INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
January 31, 2015

Farmed Smart certification offers regulatory "safe harbor," leader says

KENNEWICK, Wash.—The Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association is looking for farmers to sign up for a new certification program that will provide farmers a “safe harbor” from some regulatory agencies.
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January 30, 2015

Montag introduces GEN II Nutrient Metering System

Montag Manufacturing, a leading provider of nutrient placement solutions, today announced the introduction of the GEN II Nutrient Metering System.
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January 30, 2015

$1.53M would support Idaho ag research

BOISE—Gov. Butch Otter’s request for an additional $1.53 million in ongoing funding for University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences could significantly boost the university’s ag research and extension efforts.
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January 29, 2015

"Dryland" makes waves across region

The documentary film “Dryland” will be shown at 8 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Spokane International Film Festival and its producers say screenings are planned around the Pacific Northwest.
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January 29, 2015

TTIP features complex negotiations

An adviser for U.S. agriculture says Trans Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations are very complex but potential benefits for both the U.S. and the European Union are great.
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January 28, 2015

Sweetener Users Association praises ITC examination of Mexico agreements

The Sweetener Users Association on Friday praised the International Trade Commission’s formal announcement that it will examine the agreements between the United States and Mexico suspending the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of Mexica
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January 27, 2015

Sugar and diabetes: What does the American Diabetes Association say?

The American Diabetes Association's (ADA) most recent Position Statement, Nutrition Therapy Recommendations for the Management of Adults With Diabetes, provides important nutrition advice that can be used by everyone, not just people with diabetes.
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January 26, 2015

Agri-Action set for Feb. 5-7 in Twin Falls

TWIN FALLS, Idaho—The Agri-Action farm and ranch trade show will return to Twin Falls Feb. 5-7 at the Expo Center at the College of Southern Idaho.
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January 25, 2015

Organic conference targets cover crops

Enhancing the fertility of soils through the use of cover crops will be the focus of an organic conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.
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January 25, 2015

California growers turn sugarbeets into energy

Struggling sugarbeet growers in the San Joaquin Valley are turning their crop into energy instead of sweetener. A cooperative of nine sugarbeet growers just opened a demonstration biorefinery south of Fresno.
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January 25, 2015

Governor seeks to expand Oregon’s GMO authority

A bill proposed by Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber seeks to expand the authority of state farm regulators over genetically engineered crops.
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January 24, 2015

GM sugarbeets save Idaho, Oregon growers millions

BOISE—The adoption of Roundup Ready sugarbeets is saving Idaho and Eastern Oregon growers an estimated $22 million a year.
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January 23, 2015

Is sugar a "toxin" or a "drug?"

We have seen our fair share of purported health professionals disparaging natural sugar to further sugar scare tactics.
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January 23, 2015

Are there really "hidden sugars" in our food?

There has been a lot of recent chatter regarding the concept of "hidden sugars," with some implying that "sugars" are added to foods for some nefarious reason, and others making claims that consumers might be eating products that contain more "sugars" tha
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January 22, 2015

Review: Coca-Cola made with stevia misses mark on flavor

FARGO—I first spotted the strange green glass bottle of Coke in the grocery store a couple months back.
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January 22, 2015

Sugar on a high at year’s start

Investors have found a sweet spot among plunging commodity markets: sugar.
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January 22, 2015

Pepsi and Coca-Cola Bottlers in Armenia continue imports of white sugar

Pepsi and Coca-Cola Bottlers companies in Armenia have been allowed by the government on Jan. 22 to continue imports of white sugar from other than Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) member countries at preferential customs rates for their own needs for the ne
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January 20, 2015

Quitting sugar not the answer

Google the phrase "sugar is" and five suggestions pop up:
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January 19, 2015

New Missoula distillery uses sugarbeets to produce unique vodka

There are many uses for sugarbeets, from cereal to soft drinks to baked goods to candy.
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January 18, 2015

Is sugar more addictive than cocaine?

The 2015 Dietary Guideline Advisory Committee just released new recommendations to limit added sugars to 10 percent of daily calories. Right now, Americans are eating more sugar than ever before — on average, about 160 pounds a year.
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January 17, 2015

What turned sugar-free candies into super-laxatives?

