The National Farmers Union represented agriculture on a Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) advisory group that helped develop a new report on “Options for Reforming the Renewable Fuel Standard.” NFU vice president of programs Chandler Goule discusses the advisory group makeup being skewed toward Big Oil, and NFU’s objections to policy recommendations made in the report. In this interview, Goule also …
2014 NAFB Trade Talk
The 71st annual National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention once again featured the popular Trade Talk event, where over 100 companies and organizations lined up for interviews with broadcasters from all over the country. Find links to Trade Talk attendee interviews here, as well as a link to the convention photo album. General convention story posts can be found here. …
COOL Reform Coalition Reacts to WTO Ruling
The World Trade Organization (WTO) released the compliance panel report on the U.S. Country of Origin labeling (COOL) law finding that “the amended COOL measure violates Article 2.1 of the TBT Agreement because it accords to Canadian and Mexican livestock less favourable treatment than that accorded to like US livestock.” The COOL Reform Coalition held a press call and webinar …
Ditch the Rule at Missouri State Fair
Agriculture’s “Ditch the Rule” campaign against the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule was highlighted at the Missouri State Fair this week. Three Republican members of Missouri’s congressional delegation held a press conference at the fair, organized by the the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and Missouri Farm Bureau. Senator Roy Blunt …
Michigan Ag Groups Discuss Water Quality
Michigan agricultural leaders held a conference call Thursday morning to discuss algae bloom issues and proactive water quality efforts being undertaken by producers in the state. Taking part in the call were: Jim Byrum, president, Michigan Agri-Business Association Jim Zook, executive director, Michigan Corn Growers Ken Nobis, president, Michigan Milk Producers Association Mary Kelpinski, executive director, Michigan Pork Producers Dr. …
Cattle Industry’s Summer Conference
The 2014 Cattle Industry Summer Conference took place in Denver, CO. July 30 – August 2. The event brought together cattle producers from across the country to discuss the business side of the industry. A few of the hot issues discussed included Waters of the United States, Country of Origin Labeling and trade regulations. A special thanks goes out to …
Missouri Right to Farm Amendment
On July 5, Missouri voters will be deciding the fate of a constitutional amendment to protect farming rights in the state. In this interview, Missouri Farm Bureau president Blake Hurst talks about Amendment 1 on the ballot, “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to ensure that the right of Missouri citizens to engage in agricultural production and ranching practices shall …
2014 Southern Peanut Growers Conference
The 16th annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference was held July 24-26, 2014 in Panama City Beach, Florida. The event brings together farmers and peanut industry professionals from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi to find out the latest information about their business and share a few days of fun and fellowship. The event is coordinated by the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation …
Interview with National Corn President
Members of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) had a busy week in the nation’s capital last week – hearing from and meeting with administration officials and lawmakers, saying goodbye to retiring industry leaders, and inspiring new young leaders. In this interview with NCGA president Martin Barbre of Illinois, he talks about their conversation with EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe, …
New Report on Economic Impact of Renewable Fuels
The Fuels America coalition released an economic impact study by John Dunham & Associates showing that the industry supports more than 850,000 American jobs and drives $184.5 billion of economic output. Fuels America held a telephone press conference introducing the report results featuring comments from Jon Doggett, National Corn Growers Association public policy; Adam Monroe, Novozymes; Larry Ward, POET; and …
2014 ACE Biofuels Beltway March
The 6th annual Biofuels Beltway March organized by the American Coalition for Ethanol was held March 25-26, 2014 in Washington DC. Over 80 supporters representing 15 states heard from officials with USDA, EPA, and the White House and then visiting the offices of more than 120 members of Congress. 2014 ACE Biofuels Beltway March photo album Big Turnout for ACE …
National Ag Day Celebration
The celebration of 2014 National Agriculture Day in Washington DC included events March 25-27. Ag Day is celebrated annually to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture. National Ag Day photo album Farm to Fork Politics photos …
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 …
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, …
2014 Mid-South Farm & Gin Show
Last week, Chuck attended his first ever Mid-South Farm & Gin Show in Memphis, TN. In case you were wondering…no, it isn’t the kind of gin you drink. The family affair welcomed nearly 20,000 attendees and 400 exhibitors. A special thanks to FMC for sponsoring our media coverage for the event. Here you can find links to all of Chuck’s …