Category: Ag News

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 09:48:49 CDT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding its People’s Garden Initiative to include eligible gardens nationwide. School gardens, community gardens, urban farms, and small-scale agriculture…

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 09:14:16 CDT

Combine harvester sales grew for August in both the U.S. and Canada, while total tractors fell in the U.S., but grew in Canada according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AE…

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 09:10:59 CDT

President Biden has signed an executive order launching a national biotechnology and biomanufacturing initiative that contains many provisions important to American soybean farmers, including actions that wi…

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 09:07:51 CDT

This week, almost 100 Growth Energy members traveled to Washington, D.C. for Growth Energy’s 13th Annual Biofuels Summit to advocate for biofuels in our nation’s capital. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor kicked off the summit by applauding the Biden administration’s summer waiver for E15, allowing American drivers to save nearly a dollar per gallon in some markets. She also acknowledged the hard work of congressional champions who secured key biofuel provisions in the recently enacted Inflation Reduction Act and expressed support for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to set forward-looking Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) for 2022.

“The work is far from done,” said Skor. “There are still critical industry priorities on the docket, and big policy changes could arrive later this year. We cannot take our foot off the gas. That’s why we’re demanding an even stronger Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) – one that will move America closer to a net-zero future, deliver more savings at the pump for working families, strengthen U.S. energy security, and drive further investment in rural communities.”

Skor also marked the end of the summer driving season on September 15th, noting that a permanent fix for E15 is vital before the next summer driving season.

“EPA’s emergency waiver only applies to this summer’s driving season. We continue to work hand in hand with our retail partners to demand a permanent fix so drivers can access lower-cost E15 year-round, nationwide, in the summers to come.”

“Together, we’ll make sure policymakers value the full diversity of our industry, share our vision, and understand our expectations.

“More importantly, we’ll make sure they have the motivation and knowledge to fully unleash America’s bioethanol industry, so we can deliver on a new wave of clean energy demand on the ground and in the air, at home and abroad, in today’s vehicles and tomorrow’s.”

Following Skor’s speech, attendees heard from EPA Administrator Michael Regan, who emphasized the importance of biofuels to meeting our nation’s climate and energy security goals. Administrator Regan also laid out EPA’s priorities for America’s biofuels industry. Growth Energy has been leading advocacy efforts on the RFS Set proposal, which will mark the first year a baseline for biofuel volumes is not specified by Congress but must be set based on statutory factors like fuel costs, environmental benefits, and commercial production.

“This is an exciting time for the clean energy sector and for our country,” said Regan. “I’m committed to working with everyone in this room to meet the moment. Renewable fuels offer climate benefits, rural economic opportunity, and a key source of domestic energy.”

Biofuels Summit participants also heard from U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh, U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04), and Cook Political Report’s David Wasserman. After the general session concluded, members fanned out across Capitol Hill to share their stories with lawmakers and present Fueling Growth awards to the industry’s most steadfast champions.

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 09:01:23 CDT

American Foods Group, LLC (AFG) is opening a new state-of-the-art beef processing facility in Warren County, Missouri. The company broke ground today at the site near Wright City – marking the beginning of a project expected to generate $1 billion in annual economic impact in the state of Missouri.

“As a third-generation farmer and cattleman myself, I am proud to welcome AFG to Missouri. This is a major development that will benefit Missouri’s agricultural producers and consumers for years to come,” said Governor Mike Parson. “With $94 billion contributed to our economy annually, we appreciate that agriculture is our number one industry. AFG’s investment in Missouri further signals to the nation and world what we’ve known all along, that Missouri is the best place for companies to grow and expand. We couldn’t be more excited for AFG’s expansion in Missouri.”

“Today marks the start of our future in Warren County, Missouri, the addition of industry-needed hook space and fulfilling the needs of our customers, partners, and consumers for beef demand,” said Steve Van Lannen, President and COO of American Foods Group.

AFG is investing $800 million in the new 775,000 sq. ft. facility. The company plans to create more than 1,300 new jobs in the region with an annual payroll of approximately $80 million.

