Farmers learn about harvesting for cellulosic ethanol
Farmers gathered in a corn field near Emmetsburg, Iowa on November 3rd to see the newest technology for collecting and transporting corn cobs—an important step in POET’s plan to produce cellulosic ethanol from biomass. At POET’s Project LIBERTY Field Day, 16 companies showcased equipment to help make the process of harvesting cobs and residue quick, easy and profitable. At the same time, officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy talked with farmers about money to help procure equipment and matching payments for biomass. Project LIBERTY is POET’s planned 25-million-gallon-per-year cellulosic ethanol plant in Emmetsburg. The company is going to ...
Iowa’s harvest is latest since 1951
Iowa’s corn and soybean harvest is the latest in 58 years. That’s the word from Iowa state climatologist Harry Hillaker. He says on November 1st of 1951, corn harvest was about eight percent complete with soybean harvest at 55 percent. The most recent Iowa crop progress report put corn at 18 percent and soybeans at 54 percent. Hillaker also reports that last month was the wettest October since 1881. Iowa recorded six-point-three inches in October—normal rainfall is two-point-five inches.
Some safety reminders for harvest
This is a very busy and dangerous time on the farm. With the delay in harvest this year, things are going to be more rushed than usual plus, with Daylight Savings Time now over, more work will be done at night. Cheryl Skjolaas with the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Center for Agricultural Safety and Health says there are a couple of very important steps to take if you are going to be running machinery on the road. For one thing, make sure you have a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) sign on and that it is clean and in good shape. “It ...
Top Story
Sequencing of corn genome opens doorNow that scientists have completed the first comprehensive gene map of North American corn, the door is open to further technological advances in corn hybrids. Dr. Pat Schnable, director of the Center for Plant Genomics at Iowa State University, is... Read More...
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Featured: National FFA Convention
American Star in Agriscience: Amy RobakThe 2009 American Star in Agriscience is Amy Robak of the Foley FFA Chapter in Minnesota. Amy’s interest in undergraduate research involves a number research projects near her home area. AUDIO: Amy Robak, Minnesota (3:50 MP3) Read More →
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- American Star in Ag Placement: Tony Crescio
- American Star in Agribusiness: Ben Alsum
- American Star Farmer: Slade Nightengale
Managing For Profit
Advice on feeding mycotoxin-contaminated corn
Mycotoxin contamination has been found in some corn fields all across the Corn Belt this fall. University of Nebraska extension swine specialist Duane Reese was recently part of a special state-wide broadcast looking at challenges associated with the 2009 harvest. Reese offered advice to livestock producers, and particularly swine producers, who... [Read more of this review]
Read More Posts From This CategoryRural Issues
A “wake up call” for America
More Americans are struggling with what the USDA calls “food insecurity.” Ag Secretary Vilsack says the 2008 Household Food Security survey shows the federal food and nutrition programs have served as a safety net but that more needs to be done. He calls for a creative, comprehensive approach. AUDIO: US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack,... [Read more of this review]
Read More Posts From This CategoryCyndi Young's Two Cents
Multinationals not all bad
Seems every time I turn around these days, someone is pontificating about the evils of multinational corporations. Sometimes corporations need to be taken to task, but just like businesses of any size, they are not all the same and most do have some redeeming characteristics. Sara Lee Corp. announced this week that in fiscal 2009 the company donated... [Read more of this review]
Read More Posts From This CategoryInnovations
Pioneer’s “Y” Series successful for growers
Pioneer Hybrids is in the second year of its launch of its Y Series for soybeans. Senior Marketing Manager Don Schafer for North Amarica Soybeans for Pioneer tells Brownfield the Y Series line has expanded to more than 50 soybean varieties that are providing higher yield and higher quality. Schafer, who’s based in Johnston, Iowa, talked with... [Read more]
Read More Posts From This CategoryInside D.C.
Do it correctly, not quickly
I don’t work the health care reform issue, mainly because I don’t have a client who pays me to do so and health care reform is so far out of my comfort zone it isn’t funny. But I’ve had three people today ask me “Is the Senate going to pass something?” What’s disturbing to me is that either through statement... [Read more]
Read More Posts From This CategoryAsgrow 5-Bean Challenge
Visit the 5-Bean Pod Challenge blog for interviews, photos and more video, brought to you by Asgrow Brand Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield.
Audio Reports
Email and Stuff
Ag Weather Maps
Daily Email News
The Brownfield Blog- AND he does markets. . . November 19, 2009
- NAFB Foundation Auction November 17, 2009
- WTRH, Ramsey, Illinois November 17, 2009
- The Brownfield Team November 16, 2009
- NAFB Foundation elects Ken Anderson to VP post November 16, 2009
- Brownfield Tweets
- brownfield: Sequencing of corn genome opens door: Now that scientists have completed the first comprehensive gene map of No.. http://bit.ly/5SYfJU November 20, 2009
- brownfield: Midday cash livestock prices: Iowa/Minnesota barrows and gilts are down .68 at 50.82 on a carcass basis, the We.. http://bit.ly/iYAwz November 20, 2009
- brownfield: Senate ag leaders say reforms musn’t go too far: Senate Ag Committee Chair Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas op.. http://bit.ly/1vpdWD November 19, 2009
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