07/30/2010: The Ohio State Fair - Day 3
Day 3 sends The ABN to Cooper Arena on the grounds of The Ohio Expo Center for the Dairy Futurity Show. Our LIVE Midday broadcast is sponsored by COBA Select Sires.

07/29/2010: The Ohio State Fair - Day 2
Our 2nd day of Ohio State Fair LIVE broadcasts will be from The Voinovich Center as The ABN's Gary Jackson heads to the beef show. Our coverage Thursday brought to you by The Ohio Cattlemen's Association and Kalmbach Feeds.

07/28/2010: The Weekly Pioneer Hybrid Crop Update From The Field
This week Gary Jackson visits with Tate Cockerill, a Pioneer Hybrid Account Manager, about the crop conditions in his part of the state. Tate suggests that Southwest Ohio has been extremely wet, which is a completely different from the conditions just north of him. He also mentions SDS in the beans.

07/28/2010: The Ohio State Fair - Day 1
Wednesday kicked off The Ohio State Fair and in longstanding tradition our Midday broadcast on Day 1 comes from The Brown Sheep Arena and The Market Lamb Show.

07/27/2010: NCBA’s Initial Response to CBB’s Executive Summary Media Statement
A note from Steve Foglesong NCBA President: Monday evening, July 26, we received the independent accountant’s final report. We are committed to achieving accuracy in this report. Responsible use of the producer dollars and ensuring the financial firewall are critical. Where mistakes were made, we will correct them.

07/27/2010: The County Fair and Festival Tour - The Seneca County Fair
They say the best things in life are free, so you could say the best things in life are at the Seneca County Fair! Enjoy FREE grandstand events all week including Harness Racing, Ohio National Sled Championship Horse Pulls and more.

07/27/2010: NCBA Compliance Review Complete
All checkoff contractors and subcontractors are subject to compliance reviews and audits.It is the responsibility of checkoff contractors to assure that checkoff funds are being used appropriately, and it is CBB’s responsibility to monitor checkoff contractors. To this end, CBB has the legal responsibility to perform reviews of its contractors periodically, and to oversee and enforce the rules regarding checkoff expenditures.

07/26/2010: The County Fair and Festival Tour - The Butler County Fair
Hamilton, Ohio is where The ABN County Fair and Festival Tour, Powered By Propane, made a stop as Lindsay Hill hosted Midday programming LIVE from The Butler County Fair.

07/26/2010: The Great Buckeye Tractor Cruise A Success
ABN Radio is proud to share that thanks to our tremendous drivers, sponsors, volunteers and supporters the 2010 Great Buckeye Tractor Cruise raised $7,000 for Camp Quality of Ohio bringing our three-year total to $20,000 raised for the Camp! Congratulations and thank you to all who participated in any way!

07/23/2010: The County Fair and Festival Tour - The Clark County Fair
Andy Vance visited The Clark County Fair on Friday for a LIVE Midday broadcast on The ABN County Fair and Festival Tour, Powered by Propane.

07/22/2010: The County Fair and Festival Tour - The Warren County Fair
On Thursday Lebanon was the host of The ABN County Fair and Festival Tour, Powered By Propane. Gary Jackson held our Midday broadcast LIVE from The Warren County Fair.

07/22/2010: Farm Bureau Contest Asks Farmers to Show They Care
Want to see more positive videos about animal agriculture? You can help do something about it.

07/21/2010: The Weekly Pioneer Hybrid Crop Update From The Field
Pioneer Hybrid Account Manager Mike McBride covers Marion, Morrow and Delaware Counties and he talks with The ABN's Gary Jackson about some of the challenges his area is seeing from the May/June rains and how producers from all over Ohio may continue to pay a price for those rains.

07/21/2010: The County Fair and Festival Tour - The Franklin County Fair
The ABN's Gary Jackson didn't have too far to go for The ABN's County Fair and Festival Tour's other Wednesday stop as we also featured The Franklin County Fair in Hilliard.

07/21/2010: The County Fair and Festival Tour - The Adams County Fair
Wednesday, The ABN's Lindsay Hill made her way to The Adams Country Fair and The County Fair and Festival Tour rolls on. This year's Adams County Fair highlights include a Truck and Tractor Pull, A Demo Derby and a concert featuring county music star Jimmy Wayne. Log on to AdamsCountyFairground.com to find out more.

07/20/2010: Biomass Technologies Providing More Opportunities
On Monday - Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack toured Quasar Energy Group in Ohio to see the new technologies used to generate bigger supplies of biogas derived from cellulosic biomass - like yard clippings and crop residue. USDA provided funding for the facilities development.

07/20/2010: The County Fair and Festival Tour - The Fayette County Fair
When it comes to county fairs that have a great Ag background, The Fayette County Fair is one of the best. The is where The ABN headed on Tuesday for The County Fair and Festival Tour, Powered By Propane. Our LIVE Midday broadcast was sponsored by Nick Cummings and Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company.

07/20/2010: USDA and Vilsack Offer An Apology
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Wednesday released the following statement in response to his conversation with Shirley Sherrod:

07/19/2010: The County Fair and Festival Tour - The Crawford County Fair
If you are looking for a county fair that truly has a little bit of something for everyone, look no further than this year's Crawford County Fair. That is where Gary Jackson visited on Monday to broadcast LIVE for Midday.

07/16/2010: The Ohio Compromise - Two Weeks Later
It has been two weeks now since what some are calling "The Ohio Compromise" or "The Agreement" between Ohio livestock groups and The Humane Society of The United States. After many Ohioans have now had the chance to read the details of the pact, Andy Vance has an ABN Exclusive Interview with Jack Fisher, Executive Vice President of The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

07/16/2010: COSI Farm Days: Little Seeds, Big Tractors
COSI brings the farm to the city for the sixth year in a row, as Farm Days: Little Seeds, Big Tractors runs through Sunday. The ABN was on hand Thursday for the event as Lindsay Hill hosted Midday Programming LIVE from COSI.

07/15/2010: ABN Exclusive - A Conversation With Tom Vilsack
This week The ABN's Andy Vance had the opportunity to have an extensive conversation with The Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. The discussion covered a wide variety of topics including the export market and freet trade agreements, the ethanol and biodiesel industries and more.

07/14/2010: Mayer Farm Equipment And AGCO Host Field Day
On Wednesday, Mayer Farm Equipment and AGCO hosted a field day at the Shreyer Egg Farm in Baltimore. The ABN was on hand to check out all of the new AGCO products, including new combines and field equipment.

07/14/2010: The Weekly Pioneer Hybrid Crop Update From The Field
Pioneer Hybrid Account Manager Andrea Cleveland talks with The ABN's Gary Jackson about what she is seeing and hearing while out scouting Ohio fields and talking with Ohio producers.

07/13/2010: The County Fair and Festival Tour - The Logan County Fair
Tuesday's stop on The ABN's County Fair and Festival Tour was the home fair for Lindsay Hill, The Logan County Fair. Our broadcast sponsored by Farm Credit Services of Mid America.

07/12/2010: The County Fair and Festival Tour - The Madison County Fair
The Madison County Fair runs through Saturday. The ABN's Gary Jackson made a stop in London on Monday as part of The 2010 County Fair and Festival Tour, powered by Propane.

07/08/2010: Sustainability Projects Being Implemented At Ohio State
Sustainability projects are being implemented at Ohio State University's Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory, the result of a Clean Water Act grant of nearly $200,000. Included are several water protection projects, including an agricultural ditch rehabilitation to better filter pollutants and reduce flooding, a pasture designated for livestock exclusion fencing, rainwater harvesting, grass buffers, manure and nutrient management, etc. Partners in the project are the Ohio EPA, OSU College of Food, Agricultural and environmental sciences, OSU Extension, Ohio Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials and Franklin Soil and Water.

07/08/2010: The Weekly Pioneer Hybrid Crop Update From The Field
This week's Pioneer Hybrid Crop Update features Account Manager Matt Miller. He talks to Gary Jackson about what he is seeing and hearing when it comes to Ohio fields.

07/08/2010: Bovine Tuberculosis Discovered in Paulding County Dairy Herd
Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs today announces that preliminary tests performed by the department’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory revealed a positive result for bovine tuberculosis in a Paulding County dairy herd. There is no known human illness associated with this occurrence.

07/06/2010: Ohioans for Humane Farms Tout Signatures as Critical Leverage
In an e-mail released today by the Ohioans for Humane Farms, a coalition of animal welfare, family farming, food safety, and environmental advocates who recently led a signature gathering campaign in hopes of placing a ballot initiative related to animal welfare on the November ballot, the group praised members and supporters for their efforts and issued a reminder for those who had not yet submitted collected signatures.

07/06/2010: ABN Exclusive: A Conversation with Gary Conklin - After the Storm
Gary Conklin of Conklin Dairy Farms, the farm featured in recent footage shot by the animal rights activist group Mercy for Animals sat down with ABN's Andy Vance after being cleared of any allegations to talk about the video, its impact on their business and family, and how Billy Joe Gregg, Jr. came to be employed at Conklin Dairy Farm.

07/06/2010: Plain City Dairy Farm Cleared Of Animal Abuse Allegations
A Central Ohio dairy farm embroiled in scandal over alleged cow abuse won’t face additional charges, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office announced Tuesday.

07/06/2010: NPPC Puzzled by Recent Pork Board Appointments
The National Pork Producers Council has written Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack regarding his recent appointments to the National Pork Board. The 15 member board is chosen by the Secretary of Agriculture based on nominations from the Pork Act delegate body.

07/06/2010: AAA Says Learn From Ohio Agreement
The Animal Agriculture Alliance says the agriculture industry must learn from the disappointing outcome in Ohio where agriculture groups came to an agreement with the Humane Society of the United States. If the Ohio ag industry meets certain HSUS-backed guidelines - then the HSUS will not pursue a ballot initiative in Ohio this fall. Those guidelines include a ban on new gestation stalls; a ban on transportation of non-ambulatory cows for slaughter; and a moratorium on conventional cage housing for poultry.

07/03/2010: Ag Carbon Market Working Group In Columbus
The Ag Carbon Market Working Group, in cooperation with several other sponsors, is hosting a series of discussion forums about opportunities for agriculture in climate and energy legislation. These forums will cover current policy options being considered by Congress and potential revenue opportunities from carbon offsets and renewable energy.

07/02/2010: The County Fair and Festival Tour - Old Fashioned Farmers Days
The Van Wert County Fairgrounds will be hosting The 34th Annual Old Fashioned Farmers Days through July 4th. This event features The Buckeye Allis Club and New Idea Equipment and Gas Engines. The ABN's Gary Jackson took part in the festivities Thursdays on The ABN County Fair and Festival Tour.

07/02/2010: Ohio Ag Leader Responds to Burning Questions about HSUS Agreement
Jack Fisher, Executive Vice President of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation responded Thursday to questions that have arisen among the ag community about the recent agreement industry leaders reached with the Humane Society of the United States.

07/01/2010: The Agreement: Complete Coverage of the Deal Struck Between Ohio Ag Industry Leaders and HSUS

07/01/2010: OPPC Issues Statement Regarding Agreement with HSUS to Thwart Planned Ballot Initiative
The outlined agreement allows the continued use of individual sow housing, or gestation stalls, in the pork community for the next 15 years, through January 1, 2026. The agreement also places no restrictions on using individual sow housing until sows are confirmed pregnant. However, as of December 31, 2010, no new facilities that utilize gestation stalls will be allowed to be built.

06/30/2010: ABN Exclusive Audio - The Agreement With HSUS
Shortly after Wednesday's press conference in Columbus regarding the agreement between HSUS and Ohio's livestock industries, The ABN's Andy Vance and Gary Jackson were on hand to ask all of the questions and get all of the answers regarding this surprising announcement.

06/30/2010: Statement from Ohio Governor Ted Strickland on Animal Welfare Agreement
Governor, Agricultural Leaders and Humane Society Announce Agreement to Remove HSUS Ballot Initiative, Enhance Animal Welfare and Care Standards

06/30/2010: BREAKING NEWS (updated): Ohio Farm Leaders Reach Agreement with HSUS
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland joined leaders of Ohio's ag industry and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to announce a joint agreement that will preempt a planned fall ballot initiative relative to livestock care. According to Strickland the agreement is supported by the Ohioans for Livestock Care, a coalition of Ohio's agricultural organizations.

06/30/2010: POET Acquires Putnam County, Indiana Ethanol Plant
POET announced today the purchase of a 90 million gallon-per-year ethanol plant located just outside Cloverdale, Ind. and previously operated by Altra Biofuels.

06/30/2010: The ABN County Fair and Festival Tour - Trumbull County Fair
Cortland, Ohio is where you'll find Lindsay Hill, as The Trumbull County Fair plays host to The 2010 ABN County Fair and Festival Tour.

06/30/2010: The Weekly Pioneer Hybrid Crop Update From The Field
This week The ABN's Gary Jackson talks with Pionner Account Manager Doug House. They talk about the amount of rain that Ohio producers have seen and the issue that rain brings.

06/29/2010: Growing Rural America One Community At A Time
The America's Farmers Growing Communities Project is a program sponsored by the Monsanto Fund to support local farming communities. The program allows farmers to register to win $2500 for their favorite community charity.

06/28/2010: The ABN County Fair and Festival Tour - Marion County Fair
Monday kicked off The 2010 Marion County Fair and The ABN was on hand for opening festivities as Gary Jackson took care of Midday Programming LIVE from The Marion County Fairgrounds.

06/28/2010: NCBA Restructuring Plans Suspended
Plans to change the National Cattlemen's Beef Association governance structure have been suspended to give the Federation of State Beef Councils an opportunity to clarify its role and intentions to all industry stakeholders. Scott George - Division Chair of NCBA's Federation - says the group is not turning its back on revising its governance structure - but is turning its attention to U.S. producers to ensure a governance structure that fosters unity within the industry is developed. He said the unintended controversy around NCBA's proposal was getting in the way of an accurate discussion about the Federation.

06/25/2010: The ABN County Fair and Festival Tour - Maria Stein Country Fest
Friday's stop on The 2010 ABN County Fair and Festival Tour was The Maria Stein Country Fest in Mercer County. Lindsay Hill made the trip and learned all about this Annual 3-day event.

06/23/2010: Beef Board Executive Committee Recommends Separation of Federation
In the latest volley on the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's (NCBA) proposed governance restructuring, the Executive Committee of the Cattlemen's Beef Board (CBB) fired a potentially fatal blow.

06/23/2010: The Weekly Pioneer Hybrid Crop Update From The Field
Pioneer Hybrids Account Manager Troy Putnam checks in with The ABN's Gary Jackson for this week's Pioneer Crop Update.

06/23/2010: The ABN County Fair and Festival Tour - Pickaway County
Next stop - Circleville as The ABN's Lindsay Hill heads to The 2010 Pickaway County Fair!

06/22/2010: The ABN County Fair and Festival Tour - Putnam County
Tuesday The ABN's Gary Jackson made a stop at The Putnam County Fair as the 2010 County Fair and Festival Tour rolls on.

06/21/2010: Ohio FFA Teams Up With Monsanto For A Learning Experience
A group of OHIO FFA students recently had the opportunity to learn about the agriculture biotechnology industry and educational choice in the marketplace. The Ohio FFA took part in Monsanto's U.S. Licensing Division's Annual Seed Partner meeting in Columbus.

06/18/2010: Smithfield Wants Full Ownership of Butterball
Smithfield Foods is willing to pay approximately 200-million dollars to buy out its joint venture partner's 51-percent ownership interest in Butterball LLC and its partners' related turkey production assets. In accordance with Butterball's operating agreement - Smithfield's partner may either accept the offer to sell or be required to purchase Smithfield's 49-percent interest and its related turkey production assets.

06/18/2010: RFA Disappointed with Reports EPA Further Delaying E15 Decision
It’s been reported that the EPA is further delaying its decision regarding the use of up to 15-percent ethanol blends. The Renewable Fuels Association says the news is disappointing and a dereliction of duty. What’s more – it appears EPA will only approve E15 use for model year 2007 and newer vehicles in September – waiting to approve its use for model year 2001 and newer vehicles later in the fall. RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen says EPA is dropping the ball – and for no scientifically justified reason. He says the plan borders on shameful – and will further and unnecessarily confuse the issue.

06/17/2010: The Facts About Egg Safety in Ohio By Robert J. Boggs
As director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, I want to assure Ohioans that the eggs they eat each morning for breakfast are among the safest in the nation because of the meticulous safeguards in place through the processing stages on Ohio’s farms.

06/17/2010: America’s Farmers and Ethanol Producers Ready for President’s Call
An open letter sent to President Obama Wednesday outlined steps the ethanol industry believes the Administration and Congress should take in order to transition the U.S. away from oil to sustainable and renewable fuel technologies. The letter states America’s ethanol producers stand ready to play their part. The steps outlined are for Congress to extend biofuels tax incentives, the EPA to increase ethanol blends to 15-percent and the nation to expand infrastructure needed for renewable fuels.

06/17/2010: Funds Benefit Mississippi River Basin
Conservation districts in the Mississippi River Basin have received more than 11-million dollars to carry out projects that will help landowners implement conservation practices that prevent, control and trap nutrient runoff from agricultural land. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Tuesday that 75 projects in 12 states have been selected - and conservation districts are leading or heavily involved in more than half of the selected projects.

06/16/2010: The Weekly Pioneer Hybrid Crop Update From The Field
Pioneer Hybrids Account Manager Brian Mitchem sits down with The ABN's Gary Jackson this week to go over some of the concerns of the crop progress at this stage of the planting and growing season.

06/15/2010: The ABN County Fair and Festival Tour Kicked Off Tuesday
Tuesday was stop #1 of many for The ABN 2010 Fair and Festival Tour. Gary Jackson travelled to Northwest Ohio for the Paulding County Fair.

06/14/2010: Ohio Hail Damage Agronomic Alert
Recently severe storms marched across the region bringing along hail that damaged corn in localized areas. After the initial shock of viewing a severely damaged corn field has diminished, the stages of determining the extent of the damage begin.

06/11/2010: EPA Disapproving Resolution Fails Senate Vote
By a vote of 47 to 53, the U. S. Senate Thursday failed to pass the Resolution disapproving EPA’s efforts to regulate greenhouse gasses under the Clean Air act. Earlier in the day. Ag Committee chairman Blanche Lincoln and the committee’s Ranking Member Saxby Chambliss both took to the Senate floor to appeal for support of the resolution championed by Senator Lisa Murkowski of Arkansas.

06/10/2010: NPB’s New Strategic Plan Being Implemented
The National Pork Board is busy implementing its new five-year strategic plan. NPB President Tim Bierman told reporters at World Pork Expo in Des Moines we've set our sights on "Leading a World-Class Food Industry," and - I'm already beginning to see some evidence of making that happen. Bierman, a pork producer from Larrabee, Iowa, says - if you look at the three areas of focus in the plan - helping farmers produce hogs in a socially responsible manner; refreshing the image of pork to increase consumer demand; and pursuing strategies to remain competitive globally - you can see some of the specific steps to implement the plan and its vision.

06/09/2010: The Weekly Pioneer Hybrid Crop Update From The Field
Agronomist Jonah Johnson goes over the crop progress numbers for Ohio and discusses some of the issues facing crops this week.

06/08/2010: Final CAST Report Focuses on Animal Agriculture
The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, or CAST, has released what it is calling its final Issue Paper in its series on – Animal Agriculture’s Future Through Biotechnology. This latest paper titled” Ethical Implications of Animal Biotechnology: Considerations for Animal Welfare Decision Making”, looks at genetic engineering, mammalian cloning and public perceptions.

06/08/2010: Taiwan To Inspect U.S. Beef Plants
At the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Japan, Taiwan Health Minister Yaung Chih-liang said his country will send inspectors to the United States to inspect meat packers that export beef to Taiwan. Yaung said the officials will inspect up to 10 slaughterhouses or packing facilities in August or September to ensure that U.S. beef exports are adequately labeled in compliance with Taiwanese regulations.

06/07/2010: New Rust Resistant Bean Varieties Under Development
Virulent new races of rust have overcome the Ur-3 resistance gene and are now appearing in bean fields in Michigan and North Dakota, the country’s two largest bean-growing states. Ur-3-protected varieties that once withstood the disease are succumbing to it, and there's concern the new races will spread to other Northern Plains states where common beans are grown.

06/03/2010: Coastal Farmers and Ranchers Feeling the Impact of Oil Spill
Ranchers in coastal Louisiana are being forced to move their herds inland and crop farmers along the Mississippi and Alabama coastlines are hoping their fields stay unharmed with the oil in the Gulf of Mexico continuing to move closer to shore. But agriculture’s biggest concern is actually the potential damage from a tropical storm surge this summer. The Atlantic hurricane season opened Tuesday and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is calling for 14 to 23 storms this year - including up to seven major hurricanes.

06/03/2010: EPA Issues Draft Rule Proposal
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a new permit requirement that it says would decrease the amount of pesticides discharged to our nation's waters and protect human health and the environment. According to EPA - the new permit would not cover terrestrial application to control pests on agricultural crops or forest floors. EPA estimates that the pesticide general permit will affect approximately 35-thousand pesticide applicators nationally that perform approximately half a million pesticide applications annually.

06/02/2010: The Weekly Pioneer Hybrid Crop Update From The Field
Pioneer Hybrid Agronomist Denny Wickham checks in to discuss Ohio's crop progress and issues with The ABN's Gary Jackson.

06/01/2010: Biodiesel Tax Extension and More for Ag Part of Bill Passed by House
The U.S. House Friday passed a 113-billion dollar package of tax breaks and social spending programs with a 215 to 204 vote. The bill extends the one-dollar-per-gallon biodiesel tax credit through the end of 2010. The credit expired at the end of December - causing 47 biodiesel plants across the nation to be closed or idled. The legislation also includes Senator Blanche Lincoln’s 1.5-billion dollar disaster package.

06/01/2010: NBB, ASA Praise Passage of Biodiesel Tax Incentive in House
House passage of the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act Friday - means the first step in extending the biodiesel tax incentive to the end of the year is complete. The National Biodiesel Board and American Soybean Association are pleased with the bill’s passage.

05/27/2010: Updated (New Audio): Our Conversations with the Humane Society of the United States
The Ohioans for Humane Farms held a signature gathering event Wednesday evening at the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus. The event was led by Wayne Pacelle, the CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. ABN's Lindsay Hill had the opportunity to sit down with Pacelle to discuss a number of issues.

05/26/2010: Suspect in Mercy For Animals Video In Custody
Union County Sheriff Rock Nelson announced Wednesday that Billy Joe Gregg, age 25, of Delaware County was arrested and charged with a dozen counts of cruelty to animals, a second degre misdemeanor. Gregg was identified as the suspect featured prominently in an "undercover" video released earlier in the day by animal rights organization Mercy for Animals, depicting numerous abuses to dairy cows and calves while in the employ of Conklin Dairy Farm near Plain City.

05/26/2010: Conklin Dairy Responds to Undercover Video
The Plain City dairy farm targeted in an undercover video released by Mercy for Animals (MFA) this week responded swiftly to animal abuses depicted in the footage. A spokesman for the farm confirmed the employee prominently featured willfully abusing animals was fired immediately Wednesday morning following the video's release. "As fourth-generation farmers, our family takes the care of our cows and calves very seriously," the Conklin statement said. "We take equally seriously the allegations that have been made about our farm operation and the mistreatment of our animals."

05/26/2010: Activists Release Video Alleging Abuse on Ohio Dairy
Late Tuesday evening radical vegan activist organization Mercy For Animals (MFA) released an "undercover" video of animal abuses on a dairy near Plain City, Ohio. Claiming the video was filmed over a four week period on Conklin Dairy Farm in rural Union County, the video depicts farm employees beating, kicking, and savagely prodding dairy cows and calves.

05/25/2010: Despite Brazil’s Attempts, U.S. Ethanol Proves Itself
While Brazil spends millions of dollars to persuade Americans otherwise - the facts show that American ethanol is superior to - and actually cheaper than - Brazilian ethanol. The Renewable Fuels Association reports a gallon of gasoline mixed with 10-percent ethanol from the U.S. would be 11 cents cheaper than a gallon of gas with 10-percent Brazilian ethanol - which would cost more than regular gas. Sugarcane and ethanol producers in Brazil are also saying removing the tariff on imported ethanol would allow Brazilian ethanol to compete with U.S. ethanol. RFA says this is not true - as Brazilian E-10 would still cost six-cents more than U.S. E-10 without the tariff.

05/25/2010: Food Allergy Myth
A new report in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that only about eight-percent of children and less than five-percent of adults have a true food allergy - yet nearly 30-percent of the population believes they have severe food allergies. What’s more - investigators found those who receive a diagnosis after one of the two most common food allergy tests have less than a 50-percent chance of having a food allergy.

05/21/2010: CFAES Hosts Scarlet and Gray Ag Day
SGAD is a one day educational activity that takes place on the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Campus at The Ohio State University.

05/19/2010: Washington Post Ad Hits Humane Society of the United States for Misallocating Donor Funds
A full-page ad in Wednesday's Washington Post highlights the failure of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to donate a significant portion of the public’s donations to America’s underfunded dog and cat shelters. And the sponsor of the ad, the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF), is pledging to shut down its popular HumaneWatch.org website if HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle donates just 50 percent of his group’s income to hands-on pet shelters in the United States. In February, HumaneWatch exposed HSUS’s practice of giving less than half of one percent of its budget to dog and cat shelters.

05/17/2010: After Months of Waiting - China Reopens to U.S. Pork
As of Friday - China is officially accepting shipments of U.S. pork. Pork produced on or after May 1st can now be exported to the country. The U.S. and China agreed to reopen the Chinese market to U.S. imports in March - after China closed its market to U.S. pork in April 2009 following the mislabeling of H1N1. National Pork Producers Council President Sam Carney says this is tremendous news for U.S. pork producers since China is one of our nation’s biggest markets. Carney says being able to ship pork there is extremely important to the U.S. pork industry.

05/17/2010: Merrigan Outlines Details of New Farm Bill Program
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan announced a new program under the Conservation Title of the 2008 Farm Bill Friday. The Transition Incentives Program - TIP - was created to encourage retired or retiring farmers to transition their land to beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. Merrigan says access to land is one of the greatest challenges faced by new farmers - and calls TIP another tool in the USDA toolkit to protect family farms and support beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers.

05/13/2010: American Power Act Introduced
Senators John Kerry and Joe Lieberman have introduced the American Power Act which is designed to transform our economy, set us on the path toward energy independence and improve the quality of the air we breathe. The pair of Senators said their bill will create millions of good jobs and it will launch America into a position of leadership in the global clean energy economy. They said their bill will - reduce carbon pollution by 17 percent in 2020 and by over 80 percent in 2050.

05/13/2010: Farm Bureau Sees a Problem with Power Bill
The American Farm Bureau Federation will take the time to study the American Power Act, the climate change bill introduced by Senators Joseph Lieberman and John Kerry. Farm Bureau wants to know how it will impact farmers and ranchers.

05/12/2010: Ohio Corn Grower Defends Ethanol Production
Ethanol production continues to - take it on the chin – from sectors of the meat production industry. Steve Meyer, president of Paragon Economics, says ethanol-induced prices in meat are just now getting to the marketplace. However, Ohio Corn Growers Association Executive Director Dwayne Siekman takes offense to statements that falsely accused the corn industry for stimulating a rise in the cost of meat and that has also misrepresented facts about corn-ethanol production.

05/11/2010: Climate Change Bill To Be Introduced
Senators Joe Lieberman and John Kerry are pressing forward with climate change legislation despite losing the support of a key senator, Lindsey Graham. Lieberman told Fox News Sunday the bill has a - real shot - at passing. The Senator argued that the Gulf spill could help build the case for the new package, because it reminds the public of the need to - transition our energy system to one that doesn't depend on oil.

