At an Ag in the Classroom event held in Minneapolis, Minn., on Friday, May 18, Future Farmers of America (FFA) leaders educated urban elementary school students about the importance of agriculture and how food gets to their plates. Lloyd Lesmeister was one of the FFA leaders showing hogs to the students. He provides his insights about the divide between urban students and some members of the general public and current agricultural practices.

Kubota Tractor Corporation, headquartered in Torrance, Calif., recently announced the release of a new line of M-Series tractors, including the M100GX, M110GX, M126GX and the M135GX. Farm Industry News editor Kathy Huting took a ride in the largest and most powerful of the models, the M135GX, with Paul Williams, product manager for Kubota, on May 15. The highlight of the ride was looking out of what Kubota says is the largest cab in the tractor's mid-size class. For more information, visit www.kubota.com.

Genetically engineered corn has provided a number of benefits to producers, including stronger stalks that stand up to higher winds. Those stalks have also led to increased complaints about more flats and damage to tires. Titan Tire manufacturing personnel discussed what their company is doing to address the issue during a company media briefing in Des Moines, Iowa. Titan’s Scott Sloan has been one of the leaders of that effort.

Chris Carrier, cash crop tractor marketing manager with New Holland, takes viewers for a test drive of the new T7 Series tractor model.  The tractor features a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, according to New Holland, operates as easily as driving a car with an infinite range of speeds.  Also featured is an auto-guidance system that lets the tractor drive itself.