Sugar-free candies clean out your digestive system better than a giant pipe-cleaner.
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January 16, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue
News

Fear and Deception Drives Organic Industry: “Organic Marketing Report” reveals “intentionally-deceptive marketing”

A 3,400-percent increase in sales in 24 years makes organic the fastest-growing consumer food and lifestyle trend in modern history, say independent researchers looking into the industry’s strategies and marketing practices.
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January 16, 2015

Why the health experts are souring on sugar

In a bid to combat tooth decay and excessive weight gain the World Health Organisation is about to recommend a drastic reduction in the amount of added sugar we eat.
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January 15, 2015

As Mexico's sugary drink tax turns 1 year old, U.S. health proponents hope it can sway American voters

Mexicans are guzzling fewer sodas, juices and flavored waters since a nationwide sugary drink tax took effect in 2014.
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January 14, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue
News

Off the Top for Jan. 2015

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January 14, 2015

5 things to look for as U.S. writes new dietary rules

WASHINGTON—You’ve heard it before: Eat fewer calories, more fruits and more vegetables. Those recurring themes as well as some new advice about sugar, salt, meat and caffeine could be part of the government’s upcoming dietary guidelines for healthy eating
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January 13, 2015

USDA lowers U.S. sugar ending stocks slightly

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Agriculture in its Jan. 12 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates projected 2014-15 U.S. sugar ending stocks at 1,666,000 short tons, raw value, down 9,000 tons from its December projection and down 130,000 tons,
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January 12, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue
News

Lease or Loan?: Consider these 10 questions to help you find your answer

When growers consider acquiring equipment, they often think of their payment option as a “lease versus buy” decision.
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January 12, 2015

Idaho Ag Expo, potato conference set

POCATELLO, Idaho—A seminar at the upcoming 47th Annual Idaho Potato Conference will quiz participants in a new curriculum designed to teach the state’s fifth-graders about the history and nutritional value of potatoes.
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January 11, 2015

Your sugar might be made with animal bones. Sorry, vegans.

Marshmallows, beer and even some orange juices are not considered vegan foods. And, depending on one's definition of "vegan," neither are some sugars.
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January 10, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue
News
Allen Thayer

Teamwork Breeds Success: Michigan grower follows that maxim on the farm and in the boardroom

Rick Gerstenberger wears many hats in the sugarbeet industry.
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January 10, 2015

Sugarbeet growers look toward sustainability

BURLEY, Idaho (AP)—Weeds, bugs and diseases were on the minds of sugarbeet growers, as they gathered for the annual University of Idaho Snake River Sugarbeet Conference. But rather than thinking solely about eliminating those pests, growers are increasing
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January 10, 2015

Tips for managing unharvested beets in preparation for 2015 crop year

The Michigan and Ontario sugarbeet growing area is on track for producing the largest sugarbeet crop in history.
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January 10, 2015

Sugarbeet precision planter clinic can improve planter performance and stands

Sugarbeet growers need to pay particular attention to planter maintenance, set-up and adjustment.
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January 10, 2015

Montana, Wyoming sugar economy should benefit from dispute settlement

Montana and Wyoming sugarbeet farmers should benefit from a newly resolved trade dispute between the United States and Mexico, according to an industry official.
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January 10, 2015

USDA clears GMO tall fescue

The USDA has cleared the way for cultivation of genetically modified tall fescue without conducting an environmental review of the new crop.
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January 09, 2015

Idaho ranked No. 2 in West in net farm income in 2013

The strength of Idaho’s livestock sector lifted the state to a No. 2 ranking in total net farm income among the 11 Western states in 2013.
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January 08, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue
News
Gary Rawlings

How to Combat Fungicide Resistance

In coming years, the availability of effective pesticides—especially fungicides—will be one of the biggest challenges a sugarbeet grower has to face.
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January 08, 2015

Supporters of Oneida Narrows dam await ruling

PRESTON, Idaho—Franklin County farmers view a dam they’ve proposed on the Bear River as a solution to persistent water shortages that often force them to leave acres fallow and cut off irrigation prematurely.
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January 07, 2015

Falling hay bales kill Central Oregon farmer

MADRAS, Ore. (AP)—A Central Oregon farmer has been killed by falling hay bales.
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January 07, 2015

GMO, wolves, water, on tap for Idaho Legislature

BOISE—It’s possible that legislation designed to protect farmers’ right to use genetically modified crops and prevent a mandatory GMO labeling law could surface during the 2015 Idaho Legislature, which convenes Jan. 12.
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January 07, 2015
News

Hershey’s refuses to use ND/MN sugarbeets due to GMOs

Increasing concern over genetically modified organisms in farming and food operations has resulted in The Hershey Company’s decision to no longer use the sugar produced from sugarbeets in its chocolate.
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January 07, 2015

