Ethanol Interests Testify on Proposed Fuels Act

Ethanol stakeholder groups testified Tuesday at a House Energy and Commerce Environment Subcommittee hearing to review a discussion draft of the 21st Century Transportation Fuels Act, which would effectively repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Among those who testified: Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper- Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor – Texas farmer and National Corn Growers Association …

2018 ASTA CSS and Seed Expo

Held each year in Chicago, the 2018 ASTA CSS and Seed Expo is America’s largest seed industry convention with the latest information on seed treatment, plant breeding innovation, the agricultural economy forecast for 2019, emerging global disease threats and more. This year’s meeting was held December 3-6. Major sponsors at the event include Bayer and BASF. This virtual ag newsroom includes …

EPA Finalizes RFS Renewable Fuel Volumes

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the finalized rule for required renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for 2019, and biomass-based diesel for 2020. The key elements of the final rule include maintaining the “conventional” renewable fuel volumes, primarily met by corn ethanol, at the current 15-billion gallon level set by Congress for 2019; increasing …

GROWMARK Recognized by HIRE Vets Medallion Program

GROWMARK is a 2018 recipient of the HIRE Vets Medallion Program Demonstration Award from the Department of Labor. The award goes to employers that have done a successful job of recruiting and supporting the veterans on their workforce. GROWMARK’s application included ways the company attracts and supports veterans, like having an internal military support group and military friendly leave policies. …

ZimmCast with NAFB Leadership

ZimmCast

This week’s program is dedicated to discussions with the leadership of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. NAFB just held its 75th annual convention in Kansas City. This edition of the ZimmCast includes interviews with: Immediate past-president of NAFB, Tom Cassidy, Ag Radio Network Tom Brand, NAFB Executive Director NAFB President-Elect Rita Frazier, RFD Radio Network New NAFB President, Lorrie …

ZimmCast 602 – A Farm Broadcasting Icon and More

ZimmCast

In this episode of the ZimmCast, we share a conversation with farm broadcasting legend Everett Griner who just announced his retirement from Southeast AgNet after 70 years in the broadcast business. Next in the program is an interview with Kelly Davis, Renewable Fuels Association, about their co-partnership of the Export Exchange conference that brings together international grain buyers with U.S. …

Presidential Speeches at 91st National FFA Convention

President Donald Trump addressed the 91st National FFA Convention Saturday in Indianapolis. Outgoing National FFA president Breanna Holbert of California gave her retiring address shortly after President Trump spoke. Listen to some of both their speeches here.

Georgia Peanut Farmers Count Hurricane Michael Losses

Hurricane Michael hit Georgia agriculture right at harvest season for many crops, including peanuts, where only half of what was looking to be a pretty good crop had been harvested. The remaining 50 percent is yet to be harvested as crop conditions deteriorate and damaged peanut buying points struggle to regain power to dry and grade the peanuts. Officials with …

RFA Comments on E15 Rulemaking Timeline

Ethanol interests are raising concerns about the Environmental Protection Agency delaying the start of the rulemaking process for year-round E15 until February 2019, which would make the timeline for getting it approved before next summer very tight. Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper says they would very much like to see a proposal out sooner than February, but …

RFA Panel Addresses E15 Attacks

Since President Trump announced the administration’s intention to seek authorization to sell E15 ethanol year-round, ethanol critics have been increasing attacks on the fuel, so the Renewable Fuels Association held a panel teleconference October 25 to address some of the false and misleading information, including E15 use in vehicles and marine engines, as well as its impact on air quality. …

ZimmCast 601 – FMC in the Field

ZimmCast

FMC Agricultural Solutions held a field day at its Sparks, GA research station earlier this month, hosted by the FMC technical service team with a plot tour, presentations and certification training. In particular, the FMC technical service team showcased new Lucento™ fungicide, which is expected to be approved by the end of this year for the 2019 season. You can …

Manito Transit acquires Baucom Truck Service

Manito Transit is continuing its expansion effort with the acquisition of Baucom Truck Service, a trucking company based in Camp Point, Illinois. Baucom has 27 drivers (a combination of company drivers and owner/operators) that haul propane and anhydrous ammonia, adding to the current Manito Transit fleet of nearly 150 trucks serving customers in 13 states. The company distributes fuel oil, …

EDGE Dairy Cooperative Engaging in D.C.

EDGE Dairy Cooperative has been focusing on engaging more actively for its members at the federal level, according to Mike Torrey with Torrey Associates. Torrey said the cooperative has put together an effective effort in the nation’s capitol through fly in events, testimonies and social media campaigns to speak for America’s dairy farmers on issues such as the farm bill …

Nature Conservancy Backs Farm Bill Conservation Programs

As House and Senate Agriculture leaders keep working toward passing a farm bill yet this year, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is urging Congress to approve legislation that will continue to provide farmers and ranchers with the tools to conserve our nation’s land and water resources, according to Larry Clemens, TNC agriculture director for North America. Soil health is of particular …

ZimmCast 600 – John Deere at World Dairy Expo

ZimmCast

The ZimmCast hits another milestone today with episode number 600! In this week’s program we’ll hear several John Deere representatives talk about the company’s newest forage harvester, the self-propelled 9,000 Series, launched at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. You will hear from John Thomassen, Global Director – Hay & Forage Harvest; Dan Paschke, Director of Marketing – Hay & …