INDUSTRY DIRECTORY
May 31, 2015
News

Rains might add extra days to Owyhee Project water season

Recent rainstorms have bought farmers in Eastern Oregon who get their water from the Owyhee Project a little more time this year, but not much.
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May 30, 2015
News

GMO control area proposal revived

A proposal to increase restrictions on genetically engineered crops has been revived in the Oregon Legislature a month after a similar bill died in committee.
— Read More
May 29, 2015
News

Iteris announces availability of ClearAg

Iteris Inc., a leader in providing information solutions to the transportation and agriculture markets, announced the general availability of ClearAg, a decision support application for precision farming.
— Read More
May 28, 2015
News

Welcome Idaho rains also raise crop disease risk

Crop experts warn a May shift toward cool and wet weather that’s dramatically improved the irrigation outlook has also heightened the risk of disease and created other challenges for Southern Idaho farmers.
— Read More
May 28, 2015
News

New USDA portal enables growers to request conservation assistance online

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that growers, ranchers and private forest landowners can now do business with U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through a new online portal.
— Read More
May 28, 2015

Geography a stronger indicator of weed diversity than glyphosate-resistant crop trait

The potential long-term impacts of glyphosate-resistant crops on biodiversity of the agricultural landscape have been the subject of controversy.
— Read More
May 27, 2015
News
USDA

Reasons we need the Clean Water Rule

Today, EPA and the Army are finalizing a Clean Water Rule to protect the streams and wetlands we rely on for our health, our economy, and our way of life.
— Read More
May 27, 2015
News

UNL Extension Center looks for new use of sugarbeets

After the sugar factory in Scottsbluff lost at least 10,000 tons of rotten sugarbeets to weather inconsistencies, the University of Lincoln Extension Center is looking into different ways they can salvage the rotten beats in the future.
— Read More
May 27, 2015
News

GMO mediation bill encounters opposition

After an uncontroversial start, legislation that would require mediation for disputes over biotech crops in Oregon is now facing opposition from critics of genetic engineering.
— Read More
May 26, 2015
News

USDA pegs sugarbeet area up 2% from 2014

The U.S. Department of Agriculture in its March 31 Prospective Plantings report said growers intend to plant 1,182,100 acres of sugarbeets in 2015, up 20,500 acres, or 2%, from 1,161,600 acres planted in 2014.
— Read More
May 26, 2015
News

TPA bill could face tougher fight in House

Now that the Senate has passed Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation, the focus turns to the House of Representatives.
— Read More
May 26, 2015
News

USDA seeks applications for grants to help socially-disadvantaged producers

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications to provide technical assistance to socially-disadvantaged groups in rural areas.
— Read More
May 26, 2015
News

BASF sponsors space farming research project

Is it possible to produce large quantities of high quality vegetables on a space station, about 320 kilometers away from Earth?
— Read More
May 26, 2015
News

Sugarbeet growers back in field

Southern Alberta farmers who grow sugarbeets rushed to plant their crops May 13 after a four-year agreement with Lantic (Rogers) Sugar was finalized.?
— Read More
May 25, 2015
News

McCreedy chosen as Amalgamated CEO

The Amalgamated Sugar Co. announced that John McCreedy will succeed Vic Jaro as president and CEO of the sugarbeet grower cooperative.
— Read More
May 24, 2015
News

Threats to sugarbeets in Red River Valley

The sugarbeet growing season in the Red River Valley is off to its fastest start in recent memory.
— Read More
May 23, 2015
News

Judge questions whether "right to farm" covers GMOs

Whether Oregon’s “right to farm” law extends to the production of genetically modified crops is a central question in the legal battle over Jackson County’s prohibition against such crops.
— Read More
May 22, 2015

Drought-ridden California faces decision on new water cuts

Farmers along the river delta at the heart of California agriculture expected to get an answer Friday on their surprise offer to give up a quarter of their water this year in exchange for being spared deeper mandatory cutbacks as California responds to th
— Read More
May 22, 2015
News

Possible frost damage to Nebraska beets

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.—The 2015 sugarbeet crop was off to a good start until cold weather hit the region on Mother’s Day weekend.
— Read More
May 22, 2015

USDA offers summer food safety tips

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer, and many Americans will celebrate with cookouts, camping, road trips and other activities that involve food.
— Read More
May 21, 2015
News

