Winners of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture competitions were announced at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 96th Annual Convention Monday. Chris and Rebekah Pierce of Kentucky won the Achievement Award, recognizes young farmers and ranchers who have excelled in their farming or ranching operations and exhibited superior leadership abilities. They are the … Read More
Reaction to Chinese Ban on U.S. Poultry Imports
China this week banned imports of U.S. poultry and eggs following the detection of avian flu in wild birds in the Pacific Northwest. “That’s overkill,” said American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman in reaction. “It’s beyond the pale and we think they should be held to task and I’m hoping our government can convince China that they have over … Read More
Food Safety Modernization Act Update at AFBF
Food and Drug Administration Deputy Commissioner Mike Taylor provided an update on the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) at the American Farm Bureau convention this week in San Diego. Taylor says his agency is focusing on three broad themes in implementing the 2011 law: the farm-to-table approach, practical common standards, and holding imports to the same standards … Read More
AFBF Honors Vilsack for "Riding for the Brand"
American Farm Bureau Federation president Bob Stallman presented Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack with a special gift Monday to recognize his support of farmers and ranchers. Noting that a Texas cowboy phrase denoting loyalty to the ranch is “ride for the brand,” Stallman gave Vilsack a specially-made “US AG” branding iron. “Mr. Secretary, thank you for riding for the brand for … Read More
Farm Bureau Honors Temple Grandin
The American Farm Bureau Federation recognized Dr. Temple Grandin for her distinguished service to agriculture during the organization’s 96th annual convention Sunday in San Diego. Dr. Temple Grandin has dedicated her life to improving animal welfare and handling. One of the most successful people in the world with autism, Grandin is the leading authority on farm animal behavior. Her unique … Read More
General Farm Groups Views on 2nd Beef Checkoff
The two general farm organizations in the country have differing views about the proposal for a second beef checkoff. Chandler Goule with the National Farmers Union says they absolutely would like to get rid of the current 1985 beef check off and have a new one under the 1996 generic check off act. “If we would move to the ’96 … Read More
Future of Ag Wants Feds to Ditch the Rule
Producers who will be the future of agriculture are telling the federal government to keep an unpopular water rule from having a future of its own. This news release from Farm Bureau says the group’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee wants the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers to ditch the proposed Waters of the U.S. … Read More
Farm Bureau Survey Says Higher Retail Prices
Shoppers are paying slightly more for food at the grocery store compared to the first half of 2014. Higher retail prices for beef and pork products such as ground chuck and bacon, among other foods, resulted in a slight increase in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s latest Semi-Annual Marketbasket Survey. The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 food … Read More
Start the Conversation: Let’s Talk About Animal Agriculture
“Start the Conversation: Let’s Talk About Animal Agriculture” is the first in a new series of resources the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is launching to foster discussion on questions consumers have about food production and agriculture. Modeled after quick-reference subject-area cards found in bookstores, the single-page, front and back laminated cards feature questions, answers and suggested strategies for … Read More
Ditch the Rule at Missouri State Fair
Agriculture’s “Ditch the Rule” campaign against the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule was highlighted at the Missouri State Fair this week. Three members of Missouri’s congressional delegation held a press conference at the fair, organized by the the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and Missouri Farm Bureau. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), … Read More