A statue of Dr. Norman E. Borlaug was installed March 25, 2014 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on what would have been the great agricultural scientist’s 100th birthday. The leadership of the United States Congress, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Governor Terry E. Branstad of Borlaug’s home state of Iowa, and Amb. Kenneth M. Quinn, who chaired …
Swine Health Seminar Focuses on all Aspects of PCV2
Boehringer Ingelheim (BIVI) recently hosted its Swine Health Seminar in Dallas, Texas. The theme: Running the Option: A Multifaceted Approach to PCV2 (or Porcine Circovirus). The virus was first discovered (or genetically identified) in 1974, and in essence, this year marks the 40th anniversary of PCV. Today, the virus has mutated into PCV2 a and b. The Swine Health seminar …
Farmers Discuss Need for Immigration Reform
The Partnership for a New American Economy and the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform released a report Tuesday entitled “No Longer Home Grown: How Labor Shortages are Increasing America’s Reliance on Imported Fresh Produce and Slowing U.S. Economic Growth.” The report part of the #iFarmImmigration campaign launched last month by the American Farm Bureau Federation and more than 70 other …
Norman Borlaug Statue Comments
The State of Iowa will install a bronze statue of Dr. Norman E. Borlaug in the U.S. Capitol on March 25, which is both National Agriculture Day and the centennial anniversary date of the Father of the Green Revolution. The statue was displayed during the World Food Prize Borlaug dialogues last October, where World Food Prize president Kenneth Quinn, also …
Ag Groups and Grassley on Japan’s TPP Offer
The 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership trade negotiations are drawing to a conclusion, but Japan wants to exclude a number of agricultural products as part of a final agreement. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and several agricultural organizations held a press conference today to discuss why that is unacceptable and to urge the administration to reject Japan’s offer. In addition to Sen. Grassley, …
Update on Ukraine Agriculture
The unrest in Ukraine is causing some uncertainty in the agricultural sector, according to US-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) president and CEO Morgan Williams. AgWired reporter Leah Guffey did an interview with Williams, who is currently in Kyiv, to get an update on the situation there and how it is impacting agriculture.
Open Ag Data Alliance Launched
The Climate Corporation and several agricultural stakeholders today officially launched the Open Ag Data Alliance (OADA), an open standards software project to ensure farmers have full data access, security and privacy. Making the announcement by conference call were: David Friedberg, The Climate Corporation CEO Greg Smirin, The Climate Corporation COO Jim Krogmeier, Purdue Open Ag Technology Group Aaron Ault, research …
USDA Announces Small Farmer Help
During an appearance at the National Farmers Union (NFU) convention today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new and expanded efforts to connect smaller farmers and ranchers with USDA resources that can “help them build stronger businesses, expand to reach new and larger markets, and grow their operations.” Vilsack held a press conference from the NFU convention following his remarks, joined …
Vilsack Discusses 2015 USDA Budget
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today hosted a media conference call to discuss President Obama’s FY15 budget for the USDA. “The President’s 2015 USDA budget proposal achieves reform and results for the American taxpayer; fosters opportunity for the men and women living, working and raising families in rural America; and supports innovation through strategic, future-focused investments,” said Vilsack. Listen to or …
Social Media Farmer of the Year Nominations
Food Nutrition & Science a leading trade publication for the food industry, today announced the launch of the first Social Media Farmer of the Year Award. The new award recognizes farmers who have incorporated social media, digital media and internet strategies to achieve their business objectives including growing revenue, sharing information for more effective farming practices, and promoting positive awareness …
2014 Commodity Classic
The 2014 Commodity Classic was held in San Antonio, Texas Feb. 27-March 1, 2014. Presented annually by the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers, Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention, and trade show. 2014 Commodity Classic Photos Vilsack Thanks Farmers for Security, Farm Bill – Commodity Classic Presidents …
2014 BASF Science Behind
This 8th annual BASF Crop Protection Science Behind media event was held prior to the kickoff of the Commodity Classic and this year the theme is The Advanced Acre. The event featured stories from growers on how BASF innovation specialists have helped them get the most out of every acre. As a major supporter of the Commodity Classic, BASF also …
Bayer CropScience Ag Issues Forum
Bayer CropScience held its annual Ag Issues Forum prior to the start of the 2014 Commodity Classic in San Antonio. With the theme “What the World Needs”, the forum hit on some of the most trending agricultural topics today – from biotechnology to bees and beyond. Audio and photos from the event will be posted on this page. Bayer CropScience …
2014 National Ethanol Conference
The 19th annual National Ethanol Conference, presented by the Renewable Fuels Association, was held February 17-19, 2014 at the J.W. Marriott in Orlando, Florida. With the theme of “Falling Walls, Rising Tides,” the conference had a big focus on the EPA proposal for 2014 volume obligations under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Presentations addressed the state of the ethanol industry, …
SST Software Certification Program
SST Software, an industry leader in precision agriculture, is now offering a precision ag certification program. The SST Precision Ag Certification Program is an intensive, 10-week training course for preparing precision ag technology specialists. The program covers data management, service provider offerings, emerging products, and analysis reports. Bill Richardson, Director of Training & Education at SST Software, states, “It all …