Across the Nation
Iowa: The ethanol maker POET provided farmers with a glimpse of technology for harvesting corncobs and other biomass from companies like Deere, Case-IH, and Claas at its Emmetsburg facility. Using corncobs, a waste product usually left behind, to produce cellulosic ethanol provides farmers with an opportunity to maximize profit. Jeff Broin, POET’s CEO, also pointed out that this technology offers the opportunity to address “three of the most pressing issues of our day: energy security, the economic crisis and global warming.”
Nationwide: Six members of the House Agriculture Committee lost their re-election bids in November, and at press time the outcome of two Senate Agriculture Committee members’ re-election bids remains in question. A new administration also promises to bring changes to agriculture and rural policy priorities. In January, this newsletter will contain our recommendations for the new Congress and new administration.
South Carolina: Researchers at Clemson University have found hunting on private land to be a major recreational and economic activity in rural areas of the state. A survey conducted by David Guynn and Greg Yarrow measured the economic impact of hunters on local economies. According to Southeast Farm Press, “Data from the last survey shows that the total in-county private-land hunter expenditures were more than $6 million in Jasper County and more than $4 million in McCormick County.” It goes on to report on the positive effects this has in rural areas as it promotes business growth and strengthens a cultural tradition.
Vermont: The Vermont state Agency of Agriculture organized a “Matchmaker” event to link farmers and buyers. Set up like a speed dating event, farmers met with buyers from supermarket chains, restaurants and food cooperatives for 10 minutes in hopes of fostering new partnerships. The event was created to provide an opportunity for buyers who do not know how or what is available at a local level and sellers who are not always sure how to tap a larger market. The “Matchmaker” event also included workshops on distribution options, systems for tracking sales and preseason planning. Find out more information at www.vermontagriculture.com.
Contact: Casey Francis, caseyf@cfra.org with questions or to suggest Across the Nation items.
Nationwide: Six members of the House Agriculture Committee lost their re-election bids in November, and at press time the outcome of two Senate Agriculture Committee members’ re-election bids remains in question. A new administration also promises to bring changes to agriculture and rural policy priorities. In January, this newsletter will contain our recommendations for the new Congress and new administration.
South Carolina: Researchers at Clemson University have found hunting on private land to be a major recreational and economic activity in rural areas of the state. A survey conducted by David Guynn and Greg Yarrow measured the economic impact of hunters on local economies. According to Southeast Farm Press, “Data from the last survey shows that the total in-county private-land hunter expenditures were more than $6 million in Jasper County and more than $4 million in McCormick County.” It goes on to report on the positive effects this has in rural areas as it promotes business growth and strengthens a cultural tradition.
Vermont: The Vermont state Agency of Agriculture organized a “Matchmaker” event to link farmers and buyers. Set up like a speed dating event, farmers met with buyers from supermarket chains, restaurants and food cooperatives for 10 minutes in hopes of fostering new partnerships. The event was created to provide an opportunity for buyers who do not know how or what is available at a local level and sellers who are not always sure how to tap a larger market. The “Matchmaker” event also included workshops on distribution options, systems for tracking sales and preseason planning. Find out more information at www.vermontagriculture.com.
Contact: Casey Francis, caseyf@cfra.org with questions or to suggest Across the Nation items.
»
- Login to post comments
