Commentary on USDA Acreage Report

Despite the challenging planting conditions this spring USDA is saying that farmers have planted the most corn and soybean acres ever, according to Friday’s Acreage report. Considering what the spring has been like, the numbers are being met with some skepticism by market watchers in particular. “It’s a shockingly big number and it will be questioned,” said Jack Scoville of …

NCGA Testimony on Trade Negotiations

During a House Committee on Small Business hearing this week in Washington, National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson provided policy recommendations for the U.S. Trade Representative on growing export opportunities, particularly the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Listen to or download Pam’s testimony and answers to questions from lawmakers:

Chambliss on Immigration Bill Ag Amendments

As the Senate prepares to vote on comprehensive immigration reform today, Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) took to the floor Wednesday evening to detail some of his concerns about the farm worker provisions in the bill and amendments that he wanted to see added. Chambliss spent time detailing the amendments he would like to offer that would fix some of the …

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 …

2013 LMA Annual Mtg. & World Livestock Auctioneer Championship

The 2013 Livestock Marketing Association Annual Convention and 50th World Livestock Auctioneer Championship take place in Montgomery, AL. There will be interviews and other recorded remarks posted here as they become available so please check back. You can find and download full res photos from the event here: 2013 LMA/WLAC Photo Album