05/11/2010: Agriculture Trade Left Behind
As of Monday, it was three years since a bipartisan compromise was reached in Congress on a new framework designed to move forward on America’s trade policy. But, according to House Ways and Means Ranking Member Dave Camp, - the trade agenda has collapsed through inaction by the Administration and key Democrats in Congress. Camp said, we need to - actually create jobs by finding a path forward on the pending trade agreements with Colombia, South Korea, and Panama.

05/06/2010: Talking About Farm Programs Irritates Ag Secretary
Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture Tom Vilsack chaffed at questions about USDA's Farm Bill priorities posed by farm broadcasters in Washington, DC this week. "I'm going to cut you off because this is an irritating question to me," the secretary said while interrupting one farm reporter asking about the administration's apparent disinterest in discussing production agriculture. The prevalent perception in farm country, it appears, is that USDA is almost exclusively focused on "expanding the conversation" on the Farm Bill to include more rural development programming. Vilsack didn't appreciate hearing about the widespread opinion that farmers aren't a focus at USDA.

05/04/2010: NAFB Washington Watch Underway
This week the Nation's finest Agriculture Journalists make their way to Washington D.C. for The National Association of Farm Broadcasters annual Washington Watch. This gives NAFB members the opportunity to meet face-to-face with political and commodity leaders to discuss the issues that impact agriculture.

05/04/2010: 2010 Ohio Agriculture and Value Chain Roundtable
Tuesday marked the 2nd Annual Ohio Agriculture and Value Chain Roundtable held by the Ohio Soybean Council and the Ohio Livestock Coalition.

05/03/2010: Former Ohio Director of Agriculture Now An Author
Our good friend Fred Dailey, former Ohio Director of Agriculture, released his first book this week: Ridin' The Eastern Range is available at Amazon.com

05/03/2010: Third Frontier Assists Appalachia Ohio Businesses Through TechGrowth Ohio
An engine that runs on heated air, a gluten-free bread product, a new method to pasteurize eggs - all are ideas or new technology of Ohio businesses and entrepreneurs brought to fruition by the Ohio Third Frontier program.

04/30/2010: The 82nd Ohio FFA Convention Is Underway
This weekend marks the 82nd Ohio FFA Convention. This annual event gathers some of the brightest youth in Ohio and the future of Ohio's largest industry to The State Fairgrounds in Columbus.

04/30/2010: Stevens Hardware Holds Open House In Greenfield
Friday The ABN held part of their Midday broadcast from Stevens Hardware in Greenfield. Gary Jackson took part in the festivities and found out about some of the specials Stevens Hardware was offering up, including a free loader with the purchase of a TYM tractor.

04/29/2010: Coverage of The Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholder Summit
Truth, Lies and Videotape: Is Activism Jeopardizing Our Food Security? That is the question being posed at this year's Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholder's Summit this week in Arlington, Virginia.

04/28/2010:

04/28/2010: National Soils Report Released
Soil erosion on cropland has declined by more than 40 percent during the past 25 years. More than one-third of all development of U.S. land occurred during the same period. This information is contained in the latest National Resource Inventory for Non-Federal Lands, which was released at an event marking the 75th Anniversary of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. NRCS is charged with ensuring private lands are conserved, restored, and more resilient to environmental challenges.

04/26/2010: Ohio Farm Bureau seeking applications for 2010-2011 AgriPOWER Institute
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) is seeking applicants for its third AgriPOWER Institute. AgriPOWER, an intensive, yearlong leadership training program, was created in 2008 to equip farmers and agricultural professionals with the leadership skills needed to be influencers in public policy issues that impact their businesses.

04/26/2010: ASA Pushes CAB Campaign
All soybean farmers are urged to participate in ASA’s C.A.B. Campaign: Call About Biodiesel. Even as they are busy planting their 2010 crops, the American Soybean Association is asking growers to - pick up their cell phones and make calls this week from their tractor cab to promote passage of a retroactive extension of the vital biodiesel tax credit.

04/23/2010: Producers Reminded to Submit Annual Reports to FSA
USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator Jonathan Coppess reminds producers they must submit their annual report of acreage to their local FSA county office to meet FSA program eligibility requirements. Coppess explains - producers must file their reports accurately and timely for all crops and land uses, including prevented and failed acreage, to ensure they receive the maximum FSA program benefits possible.

04/23/2010: Program Will Support On-Farm Energy Audits
Money from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program will help farmers in 29 states receive individual on-farm energy audit evaluations and assistance with implementation of energy conservation and efficiency measures. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the initiative will help agricultural producers transition to more energy efficient operations.

04/22/2010: Thursday Marked The 40th Anniversary OF Earth Day
Thursday was the 40th Earth Day celebration. Oftentimes we don't take the time to realize that farmers and ranchers in this country have been celebrating Earth Day every day of the year for many more years than that.

04/21/2010: Senators Bill Would Support Biofuels Industry
Under the title of: Green Jobs Act of 2010, Senators Chuck Grassley and Kent Conrad have introduced a bill that would extend, through 2015, the 45 cents-per-gallon ethanol blenders tax credit and the 54 cents-per-gallon ethanol import tariff for five years. Both provisions are slated to expire at the end of this year. The bill would also extend the $1.01 per gallon cellulosic ethanol production tax credit until the end of 2015.

04/20/2010: AWEA Presents Results of US Wind Energy Market Report
With manufacturing and offshore potential, Ohio is poised to play major role in growing wind industry.

04/19/2010: Global Warming Bill Expected Next Monday
Senators John Kerry, Lindsey Graham and Joseph Lieberman are expected to roll-out a long-awaited compromise bill to reduce U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases blamed for global warming. The legislative language will be sketched out next Monday, April 26. Backers of the environmental bill hope the unveiling will pave the way for the full Senate to debate and pass a measure in June or July if the compromise attracts enough support from a group of moderate Republicans and Democrats.

04/19/2010: Immigration Reform Receiving Only Lip Service
One piece of legislation important to Agriculture – immigration reform – is not likely to come up this year. The sting from health care reform and upcoming elections would put any such bill in jeopardy. Some lawmakers see their careers in Washington in trouble after passage of health care reform. They really don’t want another controversial vote.

04/16/2010: Bayer Seed Treatment Given EPA Registration
New Poncho®/VOTiVO™ seed treatment from Bayer CropScience has received registration from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in corn.

04/15/2010: House Committee Holds Hearing on Energy Tax Credits
The House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing Wednesday that focused on the importance of renewable energy tax credits to the continued evolution of the renewable fuels industry. In particular, committee members heard about the importance of growing our domestic renewable fuels industry through continued sound tax policy.

04/15/2010: RFA Continues To Push E-15 Waiver
The Renewable Fuels Association reports that American drivers could be saving up to 19-cents per gallon if more ethanol were allowed in gasoline. Based on current wholesale prices, ethanol is selling for 70 to 80 cents less than gasoline before the federal tax incentive for blenders is taken into account. This means gasoline blended with the statutory limit of 10 percent ethanol should cost at least 7-8 cents per gallon less at the pump than conventional gasoline without ethanol.

04/13/2010: A First For Ethanol
Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters with three Ohio ethanol plant members, debuted the industry's first national TV advertising campaign, "America's Fuel".

04/12/2010: Pioneer Hi-Bred Supports the Ohio State FFA Foundation
Pioneer Hi-Bred is supporting future agricultural leaders with a donation of $5,000 to the Ohio State FFA Foundation's State Officer Leadership Program. On Wednesday, April 7, Randy Minton, Pioneer business director for the company's Northeastern Business Unit, presented a check to Melissa Bell, executive director for the Ohio FFA Foundation. "Supporting the students of FFA who will soon be the leaders of agricultural industry is important to Pioneer," says Minton. The company's Northeast Business Unit is located near Delaware, Ohio.

04/12/2010: Two Unique Projects Underway At OARDC in Wooster
Ohio State University President Gordon Gee and Dr. Bobby Moser visited the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) Thursday to witness the beginning of two unique projects on the Wooster campus.

04/08/2010: The ABN Covers OLC Annual Meeting
Thursday Waldo, Ohio hosted the 13th Annual Ohio Livestock Coalition Annual Meeting and Industry Symposium. The event featured many special guests covering a variety of topics.

04/07/2010: Appointments Announced for the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced appointments to the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. In addition to the Governor’s 10 appointments, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs serves on the 13-member board, as well a selection from both the House Speaker and Senate President. The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board is charged with establishing standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry in Ohio. The board will strive to maintain food safety, encourage locally grown and raised food, and protect Ohio farms and families.

04/06/2010: OSC Offers SoyInside Bioproduct Challenge
Agricultural industry leaders gathered with elected officials and representatives of Ohio's numerous bioproducts companies in downtown Columbus as the Ohio Soybean Council unveiled a new website where consumers can access information about bioproducts, as well as a chance to sample them.

04/06/2010: AFBF Reports Quarterly Food Costs
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s Marketbasket survey shows a modest increase in retail food prices during the first quarter. The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare a meal was $45.54 - 6 percent higher than the fourth quarter of 2009. Of the 16 items surveyed, 14 increased and two decreased in average price.

04/06/2010: Obama Wants to See FTA Vote
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk won’t say which deal will pass first, but he says President Obama wants Congress to approve at least one of the three pending free trade deals by the end of the year.

04/01/2010: Alltech Names Direct Action Company an Official Animal Health & Nutrition Partner for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010
Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition, has named Direct Action Company an Official Animal Health & Nutrition Partner for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010™. The company joins more than 65 global partners who have united with title sponsor, Alltech, in a collaborative effort to promote optimal animal health and well-being in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the pinnacle of equestrian sport.

03/31/2010: Governor Strickland Signs Bill to Implement Livestock Care Board
During a special ceremony this morning in downtown Columbus Ohio Governor Ted Strickland signed the bill that will implement legislation for the creation of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. Representatives from the ag industry were on hand to witness the signing.

03/31/2010: Prospective Plantings Report Released
ABN's Lindsay Hill talked with analyst Mike Zuzolo from Global Commodity Analytics about the numbers and what they mean as producers look ahead at their marketing plans.

03/31/2010: ABN Exclusive: Lindsay Hill Visits with Ohio Director of Agriculture Robert Boggs
Director Boggs talks about the designation of the Ohio State University's College of Food, Ag and Environmental Sciences as a Center for Excellence, discusses the role of the new Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board and provides an update on what's happening at the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

03/30/2010: Governor Announces Ohio’s Center of Excellence in Agriculture, Food Production and Bioproducts
Governor Ted Strickland and Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut today announced Ohio’s Center of Excellence in Agriculture, Food Production and Bioproducts at a press conference at The Ohio State University’s Food Industry Center in Columbus.

03/29/2010: Deere: New Health Bill Will Cost $150 Million
Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) announced today that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed into law this week will adversely impact its expenses for fiscal 2010. As a result of the legislation, the company's expenses are expected to be about $150 million higher on an after-tax basis, primarily in the second quarter.

03/29/2010: State Foodbanks to Receive 1 Million Eggs from Ohio Farmers
This Easter, the Ohio Poultry Association (OPA) and Ohio's egg farmers continue to play an active role in their local communities by once again teaming up with the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF) for the third year to donate more than one million eggs statewide.

03/29/2010:

03/24/2010: Statement from Ohio Agriculture Director Regarding the Passage of HB 414 Establishing the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board
Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs today issued a statement regarding the passage of House Bill 414, which provides the necessary framework to establish the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. “I applaud the legislature for its hard work in passing this important piece of legislation that will further strengthen Ohio agriculture, and I am excited to serve Ohioans in my new role as chairman of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. I am confident that creating comprehensive livestock care standards will not only assure better livestock care, but it will also promote safe and affordable food, help prevent the outbreak of both animal and human diseases and will encourage local food production.

03/24/2010: Longtime Farm Journalist Andy Stevens Loses Battle With Cancer
Andy Stevens, longtime editor of Ohio Farmer and American Small Farm magazines, died early this morning. Battling cancer for over a year, Stevens passed to eternal rest leaving a legacy of passionately telling the story of Ohio's farm families.

03/23/2010: Ohio Farm Bureau Holds Trends And Issues Conference
On Tuesday, The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation held the 2010 Trends and Issues Conference at The Fawcette Center on the campus of The Ohio State University. The same place that happens to be the home of ABN Headquarters. Andy, Lindsay and Gary made the trip up the stairs to cover the event, which aims to discuss current issues, develop and recomment new policies, offer suggestions in implementation of current policies and more.

03/23/2010: Joint Climate Change Prediction Research Program Announced
USDA, the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation have agreed to create a joint climate change prediction research program. The program will designate nearly 50-million dollars to develop climate system models that provide insights on climate variability and impacts on ecosystems. Roger Beachy - Director of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture - says it’s important to understand the potential impact of climate change on our world - and how we can proactively mitigate its consequences. He says the effects of climate change on the land, crops and animals raise some of the most serious issues faced by producers.

03/23/2010: Global Ethanol Production Forecast
The Global Renewable Fuels Alliance has released the global ethanol production forecast for 2010. According to data assembled by F.O. Licht - total ethanol production in 2009 was 19.5-billion gallons. GRFA predicts global production will reach 22.7-billion gallons in 2010 - a 16.2-percent increase from last year. That would displace the need for 370-million equivalent barrels of oil globally.

03/19/2010: Ohio Beef Expo A Success
This past Friday, the Ohio Expo Center was the site of the 2010 Ohio Beef Expo. This year's Expo once again featured Breed Sales, 22,000 square feet of Trade Show, the Largest Junior Beef Event and educational seminars.

03/18/2010: Small Farmers Asking For An Exemption
Robert and Cindy Folck of Mechanicsburg, Ohio own and operate a small fruit and vegetable farm. A voluntary USDA program for large-scale producers selling to retail outlets and brokerages, is becoming MANDATORY for EVERY level of fruit and vegetable grower in Ohio.

03/17/2010: National Institute Of Animal Agriculture Holds Annual Meeting
This week Kansas City hosts the annual National Institute of Animal Agriculture meeting. This year animal ag experts from across the Country will focus on the One Health Initiative and, through its general session and committee meetings, will explore how the initiative may impact the various species and segments within production animal agriculture and animal health management.

03/16/2010: Boehner Holds Annual Farm Forum
US Representative John Boehner of Ohio's 8th Congressional District, the current GOP Leader in the US House, recently held his annual Farm Forum, this year in Piqua.

03/15/2010: OSCF Announces Scholarship Recipients for 2010-2011
The Ohio Soybean Council Foundation is pleased to announce the scholarship recipients of the OSCF Scholarship Program for the 2010-2011 academic year. Undergraduate scholarships of $3,000 each will be awarded to Julia Faeth, Dustin Homan, Justin Rismiller and Abby Snyder. Rachel Yoho is the recipient of the $5,000 undergraduate Bhima Vijayendran Scholarship, named in honor of a Battelle researcher who has made tremendous contributions to the soy-based bioproducts industry. Graduate scholarships of $5,000 will be awarded to Ryan Hottle and Hehe Wang.

03/15/2010: Senators Want Action on Cuban Trade
U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Maria Cantwell of Washington say relaxing restrictions on agricultural trade with Cuba is key to creating jobs and expanding exports from the U.S. agricultural sector. In a joint letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus of Montana, the Senators urged Baucus to take up the Promoting American Agricultural and Medical Exports to Cuba Act of 2009 as quickly as possible. Lincoln and Cantwell are co-sponsors of the legislation and members of the Finance Committee.

03/15/2010: USDA-DOJ Competition Workshop Held
USDA and the Department of Justice held the first-ever joint public workshop on competition and regulatory issues in the agriculture industry. Led by Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack and Attorney General Eric Holder, this workshop held last Friday featured panel discussions on a variety of topics important to America's farmers and ranchers, including competitive dynamics in the seed industry, trends in contracting, transparency and buyer power, and concluded with public testimony.

03/12/2010: Ag Link Deadline is Today
The deadline for Ohio's Ag Link program is today (Friday March 12). Farmers are able to get interest reductions on their agricultural loans through this state funded program.

03/11/2010: AVMA Questions Dropping Animal ID Program
A recent decision by USDA to scrap a national animal identification system could seriously hinder U.S. veterinarians' ability to track diseased animals and prevent the spread of those diseases. Dr. Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association, says - by having an animal ID program in place, we can more quickly contain and eliminate disease. According to DeHaven - doing so not only minimizes economic impact, but by minimizing the number of animals affected, we reduce animal suffering.

03/11/2010: Tax Extenders Bill Passes Senate
Farmers affected by weather-related disasters are one step closer to receiving relief, after the U.S. Senate approved by a vote of 62 to 36 a disaster package as part of the Tax Extenders Act of 2009. Senate Ag Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln says - we cannot afford to see our farmers forced out of business because of weather conditions out of their control. This will provide the relief producers need to stay in business.

03/10/2010: Ohio Agriculture Goes To Washington
For the 64th year, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s county presidents are visiting Washington, D.C. to discuss agricultural issues with their lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

03/09/2010: Senator Voinovich Hosts His Final Ag Forum
On Monday, Senator George Voinovich held what would be his final Ag Forum, hosting leaders from various aspects of Ohio agriculture to discuss issues that are important to their respective industries.

03/08/2010: E15 Decision by Summer?
The 25X’25 program reports that an EPA decision on whether to raise the E10 blend level to E15 should not be expected before the end of the summer. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson says the Department of Energy is scheduled to finish testing on how the fuel will affect automobile engines by April or May. EPA will base its blend level decision on those results.

03/08/2010: Potentially Huge Food Recall Initiated
Brace yourself for what might be a huge food recall. Officials at the Food and Drug Administration believe the public health risk is low, and no one is known to have fallen ill as a result of the contamination. But, manufacturers voluntarily recalled 56 products last week, and that number is expected to balloon in the coming weeks into what could be one of the largest food recalls in U.S. history. Michael Hansen, senior scientist at Consumers Union says - over 10-thousand products – eventually could be affected.

03/05/2010: Continuing Coverage of The 2010 Commodity Classic
When you get Ag Leaders from all aspects of agriculture it makes for a great opportunity to recap a very bountiful 2009 harvest and to look ahead to determine how to make 2010's growing season and seasons beyond even better. That is exactly what Commodity Classic is doing this week in Aneheim, California. Of course, that gives The ABN's Andy Vance and Lindsay Hill plenty of topics to cover with plenty of producers from National and State commondity groups from the corn, soybean and wheat sectors.

03/05/2010: Resolution to Stop EPA Gains Support
The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed scheme to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act is - economically harmful, legally suspect and environmentally indefensible. That’s the view of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Therefore, AFBF is urging House members to support a bipartisan resolution to disapprove EPA’s greenhouse gas proposal.

03/05/2010: Russia to Reopen Ports to U.S. Pork
Word out of Russia indicates it will gradually lift its import bans on shipments of pork from U.S. plants. This announcement follows an agreement by Washington to observe Russian food safety rules.

03/02/2010: Commodity Classic Kicks Off This Week In Anaheim, California
Soybean and Wheat Growers take over Anaheim, California this week as they attend Commodity Classic. This annual event features cutting-edge information, a one-of-a-kind trade show and more. The ABN's Lindsay Hill and Andy Vance join members of commodity groups on the National and State levels at this premier event.

03/02/2010: China Tariffs Hit U.S. Poultry Exports
It’s been almost three weeks since China placed tariffs of up to 105.4 percent on U.S. chicken imports. As a result, the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council reports that market has dried up. Companies have less than three weeks to appeal China’s decision. USAPEEC spokesman Toby Moore told Meatingplace - it makes it not feasible to ship there. We're out of the market, period.

03/02/2010: New Climate Legislation Being Prepared
We are hearing that Senator Lindsey Graham has declared – cap-and-trade is dead. Graham and Senators John Kerry and Joseph Lieberman are engaged in a radical behind-the-scenes overhaul of climate legislation. The trio plan to introduce new legislation next month that would apply different carbon controls to individual sectors of the economy instead of setting a national target.

02/25/2010: Conservation Topic Of Conversation In Ada
Last week, Ada hosted The Conservation and Tillage Conference at Ohio Nothern University. This year's two-day event featured 66 presentations, over 10 hours of Nutrient Management, 5 hours of Soil and Water and the new addition of Certified Livestock Manager Training.

02/23/2010: HSUS Failures Highlighted In USA Today
A full-page ad from the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) appears in today’s New York Times, highlighting the failure of the Humane Society of the United States to devote a significant amount of money to supporting America’s underfunded pet shelters. The ad explains that HSUS shares only 1 dollar out of every 200 dollars it collects with local, hands-on pet shelters. The ad encourages readers to find out more by visiting HumaneWatch.org, CCF’s new watchdog website.

02/23/2010: The ABN Covers Ag Day At The Capitol
The Ohio Farm Bureau's "Ag Day at the Capitol" took place on Tuesday in Columbus. This event brings together approximately 400 farmers, legislators and others to focus on key policy and political issues.

02/21/2010: Aloha From The ABN
The 2010 ABN Hawaii AgVenture Tour kicked off last week as The ABN's Andy Vance and Lindsay Hill heading to Hawaii for a nearly two week excursion with ABN listeners.

02/19/2010: State Biopreferred Bill Expected to Become Law
The Ohio Senate has passed what is being called the most comprehensive state biopreferred program in the nation. Governor Ted Strickland is expected to sign the bill.

02/19/2010: Animal ID Solutions To Be Developed
Now that USDA is scrapping the National Animal Identification System, the National Institute for Animal Agriculture will devote part of its annual meeting March 15-17 in Kansas City, Missouri, to helping develop a new identification system. The NIAA Animal Identification and Information Systems Committee will convene a panel of animal agriculture representatives to discuss what this new approach will mean to their sector of the industry and to offer input to state and tribal decisions.

02/18/2010: Clean Water Decision Expected Next Week
Can farmers be held liable for drift of pesticides and other chemicals that may find their way into waters and streams? That is a question the U.S. Supreme Court may address as it considers a request by the American Farm Bureau Federation, CropLife and the National Cotton Council to reconsider a lower court’s decision which resulted in the imposition of the Clean Water Act permitting requirements on the application of pesticides on, over and near water. Next week, the high court is expected to decide if it will rehear the case.

02/18/2010: USDA Proposes Changes in Crop Insurance Program
Changes have been proposed that will improve producer access to crop insurance. USDA's Risk Management Agency has released a second draft of a proposed new Standard Reinsurance Agreement, which establishes the terms, roles, and responsibilities for both USDA and insurance companies that participate in the Federal Crop Insurance Program. The new draft includes a series of significant changes, including many discussed during negotiations between the RMA and the participating crop insurance companies.

02/17/2010: Get Ready for Humane Watch
There’s no denying that the gargantuan Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is now the animal rights industry’s richest and most powerful player. HSUS is exercising its prohibition-minded influence in every corner of America, over everything from the pets in our homes to the eggs on our plates. HSUS pursues a PETA-like agenda with a budget and seriousness that PETA itself has never been able to match.

02/11/2010: The Largest Indoor Farm Machinery Show A Success
The future of farming is yours to see at the 45th National Farm Machinery Show, as the nation’s largest indoor farm show returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center starting today (Thursday).

02/10/2010: Despite Snow, Farmers Gather at Ohio Pork Congress
Wednesday Pork Congress was underway at The Crown Plaza Hotel in Columbus. An opportunity for farmers to get together and discuss some of the challenges they face on their farm and in their industry as a whole.

02/08/2010: Two Cooperatives Vote to Consolidate Operations
The members of two Ohio cooperatives have voted to consolidate the operations of Southwest Landmark, Inc. and Advanced Agri-Solutions, Inc. The new organization, Trupointe, Inc. will begin operations on September 1st, 2010 to serve more than 4400 farmer members.

02/08/2010: ABN Covers The National Biodiesel Conference
Monday the ABN's Gary Jackson was in Grapevine, Texas where he covered The National Biodiesel Conference. As you may expect, there was plenty of talk about the newly formed BCAP Rule, RFS decisions and Tax Credits. Gary covers those issues and more with his guests.

02/05/2010: USDA Announces Plan to Scrap National Animal Identification System
USDA announced this morning that it will scrap the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and instead will opt to develop "a new, flexible framework for animal disease traceability in the United States, and undertake several other actions to further strengthen [its] disease prevention and response capabilities."

02/05/2010: Growth Energy Supports Obama Decision
Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, says the President understands the need for enhanced support for the existing ethanol industry and greater investment to create jobs, improve our environment and increase our national security.

02/05/2010: A Busy Week Upcoming For The ABN
Next week (February 8th) will be a busy one for The ABN's Andy Vance, Lindsay Hill and Gary Jackson.

02/01/2010: UPDATED: HSUS Petitions to Put Measure on November Ballot
Ohioans for Humane Farms - a group comprised of animal rights organizations and political lobbying groups such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Farm Sanctuary, and the Ohio League of Humane Voters has submitted a petition to the Ohio Secretary of State to place an initiative on the November ballot.

01/31/2010: The NACD Annual Conventioned Covered By The ABN
Conservation leaders from across the nation will gather this week for NACD’s 64th Annual Meeting. The NACD Board of Directors will meet before and during the conference, setting association policy.

01/29/2010: Questons Linger Over Checkoff Firewall and NCBA Governance Task Force
One of the most pressing topics of discussion at the Cattle Industry Annual Convention in San Antonio this week is the report of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's Governance Task Force.

01/29/2010: ABN Has Complete Coverage Of Power Show Ohio
Today kicks off the 40th anniversary of Power Show Ohio at The Ohio Expo Center. ABN's Lindsay Hill is there with full coverage of one of the largest indoor power show in the Country. The LIVE Broadcast is a service of Elgin Service Center and Brock Grain Systems.

01/28/2010: ABN Radio Covers the Cattle Industry Annual Convention
ABN's Andy Vance joins over 5,000 cattlemen and beef industry participants in San Antonio this week for the Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show. Featuring business meetings of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Cattlemen's Beef Board, American National Cattlewomen, and CattleFax, the Convention is the biggest meeting of beef industry professionals in the country.

01/27/2010: Administration Rephrasing Cap-and-Trade
The Obama Administration is beginning to talk more about clean energy legislation and tying it to job creation and less about Cap-and-Trade. At Wednesday’s clean energy forum, White House energy and climate adviser Carole Browner stressed the need for legislation to eliminate dependence on foreign oil, put a price signal on carbon emissions and mandate an increase in electricity from renewable sources. She said - this is about creating a new generation of clean energy jobs that will position us in a global market, and we need the legislation to do that.

01/26/2010: Moldy Grain, Vomitoxin Contamination Putting a Damper on Record Ohio Corn Yields
Ohio corn growers may have celebrated record corn yields in 2009 – with a state average of 174 bushels per acre – but grain quality is turning out to be a different story.

01/25/2010: Passing the Gavel at the Ohio Cattlemens Association
At the group's annual meeting in Columbus Saturday, members of the Ohio Cattlemen's Association welcomed a new President. Dave Felumlee of Licking County accepted the gavel from retiring President Mike Carper of Delaware.

01/25/2010: Ohio Cattlemens Association Celebrates Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet
Hundreds of Ohio Cattlemen's Association members gathered in Columbus over the weekend to discuss issues and opportunities in the industry, to debate policy guiding the organization, and to recognize outstanding beef producers for their achievements.

01/23/2010: House Bill 414 Introduced to Establish Livestock Care Standards Board
This week Ohio Representative Allan R. Sayre (D-OH96), Assistant Majority Floor Leader, introduced House Bill 414 to establish the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board.

01/22/2010: Feeding Another 100 Million Americans Takes All of Agriculture
Agriculture is a multi-faceted lifestyle and industry, with players ranging from the multi-national agribusiness to the subsistence farmer feeding his family off the sweat of his back. Traditionally, agriculture has increasingly adopted technology and advances in plant breeding and genetic engineering to feed an exponentially growing population. In recent months and years, however, a small but vocal group of consumers known as "agri-intellectuals," or "food elitists" have waged a campaign against farms outside their own narrow set of ideals about how food is produced.

