New Consumer Opinion Poll on Gas & Renewable Fuel

Summer driving season is in full swing and with it comes grumbling over fluctuating gas prices. A new poll commissioned by Fuels America asked consumers their thoughts on gas prices and renewable fuels. The survey, conducted by Research Now, identifies specific budget items families give up when they are faced with high gas prices, and their attitudes around oil, renewable …

New Effort to Repeal Death Tax

On June 19, Senator John Thune (R-SD) and Representative Kevin Brady (R-TX) re-introduced legislation to permanently repeal the federal estate tax, better known as the death tax. The video of last week’s press conference is below and here is a partial audio file with the opening statements of the members of Congress – Thune, Brady, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Rep. …

Senate Majority Leader on Farm Bill

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) says no to another farm bill extension. In remarks on the Senate floor Monday (6/24/13) prior to starting business on the immigration reform bill, Senator Reid began by noting that last week’s defeat of the farm bill on the House floor was “the first time the House of Representatives defeated a farm bill since …

Monsanto Call on GE Wheat Suspicions

Monsanto officials held a press call on Friday (6/21/13) regarding “suspicious” evidence in the investigation of genetically engineered wheat plants found in an Oregon field last month that suggests it was possibly intentionally planted. The call was conducted by Monsanto Vice President and Director of Technology Robb Fraley. The full audio from the call is linked here. Note that the …

Farm Bill Fallout Audio

The shock over the defeat of the farm bill in the U.S. House of Representatives had barely sunk in Thursday when the blame game began. Here is some audio from the House floor and other sources on who is to blame and what happens now. Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) and Minority Whip Steney Hoyer (D-VA) blame each others’ parties: …

House Farm Bill Defeated

Despite an impassioned plea by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas to “move this bill forward” the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (FARRM) failed on a vote of 194 to 234, with 60 Republicans joining the majority of Democrats to defeat the House version of the farm bill.

ICM 1.5 & 2.0 Technology Makes Most out of Ethanol

ICM, Inc.’s Generation 1.5 and 2.0 Integrated Fiber to Cellulosic Ethanol Technology that is helping produce cellulosic ethanol at existing grain ethanol plants. Listen to Joanna’s interviews with Kurt Dieker, ICM’s Director of Product Development about these two technologies.

23rd Annual IFAMA World Forum

The 23rd World Forum of the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) is being held June 16-20, 2013 in Atlanta. The theme of this event, with some 450 attendees from 28 countries, is “The Road to 2050: The Talent Factor” – Meeting Future Global Needs of Food and Agriculture. IFAMA 23rd World Forum Photo Album Audio files: Monsanto Chairman …

Motorcycles and E15

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) held a press call to discuss motorcycles and E15. On the call were Robert White director of market development for RFA and Harley Davidson owner, as well as engine experts Bobby Likis and Bryan O’Neill. Listen to the full press call here:

130th American Seed Trade Association Convention

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is holding its 130th annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee June 15-19. ASTA represents the interests and concerns of the seed industry in the United States and around the world. ASTA Annual Meeting Photo Album Below are links to stories on AgWired.com and accompanying audio files. ASTA Convention Tackles Industry Issues ASTA at the Grand …

National Pork Trade Update

The National Pork Producers Council held a telephone press conference this morning from Brussels, Belgium to discuss important trade issues related to U.S. pork, including the Chilean pork safeguard proceeding and the U.S. response, latest on U.S. Country of Origin Labeling and actions by Canada and Mexico, and progress on a U.S.-EU Free Trade Agreement – the Transatlantic Trade and …

Speaker Boehner Supports Farm Bill

Speaker of the House John Boehner says he would vote for the House Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act (FARRM) of 2013. “I’ve got concerns about the farm bill, as I told our members,” Boehner said during the Republican Leadership press conference Wednesday. “But doing nothing means that we get no changes in the farm program, no changes in …

New Study on Food Prices and the RFS

ABF Economics released a new, detailed analysis, commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Association, showing no direct correlation between the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and the overall increase in food prices. Study author John Urbanchuk is managing partner of the agriculture and biofuels consulting firm ABF Economics. Read the full report here.

2013 Fuel Ethanol Workshop

The 29th International Fuel Ethanol Workshop was held in St. Louis, Missouri June 10-13, 2013. The largest ethanol event in the U.S. drew more than 2,000 exhibitors, attendees and speakers to learn about the latest technologies, techniques, procedures and more to help the industry become more profitable and efficient. 2013 FEW Photo Album Opening Remarks: CEO and founder of BBI …