State of the State: Reaction from Missouri Farm Bureau

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's State of the State Address contained several expectations for Missouri agriculture--from Eminent Domain legislation to the renewal of the biodiesel and ethanol tax incentives to a Renewable Fuels Standard for the State of Missouri. Missouri Farm Bureau President Charlie Kruse visited with me about the Governor's remarks and how he sees Farm Bureau and its members helping with these key decisions that affect agriculture.

American Farm Bureau Convention Wrap-Up

Charlie Kruse, President of the Missouri Farm Bureau visited with me this afternoon about the 87th American Farm Bureau Federation's annual membership meeting. Charlie told me he was pleased with the outcome of this year's meeting and the proposals Missouri Farm Bureau members were able to advance forward.

Missouri's RFA: Gary Marshall

Missouri Corn Growers Assocation Executive Director Gary Marshall is excited about Governor Matt Blunt's proposal for a renewable fuels standard in the state of Missouri. Gary and I visited about this opportunity for Missouri lawmakers, how the opposition may be positioning themselves and how corn producers and consumers can let their voices be heard in support of fuel containing a 10% ethanol blend in the Show-Me State.

A Renewable Fuels Standard for Missouri

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt is moving forward with the proposal to include a 10 percent ethanol blend in every gallon of fuel sold for cars and trucks in the Show-Me State. In his State of the State Address to Missouri lawmakers this evening, Governor Blunt noted a Missouri Renewable Fuels Standard will spur even greater economic development in rural Missouri, providing cleaner air, lower prices and greater independence from Middle East oil supplies. The Governor asked lawmakers to "please stand with me against special interests and for our farmers, consumers, the environment and new energy supplies made right here in Missouri."

Legislation introduced in the Missouri House (HB 1270) earlier this week shows the ball is already rolling to help the Governor with his request for a renewable fuels standard in Missouri.

The Governor also announced his new budget calls for full funding of Missouri's biodiesel and ethanol incentive funds.

Missouri Soybean Update: Yield & Quality Contest

John Kleiboeker, Director of Field Services for the Missouri Soybean Association says the results of their annual yield and quality contest are in and that an overwhelming number of winners from the 2005 contest are from the KFEQ listening area...

Northwest Missouri Corn Growers Meeting

I'm headed to the Northwest Missouri Corn Growers Meeting in Maryville today. The annual meeting, held at the Younger Auction Gallery, brings in a great line-up of speakers and presentations with some great information producers can use.

If you're headed that way, I'll look forward to seeing you there today. If not, check back here, as I'll be posting pictures and interviews from the meeting.

Missouri Corn Update: House Bill 1270

Farm Broadcaster Lanie Beetsma brings us this week's Missouri Corn Udpate from the Missouri Corn Growers Association. Lanie visited with State Representative Bob Behnen (District 2) about House Bill 1270, which would require all gasoline sold in Missouri after January 1, 2007 to be an ethanol-blend containing at least ten percent fuel ethanol.

Kansas Soybean Update: Charles Atkinson

The Kansas Soybean Association and Kansas Soybean Commission are holding their annual Kansas Soybean Expo on Wednesday, January 11 at the Maner Conference Center in Topeka. The event is held annuall in conjunction with the Topeka Farm Show. Charles Atkinson, a farmer from Great Bend, serves as Secretary of the Kansas Soybean Association and is chair of the annual expo...

John Block Commentary: Cabinet Secretaries Luncheon

This week's John Block Commentary with former Agriculture Secretary Block tells of the annual Cabinet Secretaries Luncheon in December, where 40 current and past cabinet members attended. Block serves as chair of the event.