01/22/2010: Gubernatorial Candidate John Kasich Talks with ABN Radio
Former Ohio Congressman and Republican gubernatorial challenger John Kasich talked with ABN Radio's Andy Vance this week about issues of Ohio's economy, the importance of Ohio agriculture, and the role of University Extension in the state's recovery efforts. First elected to Congress in 1983, Kasich served eight terms in the House of Representatives.

01/21/2010: Farm Policy Predictions and Prognostications
At last week's American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in Seattle, ABN Senior Editor Andy Vance sat down with three of the brightest minds in agricultural policy to discuss the prospects in Washington, DC in 2010. Factors ranging from the geopolitical to the midterm election will influence every piece of legislation and regulation proposed, and the continuing economic climate hangs over the entire political situation in our nation's capital.

01/21/2010: Power Show Ohio Celebrates 40 Years Next Weekend
One of the largest indoor power equipment shows in the nation celebrates a major milestone this year. Power Show Ohio celebrates its 40th Anniversary next weekend at the Ohio Expositions Center in Columbus.

01/20/2010: NCGA Opposes Current Climate Change Legislation
National Corn Growers Association President Darrin Ihnen announced today the Association's decision to oppose H.R. 2454, The American Clean Energy and Security Act. Previously, the organization maintained a marked neutrality on the bill. Most of organized agriculture has adopted some position on the issue, with clear opposition coming from organizations like the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

01/20/2010: Day 2 of the Bayer Pan American Weed Resistance Conference
ABN Radio's Andy Vance is one of a select number of US agricultural journalists covering the first annual Pan American Weed Resistance Conference hosted by Bayer Crop Science. Day 2 of the event kicked off with a variety of speakers discussing innovation and research in the area of herbicides and traits.

01/20/2010: Deadline for Commodity Classic Early Registration Discount TODAY
Growers are encouraged to take advantage of the lowest Commodity Classic registration fee by registering before the early discount deadline of midnight Jan. 20. Registering early will save attendees up to $50. To take advantage of the early registration discount for Commodity Classic, register by Jan. 20 at www.commodityclassic.com.

01/19/2010: ABN Radio Covers First Annual Bayer Pan American Weed Resistance Conference
Experts from global agriculture academia and industry are in Miami, Florida for the first annual Pan American Weed Resistance Conference hosted by Bayer Crop Science. While Bayer has hosted similar gatherings in Europe for several years, this effort marks the first meeting of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Over 200 scientists, University researchers, professors, and crop protection experts representing over two dozen countries will spend the week discussing weed resistance issues and solutions.

01/19/2010: New Ohio Soybean Executives Outline Vision for Industry
In late 2009, farmer leaders of the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) announced the promotions of Kirk B. Merritt and Jamie L. Butts. Merritt will serve as executive director of OSC and Butts has been promoted to executive director of OSA. This marks the first time in the organizations' shared history that executive leadership has been shared by two individuals.

01/19/2010: ABN Ag News Headlines for January 19th, 2009
The importance of Social Media continues to grow in Agriculture. The ABN is a heavy user of the sort, taking advantage of Facebook, Twitter and the like to spread the word of what is happening in the World of Agriculture. With more on why the importance of Social Media is growing, here's Andy Vance with today's Ag News Headlines.

01/14/2010: Health Care Reform Announcement Expected
Thursday, Congressional leaders said they hope to reach a deal on the broad outlines of a final health care reform bill by Friday. And they hope President Obama will help sell it - not only to their members but also to the public. Democratic leaders and committee chairmen from both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate have been negotiating major sticking points between House and Senate bills.

01/13/2010: ABN Coverage Continues from The AFBF Annual Meeting In Seattle
It has been a big week in Seattle as the city hosts The American Farm Bureau Federation's Annual Meeting. Throughout the week, many awards have been given and many achievements have been recognized, including Ohio's passage of Issue 2 in 2009. Now as the meetings come to a close, it is time to start some hard talks about policies and goals AFBF delegates have for 2010.

01/12/2010: 2009 Crop Records Reported
U.S. farmers produced the largest corn and soybean crops on record in 2009, according to the “Crop Production 2009 Summary” released Tuesday Morning by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Corn production is 13.2 billion bushels, 1 percent above the previous record of 13 billion bushels set in 2007, and 9 percent higher than 2008. Corn yields reached an all-time high at 165.2 bushels per acre.

01/12/2010: The ABN Covers The Fort Wayne Farm Show
The Fort Wayne Farm Show kicked off Tuesday and runs through Thursday inside The War Memorial Coliseum. Gary Jackson made the short trip to The Hoosier State to cover the event courtesy of Elgin Service Center.

01/12/2010: Economist Sees Optimism for Livestock Recovery
Optimism tempered with caution are the words to remember for the livestock outlook for 2010, according to John Anderson, an Extension livestock economist with Mississippi State University. At the Annual Farm Bureau Meeting in Seattle, Anderson noted, - the livestock market in 2009 was pretty tough, but there are good reasons to be optimistic. He said - a reduction in supply has begun, which means a more favorable supply situation. However, questions still remain on the demand side of the equation.

01/12/2010: Crop Report Out This Morning
This (Tuesday) morning at 8:30 eastern USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service reports its first of the new year crop forecast. Early trade estimates are wider than usual. Average estimates for corn production range from 12.5 to almost 13 billion bushels, with the average guess at 12.81 billion. The range of soybean crop estimates is 3.2 to 3.4 billion bushels, with the average at 3.33 billion. The average trade estimate for corn is about 100 million bushels below USDA's December estimate, while the average bean number is up 18 million bushels from a month ago.

01/10/2010: The ABN Covers The AFBF Annual Meeting
This week, The ABN's Andy Vance and Lindsay Hill travel to Seattle, Washington for this year's American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. This is the opportunity for Farm Bureau organizations from every state to recap the successes of 2009 and set goals for 2010.

01/10/2010: American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting Kicks Off Today
Hundreds of farmer leaders and agricultural advocates gather in Seattle, Washington today for the 91st Annual Meeting of the nation's largest farm organization. The American Farm Bureau Federation Annual meeting kicks off a busy four days for members with a General Session Address by President Bob Stallman, recognition of state Farm Bureau efforts, and the announcement of the Top 10 Finalists in the Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture and Achievement Award Competitions.

01/08/2010: Southwest Landmark, Advanced Agri Solutions Host Meetings on Proposed Consolidation
Farmer/owners of two major agricultural cooperatives will discuss a proposed merger of their organizations at regional meetings across Western Ohio this month.

01/07/2010: Monsanto Announces Record 11 Project Advancements in R&D Pipeline Update
The annual research and development (R&D) pipeline update from Monsanto (NYSE: MON yielded a record 11 project advancements. Included among the projects nearing the regulatory or release phases are the first biotechnology product with a direct consumer dietary benefit and two of the largest commercial product launches in the company's history.

01/07/2010: Expiration of Biodiesel Tax Incentive Biodiesel, Soybean Industries
Ohio’s biodiesel industry is at risk as well as Ohio’s economy, according to Ohio farmers and agriculture policy experts.

01/05/2010: Alltech Lecture Tour Hits Ohio
Alltech’s North American Lecture Tour begins with a stop in Ohio and the Blackwell Hotel in Columbus on Monday, January 11, 2010. The event talks will cover timely issues in the agricultural feed industry and will showcase Alltech’s latest research as well as their latest sponsorships and community outreach efforts. This event is open to the agriculture community. There will be no admission cost, but Alltech does ask you to call with an RSVP if you are planning on attending. For more information or to RSVP contact Marsha Gast at 717-393-9545.

01/05/2010: Taiwan Bans Imports of U.S Beef
Taiwan's legislature has voted to ban the import of some U.S. beef and beef products. The vote negates an earlier agreement between the United States and Taiwan completed a little over two months ago. That protocol was negotiated on the basis of the guidelines laid out by the World Organization for Animal Health, as well as the findings of Taiwan's own risk assessment, which concluded that all U.S. beef and beef products are safe.

01/05/2010: Ethanol Demand Exceeds Production
U.S. ethanol production and demand both reached all time highs during October of 2009. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports the new fuel ethanol production figure is 740-thousand barrels per day - an increase of 93-thousand from October of 2008. At the same time, the Renewable Fuels Association estimated use at an all time high of 767-thousand barrels per day. That’s 27-thousand more than production.

01/03/2010: USDA REDEFINES THE TERM ACTIVELY ENGAGED
Beginning with the 2010 program year, USDA has amended the rules that govern the requirements to be considered - actively engaged - in farming. These rules apply to eligibility for payments under the Direct and Counter-cyclical Program or Average Crop Revenue Election program administered by the USDA Farm Service Agency.

01/03/2010: SURE SIGN-UP STARTS TODAY
Producers who incurred crop losses for the 2008 crop year can now sign up for the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments program. Eligible growers can apply for the program at their local USDA Farm Service Agency county office.

12/23/2009: Vilsack Discusses Ohio Broadband Plan
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack discussed Vice President Biden's announcement that Ohio will be among the first states to benefit from the first wave of broadband investments made available through the Recovery Act. Secretary Vilsack was joined by Jonathan Adelstein, Administrator of the USDA Rural Utility Service, the agency dispersing the funding, and Senator Sherrod Brown, Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy, and Congressman Zack Space of Ohio's congressional delegation.

12/22/2009: Health Care Reform Passes Hurdle
Two more procedural votes are expected following the early Monday morning vote by the U.S. Senate for cloture on the health care reform bill. The vote was along party lines - 60 to 40. A final Senate vote is expected Christmas Eve. Then the House-Senate conference committee will go to work. Washington insiders say those negotiations could last into January.

12/21/2009: Weakened Climate Change Agreement Reached
The Copenhagen WTO Climate Change Conference was extended into Saturday so negotiators could reach an agreement on climate change. But, the agreement was not what negotiators wanted. The wanted binding limits on greenhouse gases linked to climate change. They did not get that agreement.

12/17/2009: The ABN Covers The Ohio Grain Industry Symposium
Thursday The ABN's Andy Vance headed to Lima for the Ohio Grain Symposium. This is an annual gathering of the Ohio Corn Growers, Ohio Soybean and Ohio Wheat Growers Associations. Andy caught up with representatives from each organization to discuss topics from this years harvest, climate change and other issues affecting grain producers in the Buckeye State.

12/16/2009: Estate Tax Extension Blocked
Senate Republicans have blocked efforts to renew estate tax law. The law expires at the end of this year. Wednesday, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus asked to introduce a measure that would have extended the tax for two months, providing more time to work out a deal. But that move failed. Now it looks like the 45 percent tax on estates, after a 3.5-million dollar exemption, disappears for a year and then jumps to 55 percent, with an exemption of one-million dollars in 2011.

12/16/2009: A Recap of 2009 and A Look Ahead to 2010
Tuesday, The ABN's Andy Vance had the opportunity to have lunch with some producers that had great success with thanks to Ebberts Field Seed. Andy discussed with them the 2009 harvest season results and what to look forward to in 2010.

12/15/2009: USDA Dairy Agreement Announced
Speaking at a key note event at the climate change talks in Copenhagen, Denmark, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced an agreement between USDA and U.S. dairy farmers. Vilsack said this historic agreement will - help accelerate the development of manure to energy systems and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

12/14/2009: World Leaders To Talk Clean Air
In Copenhagen Friday, a United Nations ad-hoc working group stepped forward with a new document outlining greenhouse-gas reductions over the next 40 years. The text provides a range of options for the key questions, including how developed and major emerging economies would cut their carbon output, and what would be the upper limit of global temperature rise that policymakers would be willing to tolerate. The text is silent on how much money rich countries would give poor ones to cope with global warming.

12/14/2009: NCGA to Release Yield Contest Results
On Friday, the National Corn Growers Association will announce the results of the 2009 National Corn Yield Contest. The contest is in its 45th year and remains NCGA's most popular program for members. This year, NCGA has processed 6,955 entries - a 3.5 percent increase over 2008 and a 41 percent increase over 2007.

12/13/2009: Medicare Eligibility Expansion Receives Key Support
The move to allow people ages 55 to 64 to buy into the federal insurance program called Medicare received the endorsement of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi late last week. Pelosi said, - there is certainly a great deal of appeal - to expanding Medicare. But the California Democrat reiterated that she would prefer to create government-sponsored coverage for Americans of all ages. The idea of expanding Medicare eligibility has been around for some time. However, this is the first time it has been discussed as a possibility in the health care reform movement. The “buy-in” would help 6.5 million Americans who are in an age group in which medical problems become more common and coverage is particularly expensive. Details of the proposal are not known. The Senators that proposed the Medicare expansion has not disclosed the proposal's fine print. They are waiting for congressional budget analysts to examine the impact for patients and the federal budget.

12/10/2009: ABN Ag News Headlines for December 10th, 2009
The Pork Checkoff's annual "National Eat Together Week" celebrated 14 years and did more to promote the timeless tradition of quality family time around the dinner table. This year's new component, the "Click for a Cause" feature. ABN's Andy Vance has the details in today's Ag News Headlines.

12/09/2009: Annies Project Offered Across the State in 2010
Ohio State University Extension will be offering Annie's Project, a risk management program for women in agriculture, throughout Ohio in 2010. "We have expanded our Annie's Project workshops this year into southern Ohio for the first time, and many of the counties in the northern part of the state that have offered Annie's Project in the past will be participating again in 2010," said Julia Woodruff, OSU Extension educator who is helping to coordinate the effort.

12/09/2009: Study Sheds More Light on Soybean Cyst Nematode
One of the best techniques a farmer can use to manage soybean cyst nematode is to rotate resistant soybean varieties, based on the preliminary findings of a Midwest soybean cyst nematode project. "These preliminary findings are telling us that our recommendations to control soybean cyst nematode are spot-on, and the data continue to emphasize the importance of sampling SCN populations in the soil and manage the pest through effective use of resistant soybean varieties," said Anne Dorrance, an Ohio State University Extension plant pathologist with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.

12/09/2009: Cargill Will Award $350,000 in Scholarships
Cargill will award $350,000 in scholarships to high-school seniors who live in communities where Cargill has operations and plan to enroll in post-secondary education next fall. The national program will award 350 scholarships of $1,000. In addition, each recipient's high school will receive a $200 grant. National FFA will process the applications and select the scholarship recipients, although students do not need to be FFA members to be eligible for Cargill's program. Students are chosen based on academic achievement and leadership in extracurricular and community activities.

12/09/2009: “Click for a Cause” Donates 10,000 Pounds of Pork
The Pork Checkoff’s 14th annual National Eat Together Week (NETW) did more than promote the timeless tradition of quality family time around the dinner table. The “click for a cause” component of the 2009 event allowed America’s pork producers to donate 10,000 pounds of pork to families in need. “Most pork producers have plenty of meat in their freezer, and I never realized how much of a problem hunger is here in America,” says Randy Brown, a pork producer from Nevada, Ohio, who serves on the National Pork Board.

12/08/2009: Climate Change Conference Ready to Get Serious
At the world climate change conference in Copenhagen, a spokesman from the European Commission said the CO2 endangerment finding by the U.S. Environmental Protection agency was viewed by world leaders as an – important signal by the Obama administration that they are serious about tackling climate change and are demonstrating leadership. The spokesman declared, the finding – gives new momentum. But, other leaders were quick to press the Obama administration to do more now to sweeten its offer.

12/08/2009: ABN Covers The Ohio No-Till Conference in Plain City
Tuesday The ABN, Ohio's Voice for Agriculture, was in Plain City for a live broadcast of The Ohio No-Till Conference. Coverage brought to you by Ohio State University Extension. Hear are just some of the guests featured on the broadcast.

12/08/2009: CO2 Declared Threat to Public Health
The Environmental Protection Agency has declared carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases a - threat to public health. The so-called endangerment finding triggers a requirement that the federal government regulate fossil fuel emissions under the Clean Air Act and puts new pressure on Congress to enact climate change legislation. Senator John Kerry, the point-man in efforts to write a bipartisan Senate global warming bill, says - the message to Congress is crystal clear: Get moving.

12/07/2009: ABN Ag News Headlines for December 7th, 2009
The Environmental Protection Agency last week made a little movement forward as it pertains to approving a waiver nessecary to allow 15% ethanol blends in the fuel supply. ABN's Andy Vance has the story in today's Ag News Headlines.

12/04/2009: Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Presents Annual Awards
Hat tip to the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation for this story and their outstanding coverage of convention and special thanks to Susan Crowell of Farm & Dairy for the photo! Ohio Farm Bureau Federation honored outstanding contributors to Ohio agriculture Thursday evening during the Harvest Banquet at its 91st Annual Meeting. Those receiving awards and recognition are as follows: Membership There were 65 Ohio Farm Bureau members who signed at least 10 new members over the past year, earning them the Ambassador Club recognition. Two members, Don Allen of Perry County and Don Ralph of Marion County signed at least 50 new OFBF members in the past year, earning them the distinction of the Murray Lincoln Award. Allen signed 50 new members, while Ralph signed 54.

12/04/2009: House Passes Permanent Estate Tax Relief Bill
H.R. 4154, the Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers, and Small Businesses Act of 2009, passed in the House of Representatives Thursday by a vote of 225 - 200. Introduced by North Dakota Representative Earl Pomeroy, the bill would permanently extend the death tax. It would exclude amounts up to 3.5-million single and 7-million married, and permanently set the death tax rate at 45 percent. Under current law the death tax would expire in 2010.

12/04/2009: USDA Forecasts Net Farm Income To Decline 34% In 2009
Net farm income is forecast to be $57 billion in 2009, down $30 billion (34.5 percent) from 2008. The 2009 forecast is $6.5 billion below the average of $63.6 billion in net farm income earned in the previous 10 years. Still, the net farm income forecast for 2009 remains the eighth largest amount of income earned in U.S. farming. The top five earnings years have been tightly grouped between 2003 and 2008, attesting to the profitability of farming this decade.

12/04/2009: Tax Law Changes Bring Opportunities, Confusion for Farmers
Changes in United States tax laws may cause some confusion for farmers, but Purdue University agricultural economist George Patrick said it’s all about developing a tax management strategy that is most beneficial to each farm. “The tax law changes have been almost continuous for a number of years,” Patrick said. “We also had an extension of some of the laws from 2008 into 2009, which will primarily affect depreciation and expensing options.”

12/03/2009: ABN COVERS THE OHIO FARM BUREAU ANNUAL MEETING
This week The ABN travels down I-71 to the Queen City for The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's Annual Meeting. The trip gave Andy Vance to catch up with some OFBF Notables to talk about the successes of 2009 and the challenges of 2010.

12/02/2009: Reaction Mixed to EPA Delay on Increasing Ethanol Blend Level
Yesterday marked 270 days since Growth Energy submitted a Green Waiver to the Environmental Protection Agency requesting that the ethanol blend level be increased to 15% in conventional gasoline. In response to the request, the EPA issued a letter to Growth Energy yesterday indicating that while initial tests have proven successful, more testing will be required to determine if the blend level can be increased.

12/02/2009: Grain Symposium Leads with New Information for 2010
Grain farmers can obtain early industry outlooks from university and industry experts at the 2009 Ohio Grain Farmers Symposium, Dec. 17 at the Lima Convention Center on Dec. 17. The symposium, which runs from 7:30 a.m.-5p.m., includes ten educational sessions, a trade show and silent auction.

12/02/2009: Salute to Rob Joslin
ABN Radio would like to congratulate Rob Joslin of Shelby County who will be serving as President of the American Soybean Association this year. Best of luck Rob!

12/02/2009: 2009 Ohio Soybean Performance Trials-Initial Yield Data Released
Yield data for both 2009 Corn and Soybean Performance Trials has been posted on-line for your use. The corn data can be found at http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/corntrials/ and the soybean data can be found at http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/soy2009/. The data set at this point includes yield information by site. Additional quality and disease rating information will be added to both data sets over the next couple of weeks.

12/02/2009: Ohio Corn Harvest Running 11% Behind 5-Year Average
The average temperature for Ohio was 42.6 degrees, 3.9 degrees above normal for the week ending Sunday, according to the state field office of USDA's National Ag Statistics Service. Precipitation averaged 0.20 inches, 0.63 inches below normal. There were 6 modified growing degree days, 5 days below normal. Reporters rated 4.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the seven-day period ending Friday. Topsoil moisture was rated 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus.

12/02/2009: Potential Spread of Carp Could Pose Big Problems for Lake Erie
Environmental officials continue to seek ways to prevent Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes while an electrical barrier is turned off for maintenance. The latest move by Illinois officials is to dump a toxic chemical into a 6-mile stretch of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship canal to keep the carp from passing through to the Great Lakes. The concern over the fish, which can grow up to 4 feet long and 100 pounds, is that they can consume up to 40 percent of their body weight daily in plankton, which could potentially starve out smaller fish leading to the possible collapse of the Great Lakessport and commercial fishing industry.

12/01/2009: ABN Ag News Headlines for December 1, 2009
For many Ohio producers, some corn remains in the fields. As more time goes by, more concerns arise, including ear molds and mycotoxin issues.

11/30/2009: No Silver Bullet for the Pork Industry
The futures market is optimistic and pork producers have a chance to lock in prices that will at least let them break even, said one Purdue University agricultural economist. “When looking forward to 2010, most analysts who predict hog prices say prices will not be as high as the cost of production,” said Chris Hurt, Purdue Extension livestock marketing specialist. “This will be the third consecutive year that pork producers are facing a loss.” The outlook is for hog prices to average about $46 to $47 per head next year.

11/30/2009: Annual AFBF Convention Offers Exciting Lineup
Climate change legislation, livestock care issues and social media tools will be at the forefront of topics discussed during conferences at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 91st annual meeting, Jan. 10-13, in Seattle, Wash. AFBF President Bob Stallman will deliver his annual address at 9:30 a.m. (PST) on Sunday, Jan. 10, during the general session in Seattle. It has been 58 years since the AFBF annual meeting was last held in the Emerald City. The exciting conference lineup includes Christopher Horner’s “story behind the story,” Global Warming: A Red Hot Lie?, Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Horner, a frequent guest on national news shows, has testified before Congress, spoken to the European Parliament and is the best-selling author of two widely acclaimed books on global warming and environmental policy.

11/30/2009: ODA Offers Tips for Purchasing Firewood
As colder temperatures quickly approach and more people use firewood to help heat their homes, the Ohio Department of Agriculture officials ask Ohioans to be aware of some basic tips to help when purchasing wood. “The department is responsible for enforcing many consumer protection laws, including those that pertain to firewood sales,” said Ohio Agriculture Director Robert Boggs. “Increasing public awareness of these rules and regulations will help assure Ohioans get what they pay for this winter.”

11/30/2009: ABN Ag News Headlines for November 30th, 2009
Now that the Thanksgiving Holiday is behind us, it is time for a very busy farmer meeting season as we enter December. Tonight is the Ohio Soybean Council hosts their annual banquet, then later this week, The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation will do the same. The ABN will be on hand for both events.

11/25/2009: Boccieri Expresses Concern on Over-Regulation of Farm Credit System
U.S. Congressman John Boccieri (D-Alliance), a member of the House Agriculture Committee who represents more than 4,000 farms in his Northeastern Ohio district, this past week expressed concern of possible overregulation on the Farm Credit System at an Agriculture Committee hearing to review discussion draft language that would create a systemic financial risk regulator and oversee financial firms considered 'too big to fail.' The draft language contains loan retention provisions affecting the Farm Credit Administration, which oversees a nationwide network of borrower-owned lenders that provide credit and related services to farm country.

11/25/2009: John Deere Giving Away a 4020, Offering Special Incentives
In a departure from traditional equipment promotions, John Deere has launched its unique Big Buck customized 4020 tractor giveaway, as well as significant purchase incentives on utility tractors for customers for the end of 2009 and into 2010. The Big Buck giveaway includes a classic John Deere 4020 that is customized by legendary automotive designer Chip Foose. Potential customers can register to win this vintage workhorse tractor from John Deere, or one of three John Deere Gators, by completing a registration form at their local John Deere dealership by June 30, 2010. No purchase or other obligation is required.

11/25/2009: Monsanto Extends Campaign Saluting U.S. Farmers
Monsanto is extending its radio messaging to television, and on Thanksgiving Day, and will launch the first of three television ads focusing on America's farmers. The ads have three identifying themes - giving thanks, farmer's contribution to the economy and conservation. The TV spots will run in markets in your state as well during the Macy's Day Parade, NFL football, among other popular programs.

11/25/2009: PIoneer Expecting to Increase its Soybean Seed Market Share in 2010
On-farm yield comparisons and early orders suggest continued strong growth for DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred in 2010. "The data coming in from North American on-farm soybean yield comparisons is showing a significant difference between Pioneer brand soybean varieties and our competitors' new varieties with the latest technology," said Schickler. In 11,692 comparisons, the data shows Pioneer brand soybeans, including Pioneer Y Series soybeans, have a 1.3 bushel per acre yield advantage on average against all competitive varieties. Pioneer brand soybeans with the Roundup Ready gene have on average a 2.7 bushel per acre yield advantage against varieties from competitors with the new Roundup Ready 2 Yield technology.

11/25/2009: Full Year: Deere Revenues Fall 28%; Net Income Falls 57%
Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) today announced a worldwide net loss of $222.8 million, or $0.53 per share, for the fourth quarter ended October 31, compared with net income of $345.0 million, or $0.81 per share, for the same period last year.

11/25/2009: Ohio Growers Facing Compaction Harvesting in Wet Conditions
Many Ohio corn and soybean growers are harvesting record crops. However, they may be facing compaction issues because of saturated soils at harvest. "Many farmers will be unable to get back in their fields after harvest," said Randall Reeder, an Ohio State University Extension agricultural engineer. "Many fields have ruts and severe compaction issues." So what can farmers do to break up that soil and smooth out rough fields? According to Reeder, options are limited. "Farmers may be facing two types of compacted fields. One type is where there is an isolated compacted area. I suggest they do whatever is necessary to get that area ready for planting and leave the rest of the field alone," said Reeder, who also holds an appointment with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. "The other type is compaction across the entire field, and whatever is done in terms of tillage operations is applied to 100 percent of the field."

11/25/2009: Ohio No-Till Conference Coming to Plain City December 8th
Cutting no-till costs and using cover crops in no-till production will be featured themes at the 2009 Ohio No-Till Conference on Dec. 8. The conference runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Der Dutchman Restaurant in Plain City, Ohio. Registration is $20 before Dec. 2 and $25 at the door. It includes refreshments, lunch and conference materials. Participants also can receive Certified Crop Advisor credits.

11/23/2009: ABN Ag News Headlines for November 23rd, 2009
The Agriculture Research Service announced that it has released the complete map of the corn genome. The map opens up quite a bit of scientific applications for this new look at the corn plant as ABN's Andy Vance explains in today's Ag News Headlines.

11/20/2009: ABN Ag News Headlines for November 20th, 2009
It has been an interesting year as far a crop production is concerned. Expectations were mixed before the planting season after taking into account many issues including the economy. Now that harvest is wrapping up things seem better than expected, but what might 2010 hold? Andy Vance takes a look into the near future in today's ABN Ag News Headlines.

11/19/2009: ABN Ag News Headlines for November 19th, 2009
With the new administration, AFBF President Bob Stallman says change has indeed come to Washington. ABN's Lindsay Hill covers Stallman's thoughts on that and the newly appointed Senate Ag Committee Chair Blanche Lincoln in todays Ag News Headlines.

11/18/2009: ABN Ag News Headlines for November 18th, 2009
The late corn harvest in Ohio is proving to be challenging in more ways than one. Drydown of this year's crop may bring a shortage of Propane late in the season and possibly over the winter months as ABN's Lindsay Hill reports in today's Ag News Headlines.

11/13/2009: ABN Coverage of The NAFB Annual Convention
Last week the ABN's Andy Vance, Lindsay Hill and Gary Jackson traveled to Kansas City for The National Association of Farm Broadcasters Annual Convention. While there, they had a chance to chat will all of the movers and shakers in the Ag Industry.

