President Obama traveled to Michigan State University to sign the Agricultural Act of 2014 at the alma mater of Senate Agriculture Committee chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). Stabenow was among those who joined the president as he signed the bill, along with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH) and others. Listen to or download the …
GMO Coalition Announced
American farmers and representatives from a diverse group of almost thirty industry and non-governmental organizations today announced the formation of the Coalition for Safe Affordable Food and urged Congress to quickly seek a federal solution that would establish standards for the safety and labeling of food and beverage products made with genetically modified ingredients (GMOs). Representatives of some of the …
Vilsack on Farm Bill Priorities
The U.S. Senate today passed the long-overdue 2012 Farm Bill by a vote of 68-32. According to Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow, the Agricultural Act of 2014 will “reform agriculture programs, reduce the deficit, and help farmers, ranchers and business owners grow the economy.” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the bill includes “meaningful reform and billions of dollars in …
USDA Offers Drought Help for California
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced USDA is making $20 million available for agricultural water conservation efforts throughout California to combat the effects of drought. Interested landowners and managers have until March 3, 2014 to apply for available funds. Vilsack held a press conference today with Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA) and California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross.
GROWMARK Propane Interview
Freezing temperatures, a wetter than normal harvest, and more exports have all contributed to a “perfect storm” scenario for short supplies of propane right now, according to Scott Long, manager of propane marketing and business development for GROWMARK, Inc. GROWMARK is a farmer-owned cooperative based in Bloomington, Illinois that is a big supplier of propane in the Midwest.
Iowa Senator to Vote No on Farm Bill
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) announced last week that he intends to vote against the farm bill conference report passed by the House. In a floor speech on Thursday, January 30, Sen. Grassley explained why he opposed the Agricultural Act of 2014. “I strongly support the business of agriculture….But if I were to vote yes on this bill, it would be …
Climate Corp Tackles Data Privacy
The Climate Corporation today announced principles and commitments related to data use and privacy published on-line in a Guiding Principles on Data and Privacy statement. David Friedberg, CEO of The Climate Corporation, which was acquired by Monsanto in October 2013, held a call with reporters on Friday to talk about the announcement:
Cong. Emanuel Cleaver Interview
More Democrats than Republicans voted against the conference committee farm bill this week in the U.S. House, mostly because of the nutrition program reforms, but 89 did vote in favor despite that and one was Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), former mayor of Kansas City. In this interview, Rep. Cleaver explains why he voted in favor of the farm bill …
2014 Iowa Power Farming Show
The 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show is in full swing this week in Des Moines, Iowa and according to Tom Junge, show director nearly 25,000 people are expected to attend the third largest farm show in the United States. The show expands 7 acres and features exhibitors from 29 states and 4 Canadian Provinces; represents 750 companies and more than …
International Production and Processing Expo
The combined International Poultry Expo, International Feed Expo, and International Meat Expo now knows as the International Production & Processing Expo was held January 27-30 in Atlanta, Georgia. Despite a paralyzing two-inch snowfall on Tuesday that snarled traffic and created logistical problems, the show went on. Links to audio files, stories, and photos from the event can be found below. …
8th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit
The 8th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit was a soaring success on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 when more than 600 industry members and interested consumers gathered at the Prairie Meadows Convention Center in Altoona, Iowa. During the morning attendees heard about the efforts of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (Iowa RFA) who hosts the event each year. In addition they …
Fuels America Responds to SOTU
This morning Fuels America held a teleconference to provide reaction to the climate action plan President Obama discussed during his State of the Union address last night. The President’s speech coincided with the final day of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) comment period on a proposal to reverse the implementation of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The EPA plan would …
There’s Still Time to Apply Lime
Why waiting to correct soil pH can decrease yields Gilmore City, IA — For growers unable to apply lime last fall, a new generation of engineered lime products are a solution that can be applied year-round. Unlike standard ag lime, advanced soil amendment products such as SuperCal 98G provide fast and complete soil pH changes because of they contain extremely …
Livestock Groups Address Farm Bill Concerns
Livestock organizations and food associations are opposing the farm bill out of conference committee this week because makes no changes to the Country of Origin Labeling law (COOL), which is being challenged by Mexico and Canada over world trade violations. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president Scott George, National Association of Manufacturers director of international trade policy Jessica Lemos, and National …
RFS Hearing in the Heartland
Hundreds of biofuel supporters from around the Midwest gathered in Des Moines Thursday to submit comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at a “Hearing in the Heartland: Supporting the Renewable Fuel Standard” hosted by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. The hearing was organized after EPA declined to do so and included comments from dozens of lawmakers, government officials, farmers, biofuel …