18 Apr 2012

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to Highlight How Agriculture and Rural America is Strengthening the Nation's Economy

By USDA Communications

WASHINGTON, April 18, 2012 - TOMORROW, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will deliver remarks on the importance of agriculture and rural America to our economic recovery and the strength of the nation. Vilsack will discuss how agriculture is a formula for what is working in the economy, as farmers have reduced their debt, adopted innovative farming techniques, and are producing products that the rest of the world wants and needs.  He will also highlight the Administration's accomplishments for American agriculture over the past three years including developing new markets at home and abroad, maintaining a strong safety net, commitment to conservation and research, and efforts to help the next generation get started in farming.

 

Thursday, April 19, 2012

1 p.m. CDT

 

WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will highlight the importance of agriculture and rural America to our economic recovery and the strength of the nation.

 

WHERE: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

324 3rd Street SE

Cedar Rapids, IA

 

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18 Apr 2012

Conserving Lands, Creating Jobs in Farm Bill

By Elisha Smith

By John Crabtree, johnc@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

In coming weeks, farm state Senators will review and revise the Farm Bill working draft put together by Senator Debbie Stabenow. The Michigan Senator, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, recently stated that conservation programs are more essential now than ever for creating rural jobs and protecting rural America's vital natural resources. She also pointed to the importance of ensuring that the nation's 1.3 billion agricultural acres produce healthy soil, water and wildlife habitat in addition to food and fiber.

With the farm bill debate moving forward in the Senate, this is a crucial time for everyone who cares about protecting our natural resources to speak up. Your voice - letter, phone call or email - and your influence with your Senator, together with the same from thousands of others across the nation, will help keep the Conservation Stewardship Program strong and make sure conservation remains a priority in the new Farm Bill.

According to USDA, farm, ranch and related employment includes about 24 million jobs. The American Forest & Paper Association estimates that forestry industries produce about $175 billion in products annually, and employ nearly 900,000 people. A study by US Fish and Wildlife Service found that hunting, angling and wildlife recreation contribute $122 Billion annually for our national economy. Much of this activity is located in rural areas and is vital to local economies.

Will you contact Senator Harkin (202.224.3254) and Senator Grassley (202.224.3744) and join me in standing up for conservation in the Farm Bill?

18 Apr 2012

Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference: Meals from the Heartland

By Steven Brockshus

84th IOWA FFA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE COMES TO AMES ON APRIL 23-24

On April 23-24, more than 5,000 Iowa FFA members and guests will attend the 84th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference in Ames, Iowa to celebrate the accomplishments of FFA members and agricultural education. During this event, members will compete in Career Development Events and be recognized for accomplishments in their communities and local chapters.

Service is a key part of FFA and thanks to a partnership with the Iowa FFA Foundation, Iowa Food and Family Project, and Cargill; more than 250,000 meals will be packaged by progressive agriculturalists, united by the cause of helping the devastated citizens of Haiti. During this "Meals from the Heartland" service project, agricultural students, farmers, adults, and others will join together for the greater means of fighting world hunger. Please join us in Hilton Coliseum in Ames on the evening of April 22 and morning of April 24 this event makes state history.

FFA is an integral part of agricultural education. Agricultural instructors encourage students to take the knowledge and skills they have acquired in class and apply to FFA event, such as the career development events, which help students explore a career  interest in agriculture. Members of the State FFA Officer Team are ambassadors for agriculture and the FFA for one year. They are elected in April and spend the year promoting FFA and agriculture education throughout the state. Each officer is elected at the state FFA convention by Iowa FFA members.

The Iowa FFA Association is comprised of more than 220 local chapters preparing more than 12,500 students for careers in agriculture. FFA activities and award programs complement instruction in agriculture education by giving students practical experience in the application of agricultural skills and knowledge gained in classes. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
18 Apr 2012

IOWA FARM BUREAU TO BRING NATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED ECONOMISTS, FINANCIAL ANALYSTS, CLIMATOLOGISTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT EXPERTS TO IOWA JULY 23-24

By Laurie Johns

"Will Today's Agriculture Boom be Tomorrow's Bust: Are You Prepared?"

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - April 17, 2012 - As Iowa farmers head to the fields to plant what could be one of the largest corn crops on record, the state's largest grassroots farm organization is bringing a line-up of heavy hitters to Iowa, to make sure today's boom, doesn't turn into tomorrow's 'bust.'  The summit will take place July 23-24 at the Iowa State Center Scheman Building on the ISU campus.

"The Farm Crisis of the 80's taught farmers that no industry is invincible to a downturn, and with Iowa's thriving farm sector insulating much of our state from the worst hits of the recession, we have to look towards new expertise, new risk management tools, to make sure farming doesn't go the way of the auto industry," says Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) President Craig Hill.

