Farmers Union’s Carbon Credit Program allows ag producers and landowners to earn income by storing carbon in their soil through no-till crop production and longterm grass seeding practices. Farmers Union has earned approval from the Chicago Climate Exchange to aggregate carbon credits. Farmers Union will enroll producer acreages of carbon into blocks of credits that will be traded on the Exchange, much like other agricultural commodities are traded.

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information at NFU

WHO: The National Farmers Union and Members of the Press

WHAT: National Farmers Union President Tom Buis and NFU board members would like members of the media to attend this press event and breakfast kicking of NFU’s Carbon Credit Program. The program will provide financial incentives for farmers who adopt farming practices that promote environmental stewardship.

WHERE: Indianapolis, Indiana
Omni Severin Hotel, 40 West Jackson

WHEN: Tuesday, October 10, 9:30 AM

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story at INFU

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa, Aug. 8, 2006- Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today released an analysis prepared by USDA economists of the department's renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. This is the fourth in a series of subject areas that warranted a comprehensive examination based on comments received during last year's nationwide Farm Bill Forum listening tour.

" During the Farm Bill Forums, we heard real enthusiasm from producers about the potential for agriculture to unleash new sources of energy and income," said Johanns. "We have seen ethanol production more than double in four years. USDA is committed to encouraging the entrepreneurial innovation of America's farmers and ranchers to help build a new energy economy."

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story at INFU

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) today announced with Ranking Democrat Tom Harkin (D-IA) the first of a series of farm bill regional hearings for Friday, June 23 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern on the campus of Albany State University in Albany, Georgia. Throughout the summer, additional hearings are planned in Missouri on Monday July 17, Pennsylvania on Friday July 21, as well as hearing dates and locations to be announced for Iowa and two states within the nation’s western region.

“Senators of the Agriculture Committee are looking forward to hearing directly from producers, and we strongly encourage them to speak up with specifics about what is working and what can work better in farm policy,” said Chambliss. “These hearings are a valuable opportunity for direct dialogue between farmers and the agriculture committee and for folks in the surrounding region to share how they would like to see farm policy shaped as we write the next Farm Bill.”

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agriculture.senate.gov

Having never been to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it was evident that Thomas Dorr, Under Secretary for Rural Development, United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA) was awed. Having not hosted Dorr in Indiana, it was evident that Hoosiers were impressed by his enthusiasm for alternative energy and the importance of rural development.

Arriving Monday, Thomas Dorr made his first visit to Indiana as Under Secretary for Rural Development. Touring Morristown, Indiana’s Integrity Biofuels plant, Dorr noted that “National energy security is a huge issue to the president right now.” Dorr stated that Charles and John Whittington’s Integrity facility exemplified American entrepreneurial spirit at its best. “Integrity Biofuels will employ local engineers, local contractors, and is energy responsible,” Dorr said.

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Greensburg -- Honda has confirmed they are going to build a new plant in the United States, but the location is still a secret.

"If it's more of the same they'll pick Ohio, but it's not going to be more of the same." IU Kelley School of Business professor Charles Dhanaraj is confident Honda Corporation is coming to Indiana. "They've opened plants recently in Alabama and Georgia," said Dhanaraj who says the fact Honda already has a auto plant in Marysville, Ohio bodes well for Indiana. "They're not looking for put all their eggs in one basket."

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story at INFU

INDIANAPOLIS — The day was usually hot when Tom Buis hit the field.
But the native Hoosier only got a few rounds of planting in before determining the ground was a little too wet to continue.

In all, the experience lasted for about two hours. But it will keep Buis going for quite some time.

Buis is the newly elected president of the Nation Farmers Union. He recently got a chance to briefly visit his family farm during a short stay in Indiana. The visit was in the midst of a whirlwind of travel since being elected to the presidency about two months ago.

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story at AGRINEWS

Download the May 2006
INFU Newsletter PDF (215 kb)

WASHINGTON (April 20, 2006) — National Farmers Union joins citizens across the country in celebrating Earth Day, April 22, and acknowledges the environmental advances made by America’s farmers and ranchers.
 
“ NFU supports Earth Day’s ideals on many levels,” NFU President Tom Buis said. “The organization’s long-standing support and our members’ efforts to produce and create more demand for fuels from the farm, including wind, solar, biomass, ethanol and biodiesel, is just one example of our commitment to the environment. Farm-based fuels not only reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, they help meet efficiency and vehicle emission goals and help to sustain a healthy rural economy.”

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story at INFU

GREENSBURG, Ind. — From checkoffs to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, nothing is off limits for discussion when the new Indiana Farmer Union president and vice president state their minds.

The two recent sat down to talk about agriculture issues and to prove to all of Indiana they – and the IFU – mean business.

Benham, a typical Indiana farmer, is laid back and modest. Fox, who has dedicated most of her life to public service, is polished and outspoken.

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story at AGRINEWS

GREENSBURG, Ind. — After a few years of silence, Indiana Farmers Union is making a voluble comeback.

Along with former Hoosier farmer Tom Buis recently being elected as president of the National Farmers Union, IFU has put into place new officers and hopes to build membership and awareness.

New IFU President Jim Benham of Versailles and Vice President Melina Fox of Greensburg have been working fervently since being elected earlier this year.