As a hush came over the theater last night and the lights went down for the opening scene of the documentary Thirsty Land, the sound of rain pounding on the roof served as background noise. A bit ironic. Especially in light of meeting a community in California that has run out of water. Thirsty Land, directed and produced by Conrad …
Growth Thanks Farmers on National Ag Day
Today is National Ag Day, a day to thanks farmers for what they do for America. Tom Buis, co-chair of Growth Energy made a statement today in celebration of the food, feed and fuel that American farmers provide the world. “American farmers are to be admired. They are stewards of the land who ensure sustainability for future generations. They are …
PERC Promotes Farm Incentive Program
Several years ago, the Propane Research and Education Council (PERC) launched the Propane FEED Program for farmers. Today the program has evolved as is now called the Propane Farm Incentive Program and it’s taking off. To learn more about the program and how farmers can get involved, Chuck Zimmerman spoke with PERC’s Director of Agriculture Business Development Cinch Munson during …
NCGA Identifies Ethanol as Driver for Demand
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) held a press conference this week during 2016 Commodity Classic to discuss several key issues facing the corn industry and highlight the efforts currently in place to create solutions to the challenges that have been facing growers. NCGA Present Chip Bowling, a corn grower from Newburg, Maryland, said that the most important action the organization …
#RFS is a Top Issue for Ag Equipment Makers
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) hosted an Ag Executive Outlook panel during the opening day of the 2016 National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville this week and one of the top issues for the organization is maintaining the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). AEM’s Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Nick Yaksich says building demand is vital for the agriculture …
Enogen Use Up as Syngenta Announces Sale
Syngenta made headlines this week with news that ChemChina, a Chinese state-owned company, has offered to acquire the company with the cash purchase of all Syngenta shares. The $43 billion deal must still be approved by two-thirds of Syngenta shareholders and receive regulatory approval. During a call with reporters, Syngenta Chief Operating Officer Davor Piskof said the offer will allow …
USDA Scientists Develop Bio-Oil
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been working on creating better crude liquid from renewable resources to replace fossil-based fuel. Coined “bio-oil,” the renewable fuel is derived from agricultural waste such as non-food-grade plant matter procured from agricultural or household waste residue such as wood, switchgrass, and animal manures. The advanced biofuel is now a few steps closer to …
Energy, Ag Scholarships Available from CHS
Current college students and soon to be college students who are interested in alternative energy and agriculture are eligible to apply for scholarships from the CHS Foundation. The major giving entity of CHS Inc., more than 300 scholarships will be awarded in 2016. One hundred $1,000 scholarships will be made to high school students who choose to pursue agricultural-related degrees …
Bill Howell Wins New Holland Boomer 47
Bill Howell was the winner of the 2015 Growth Energy Individual Member Sweepstakes and took home a Boomer 47, a 47 hp tractor customized with Growth Energy racing decals. The contest was sponsored by New Holland and Growth Energy and Howell was presented with his Boomer 47 in Carroll, Iowa this week. “We are proud to support farmers and those …
Why Energy & Ag Businesses Need Crisis Plans
A recent ZimmComm poll asked the question, Does your agribusiness/operation have a crisis communications plan?” and I was surprised and honestly a bit disturbed as a former public relations person, that so many respondents didn’t believe a crisis communications plan was necessary. And this in light of the rise in undercover videos, avian flu outbreaks, meatless Mondays, (cow farts causing) …