"There are commonalities and differences in place today that we also saw prior to the 1980's Farm Crisis; then and now, we've seen land prices and commodity prices double or triple in a relatively short period of time," says IFBF Director of Research and Commodity Services David Miller.  "Although most of today's farmers have better cash flow and less debt because of low interest rates, there are other risks which threaten Iowa's agricultural prosperity, which center around unprecedented federal debt and the very real possibilities of farm program cuts, which affect the sustainability of many types of farming.  Today, our market strength is more tightly connected to global markets, global weather disasters, global trade and those are the things that bring new vulnerabilities to the business of farming," says Miller.

National experts ranging from economist Danny Klinefelter of Texas A&M University and Jeff Plagge, president-elect of the American Bankers Association, to Iowa State University weather expert Elwynn Taylor, a panel of D.C. experts from the Senate and House Ag Committees and Daniel Mitchell of the D.C. 'think tank,' the CATO Institute, are among the nationally-recognized monetary, policy, trade and economic experts tapped for the July IFBF economic summit.

The price of the two-day summit is $50 for Iowa Farm Bureau members and $150 for non-members.  Information about the summit, lodging, on-line registration forms and a complete listing of the panelists and schedule can be found at www.iowafarmbureau.com.  Registration deadline for the IFBF economic summit is July 17.

-30 -

17 Apr 2012

Take the Leap into Organic

By Elisha Smith

By John Crabtree, johnc@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs

The steady growth of organic farming and ranching across rural America and the economic impacts of organics on rural communities cannot be ignored. In 2012, the USDA is again investing $50 million in funding for the EQIP Organic Initiative, which provides a 75% share of the estimated cost of implementing organic conservation measures to those who qualify - 90% for beginning, limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

Farmers and ranchers transitioning to organic as well as established organic producers have another opportunity to apply for Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative funding to assist their organic efforts. Friday, June 1st is the third and final 2012 deadline to file an application through your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office.

Fifty million dollars in national funding available this year provides farmers and ranchers a tremendous opportunity to take the leap into organic. Rural cities and towns as well as local food systems will reap rewards as well.

The Center for Rural Affairs' long history of helping family farmers and ranchers access new conservation programs offers opportunities. We've created an Organic Initiative fact sheet available at - http://www.cfra.org/2010-eqip-organic-initiative. We also operate a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call (402) 687-2100, ask for the helpline and receive assistance in accessing EQIP Organic funding and other related initiatives, such as the Conservation Stewardship Program, the Cooperative Conservation Partnerships Initiative, Value Added Producer Grants and a host of beginning farmer and rancher programs.

17 Apr 2012

griculture Secretary Vilsack to Travel to Wisconsin and Iowa, Highlight Administration Efforts to Spur Economic Development Through Education and Workforce Training

By USDA Communications

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2011 - This Wednesday and Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will travel to Platteville, Wis. and Waterloo, Iowa to host White House Rural Council events with local producers and stakeholders to discus Administration efforts to spur economic development through education and workforce development.

On Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will host a White House Rural Council event with agriculture teachers from across Wisconsin to discuss the RESPECT (Recognizing Educational Success, Professional Excellence and Collaborative Teaching) project. RESPECT is an Administration proposed initiative to make teaching America's most important and respected profession. The Secretaries will discuss how important agriculture educators are to the nation's economy and future, the need to provide better support for current teachers, and how to inspire the next generation to teach. This event will be live streamed at www.uwplatt.edu, and viewers can participate in question-and-answer via Twitter, hashtag  #ruraled.

On Thursday, Agriculture Secretaries Vilsack and Education Secretary Arne Duncan will travel to Waterloo, Iowa where they will be joined by Jay Williams, executive director of the Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers at the U.S. Department of Labor, and local students, faculty, and business leaders, to host a White House Rural Council workforce training roundtable discussion. The discussion will focus on improving rural economies by training and retraining workers for in-demand careers.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2012

WHO: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

Wisconsin Agriculture Teachers

WHAT: White House Rural Council Town Hall on the Teaching Profession

WHEN: 12:25 p.m. to 1:25 p.m. CT

A media availability will be held from 1:35 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. CT

WHERE: University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Pioneer Farm, 29200 College Farm Rd., Platteville, Wis.

 

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

WHO: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan

Executive Director for the Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers Jay Williams, U.S. Department of Labor

Principals

Waterloo Community Schools Superintendent Gary Norris

WHAT: White House Rural Council Roundtable on Workforce Training

WHEN: 9:10 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. CT

A media availability from 10:20 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. CT

WHERE: Hawkeye Community College's Fennemen Center Farm Lab, 5503 Hammond Ave., Waterloo, Iowa

 

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17 Apr 2012

Nominate the next America's Farmers Mom of the Year!

By Nancy Hallahan

LAST CHANCE TO NOMINATE A FARM MOM FOR AMERICA'S FARMERS MOM OF THE YEAR

 

April 23 is the deadline to nominate a farm mom for the national title and $10,000 grand prize

 

ST. LOUIS (April 16, 2012) - Monsanto's search for the next America's Farmers Mom of the Year is winding down, but there's still time to nominate your favorite farm mom for the national title and up to $10,000 in prize money. Nominations will be accepted through April 23 at www.AmericasFarmers.com.

