’s Beef Board since 2011. “Polly exceeded all of the attributes for what we as a board were looking for in a new CEO to lead us … Read More
Baize Offers View of Soy Past and Future
When John Baize spoke to attendees of the 2017 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange, it wasn’t just some nice thoughts. Baize comes from 38 years of working the global market on behalf of soybeans and other farm products. That experience gives him a great him not just a good view of the past, but also of the future. “By all … Read More
Precision Ag Bytes 8/23
The application deadline for the Award for Conservation Excellence (ACE) is August 31, 2017. This non-profit award acknowledges exceptional contribution to wildlife conservation and is presented by Banovich Wildscapes Foundation and Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and sponsored by Cabela’s Outdoor Fund and the Cabela Family Foundation. Monsanto Company has reached a global licensing agreement with biotechnology company, ToolGen, Inc., The agreement … Read More
Midwest Seed Genetics Humbled By Reception
Just a few weeks ago we announced the comeback of seedsmen Don Funk, who is leading a team of entrepreneurs in the launch of Midwest Seed Genetics. While attending the 2017 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange, I ran into Wayne Hoener, Midwest Seed Genetics, we sat down to learn what’s happened since their debut. “It has been overwhelming and we … Read More
Nebraska USFRA Food Dialogues to Focus on GMOs
The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) is joining with the Nebraska Soybean Board to host a “Food Dialogues: Pivoting the GMO Conversation” at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln September 6 from 1:00-2:30 pm. Among the Dialogue participants will be Hilary Maricle, a Nebraska cattle, corn, pig and soybean farmer and CommonGround volunteer; and USFRA Face of Farming & … Read More
U.S. Grain Inspection – What to Expect
One of the breakout sessions during the 2017 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange provided an overview on how the soy and grain inspection system operated. This gave U.S. growers a better understanding of how their grain was managed once it left the farm and more importantly provided international buyers with the information needed to ensure they were getting a quality … Read More
Nebraska Proudly Hosts #USSoyExchange
To kick off the 2017 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange, Nebraska Lieutenant Governor Mike Foley provided opening remarks to the international and domestic soybean audience. I was able to speak with the Lt. Governor who shared how proud the state is of its agricultural industry. He said, “It’s really the backbone of our economy. We like to grow things.” “It’s … Read More
GROWMARK and COFCO Announce Grain Partnership
GROWMARK and COFCO officials sign agreement A new grain partnership was created on Friday between agricultural cooperative GROWMARK, Inc. and global supply chain agribusiness COFCO International Limited (CIL) providing a direct link from farmers in the Midwest to the global marketplace, and China in particular. “We now have a direct pipeline from our growers to the end user,” said Brent … Read More
Trade Offers Stability for Rural Economies
Jason Hafemeister, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Trade & Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) addressed the attendees of the 2017 U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange, bringing a message of greater trade opportunities for America’s farmers. “A substantial part of our farm income comes from foreign markets,” said Hafemeister. “So we at the department are always … Read More
Secretary Perdue in Florida
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue visited the Citrus Expo in Fort Myers, Florida this week to learn more about citrus greening and hold a farm bill listening session with Congressman Tom Rooney of the local district. The only opportunity for reporters to ask questions of the secretary was a short, crowded, disorganized gaggle that covered a wide range of non-agricultural … Read More