GMO ban fails in Oregon’s Benton County

A proposed ban on biotech crops in Oregon’s Benton County has failed by a strong margin.
— Read More
May 21, 2015
News

Former anti-GMO crusader speaks about his conversion

BOISE—British environmentalist Mark Lynas explained to several hundred people in Boise May 19 how he switched from being a pie-throwing, anti-GMO activist to a supporter of genetically engineered crops.
— Read More
May 21, 2015
News

Japanese file suit against TPP

More than 1,000 plaintiffs have filed suit in Japan seeking to halt their country’s involvement in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
— Read More
May 21, 2015
News

USDA reminds growers to certify conservation compliance

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds growers to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026) with their local USDA Service Center by June 1.
— Read More
May 21, 2015
News

McDonald's pressured to promote sound science

At today's annual shareholder meeting of McDonald's in Oak Brook, Ill., the National Center for Public Policy Research presented a shareholder resolution urging the worldwide burger chain to increase its efforts to educate consumers about the safety and b
— Read More
May 21, 2015
News

Great Western to expand Pocatello malt plant

POCATELLO, Idaho—Great Western Malting Co. has announced plans to expand its plant here, more than doubling production capacity to accommodate steady growth in the craft beer sector.
— Read More
May 20, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue
Allen Thayer

Sugar Man of the Year

Edward Makin, the president and CEO of Rogers Sugar and Lantic Sugar in Canada, is the 2014 “Sugar Man of the Year.”
— Read More
May 20, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue

Betaseed Hires New Sales Manager

Betaseed officially announced the addition of Dustin Schmer to the sales group in the Western Sugar South area.
— Read More
May 20, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue

AAP Affirms Role Sugar Plays in Children's Diets

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is affirming the important role sugar can play in improving the quality of a child’s diet.
— Read More
May 20, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue

Art's Way Introduces 6140 Grinder Mixer

Hot off the production line, the 6140 Grinder Mixer, equipped with a 140 bushel tank, provides the producer an excellent option for grinding feed rations.
— Read More
May 20, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue

Cattanach Receives Top Honor

More than 400 people attended the biennial meeting of the American Society of Sugarbeet Technologists at the Hilton Resort in Clearwater Beach, Fla., on Feb. 23-26
— Read More
May 20, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue

Find Smart Solution for Drag Chains

When you’re fighting the time crunch during spring planting season, every minute counts.
— Read More
May 20, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue

Hypro SprayIT App Selects Best Spray Tip

Pentair’s Hypro has released a new version of its SprayIT mobile app that allows growers to spray with confidence by recommending the best spray tip for the specific chemical being applied.
— Read More
May 20, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue

New Adjuvant Uses Nanotechnology to Penetrate Plant Cells

Herbicide-resistant weeds have finally met their match, thanks to a revolutionary new adjuvant, appropriately named NanoRevolution 2.0, introduced by Max Systems LLC.
— Read More
May 20, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue

Red River Valley Hires Executive Director

The Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association in Fargo, N.D., announced that Duane Maatz is the association’s new executive director.
— Read More
May 20, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue

Senninger Irrigation Launches New Website

Senninger Irrigation, a global leader in agricultural irrigation manufacturing, announced the release of its newly redesigned website.
— Read More
May 20, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue
News

Sweetener Symposium

— Read More
May 20, 2015
News

Enter Drive to Thrive contest

Syngenta is giving growers and other agricultural professionals a chance to reward their communities through the second annual Drive to Thrive contest.
— Read More
May 19, 2015
News

Housing open for 2015 Irrigation Show & Education Conference

Housing has officially opened for the 2015 Irrigation Show & Education Conference Nov. 9-13 in Long Beach, Calif.
— Read More
May 18, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue
News
Syngenta News Release

Evaluate Your Season-Long Rhizoctonia Management Plan

Last season, growers in several sugarbeet-growing regions across the U.S. experienced significant disease pressure from Rhizoctonia, one of the most destructive sugarbeet diseases.
— Read More
May 18, 2015
News

Expert offers Idaho well irrigators tips to meet water cut

KIMBERLY, Idaho—University of Idaho Extension irrigation specialist Howard Neibling expects most Eastern Snake Plain well users will find relatively painless ways to meet a mandate to cut water consumption by 13 percent.
— Read More
May 17, 2015
News

