Four NC Schools Receive Funding

In 2013, 181 rural school districts were chosen to receive grants of up to $25,000, thanks to America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education?. In total, $2.3 million was distributed to support math and science classrooms.

The program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, gave farmers in 1,271 eligible counties the opportunity to nominate school districts for a grant to enhance math and science education. More than 73,000 farmers submitted nominations to show community support for their area school districts. In North Carolina, four schools have been awarded funds; in Iredell County American Renaissance Elementary School, Bertie County Schools, Elizabeth City Pasquotank Public Schools and Lenoir County Public Schools received a total of $55,000.

NCBA's Injunction on COOL Denied

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association – one of those suing USDA over their rewrite of Country of Origin Labeling – is disappointed their preliminary injunction request was denied by a District Court Judge. NCBA’s Chase Adams says the decision just means more costs for cattle producers and processors…

“We had hoped that the court would understand that this failed rule by the USDA is going to cost the industry in excess of $100 million dollars in record keeping and increased labeling costs. All for a rule that we see as likely to be seen as not meeting our international trade obligations.”

Adams says NCBA is not against labeling – but would like to see a voluntary labeling program.

House Vote Scheduled on Food Stamp Bill

The House may vote next week on a controversial food stamp bill that GOP leaders insist on considering before they’ll go to conference with the Senate on a full farm bill. But other big pitfalls remain. Iowa Ag Senator Chuck Grassley argues whether the House passes a separate food stamp bill or not – there will still be problems getting a complete farm bill done this year…

“They are still going to end up with the same issue, the $4 billion dollars of the Senate cuts, versus the forty the House is talking about cutting. So there has to be a compromise between four and whatever number comes out of the House. That is a big issue.”

Grassley points out some Senate Democrats opposed even the Senate-passed 4-billion dollar cut. And too meager a cut may not get back through the House in any compromise bill.

Wallace Making Historic 900th NASCAR Start with American Ethanol

This weekend at Chicagoland Speedway – NASCAR legend Kenny Wallace will make his 900th NASCAR start. He will be driving the RAB Racing Number 29 ToyotaCare, American Ethanol Toyota Camry. Wallace will also compete Friday night in the Camping World Truck Series race at Chicagoland Speedway in the Number 81 SS Green Light American Ethanol Toyota Tundra