Here’s Mike Adams with our friend Chuck Zimmerman of AgWired, Domestic Fuel and a host of other custom industry blogs. Â Mike is featured on Chuck’s weekly “ZimmCast” where they take a look back at their history of farm broadcasting and some new developments on the horizon for AgriTalk. Click through to listen.
Residents in the northeast are increasingly turning to biodiesel to heat their homes. It’s a product called BioHeat, and it provides a drop-in renewable and clean source for home heating oil. Paul Nazarro of Advanced Fuel Solutions and John Maniscalco of the New York Oil Heating Association provide the details.
We learned something new at the 2012 National Biodiesel Conference, biodiesel is big in mining because it keeps the air clean for those working in the mines. Watch below to get the details from Brad Thompson of Bridgeman Oil Company and Don Kramer of Kramer Oil Company.
The Renewable Fuels Standard is putting the biodiesel industry on a much stronger footing now compared to two years ago when the tax credit had expired, according to Anne Steckel of the National Biodiesel Board. She talks about the prospects of getting the biodiesel tax credit reinstated as part of a tax extenders package in Congress.
Brent Hajek had already set a new record in his stock Ford F250 on the Bonneville Salt Flats, but he knew biodiesel would help him turn it up a notch. Watch as he tells us how a B20 blend was the key to smashing a land speed record.
Last week the Department of Labor announced its plan to re-propose the parental exemption of its child labor in agriculture rule. In its announcement, the Department of Labor said the decision was in part a response to requests from the public and members of Congress that the agency allow an opportunity for more input on this aspect of the rule. The announcement also said the department recognizes the unique attributes of farm families and rural communities. Well evidently the department doesn’t yet FULLY recognize those attributes and still seems to lack an understanding of the values and benefits of working on a farm or ranch. The DOL announcement only addresses a part of the problem their rule would create and despite comments to the contrary, illustrates their refusal to listen to rural America. This so called re-proposal would still greatly restrict important acitivities for young people even on relatives’ operations and eliminate their opportunities to have them on someone else’s. The DOL says it appreciates and respects the role of parents and relatives in raising their children and assigning tasks and chores and keeping them out of harms way. Well if that is the case, then why propose this rule in the first place. The emphasis should be on safety and the benefits received from working on a farm or ranch and not eliminating those opportunities. Although perhaps well intentioned, the rule comes off as government saying it can make better decisions for kids than their families can. If that’s the government’s way of listening, then it must be hard of hearing.
What a year 2011 has been for agriculture. We’ve seen record exports, higher farm income, an explosion in land values and passage of three major free trade agreements. Of course we’ve also seen droughts, fires, floods and price volatility. No doubt the struggling general economy and future spending cuts hover like dark clouds as we enter a new year. A dsyfunctional Congress, an ineffective super committee and an upcoming Presidential election combine to create dreaded uncertainty as we look ahead. Unresolved tax questions, a contentious farm bill debate and a growing anti-agriculture movement promise to make 2012 another challenging year for farmers and ranchers. Naturally occuring events like weather, while concerning, are accepted risks that go with the territory. However it’s the man made disasters that are especially hard to take. Government policies and activist agendas make the challenge of feeding and fueling an exploding world population even more daunting.
Monday, February 6, 2012 We'll broadcast from the National Biodiesel Conference in Orlando and look at the legislative challenges facing the renewable fuels industry.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 We will continue our coverage of the 2012 National Biodiesel Conference.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012 We'll talk with the Animal Ag Alliance about what you can do to combat misinformation about Meatless Mondays.
Thursday, February 9, 2012 Iowa Senator Charles Grassley joins us for his monthly update from Washington.
Friday, February 10, 2012 Open Line
Last Week's Poll Results
What grade would you give President Obama's State of the Union speech?
Here’s Mike Adams with our friend Chuck Zimmerman of AgWired, Domestic Fuel and a host of other custom industry blogs. Â Mike is featured on Chuck’s weekly “ZimmCast” where they take a look back at their history of farm broadcasting and some new developments on the horizon for AgriTalk. Click through to listen.
What a year 2011 has been for agriculture. We’ve seen record exports, higher farm income, an explosion in land values and passage of three major free trade agreements. Of course we’ve also seen droughts, fires, floods and price volatility. No doubt the struggling general economy and future spending cuts hover like dark clouds as we enter a new year. A dsyfunctional Congress, an ineffective super committee and an upcoming Presidential election combine to create dreaded uncertainty as we look ahead. Unresolved tax questions, a contentious farm bill debate and a growing anti-agriculture movement promise to make 2012 another challenging year for farmers and ranchers. Naturally occuring events like weather, while concerning, are accepted risks that go with the territory. However it’s the man made disasters that are especially hard to take. Government policies and activist agendas make the challenge of feeding and fueling an exploding world population even more daunting.
