Hondo Group - WI office opening: http://thehondogroup.cmail1.com/l/407854/vdioe6/www.hondogroup.com/photoGalleries/darlington/index.html tweeted about an hour ago by Chuck
Even Nolan Ryan agrees that all beef is nutritious. But, the former ball player says his beef is a cut above the rest. That’s because he says his company offers what consumers are looking for at the meat case.
This USDA-certified Choice line is produced with consumers and their families in mind. This premium line is free from antibiotics and added hormones. Cattle are exclusively fed an all-vegetarian diet.
Nolan Ryan’s Premium Reserve is being introduced in Kroger Southwest locations in the Dallas and Houston metro areas. In addition, Nolan Ryan’s Guaranteed Tender Beef continues to be available for retail and foodservice. Most recently it was named the “Official Beef of the Texas Rangers” and is being served at Rangers Stadium.
I’ve been asked a few times lately what the story is with The Derry Brownfield Show and Learfield Communications but was waiting to write about it until I had more information. Here’s Derry enjoying a great party out at his cabin last weekend.
Probably most of you know that Derry Brownfield and Clyde Lear started Learfield Communications many moons ago. I joined the team as manager of the Brownfield Network after Clyde had bought Derry’s interest in the company. It was while I was there that we started Derry’s talk show. In fact, Cindy gets credit for the idea and I worked out the formatting and helped get the first list of affiliated radio stations. I’m planning to do an interview with Derry soon so we can reminisce about those good old days.
Apparently Learfield Communications will no longer be supporting the talk show and I really don’t know anything more than you can read online. You can read about it directly on Clyde’s company blog.
His last show will be in the middle of May. The “Common Sense Coalition” grinds to a halt on our system, but likely will continue with a new ownership group.
I’m fairly certain that Brownfield Network clients know that Derry’s show has been independent of the farm radio network. However, the public perception has always been different. Derry has always been very outspoken and opinionated. In fact, he’s a self described mean spirited, politically incorrect, cantankerous old so and so. But he’s a good friend and one of my favorite people to hang out with. I love how it says in the “AgLine News” article that other people at Learfield were afraid to talk to him. I always found Derry open and easy to talk with.
Derry is an industry icon and one that has many more years of service to give. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next and I’m betting you’ll be able to find out here soon.
Here’s something for all you ag media buyers out there. Tired of the sales calls? Pick up a Colt, Lazer or M16 and take care of those bothersome pests. Courtesy of Intergi, it’s the Intergi Shooters Game.
Intergi is the premier gaming site representation company that serves customers on a global scale. With years of experience in the gaming community and the largest reach online, we are a driving force in the game society. Our diverse online presence allows us to stay tapped into a variety of our core audience’s needs, and also provides our clients with a number of advertising venues to reach the gamer in everyone.
Chatel Farms wants to give consumers the beef without, well, causing too much of a beef. The Georgia-based company is now offering Beef Crumbles, or, 100 percent pure ground beef packaged in ready-to-use, re-sealable portions. Chatel Farms offers two varieties: 80 percent lean or 85 percent lean.
The Crumbles are flash frozen and crumbled using an innovative proprietary technology providing consumers quality ingredients in convenient sizes.
Simply pre-heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add frozen Beef Crumbles directly into the pan and cook while stirring for approximately two minutes. Then add your favorite sauces and seasonings and you’re well on your way to serving up a wholesome, tasty dish for you or the entire family.
Chatel Farms Beef Crumbles are now available at Wal-Mart stores nationwide and in participating Kroger stores.
The National Association of Farm Broadcasting has just released some initial results (pdf file) from the first segment of their new producer media use study. I think you should take note of how important text messages are to producers. That really stands out to me. Same for web-based information. The word “grown” is key. It’s growing!
The fact that farmers value radio so high on a daily basis is something that I’ve always understood. Farmers are about as mobile as anyone else and the radio is a convenient source of news and information. I just wish more radio stations carried farm programming.
