It was probably the biggest agricultural news story of the year. What was supposed to be the 2012 farm bill was passed and signed into law this year as the 2014 farm bill, a multi-tasking piece of legislation according to President Obama. “Despite it’s name, the farm bill is not just about helping farmers,” said Obama as he signed the …
Father of Ethanol Award
The American Coalition for Ethanol meeting in Minneapolis last week honored Congressman Collin Peterson of Minnesota with its highest award for supporters of ethanol, the Merle Anderson Award. Anderson, a co-founder of ACE and known to many as the “Father of Ethanol,” proudly presented the award to his congressman. “Farmers have probably tripled their net worth in the last ten …
Overdue Farm Bill Passed
After a what seemed to be a never-ending labor process, Congress has finally delivered a new farm bill - well past its 2012 due date. National Corn Growers Association President Martin Barbre, like most farmers, was happy to see the long process come to an end. “While it’s not perfect, we’re pleased to see the bill contains many provisions we’ve …
Corn Commentary for Farm Broadcasters
There was lots of corn commentating going on last week at the 70th annual National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) annual meeting in Kansas City. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is a big supporter of the guys and gals who put farm news on radio and television stations and the internet. “It gives us the opportunity to get our …
Newspaper’s Credibility At Issue
In 36 years of being directly involved in agriculture and the issues that make it so…interesting, frustrating, rewarding, and painful…I have only seen one positive story written about the issues effecting the profession, especially ethanol, in the Chicago Tribune. I remain convinced to this day that it was a mistake that slipped by editors and that the cub reporter responsible …
Radio Report Shares Story of Full Impact, Importance of Farm Bill
Sometimes, it seems as if the reality of farming in the United States gets lost in the media shuffle. With so much attention turned towards serious situations abroad or sensationalized scandals at home, thoughtful journalism on the issues affecting American agriculture often do not make the front page unless a major weather event, such as a drought, raises concerns over …
Corn Growers Strong at Farm Progress Show
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is out in full force at the 2013 Farm Progress Show, with both president Pam Johnson of Iowa and First Vice President Martin Barbre in his home state of Illinois on site. They were doing interviews with all the farm media at the show, talking about a variety of topics. We chatted about the …
Let the Public Convince Themselves of Farmer’s Value
In the maelstrom that is modern society, with a hyperactive media and a beleaguered work force, I think many of us rarely have the time to do research or critical thinking related to the issues of the day. I place myself firmly in that ilk. Today a very simple question set the wheels turning. The question came from a farmer …
Farm Bill Ball in House Court
The farm bill game is over in the Senate - again - now that senators have passed the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013 by a vote of 66 to 27. Senators stressed that the ball is now in the House court. “This bill has been bipartisan from start to finish,” said Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow …
A Few Words from the Chairman
There was lots of activity of interest to corn farmers last week - both on The Hill and in the field. I caught up with National Corn Growers Association Chairman Garry Niemeyer of Auburn, Illinois on Friday as he was busy playing catch up on planting progress. “We are probably about a fourth done with planting corn,” Garry said. “We …