USDA develops first government label for GMO-free products

WASHINGTON (AP)—The Agriculture Department has developed the first government certification and labeling for foods that are free of genetically modified ingredients.
— Read More
May 17, 2015
News

Judge rules grower wells can’t recover canal seepage

ABERDEEN, Idaho—Idaho canal companies can’t use growers’ wells to recapture water lost through seepage from their unlined systems, according to a recent ruling by Fifth District Judge Eric Wildman.
— Read More
May 16, 2015
News

Carbon-cutting plan offers something to agriculture

OLYMPIA, Wash.— Democrats on Monday unveiled a new carbon-reduction bill designed to be more palatable to food manufacturers, but the processors aren’t swallowing it.
— Read More
May 15, 2015
News

Pro-GMO activist to speak in Boise

BOISE—Mark Lynas, an environmental activist who helped start the anti-GMO movement in the 1990s but recently became a supporter of genetically engineered crops, will speak about his conversion in Boise.
— Read More
May 15, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue
News

Off the Top for May 2015

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May 15, 2015
News

Survey: More than 40 percent of bee hives died in past year

WASHINGTON (AP)—More than two out of five American honeybee colonies died in the past year, and surprisingly the worst die-off was in the summer, according to a federal survey.
— Read More
May 14, 2015
News

Driver who buzzed highway with millions of bees fined $550

LYNNWOOD, Wash. (AP)—The driver of a semi-truck hauling more than 13 million honeybees that overturned last month on Interstate 5 near Lynnwood has been fined $550 for the accident that sent millions of bees buzzing onto the highway.
— Read More
May 14, 2015
News

Senate passes customs bill

WASHINGTON—The Senate passed a bill to crack down on unfair foreign-trade practices, in a push to ensure that an emerging trade pact sought by President Barack Obama is accompanied by tough enforcement of trade rules.
— Read More
May 14, 2015
News

Storm system heads toward drought-stricken California

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)—Drought-stricken California was set to get some relief from an approaching storm that forecasters said would be unusually strong for this time of year for parts of the state.
— Read More
May 14, 2015
News

Apply now for Arborjet’s “Taking Root” scholarship

In an effort to help bright and promising young students to fulfill their dreams of entering careers in the arboriculture industry, Arborjet is seeking applicants for its 2015 "Taking Root" Scholarship Program.
— Read More
May 14, 2015

USDA announces funding to assist with organic certification costs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced today that approximately $11.9 million in organic certification assistance is available through state departments of agriculture to make organic certification more
— Read More
May 14, 2015
News

Anti-counterfeiting incorporated into BASF labels in China

An agriculture chemical company has developed a tool to protect its crop protection products in China from being counterfeited.
— Read More
May 14, 2015
News

TPA to get another chance

A deal has been reached to move forward with a vote on trade promotion authority.
— Read More
May 14, 2015
News

USDA Invests $6.5M for Ogallala Aquifer Region

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $6.5 million in the Ogallala Aquifer region this year to help farmers and ranchers conserve billions of gallons of water and improve water qualit
— Read More
May 14, 2015
News

Record low streamflows forecast for parts of Washington

YAKIMA, Wash.—The latest forecasts for summer streamflows in Washington state contain record low numbers, underscoring the concerns of irrigators on the east slopes of the Cascades.
— Read More
May 13, 2015
News

Idaho irrigation shortages predicted after dry April

BOISE—Irrigation shortages are expected throughout Southern and Central Idaho following a dry and warm April, according to a Natural Resources Conservation Service report published May 6.
— Read More
May 12, 2015
News

Trade Promotion Authority blocked in Senate

Senate Democrats blocked legislation Tuesday that would have granted President Obama trade promotion authority.
— Read More
May 12, 2015
News

Small tractor sales strong in April

U.S. tractor sales totaled 24,238 in April up more than 8 percent from April of last year.
— Read More
May 12, 2015
News

More ag graduates sought

As the Class of 2015 receive their diplomas there is more evidence of the growing shortage of well-trained employees in agriculture.
— Read More
May 12, 2015
News

Syngenta reportedly still interested

Although Syngenta rejected Monsanto’s $45 billion takeover bid, Monsanto is reportedly still pursing the rival company.
— Read More
May 12, 2015
News