11/12/2009: Communicating Shared Values with the Consumer
During a joint session presented by The National Association of Farm Broadcasting and National Agri-Marketing Association, The Center for Food Integrity's CEO Charlie Arnott discussed the importance of producers communicating their "Shared Values" with the consumer.

11/09/2009: ABN Ag News Headlines for November 9th, 2009

11/06/2009: ABN Ag News Headlines for November 6th, 2009

11/04/2009: HSUS Downplays Passage of Issue 2, Promises Future Action in Ohio
Wayne Pacelle, President of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), released the following statement regarding the passage of State Issue 2:

11/03/2009: Issue 2 Passes by Overwhelming Margin
Supporters of Issue 2 gathered at the Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe to watch the results of Ohio Issue 2 to establish a Livestock Care Standards Board that will oversee animal welfare in the state.

11/03/2009: ABN Ag News Headlines for November 3rd, 2009

11/02/2009: ABN Ag News Headlines for November 2nd, 2009

10/30/2009: ABN Ag News Headlines for October 30th, 2009

10/29/2009: CWT Accepts 154 Bids, 26,000 Cows in Third Round
Cooperatives Working Together announced Tuesday that it has tentatively accepted 154 bids in the fourth herd retirement it has conducted in the last 12 months. The 26,412 cows and 517 million pounds of milk accepted in this round, combined with CWT's three previous herd retirements since December 2008, equal a total reduction of milk production capacity of five billion pounds.

10/29/2009: NCFC Applauds Pension Relief Bill Introduced by Pomeroy, Tiberi
The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) Tuesday expressed its strong support for legislation--introduced by Congressmen Earl Pomeroy of North Dakota and Pat Tiberi of Ohio--to help defined benefit pension plans meet their obligations to current and future retirees in an economically sustainable manner.

10/29/2009: ABN Ag News Headlines for October 29th, 2009
Healthcare reform is on the front page in Washington again this week. Federal reimbursement to rural doctors and hospitals under a Public Option Health Plan may now determine if House Democrats have the votes they need to pass a reform bill.

10/28/2009: ABN Ag News Headlines for October 28th, 2009
Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind says its time for new National Dairy Policy. Kind is pushing Congress and the Administration to provide both immediate relief and a longer term solution for America's Dairy Producers.

10/27/2009: ABN Visits Baldosser Farm
On Monday, ABN's Gary Jackson broadcast live from Gary Baldosser's farm in Seneca County. While there, Gary and Gary discussed the harvest, FFA and State Issue 2. Gary also had the opportunity to speak with Chasitie Euler and Mike Burkholder. Thanks to Monsanto for sponsoring our coverage.

10/27/2009: ABN Ag News Headlines for October 27th, 2009
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has a draft Climate Change Bill on its desk. Farm Bureau says this draft will provide very little relief from the initial version.

10/26/2009: ABN Visits FFA Convention in Indianapolis
The nation's finest young agricultural leaders gathered in Indianapolis this past week for 82nd Annual National FFA Convention.

10/22/2009: ABN Rides Along with Hardin County Asgrow Dealer/Grower Gary Bahan
Earlier this week, ABN's Andy Vance sat along side Mt. Victory farmer Gary Bahan as he cut soybeans.

10/21/2009: OSU Extension to Hold a Cheese-Making Workshop
Ohio State University Extension's popular cheese-making workshop has once again returned to educate dairy, sheep and goat milk producers on the fine art of making farmstead and artisan cheeses.

10/21/2009: Ohio Has Great Pumpkin Crop Despite Weather
An unusually rainy and cool summer devastated pumpkin crops in northeastern states. But this year's quirky weather conditions did spare Ohio's would-be jack-o'-lanterns, with Ohio State University experts saying the 2009 harvest is even expected to be above average in some areas.

10/21/2009: Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Confirmed in Minnesota Fair Pig Sample
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed the presence of 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus in a pig sample collected at the Minnesota State Fair submitted by the University of Minnesota. Additional samples are being tested.

10/21/2009: Roundup Ready 2 Yield a Huge Success
Monsanto's new Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans have been the talk of the region. In this the first year of growing, farmers are pleased with increased yields and fuller pods. ABN's Gary Jackson spoke with Monsanto's Dieter Holtz about this brand new technology and the availability of seed for next year's crop.

10/18/2009: Soybean Harvest Complete? Be Sure to Test Soil for SCN
Harvesting corn and soybeans may be the only thing on the minds of Ohio growers at the moment, but they shouldn't overlook the importance of soil testing for soybean cyst nematode.

10/18/2009: Presidio Fungicide Helps Keep Downy Mildew in Check
Recently, Gary Jackson had the opportunity to visit with Valent's Rick Kraus on vegetable diseases and Valent's fungicide Presidio.

10/14/2009: Gov. Strickland Voices His Support for Issue 2
Supporters of Issue 2 gathered Wednesday afternoon for a rally at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center on the OSU campus in Columbus. One supporter was Gov. Ted Strickland, who spoke with ABN's Lindsay Hill about the necessity of passing Issue 2.

10/14/2009: Work in Plant Disease Biocontrol Earns OARDC Researcher World Class Spot
An Ohio State University plant pathologist with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center is providing his expertise in biological control of plant diseases through a unique collaboration with South Korean scientists. The collaboration has awarded him participation in that nation's World Class University Program.

10/13/2009: Brown Announces $350 Million in Emergency Support for Ohio Dairy Farmers
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Avon), chairman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Food, Nutrition, and Family Farms, announced that Agriculture Appropriations Act of 2010 includes $350 million in emergency support for the nation's dairy industry.

10/13/2009: Register Now for Farmland Preservation Summit
The 10th annual Ohio Farmland Preservation Summit will take place Nov. 5, 2009, from 8:15 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m., at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center on the Ohio State University campus in Columbus. Citizens, farmers, landowners, local officials, land trusts and other interested parties are invited to attend. Registration for the event closes Oct. 22.

10/13/2009: Ohio Corn Forecast Up 1 Bushel, Soybeans Down 1 Bushel
Based on conditions as of October 1, Ohio's average corn yield is forecast at 166 bushels per acre, up 1 bushel from the previous month's forecast. Total grain production is forecast at 517.92 million bushels, up 23 percent from last year's State production total. Corn growers expect to harvest 3.12 million acres in 2009 unchanged from one year ago. Based on administrative data, planted acreage is estimated at 3.35 million acres, down 50,000 acres from the June estimate.

10/08/2009: Pioneer Crop Progress Update
ABN's Gary Jackson discusses the latest crop conditions with Jerron Schmoll of Pioneer Hi-Bred.

10/08/2009: Study: Animal Rights Efforts Could Mean Higher Food Prices
Consumers would be forced to pay 25 percent more for eggs soon if animal rights activists succeed in getting only non-cage eggs sold in the U.S., according to a new study by a respected economic consulting group. That increase would cost consumers $2.6 billion more each year for eggs, a nutritional staple in the American diet. The higher costs would strain Americans' budgets during a difficult economic climate.

10/08/2009: FSA Publishes Report on Foreign Holdings of U.S. Ag Land
USDA's Farm Service Agency released the latest report on foreign holdings of U.S. agricultural land. The publication contains statistics through Feb. 28, 2008, regarding the 20.9 million acres of U.S. agricultural land in which foreign persons hold an interest.

10/08/2009: Lindsay Hill talks to Fred Yoder of Plain City, Ohio about this year\\\'s harvest.
They discussed the growing season and the success of his Asgrow fields.

10/06/2009: OFBF Issues Statement on State Budget Shortfall
On Friday, the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation issued a statement about the state's budget shortfall.

10/06/2009: Fewer Consumers Eating Out
Restaurant industry performance softened in August, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant activity posted a modest decline. The Association's Restaurant Performance Index stood at 97.9 in August, down 0.2 percent from July and its third decline in the last four months.

10/06/2009: Rabobank Farm & Ranch Survey Shows Farm Income Down
Less than five percent of farms saw an improvement in income this year, a drastic downturn compared to the same time last year when one in four farms saw better year over year income, according to Rabobank's Farm & Ranch Survey.

10/02/2009: Joel and Greg Bourne of Ansonia Win Grand Champion Jersey at World Dairy Expo
Stephan Sparkler Vera-ET, the winning entry in the six year old and older class, was named Grand Champion of the Central National Jersey Show. Owned by Joel and Greg Bourne of Ansonia, she received the Udder Comfort $1,000 Grand Champion Cash Prize. ABN's Andy Vance had the opportunity to speak with Greg at the World Dairy Expo in Madison.

10/01/2009: Upcoming YES for Issue 2 Events
The Ohioans for Livestock Care / Yes for Issue 2 campaign will be hosting several rallies throughout the state in support of State Issue 2, a proposal on the November 3 state ballot that would create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board.

10/01/2009: Ohio Soybean Association Elects Officers for 2009-2010
The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) Board of Trustees recently elected officers for 2009-2010 during the September board meeting. These executive committee positions include the offices of chairman, president, vice president, treasurer and secretary. Those elected to these positions are responsible for the implementation of board policies and procedures, as well as carrying out the roles for their respective office.

09/30/2009: Safe, Local Ohio Food Launches Statewide Issue 2 Outreach
Advocating for an ample supply of safe, affordable, Ohio-raised food and excellent care of the state's livestock and poultry, leaders of Ohioans for Livestock Care today announced the first phase of the statewide outreach campaign in support of passage of State Issue 2. Issue 2 calls for the creation of the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board (the Board) - a board of Ohio experts in animal care, veterinary medicine, food safety and farm management, as well as consumer and humane society members.

09/30/2009: Ag Credit Course Aimed at Young, Beginning and Small Farmers
Ag Credit is offering Ohio farmers a five-session risk management course, entitled Building and Protecting the Farm, beginning in January 2010.

09/30/2009: Ag Appropriations Bill Expected to Reach Obama Today
As Congress reconvened last week after the August recess, those involved in international agriculture have directed their focus on the passage of the fiscal year 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill.

09/30/2009: U.S. Beef Gaining in Popularity with Japanese Consumers
While access for U.S. beef remains limited in Japan, consumers in the former No. 1 export market are more ready than anytime in recent years to chow down on American steaks and beef bowls, according to surveys conducted by USMEF.

09/29/2009: Ohio Hog Inventory Up Six Percent
Ohio hog producers had 2.04 million hogs on hand September 1, up 2 percent from last quarter and up 6 percent from a year ago. The number of market hogs, at 1.88 million head, was up 3 percent from last quarter and up 7 percent from last year. Breeding stock, at 160,000 head, was down 6 percent from last quarter and down 3 percent from last year.

09/29/2009: Steve Maurer Selected as State Executive Director for Ohio FSA
Steve Maurer was selected to serve as the State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Ohio. Maurer began his official duties on Sept. 8th, 2009.

09/29/2009: Stabenow, Thune Introduce Bipartisan Veterinary Services Investment Act
Senators Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and John Thune of South Dakota last week introduced the bipartisan Veterinary Services Investment Act. The legislation would help address the shortage of veterinarians in rural and underserved areas by creating grants for veterinary education and rural recruitment. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota was a co-sponsor.

09/29/2009: Farm Science Review Draws Big Crowd
After last year's damaging winds from Hurricane Ike, a little rainy weather and clouds weren't keeping visitors away from the 47th annual Ohio State University Farm Science Review. The farm show drew 138,014 folks over the three-day event, nearly 10 percent higher than attendance in 2008.

09/24/2009: Ohioans Rally Across State to Build Support for State Issue 2
The Ohioans for Livestock Care / Yes for Issue 2 campaign will be hosting 12 rallies throughout Ohio from Saturday to mid-October for State Issue 2, a proposal on the Nov. 3 state ballot that would create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board.

09/24/2009: Rep. Slaughter Calls for Data on Antibiotic Use in Animals
Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-N.Y.), Chair of the House Committee on Rules, asked the Government Accountability Office to review federal efforts to collect data on antibiotic use in animals. Rep. Slaughter's request comes after she first raised the issue of non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in animals as a national and urgent health crisis that jeopardizes the public health.

09/24/2009: Siddiqui Appointed As U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator
President Obama has nominated U.S. agriculture veteran Islam Siddiqui to the position of chief agricultural negotiator for the office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

09/23/2009: Agriculture CEOs Commit to Address Growing World Needs
Chief executives of four leading agricultural companies pledged Tuesday to work collectively with public and private entities in an effort to close an imminent productivity gap to meet the needs of a growing and more affluent world population.

09/23/2009: Oct. 16 Animal Welfare Symposium Takes Shape
As animal agriculture comes under scrutiny and animal welfare issues are hotly debated, the time to become educated to proactively address animal welfare issues is now.

09/23/2009: USDA Hearing on Proposed Leafy Greens Agreement in Columbus Oct. 6
Columbus is one of just seven cities across the nation to host a public hearing on a proposed national marketing agreement covering the handling of leafy green vegetables.

09/23/2009: Vilsack, Chinese Ag Minister Address Trade Concerns
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Tuesday welcomed China's Minister of Agriculture Sun Zhengcai to the United States to discuss a wide range of agricultural trade issues. They concluded their talks by renewing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on bilateral cooperation in scientific research and agricultural trade between the two countries. The original MOU signed in August 2003 established a Joint Committee on Cooperation in Agriculture (JCCA), which meets at least once every two years alternately in the United States and China.

09/22/2009: Farm Science Review Kicks Off Today
The 2009 Farm Science Review starts today and ABN wants to see you there!

09/22/2009: Latest CWT Herd Retirement to Remove 87,000 Cows
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) announced that it has tentatively accepted 294 bids in the third herd retirement it has conducted in the last nine months. The 86,710 cows and 1.8 billion pounds of milk accepted in this round, combined with CWT's previous two herd retirements, equal a total production capacity of 4.8 billion pounds of milk being removed since December 2008. This is the second-largest herd retirement since the farmer-funded self-help program started in 2003. The previous retirement round completed in July removed a record 101,000 cows and 1.96 billion pounds of milk.

09/22/2009: U.S. Cattle on Feed Down One Percent
Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 9.9 million head on September 1, 2009. The inventory was 1 percent below September 1, 2008.

09/22/2009: European Union Rejects More U.S. Soybeans With GM Corn Traces
Spanish authorities detected traces of unauthorised forms of genetically modified corn in U.S. soy shipments on August 25 and blocked the imports, a European Commission spokeswoman said on Friday. According to Reuters, traces of corn variety MON88017, which is yet to be approved in the EU, was found in different shiploads of soy from the same company and the shipments were sent back to the U.S., the spokeswoman said.

09/21/2009: Andy Vance Attends Bayer Global Press Conference
ABN's Andy Vance had the opportunity to travel to Monnheim, Germany for Bayer's Global Press Conference. While there, he spoke to Dr. Joachim Schneider, Bayer Crop Science's Head of Bioscience.

09/21/2009: Top Conservation Farmers in Ohio to be Honored
Ohio's top conservation farm families for 2009 will be honored for their long-standing dedication to natural resource conservation on the land they farm during ceremonies at the Farm Science Review near London on September 24. The annual award is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Soil and Water Resources, Ohio Farmer magazine and Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

09/21/2009: AFBF: Free Trade Agreements Would Boost Ag Economy
Citing the vital importance of trade to U.S. agriculture, the American Farm Bureau is urging the Obama administration to submit the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA) and the U.S.-Korean Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) to Congress for a vote.

09/21/2009: Vilsack Announces USDA, NFL, Dairy Farmer Partnership
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture will work with the National Football League and the nation's dairy farmers to promote good nutrition and fitness in the nation's schools. The collaboration will help support President Obama's effort to promote good nutrition and physical fitness for America's children.

09/17/2009: Monsanto Announces Major Changes - Includes Slashing Price on Roundup Herbicide
The company announced it is slashing price on its Roundup brand agricultural herbicides. “We anticipate farmers will see Roundup prices that are 50 percent of what they were last year,” said Glenn Stith, North American crop protection lead. “This new price is effective now as retailers and farmers begin planning for the 2010 planting season.”

09/16/2009: Kohl Wants Officials to Look at Antitrust Concerns in Dairy Industry
U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) is calling on two federal agencies to scrutinize antitrust enforcement within the dairy industry. In a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Assistant Attorney General Christine Varney, the Milwaukee Democrat asked that their respective departments focus on the consolidation of milk processors and anticompetitive practices in agriculture, and urged them to hold a workshop on dairy in Wisconsin as part of upcoming series of DOJ/USDA workshops about agriculture competition.

09/16/2009: USA Today: Farmland More Valuable Than Ever
As home prices continue to slide nationwide, the value of farmland is setting records. According to an article by the USA Today, demand for grain for food, fuel and export, along with low interest rates and a weakened dollar have raised farmland prices by double digits the past two years. Average values have doubled since 2000.

09/16/2009: Harvest Season Festivals Make Ohio Fun in the Fall
As autumn approaches, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is preparing for a series of harvest festivals that will celebrate Ohio's rich agricultural traditions and the natural resources that continue to help bring forth bountiful annual harvests.

09/16/2009: OSU Scientist: Ag Icon Gone, But His Work Must Carry On
Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug, considered the father of the "Green Revolution" for pulling the population in many Third World countries from the brink of starvation for his work in wheat development, has passed away. But he leaves behind decades of technological know-how of food security and land sustainability that have been instrumental in feeding the world's growing population.

09/15/2009: New Pest Found in Ohio Soybeans
A new pest has been identified in Ohio soybeans, but whether or not its presence will be a problem remains to be seen.

09/15/2009: BASF Kixor Herbicide Receives EPA Approval
BASF announced yesterday the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration of a new active ingredient, Kixor herbicide, for use on a wide range of crops and effective on more than 70 broadleaf weeds. Starting this fall, four formulations Powered by Kixor herbicide - Sharpen herbicide, OpTill herbicide, Integrity herbicide and Treevix herbicide - will be available to help growers tackle today's weed control challenges in their fields.

09/15/2009: Egg Board Announces Good Egg Project
To address people's growing interest in where their food comes from, America's egg farmers have announced the Good Egg Project, an initiative that aims to educate Americans on modern egg farming, introduce them to the farmers that care for the eggs and encourage people to eat well and do good everyday.

09/15/2009: Schooley Receives First 3 Million Unit Sales Award from NAAB
Stuart Schooley of Clovis, New Mexico, was recognized by the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) on August 26, 2009 upon attaining the milestone of having sold more than 3,000,000 units of semen. Stuart is the first person to be honored by NAAB for reaching this level of sales.

09/15/2009: Ag Credit Supports Issue 2
Ag Credit, a major agricultural lender in Ohio, announced its endorsement for Issue 2, a voter referendum to create an Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board.

09/15/2009: USDA Ohio Crop Weather Report
The average temperature for the state was 66.7 degrees, 0.4 degrees below normal for the week ending Sunday, September 13, 2009. Precipitation averaged 0.74 inches, 0.13 inches above normal. There were 119 modified growing degree days, 4 days below normal.

09/15/2009: Agriculture Director Challenges Ohioans to Eat Locally
Ohio Agriculture Director Robert Boggs is extending a challenge to all Ohioans to consume local foods during the week of Sept. 13-19.

09/15/2009: Nobel Peace Prize Winner Norman Borlaug Passes Away
Norman E. Borlaug, the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize winner for developing high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat used to prevent famine in developing countries throughout the world died Saturday in Dallas, Texas. Considered by many to be the father of the green revolution, Dr. Borlaug is an Iowa native who is credited with saving a billion lives.

09/11/2009: USDA Demands Media to Call it H1N1, Not Swine Flu
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Thursday in a media briefing on the novel H1N1 flu urged reporters to refer to the virus by that name and not 'swine' flu.

09/11/2009: Ohio Deer-Archery Season Opens Statewide Sept. 26
Approximately 300,000 bowhunters, representing more than half of all Ohioans who hunt deer, are expected to participate in the statewide archery deer hunting season that opens Sept. 26, according to experts with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

09/11/2009: Ohio Farm Family to Talk Trade on National TV
Dave and Sue Roehm of Leesburg, Ohio, grow corn, wheat and soybeans on their farm, which has been in the family since 1930. Thanks to sponsorship from the Ohio Corn Marketing Board, the Roehms were afforded the opportunity to travel to Egypt and Morocco with America's Heartland, a public television show focused solely on U.S. agriculture, to see export market development efforts of the U.S. Grain Council and U.S. Wheat Associates firsthand.

09/11/2009: NASS Crop Production Report
September 1, 2009

09/11/2009: National FFA Organization Names Dwight Armstrong as Chief Operating Officer
The National FFA Organization announced Thursday that Dr. W. Dwight Armstrong of Dayton, Ohio, will become chief operating officer effective Oct. 5, 2009.

09/11/2009: USDA and HHS Unveil New Food Safety Consumer Web Site
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the co-chairs of the Obama Administration's Food Safety Working Group, unveiled a new consumer Web site Wednesday at www.foodsafety.gov. The site is designed to help consumers and families get all the latest information on food safety and food recalls in one convenient place.

09/11/2009: Crop Insurance Fall Closing Dates Approaching
USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds producers considering Multi-Peril Crop Insurance for the 2010 crop year that the sales closing date is Sept. 30 for certain fall-planted crops.

09/11/2009: ODA Announces Farm Pesticide Disposal Collection
The Ohio Department of Agriculture will sponsor a farm pesticide disposal drop-off on Sept. 15 from 10:30 a.m. -- 2:30 p.m. at the Noble County Fairgrounds, Caldwell, Ohio.

09/10/2009: Lincoln Named Chair of Senate Ag Committee
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) was named Chair of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Wednesday.

09/10/2009: Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Offers Series of Ag Grants
The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation invites community service groups in rural, suburban and/or urban settings, as well as independent producers and agribusinesses to apply for a series of grants to fund programs highlighting agriculture and its impact on the community.

09/10/2009: USDA Researchers Develop Less Aggressive Line of Chickens
A line of less aggressive laying hens that produce eggs to industry standard has been developed by a team of Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists. As a result of this development, the researchers also cut mortality losses among the birds without the usual beak trimming.

09/10/2009: Scientists Develop Method to Detect Live E. Coli In Ground Beef
According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 70,000 people in the U.S. become ill each year from infection with Escherichia coli O157:H7. This bacterium colonizes the intestinal tract of cattle and can contaminate beef products during slaughter and processing.

09/09/2009: Soybean Checkoff Farmer-Leaders Respond to USDA Offer
Last Friday, the members of the United Soybean Board (USB), St. Louis, executive committee discussed a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offer regarding mediation between USB and the American Soybean Association. The 11 U.S. soybean farmer-leaders who serve on the USB executive committee agreed to recommend that USB's full board move forward with a mediation process, but only under very specific parameters for discussion as well as issues to be mediated.

09/09/2009: Wheat Falls to Lowest Price This Year
Wheat fell to the lowest price this year on speculation that global production will outpace demand, limiting overseas purchases of supplies from the U.S., the world's biggest shipper of the grain. According to Bloomberg News, world output may total 659.3 million metric tons in the marketing year ending May 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a report on Aug. 12. That would be second only to last year's 682.4 million tons. Global inventories may jump 8.3 percent to 183.6 million tons, the USDA said.

09/09/2009: Corn Yield Estimates Continue to Rise
According to Purdue University agricultural economist Dr. Chris Hurt, the numbers coming out in this Friday's Crop Production Report will reflect an even larger corn yield than the August estimate.

09/09/2009: Southwest Landmark to Host Answer Plot Knowledge Event
Southwest Landmark, Inc. will host the Croplan Genetics Answer Plot Field Event on September 10 at the Answer Plot on Dolly Varden Road near South Charleston. The event, sponsored by Land O'Lakes, starts at 4:15 p.m. and will include an opportunity for farmers to learn about Croplan, NK Syngenta, Dekalb, and Asgrow seed varieties and Agri-Solutions surfactants, inoculants and other crop solutions.

09/08/2009: AFBF: EPA Cannot Protect Livestock Farmers from Environmental Regulations
According to American Farm Bureau's Rick Krause, EPA's plan to only regulate big polluters may not stand up when it reaches court.

09/08/2009: More Midwest Governors Endorsing 25x25 Vision
Leadership in the movement to a new energy future is being demonstrated at the state level by the endorsement of the 25x'25 Vision by Governors Ted Strickland of Ohio and Pat Quinn of Illinois. They become the 33rd and 34th chief state executives to endorse the goal of American farms, ranches and forestland meeting 25 percent of our nation's energy needs with renewable resources by the year 2025.

09/08/2009: Corn Physiology Focus of CCA College
The impacts of adjuvants, such as surfactants and crop oil, on corn physiology will be a major focus of discussions during the Certified Crop Advisors College being held at Ohio State University's Farm Science Review on Sept. 24.

09/08/2009: USMEF Survey Shows Reaction of Chinese Consumers to H1N1
Nearly two-thirds of China's consumers stopped eating pork in the early stages of the H1N1 influenza outbreak this year, and more than one in five consumers in the world's largest pork market still believe that eating pork can result in catching the flu virus, according to a survey of 1,200 Chinese consumers commissioned last month by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

09/04/2009: USDA Agrees To Help U.S. Pork Producers
The National Pork Producers Council commended U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for his decision to lend assistance to the U.S. pork industry to help it weather a nearly 2-year-old economic crisis that has put some producers out of business.

09/04/2009: ODA Announces Farm Pesticide Disposal Collection
The Ohio Department of Agriculture will sponsor a farm pesticide disposal drop-off on Sept. 9 from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Transfer Station, 2413 Townline Road 131, Willard, Ohio.

09/04/2009: Extension Educator, Navy Reservist to Receive Bronze Star Sept. 5
Navy reservist Glenn Welling recalls his time in Iraq as an "incredible year." And on Saturday, the Ohio State University Extension educator will receive the Bronze Star for his service in a pre-game ceremony at the Ohio State-Navy football game, the Buckeyes' season opener.

09/04/2009: Most Americans Not Overly Concerned About Food Safety
Although food safety is a hot topic of discussion within Congress and the U.S. food system, most Americans are not overly concerned about the safety of the U.S. food supply, according to a recent survey from the NPD Group. MeatPoultry.com reports that most recent NPD Food Safety Monitor, which was issued Aug. 12, showed that most consumers polled were only "slightly concerned" followed by those who were "somewhat concerned."

09/03/2009: Ohio Farm Bureau Hits All-Time High Membership
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) has announced its 42nd consecutive year of membership growth, reaching a record 235,064 members. This is an increase of 1,003 members since 2008.

09/03/2009: Incoming NCGA First Vice President Discusses ACRE, Falling Corn Prices
At this week's Farm Progress Show, incoming National Corn Growers Association First Vice President Darrin Ihnen said he wishes more farmers would have enrolled in the ACRE program.

09/03/2009: FFA Alumni Roll Out Harvest for America Program
Tractor Supply Company and Carhartt have recently announced that they will serve as co-sponsors of Harvest for America, an FFA Alumni-led program aimed at collecting food donations for those in need in five states across the country - Wisconsin, Ohio, Tennessee, Florida and Michigan.

09/03/2009: Japanese Elections Pose Uncertain Ag Trade Ramifications
Japan's Democratic Party has taken a historic victory over the longtime ruling Liberal Democratic Party in elections this past weekend. The LDP has been the dominant political party in Japan since 1955 and, excluding an eleven month period in the early 1990s, has governed the country since that time.

09/02/2009: Climate Change Legislation Put on the Back Burner in Senate
Climate change legislation used to be a top priority for the Obama administration and Congressional Democrats, but other issues including health care have taken precedence over cap and trade.

09/02/2009: Farm Credit to Elect Four Directors
Eight farmers have been nominated to fill four Board of Director positions at Farm Credit Services of Mid-America (FCS), one of the largest agriculture lending cooperatives in the nation serving farmers and agribusinesses throughout Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee. The cooperative's 58,000 voting stockholders will be casting their ballots over the next several weeks.

