The following is a statement from North Dakota farmer Kevin Skunes, president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), in response to the announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the final 2018 Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “NCGA is pleased to see the EPA meet the Administration’s commitment to keep the RFS on track when it comes …
EPA Releases ‘18 Ethanol Volumes at Maximum levels; Chicken Producers Cry Foul
Agency keeps pumping corn ethanol into a saturated fuel market The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is mandating the statutory maximum 15 billion gallons of ethanol be added to the domestic fuel supply in 2018, the second consecutive year EPA has mandated the maximum amount of ethanol allowed under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The currently mandated …
Ag Economist: Farming Preparing for Financial Winter
If you’re not happy with the weather, wait a little while and things will change. That phrase works not only for the weather, but the overall ag economy. Ag economist and financial analyst Dr. Dave Kohl recently spoke at the 2017 Ag Bankers Conference in Wisconsin. He said the ag economy runs through four seasons. He also said the current …
Relating to a Public That Doesn’t Relate with Agriculture
Society is changing, and the connection back to the farm is declining. Agriculture is facing the challenge of relating to a public that doesn’t relate with agriculture. Wes Jamison, Professor of Public Relations at Palm Beach Atlantic University, says it anti-ag groups, specifically anti-animal agriculture groups, are very successful in their mission. Opposition But, agriculture is fighting back. Jamison explains …
AFBF, NFU, Joint Survey Shows Impact of Opioid Epidemic on Rural America
A survey by Morning Consult shows 74 percent of farmers and farm workers say they have been directly impacted by opioid abuse. A collaboration between the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union, AFBF President Zippy Duvall says the survey is a united approach to the opioid crisis. Survey National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson says the survey shows …
NIFA Supports Increasing Rural Prosperity through Education, Mentoring, and Technical Assistance Programs for the Next Generation of Farmers and Ranchers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced awards made to support the next generation of farmers and ranchers through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). The BFRDP program, authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, aims to help address issues associated with the rising age and decrease in the number of U.S. …
Perdue on President’s “Bring Back Main Street” Message
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue echoed President Donald J. Trump’s message that tax cuts and reforms are needed to increase American prosperity. The president delivered remarks with a “Bring Back Main Street” theme in St. Charles, Missouri, highlighting the need for tax relief to boost the economy, particularly in the heartland. Perdue issued the following statement: “The people of …
Cattlemen Watching Tax Reform Debate
Tax reform has been a major issue in Washington D.C. and an issue many in agriculture have been following very closely. A topic Colin Woodall, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and I have had at the end of the year for many years, has been the death tax. Cattlemen Watching Tax Reform Debate Sponsored ContentCIR …
The 2017 Ag Census is Coming
The 2017 Ag Census will be in your mailbox soon, as USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) says this survey is conducted once every five years. Producers can mail in their completed census form, or respond online. And according to Joe Parsons, Agricultural Statistics Board Chair, they have beefed up their capabilities to receive online submissions of the 2017 Ag …
Natural Household Cleaning Ingredients
Cathy Isom has the five all natural ingredients you can use for any household cleaning project. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Natural Household Cleaning Ingredients Who doesn’t want to help save the environment and while doing so, saving a few bucks. When it comes to cleaning, especially inside our homes or shops, making all-natural cleaning products is …