While Web-based information use among the nation’s largest agricultural producers and ranchers has grown, thanks to increased access to high-speed Internet connections, radio remains the primary and most-used source of daily agribusiness information.
This is according to the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, based on the first “wave” data from its ongoing comprehensive 2008 National Producer Media-Use Wave Study. The survey, which includes in-depth interviews with three distinct samples of 800 national Class 1A producers and ranchers in each sample, comes 10 years after a 1998-99 “wave study” sponsored by NAFB. Class 1A producers have $100,000+ in sales/gross farm income.
Trailing radio in importance as a source of daily agribusiness information – based on the
first sampling wave conducted in February – are Web sites, television, and cell phone text
messages, in order.
I’ve never really had a major interest in how hot dogs are made. They’re just plain good to eat and that’s good enough for me. I kind of like the ones that fill up the bun. Add some relish, mustard, ketchup, onions, cheese, banana peppers and you’ve got yourself a gourmet meal on a bun. The American Meat Institute has started a channel on YouTube to answer questions that you may have about things like hot dogs. They just released a couple of videos on this subject. Meat News Network is dedicated to providing consumers and the media with timely, credible information about the meat and poultry industry and the products we produce.
Meat News Network is produced by the American Meat Institute, the nation’s oldest and largest trade association representing U.S. meat and poultry packers and processors. Together, our members produce more than 95 percent of U.S. beef, pork, lamb, veal and more than 70 percent of U.S. turkey.
“Kelly is a great addition to our team,” said Stan Koenigsfeld, President, Learfield News. “Her enthusiasm and Director of Marketing experience make her a great asset to our team and clients in Nebraska.”
As Account Executive for Nebraska Radio Network and Brownfield, Ag News for America, Medwick will help marketers develop and implement effective campaigns to achieve their organizational goals.
Before joining Learfield, she was the Associate VP of Communications for Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, where she developed strategic marketing, branding and public awareness campaigns. Medwick also worked with multiple state and non-profit entities on collaborative outreach programs.
A new Got Milk? campaign wants to reward moms. Moms that excel as the family’s ‘Chief Health Officer’ can win $100,000 just in time for Mother’s Day.
Mothers have always had a lot on their plates — from carpool queen to coach, counselor to chef. It’s all been part of a day’s work. However, with the growing concerns over childhood obesity and inadequate nutrition, many moms have taken on yet another important role — that of Chief Health Officer for the family.
In most households, moms are the nutritional gatekeeper and largely determine what foods and beverages their families consume. This “job description” has become increasingly important with the country’s rising rate of childhood obesity, which has tripled in the last 30 years. To recognize this vital role, America’s milk processors are joining forces with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Project M.O.M. to salute moms nationwide for helping to keep their families healthy and fit.
Penton Media and Western Farm Press® will be the publisher of the official World Ag Expo magazine and show guide in 2009. The official magazine is distributed to thousands of farmers and ranchers preceding the opening of the worldwide event in February in Tulare, Calif. The magazine is the primary news source for all official Expo details and events. World Ag Expo 2009 is scheduled for Feb. 10-12.
AgraQuest, Inc., announced that Ashish Malik has been hired as the Senior VP of Global Marketing. Malik joins the AgraQuest executive management team and will begin his new duties effective immediately. Malik will oversee product development, regulatory and marketing functions for AgraQuest, focusing his efforts on creating and implementing efficient and effective strategies that bring value to its customers and builds brand portfolio value.
The Hondo Group, a marketing communications company, is moving to new ground. The Fort Worth-based firm has announced the grand opening of a new location in Darlington, WI. The Wisconsin office will serve as the company’s hub for Midwest operations. Pictured (l-r) are Patricia Lawson, account supervisor at The Hondo Group; Kim Jones, vice president of The Hondo Group; Lynn Balinas, president of The Hondo Group; Mayor David Breunig, City of Darlington and Suzi Osterday, City of Darlington.
