As the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) was concluding its annual seed research conference and trade show in Chicago last week, word came that arrests had been made in two separate conspiracies to steal seed and trade secrets of U.S. companies. Arrests were made in two different cases last week. A Chinese national working for the Beijing Dabeinong Technology Group …
USDA Press Conferences
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack held two press conferences the week of December 9, 2013 on two totally different subjects, but both times he was asked his thoughts about Congress not getting a farm bill done. On December 11, Vilsack was joined by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus in announcing a joint “Farm-to-Fleet” venture to make biofuel blends part of …
2013 ASTA CSS and Seed Expo
Over 2,500 seed industry professionals attended the American Seed Trade Association’s Annual Corn & Sorghum and Soybean Seed Research Conference and Seed Expo in Chicago, December 10-13, 2013. This meeting is truly “where seed business gets done” with a large trade show and informational meetings focusing on legal and legislative issues, biotech and organic seed concerns, phytosanitary regulations, emerging diseases …
BASF Advanced Seed Enhancement Portfolio
In order to help growers maximize yield potential and get the most out of every acre, BASF offers its complete portfolio of Advanced Seed Enhancements including inoculants, colorants, and biological and chemical seed treatments. BASF provided an overview of that portfolio at the ASTA CSS 2013 and Seed Expo on December 11. BASF at ASTA CSS 2013 and Seed Expo …
Nufarm NAFTA Headquarters
Nufarm invited ag media to tour their new North American headquarters in Alsip, IL. It is also the global headquarters for the Nuseed division. Photos: 2013 Nufarm North America Headquarters Photo Album Audio:
CropLife Foundation Releases Seed Treatment Report
At the end of last week Croplife Foundation released a new report, “The Role of Seed Treatment in Modern U.S. Crop Production.” The report contains extensive information on the benefits of seed treatment for growers, consumers and the environment. The CropLife Foundation held a press conference with these speakers: Jay Vroom, chair, CropLife Foundation board of directors Andrew W. LaVigne, …
Patriot Renewable Fuels, Rep. Bustos, Fight for RFS
On November 27, 2013 Patriot Renewable Fuels, based in Annawan, Illinois hosted a Renewable Fuel Roundtable with special guest Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL). In addition, the biorefinery broke ground on its $10 million 4-5 million gallon biodiesel plant that will use the corn oil produced from ethanol plant to produce biofuels. Listen to Rep. Cheri Bustos full remarks here: Check …
United Soybean Board Conference Call
This morning the United Soybean Board held a conference call with media to introduce new officers and answer questions. An audio file of the recording is available below. USB ADDS 70th DIRECTOR, ELECTS NEW CHAIRMAN AT ANNUAL MEETING The year 2014 will be a historic one for the United Soybean Board (USB) as it expands to a 70-member board of …
Concerns about Impact of Lowering RFS
Representatives from state government, the agriculture community, and the ethanol industry all say the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) biofuels requirements would have a negative impact on agriculture and rural economies. A telephone press discussion about the proposal held on Wednesday featured comments from Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, American Farm Bureau economist Matt Erickson Renewable Fuels …
Advanced Biofuels Industry Previews EPA Testimony
The Advanced Biofuels Association (ABFA) hosted a call today to preview their testimony that will be delivered during EPA’s public hearing on December 5, 2013 about its proposed 2014 renewable fuel volumes as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The EPA is also accepting comments on its proposal to in part, slash advanced biofuel requirement along with slashing all …
Analyst Summarizes Canada Crop Report
Canadian farmers harvested record crops this season, according to the December report from Statistics Canada. Production of most field crops increased in 2013 compared with 2012 as yields reached a number of record highs. Both canola and wheat production reached record levels in 2013. Analyst Bruce Burnett with the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) summarized the report and his take on …
The Chicago Farmers Rebrands Farmland Fair
The Chicago Farmers annual Farmland Investment Fair has been rebranded for 2014 as simply “The Farmland Fair” with a continued focus on the connection of social media and farmland investment. The Chicago Farmers 2014 Farmland Fair – “Where People Come To Learn, Connect and Understand Farmland” – will be held on February 1, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. …
More Content From NAFB 2013
The ZimmComm team got so much content from this year’s NAFB Convention that we decided to add a second page because the first one was getting so full. Here is a link to the first post where you can find interviews from NAFB leadership and other companies we chatted with during Trade Talk: 2013 NAFB Convention Photos: 2013 NAFB Convention …
MFA, Inc. – 100 Years Annual Mtg.
The oldest farmer owned cooperative in the United States is celebrating their 100th anniversary. Chuck is reporting from the MFA Inc. Annual Meeting held at the Missouri State Fairground in Sedalia, MO. MFA Inc. The co-op provides livestock feed and plant food and crop protection products, along with other agricultural supplies and products for farmers across the state. Photos: MFA, …
Veterans Enter Fight for RFS
Two new organizations have entered the fight for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) today as concerns about the future of the RFS deepen with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed 2014 renewable fuels volumes going south. VoteVets.org and Americans United for Change held a press teleconference to announced their participation in the counteroffensive against what they are calling, “Big Oil’s …