For its third year, Monsanto will again partner with American Agri-Women to spearhead the judging process. Each of five regional winners will receive $5,000 and will be featured on AmericasFarmers.com from May 1-12, where online voting will determine the national winner. The new America's Farmers Mom of the Year will be announced on the site on Mother's Day, May 13, and she will receive an additional $5,000.

"From the outpouring of entries we've received thus far, it's clear that farm moms are loved and appreciated by their families, students, neighbors and friends," says Consuelo Madere, America's Farmers spokesperson. "I encourage everyone whose life has been impacted by a farm mom to visit AmericasFarmers.com and nominate her before the contest ends this month. It's one small way to say 'thank you' and 'Happy Mother's Day' to that extra-special farm mom."

April Hemmes, America's Farmers Mom of the Year 2011 for the Midwest Region, feels the contest is a great opportunity to recognize women in the male-dominated farming industry. "I think this effort really brings awareness to farm women, who are often under-recognized," she says. "This contest is a great way to tell her you love her and she's doing a great job.'"

Bette Lu Lerwick, America's Farmers Mom of the Year 2011 national winner, recalls the day she received the call telling her she had won. "I was very surprised, and a little astounded, to be honored for the things I do just living my life, here on the farm in my little Wyoming community," she says. "I'm so glad that Monsanto is recognizing this very real, very necessary side of farming."

Anyone can submit a nomination by visiting AmericasFarmers.com and explaining how their favorite farm mom contributes to her family, farm, community and the agricultural industry. Complete eligibility requirements and official rules can be obtained on the website or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to America's Farmers Mom of the Year, 914 Spruce Street, St. Louis, MO 63102. The nomination deadline is Monday, April 23.

America's Farmers Mom of the Year is an element of Monsanto's America's Farmers Grow America program, an advocacy effort promoting, recognizing and supporting U.S. farmers through communications, awards and special programs that highlight the importance of agriculture.

 

About Monsanto Company

Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world's natural resources such as water and energy. To learn more about our business and our commitments, please visit: www.monsanto.com. Follow our business on Twitter® at www.twitter.com/MonsantoCo, on Facebook® at www.facebook.com/MonsantoCo, or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.

 

About American Agri-Women

American Agri-women (AAW) is a national coalition of more than 50,000 farm, ranch and agribusiness women, representing state and commodity affiliates. "We are a force for truth, a reasoned, nonpartisan voice for the agricultural community to the public."

 

-oOo-
10 Apr 2012

ISU Scott County Extension & Outreach Master Gardeners Phone Clinic Open

By Amanda Heitz
06 Apr 2012

ISU Extension and Outreach Scott County Calendar

By Amanda Heitz
06 Apr 2012

Soy Checkoff Sponsors Tractor Pulls to Showcase Biodiesel

By United Soybean Board
Partnerships Help Increase Availability and Use of Soy Biodiesel to Diesel Users

ST. LOUIS (April 4, 2012) - U.S. biodiesel production reached an all-time record in 2011, and the United Soybean Board (USB) and soy checkoff want to help it repeat that feat in 2012.

As part of a larger strategy to promote soy biodiesel's benefits among diesel users, the checkoff will once again co-sponsor the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) season of approximately 80 tractor pulls across the United States. The checkoff partners with the NTPA to increase biodiesel availability and use among pulling fans, many of whom work in the agricultural and trucking sectors.

"Pulling tractors perform so well on biodiesel, it's a perfect way to show farmers biodiesel's benefits," says USB Communications Chair Jimmy Sneed, a soybean farmer from Hernando, Miss. "It's important to remind farmers that using soybean oil for biodiesel is one of the components that determines the value of each bushel we grow. It makes sense for soybean farmers to use their own products and promote biodiesel."

Under the co-sponsorship, tractors in the NTPA's Light Pro Stock division will run on biodiesel. So these pullers will put biodiesel to the test all season long.

According to millions of miles of checkoff-funded testing, biodiesel can stand up to those tests. It offers excellent horsepower, mileage, cetane and lubricity. And, since it can be made from U.S. soybean oil, it's the only diesel fuel that can help declare freedom from foreign oil.

Check the NTPA schedule to find out if Light Pro Stock "Powered by Biodiesel" hooks will be in your area.

The soy checkoff also established other partnerships to promote biodiesel. Later this year, the checkoff will sponsor the National Truck Driving Championships, a trucking competition that attracts tens of thousands of representatives from that industry. Additionally, the checkoff partners with Clean Cities coalitions; assorted state, county and regional fairs; and the tractor pulls at the National Farm Machinery Show to promote the use of biodiesel, Bioheat® and other soy-based products.

The soy checkoff funds most of the biodiesel research and promotion efforts through the National Biodiesel Board to help increase the use of U.S. soybean oil. Soybean oil remains the dominant feedstock for U.S. biodiesel production.

These efforts helped push production of America's Advanced Biofuel to a record of nearly 1.1 million gallons in 2011. This exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency's 800-million-gallon requirement and surpassed the industry's previous record of 690 million gallons set in 2008.

The 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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