09/02/2009: Ag Groups Ask for Easing of Barriers to Russian Fertilizer
National Association of Wheat Growers has joined on a letter with the Agricultural Retailers Association and others last week telling the Department of Commerce that reasonably-priced solid ammonium nitrate from Russia is necessary to meet current U.S. demand. In the letter, the groups supported advancing the negotiation process for removing Cold War-era trade restrictions that remain in place against Russian fertilizer products despite the fact that many domestic manufacturers and distributors have ceased production and sales of ammonium nitrate for liability and safety reasons.

09/02/2009: Ohio State Event Looks at the Science of Animal Welfare
The issues in farm animal welfare continue to be hotly debated across the United States, and recently Ohio's farm animal production practices have come under scrutiny. On October 16, an animal welfare symposium to be held at Ohio State University will offer perspectives that are grounded in science and education.

09/01/2009: Time Magazine Writer Admits Cover Story was One-Sided
Writer Bryan Walsh's cover story from last week's issue of Time resulted in an outpouring of criticism from agricultural groups. On yesterday's edition of ag radio program AgriTalk, Walsh admitted that his article was intentionally biased, saying that Time is moving away from publishing stories that present both sides of a particular issue.

09/01/2009: Vilsack Discusses Rural Tour, Cap And Trade
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visited Zanesville yesterday for the Obama administration's Rural Tour. ABN's Andy Vance talked to Secretary Vilsack about the purpose of the tour and the impact climate change legislation will have on American farmers.

09/01/2009: Food-Cost Inflation Expected to Slow
After a couple years of above average food price inflation, a Purdue University economist believes the inflation rate will return to normal next year. Corinne Alexander, an agricultural economist, estimated 2010 food prices would increase between 2.5 percent and 3.5 percent, not near the records that were set in 2008 of 5.5 percent. The 10-year average for food-price inflation for 1997 to 2006 is about 2.5 percent, she said.

09/01/2009: U.S. Exports Vital to Surviving Economic Crisis
Last week, USDA's Economic Research Service published a report titled: 'What the 2008-2009 World Economic Crisis Means for Global Agricultural Trade.' The report states the global economic crisis that started in 2008 caused a reduction in overall international trade, including a 20 percent short-term decline in the value of global agricultural trade.

08/31/2009: U.S. Soybean Crop Could Be At Risk from Early Frost
U.S. soybean crop development is running two to three weeks behind normal this season after delayed plantings and cool summer weather, so concern is rising that an early frost could trim final yields.

08/31/2009: Gee Visits Eastern Ohio Ag Research Facility
Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee paid a visit to the Eastern Agricultural Research Station in Caldwell, Ohio, on Aug. 27 to learn more about the facility's operations and its value to area Ohio producers and businesses. It was the first time Gee had visited the research station.

08/31/2009: ASA Urges Activism to Safeguard Biodiesel Demand
The American Soybean Association is encouraging all U.S. soybean producers, and their family members, neighbors and friends, to voice concerns with the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed rule on the implementation of the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS-2). With the future of the U.S. biodiesel industry at stake, ASA is issuing a national Call-to-Action for grassroots activism regarding the proposed rule.

08/28/2009: U.S. Farm Income Down 38 percent
USDA statisticians have found that farm income has dropped more than previously expected. They estimate total farm income of $54 billion for this calendar year, down from last year's $87 billion.

08/28/2009: Petzel named OFBF VP of Communications
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation has named Patricia Petzel vice president of communications.

08/28/2009: Vilsack Announces Availability of Value-Added Producer Grants
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Wednesday announced that USDA will soon be accepting applications for grants to assist agricultural producers seeking to add value to the commodities they produce. Approximately $18 million will be awarded nationwide.

08/28/2009: Pork Producers Slow to Liquidate
When 1998 and 1999 are mentioned to pork producers, they show visible signs of grief, explained Purdue University's Chris Hurt, but losses for 2007 to present have been twice as much, yet there has not been near the liquidation.

08/27/2009: Monsanto Hosts 4-H, FFA Members
On Tuesday, Monsanto held a Science, Technology, Engineering & Math in Agriculture Day for 4-H and FFA members. ABN's Andy Vance and Gary Jackson were on hand and spoke to Missy Bell and Steve Gratz of the Ohio FFA Foundation, as well as Kristin Bonham, Alan Ciha and Glenda Gehl of Monsanto.

08/27/2009: Ag Industry Responds to Time Magazine Article
Modern agriculture is taken to task in this week's Time magazine cover story, "Getting Real About the High Price of Cheap Food."

08/27/2009: Death of Sen. Kennedy Could Impact Agriculture
The death of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) has set off a chain reaction in the Senate that includes a possible change at the helm of the Ag Committee.

08/27/2009: Maurer Named FSA State Executive Director for Ohio
The Obama Administration Tuesday continued naming individuals who will serve as state executive director for the Farm Service Agency at the USDA. For Ohio, Steven Maurer has been named to be post.

08/27/2009: Vilsack Establishes Dairy Advisory Committee, Requests Nominations
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that as part of USDA's continuing efforts to listen to and respond to the needs of producers in the dairy industry he is moving forward on establishing the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee and is requesting nominations.

08/26/2009: Bumgarner Discusses Center for Food and Animal Issues
Mike Bumgarner, Vice President of Ohio Farm Bureau's Center for Food and Animal Issues, spoke to ABN's Lindsay Hill about the purpose of the Center and its goals for the future.

08/26/2009: Ohio Soybean Council and Battelle Develop Soy-Based Toner
Come September, a soy-based toner created with soybean oil, called AgriTone, will be available for select laser printers.

08/26/2009: Study Finds Fertilizer Sector Supports 244,000 Jobs
The Fertilizer Institute released a report that shows the U.S. fertilizer industry supports 244,000 jobs and adds $57.8 billion in value to the U.S. economy. The study, conducted by Charles River Associates International, found that the fertilizer industry directly employs more than 24,800 people who produced fertilizers valued at $15.1 billion in 2006. These jobs had an average annual compensation of $76,000, which was almost 80 percent higher than the U.S. average compensation across all industries.

08/26/2009: July Egg Production Down Slightly
U.S. egg production totaled 7.59 billion during July 2009, down slightly from last year. Production included 6.51 billion table eggs, and 1.08 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.01 billion were broiler-type and 71 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during July 2009 averaged 333 million, down 1 percent from last year. July egg production per 100 layers was 2,281 eggs, up 1 percent from July 2008.

08/25/2009: Vilsack: Cap and Trade Potentially Valuable for Farmers
While the Waxman-Markey bill has come under scrutiny from agricultural groups, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack stands behind the legislation, saying that farmers stand to make billions of dollars through offsets.

08/25/2009: Syngenta Comes Under Fire for Atrazine
Biotech company Syngenta is coming under scrutiny for atrazine, a widely-used herbicide that an environmental group claims can cause birth defects in humans.

08/25/2009: FSA Accepting Applications for New Biomass Crop Assistance
David Drake, acting state executive director for Ohio's Farm Service Agency (FSA), announced that biomass conversion facilities can begin to sign-up to participate in the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which will help increase production of renewable energy. The program, authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to producers who deliver eligible material to biomass conversion facilities. "Owners of eligible material can receive financial assistance for delivering qualified biomass to conversion facilities that use biomass for heat, power, bio-based products or advanced biofuels," stated Drake.

08/25/2009: U.S. Cattle On Feed Down 2 Percent
Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 9.6 million head on August 1, 2009. The inventory was 2 percent below August 1, 2008.

08/24/2009: Investigation of Soybean Checkoff Enters Seventh Month
The USDA Office of the Inspector General's investigation of the Soybean Checkoff program recently entered its seventh month. USB Chairman Chuck Myers hopes that the review will be completed by the end of his chairmanship in December.

08/24/2009: Obama Administration Rural Tour Addresses Water Issues, Internet Access
The Obama Administration's Rural Tour recently entered Missouri, where Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack discussed several issues facing rural America. Topics addressed include flood prevention and management, wastewater treatment in rural communities and the lack of internet access on a significant number of American farms.

08/24/2009: U.S. & Canadian Hog Inventory Down 3 Percent
U.S. and Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs for June 2009 was 78.2 million head. This was down 3 percent from June 2008 and down 1 percent from June 2007. The USDA says breeding inventory, at 7.35 million head, was down 3 percent from a year ago and down slightly from last quarter. Market hog inventory, at 70.8 million head, was down 3 percent from last year but up 1 percent from last quarter. The pig crop, at 35.9 million head, was down 2 percent from 2008 but up slightly from 2007. Sows farrowed during this period totaled 3.71 million head, down 4 percent from last year.

08/24/2009: Conference to Address Land Use Changes, Concerns
Today's land use concerns, from sustainable growth to renewable energy, will be the focus of an Ohio State University Extension land use conference on September 16.

08/21/2009: ProFarmer Midwest Crop Tour Wraps Up in Minnesota
The 2009 ProFarmer Midwest Crop Tour came to a close yesterday in Austin, Minn.

08/21/2009: Ohio Agriculture Partners with Foodbanks to Kick Off Pork Power
The Ohio Pork Producers Council (OPPC) is leading an effort to generate 100,000 pounds of pork, or 500,000 servings, for the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF) by April 30, 2010.

08/21/2009: Future of Animal ID System Unclear
Facing resistance from food animal owners and pressure from Congress, federal agriculture officials are reconsidering how the national animal disease tracing system is structured.

08/21/2009: Ohio Christmas Tree Growers Participate in State and National Competitions
It has been a busy month for Ohio's competitive Christmas tree growers.

08/20/2009: ProFarmer Midwest Crop Tour Enters the Hawkeye State
The ProFarmer Midwest Crop Tour rolled on yesterday as the scouts wrapped up work in the Land of Lincoln before entering Iowa.

08/20/2009: Ohio Joins National AgrAbility Program
Ohio State University Extension has received a 4-year, $720,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist farmers with disabilities through the national AgrAbility program. Visitors to Ohio State University's Farm Science Review can stop by the Safety Education Area to learn more.

08/20/2009: Poultry Scientist Honored for Research Achievements
Ohio State University poultry scientist Sandra G. Velleman, an international leader in the study of the extracellular matrix in poultry and in muscle development, has received the Poultry Science Association's (PSA) 2009 Evonik Degussa Award for Achievement in Poultry Science.

08/20/2009: Ohio Farm Bureau, Bob Evans Recipe Contest Winners Announced
Four Ohio Farm Bureau members will receive Bob Evans grocery products for a year and more after having been named winners of a recipe contest hosted by Ohio's largest general farming organization and the Ohio-based restaurant chain.

08/19/2009: ProFarmer Midwest Crop Tour Crosses Indiana, Illinois
The nation's finest crop scouts continue to measure corn and soybean yields on the ProFarmer MIdwest Crop Tour.

08/19/2009: Schrader Auction to Benefit Miami Trace FFA
Schrader Real Estate & Auction Co. will hold a Surplus Farm Equipment Auction Aug. 20 to benefit the Miami Trace FFA.

08/19/2009: OCA Summer Roundup set for Aug. 29
On Saturday, Aug. 29, Ohio Cattlemen's Association will hold its Summer Roundup near Oxford. ABN's Gary Jackson spoke to Bev Roe of Pedro's Angus, one of the hosts of the event.

08/19/2009: New Monsanto Soybeans Increase Yield, Profit Potential
ABN's Lindsay Hill spoke with Lisa Flynn of Monsanto about Roundup Ready 2 Yield Soybeans, the latest innovation from the company's Genuity line.

08/18/2009: Andy Vance Covers the ProFarmer Midwest Crop Tour
More than 70 volunteer crop scouts are traveling across seven states to measure corn and soybean yield potential, and ABN's Andy Vance is along for the ride. The ProFarmer Midwest Crop Tour kicked off yesterday and will run through Thursday. For up-to-the-minute coverage of the tour, check out Andy's Twitter. You can also find daily updates of the tour both here and in the ABN Morning E-Port (you can sign up for it on the right side of the page). Thank you to Pioneer Hi-Bred for sponsoring our coverage.

08/18/2009: Pork Producers Ask for Government Aid
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has written a letter to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack asking for $250 million to help the struggling U.S. pork industry. In the past 22 months, producers have lost an average of $21.37 for every hog sent to market.

08/18/2009: USDA: More Farmers Getting Online
About 59 percent of U.S. farms now have Internet access, compared with 57 percent in 2007. According to new numbers made available by the USDA, DSL was the most common method of accessing the Internet, with 36 percent of U.S. farms using it, up from 27 percent in 2007. In 2007, dialup was the most common method of accessing the net. Dialup access dropped from 47 percent in 2007 to 23 percent in 2009. Satellite and wireless were each reported as the primary internet access methods on 13 percent of those U.S. farms with Internet access. Cable was reported as the primary access method on 11 percent of the farms.

08/18/2009: Dairy Producers: Seek Strategies to Maintain Profits in 2009
Reducing the cost of production in a dairy is nearly impossible without a sound strategy based in sensible action.

08/17/2009: ABN Visits Pioneer Hi-Bred Research Facility
Last week, ABN's Andy Vance and Lindsay Hill visited Pioneer Hi-Bred's research facility in Champaign, Ill. While there, they spoke to Bill Belzer and Brian Deverman of Pioneer and David Saunders of DuPont about the products that are revolutionizing grain farming in the United States.

08/17/2009: Ohio Food Policy Council Progress Report Released
The Ohio Food Policy Council released its progress report, "Bringing Everyone to the Table," which includes recommendations and details on how the state is maximizing the health, environmental, and economic benefits of Ohio's $98 billion food and agriculture industry.

08/17/2009: White Mold Outbreaks Hits Ohio
Rainy weather and unusually cool temperatures have resulted in a white mold outbreak in Ohio's soybean crops, the first in nearly a decade.

08/17/2009: Slump Continues for Beef, Pork Exports
The lingering global economic slump and low prices for domestic beef and pork products in key export markets contributed to declines in both U.S. beef and pork exports in June, while lamb exports continue to enjoy a strong year, according to statistics compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Through the first six months of the year, 2009 is still shaping up as the second-best year for U.S. pork exports, but it remains 9 percent behind 2008 in terms of volume and 7 percent in value. Thus far in 2009, the U.S. has exported 925,339 metric tons (more than 2 billion pounds) of pork and pork variety meat valued at nearly $2.2 billion.

08/14/2009: Farm Credit Backs OFBF Center for Food and Animal Issues
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's (OFBF) newly created Center for Food and Animal Issues received a significant boost today thanks to a $100,000 donation approved by the Board of Directors for Farm Credit Services of Mid-America, a $15.5 billion agriculture lending cooperative serving over 85,500 farmers and rural residents.

08/14/2009: OFU: Climate Change Policy Should Strengthen Farm Income
Ohio Farmers Union (OFU) President Roger Wise joined U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown yesterday at Owens Community College as part of a Summit on Clean Energy and Agriculture. The summit focused on how clean energy or climate change legislation could be crafted to benefit Ohio's farm families.

08/13/2009: Pioneer Weekly Crop Progress Update
ABN's Gary Jackson discusses the latest crop conditions with Denny Wickham of Pioneer Hi-Bred.

08/13/2009: South Korea Lifts Restrictions on U.S. Hogs, Pork
The Republic of Korea has decided to inspect only a sample of U.S. pork exports versus 100 percent of them and to lift a ban on live-hog imports from the United States. The restrictions were originally put in place this spring in the wake of the Type A H1N1 flu outbreak.

08/13/2009: CWT Begins Auditing Nearly 300 Farms in Latest Herd Retirement
CWT's field auditors are now in the process of visiting the first of the 294 farms that have been tentatively accepted in the program's eighth herd retirement. When the auditors complete their task - likely by the end of September - 87,000 cows that produced 1.8 billion pounds of milk will have been removed from the nation's milking herd.

08/13/2009: USDA Releases Crop Production Report
Based on conditions as of August 1, Ohio's average corn yield is forecast at 165 bushels per acre, up 30 bushels from last year's yield of 135 bushels per acre. Total production is forecast at 523 million bushels. Growers expect to harvest 3.17 million acres for grain in 2009, 50,000 acres more than in 2008. U.S. corn production is forecast at 12.8 billion bushels; up 5 percent from last year but 2 percent lower than 2007.

08/13/2009: NMPF Calls on USDA to Finally Implement Promotion Assessment on Imports
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Tuesday called on the USDA to finally implement the long-delayed promotion checkoff on dairy imports, seven years after the measure was first passed into law.

08/13/2009: Bill May Allow Mexican Trucking Program to Move Forward
The Senate Appropriations Committee-approved FY2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act includes language that may allow the cross-border trucking pilot program to move ahead. The legislation includes a provision that will allow funds to be utilized for the program, as long as certain safety standards are adequately met.

08/12/2009: ACRE Deadline this Friday
David Drake, acting state executive director for Ohio's Farm Service Agency (FSA) would like to remind producers that the sign-up deadline to elect the new Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program is this Friday.

08/12/2009: Strickland Praises Sale of Champions, Junior Livestock Exhibitors
During Sunday's Ohio State Fair Sale of Champions, Gov. Ted Strickland (D-Lisbon) spoke with ABN about the importance of the sale and the role Ohio junior livestock exhibitors will play in the future of the Buckeye State.

08/12/2009: Terry Bradshaw to Address Farm Bureau
Terry Bradshaw, four-time Super Bowl champion quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, two-time Super Bowl 'Most Valuable Player' and Pro Football Hall of Fame member, will deliver the keynote address at the American Farm Bureau Federation's 91st annual meeting on Jan. 11, 2010, in Seattle, Wash.

08/12/2009: Entomologists Surprised by Absence of Aphids
Entomologists were expecting a significant outbreak of soybean aphids this growing season, but fortunately for farmers, the pests have been relatively quiet this year.

08/11/2009: Retail Food Prices Grow Faster than Farmer Prices
Retail food prices grew faster than the prices farmers received for agricultural commodities, but research by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) shows that concentration in the food and agricultural sectors has not affected these trends.

08/11/2009: Governors Request Aid for Struggling Pork Industry
U.S. hog producers have lost over $4 billion since September 2007, a loss $21.37 per pig. A group of governors including Gov. Dave Heineman (R-Neb.) recently sent a letter to President Obama requesting government assistance for American pork producers.

08/11/2009: Brown Announces over $362 Million for Ohio Rural Communities
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Avon) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has distributed more than $362 million in funding to Ohio from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) to help stimulate job growth and invest in critical infrastructure to build the 21st century economy.

08/11/2009: Corn Earworm Spreading Across the Buckeye State
ABN's Gary Jackson talks with Bruce Battles of Syngenta about the Corn Earworm, a crop-damaging pest that is causing headaches for Ohio farmers.

08/10/2009: Voinovich discusses State Fair, Ohio Agriculture
While visiting the Ohio State Fair with his grandchildren, Sen. George Voinovich (R-Cleveland) talked with ABN's Andy Vance about his favorite fair exhibits, his relationship with Ohio agricultural groups and his views on the big issues facing Ohio farmers.

08/10/2009: Farmers on the lookout for Soybean Cyst Nematode
A soybean plant seemingly suffering from nutrient deficiencies, diseases, herbicide injury or development issues due to compaction could be the victim of another more serious culprit: soybean cyst nematode.

08/10/2009: ODA Announces Farm Pesticide Disposal Collection
The Ohio Department of Agriculture will sponsor a farm pesticide disposal drop-off on Aug. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Clark County Fairgrounds, 4401 S. Charleston Pike, Springfield.

08/07/2009: Sale of Champions Grosses $191,000, Raises $122,000 for Youth Reserve
As the Ohio State Fair drew to a close, thousands gathered in the Celeste Center to celebrate the outstanding work of Ohio's premier junior livestock exhibitors at the 2009 Sale of Champions. In addition to hosting the LIVE telecast of the Sale on the Ohio News Network, our team was hard at work keeping you updated here at Ohio's Homepage for Agriculture!

08/07/2009: Soybean Board Works to Increase International Demand for American Beans
The United Soybean Board (USB) is seeking to expand the market for U.S. soy by looking overseas.

08/07/2009: With Good Weather, Wise Management Will Help Wheat Growers
High-yielding varieties coupled with ideal growing conditions can turn an average crop into a record season. With this year's Ohio wheat crop on its way to falling into that category, growers are wondering if the magic can happen again next year.

08/07/2009: New Irrigation Methods Featured at Extension Field Night
The irrigation demonstration and training unit of Ohio State University South Centers at Piketon will be featured at the upcoming OSU South Centers Horticulture Field Night Aug. 13.

08/06/2009: Farms Near Urban Areas Adopt Varying Strategies to Survive, Thrive
Farm families everywhere often face difficulties when making decisions regarding passing down the farm to the next generation. Agricultural experts point to an aging farm population, a lack of succession planning, and fewer heirs choosing farming as an occupation as threats to the long-term existence of family farming.

08/06/2009: Severe Weather Devastates Wisconsin Crops
A recent outbreak of severe weather in Wisconsin has caused millions of dollars in damage to the state's corn, soybean and alfalfa crops.

08/06/2009: Significant Differences Exist in House and Senate Ag Spending Bills
Although both the House and Senate have now passed their respective USDA spending bills, there are several significant differences between the two versions that will need to be worked out in conference.

08/05/2009: CWT Announces Second-Largest Herd Retirement Ever
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) announced today that it has tentatively accepted 294 bids in the third herd retirement it has conducted in the last nine months. The 86,710 cows and 1.8 billion pounds of milk accepted in this round, combined with CWT’s previous two herd retirements, equal a total production capacity of 4.8 billion pounds of milk being removed since December 2008.

08/05/2009: Ohio Soybeans Set For Exceptional Yields
Although Ohio soybeans are slightly behind schedule in terms of growth, Ohio Extension Agronomist Dr. Jim Beuerlein says that farmers can expect strong yields by season's end.

08/05/2009: Senate Approves Ag Spending Bill
By a vote of 80-17, the Senate passed a $124.5 billion agricultural spending bill. The House passed its version of the bill in July.

08/05/2009: H1N1 Hits Australian Hog Operation
The multi-billion dollar Australian pork industry says there is no danger to consumers after an H1N1 outbreak at a hog farm in central western New South Wales.

08/04/2009: Agriculture and Clean Energy Summit Aug. 13
Join U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, the Ohio Corn Growers Association, and American Farmland Trust for a day-long summit on agriculture and clean energy.

08/04/2009: 2008 FFA Tractor Project
The Ohio FFA Toy Tractor series continues with the 2008 Ohio FFA Collectible Tractor, a 1922 Fordson. Only 1,500 units of this tractor have been produced. The tractor will sell for $60 plus shipping and handling.

08/04/2009: Margins Improving at Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork, reported third-quarter earnings of $134 million.

08/04/2009: Corn, Soybean Conditions Improved from 2008
Though cool temperatures have slowed crop development, American corn and soybean crop conditions are significantly better than those from last year.

08/04/2009: Udall Introduces Meat Safety Recall Bill
Senator Tom Udall introduced a bill that is designed to give more authority to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The bill would allow the USDA to initiate mandatory recalls of tainted meat.

08/04/2009: The Andersons Closes Hartung Brothers Fertilizer Division Acquisition
The Andersons, Inc., Maumee, Ohio, Friday announced it has closed the purchase of the Fertilizer Division of Hartung Brothers, Inc., as an addition to its Plant Nutrient Group.

08/03/2009: OSU Plant Pathologist Awarded for Excellence
An Ohio State University Extension plant pathologist has been awarded the American Phytopathological Society Excellence in Extension Award, in part for furthering national educational efforts on soybean rust.

08/03/2009: July Crop Prices Slide, Livestock Prices Stabilize
The latest USDA prices report for July showed continued declines for crops, but increasingly stable prices for livestock.

08/03/2009: Pioneer Weekly Crop Progress Update
ABN's Gary Jackson discusses the latest crop conditions with Jerron Schmoll of Pioneer Hi-Bred.

07/31/2009: Banbury, Neal Take Top Honors at Market Lamb Show
ABN kicked off the 2009 Ohio State Fair by visiting Wednesday's Junior Market Lamb judging. Andy Vance and Lindsay Hill were on hand to interview the day's newsmakers.

07/31/2009: Largest Soybean Farmer in the World to Present at Field Day
The world's largest soybean farmer will be a featured speaker at Ohio State University Extension's Southwest Ohio Corn Growers and Fayette County Agronomy Field Day on Aug. 12.

07/31/2009: Food Safety Bill Passes House
Yesterday the House of Representatives passed food safety legislation that the National Pork Producers Council is saying is much improved from the version approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The bill does not contain the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act, which would effectively ban health products used to prevent and control diseases in livestock and poultry.

07/31/2009: Vilsack Agrees to Temporarily Raise Milk Price Supports
Fourteen dairy state Senators have convinced Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack to raise milk price supports to aid financially struggling dairy producers.

07/30/2009: Ohio Farm Bureau assembles team for new Center for Food and Animal Issues
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s (OFBF) recently-created Center for Food and Animal Issues has assembled its team of professionals that will facilitate discussion over society’s relationship to animals.

07/30/2009: Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Five New Counties
Ohio’s Emerald Ash Borer quarantine was expanded today by the Ohio Department of Agriculture to include five new counties. Ashland, Richland, Summit, Greene, and Morrow counties were added to the quarantine, which helps slow the spread of the ash tree-killing insect by prohibiting the movement of all hardwood firewood and ash tree materials.

07/30/2009: Record Red Meat Production Still Going Up
Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.16 billion pounds in June, up 3 percent from the 4.05 billion pounds produced in June 2008. According to Cattle Network, beef production, at 2.29 billion pounds, was 1 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.98 million head, up 1 percent from June 2008. The average live weight was up 8 pounds from the previous year, at 1,269 pounds.

07/30/2009: Senators Express Concern Over Livestock Disaster Assistance Rules
A coalition of Senators is questioning if several new rules of the Livestock Indemnity Program will actually help farmers and ranchers if their herds incur losses from harsh weather.

07/30/2009: Controversial Food Safety Bill Fails in the House
The House of Representatives narrowly defeated a controversial food safety bill after key agricultural lawmakers complained Ag Committee Chairman Rep. Colin Peterson (D-Minn.) surrendered jurisdiction over the bill.

07/29/2009: State Fair Butter Sculpture Unveiled
ABN's Ty Higgins talks to Lyndsey Murphy, Vice President of the Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board (and ABN intern), about this year's butter sculpture.

07/29/2009: NCGA Voices Support for ACRE Program
According to the National Corn Growers Association (NGCA), the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program adds an extra level of security that would greatly benefit American farmers.

07/29/2009: China Would Cut Farm Tariffs Under WTO Deal
China would cut farm tariffs under a new global trade deal, further opening up one of the least protected agriculture markets in developing countries, according to a new study by a Chinese expert.

07/28/2009: AFBF: Antibiotics Ban Could Jeopardize Animal Health
A bill in the House of Representatives that would restrict antibiotic use in livestock could pose a serious threat to animal health, says Kelli Ludlum of American Farm Bureau.

07/28/2009: Scientist to Ohio Produce Growers: Be Proactive, Set Own Food Safety Standards
Ohio's produce growers are considering developing statewide food safety standards to get a step ahead of national rules now being considered -- rules that Ohio's smaller growers fear could drive them out of business.

07/28/2009: Meijer to Pump Millions into Local Economies by Sourcing Fruits, Vegetables From Area Farmers
Midwest retailer Meijer is expanding its sourcing of local produce with an increased emphasis on their "Home Grown" initiative which is expected to boost local economies throughout the Midwest by purchasing even more fresh produce from local farmers. The announcement was made today by Hank Meijer, co-chairman and C.E.O. of the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based supercenter chain.

07/27/2009: Great Buckeye Tractor Cruise Raises $7000 for Camp Quality
ABN would like to send out a big thank you to everyone involved in this past weekend's 2nd Annual Great Buckeye Tractor Cruise. Together, we raised $7000 for Camp Quality.

