Aaron grew up on a farm in West Bend, IA. He has a degree in public communications from UNI, and is currently employed as the Director of Communications & External Relations for the Iowa Soybean Association.
Aaron reminded us of the importance of Agriculture in not only feeding the world, but also providing all sorts of other material products, as well as renewable energy sources. Only 4% of the world's surface is usable in producing food. Iowa is one of the Nation's largest agricultural states, with 86% of our ground being farmed ground. The United States produced over 500 million bushels of soybeans last year, with Iowa being the number 2 producing state (second to Illinois, Iowa has been number 1 in past years. The recent drop is due to an increase in hog production).
America is currently the largest producer of soybeans world wide, while China is the largest consumer of soybeans worldwide. In fact, China uses approximately 97% of the soybean crop grown world-wide in a given year. This is scary for American farmers currently, due to the trade war that has begun between China and the United States in recent months. With taxes and tariffs on our products on the rise, China has significantly decreased its import of American soybeans. This has caused soybean prices to drop nationwide, and leads to an uncertain future for our farmers.
America is currently the largest producer of soybeans world wide, while China is the largest consumer of soybeans worldwide. In fact, China uses approximately 97% of the soybean crop grown world-wide in a given year. This is scary for American farmers currently, due to the trade war that has begun between China and the United States in recent months. With taxes and tariffs on our products on the rise, China has significantly decreased its import of American soybeans. This has caused soybean prices to drop nationwide, and leads to an uncertain future for our farmers.
Aaron is visiting China at the end of March to meet with people there to learn more about the issues at hand, to discuss the future of trade between the two nations, and how this might affect the American farmer.
As it 3.14 is also National Pie Day, Aaron asked for crowd participation with a price of mini pies! Thank you to everyone who brought guests for the presentation; it was wonderful to have such a large crowd.
As it 3.14 is also National Pie Day, Aaron asked for crowd participation with a price of mini pies! Thank you to everyone who brought guests for the presentation; it was wonderful to have such a large crowd.
Becky Patterson with guest Gary Kos
Ed Lins with guest Jim Cuddeback
Jim Gorham with guest Larry Marek
Craig Davis with guest Eric Schmitt
Bob Kennedy with guest Bill Edwards
Amber Trettin with guest Josh Trettin
Kurt Sorensen with guest Amand Russell
Cheryl Kurtz with guest Heather Marek
Don Vittetoe with guest Alicia Vittetoe and Guest Speaker Aaron Putze
Matt Greiner with guest Rachel Fishback
Sue Basten with guests Pat and Jared Gent
Michelle Redlinger with guest Jill Venden
Paul Horak with guest Ron Farrier
Gary Murphy with guest Andy McCall
Don introduces the program
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Aaron Putze with the Iowa Soybean Association speaks to Washington Rotarians |
Last Week, Brent Hinson presented to the Rotary club about changes coming to the Washington community regarding the recycling process in the city limits.
Upcoming Events:
March 21: Amy Schulte
March 28: Sean Cortum
April 4: Connie Larson
April 11: Willie Stone
April 18: Emory Van Gerpen (Holy Week)
April 25: Bob Lamb
March 21: Amy Schulte
March 28: Sean Cortum
April 4: Connie Larson
April 11: Willie Stone
April 18: Emory Van Gerpen (Holy Week)
April 25: Bob Lamb