Farm Bureau launches GMO website

The American Farm Bureau Federation has created a website for farmers and ranchers that makes it easy for them to tell members of Congress how they feel about GMO labeling.
— Read More
May 11, 2015
News

UAV approved for spraying

Growers are getting one step closer to remote controlled precision sprayers.
— Read More
May 11, 2015
News

Reid threatens to block TPA bill

Any traction for a Trade Promotion Authority bill in the Senate has been slowed by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid who says Democrats are prepared to block the measure.
— Read More
May 11, 2015
News

Syngenta rejects Monsanto offer

Syngenta has rejected an unsolicited offer from Monsanto to acquire the company for a reported $45-billion.
— Read More
May 11, 2015
News

Grant furthers ISU, Simplot drone research

POCATELLO, Idaho—Idaho State University and J.R. Simplot Co. are collaborating on research using advanced sensors mounted on drones to diagnose the specific causes of crop problems.
— Read More
May 11, 2015
News

Idaho lawmakers target "Waters of U.S." rule

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. House of Representatives passed an appropriations bill May 1 containing Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson’s language blocking implementation of a proposed rule he fears would expand the federal government’s Clean Water Act authority.
— Read More
May 10, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue
News

Talkin’ Trade, GMOs and Weeds: Several issues grab attention

Luther Markwart, American Sugarbeet Growers Association executive vice president, shared some of the beet industry’s challenges and opportunities at the 53rd annual International Sugarbeet Institute on March 26 in Fargo, N.D.
— Read More
May 10, 2015
News

Study: Consumers don’t care if U.S. farmers feed the world

“We’re feeding the world” is a mantra often used by those involved in farming and food to build support for modern food production systems.
— Read More
May 10, 2015
News

Idaho FFA chapter surprise winner of raffled antique tractor

FRUITLAND, Idaho—Fruitland High School’s FFA chapter is the surprise owner of a restored 1946 John Deere GM tractor that was raffled off to raise scholarship money for Idaho FFA students.
— Read More
May 10, 2015
News

University says county GMO measure could hamper research

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP)—Oregon State University says a Benton County ballot measure that seeks to ban the cultivation of genetically modified crops in the county could hurt GMO-related university research projects.
— Read More
May 09, 2015
News

Weed scientists offer new definition for superweed

The Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) has joined with six sister organizations to recommend a new definition for superweed—a catchall term used by many to describe weeds that are perceived to be more invasive and to grow more aggressively after devel
— Read More
May 09, 2015
News

Idaho commission denies request to build ethanol facility

CALDWELL, Idaho—The future of a proposed $60 million food processing plant and ethanol facility near Greenleaf is in doubt after Canyon County commissioners denied a conditional use permit request May 5.
— Read More
May 08, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue
News
Allen Thayer

No More Silence

One of the takeaways from the International Sugarbeet Institute that took place March 25-26 in Fargo, N.D., is the importance for growers to advocate for the sugar industry.
— Read More
May 08, 2015
News

Western snowpack melts early, little remains

West-wide snowpack has mostly melted, according to data from the fifth 2015 forecast by the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
— Read More
May 08, 2015
News

California regulators approve unprecedented water cutbacks

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)—California water regulators adopted sweeping, unprecedented restrictions Tuesday on how people, governments and businesses can use water amid the state’s ongoing drought, hoping to push reluctant residents to deeper conservation.
— Read More
May 08, 2015
News

U.S. gives growers approval to spray crops from drones

FRESNO, Calif. (AP)—A drone large enough to carry tanks of fertilizers and pesticides has won rare approval from federal authorities to spray crops in the United States, officials said Tuesday.
— Read More
May 08, 2015
News

Evolva and Valent BioSciences to co-develop agricultural bioactives

Evolva and Valent BioSciences Corporation (VBC), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sumitomo Chemical Company, have signed an exclusive agreement to co-develop and commercialize a class of high-value active ingredients for use as next-generation agricultural bio
— Read More
May 07, 2015
News

Undercover video leads to firing of Colorado hog farm workers

DENVER (AP)—An undercover video showing workers at a Colorado pig farm hitting animals with cans and boards has prompted a criminal investigation and the firing of seven employees.
— Read More
May 07, 2015
News

