Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack started his first full week of work Monday addressing the National Farmers Union’s virtual convention, the first of many appearances he will likely be making to agricultural organizations. As secretary under the Obama Administration for eight years, Vilsack made an effort to attend as many agriculture and biofuel related events as possible each year. NFU …
Secretary Vilsack Back at the USDA
Former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack became current secretary under the Biden Administration this week, returning to the job he held for eight years under President Obama. Secretary Vilsack was confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday, sworn in virtually by Vice President Harris on Wednesday, and held his first press call with reporters Thursday morning. Listen to that call here: …
2021 Digital National Ethanol Conference
The Renewable Fuels Association 26th annual National Ethanol Conference, February 16-18, features a fully digital, interactive format for the first time ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2021 National Ethanol Conference information This virtual ag newsroom includes links to digital media content available free of charge for digital or print publication or broadcast. Images 2021 Digital National Ethanol Conference image …
Ethanol Report 2-19-21
This edition of the Ethanol Report features highlights from the 26th annual National Ethanol Conference (NEC). First, we hear some of Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper’s annual State of the Industry address focusing on ethanol as essential energy. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) discusses her Next Generation Fuels Act, and former House Ag Committee Chair Collin Peterson comments …
2021 Top Producer Summit
This year’s Top Producer Summit is “Breaking New Ground” both online and in person. This annual event features topics important to the nation’s most productive and growth-oriented producers as well as sessions and speakers. This virtual newsroom will contain photos and interviews over the course of the events. This virtual ag newsroom includes links to digital media content available free …
ZimmCast 665 – All About AgWiki
In this edition of the ZimmCast we’re going to learn about AgWiki from CEO, Randy Krotz. AgWiki is a community of farmers, researchers, nutritionists, and consultants seeking to discover solutions to sustainability and world hunger…socially. Randy will talk about the startup venture and what the mission is, as well as how you can get involved and even help with the …
Field Notes From Koch Agronomic Services – Episode 10
The Field Notes podcast series from Koch Agronomic Services (Koch) breaks down the science and technology behind agronomy to help growers do more with less. The experts we’ve heard from on our previous episodes have covered topics ranging from how different crops use nitrogen to the 4R’s of Nutrient Stewardship and how growers and retailers work together to choose the …
Crop Insurers Hear from Senate Ag Committee Leaders
Organizations representing crop insurance companies held a virtual joint 2021 Crop Insurance Convention on February 9 where they heard from the leadership of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR). American Association of Crop Insurers (AACI) executive director Scott Graves welcomed Sen. Boozman, while Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) executive vice president …
2021 Virtual CIRB Annual Meeting
The virtual 57th annual Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau Annual meeting, hosted on Zoom, is being held February 4, 2021. Meeting agenda This virtual ag newsroom includes links to digital media content available free of charge for digital or print publication or broadcast. Images 2021 CIRB Annual Meeting Photo Album Audio Presentations and Interviews Wrap up interview with Michael Torrey, …
Senators Question EPA Nominee on RFS and WOTUS
The Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and the Renewable Fuel Standard were two topics Environmental Protection Agency nominee Michael Regan addressed during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Wednesday. Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) called WOTUS the “one that everyone ought to be concerned about because that’s the number one issue.” Regan, who …
Tom Vilsack Senate Ag Confirmation Hearing
Members of the Senate Agriculture Committee Tuesday questioned former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack about his goals if confirmed to return to his old job as the new Secretary of Agriculture. (4:36) Vilsack discussed his plans for the biofuels industry in response to a question from Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). (1:37) Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) asked Vilsack how he will support …
Daugherty Water for Food Podcast – Episode 5
This episode of the Daugherty Water for Food podcast features a discussion on water law with the Nebraska Governance and Technology Center. Water regulations, and the subsidies and penalties that follow them, are not easy to change when a major weather event impacts water storage and use. As more and more weather events occur due to climate change, some advocates …
Ethanol Report 1-28-21
In this edition of the Ethanol Report, we hear from three Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) staff members about the organization’s efforts in advocacy, safety, and education. Troy Bredenkamp is RFA’s brand new Senior Vice President for Government & Public Affairs in the Washington D.C. office and he could not be coming on board at a more critical time for the …
China Starting to Buy U.S. Ethanol
Reports that China is buying U.S. ethanol again sent a positive message to the industry Tuesday that the Phase One trade agreement promises may yet be met. During an investor call, Archer Daniels Midland Co-Chief Financial Officer Ray Young said they believe China has already made commitments “in the first half of the year for U.S. ethanol equal to the …
Iowa Governor Supports Higher Biofuels Blends
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds once again addressed the annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit this week, something she has done every year as governor, as well as multiple years prior as lieutenant governor, but the first time in a virtual format. Gov. Reynolds said she was looking forward to working with the new Biden Administration to grow demand for biofuels around …