“Warren County has a strong heritage in agriculture, and today we get to celebrate the opportunity to build on that heritage with American Foods Group,” said Steve Etcher of the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council. “I am impressed with the Rosen family and company leadership and how they embrace their employees as family, invest in their communities, and strive to be a valued corporate partner. This is exactly the type of company the EDC envisioned when they launched their mission 10 years ago to attract new businesses to Warren County that will provide good paying jobs for the residents of our community.”

“As highlighted in the STL 2030 Jobs Plan, our region’s agricultural assets have long served as an economic engine. American Foods Group’s facility will bolster the economy for local farmers and agriculture businesses,” said Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “The family-owned company complements our already thriving agricultural and agtech strengths and their investment in good-paying jobs in Warren County will benefit our metro for years to come. This win – following a multi-state and metro search – also underscores that St. Louis can go head-to-head with any other region on the merits.”

AFG is family-owned and employs more than 4,500 across the U.S. The company evaluated multiple locations for its newest facility where they plan to process 2,400 cattle per day.

“When AFG first approached our team about this project via the Harvest Group, we knew it would be extremely competitive. However, we were confident Missouri’s history in food processing, strengths in agriculture, and our central location would help us win AFG for our state,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “AFG is a leading beef processing company with an impeccable reputation. I’m looking forward to watching them grow here in Missouri.”

Missouri Partnership worked with the following partners to attract AFG to Warren County, including: Greater Warren County Economic Development Council (GWCEDC), Greater St. Louis, Inc., Warren County, Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Development Finance Board, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri One Start, Missouri Department of Corrections, St. Charles Community College, St. Charles Water District #2, Norfolk Southern, Ameren, Cuivre River Electric, Cochran Engineering, Missouri Farmers Care, Missouri Farm Bureau, and Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.

The company plans to be fully operational by the end of 2024.

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 08:58:35 CDT

– Meristem Crop Performance announced today that ag industry veteran Chris Reat has joined their team to expand business opportunities in Texas and across the southern US. He will seek to further boost Meris…

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 08:51:52 CDT

Click here:

Rutgers has conducted the first study showing how many more species of bees are needed to maintain crop yields when a longer-term time frame is considered.

In the paper, which was recentl…

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 08:06:19 CDT

Showcase Your Ranch’s Own Prime Cuts of Local Quality Steaks, Which Will Be Showcased To The Public During Stockyards Stampede!

We are excited to announce the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation will be hosting the first annual Oklahoma’s Best Beef Competition during the 3rd Annual Stockyards Steak Out hosted by Oklahoma National Stockyards. Which will take place on October 15th at the Oklahoma National Stockyards. Tasting/Competition will begin at 6 p.m.

All Ranches are open to apply, ONLY 15 will be selected to compete and be paired with Oklahoma ‘Celebs!’ (Possible ‘Celebs’ the Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of Agriculture, or Oklahoma Legislatures.

Apply to compete for the title of Oklahoma’s Best Beef by grilling it out with your ranch’s own prime cuts of local quality steak, which will be showcased to the public during Stockyards Stampede. Entries are due September 16th.

All Proceeds Will Go To Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation and Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy.

What You Need To Know:

• Deadline to apply is Sept. 16. and the Top 15 will be notified, receive a formal invitation and rules and be showcased online and in social media.

• Oklahoma’s Best Beef Competition during Stockyard Steak Out is on October 15th. Tasting/Competition will begin at 6 p.m.

• You will bring your own cuts of sirloin to grill(w/ your team of 2-3)and serve to the community. Here is a great way to showcase your beef directly to the consumer!

• 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and People’s Choice awards will be given out and winners will be featured on the OCF website, on social media and Cowman.

Supplies Required for Competition:

• Minimum of 60 Steaks (3/4″ thick 8-10 oz and we will serve 1′ x 1′ tastings to the public for People’s Choice Award and opportunity for your steaks to be sponsored to offset cost.

• Cooler for Steaks

• Cooking Utensils (tongs, knives, cutting boards, etc.)

Supplies Provided for Competition:

• Grill

• Charcoal

• Lighter Fluid

• Tables

• Ranch Banner for Station

Click to Apply Here!

For questions regarding the application, contest or sponsorship opportunities
please contact Mariah Reimer at mreimer@okcattlmen.org or 405-308-3030!