Vermont’s GMO labeling law and lawsuit to proceed

Vermont is now closer to being the first state in the nation to require foods containing genetically modified ingredients to be labeled, thanks to a ruling by a U.S. District Court Judge.
— Read More
May 07, 2015
News

Monsanto reportedly approaching Syngenta about takeover

Monsanto Company has “approached Syngenta AG about a takeover,” according to the Bloomberg Business news service.
— Read More
May 07, 2015
News

Irrigation district shuts down temporarily to save water

SUNNYSIDE, Wash.—With a shrinking water forecast and millions of dollars in crops at stake, one of the largest irrigation districts in Washington’s Yakima Valley will stop water deliveries to farmers for at least two weeks and buy water from a neighboring
— Read More
May 07, 2015
News

Bayer CropScience and Flagship Ventures form partnership

Striving to push the bounds of agricultural innovation, Bayer CropScience announced a strategic innovation partnership with Flagship Ventures, a leading venture capital and venture creation firm.
— Read More
May 07, 2015
News

Amalgamated Sugar Company announces changes in leadership team

The Amalgamated Sugar Company LLC has named John McCreedy, an 11-year veteran of the company, as the new president and chief executive officer.
— Read More
May 07, 2015
News

"Farmland" documentary film now on Netflix

The feature length documentary “Farmland” is now available on Netflix.
— Read More
May 07, 2015
News

Agriculture to farm two-thirds of UAV-drone market

Agriculture will be the “big winner” in the commercial unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) industry, says UAV specialist and farmer Chad Colby.
— Read More
May 06, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue
News
Allen Thayer

JD Farms Overcomes Temperature Fluctuations: Beet growers fight battle of perception

Warmer weather led to higher sugar content levels for some Nebraska beet growers last season.
— Read More
May 06, 2015
News

Vilsack to talk GMO issues at G20

GMO trade issues will be at the forefront for U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack at the G-20 forum in Turkey this week.
— Read More
May 06, 2015
News

Energy and Water Appropriations Bill passes

The U.S. House has passed the FY 2016 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill.
— Read More
May 06, 2015

For small businesses seeking equipment, 5 factors to consider

During National Small Business Week, May 4–8, the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) is reminding small businesses of five key factors to consider when acquiring equipment.
— Read More
May 06, 2015
News

Coca Cola accepts challenge to commit to GMO education

At last week’s annual meeting of Coca-Cola shareholders in Atlanta, Ga., the National Center for Public Policy Research urged the beverage giant’s CEO, Muhtar Kent, to do far more to promote the safety and benefit of genetically modified organisms (GMOs),
— Read More
May 06, 2015
News

USDA announces grants to enable more farmers markets to serve low-income families

Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Under Secretary Kevin Concannon announced Tuesday the availability of up to $3.3 million in competitive funding to support the ability of farmers markets to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) bene
— Read More
May 06, 2015
News

Agriculture is thriving in bone-dry California, and that's not a good thing

California's severe drought shows no signs of easing—maybe not for years, possibly not for decades—and Gov. Jerry Brown has imposed unprecedented water restrictions for both business and residential use across the state.
— Read More
May 06, 2015
News

Forest Service chief predicts "above normal" wildland fire potential in much of the West

U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell presented the Forest Service forecast on the upcoming 2015 fire season in testimony Tuesday before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Forest Service researchers expect 2015 to continue the trend of
— Read More
May 06, 2015
News

Glyphosate-resistant Palmer confirmed in Nebraska

Glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth has been confirmed for the first time in Nebraska.
— Read More
May 04, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue
News
Luther Markwart

U.S. Trade Commission Upholds Sugar Pact with Mexico

On March 19, the International Trade Commission voted 6-0 that the suspension agreements did in fact completely eliminate the injury to the domestic sugar industry.
— Read More
May 02, 2015| Published in the May 2015 issue
News
Phillip Hayes

Renewed Interest in Trade Provides Opportunity

When I first joined the sugar industry in 2004, reporters, politicians and others thought leaders were legitimately interested in international issues—namely the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and possible pacts with Brazil, Thailand and oth
— Read More
May 01, 2015
News

Free Washington program collects waste pesticides

SPOKANE, Wash.—A line of trucks gathers outside a building on the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Geiger Maintenance Facility. Barrels and tanks holding chemicals farmer don’t or can’t use any more sit in the truck beds.
— Read More