07/27/2009: Other White Meat Tour Reaches Midway Point in Columbus
The Pork Checkoff's Other White Meat Tour recently hit its midway point at the Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest his past weekend.

07/27/2009: Dorman Named Director of Food Programs for Center for Food & Animal Issues
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) has named Leah Dorman, D.V.M., as director of food programs for its Center for Food and Animal Issues.

07/27/2009: Unusually Cool Summer Temps Slowing Corn Development
Cooler-than-normal summer temperatures are slowing corn development across Ohio, and harvest could be delayed if the weather trend continues throughout the growing season.

07/24/2009: Beef Checkoff Paying Off for Beef Farmers
According to Dr. Ron Ward of the University of Florida, the Beef Checkoff returned over five dollars in value to cattlemen for every dollar invested over the past five years.

07/24/2009: Japan Suspends U.S. Beef Imports Over BSE Concern
The Japanese government said Wednesday it has suspended beef imports from a U.S. plant after two packages of chilled beef were found to contain spinal columns, a risk material for mad cow disease, at Tokyo port. The two packages were among 16 tons of U.S. beef flanks and other parts in 810 packages which arrived at the port from Creekstone Farms Premium Beef LLC's plant in the state of Kansas, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

07/24/2009: Pioneer Weekly Crop Progress Update
ABN's Gary Jackson discusses the latest crop conditions with Denny Wickham of Pioneer Hi-Bred.

07/23/2009: ABN County Fair Tour Rolls On
It was a busy week for the ABN County Fair Tour. This week's fairs included Warren, Crawford, Adams and Franklin counties.

07/23/2009: USDA/NASS Ohio Crop Weather Report
Week ending Sunday, July 19, 2009

07/23/2009: Muck Crops Field Day, Building Dedication July 30 in Celeryville
The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center's (OARDC) Muck Crops Agricultural Research Station will host a field day for vegetable growers on July 30, complemented by the dedication of new facilities at the Celeryville (southern Huron County) research farm.

07/23/2009: Disagreement Over Climate Change Legislation Continues in Senate
The debate over the Waxman-Markey Bill continued in the U.S. Senate this week. According to Ag Committee Chairman Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, the bill will only cause modest cost increases and eventually may yield profits for the industry. However, American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman and Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) say that the USDA and EPA research on the effects of the bill is incomplete and overly optimistic.

07/23/2009: Ohio Could Set Record Wheat Yields
Ohio could be looking at record wheat yields this year, driven mainly by near-perfect growing conditions and negligent disease development.

07/22/2009: Canadian Proposal Could Hurt U.S. Pork Producers
The Canadian Pork Council has asked the Canadian government for $800 million in loans for the country's pork industry. The National Pork Producers Council says the proposal would hurt already struggling U.S. pork farmers.

07/22/2009: Dannon Awards Grant to Ohio FFA Foundation
ABN's Andy Vance visited the Dannon plant in Minster, where Dannon announced a grant to the Ohio FFA Foundation to support healthy nutrition programming at Ohio FFA Camp Muskingum. Andy discussed the grant with Ohio FFA adviser Dr. Ike Kershaw.

07/21/2009: National June Milk Production Down Slightly
Milk production in the 23 major states during June totaled 14.7 billion pounds, down 0.1 percent from June 2008--the first year-to-year decline for the month in five years.

07/21/2009: Emerging Pest Gaining Foothold in Ohio
An emerging corn pest, first found in Ohio in 2006, continues to increase in numbers, and Ohio State University Extension entomologists are striving to educate farmers on identification and management before it causes any significant damage.

07/21/2009: Food Safety Enhancement Act Sparks Debate in House
House Ag Committee members are speaking out against the Food Safety Enhancement Act, a bill that they say gives the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) too much power over farming methods.

07/21/2009: Dairy Producers May Find Slight Relief in 2010
While the recession has had a significant impact upon almost all sectors of agriculture, the dairy industry has been hit particularly hard. USDA statisticians are predicting a milk price increase of nearly 30 percent in 2010, though that might not be enough to pull some dairy farmers out of the red.

07/21/2009: Vilsack Recognizes Work of USDA Experts in Afghanistan, Iraq
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Friday recognized the efforts of more than 30 USDA employees who volunteered to serve as agricultural experts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

07/21/2009: Ohio Cattle Operation 1 of 7 Honored for Environmental Conservation
Seven beef farms and ranches, representing a wide range of sizes and types of businesses, were selected as regional winners of the 2009 Environmental Stewardship Award. For almost two decades, the beef industry has recognized outstanding commitment and leadership in conservation.

07/20/2009: Sen. Brown Takes Leadership Role in Ag Committee
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Avon) was recently appointed Chair of the Ag Subcommittee on Hunger, Nutrition and Family Farms. ABN's Andy Vance talks with Sen. Brown about the importance of America's farmers and the climate change legislation currently circulating in the Senate.

07/20/2009: Rep. Latta Discusses Agricultural Legislation
Andy Vance talks with Rep. Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) about the Waxman-Markey bill and other legislation that could potentially impact American agriculture.

07/20/2009: Ethanol to Exports, Market Development Essential
U.S. Grains Council Vice Chairman Rick Fruth addressed delegates of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) taking part in Corn Congress in Washington, D.C., last week about the importance of U.S. farmers working together to build and expand markets for their commodities in the United States and across the borders.

07/17/2009: Senators Urge Boosting Dairy Price Support Program Prices
Three U.S. senators are urging the USDA to increase purchase prices under the federal Dairy Price Support program. In a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Wednesday, Wisconsin Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold, and Patrick Leahy of Vermont asked the agency to consider modifications to the DPSP as a means of addressing acute problems in dairy markets.

07/17/2009: AFBF Federal Deficit Task Force Looks for Ways to Balance the Budget
Formed last year, the American Farm Bureau Federation's Federal Deficit Task Force works to find opportunities to cut costs and reduce the national debt.

07/17/2009: Pioneer Weekly Crop Progress Update
ABN's Gary Jackson discusses the latest crop conditions with Mark Apelt of Pioneer Hi-Bred.

07/16/2009: NPPC Speaks Out Against Proposed Antibiotics Ban
National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Director of Science and Technology Dr. Jennifer Greiner says that a ban on antibiotic growth promoters in swine could significantly harm the industry and would not provide any additional health benefit to American consumers.

07/16/2009: ASA Board Meeting Set for Next Week
The American Soybean Association (ASA) will hold its summer board meeting next week in Washington, D.C. A key issue for the meeting is biodiesel, and the organization hopes to work with lawmakers to extend the biodiesel tax credit, which is scheduled to expire at year's end.

07/16/2009: Potato Market Thriving In Spite of Economic Downturn
While many commodities are struggling during the current recession, one notable exception is the potato, which has experienced record high prices in the past year.

07/16/2009: Budgeting, Insects, New Seeds Among Topics at July 30 Field Crops Day
A couple of hours in the morning of Thursday, July 30, is all it will take grain farmers to gain valuable information for improving their operations, during the 2009 Field Crops Day at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center's (OARDC) Northwest Agricultural Research Station near Hoytville (Wood County).

07/15/2009: New FSA Administrator Discusses Farm Bill, Future of the Agency
ABN's Andy Vance talks with Ohio native Jonathan Coppess, the newly-appointed Administratior for USDA's Farm Service Agency, about the implementation of the 2008 Farm Bill.

07/15/2009: Boxer, Stallman Face Off on Cap and Trade
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Bob Stallman, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, debated climate change legislation during a committee hearing on Tuesday.

07/15/2009: Obama Administration Backing Legislation to Ban Routine Use of Antibiotics in Farm Animals
Legislation has been introduced in both the House and Senate that would ban the non-theraputic use of antibiotics in healthy cattle, pigs and chickens.

07/15/2009: OSU Extension workshop demonstrates drip irrigation management
Specialty fruit and vegetable crop producers looking to gain a better understanding of how drip irrigation can boost on-farm profits are encouraged to attend an Ohio State University Extension drip irrigation workshop on July 23.

07/14/2009: U.S. Tractor Sales Down in June
The sales of all tractors in the U.S. for June 2009 were down 18.8% compared to the same month last year. That's according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers' monthly "Flash Report."

07/14/2009: USDA/NASS Ohio Crop Weather Report
Week ending Sunday, July 12, 2009

07/14/2009: General Assembly Approves Livestock Care Standards Board Resolution
The Ohio General Assembly has approved Amended Senate Joint Resolution 6, which would authorize a statewide ballot measure creating an Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board.

07/13/2009: Price of Corn, Beans in Decline
The price of corn and soybeans has gone down in recent weeks. University of Illinois agricultural economist Darrel Good explains the causes of the downturn.

07/13/2009: CWT Announces Second Herd Retirement of 2009
Cooperatives Working Together announced Friday that it will conduct its second herd retirement of 2009. In order to have a more immediate impact, CWT is shortening the time frame for producers to submit bids. A maximum bid level is also being announced for this round.

07/13/2009: Vilsack Discusses Rural Tour
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack details the plans for the Obama Administration's Rural Tour.

07/11/2009: URGENT: Ohio Farm Bureau Issues Action Alert - Livestock Care Board Legislation in Jeopardy of Dying in General Assembly
The Governor and legislative leaders have struck a deal regarding the state budget that DOES NOT include a deal for final passage of the either HJR2 or SJR6, the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board Proposed Constitutional Amendment.

07/10/2009: Soybean Board Director Visits Colombia
United Soybean Board Director Vanessa Kummer recently visited Colombia to learn more about agricultural trade between Colombia and the U.S. Kummer believes a trade agreement with Colombia could expand the market for U.S. soybeans.

07/10/2009: Ag Appropriations Bill Passes House
The House of Representatives recently passed its version of the 2010 Agriculture and FDA Spending Bill. ABN's Lindsay Hill reports on what it does, what it doesn't do and what impact it will have on agriculture.

07/09/2009: New Public Health Regulation to Improve Egg Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced a regulation expected to prevent each year 79,000 cases of foodborne illness and 30 deaths caused by consumption of eggs contaminated with the bacterium Salmonella Enteritidis.

07/09/2009: China, U.S. in Dispute Over Chicken Imports
China and the United States are kicking up a trade war over chicken in which Beijing effectively has given the boot to millions of dollars worth of U.S. chicken, about half of which is chicken feet. The action comes as Congress begins deliberating the 2010 federal budget for agriculture, which could extend a U.S. ban on imports of Chinese chicken products sparked by food safety concerns.

07/09/2009: Pioneer Weekly Crop Progress Update
ABN's Gary Jackson discusses the latest crop conditions with Mark Apelt of Pioneer Hi-Bred.

07/09/2009: Stimpert Discusses Livestock Care Standards Board, HSUS
Ohio Farm Bureau's Senior Vice President of Public Policy Keith Stimpert sits down with ABN's Lindsay Hill to talk about the legislative difficulties facing the proposed Livestock Care Standards Board and the Humane Society of the United States' plans for the state of Ohio.

07/09/2009: Johanns Criticizes Vilsack Over Cap and Trade
Former Secretary of Agriculture and current U.S. Senator Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) condemned current Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack's support of cap and trade legislation.

07/09/2009: Livestock Care Standards Board Amendment Hits a Snag
The proposed constitutional amendment to create the Livestock Care Standards Board, which passed both houses of the Ohio General Assembly, is still awaiting final action by lawmakers. Ohio Farm Bureau's Keith Stimpert explains what needs to happen to ensure that the amendment gets on the November ballot.

07/09/2009: OSU Extension Teams Up with COSI for Farm Days
Ohio State University Extension will play a role in educating kids and their parents about how agriculture impacts their lifestyle during COSI's Farm Days: Little Seeds, Big Tractors, being held July 15-19 in Columbus. COSI is bringing the farm to the city for the fifth year for an event that will display more than 25 pieces of farming equipment and teach visitors more about Ohio's No. 1 industry.

07/08/2009: USDA Announces New Crop Certification Deadline
Acting State Executive Director for Ohio's Farm Service Agency (FSA) David Drake would like to inform producers that USDA has extended the acreage reporting dates final crop reporting dates to August 14, 2009. Producers are reminded that requirements must be met prior to receiving program benefits. Late fees will not be applied if acreage reports are filed by August 14 and all other reporting requirements are met.

07/08/2009: Climate Change Bill Hits the Senate
Cap and trade legislation, which recently passed in the House by a narrow margin, is now being discussed in the Senate. At odds over the bill are Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.).

07/08/2009: Pork Producers Launch the We Care Initiative
The National Pork Producers Council and the Pork Checkoff are joining together to launch the "We Care" Responsible Pork Initiative in order to address consumer concerns about pork production.

07/08/2009: Ohio Farm Bureau and HSUS Meet Today on WOSU
Keith Stimpert, Vice President of Public Policy for the Ohio Farm Bureau, and Paul Shapiro, Senior Director of the Humane Society of the United States' Factory Farming Campaign, will meet today on WOSU's "Open Line" to discuss the proposed Livestock Care Standards Board.

07/07/2009: Assess for Success at the Manure Science Review
Learn the best ways to manage manure, use it on your land and know if you're doing it right at Ohio State University's 2009 Manure Science Review.

07/07/2009: NASS Crop Progress Report
Week ending July 5, 2009

07/06/2009: Ohio Sheep Day Set for July 11th
Ohio State University OARDC and Extension is hosting the Ohio Sheep Day on Saturday, July 11th in Caldwell.

07/06/2009: Keeping Cattle Cool During the Hot Summer Months
Maintaining the proper body temperature in cattle is essential for beef and dairy producers. Andy Vance discusses how diet plays a crucial role in keeping cows comfortable.

07/06/2009: Activist Groups Taking Advantage of the Internet
With groups PETA and Greenpeace using the internet to spread their anti-agriculture agendas, what can agriculture do to fight back? Andy Vance reports.

07/06/2009: Vilsack Discusses USDA Broadband Initiative
ABN's Gary Jackson talks with Tom Vilsack, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, about the newly announced rural broadband program

07/02/2009: Biden, Vilsack Announce Rural Broadband Initiative
Vice President Biden announced yesterday the availability of $4 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act loans and grants to help bring broadband service to un-served and underserved communities across America. This is the first round of Recovery Act funding aimed at expanding broadband access to help bridge the technological divide and create jobs building out Internet infrastructure. Vice President Biden was joined by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at Seneca High School in Wattsburg, Pa., the first stop on the President's National Rural Tour.

07/01/2009: Pioneer Expert Weighs in on Ohio Crop Conditions
Our Gary Jackson caught up with Jerron Shmoll of Pioneer to discuss crop conditions thus far and bring growers up-to-speed on the latest progress and concerns.

07/01/2009: Interact with researchers at the 2009 Agronomy Field Day
This year, organizers hope an expanded Agronomy Field Day will attract even more participants than usual. The event, set for Wednesday, July 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Western Agricultural Research Station, 7721 South Charleston Pike, South Charleston, Ohio, will include the opportunity for farmers and other participants to meet and talk with researchers in small groups.

07/01/2009: Conditions Ideal for Serious Tomato/Potato Disease Found in Ohio
Late blight, a potentially devastating disease of tomato and potato, has been found in Ohio and may threaten home gardens and commercial operations alike -- particularly as wet, cool weather conditions this week in most of the Buckeye state will create a favorable environment for the spread of the fungal pathogen that causes this disease.

06/30/2009: Zuzolo Analyzes June 30th Acreage Report
Lindsay Hill discusses the newest NASS Acreage Report with Mike Zuzolo of Risk Management Commodities, Inc.

06/30/2009: NASS Acreage Report Released
Ohio farmers planted an estimated 3.4 million acres of corn this past spring based on a June 1 Agricultural Survey conducted by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Ohio Field Office. This is up 100,000 acres from the previous year. Growers intend to harvest 3.17 million acres for grain, up 50,000 acres from 2008.

06/30/2009: Ohio Sheep Day Brings Latest Research July 11 in Noble County
Sheep producers will have an invaluable opportunity to learn about the latest research and hands-on management practices at this year's Ohio Sheep Day, which will be held July 11 at the Eastern Agricultural Research Station near Belle Valley, in the rolling hills of Noble County.

06/30/2009: NCGA Hosts ACRE Webinar
ABN Radio's Lindsay Hill interviews National Corn Growers Association First Vice President Darrin Ihnen about the organization's ACRE webinar. It will be held tomorrow, July 1, at 8:00 A.M. Participants can pre-register by visiting www.ocga.org.

06/30/2009: USDA Ohio Crop Progress Report
June 28, 2009

06/30/2009: Overall Crop Prices Up in June
According to the USDA June Agricultural Price Report, overall crop prices increased 3.8 percent from May to June. Prices were up dramatically for soybeans, fruits and vegetables, though prices were down for wheat, corn and feed grain.

06/30/2009: ACRE Deadline Quickly Approaching
The deadline for registering for the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Program is August 14, but many farmers are still unsure if it will benefit them. According to Ohio State University Agricultural Economist Carl Zulauf, it is essential for Midwestern producers to study the program before it is too late.

06/29/2009: U.S. Hog Inventory Shrinks
The latest USDA report on the American hog inventory showed a decrease, due to increasing input costs and decreasing pork demand. ABN's Andy Vance reports.

06/29/2009: Memo Raises Questions about the Future of USSEC
The future of the United Soybean Export Council (USSEC), a joint marketing venture of the the United Soybean Board and the American Soybean Association, is in jeopardy. Andy Vance reports.

06/29/2009: Cap and Trade Narrowly Passes House
On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 219-212 in favor of the Waxman-Markey Bill. ABN's Andy Vance discusses the vote and its implications on American agriculture.

06/26/2009: Pioneer Weekly Crop Progress Update
Our Gary Jackson caught up with Denny Wickham of Pioneer who covers Southern Ohio to discuss crop conditions thus far and bring growers up-to-speed on the latest progress and concerns.

06/25/2009: Ohio Senate votes unanimously in favor of Livestock Care Standards Board
The Ohio Senate has unanimously approved a resolution that would allow voters to create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, which would provide oversight of how farm animals are raised.

06/24/2009: Ohio Fair and Festival Tour Stops at the Putnam County Fair
ABN's Gary Jackson visited the Putnam County Fair in Ottawa this week. Thank you to the Ohio Farmers Union for sponsoring our coverage.

06/24/2009: Ohio House Approves HJR2 by a Vote of 83-13
Ohio farm families today joined lawmakers in support of a measure that would help ensure animal well-being, consumer choice and the availability of Ohio-grown food.

06/24/2009: BREAKING NEWS: HJR2 Passes Out of House Committee
Members of Ohio's agricultural community, state leaders and other interested parties testified before the Ohio House Ag Committee this morning regarding House Joint Resolution 2, sponsored by Representative Allan Sayre (D-Dover). The bipartisan measure was introduced in both the House and Senate Chambers on June 18th.

06/24/2009: Ohio Dairy Farmers Committed to Quality Animal Care
Our own Gary Jackson talks with Tom Fleming, Chair of the Ohio Dairy Producers Association, about dairy farmers' concern for animal welfare and the proposed Livestock Care Standards Board.

06/24/2009: Pork Council Voices Support for the Establishment of the Livestock Care Standards Board
Dick Isler, Executive Vice President of the Ohio Pork Producers Council, discusses the Livestock Care Amendment with ABN Radio's Andy Vance.

06/23/2009: ODA Director Discusses Livestock Care Amendment
ABN Radio's Gary Jackson talks with Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs about the proposed establishment of the Livestock Care Standards Board.

06/22/2009: Livestock Care Amendment Introduced in Ohio General Assembly with Broad Bipartisan Support
Issue Planned for November Ballot Creates Care Standards Board to Maintain Food Safety, Protect Locally Raised Food Supply

06/22/2009: 4-H Council President Looks to the Future
Don Floyd, Jr., President & CEO of the National 4-H Council, talks with ABN Radio's Lindsay Hill about how the organization plans to adapt to the next generation of 4-Hers.

06/19/2009: Pioneer Weekly Crop Progress Update
Our Gary Jackson caught up with Mark Apelt of Pioneer who covers Northwest Ohio to discuss crop conditions thus far and bring growers up-to-speed on the latest progress and concerns.

06/19/2009: ABN Special Feature: BioPreferred Legislation Introduced in Ohio
The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) applauded the recent introduction of Senate Bill 131 sponsored by State Senator Karen Gillmor (R-Tiffin) that will establish an Ohio BioPreferred purchasing program. S.B. 131 will help the state "go green" while breathing new life into its flagging economy through research, manufacturing, and agriculture-the number one industry in the state-all without costing the state additional dollars.

06/19/2009: Soybean aphids arrive in Ohio, and in big numbers
The soybean aphid has arrived in Ohio. Ohio State University Extension entomologists have found the sapsucker on early planted soybeans, and in some fields at numbers higher than expected.

06/18/2009: Congressman Bob Latta Discusses Cap and Trade Policy
Congressman Bob Latta visited with ABN Radio's Andy Vance to talk about pending climate change legislation and its potential impacts on Ohio.

06/18/2009: OCGA Board Member Testifies on Climate Legislation
Ohio Corn Growers Association Board Member Fred Yoder testified this past week before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture regarding climate legislation currently being considered by Congress.

06/17/2009: Pioneer and Becks Partner on Research and Distribution
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, and Beck's Hybrids today announced they have entered into research and distribution agreements to bring additional corn and soybean products to growers in the marketplace. Under these agreements, Pioneer and Beck's will collaborate in research efforts and in the distribution of corn and soybean seed under the XLTM brand.

06/11/2009: Pioneer Expert Offers an Update on Crop Progress in Ohio
Our Gary Jackson caught up with Pioneer agronomist Jerron Schmoll to discuss how crop emergence is going across the Buckeye State and bring growers up-to-speed on the latest progress and concerns.

06/09/2009: Bumgarner to lead OFBF Center for Food and Animal Issues
Michael A. Bumgarner has been named vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s (OFBF) new Center for Food and Animal Issues. His appointment is effective July 1, 2009. The Center was created in May of 2009 to engage farmers, consumers and others who have connections to animals in a public dialog over the proper role of animals in society, and to advance their shared values.

06/09/2009: Ohio Equine Task Force Provides Recommendations to Strengthen Industry
The Ohio Equine Task Force recently submitted recommendations that were created with the intention of strengthening and promoting Ohio's equine industry. Created by Ohio Agriculture Director Robert Boggs in response to the critical state of Ohio's equine industry, the task force, composed of 13 members who represent all facets of the industry, held its first meeting in November 2008. The group is chaired by State Veterinarian Tony Forshey and continues to meet to discuss ideas and strategy implementation options focused on improving and enhancing Ohio's horse industry.

06/09/2009: FSA County Committee Nominations Start June 15
The acting state executive director for Ohio's Farm Service Agency (FSA), David Drake, announced candidate nominations begin June 15 for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. FSA is accepting nomination forms for eligible candidates to serve on the local FSA county committees.

06/09/2009: Ohio Crop Progress and Condition Report
The average temperature for Ohio was 62.8 degrees, 3.1 degrees below normal for the week ending Sunday, reports the state field office of USDA's National Ag Statistics Service. Precipitation averaged 0.94 inches, 0.03 inches above normal. There were 96 modified growing degree days, 18 days below normal. Reporters rated 3.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the seven-day period ending Friday. Topsoil moisture was rated 0 percent very short, 4 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 28 percent surplus.

05/27/2009: McDonalds To Join Coalition to Study Hen Housing Sustainability
McDonald's USA announced its participation with leading animal welfare scientists, academics, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and egg suppliers in a commercial-scale study of housing alternatives for egg-laying hens in the U.S., including cage-free housing. The study, which expects to involve tens of thousands of hens, will look at the sustainability impacts of different laying hen housing environments on animal health and well-being, safe and affordable food, the environment, and worker welfare. The eggs produced during this study are expected to be used in McDonald's U.S. restaurants, provided they meet stringent food safety and quality standards.

05/27/2009: No Worries. Late Planted Corn May Not Be So Late
Corn planting may be behind schedule now, according to the Ohio Agricultural Statistics Service, but by the end of May nearly all of the corn could be in the ground, said Peter Thomison, an Ohio State University Extension agronomist.

05/27/2009: Latest Ohio Crop Progress and Condition Report
Farmers had 5.7 days suitable for field work. Farmers were busy planting corn and soybeans, and applying fertilizer and herbicide. With drier weather, farmers needed to break soil crust. Early in the week, there was some hard frost.

05/26/2009: Expert from Pioneer Weighs in on Planting Progress in Ohio
ABN Radio's Gary Jackson visited with Jerron Schmoll of Pioneer to get an update on crop planting conditions and progress here in the Buckeye State.

05/21/2009: Equine Enthusiasts Call for Expanded Gaming
Members of Ohio’s equine industry rallied at the Statehouse this morning to support a measure to place slot machines in Ohio racetracks. Supporters say this would provide an economic boost to the industry and recover as much as $1.2 billion in gambling income lost to surrounding states.

05/21/2009: BASF Releases New Podcast: Plant Health - Fit with Fungicides
Listen to the audio reportage with Dr. Philipp Lane (Director Global Research Fungicides at BASF), Dr. Matthias Bratz (Senior Research Manager in Formulation Development at BASF), Amber Shirley, Ph.D. (Senior Technical Specialist, BASF Crop Protection, USA), Marco-Antonio Tavares-Rodrigues (Research and Development Manager forFungicides, BASF Latin America).

05/21/2009: Farm Credit Services of Mid-America Announces Steady First Quarter Earnings
Farm Credit Services of Mid-America (FCS), an ag lending cooperative serving over 85,000 farmers, rural residents and agribusinesses throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee, announced earnings of $40.2 million for the first quarter of 2009. Additionally, loan volume, including owned and managed loans, totaled $13.5 billion at quarter-end, a $48 million increase from December 31, 2008.

05/21/2009: Beef Board Sets Priorities for Funding
The Beef Promotion Operating Committee has recommended a $41.5 million Cattlemen's Beef Board budget for Fiscal 2010, reflecting a slight decrease from the Fiscal 2009 budget but down more than 15 percent from 2008.

05/21/2009: Pioneer Expert Offers Tips to Manage for Higher Yields in Soybeans
Experts at Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, say developing a management plan throughout the crop cycle is key to increasing yields for soybeans. Variety selection, seed treatment and scouting are all important factors in boosting yields, and as the growing season progresses there are actions growers can take to maximize yields.

05/21/2009: Financial Constraints Hitting Producers
The Farm Service Agency continues to have plenty of demand for funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. But the level of funding has been significantly below demand. As of May 12th, FSA reported a loan application backlog of nearly 291-million dollars.

05/12/2009: Farm Bureau Center to Elevate Animal Issues
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) has announced the creation of the Center for Food and Animal Issues. The Center represents Farm Bureau’s expanded commitment to participate in and influence the public dialog over the role animals play in society.

05/08/2009: Pioneer Experts Weigh In On Planting Delays Across Ohio
Rain continues to fall in Ohio this week, with sources around the state reporting over .5" of precipitation overnight Thursday. The continued wet weather presents quite a challenge to farmers hoping to get corn in the ground by the 15th of May. While some spotty reports of efficient producers completing corn planting in late April have surfaced, experts at Ohio State Extension and the Ohio office of the National Ag Statistics Service report a much different reality.

05/05/2009: Ohio FFA Members Elect 2009-2010 State Officers
During the 81st Ohio FFA State Convention at the Ohio Expo Center over the weekend, delegates elected 15 students to serve as Ohio FFA Association State Officers for the coming year. These students will travel the state, visiting the 325 Chapters and nearly 24,000 members of the Association.

05/04/2009: USDA Releases First-Ever Cash Rental by County Database
The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) published county-level data on cash rental rates for agricultural land today, May 1.

05/04/2009: Pork is Safe to Eat, Handle, Says Pork Industry
“Pork is safe to eat and handle,” the U.S. pork industry continues to assure people in the wake of a report from Canada that pigs in an Alberta pork operation contracted an H1N1 virus. A worker who recently visited Mexico – and became ill with the flu – is suspected of transmitting the virus to a pig.

