Corn Comments Podcast with Jim Woster. (Audio)
In this week’s Corn Comments Podcast, Jim Woster discusses the numerous ag research projects that South Dakota Corn is involved with at South Dakota State University. Listen to the podcast linked above to learn more about the exciting work being done at the state’s land grant university to improve the future of South Dakota agriculture.
Senate Bill 179, an act to “provide for a uniform county drainage permit application form and to remove the maximum limit for drainage permit fees,” was defeated 6-1 today in the Senate Local Government Committee after an onslaught of opposition from six different agricultural organizations, several farmers, county commissioners and various water management consultants.
An amendment to SB 179 was brought forward at the start of the hearing, which limited permit fees and also removed the professional engineer approval. But even with the amendment, there were still parts of the bill that needed more discussion before moving forward with legislation.
With drainage being such a hot topic and important part of agriculture moving forward in South Dakota, commodity groups and farmers felt that more time and discussion was needed on this issue to ensure positive legislation. With the defeat of SB 179, the Watershed Task Force has more time to study the issue and continue the conversation with researchers, county officials and the farming community.
South Dakota Corn will continue to follow crucial topics like wetlands and drainage, ensuring that our farmers have an active voice working for them in Pierre and throughout South Dakota.
Corn Comments Podcast with Jim Woster.
In this week’s Corn Comments Podcast, Woster talks about the the bright future of agriculture, trips to college campuses and the South Dakota State University Cereal Bowl taking place this weekend in Brookings.
Corn Comments Podcast with Jim Woster.
South Dakota Corn is excited about the new dairy processing facility coming to Brookings, South Dakota. What a great addition to the city, state and ag community. South Dakota State is home to one of two dairy manufacturing education opportunities in the nation and many say it could be the best. What a great opportunity for SDSU students who not only will have a state-of-the-art learning facility, but also a brand new industrial plant to learn and excel on a professional level.
This news is not only great for students, but also our dairymen and farmers providing milk and feed to make it all possible.
Each dairy cow has an estimated $14,000 ripple effect on the state’s economy. Ag’s overall impact on the state is around $22 billion as it continues to be South Dakota’s number one industry.
Monday, President Barack Obama submitted the long standing Colombia, Korea and Panama free trade agreements (FTAs) to Congress for ratification. Congress not only needs to pass each agreement, but they need to act swiftly giving a sure expansion to the American export economy.
“The series of trade agreements I am submitting to Congress today will make it easier for American companies to sell their products in South Korea, Colombia, and Panama and provide a major boost to our exports,” President Obama said in a statement. “These agreements will support tens of thousands of jobs across the country for workers making products stamped with three proud words: Made in America.”
According to government and industry estimates, the three FTAs will result in an additional $2.5 billion in sales and lead to the creation of over 20,000 jobs, which are critical to creating economic growth and employment for U.S. citizens. Agriculture has the potential to play a major role in those increased sales if the FTAs are passed lessening restrictions and creating fair market access for exports.
“These FTAs provide additional opportunities for U.S. grain exports by immediately eliminating import duties on corn and co-products,” said, Gary Duffy, President of the South Dakota Corn Growers Association. “Global trade competition is important to the bottom line of all South Dakota farmers and the agreements paint a bright picture for the future with significant growth opportunities.”
“These countries represent a growing market in need of additional protein at a fair price and our farmers are ready to deliver,” said Lisa Richardson, SDCGA Executive Director. “Congress can’t afford to sit on these agreements; it’s time to give our economy and its industries the export market access they deserve.”
Corn Comments Podcast with Jim Woster.
The emergence and progress of the ethanol industry has clearly benefited the corn farmers and fuel consumers in our state and will continue to for years to come. Moving towards next generation biofuels will be a part of the industries’ continued success and it’s taking place right here in South Dakota.
Gevo and Redfield Energy have teamed up to retrofit their ethanol plant in Redfield, SD to produce isobutanol beginning in late 2012. The plant is expected to produce 38 million gallons per year. A gallon of isobutanol gets better vehicle mileage than that of ethanol and produces the same amount of high-quality distillers grain.
“Isobutanol provides an excellent opportunity to expand our potential markets, improve our profit margins, and create a more predictable and sustainable business.” said Tom Hitchcock, Redfield Energy CEO.
Ideas into actions, which is what South Dakota agriculture is all about.
You can find South Dakota Corn everywhere. We’re talking to you—and each other—about the future of the industry that sustains us. And we have a lot to say. Be a part of the conversation.
Corn Comments Podcast