“As our client base expands, so must our operations,” said Kim Jones, vice president of The Hondo Group. “We are pleased to now have a location in Darlington that will focus on our ever-expanding list of agriculture and dairy clients.”
As The Hondo Group continues to expand, the company will provide clients with business solutions such as strategic branding processes and procedures, new products and new technologies. The company has made investments in several additional staff members to ensure that exceptional customer service and results continue.
The Hondo Group has offered marketing services both on the national and international level. The firm focuses on agribusiness, real estate, professional services and western lifestyle.
A Consumer Reports Poll confirms it. It’s what we’ve known all along: Americans love their grills. The poll found that 41 percent of outdoor grillers grill all year and 68 percent even grill in the rain. Twenty-six percent have even grilled in the snow, sleet or hail. Nearly a third have grilled in below freezing temperatures. When you think of tender, juicy American beef thought, it’s really no wonder why Americans love their grills. Consumer Reports has some tips on finding the best grills:
Consumer Reports’ tests of 37 gas grills, in sizes from portable or small to large, revealed that a premium price doesn’t guarantee a better grill: Some mid-priced grills outperformed grills costing hundreds more. Consumer Reports’ tests also found that a higher Btu level (British thermal unit) - once touted by manufacturers - doesn’t guarantee faster heating or better cooking. Shoppers will also find that many grill makers have turned to infrared technology to create buzz. But, CR notes that infrared is just another way of saying indirect cooking with heat, and that when it comes to grills, there are several ways to generate it. Consumer Reports’ tests revealed little difference between infrared technologies. It also found that infrared cooking was no better than regular grilling.
Three midsized grills have been designated as CR Best Buys: the Blue Ember by Fiesta FG50069-U401, $450, available at Home Depot; the Brinkmann 810-8410S, $200, also available at Home Depot; and the Char-Broil Commercial Series 463268008, $300, available at Lowe’s. The Blue Ember shined for cooking food evenly. The Brinkmann combined fine cooking, a side burner, and lots of shelf space at a lower price. The stainless-steel Char-Broil offers excellent grilling, a side burner, and an abundance of shelf space.
People grilling for a crowd should consider these CR Best Buys: the Kenmore 16315, $570, available at Sears; and the Char-Broil Quantum 463248208, $500, available at Lowe’s, are both stainless steel. The Kenmore provides very good performance with five main burners and a 10-year warranty. It also has a rotisserie and side burners, and plenty of shelf space. The Char-Broil excels in grilling, provides infrared heat, and a lifetime warranty on its burners.
Consumers who tailgate or have a tight space will be interested in the $190 Weber Q 200 (396002), a portable grill that is very good at cooking food evenly, an important characteristic. A cart and an adapter for a larger propane tank are available separately for this grill.
Another tip from Consumer Reports… when shopping for a grill, bring a magnet. The magazine says a magnet will usually stick to cheaper-grade steel. So if the magnet sticks, move on. That grill is more likely to rust.
Right after my presentation on new media here at the TOCA meeting the next session featured editors and public relations people. They discussed the relationship dynamics between the two groups.
My presentation went okay even though I didn’t have internet access. Don’t ask me how but it got done. It’s kind of a challenge though when everything we do and that I wanted to show is online.
You can find an online photo album with pictures I’ve taken today here: TOCA Photo Album
This morning before we went out to Hazeltine National Golf Club for the tournament I interviewed TOCA President, Ed Hiscock, Golf Course Management Magazine. Ed says that there are about 200 members of the Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association which will be celebrating 20 years next year. He says the organization was formed to bring together editors and public relations people and set standards for how they work together. I asked him about new media and how it’s changing the way we communicate and he says that new technology is allowing us to extend what we’re already doing. You can find his publication’s blog here.