04/30/2009: 2009 NAFB Washington Watch - Updates from key leaders on issues of importance to agriculture
ABN Radio's Gary Jackson, Andy Vance and Lindsay Hill were in Washington D.C. this week for an annual meeting of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB). While there, they had the opportunity to catch up with key leaders from across the country on a variety of issues.

04/27/2009: SWINE FLU INFORMATION: Pork is safe to eat; Ohio Hog Farmers Vigilant in On-Farm Precautions
The Ohio Pork Producers Council (the Council) today issued the below statement regarding recently diagnosed Ohio and U.S. cases of the swine influenza virus: “The Council has learned that Ohio Department of Health officials have identified a case of swine flu in Lorain County, and we are aware of several cases in other states as well. “It is our understanding that preliminary findings in the U.S. cases of this influenza virus do not involve any direct contact between people and pigs. That being said, like all Ohioans, Ohio’s hog farmers are concerned about this disease and will work closely with state health department leaders in evaluating this finding.

04/23/2009: Monsanto Brings Mobile Technology Unit to Ohio State
ABN Radio's Andy Vance and Gary Jackson joined agricultural researchers and college and high school agriculture students this week as Monsanto brought its Mobile Technology Unit to the campus of The Ohio State University for a two-day exhibit.

04/23/2009: ABN Introduces The Bull Session
ABN Radio programming is heard daily on a statewide network of over 65 excellent local radio stations across Ohio, West Virginia, and Indiana. Our team of farm broadcast journalists including Andy Vance, Lindsay Hill, and Gary Jackson cover as many stories of local, state, and national interest as any comparable rural media outlet in the region. Today, the team brings you the opportunity to get the story behind the story: The Bull Session.

04/09/2009: Spring Dairy Expo Underway at Expo Center
Dairy producers from across the state will gather this weekend in Columbus for the Spring Dairy Expo. The annual event includes numerous shows and sales, judging contests and a trade show area.

04/07/2009: Ohio 4-H Honored for Work with Military Families
Just two days shy of the fourth anniversary of "Operation: Military Kids," the Ohio National Guard honored Ohio State University Extension's 4-H Youth Development Program with a 2009 Adjutant General Recognition Award.

04/07/2009: Cattle Producers Celebrate Senate Vote on Death Tax
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) applauds members of the Senate for passing Death Tax relief in a vote on the budget resolution yesterday. The Senate voted 51 to 48 to pass an amendment sponsored by Senators Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Jon Kyl of Arizona.

04/07/2009: Ohio Livestock Coalition Presents Environmental Stewardship and Good Neighbor Awards
The Ohio LIvestock Coalition held their annual meeting yesterday. The theme of this year's event was "Becoming an Animal Agriculture Activist." Attendees heard from Matt Sutton-Vermeulen of the Center for Food Integrity who spoke in-depth about relating to consumers.

04/07/2009: Ohio Ag Council Holds Spring Meeting
Members of the Ohio Ag Council gathered in Columbus last week for their annual spring meeting. During the event, attendees heard an economic update from Dr. Terry Barr, chief economist for the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.

04/01/2009: ABN Special Feature - Aquaculture: Opportunities Abound in Ohio
According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture numerous opportunities exist in Ohio for growth of the aquaculture industry. Home to numerous quality water sources, and university researchers, our state is prime for additional growth in aquaculture.

03/31/2009: Coverage of the 2009 National Institute for Animal Agriculture Meeting
The National Institute for Animal Agriculture is meeting in Louisville, KY this week to address issues affecting the livestock industry. ABN's Lindsay Hill is attending the conference and offers complete coverage courtesy of the Ohio Livestock Coalition.

03/26/2009: ABN EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack
ABN's Lindsay Hill visited with Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack about the Farm Bill, Food Safety and other important issues facing Ohio Agriculture.

03/24/2009: Foreign Ag Service Administrator Named
Another hole in the organizational list at USDA has been filled. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has named Michael Michener as Administrator of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Vilsack said - I am extremely pleased to have someone with Mike's vast foreign affairs experience on my team.

03/23/2009: Schrader Real Estate Provides Update on Midwest Farmland Prices
Farmland prices in the Midwest are continuing to hold up remarkably well, though the market appears to be growing more selective in terms of location and quality, according to an assessment of recent land auctions by Schrader Real Estate and Auction Co., Inc., which markets farmland throughout the Midwest.

03/23/2009: Ohio Livestock Coalition Annual Meeting Coming Up April 6.
The Ohio Livestock Coalition will hold their annual meeting and industry symposium on April 6, 2009 at the Der Dutchman Restaurant in Plain City.

03/23/2009: Nominations Now Being Accepted for the Ohio Ag Hall of Fame
The Ohio Agricultural Council is seeking nominations for the 2009 Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame. Induction into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame is Ohio’s highest recognition of an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the agricultural industry.

03/12/2009: H.G. Violet Equipment Holds Open House
H.G. Violet Equipment in Delphos offered parts and service specials this week as part of their Sale-a-bration. On Thursday, they held a special open house for customers which featured prizes and other specials

03/11/2009: Johnson Takes the Helm as Leader of NFU
North Dakota Ag Commissioner Roger Johnson was elected President of the National Farmers Union during the group's annual convention in Washington D.C.

03/10/2009: Ohio Farm Bureau Members Visit Washington, DC
Presidents of most county Farm Bureaus across Ohio travel to Washington every March to educate themselves on issues of importance to farm families and rural citizens, and to in turn educate their elected representatives on Capitol Hill. Members of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation are in the nation's capital this week to advance their legislative agenda, focusing on priority issues ranging from tax and regulatory challenges to climate change concerns. ABN Radio's Andy Vance is on the tour this year, and is reporting from the field.

03/10/2009: NFU President Resigns, Takes Position with Growth Energy
This week members of the Ohio Farmers Union have gathered in Washington D.C. for the National Farmers Union Annual Meeting. Two weeks ago, NFU President Tom Buis announced that he would resign from his post to accept a position as CEO of Growth Energy.

03/10/2009: Ohio Celebrating 4-H Week
This week marks a celebration as Ohio recognizes 4-H week. More than 320,000 young people across the state are involved in 4-H programs.

03/09/2009: Buck Wins National Conservation Legacy Award
Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) board member and soybean farmer from Marion County, John Buck, was recently announced as the national winner of the American Soybean Association’s (ASA) 2009 Conservation Legacy Awards during the Commodity Classic Awards Banquet. Before the Commodity Classic, he was named the 2009 Northeast Regional Conservation Legacy Award winner.

03/09/2009: Animal Agriculture Under Attack - HSUS Coming to Ohio
During the recent Pork Industry Forum in Dallas, TX, retiring president of the National Pork Producers Council, Bryan Black of Canal Winchester, addressed attendees. During his comments he cited the difficulties that livestock farmers face due to pressure brought forth by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the country's most powerful and influential animal rights activist group.

03/06/2009: Battelle Researcher Honored with Soy Industry Awards
The United Soybean Board (USB) last week recognized an Ohio researcher who's made some remarkable achievements and positive impacts on the soybean industry or and soybean checkoff. USB presented the USB Outstanding Achievement Award last week at Commodity Classic in Grapevine, Texas to Bhima Vijayendran, Ph.D., a researcher of soy-based industrial products at the Battelle Memorial Institute.

03/06/2009: Pork Industry Forum Underway in Dallas
The National Pork Producers Council and National Pork Board are meeting in Dallas this week at the annual Pork Industry Forum. ABN Radio's Andy Vance is accompanying the Ohio Pork Producers Council delegation at the meeting.

03/06/2009: Ohio Wheat Crop Off to a Good Start; Farmers Plant Another Million Acres
Ohio farmers have planted over a million acres of wheat this season, the second year that seeding has surged over the 1 million mark. According to the Ohio Agricultural Statistics Service, farmers planted 1.02 million acres, slightly down from the 1.12 million acres planted in 2008, but still 20 percent higher than 2007 plantings.

03/06/2009: California Bill Would Halt Antibiotics Use
A California state legislator has introduced a bill that would practically end the use of antibiotics in animal agriculture. The bill would, as of January 1, 2012, prohibit schools from serving poultry and meat products which have been treated with antibiotics for non-therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. Then three years later the law would be applied to the production of any human food producted in the state.

03/06/2009: Senators Introduce Legislation to Tackle Cow Tax
An unlikely pair - South Dakota Republican Senator John Thune and Democrat Charles Schumer of New York - have introduced legislation to prevent what’s been referred to as the cow tax on farmers and ranchers. The measure would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from imposing Title V (five) operating permits - which automatically result in mandatory feeds - on U.S. agriculture operations under the Clean Air Act.

03/05/2009: OSU Extension Announces Plans for Restructuring
As the Ohio State University Extension is forced to cut budgets due to restraints in state funding, Keith Smith, Associate Vice President and Director for OSU Extension, sat down with Gary Jackson to explain how his organization plans to work through the transition.

03/03/2009: USSEC Names Dr. Miguel Escobar Interim CEO
The United States Soybean Export Council Board of Directors (USSEC) named Dr. Miguel Escobar the USSEC interim Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Escobar assumes the interim CEO post immediately and will work closely with the Board on its current agenda and the long term goals of the organization.

03/02/2009: Riding With the BEST Week Eight: Hot Shot Classic & DTS Foundations Feature
The Beef Exhibitor Show Total (BEST) program of the Ohio Cattlemen's Association is well underway. In it's 10th year, BEST is a youth program that recognizes Ohio’s junior beef exhibitors through a series of sanctioned steer and heifer shows that include showmanship competition. Juniors who participate in these sanctioned shows earn points for their placing.

03/02/2009: Obama Budget Targets Direct Payments; Agriculture Responds
President Barack Obama released his first budget proposal last week, coinciding with farmers gathering in Texas for Commodity Classic. The Obama budget did not sit well with leaders of the Commodity Classic Organizations, including the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, and National Sorghum Producers. In response to the budget and proposals to alter various Farm Bill programs - i.e. Direct Payments - the Presidents of the four organizations released a statement encouraging the President and the Congress to let the 2008 Farm Bill run its course.

02/26/2009: Monsanto Launches Genuity Trait Branding Platform
Monsanto Company introduced a new branding platform for their expanding portfolio of biotechnology events called Genuity to attendees at Commodity Classic this week. Classic, as one of the largest gatherings of grain producers in the country, is a natural launch point for new products and initiatives in the seed and crop protection industries, and Monsanto took advantage of the opportunity to unveil a major shift in their brand strategy.

02/25/2009: Commodity Classic Underway in Grapevine, Texas
ABN Radio's Andy Vance & Lindsay Hill are stationed at the Gaylord Texan Hotel & Convention Center for Commodity Classic, the convention and trade show of the nation's leading grain growing organizations. Members of the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, and National Sorghum Producers are traveling to Grapevine for this year's convention, themed "Bright Horizons."

02/19/2009: Pioneer Hi-Bred Announces Optimum® Brand Innovations
Newly named family of traits, products, programs offers growers more flexibility, choices

02/13/2009: Exclusive Coverage of the 44th National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville
The 44th National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky is well underway and hosting thousands of farmers and equipment enthusiasts from across the country. Despite the tremendously stressful Winter weather Kentucky has endured in recent weeks, and despite a stout thunderstorm and sustained winds Wednesday night, the show has gone on without delay. While the lights went out briefly Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, the exhibitors at the show report an upbeat overall mood at the show.

02/12/2009: Farm Bureau Members Tackle Capitol, State Issues
Over 300 members of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation gathered in Columbus Tuesday for the organization's Ag Day at the Capitol. The annual event is an opportunity for county Farm Bureau presidents, public policy action team leaders, and young agricultural professionals to learn about current and emerging public policy issues and to build relationships with state government elected officials.

02/06/2009: Market Volatility and Economic Woes Make Marketing Strategies Critical
2008 was a challenging year, fraught with opportunities and potential pitfalls. With a spring flooding, summer dryness, and a fall hurricane blowing across the Buckeye State, produces certainly had their hands full producing a good crop. Most were content with their challenges given the strong commodity prices enjoyed in the first half of the year. However, as the global economy began to wobble, commodity prices quickly skidded back to reality.

02/06/2009: Fewer Number of Farms, Lower Farm Acreage in Ohio Census of Agriculture
The 2007 Census of Agriculture counted 2,204,792 farms in the United States, according to results released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS). Since the last census in 2002, the number of reported U.S. farms increased 4 percent. In Ohio the number of farms decreased by 2.5 percent to 75,861.

02/05/2009: National FFA Organization Recruiting New Century Farmers
The National FFA Organization is now accepting applications for its 11th annual New Century Farmer conference.

02/04/2009: Digital Television Transition Delayed Until June
The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to delay the transition of broadcast television to digital transmission by four months. After originally rejecting calls for a delay, the House joined their colleagues in the Senate in approving the date change. President Obama is expected to swiftly sign the measure into law.

02/03/2009: National BioDiesel Conference Kicks Off in San Francisco
A showcase of the latest diesel vehicles, a declaration of support from scientists, and a panel of biodiesel all-stars from the City of San Francisco helped kick off the National Biodiesel Conference and Expo in San Francisco today. During his state-of-the-industry address, National Biodiesel Board CEO Joe Jobe said the biodiesel industry is looking to the future while addressing global demands for sustainable, renewable clean energy today.

02/02/2009: Milk Prices Continue to Fall; MILC Program May Help Producers
With milk prices collapsing following two years of historical highs, an old dairy program reauthorized by the 2008 Farm Bill may aid dairy producers by adding additional income over the coming months.

02/02/2009: Ridin\' With the BEST Week Six: The Preble County Preview
The Beef Exhibitor Show Total (BEST) program of the Ohio Cattlemen's Association is well underway. In it's 10th year, BEST is a youth program that recognizes Ohio’s junior beef exhibitors through a series of sanctioned steer and heifer shows that include showmanship competition. Juniors who participate in these sanctioned shows earn points for their placing.

02/02/2009: Ridin' With the BEST Week Five: The Leading the BEST Conference
The Beef Exhibitor Show Total (BEST) program of the Ohio Cattlemen's Association is well underway. In it's 10th year, BEST is a youth program that recognizes Ohio’s junior beef exhibitors through a series of sanctioned steer and heifer shows that include showmanship competition. Juniors who participate in these sanctioned shows earn points for their placing.

02/02/2009: Ridin' With the BEST Week Four: The Scarlet & Gray Midwest Showdown
The Beef Exhibitor Show Total (BEST) program of theOhio Cattlemen's Association is well underway. In it's 10th year, BEST is a youth program that recognizes Ohio’s junior beef exhibitors through a series of sanctioned steer and heifer shows that include showmanship competition. Juniors who participate in these sanctioned shows earn points for their placings.

02/02/2009: Freshman Congressman Representing Ohio-16 Named to Ag Committee
Ohio will again have three Representatives on the House Agriculture Committee in the 111th Congress. Democrat John Boccieri, representing Ohio's 16th Congressional District, joins fellow Buckeye Legislators Jean Schmidt (OH-2) and Bob Latta (OH-5), both Republicans. Ohio's third Ag Committee member in the 110th Congress, Democrat Zack Space (OH-18), left the panel to accept an assignment on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

01/30/2009: Continuing Coverage of the Cattle Industry Annual Convention in Phoenix
ABN Radio's Andy Vance is in Phoenix, Arizona this week along with members of the Ohio Cattlemen's Association for the 2009 Cattle Industry Annual Convention. This annual gathering features the annual meetings of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the American National Cattlewomen, and the Cattlemen's Beef Board.

01/29/2009: Ohio Soybean Producers Help Launch Soy Transportation Coalition
Ohio soybean producers are analyzing every area of their business to find additional opportunities to increase efficiency or profitability. One of the key areas of focus is transportation costs and issues. To better evaluate issues relative to transportation, Ohio soybean producers, through their checkoff, joined in the formation of the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC).

01/28/2009: Cattle Industry Convention Under Way in the Valley of the Sun
ABN Radio's Andy Vance is in Phoenix, Arizona this week along with members of the Ohio Cattlemen's Association for the 2009 Cattle Industry Annual Convention. This annual gathering features the annual meetings of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the American National Cattlewomen, and the Cattlemen's Beef Board. Wednesday is the official first day of the convention, although meetings of the various commitees of each organization have been ongoing since Monday.

01/23/2009: Soy Industry Update
The American Soybean Association and the United Soybean Board continue to be at odds over ASA's recent call for an investigation of the national soybean checkoff. As the ASA tries to assure soybean producers that there were legitimate concerns about how checkoff funds are being allocated, leaders of the organization want to make it apparent that they still support and value the checkoff program. They simply want to ensure transparancy and proper management of the program.

01/23/2009: OSU Extension District Sheep and Goat Producer programs
Sheep and goat producers from around Ohio are invited to come to one or more educational sessions offered by OSU Extension to learn more about different areas of sheep and goat production.

01/23/2009: OSU Study: Raw Milk Health Threats Outweigh Alleged Benefits
Controversy over the legality of selling raw (unpasteurized) milk and dairy products and the alleged health benefits of these foods is growing. In a new peer-reviewed scientific publication, Ohio State University food safety expert Jeff LeJeune reviews the dangers of drinking raw milk and argues that, contrary to claims from advocates, there is no scientific evidence supporting the notion that raw milk cures or prevents disease.

01/21/2009: Final Rule On Country of Origin Labeling May Not Be Final
Earlier this month the United States Department of Agriculture published a Final Rule on Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling, potentially ending a nearly seven-year battle over COOL. That debate, however, might not be as final as the term "final rule" might suggest.

01/21/2009: Cattle on Feed Numbers Expected to be Smaller than 2008
Allendale, Inc., a private brokerage and commodity research firm based in McHenry, Illinois, released their pre-report estimates for Friday's USDA Cattle on Feed and Cold Storage Reports. Their researchers anticipate a continued consolidation in the cattle herd across the United States.

01/21/2009: Tom Vilsack of Iowa Confirmed 30th Secretary of Agriculture
The former Governor of Iowa was confirmed shortly after the Inauguration of Barack H. Obama Tuesday.

01/20/2009: Power Show Ohio is Just Around the Corner
Power Show Ohio is will take place January 30th through February 1st at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. Four buildings will be used, the Voinovich Center, Celeste Center, Coliseum and Bricker Building. Visitors are able to easily visit all four buildings by using the tent walkways that connected the facilities totaling more than 300,000 square feet under roof.

01/13/2009: Professional Pork Producers Symposium to be Held at 2009 Ohio Pork Congress
The annual Professional Pork Producers Symposium will be held during the 2009 Ohio Pork Congress on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at the Crowne Plaza North in Columbus. The symposium will address many issues that Ohio’s pork producers face today.

01/13/2009: Select Sires Creates Genetics Geared Toward Certified Angus Beef
Select Sires and Certified Angus Beef (CAB) both understand that one important aspect of creating high-quality beef is the animal's genetic potential. With a new beef sire directory now available from Select Sires, customers will notice a high percentage of Angus sires among Select's lineup that meet or exceed CAB's recommendations for marbling and $ Grid (the selection index that combines the three genetic traits that influence CAB acceptance rates). Look for the CAB Targeting the Brand logo throughout the catalog, denoting the Angus sires that meet or exceed these high standards.

01/13/2009: Ridin' With the Best Week Three: The Gallia County Preview
The Beef Exhibitor Show Total (BEST) program of the Ohio Cattlemen's Association is well underway. In it's 10th year, BEST is a youth program that recognizes Ohio’s junior beef exhibitors through a series of sanctioned steer and heifer shows that include showmanship competition. Juniors who participate in these sanctioned shows earn points for their placings.

01/12/2009: New Soybean Federation Upset with ASA Attempts to Discredit Organization
U.S. Soybean Federation President Lance Peterson expressed disappointed in a press release written by the American Soybean Association last Friday. "We do not question the action taken by ASA in requesting an OIG audit of USB. It was the responsible action for ASA directors to take," says Peterson.

01/12/2009: American Soybean Association Calls Formation of U.S. Soybean Federation Radical and Illogical
The American Soybean Association (ASA) today expressed disappointment upon receiving news that a few disgruntled checkoff and state leaders have formed a new soybean federation in an attempt to distract the U.S. soybean industry and undermine ASA's efforts calling for an audit and investigation of the national soybean checkoff.

01/12/2009: USDA Raises 2008 Crop Production Estimates
Corn for grain production in 2008 is estimated at 12.1 billion bushels, up 1 percent from the November forecast but 7 percent below last year's record high. The average U.S. grain yield is estimated at 153.9 bushels per acre, up 0.1 bushel from the November forecast and 3.2 bushels above 2007. The 2008 yield is the second highest on record, behind 2004, and production is second largest, behind last year.

01/12/2009: Ohio MarketMaker Receives Nearly Half-Million Hits in Inaugural Year
Ohio MarketMaker received over 425,000 hits on its Web site in its inaugural year in 2008, connecting buyers to local foods and allowing Ohio producers to network with businesses, restaurants and large retailers.

01/12/2009: Sen. George V. Voinovich's statement today
After prayerful consideration and much thought, my wife Janet and I have decided that I will not seek a third term in the United States Senate.

01/12/2009: Ohio Tops State Farm Bureaus in Awards at AFBF Annual Meeting
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) topped the list of award winners announced at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas. The awards recognize outstanding programming in five categories: Agriculture Education and Promotion, Leadership Development, Member Services, Policy Implementation, and Public Relations and Information.

01/08/2009: Carbon Credits Sign-Up Workshops Set at Twelve Ohio Locations in January

01/08/2009: World's First Drought Tolerant Corn Now in Development
As farmers around the world search for innovative new technologies to help them produce more with fewer resources, Monsanto Company announced that it is a major step closer to delivering the world's first-ever drought-tolerant corn product to farmers. In the fourth-annual update of its Research and Development (R&D) pipeline, the world's leading agriculture company announced that its first-generation drought-tolerant corn has moved to the fourth -- and final -- phase before an anticipated market launch early next decade. The company also announced that it has submitted the product to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for regulatory clearance.

01/08/2009: USDA Secretary Schafer Recommends Inspector General Audit and Investigation of National Soybean Checkoff
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) informed the American Soybean Association (ASA) today that Secretary Schafer has signed a memorandum recommending that USDA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) conduct an audit and, as appropriate, investigation of the National Soybean Checkoff Program based on the petition filed by the ASA on Dec. 10, 2008. ASA’s petition calls for an investigation of the United Soybean Board (USB) and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) to ensure that soybean checkoff dollars are being managed and invested as prescribed by law.

01/08/2009: Pioneer Releases 96 New Hybrids for 2009 Planting
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is releasing 96 new Pioneer® brand corn products to growers across North America for the 2009 planting season. This new advancement class includes 39 new genetic platforms providing improved genetic gain across all maturities.

01/08/2009: New National Soybean Organization Takes Shape
A new national soybean organization has been formed. The Articles of Incorporation for the United States Soybean Federation or USSF were filed December 31, 2008 with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office. Past Minnesota Soybean Association President Lance Peterson will serve as President Elect of the group - which is currently comprised of three states - Minnesota, Missouri and Mississippi.

01/08/2009: Ethanol Plant Idled; No Layoffs
The Bloomingburg ethanol plant has suspended operations until further notice, according to VeraSun Energy Corp. officials. "Production has idled while we work to secure interim financing and other contracted agreements," said Mike Lockrem, spokesman for VeraSun, the company that owns the Bloomingburg plant.

01/08/2009: Charitable Donations to AR Groups Increase 11% - Animal Agriculture a Major Target
In 2008, there appeared to be an increase in well-funded animal rights activities directed at animal agriculture. Based on our research, the Animal Agriculture Alliance understands why. In 2007, the latest reporting period available for review, charitable donations to animal rights groups rose 11% providing activist groups with more funds to develop wide ranging activities such as California’s Proposition 2, undercover video operations, legislative initiatives and legal actions. Donations to the extremist People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and its subsidiaries increased 11%

12/31/2008: Top Ten Agriculture Stories of 2008
As we reflect back on the year, ABN's Lindsay Hill offers a recap of the Top Ten Ag Stories of the Year. Hat tip to Emery Kleven for his assistance with audio and newswriting.

12/29/2008: Mexico's Meat Packer Ban May End Quickly
Mexico's suspension of imports from 30 U.S. meat processing plants could be short lived and some plants could be re-listed early this week, according to media reports.

12/29/2008: Consumer Alert: Firewood Scams
The Ohio Department of Agriculture warns consumers to exercise caution when purchasing firewood for this winter. Recent complaints filed with the department’s Weights and Measures division involved door-to-door firewood salesmen who illegally sold fractions of a cord to unknowing customers. After paying for a cord of wood (128 cubic feet.), consumers realized that the product they received was not the adequate amount.

12/23/2008: ASA Releases New Video and Comments Regarding Investigation of Soybean Checkoff
The American Soybean Association has posted new video on their web site to help explain to producers why they have asked the Office of the Inspector General to conduct an audit of the United Soybean Board.

12/22/2008: National Corn Yield Contest Draws Record Number of Entrants
Corn growers shattered yield records in a year beset with weather problems, using innovative production techniques and improved seed varieties to achieve top numbers in the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) 2008 National Corn Yield Contest. Not only was the number of entries (6,725) higher than ever before, and double the number in 2006, but several entrants scored yields of more than double the estimated national average.

12/17/2008: Ohio Corn Growers Elect New Officers
The Ohio Corn Growers Association (OCGA) board of directors elected new officers for 2009, choosing John Davis of Delaware as president. Davis, who has served as vice president, will succeed Mark Drewes of Deshler. Drewes led the Association as OCGA’s president for three years, receiving a Distinguished Service award for his work on the board during OCGA’s annual meeting on December 16.

12/17/2008: Ohioans Tapped to Lead American Soybean Association
Two Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) farmer leaders were elected yesterday to national positions on the American Soybean Association (ASA) executive committee during the ASA Board of Directors meeting in St. Louis. Rob Joslin of Shelby County was elected as first vice president, putting him in line to be president next year, and Joe Steiner of Warren County was elected as a vice president.

12/17/2008: BREAKING NEWS - NFU Statement: Obama Selects Vilsack for Secretary's Post
President-elect Barack Obama plans to appoint former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack as agriculture secretary. National Farmers Union President Tom Buis made the following statement.

12/15/2008: Ridin' With the BEST Week 2: The AGR Holiday Classic
The Beef Exhibitor Show Total (BEST) program of the Ohio Cattlemen's Association is officially underway. In it's 10th year, BEST is a youth program that recognizes Ohio’s junior beef exhibitors through a series of sanctioned steer and heifer shows that include showmanship competition. Juniors who participate in these sanctioned shows earn points for their placings.

12/15/2008: Buck Relected VP of North Central Soybean Research Program
Marion County soybean farmer John Buck was elected last week to his third term as vice president of the North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP). Buck has served as Ohio Soybean Council’s representative on the NCSRP board since 2003, and has also held the position of secretary/treasurer. He is looking forward to another term as vice president.

12/15/2008: 2009 Ohio Beef Expo Deadlines Approaching
Ohio Beef Expo, set for March 20-22 at the Ohio Expositions Center in Columbus, is accepting exhibitors, sponsors, and consignors. Plans for Expo are well underway and the 2009 event is shaping up to be one of the best ever with breed sales, shows and one of the Midwest’s largest and most competitive junior cattle exhibitions.

12/15/2008: National FFA Convention Will Rotate Between Louisville, Indy
The National FFA Organization announced that its annual convention will rotate between Louisville, Ky., and Indianapolis, Ind., for the foreseeable future. Starting in 2013, Louisville will share hosting duties with Indianapolis on a three-year rotational basis.

