A new coalition of agriculture groups is focusing on the importance of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). More than 30 organizations across the agriculture sector announced the formation of Americans for Farmers & Families, noting that food and agriculture supports 43 million U.S. jobs and depends on trade with Canada and Mexico. The group was formed to “ensure” …
Money for Springs, St. Johns River Headed for Senate Vote
A measure to annually float more money into the state’s natural springs and to pump additional dollars into the St. Johns River is headed to the Senate floor for a full vote. The Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved the proposal (SB 204), sponsored by Chairman Rob Bradley, which would allocate $50 million each year for the restoration of the …
American Drivers Top 3 Billion Miles Driven on E15
Growth Energy announces that American drivers have logged yet another billion miles on clean burning E15 in just the past three months. The total number of miles driven on E15 now sits at more than 3 billion. “E15 is taking off with consumers wherever it’s available and rapidly becoming drivers’ go-to fuel,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “At the forefront of …
Perdue Names Appointees to the Georgia USDA Farm Service Agency State Committee
U. S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced the individuals who will serve on the Georgia USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee. The state committee is responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving appeals from the agriculture community, and helping to keep producers informed about FSA programs. Each state committee has five members, …
Foliar Field Enhancements for Soybeans
Dr. Jim Dunphy, Soybean Extension Specialist with North Carolina State University, spoke at last week’s NC Commodities Conference, sharing his findings on Foliar Field Enhancement research covering the last several years. He says what he DIDN’T find may have been more important than what he DID find. Findings Dunphy is looking forward to learning the importance of uniform emergence on …
Maximizing Yield While Not Adding Costs
In corn, yield is still king, but how can producers get more bang for their buck? At the recent NC Commodities Conference, North Carolina State Extension Corn Specialist Dr. Ron Heiniger shared four keys to multiplying corn yields without adding costs. Dr. Heiniger’s first point was proper placement of fertilizers and nutrients around the plant. Placement He adds there’s another …
Growth Energy Celebrates 2017 Wins, 2018 Goals
2017 was a banner year for the ethanol industry, setting the stage for future successes in 2018. Despite a barrage of threats against the industry and the Renewable Fuel Standard, Growth Energy says the industry saw strong support and pushback against those threats. Threats She says 2017 saw a united voice within the industry. Voice 2017 also saw the doubling …
Pork Checkoff Conducts Annual Producer Survey
Since 2002, the National Pork Board has conducted an annual producer survey. Pork Checkoff vice president of strategic communications Kevin Waetke says the most recent survey was conducted in November Survey The Pork Checkoff study found optimism throughout the swine industry. Optimism Waetke says the biggest challenge seen by producer was hog health and disease. The Pork Checkoff uses this …
NAFTA ‘Nervousness’ Dominates Senate Confirmation Hearing
NAFTA ‘nervousness’ dominated a Senate confirmation hearing for two Trump Deputy U.S. Trade Representative nominees, as concerns about a possible North American Free Trade Agreement pull-out continued to surface. Senate Ag Chair Pat Roberts told fellow Kansan C.J. Mahoney, tapped by the president to be a Deputy U.S. Trade Representative with a portfolio including NAFTA talks, that it’s the wrong …
Cargill Enters Plant-Based Protein Market
Cargill has signed a joint venture agreement with the largest North American producer of pea protein, stepping into the plant-based protein market. The agreement with Puris, is called a “game changer in terms of taste and vertical integration” in plant-based protein, according to Cargill officials. Meat industry publication Meatingplace reports Cargill’s financial backing and market reach will drive significant expansion …