Listen to my interview with Ed here:
I’ve found a lot of similarities between the membership of TOCA and other groups I belong to like AAEA, LPC, IFAJ and NAFB. For one thing we share some of the same advertisers and sponsors. You’ll notice some of the same corporate names represented here in the chemical and equipment business, just different divisions. The media and public relations representatives are no different and facing the same challenges as in other industries. I’ve also seen several people I know who are also doing work on the ag side.
Health-conscious consumers looking to power up on antioxidants should look for blueberry juice. The Wild Blueberry Association of North America says the USDA’s database for antioxidant values in various foods names blueberry juice among the best sources for antioxidants. The juice is compared with others such as pomegranate, apple, prune, cranberry and Concord grape.
Using the Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) testing procedure, the gold standard of antioxidant measures for detecting the free-radical scavenging ability of foods, blueberry juice had the highest ORAC score of 2,906 umol TE/100g.
The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends anywhere from 2 1/2 to 6 1/2 cups or 5 to 13 servings a day of colorful fruit and vegetables depending on age, gender and activity level. According to Davis, a 4-ounce glass of 100% fruit juice equals 1/2 cup of fruit and counts toward daily fruit serving goals. “Try fresh, frozen, canned, juice or dried, because all forms count when you’re trying to add more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Make sure you get a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, and when it comes to blue, eat at least 1/2 cup of Wild Blueberries or drink 4 ounces of Wild Blueberry juice every day,” said Davis.
The Wild Blueberry Association adds, that though wild blueberries weren’t taken into account, past studies show that wild blueberries contain more antioxidants that 20 other antioxidant-rich fruits. The ORAC database has become the most referenced source of antioxidant values for food.
Forty-six million Americans have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. That’s one in five American adults. With that figure expected to rise more than 40 percent by 2030, it’s certainly not an issue to ignore. That’s where the cherries come in. The Cherry Marketing Institute is highlighting a new study by the University of Michigan that suggests tart cherries might help naturally reduce inflammation and ease pain from arthritis.
Scientists believe it’s the anthocyanins — also responsible for cherries’ vibrant red color — that are responsible for this anti-inflammatory benefit. Other studies indicate that anthocyanins may be beneficial for a range of inflammatory-related conditions, including arthritis.
Studies also suggest antioxidant-rich foods, like cherries, may help reduce levels of nitric oxide, a compound associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis currently affects 27 million Americans, with onset typically after 45 years of age.
Russel Reiter, Ph.D., nutrition researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center, explained that cherries contain antioxidants that function in the same way as some types of pain medication. That’s great news as recent surveys suggest responders are more interested in eating and drinking foods that promote health instead of needing to seek medical treatment or to rely dietary supplements.
American Butter Institute (ABI) members elected new board representatives from three member companies: Cody Gruwell, United Dairymen of Arizona, in Tempe, AZ; Michael John, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, Inc. in Reston, VA; and Dean Van Tuinen from Darigold, Inc., in Seattle, WA. In addition, John Whetten, ABI’s President from 1999-2001 received the American Dairy Product Institute’s Award of Merit.
Research into the success of farm safety education efforts delivered by the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day™ program will help the program become even more successful in the future. Researchers from the University of Kentucky and the University of Alabama have joined forces with the Progressive Agriculture Foundation to conduct this new study in hopes of making a good thing even better. Funding for this work, entitled REACCH (Refinement and Enhancement of Agricultural Safety Curricula for Children) is provided through a grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Ag Leader Technology, along with Holland Scientific, a leader in active light reflectance crop sensing technology, announced that Ag Leader has become the exclusive distributor for Holland Scientific’s second generation active light reflectance sensor products for use in production agriculture.
I saw a lot of this from the highway today in between areas of rain. It looks like some work was getting done.
It’s a long way up here to Minneapolis but the scenery is beautiful if you like rolling farm country and I do. It’s so tempting to stop and take pictures. This was one I couldn’t resist.