12/15/2008: EPA Says 'Cow Tax' Not Likely to Happen
Over the past week, many federal lawmakers have stated their opposition to a possible regulation suggested by the federal Environmental Protection Agency that would place a tax on livestock "emissions." In July 2008, the EPA issued an advance notice of a proposed rule in response to the a ruling made by the Supreme Court in Massachusetts v. EPA, which ruled that greenhouse gases, such as methane, are air pollutants under the federal Clean Air Act.

12/15/2008: Biodiesel Product May be Used as Value-Added Ag Commodity
A byproduct of biodiesel may be used to support the production of an animal feed additive to enhance the performance and growth of dairy cattle. Ohio State University Department of Animal Science researchers have received a $38,733 one-year grant from the Ohio Soybean Council to use crude glycerol to grow yeast -- a common feed supplement in dairy cattle diets. The researchers are evaluating whether or not glycerol can effectively be used to grow yeast and how that yeast stacks up to commercial varieties in quality and in price.

12/12/2008: ASA Officials in Washington D.C. to Meet with USDA
Members of the American Soybean Association's Executive Committee were in Washington D.C. today to meet with officials from USDA regarding the allegations ASA posed against the United Soybean Board earlier this week.

12/11/2008: USB Offers Further Response to Allegations by the American Soybean Association
This morning in St. Louis members of the United Soybean Board Executive Committee held a press conference to respond to the allegations brought forth yesterday by the American Soybean Association, which resulted in ASA contacting USDA to ask that the Office of the Inspector General be brought in to conduct a complete investigation of how USB is managing soybean checkoff funds.

12/10/2008: Yields All Over the Board in Ohio Corn Performance Trials
Summer drought and Hurricane Ike produced a mix of high and low yielding test sites in the Ohio State University Corn Performance Trials.

12/10/2008: United Soybean Board Elects New Officers
During their annual meeting in St. Louis, members of the United Soybean Board of Directors elected a new slate of officers and Executive Committee members.

12/10/2008: CONTINUING COVERAGE - United Soybean Board Responds to Allegations from American Soybean Association
Statement from the United Soybean Board regarding to the American Soybean Association's Request for a USDA Office of Inspector General investigation into financial management of the soybean checkoff: "The allegations made by the American Soybean Association against the United Soybean Board (USB) regarding mismanagement of farmer checkoff dollars are categorically untrue.

12/10/2008: American Soybean Association Board Calls for USDA Investigation of National Soybean Checkoff
In the best interest of U.S. soybean farmers, the Board of Directors of the American Soybean Association (ASA) yesterday voted unanimously to ask the Secretary of Agriculture to order an Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigation and financial audit of the National Soybean Checkoff Program. The ASA petition, filed today with Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer and the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), calls for an investigation of the United Soybean Board (USB) and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) to ensure that soybean checkoff dollars are being managed and invested as prescribed by law.

12/09/2008: Ridin' With the BEST Week 1
The Beef Exhibitor Show Total (BEST) program of the Ohio Cattlemen's Association is officially underway. In it's 10th year, BEST is a youth program that recognizes Ohio’s junior beef exhibitors through a series of sanctioned steer and heifer shows that include showmanship competition. Juniors who participate in these sanctioned shows earn points for their placings.

12/04/2008: Ohio Fall Hunting Underway and Going Well
Buckeye sportsmen will have an extra weekend to bag that trophy buck or double down on does during whitetail gun season. The additional dates are Saturday and Sunday, December 20-21, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

12/03/2008: Corn Growers Represented at VeraSun Bankruptcy Hearing
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court presiding over the VeraSun Energy Corporation case today considered concerns of corn growers and suppliers. Legal Counsel for an ad hoc advisory committee formed by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), state affiliated organizations, and others participated in today’s hearing in Wilmington, Delaware. As expected, bankruptcy law and the ruling will allow VeraSun to reject any contracts that are economically disadvantageous to VeraSun, including corn growers’ contracts.

12/03/2008: Ohio Soybean Council Elects New Officers
At Monday's Annual Meeting of the Ohio Soybean Council, Keith Kemp of Preble County emerged as the new OSC Chairman, replacing Dan Corcoran of Pike County who served as Chairman for the past two years. Kemp has held many different positions on the board, including Secretary, Treasurer and most recently Vice-Chairman. He has also served on various committee appointments. Kemp resides near West Manchester and produces soybeans, corn, wheat and hogs on his farm.

12/03/2008: Opening Day Whitetail Deer Harvest Up 70%
Ohio hunters were on the mark for opening day of the 2008 deer-gun season. Hunters took 33,034 white-tailed deer on Monday, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The deer-gun season remains open through Sunday, December 7, and then reopens for two days on Saturday and Sunday, December 20-21.

11/25/2008: USDA Secretary Schafer Comments on Farm Financial Forecast
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer made the following statement regarding today's fourth quarter farm financial forecast published by USDA's Economic Research Service.

11/25/2008: Ohio No-Till Conference Coming to Plain City December 9th
Optimum yields and maximum profits of no-till corn start at planting. Attendees to Ohio's No-Till Conference Dec. 9 will learn what is required to improve seed placement and plant stands with the proper adjustments of farm equipment.

11/25/2008: Ohio State Offering Grain Marketing Course in Early 2009
To help agribusinesses and producers make more sound grain marketing decisions and more thorough production, marketing and financial plans, Ohio State University Extension, in conjunction with the OSU-Newark Campus, is offering an 11-week course on agricultural futures and options.

11/20/2008: Ohio Native, OSU Ag Alum Recommended as MSU Vice President
Robert Groves, campaign director for the most successful fundraising campaign ever at a public university, has been recommended as the new Michigan State University vice president for university advancement. His appointment is subject to approval by the university’s Board of Trustees.

11/19/2008: OSU Agronomic Crops Team Announces Regional Programs
The Ohio State University Agronomic Crops Team has announced the dates and locations for three upcoming regional meetings.

11/19/2008: Farm and Food Economies Focus of OSU Policy & Outlook Meetings
The state of the farm and food economies will be examined this winter during Ohio State University Extension's Policy & Outlook meetings. The eight regional meetings will be held in December and January. Specialists from the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics will provide analysis and discussion. The meetings will be hosted by OSU Extension educators and industry sponsors. All meetings include a meal and require registration.

11/19/2008: Ohio Ethanol Plant Could be Sold
Lima's five-month-old ethanol plant is on the market and could be in new hands by the end of the year," the Lima News reports. "Attorneys for Greater Ohio Ethanol, its creditors and debtors met in Northern District U.S. Bankruptcy Court Thursday to continue the debate over the plant's fate. By the end of the day, all sides agreed to extend the current deal, assuring that the company's bills and employees will be paid through Wednesday.

11/19/2008: OPPC Receives Award for OhioPorkTour.com Project
The Ohio Pork Producers Council was recently recognized by the Ohio Society of Association Executives (OSAE). The OSAE recognized 19 Ohio-based associations with Achievement Awards during its annual Awards Luncheon on November 7th in Columbus.

11/18/2008: Ohio Plays Host to World Livestock Auctioneering Quarterfinals
For the first time in the history of the World Livestock Auctioneering Championships, a quarterfinals round was held in Ohio. Nearly 30 auctioneers from around the country gathered at Muskingum Livestock in Zanesville to compete for a spot in the 2009 World Finals.

11/18/2008: Ohio Nine Year-old Wins NAILE Junior Steer Show
Callie Daniels of Ada, Ohio won the North American International Livestock Exposition's Junior Steer Show this week with her 1,349 pound steer Big Poppa.

11/17/2008: 2008 NAFB Trade Talk
Each year farm broadcasters from across the country gather for Trade Talk during the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) Annual Convention in Kansas City. Trade Talk is our opportunity to meet with industry leaders and key agribusiness representatives to learn what's new in agriculture. - More interviews coming soon!

11/17/2008: Complete Coverage of 2008 Alpacafest
Recently members of the alpaca industry gathered at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus for Alpacafest 2008. This annual gathering brings together alpaca breeders from across the country for a variety of competitions.

11/14/2008: Farm Bureau Members Harvest Cabbage for Hunger Relief
Members of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation from around the state converged on the town of Lindsey, 25 miles Southeast of Toledo today to fight hunger. Members conducted a cabbage harvest and donation under the "Farmers Feed Our Needs" campaign, a state-wide effort to connect food growers with those in need.

11/14/2008: Two Plead Guilty to Poaching $13,000 Trophy Buck
Two men convicted of the illegal taking of white-tailed deer have been ordered to pay restitution of $12,988 according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

11/14/2008: ABN Radio's Broadcast Team Honored During NAFB Convention
During the Awards & Recognition Banquet of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting's Annual Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, ABN's agricultural broadcast team was recognized for excellence in the industry.

11/13/2008: ABN Radio's Lindsay Hill Elected NAFB Vice President
The members of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting elected Lindsay Hill of the Agri Broadcast Network (ABN) of Ohio to serve as Vice President of the organization at their annual convention in Kansas City this week. Hill, owner and Chief Operating Officer of AdVance Broadcast & Communication is a 10-year veteran of agricultural media and rural news radio. As Vice President of the professional organization representing agricultural broadcast journalists, Hill will serve on the NAFB Board of Directors, and will work alongside the members of the Executive Committee to lead the NAFB.

11/13/2008: Licking County Archers Lead Ohio in Number of Deer Killed
Ohio bow hunters killed 51,620 deer during the first six weeks of the state's archery season. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, this year's early archery season harvest is 4 percent lower than last year's record of 53,982 deer.

11/11/2008: US Soybean Exports Set Record
The U.S. soybean industry exported over 1.5 billion bushels of soy in 2008, setting an all-time record.

11/11/2008: Whittington Recognized By USDA For Excelence in Teaching
A top faculty member in Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences has been recognized nationally for her teaching.

11/05/2008: AlpacaFest Coming to Columbus this Weekend
The Ohio Alpaca Breeders Association Board of Directors extends a warm welcome to all of you to our 11th annual OABA AlpacaFest Show. OABA’s AlpacaFest has a long-standing reputation as being one of the premier alpaca halter and fleece shows in the nation.

11/05/2008: History in the Making
Barack Obama elected as the 44th President of the United States - the first black President in the history of the country.

11/05/2008: Roundup of Key Agricultural Votes and Issues
On Tuesday record numbers showed up at the polls to make their voice heard in a number of races and on a number of issues of key importance to American agriculture. Here's a roundup of those votes:

11/04/2008: Coming up on Ohio Farm and Country
Ohio Farm and Country airs on the Ohio News Network (ONN) every Sunday morning at 9:30 and Sunday evening at 6:30, as well as Tuesday evenings at 7:30. ONN is available on most Ohio cable networks. The first airing of this show will be Sunday Nov. 9th.

11/03/2008: Farm Credit Services Launces 2009 Scholarship Program
Thirty-six scholarships with values of $1,500 and $1,000 will be awarded for the 2009 school year based on academic record, leadership qualities, and community involvement.

11/03/2008: North American International Returns to Louisvile for 35th Year
The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE), the largest purebred livestock show in the world, returns for its 35th consecutive year to the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) this November 8-21. Attracting exhibitors and entrants from 48 contiguous states and six continents, NAILE draws more than 22,000 entries, 200,000 visitors and an estimated economic annual impact of $11.6 million to the state.

10/30/2008: Tuesday November 4th Is Election Day
Americans will go to the polls this Tuesday and decide numerous contests and ballot issues of importance to Ohioans, farmers, and the nation at large. ABN Radio has been covering the agricultural and rural significance of this election throughout the cycle. Here's a roundup of interviews on the issues:

10/30/2008: JD Equipment Offering Special Financing on AMS Systems
JD Equipment LogoJD Equipment, your John Deere dealer in London, Lancaster, Marion, Wilmington, and Washington Court House, invites you to take advantage of unique financing opportunities for purchases of Deere's Ag Management Solutions Systems. These AMS packages include a wide variety of guidance and autosteering options, and feature several options for no interest or no payments for up to a year.

10/30/2008: Ohio State Ag Economist Says Benefits of COOL Not Yet Apparent
Whether it's for health and nutrition, safety, sustainability or some other reason, consumers' food-purchasing choices continue to widen. In the mix with local foods, organics and genetically modified products now comes country of origin labeling (COOL).

10/30/2008: OSC Foundation Scholarship Opportunities Available for Undergraduate and Graduate Students
The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2009-2010 Ohio Agricultural Science and Bioproducts Research Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students at Ohio colleges and universities. These scholarships are designed to promote the application of science and technology fields to the agricultural industry, and support the development of the bioproducts industry in Ohio.

10/30/2008: Commodity Classic Attendees Will Enjoy Performances By Two Grammy Award-Winning Acts
Attendees will enjoy performances by Grammy award winners Pam Tillis and Riders In The Sky during the Evening of Entertainment at the 2009 Commodity Classic convention and trade show to be held Feb. 26-28, at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas.

10/27/2008: Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium Returns to Columbus
After four years at various locations around Ohio, the 2008 Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium will once again land its feet in Columbus. This year’s symposium will be held on Dec. 12 and 13 at the University Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, 3110 Olentangy River Road, Columbus. The symposium will focus on nutritional and management programs that will help Ohio sheep producers stay profitable in the future.

10/27/2008: Ohio Veterinarians Issued Fines, Suspensions; Kentucky Investigation Continues
Veterinarians Rick Rothfuss and Rick Mather of Columbus, Ohio each have been fined $10,000 and have drawn six-month suspensions as a result of an initial investigation at The Red Mile trotting track in Lexington. Richard Williams, presiding judge for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC), imposed the penalties in a ruling announced today.

10/27/2008: Latest Ohio Crop Progress and Condition Report
As of Sunday October 26, corn harvested for grain was at 55 percent, which was 1 percentage point ahead of last year and 12 points ahead of the five-year average.

10/26/2008: Ohioan Hannah Crossen Named National FFA Vice President
At the Closing business session of the 81st National FFA Convention, the delegates elected Ohio's own Hannah Crossen to serve as the 2008-2009 Eastern Region Vice President, joining five other outstanding members as the National FFA Officer Team.

10/23/2008: Complete Coverage of the 2008 National FFA Convention
Andy Vance and Lindsay Hill are on the scene in Indianapolis, IN as over 50,000 FFA members from across the country gather for their annual convention. Join us all week long as we go behind-the-scenes at National FFA Convention and track those from the Buckeye State all courtesy of the Ohio Corn Growers Association.

10/22/2008: Soy-Based Powder Coating Receives R&D 100 Award
The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC), in conjunction with Battelle and Hexion Specialty Chemicals, received its fourth R&D 100 Award for the development of soy-based powder coating during the 46th Annual R&D 100 awards ceremony Thursday in Chicago. Soy-based powder coating is one of only 100 technological innovations of the year to receive this honor.

10/22/2008: Ohio Farm Bureau Names New Organization Director for Champaign, Clark, Madison Counties
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) has named Josh Henderson its organization director in Champaign, Clark and Madison counties in southwest Ohio.

10/20/2008: AUDIO UPDATE - Gordon Gee Joins National 4-H Council Board of Trustees
E. Gordon Gee, President of The Ohio State University,and 4-H Alumnus, has been elected to National 4-H Council’s Board of Trustees.

10/17/2008: Diverse Groups to Discuss Renewable Energy Policy at 25x’25 Conference
Farmers, scientists, environmentalists and industry and government leaders will be taking the next collaborative step in creating renewable energy policy at Energy Connections – Networking to Achieve the 25x’25 Vision. The conference will be held at Hocking College in Nelsonville on Friday, Nov. 21.

10/17/2008: Lima Ethanol Plant Files Bankruptcy
DTN News is reporting this morning: Greater Ohio Ethanol LLC in Lima, Ohio, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, according to court documents filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Northern District of Ohio.

10/16/2008: Coverage of the 2008 Circleville Pumpkin Show
ABN's Lindsay Hill was on hand as the 2008 grand pumpkin was chosen and offers coverage courtesy of Leist Mercantile in Circleville.

10/14/2008: Latest Ohio Crop Progress and Condition Report
As of Sunday October 12, 87 percent of the planted corn acreage was mature, compared to 90 percent last year and 87 percent for the five-year average.

10/13/2008: Schrader Reports New Dimensions In Unprecedented Land Market
Land values remain strong despite the ongoing crisis in the financial markets according to land marketing guru Rex Schrader. The principle of one of the largest land marketing firms in the country has reported to ABN Radio that even in the face of tightening credit and a cooling economy, demand remains strong for farm land around the corn belt.

10/13/2008: UEP CEO Addresses Proposition 2 and Fighting Activists
At Friday's meeting of the Ohio Agricultural Council in Columbus, keynote speaker Gene Gregory discussed Proposition 2, the “Standards for Confining Farm Animals” initiative on the ballot in California this November. Gregory, President and CEO of United Egg Producers, along with California’s egg producers, is leading the opposition effort to defeat Proposition 2, which would essentially outlaw both modern cage and cage-free housing systems for egg-laying operations in the state.

10/10/2008: Oprah to Discuss California Proposition to Ban Modern Livestock Production
The Oprah Winfrey Show next Tuesday (Oct. 14) will focus on California’s Proposition 2, which, among other things, will ban the use of sow stalls. NPPC member Matt Kellogg, who along with his father, John, runs a hog operation in Illinois, will be a guest on the show, which also will include Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States.

10/10/2008: Congratulations to the 2008 NAMA Professional Development Award Winners
ABN Radio's own Andy Vance, Chair of the Professional Recognition Committee of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA), proudly announces and congratulates the 2008 Professional Development Award of Excellence Honorees. These outstanding individuals will be presented with their awards at the upcoming Trends in Agriculture Conference next month in Kansas City. Both Andy and Lindsay Hill will be attending the conference, which immediately preceeds the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Annual Convention.

10/08/2008: Land Use Conference Focuses on Solutions During Economic Turbulence
Addressing topics from the mortgage crisis to energy, Ohio State University Extension will host its annual Ohio Land Use Conference on Nov. 17. The theme of this year’s program is “Land Use Policy in Turbulent Times.”

10/08/2008: CAUV Increases Legitimate
According to Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) Senior Director of Local Affairs Larry Gearhardt, there are legitimate reasons behind the increase in CAUV values, with the main reason being that crop yield data hasn’t been updated since 1984.

10/08/2008: Ohio Belgians Victorious in Six-Horse Hitch
Craig and Chris Hammersmith of Defiance, Ohio, won the All-Breeds North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series Class for the second year in a row.

10/07/2008: Roundup Ready 2 Yield Soybeans Looking Great in Ohio
ABN Radio's Andy Vance spent the afternoon Tuesday alongside Madison County farmer Peter Yoder. Yoder and his farmily raise soybeans, but not just any soybeans; the Yoders raise soybean seed. The beans they are harvesting will be processed for Monsanto for Precision Soya at their production facility in London.

10/06/2008: Ohio Livestock Coalition Offers LEAP Online
The Ohio Livestock Coalition is now offering Ohio Livestock Environmental Assurance Program (LEAP I) training online. LEAP I offers livestock producers an opportunity to take a proactive approach in blending sound production economics with concern about environmental quality.

10/06/2008: Ohio Proud Signs 300th Partner
Ohio Proud is the department’s signature marketing program that promotes food and agricultural products made in Ohio or grown in Ohio. It provides consumers a quick, reliable way to identify more than 1,500 local food products located at wineries and farm market stands, store shelves, and pick-your-own fields.

10/06/2008: Ohio Dairy Producers Association to Host Meetings
he Ohio Dairy Producers Association (ODPA) is hosting five fall district meetings to share how it works with State officials, regulatory agencies and industry partners to strengthen Ohio’s dairy industry and protect its future.

10/03/2008: Ohio Farm Bureau Sets New Membership Record
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) announced today its 41st consecutive year of membership growth, reaching a record 234,061 members.

10/03/2008: Improve Wheat Profits With New OSU Extension Bulletin
Ohio wheat growers have access to a new Ohio State University Extension wheat bulletin that may assist them in improving their bottom line.

10/03/2008: Director of Ohio Department of Agriculture Seeks Nominees for Corn Marketing Board
Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Robert Boggs is accepting nominations to fill vacancies on the Ohio Corn Marketing Program Committee.

10/03/2008: MORE EXCLUSIVE Audio on Demand from World Dairy Expo
ABN Radio is in Madison, Wisconsin this week with Andy, Lindsay, and Gary covering the 2008 World Dairy Expo. This is where the dairy industry gathers to "Build Bridges, Make Connections," which happens to be the show's theme this year. ABN's trio of Farm Broadcast Professionals are "scouring" the grounds to "milk" every drop of news out of the event. (Bad Dairy Puns courtesy of Andy Vance)

10/02/2008: Farm Credit System Acquires $60 Million in FarmerMac Stock
The Farm Credit System announced today that its five System Banks made a $60 million investment in the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. The banks purchased $60 million in aggregate of senior cumulative perpetual preferred stock of Farmer Mac, which provides a secondary market for agricultural real estate loans, rural home mortgages and rural utility loans.

10/01/2008: EXCLUSIVE - ABN Radio Coverage of World Dairy Expo
ABN Radio is in Madison, Wisconsin this week with Andy, Lindsay, and Gary covering the 2008 World Dairy Expo. This is where the dairy industry gathers to "Build Bridges, Make Connections," which happens to be the show's theme this year. ABN's trio of Farm Broadcast Professionals are "scouring" the grounds to "milk" every drop of news out of the event.

10/01/2008: POET Opens Fostoria Ethanol Plant
Today in Fostoria, POET hosted a grand opening ceremony for their 2nd ethanol production facility in Ohio, making POET the largest producer of ethanol the state. POET, the largest producer of biofuels in the world, was joined at the opening of POET Biorefining - Fostoria by Mike Wagner, Executive Director of the Buckeye Renewable Fuels Association; Robert Boggs, Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture; Congressman Bob Latta and Ryan Hunter-Reay, driver of the #17 Ethanol IndyCar, Rahal Letterman Racing.

10/01/2008: Elanco Completes Acquisition of Posilac from Monsanto
ABN Radio's coverge of World Dairy Expo kicked off today in Madison at the Alliant Energy Center. Andy Vance, Lindsay Hill, and Gary Jackson are at the show through Friday interviewing dairy industry experts and Ohio producers exhibiting and attending the show. Big news to kick off the week at Expo as Elanco Animal Health finalized its acquisition of Posilac from Monsanto today.

10/01/2008: Harvest Reports from Around Ohio
We have been gathering observations from folks across the Buckeye State to get a closer look at harvest progress thus far. Here's a look at what we're seeing across Ohio.

09/30/2008: Campbell Soup & Singer/Songwriter Jewell Promote National FFA Organization
Fall signals harvest season across the country. This year it also marks the kick-off of a national campaign to help support the future of American farming.

09/30/2008: Select Sires Sells 1.5 Millionth Unit of Gender SELECTed Semen
ABN will be covering World Dairy Expo this week, and most certainly will hear from folks with Select Sires, who this week announced the sale of its 1.5 millionth unit of gender SELECTed semen.

09/29/2008: Champaign Landmark and Farmers Commission to Consolidate in 2009
Last month, the Stockholders of Champaign Landmark, Inc., Urbana and The Farmers Commission Company, Upper Sandusky approved the consolidation of the two cooperatives to create a new cooperative named Heritage Cooperative, Inc. The consolidation will take effect September 1, 2009.

09/29/2008: Deadline for OCA Bred Heifer Sale Consignments THIS WEDNESDAY
The Ohio Cattlemen's Association will host its First Annual Bred Heifer sale this December. Producers looking to market their bred females have until this Wednesday to register their consignments with the Association. OCA's Beef Improvement Specialist Bill Doig says the opportunity to market these females is important to OCA members because the average cow herd in the state is between 10 and 25 head.

09/29/2008: Greenhorn Nearly Sweeps World Beef Expo Shorthorn Show
While Andy, Lindsay, and Gary are heading to Madison, WI for World Dairy Expo tomorrow, the World Beef Expo wrapped up in Madison over the weekend, and one Ohioan practically swept the Shorthorn show. Josh Greenhorn of Waynesville exhibited three different females to Champion honors.

09/26/2008: National FFA Organization Nears 508,000 Members
Membership in the National FFA Organization is at a 31-year high. There are 507,763 members in 7,439 FFA chapters across the country, the Indianapolis-based organization announced this week.

09/26/2008: Fall Turkey Season Approaching; State Hatcheries Clear of VHS
Hunters are preparing for Ohio's upcoming fall wild turkey season, which runs Saturday, October 11 through Sunday, November 30, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

09/25/2008: Safety a Key Concern When Harvesting Downed Corn
With windblown corn in various conditions, from leaning stalks to plants on the ground, harvesting may be a challenge this fall. But in the haste to salvage crop losses, the one thing farmers should not forget is safety.

09/25/2008: House Passes 10-Acre Rule Suspension; Senate Now Working On Companion Provision
The U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation to temporarily suspend a provision in the 2008 Farm Bill that would have prohibited producers from receiving commodity payments if they have less than 10 base acres.

09/23/2008: Ohio Cattlemens Association Bred Heifer Sale Consignment Deadline Next Wednesday
The Ohio Cattlemen's Association will host its First Annual Bred Heifer sale this December. Producers looking to market their bred females have until next Wednesday to register their consignments with the Association. OCA's Beef Improvement Specialist Bill Doig says the opportunity to market these females is important to OCA members because the average cow herd in the state is between 10 and 25 head.

09/23/2008: Commodity Organizations Differ on Proposed P4 Accession
The Bush Administration announced yesterday negotiations are beginning with members of the Pacific 4 Strategic Economic Partnership, potentially allowing the United States to join the regional Free Trade pact. The P4 nations include Chile, New Zealand, Singapore, and Brunei.

09/22/2008: House Agriculture Committee Votes to Suspend 10 Acre Rule
The House Agriculture Committee voted Friday to suspend the provision of the 2008 Farm Bill known as the 10-acre rule. The rule precludes producers who own less than 10 base acres from receiving farm program benefits. The unintended consequence of the rule, however, came when producers who have several parcels under 10 acres were excluded, even though their aggregate acreage exceeded 10 acres.

09/22/2008: Hurricane Ike Remnants Bring Challenges to Ohio Corn Fields
After the wind storm from Hurricane Ike, Ohio farmers are finding their corn in one of two states: either standing relatively well or taking a beating, and it pretty much depends on the stage of maturity as to how difficult the crop will be to harvest. As they say, if it's brown, it's down...

09/21/2008: Ohio Angus Field Day Tours Mansfield Correctional Institute
Members and guests of the Ohio Angus Association toured the Mansfield Correctional Institute's Beef Farm Sunday. MANCI is one of several working farms in the Correctional System, and home to a herd of over 320 Angus cows, and an Angus-influenced feedlot program. The inmates working here produce a great deal of the food consumed in the Correctional system around the state, and the farm is mostly self-sufficient.

09/20/2008: New Partnership a Win-Win for Agriculture and Education
ABN Radio will open new facilities on The Ohio State University campus.

09/13/2008: Complete Coverage of the 2008 Farm Science Review
This year's Farm Science Review finished strong after high winds whipped through the Molly Caren Agricultural Center over the weekend. Complete coverage of the event is thanks to the AGCO Company, Seed Consultants, Specialty Fertilizer Products, Propane Education Research Council, New Holland, Farm Credit Services and the Elgin Service Center.

09/13/2008: POET to Host Grand Opening for Fostoria Plant Sept. 30
On Sept. 30, POET will host a grand opening event for POET Biorefining - Fostoria, a $130 million ethanol production facility near Fostoria, Ohio.

09/13/2008: Bean Leaf Beetle Pod Feeding on Late Soybean
Soybeans grown for seed, especially late-planted or late-maturing beans, should be monitored for bean leaf beetle damage as leaves begin to yellow and pods remain green, said Purdue University entomologists.

09/13/2008: Register Now for Farmland Preservation Summit in October
The ninth annual Ohio Farmland Preservation Summit will take place Oct. 2, 2008, from 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m., at the new Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center on Ohio State University's Columbus campus. Citizens, farmers, landowners, local officials, land trusts and other interested parties are invited to attend. Registration for the event closes Sept. 17.