Much to be Learned at 2013 Commodity Classic

The 2013 Commodity Classic is underway in Kissimmee, Florida and Charles Hall, CEO of the NC Soybean Producers Association explains that there’s plenty of opportunities to learn at this year’s Classic:

“We have all of the educational seminars that are part of the Commodity Classic. There are lots of opportunities to learn about crops, policy, products, technologies and more.”

Commodity Classic gets underway this morning with the General Session where Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack is scheduled to be the keynote speaker. The Classic runs through Saturday.

Commissioner’s BBQ Cookoff Calling for Entries
 

Do you think you’ve got what it takes to win the Commissioners Cup State Championship BBQ Cook Off? If you’re a backyard barbecue warrior, or a professional that hits the barbecue circuit, then now is the time to sign up for the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Smokin’ at the Market Commissioners Cup BBQ Cook Off. The competition is March 22-23 at the State Farmers Market in West Columbia.
The categories for the Commissioners Cup include: Anything Butt, Butts, Pork Ribs, Grand Champion, and Reserve Champion. South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers will present the awards on Saturday afternoon of the event. The cook off is sanctioned by the Southern BBQ Network.

Wheat Drops in Midst of Snowstorms

Wheat dropped to an eight-month low earlier this week as the Great Plains and other parts of the U.S. were hit by a snowstorm predicted to ease drought conditions before crops come out of winter dormancy. Areas of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas were under a blizzard warning – expected to get as much as 15-inches of snow. As of February 19th – 91-percent of the central to northern Great Plains was under moderate to exceptional drought – but dry conditions are ending as the regions was hit with two storms in one week. But, many feel that it was a ‘too little, too late’ situation for many wheat acres in the southern plains.

Spring Planting Intentions Surveys Underway
 

More than 80-thousand growers across the United States will be surveyed over the next several weeks on their planting intentions for this year. National Agricultural Statistics Service National Operations Division Director Bob Bass says last year was a very variable year – with some areas of the country in severe drought and others with enough moisture to harvest good crops…

Surveys can completed and returned iby mail or fax. The results will be released on March 28th.