Farm Bureau Optimistic about New Year

Cindy ZimmermanAFBF, Audio

The 96th annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation is underway in San Diego, kicked off by president Bob Stallman Sunday morning telling the membership that agriculture must push harder for important policy reforms in 2015. “We cannot ignore the extremes of the left and right, but we must speak to the center: the legislators in both parties who … Read More

Hick Chick Chat: IDEAg Innovate Conference and Trade Show

Leah GuffeyAFBF, Audio, Data, Events, Farm Bureau, Hick Chick Chat, IDEAg

Innovation and technology will be in the spotlight at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 96th annual convention, which begins this weekend in San Diego. Cindy will be there to handle all of the coverage next week, and she talked with AFBF’s Dan Durheim to get a preview of what’s new this year. What is brand new is the IDEAg Innovate … Read More

Covering the Farm with Ayrstone Ayrmesh

Chuck ZimmermanAgNerd, Audio, Ayrstone, Cloud, Internet

It’s time for another edition of the AgNerd Cloud, a fairly regular column on new technology for the farm. In this program we’ll learn about how you can obtain a good internet cloud on your property that can include remote ethernet connections via a new wireless device! Thanks to Bill Moffitt, Ayrstone Productivity, for working with us by supplying some … Read More

Sharper Focus for Beltwide Cotton Conferences

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, Cotton, technology

This was the second year of the new format for the Beltwide Cotton Conferences with more focus on consulting and technology. Coordinator Dale Thompson with the National Cotton Council says the consultants conference has taken on more importance in the new format. “These are the people that producers depend on to get information,” said Thompson. “And they depend on consultants … Read More

PacificAg Can Help Make 2014 More Profitable

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, biomass, Conservation, Forage, residue management

The largest and most experienced biomass harvest company in the country is helping growers see increased profits in the emerging biomass markets. The company provides a comprehensive suite of services that allow growers to further diversify their operations and experience additional revenue. PacificAg started in the residue management business nearly 20 years ago harvesting forage crops for feed in Oregon … Read More

BASF Compostable Polymers on Display at CSS

Cindy ZimmermanASTA, Audio, BASF, bioproducts

BASF has a biodegradable solution for plastics with ecovio® and ecoflex® technology. Ruth Watts, product marketing manager for BASF’s Biopolymers Group in North America, was at last week’s ASTA CSS & Seed Expo demonstrating the use of this type of packaging for agricultural applications. “This (ecovio) is new technology by BASF,” Watts explained, adding that ecoflex was the very first … Read More

Bayer to Fund 2015 FFA Grants for Bee Health

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, Bayer CropScience, Bees, FFA

Bayer CropScience is partnering with the National FFA to inspire interest in agriculture and apiculture professions among America’s youth. The new grant program will help FFA members develop their unique talents and explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers with a focus on finding solutions that will help honey bees thrive. “I have a real passion for the FFA … Read More

Bayer CropScience Soybean Update

Cindy ZimmermanASTA, Audio, Bayer CropScience, seed, Soybeans

Grower needs drive the Bayer CropScience soybean business according to Diego Angelo, director of US soybean operations, who was at last week’s CSS 2014 and Seed Expo to provide an update. “Innovation is in our blood and it’s driven by our passion to help growers be productive and profitable long term,” says Angelo. Right now what growers need most to … Read More

Comments Needed on EPA Neonic Report

Cindy ZimmermanASTA, Audio, Bayer CropScience, Bees, Pesticides, pollinators

Farmers and other stakeholders have only a few days left to comment on the EPA report about the “Benefits of Neonicotinoid Seed Treatments to Soybean Production” which finds little or no overall benefits. The comment period concludes on December 22. Dr. Becky Langer, Bayer CropScience Bee Care Program manager, says the EPA document came out of the presidential memorandum this … Read More