During an appearance at the National Farmers Union (NFU) convention today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new and expanded efforts to connect smaller farmers and ranchers with USDA resources that can “help them build stronger businesses, expand to reach new and larger markets, and grow their operations.” Vilsack held a press conference from the NFU convention following his remarks, joined …
Vilsack Discusses 2015 USDA Budget
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today hosted a media conference call to discuss President Obama’s FY15 budget for the USDA. “The President’s 2015 USDA budget proposal achieves reform and results for the American taxpayer; fosters opportunity for the men and women living, working and raising families in rural America; and supports innovation through strategic, future-focused investments,” said Vilsack. Listen to or …
Social Media Farmer of the Year Nominations
Food Nutrition & Science a leading trade publication for the food industry, today announced the launch of the first Social Media Farmer of the Year Award. The new award recognizes farmers who have incorporated social media, digital media and internet strategies to achieve their business objectives including growing revenue, sharing information for more effective farming practices, and promoting positive awareness …
2014 Mid-South Farm & Gin Show
Last week, Chuck attended his first ever Mid-South Farm & Gin Show in Memphis, TN. In case you were wondering…no, it isn’t the kind of gin you drink. The family affair welcomed nearly 20,000 attendees and 400 exhibitors. A special thanks to FMC for sponsoring our media coverage for the event. Here you can find links to all of Chuck’s …
2014 Commodity Classic
The 2014 Commodity Classic was held in San Antonio, Texas Feb. 27-March 1, 2014. Presented annually by the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers, Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention, and trade show. 2014 Commodity Classic Photos Vilsack Thanks Farmers for Security, Farm Bill – Commodity Classic Presidents …
2014 BASF Science Behind
This 8th annual BASF Crop Protection Science Behind media event was held prior to the kickoff of the Commodity Classic and this year the theme is The Advanced Acre. The event featured stories from growers on how BASF innovation specialists have helped them get the most out of every acre. As a major supporter of the Commodity Classic, BASF also …
Bayer CropScience Ag Issues Forum
Bayer CropScience held its annual Ag Issues Forum prior to the start of the 2014 Commodity Classic in San Antonio. With the theme “What the World Needs”, the forum hit on some of the most trending agricultural topics today – from biotechnology to bees and beyond. Audio and photos from the event will be posted on this page. Bayer CropScience …
2014 National Ethanol Conference
The 19th annual National Ethanol Conference, presented by the Renewable Fuels Association, was held February 17-19, 2014 at the J.W. Marriott in Orlando, Florida. With the theme of “Falling Walls, Rising Tides,” the conference had a big focus on the EPA proposal for 2014 volume obligations under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Presentations addressed the state of the ethanol industry, …
SST Software Certification Program
SST Software, an industry leader in precision agriculture, is now offering a precision ag certification program. The SST Precision Ag Certification Program is an intensive, 10-week training course for preparing precision ag technology specialists. The program covers data management, service provider offerings, emerging products, and analysis reports. Bill Richardson, Director of Training & Education at SST Software, states, “It all …
ABM Opens Facility in South Africa
Advanced Biological Marketing (ABM) has purchased the assets of BioSolutions, an importer of innovative technologies for the agricultural sector in Southern Africa. The acquisition was finalized in December of 2013. Included is the office in Litchenburg South Africa, a manufacturing facility and a distributor network. ABM branded products will be produced, formulated and packaged there. This facility will manufacture products …
2014 National Farm Machinery Show
The 2014 National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky is four days of exploring the latest farm trends, technology and tools, in addition to five great Championship Tractor Pulls. Dates for the 49th annual show and 46th annual tractor pull are Feb. 12-15, 2014. Eight interconnected exhibit halls totaling more than 1.2 million square feet of indoor exhibit space and …
Crop Pro Insurance to Offer Spring 2014 Crop Insurance
Crop Pro Insurance, LLC (“Crop Pro”), a crop insurance Managing General Agency focused on Midwestern crop producers, announced today that it will, in partnership with Technology Insurance Company, Inc. (“TIC”), a subsidiary of AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:AFSI), offer crop insurance through the Federal MPCI program beginning immediately. TIC and Crop Pro have received approval from the Risk Management Agency, …
MapShots 2014 Customer Conference
MapShots held its annual Customer Conference February 7-8 at the Georgia Tech Learning Center in Atlanta. This event brings in MapShots customers as well as third party partners for an intensive couple of days of training sessions and presentations. MapShots is a software development company that provides crop management applications for the agriculture industry, including AgStudio software for managing large …
MGEX Calls on US and Canada Crops
The Minneapolis Grain Exchange (MGEX) hosted two crop calls in the past week to discuss reports out of Stats Canada and USDA. The Stats Canada field crop report was released on February 4 and was analyzed by Wayne Palmer and Brian Voth of Agri-Trend. Jack Scoville of the Price Futures Group discussed the USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate …
Farm Bill Bio Benefits
Just as President Obama was preparing to sign the Agricultural Act of 2014 into law, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) held a media conference call Friday to highlight expansion of the Farm Bill’s energy programs to renewable companies and discuss next steps for the industry to achieve parity with other renewable technologies. Participating in the call were: Matt Carr, BIO …