Global Seed Market Valued at $17 Billion

The Context NetworkDES MOINES, IA – May 18, 2006 – (AgNewsWire) Global crop production shifts, transgenic and hybrid seed technologies and changes in targeted plant populations helped increase the value of the global proprietary seed market to more than $17 billion in 2005. That is a 30 percent increase over the past five years, according to the latest edition of an extensive global seed market survey completed by The Context Network, a business management consulting service to the world’s leading agriculture, biotechnology and food companies.

Beef Industry Increases Advertising Efforts

Columbia, MO (AgNewsWire) With a near “perfect storm” of market forces this summer, beef producers are stepping up promotional efforts to keep beef center of the plate for consumers. Missouri Beef Industry Council Chairman David Dick of Sedalia says consumers have a lot to choose from at the meat counter. “There’s a glut of the other proteins in the market, …

American Farmland Trust Report – New Framework For U. S. Farm Policy

American Farmland TrustWashington, DC – (AgNewsWire) On the same week as the 73rd anniversary of the first farm bill (May 12, 1933), two former Secretaries of Agriculture under Republican and Democratic administrations and two Midwestern farmer leaders today endorsed new, visionary policy recommendations for the 21st century contained in a report released today by American Farmland Trust (AFT). Entitled Agenda 2007: A New Framework and Direction for U.S. Farm Policy, the new AFT report is a product of more than a year of consultation with hundreds of farmers, ranchers, economists and policy experts. Agenda 2007 offers guidelines and policy recommendations for the next farm bill. It was developed to respond to mounting budget deficits, the trade distortions of existing policies, the inequitable distribution of farm bill benefits and insufficient focus on infrastructure investment and on conservation, environmental, energy and other programs of great potential benefit to rural America. (Full Release)

Domestic Fuel Blogs Clean Cities Congress

Clean Cities Congress & ExpoPhoenix, AZ-May 5, 2006- AgNewsWire – Regularly updated information will be available from the Clean Cities Congress and Expo 2006, May 7-10, in Phoenix, Arizona on Domestic Fuel (www.domesticfuel.com), an industry weblog (also known as a “blog”) featuring information about domestic fuel alternatives. The Clean Cities Congress is the leading industry event that features speakers and exhibitors representing a wide range of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies. It is presented by the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVI) on behalf of industry sponsors and Arizona Clean Cities.

May Is Beef Month In Missouri

Missouri Beef Industry Council(Columbia, MO – AgNewsWire) Beef Month in Missouri officially kicked off Tuesday, May 2, at the state capitol front lawn in Jefferson City under sunny skies filled with the aroma of hamburgers on the grill. The Missouri Beef Industry Council joined with the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association to provide a variety of activities for the third annual “Beef Day,” including a live cattle display and pictures with “Molly Moo.”

Merial Stands Behind Cattle Gain with IVOMEC Plus Challenge

MerialDULUTH, Ga., April 18, 2006 (AgNewsWire) – Merial announces the return of a program that encourages producers to put a spring deworming program to the test. The IVOMEC Plus (ivermectin/clorsulon) Challenge gives producers in eight states a firsthand look at the benefits of treating cattle for parasites in the spring, including liver flukes, this spring.

Steak Sundae is a Cool Surprise for Kids

Missouri Beef Industry CouncilColumbia, MO (AgNewsWire) April is the “Month of the Young Child” and anyone who has children knows how difficult it can be to get them to eat nutritious foods. To make it a little easier, the Missouri Beef Industry Council (MBIC) offers a fun idea for even the pickiest eaters – the Steak Sundae. According to MBIC marketing director Dawn Thurnau, the treat can be made by alternating layers of mashed potatoes and chunks of steak with warm barbeque sauce or gravy in a sundae dish.

JEFF SIMMONS NAMED RAHAL LETTERMAN TEAM ETHANOL DRIVER

Ethanol Promotion and Information CouncilOmaha, Neb. (April 4, 2006-AgNewsWire) – Rahal Letterman Racing (RLR), one of the leading open-wheel race teams in North America, along with Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) today announced the selection of Jeff Simmons as the driver for No. 17 Team Ethanol Honda/Panoz/Firestone.

Massey Ferguson® Adds to Compact Tractor Line

DULUTH, GA –March 30, 2006 (AgNewsWire) —Massey Ferguson has expanded its line-up of compact tractors with the new Massey Ferguson 1560, a 59.1 rated engine hp tractor with expanded work capabilities. The 1560 features a larger chassis, heavier rear end and expanded 3-point hitch capacities. “The new 1560 gives buyers increased job capabilities, with more horsepower than any other compact …

Classic iPod Keepsake Winner Announced

New Holland Welcome to National Agriculture Day on AgNewsWire. Thank you farmers for providing us with the most abundant and safe food supply in the world. This is the day for the announcement of the winner of the New Holland “Down on the Farm” Classic iPod Keepsake Contest. Thanks to all the people who entered online or at the New Holland booth at Commodity Classic. The random drawing has taken place and . . .

The Context Network Names New Partners

The Context NetworkDES MOINES, IA – March 17, 2006 – (AgNewsWire) Four new partners have been named at The Context Network as part of an overall business expansion effort to enhance and deepen the firm’s ability to deliver strategic management solutions and business management consulting services to leading agricultural and biotechnology companies.
“The addition of four new partners and their combined 95 years of experience greatly enhance The Context Network’s ability to offer deeper industry and business expertise,” said founding partner Tray Thomas. “It also allows us to work more closely with our clients to improve their performance.”

FMC introduces Capture® LFR™ insecticide for corn

FMCAnaheim, California, March 7, 2006 (AgNewsWire) – During the 2006 Commodity Classic in Anaheim, California last week, FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) announced the launch of Capture® LFR™ insecticide for corn. According to FMC Midwest technical support manager Robert Hooten, this unique insecticide is ideal for use with liquid pop-up fertilizers, allowing growers to maintain yields and protect their investment in seed.

Monsanto Launches Roundup Ready® Alfalfa

MonsantoST. LOUIS (February 28, 2006) – Monsanto recently announced the launch of new Roundup Ready® Alfalfa during the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California. Monsanto Marketing Manager for Roundup Ready Alfalfa Chris Peterson says benefits of the new system can help create greater profit opportunities for growers.

New Holland “Classic” Video iPod Contest

(New Holland, PA – AgNewsWire) It seems like everyone is giving away Apple iPods these days, but New Holland has a new twist on their video iPod contest at this year’s Commodity Classic in Anaheim, CA. It will be loaded with pictures, audio and video from the corn and soybean convention – as well as the new CD from country music star Michael Peterson.