UI, Simplot renew Parma research station agreement

PARMA, Idaho—An agreement between the University of Idaho and J.R. Simplot Co. that has helped keep the university’s Parma research and extension station open has been renewed.
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January 06, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue
News

Calender for January 2015

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January 06, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue
News

Sugarbeets Could Become Blood Substitute

Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have discovered that sugarbeets produce hemoglobin.
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January 06, 2015

EcoFarm 2015 to focus on climate change, food safety

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif.—The concept of sustainable farming was in its infancy in the early 1990s when a group of growers decided to put on a conference to promote it.
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January 05, 2015

Syngenta offers new seed treatment for sugarbeets

Syngenta will offer Clariva pn seed treatment nematicide on select nematode-tolerant sugarbeet varieties for 2015 planting.
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January 04, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue
Allen Thayer

"Blood Beets" Could Help Save Thousands: Sugar deal a work in progress

A new study points to a possible medical use for sugarbeets.
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January 04, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue

Betaseed Announces Scholarship Winners

Betaseed officials announced its fifth-annual scholarship winners for 2014 in the Michigan sugar growing area.
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January 04, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue

Betaseed Donates $300 to Scottsbluff FFA

John Dillman, Betaseed regional sales manager, presented a check for $300 to the Scottsbluff, Neb., FFA group on Oct. 31.
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January 04, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue

Betaseed Hires ETS Quality Manager

Betaseed announces the addition of Jay Sandman to the breeding and product management group in Shakopee, Minn.
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January 04, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue

Brillion Introduces 3630 Series Pulvi-Mulchers

Landoll Corporation introduces the new Brillion Farm Equipment 3630 Series Pulvi-Mulchers.
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January 04, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue
Luther Markwart, Executive Vice President, ASGA

GOP Must Govern: Several issues impact growers

As we begin the New Year, we welcome a new and different Congress that must operate in a unique political environment.
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January 04, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue

McCrometer Announces New President

McCrometer, a leading provider of flow measurement and wireless solutions, announced the promotion of Melissa Aquino to the role of president.
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January 04, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue

Nelson Irrigation Offers Simple Pivot End Gun Valve Control

Nelson Irrigation announces sale and distribution of the Delta P for Pivot End Gun Valve Control with the SRNV100 Big Gun.
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January 04, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue

Net Irrigate Combats Copper Theft

Net Irrigate, a manufacturer of Wireless Agricultural Irrigation Monitoring (WAIM) technology, announces WireRat 4.0, an update to its WireRat technology that offers pivot owners new benefits like the ability to self-test the system and increased battery
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January 04, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue

Root Demand Irrigation Offers Revolutionary Approach

Root Demand Irrigation (RDI) has launched a revolutionary, subsurface irrigation method to help growers improve underperforming acres using less water, energy and time.
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January 04, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue

Smart Ag Remote Monitoring Anytime, Anywhere

The McCrometer Connect Wireless Irrigation and Crop Monitoring System and its new Connect TrendView Mobile App gives growers handy views of what’s going on in their fields.
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January 04, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue

Sugar Club Elects President

Frank G. Day, Hershey Co. vice president of Global Commodities, won election as president of the Sugar Club, an international sugar forum headquartered in New York City.
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January 04, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue

Updated Novo Converter Offers New Features

The Novo 2Wire converter from Underhill is now available with built-in testing and programming features, along with improved diagnostics.
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January 04, 2015

Weed worries spread

John Gricius had only seen pictures of Palmer amaranth. So last July, he decided to take a look for himself by attending a northern Illinois field day held near his farm.
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January 03, 2015

Expiration of farm property tax exemptions proposed

SALEM—A bill that would end property tax exemptions for crops, livestock and farm machinery in 2018 will be considered by Oregon lawmakers next year.
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January 03, 2015
News

Western Sugar agronomist: No lab test can differentiate between GMO, non-GMO sugar

So, what about GMO sugar?
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January 02, 2015| Published in the January 2015 issue
News
Phillip Hayes

Sugar Equals Pure Profit for Grocers

Recently, I received a phone call from a reporter with a national newspaper who was curious about why sugar prices were so low.
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January 02, 2015

Drone company CEO envisions the future farm

CLACKAMAS, Ore.—Stephen Burtt has seen the future and it’s. ... wait, let him ask you: Have you seen “Star Wars?”
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January 01, 2015

9th Circuit upholds irrigation restrictions

A federal appeals court has upheld restrictions on irrigation in California’s Central Valley, overruling an earlier ruling that discounted the scientific justification for the constraints.
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