John Deere Introducing Updated Harvest Equipment

A new track system and a new draper lineup are among updates to harvest equipment coming from John Deere. A new track system is now fully suspended, offering the ability to transport up to 25 miles per hour from field to field. Track widths are available in 30-inch or 36-inch options. The company now also offers seven draper headers to …

GROWMARK: Agriculture Background Not Required

Although GROWMARK and its FS Member companies are clearly rooted in agriculture, a farming or agribusiness background is not required to thrive as an employee there. GROWMARK’s Director of Talent Management Tom Swearingen is a prime example of that. Originally a commercial airline pilot, Swearingen left that industry after the events of 9/11/2001 changed it forever, and came back to …

Cousin Elected to Heifer International Board of Directors

Ertharin Cousin, former Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme, has been elected to the Heifer International Board of Directors, joining other members with diverse backgrounds in the business, agriculture, academic, faith-based and private sectors. Cousin will serve on the board as an at-large delegate for a three-year term. Cousin spoke at the Water for Food International Forum …

Farm Foundation Forum Features Ag Trade Perspectives

A timely Farm Foundation Forum this week featured the current Chief Agriculture Negotiator of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and three of his predecessors going back to 2001 commenting on the current trade environment for agriculture. Ambassador Gregg Doud, current Chief Agriculture Negotiator Ambassador Darci Vetter, former Chief Agriculture Negotiator (2014-2016) Ambassador Richard Crowder, former Chief Agriculture Negotiator …

GROWMARK Recruits and Retains Top Talent

GROWMARK and FS member companies work hard to recruit and retain top talent, and there are a few reasons they’ve had success. “The two things that we’ve done to really try to recruit top talent are to make sure that there is great, positive brand awareness around our employment brand, and the increased use of technology to make sure our …

Got Milk? Got Jobs.

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) have announced a new “Got Jobs? Dairy Creates Jobs, Exports Create More” campaign to spotlight dairy’s contribution to the health of the U.S. economy. The groups held a virtual news conference to announce the campaign with IDFA president and CEO Michael …

ONE 18 : The Alltech Ideas Conference

The transformative power of ideas is the focus of ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference 2018, May 20–22, in Lexington, Kentucky. The program includes former vice chair of General Electric Beth Comstock, USDA Under Secretary Bill Northey and groundbreaking neurologist Dr. Majid Fotuhi. Four thousand attendees from more than 70 countries are expected to attend this year’s 34th annual conference. This …

Farm Bill Defeated in the House

House Agriculture Committee Chair Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX) delivered on his promise to get a farm bill written in a timely manner, but his colleagues in the House voted 198-213 Friday to reject his effort. Democrats voted against the bill mainly for changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) aimed at getting able-bodied adults under 60 without dependents or …

ZimmCast 584 – More NAMA, Farm Bill & Precision Ag

There is a mix of topics in this week’s ZimmCast. In this week’s program you will hear: Interview with Marina Menendez, Distillery Madison Interview with Diane Riley/Brenda, Kondex Interview with Chuck Spencer, GROWMARK USDA story on Precision Ag Advancement We have new members of the #GoldenMic Club, some discussion on sustainability as it relates to the Conservation Title of the …

GROWMARK Talks Farm Bill Priorities

The House version of the farm bill is expected to come to the floor this week, and GROWMARK is among those weighing in with policymakers about priorities for the legislation. The cooperative is particularly looking for support of the Conservation Title, among others. In this interview, Spencer also discusses how sustainability in agriculture has become an important issue when talking …

MGEX Presents Industry Commentary on Crop Reports

USDA released its May World Agricultural Supply Demand Estimates (WASDE) report on May 10 with an initial assessment of U.S. and world crop supply and demand prospects and U.S. prices for 2018/19, as well as the latest wheat production forecast for 2018. In addition, on May 11, the Stats Can Stocks of Principal Field Crops report was released for Canada. …

White House RFS Meeting Reaction from NCGA

News that the Tuesday meeting at the White House resulted in a commitment to allow year-round sales of 15% ethanol blends was tempered by a reported plan to reallocate Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) from exempted renewable fuel volumes using exported ethanol gallons. As Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley tweeted after the meeting, the devil will be in the details of the …

GROWMARK and FS Announce Enduring Farm Award Winners

GROWMARK and local FS member cooperatives are recognizing 26 sustainable farming operations for the inaugural Enduring Farm awards. These farms were nominated for the award for their implementation of sustainable nutrient management practices such as following the 4R principles for all nutrient applications, monitoring nitrogen levels through soil sampling, and implementing variable rate technology for phosphorous applications. Nutrient management cropping …

Condon to Lead New Crop Science Division for Bayer

Bayer today announced the new Executive Leadership Team for the Crop Science division will be led by Liam Condon, who continues to serve as a member of Bayer’s Board of Management and as President of the Crop Science Division headquartered in Monheim, Germany. Condon is also responsible for Bayer’s Animal Health business unit and has over 25 years of experience …

Report Says Icahn Refinery Received RFS Waiver

Reuters published an exclusive report Monday citing two anonymous sources who claim EPA granted a small refinery hardship exemption to CVR Energy, owned by billionaire and presidential adviser Carl Icahn. CVR Energy just released its 1st quarter earnings last Thursday, posting a net income of $66 million, compared to $22 million in the first quarter of 2017. Audio file – …