So, I’m here to learn more about the Turf and Ornamental Communicators Association and I’ll do that by playing golf with them early tomorrow before coming back to the hotel to talk about new media (for profit). Keep an eye on my Twitter feed for updates during the day when I’m not at my computer.
Diesel consumers wanting to alleviate soaring fuel prices and high grocery bills should consider using biodiesel. The Missouri Soybean Association says biodiesel helps extend the nation’s limited fuel supply. Plus, it creates an abundance of livestock feed.
The state’s House Transportation Committee recently held a hearing on legislation that would require all diesel fuel sold in Missouri to be blended with 5 percent biodiesel fuel. Dave Drennan, executive director of the Missouri Dairy Association, testified in support of the biodiesel legislation.
“As more soybeans are crushed to meet the demands of biodiesel producers, more soybean meal is made available to livestock producers in greater quantities… By increasing the supply of soybean meal, biodiesel helps dairy producers keep costs down,” said Drennan.
High fuel prices have also impacted dairy prices. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, 85 percent of all products that are produced and purchased in the state are shipped by diesel-powered trucks. Despite local dairy production, Missouri is a milk-deficit state and imports 1.7 billion pounds of milk from other states each year.
According to the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri, rising usage of soybean oil to produce biodiesel has strengthened soybean oil prices while weakening soybean meal prices. This means more livestock feed is available at lower prices. Soybean meal is created when soybeans are crushed to extract the oil needed for biodiesel. Soybean oil is the only part of the soybean needed to produce biodiesel. For every gallon of biodiesel that is produced, 4 gallons of livestock feed are created.
Ag Leader Technology recently broke ground on a building expansion at their facility in Ames, Iowa. The 96,000 square foot addition will more than double the size of the current facility and create approximately 58 new jobs in the Ames area.
Lew Lewis was recently promoted to Senior Key Account Manager for Kemin AgriFoods North America. In this role, Lew serves as the Kemin AgriFoods representative to Kemin customers in the areas of Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. Lew joined Kemin in 1998 as a commercial sales team member. Prior to joining Kemin, he served as a plant controller and then as a buyer for Ralston-Purina Co.
Downes-O’Neill announced the agenda for its 2008 Outlook Conference, which will be focused largely on what some analysts are describing as a looming crisis in the production, pricing, and distribution of food supplies across the globe. The 5th Annual Outlook Conference is to be held June 18-19 in Chicago.
Novus International Inc.,awarded the 2008 Novus Research Fellowship (NRF) last month. The recipient of the 2008 NRF award was Dr. Ma Deying from the Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agriculture University in Harbin, China. Dr. Deying’s winning proposal is related to alternatives to in-feed antibiotics in commercial poultry operations.
Laura McNamara attended the Roadrunner Turbo Indy 300 in Kansas City, MO. Check out her pictures from race day.
Milk Producer Issues
In this week's program you get to meet Sarah Olson, Communications Coordinator for the National Milk Producers Federation.
Sarah says that the farm bill has been their number 1 issue lately but immigration will be a big one. She says that they're looking at blogs as they look to the future of communications.
Even Nolan Ryan agrees that all beef is nutritious. But, the former ball player says his beef is a cut above the rest. That’s because he says his company offers what consumers are looking for at the meat case.
I’ve been asked a few times lately what the story is with 
Here’s something for all you ag media buyers out there. Tired of the sales calls? Pick up a Colt, Lazer or M16 and take care of those bothersome pests. Courtesy of Intergi, it’s the 
The 
Right after my presentation on new media here at the TOCA meeting the next session featured editors and public relations people. They discussed the relationship dynamics between the two groups.
Here’s my audience for my presentation on blogging and podcasting here at the TOCA meeting in Minneapolis.
I saw a lot of this from the highway today in between areas of rain. It looks like some work was getting done.
The May ZimmNews has just been published. If you are not receiving it then get yourself 
In this week's program you get to meet Sarah Olson, Communications Coordinator for the National Milk Producers Federation.
