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March 12, 2021 By David Murray
Whatever else happens with the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, farmers and agricultural producers are looking forward to another great export year for key American agricultural commodities. Exports of American corn, soybeans, sorghum, cattle and pork are all up, and world demand continues to boom. Most of the grain exports will be carried by barge at some point.
The leaders of major agricultural advocacy groups spoke at the opening session of the Commodity Classic, the U.S.’s largest annual farm event and trade show. This year’s event, which marks its 25th anniversary, was its first virtual one. Last year’s Commodity Classic ended just as the COVID-19 virus broke out.
Compiled by Candace Krebs
Celebrate “Meat-In Day” on March 20
Cities, counties, community organizations, restaurants, grocers and other businesses plan to fire up their grills, hold barbecues and celebrate the meat industry on March 20 in response to a proclamation by Colorado Governor Jared Polis declaring it “Meat Out Day.” The language in the proclamation, which is backed by a group called Farm Animal Rights Movement, claims a plant-based diet can “protect the environment by reducing our carbon footprint, preserving forests, grasslands, and wildlife habitats, and reduces pollution of waterways.” Additionally, it suggests that “removing animal products from our diets reduces the risk of various ailments, including heart disease, high-blood pressure, stroke, various cancers, and diabetes.” In response, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association launched a fundraising campaign, accepting donations of $200, of which $50 will go directly to support feeding hungry children
OMAHA (DTN) How to respond to pressure for agriculture to sequester carbon and reduce emissions is a theme running through discussions during the online Commodity Classic this week.
During the opening session of Commodity Classic, leaders of the major commodity groups offered their takes on agriculture’s moves to focus more on climate change, as well as the Biden administration’s drive to lower greenhouse-gas emissions across the economy. Commodity Classic, which is virtual this year, is led by groups for farmers who grow corn, soybeans, wheat and sorghum, as well as the equipment manufacturers.
Kevin Scott, a farmer from Valley Springs, South Dakota, and president of the American Soybean Association, talked about the improvements in technology and equipment that have led to reduced tillage and increased production. Scott also highlighted the Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol for exporters, in which the group states to importers that 60% of U.S. soybean products can be la
Pierre, SD, USA / DRGNews
Mar 4, 2021 6:30 AM
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will provide the keynote address during the Closing General Session of the 2021 Special Edition of Commodity Classic, which is being delivered digitally March 2-5, 2021. The Secretary’s remarks will take place tomorrow (March 5) from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Central.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Secretary Vilsack back to Commodity Classic,” said John Linder, an Ohio farmer and president of the National Corn Growers Association. “He always provides an experienced, deep-inside-Washington perspective. With so much going on in our nation’s capital that impact their lives, the audience will be eager to hear his thoughts on the top issues facing our growers such as trade, renewable fuels, and regulatory initiatives.”