During a hearing on Wednesday, House Agriculture Committee members questioned EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, on the agency’s overreaching, burdensome regulations and policies such as the “waters of the United States” rule, proposed changes to the ozone standard and pesticide uses and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Listen to McCarthy’s testimony and some of the questioning by committee members here:
#CIRB16 Attendees Gather in California
Leaders in the crop insurance business are gathered in California for the annual meeting of the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau. On the program this year are presentations about the political climate in this election year, the climate itself and economic challenges facing the world ag market. In addition, first-year members of the CIRB Emerging Leaders Program will be on …
Vilsack Discusses 2017 USDA Budget
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack hosted a national media call to discuss the Obama administration’s 2017 budget request for USDA programs. “The President’s 2017 Budget request aims to ensure USDA’s programs continue to invest in agriculture research and development, target effective strategies to protect our natural resources, and expand markets and economic opportunity for our farmers, ranchers, and the people who …
Syngenta COO on ChemChina Offer
Syngenta confirmed Monday that ChemChina, a Chinese state-owned company, has offered to acquire the company with the cash purchase of all Syngenta shares. The $43 billion deal must still be approved by two-thirds of Syngenta shareholders and receive regulatory approval. Syngenta Chief Operating Officer Davor Piskof held a press call with reporters Monday to talk about the deal, noting that …
Mavrx Announces First Promotional Grower Offer
Mavrx, a leader in Ultra-High-Resolution (UHR) imagery for agriculture, introduced its first promotional grower offer during the 2016 Top Producer Seminar. Mavrx CEO Max Bruner made the announcement at a series of luncheon meetings with top growers during the event where Mavrx is a premier sponsor. Bruner explains, “With commodity prices the lowest in years, growers are seeking tools to …
New Practices Aim to Increase Productivity for Lamb Producers
Lamb producers were introduced to the industry’s first set of Productivity Best Practices at the 2016 Sheep Industry Convention January 27-30. Lambs sold per ewe is the biggest influence on profitability, and implementing the new Best Practices to Increase Your Lamb Crop gives sheep producers more control over price volatility, according to the panel of sheep producers and production experts …
International Attendees Flock to #IPPE16
The Georgia World Congress Center is the home for the International Production & Processing Expo. The event is sponsored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, North American Meat Institute and American Feed Industry Association. There were 1,300 exhibitors occupying almost a half million square feet. 2016 IPPE Photo Album Novus Talks Innovation at IPPE – Novus Offers Sustainable Antibiotic-Free …
A Zippy 500th ZimmCast
We wanted our 500th ZimmCast to be something special so we felt it appropriate to spotlight the new president of the American Farm Bureau Federation who has a name that is sure to be unforgettable – Zippy Duvall of Georgia. Duvall, who served as president of Georgia Farm Bureau for nine years, was elected as AFBF’s 12th president at the …
#SHPsummit16
The 2016 Soil Health Summit was held in Indianapolis January 21-22. The Soil Health Partnership, is a National Corn Growers Association Initiative, with Initial Support From Monsanto and The Walton Family Foundation and with technical support from The Nature Conservancy. SHP has a goal to learn more about soil health and share the information with farmers. 2016 Soil Health Summit …
Agrible Appointed to Data Privacy and Security Board
Agrible, Inc. is pleased to announce its appointment to the interim board of a coalition to address the importance of big data privacy, security, and transparency for growers. This coalition of leading farm and commodity associations, growers and companies – startups and large corporations alike – will work to promote privacy and security principles for farm data. According to an …
The Forecast Calls for Dormex
Fueled by the strongest El Nino on record, rains are coming in waves across the country. Given the unusual weather pattern, growers are more concerned than ever about proper application timing to get the best results from their plant growth regulator (PGR). They want to know how soon it can rain after application and still achieve product performance using Dormex. …
Barnstorm Helps Growers Share Their Stories
What does reputation have to do with farming and ranching? Actually, a lot! The folks at Osborn Barr truly believe it and have launched Barnstorm, a site solely dedicated to helping farmers and ranchers share their story, build their brand and establish a trusted reputation. Karen Pfautsch, Director of Barnstorm, sat down with cattle producers during the recent Missouri Cattlemen’s …
Employees Earn FS Certified Applicator Awards
More than 400 individuals completed special training to become FS Certified Applicators. The individuals, employed by FS companies throughout North America, completed in person and on-line training sessions and tests to enhance their skills in application, safety, and best management practices. Lance Ruppert, GROWMARK Director of Strategic Agronomy marketing said the goal of the program is to develop best in …
GROWMARK Matching Gift Program
GROWMARK, through its Foundation, is introducing a matching gift program to team up with System members in support of local non-profit organizations. The GROWMARK Foundation’s Enduring Commitments program will match a member donation between $1,000 and $5,000 to a qualifying 501(c)(3). Enduring Commitments is designed to partner with members to increase their impact within local communities, according to Amy Bradford, …
#AFBF16 in Orlando
The 97th annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation was held January 10-12 in Orlando, Florida. The event kicked off with the Opening General Session where outgoing President Bob Stallman addressed thousands of farmers and ranchers from around the country and encouraged them to stand up and be counted. Check out the 2016 AFBF Convention photos. Listen to Bob …