I’ve worked with Bob Priddy for 20 years he is very unforgiving on the subject of “canned” news releases. This is amazingly high praise form one of the most respected names in broadcast journalism. Put this one in your Memory Book.
You might alreayd have this link somewhere and I missed it, but a “How to” or “FAQ” page on podcasting (how to subscribe, not how to produce) would be useful. You could inlcude links to iPodder, etc. ZimmCast will be so popular you’re gonna need such a help page.
If anything could entice me to follow the goings-on of the WTO, it would be knowing you are there, blogging away. Perhaps you should put up a Paypal link and invite your readers to contribute a few bucks toward the trip. You can put me down for a twenty.
As you know, I agree with your position on advertising and like the idea of “underwriting” your efforts. Might I suggest that you use the Paypal logo instead of your “donate” button. Most people know and trust Paypal and “donate” is a little… mysterious. Take advantage of the good Paypal brand.
A quick blogosphere roundup of recent posts on the Central American Free Trade Agreement: Anti-CAFTA: The Green Lantern, Freiheit und Wissen, Intellectual Property
I wanted to be the first (ok, second to Chuck) to express what a great event BCS Communications hosted last night. Anyone who attended was the recipient of great atmosphere, food, drink and people! I left around midnight and the festivities were still going, albeit a smaller group. They are answering their phones and the door is open for business as I just spoke to Leigh Ann… They never really were locked up last night. Leigh Ann, Kelly and David are all on-site and working… Illinois is AWOL. We assume he’s just drying out his liver… Christy, escorted home last night by her devoted (that’s just a nice way of saying “sober”) husband, David, has been accounted for but is not in the office.
Way to let your hair down, BCS… you deserve it! Congratulations on your two-year milestone.
If your in contact with them you need to explain RSS feed. I could find no RSS feed for the blog and that is the most efficient way to keep track of a blog.
I fully agree and I also noticed that their “feedback” mechanism is to sent them an email. They don’t have the public comment function like we’re using here. Another thing they should consider if they’re serious about calling it a blog in my opinion.
Well drat the luck I also was aware that the bike belonged to one of the original Hells Angels “MAD MIKE GUSTAFSON”. Of course you probably do not have a t-shirt in My SIZE anyway.
How nice to hear from you. I have been reading your weblog regularly from your site feed, after hearing about it through the Farm Policy weblog. I have added you to the very top of my blogroll (okay, I admit it’s alphabetical). I did thing that was funny that the agrimarketing pros were hesitating about advertising. Don’t let me keep you from changing your mind — everybody needs to make a living.
This really has nothing to do with this post but the idea hit me so why not post it here.
I was thinking I’d enjoy hearing one of your presentations as a podcast. But if you do that, folks might not feel like they need to have you come speak to their group. Which helps ZimmComm.
But how about a regular (monthly?) podcast where you and two or three agri-marketing types talk about…agri marketing. Not sure how you’d work out the tech challenges but there’s always a way.
I’m thinking very free-form, round-table bull session on the latest news and trends. Once you get some traction you’ll have the heavy hitters (does agri marketing have heavy hitters?) calling you to be inclulded.
Good idea Steverino. I’ve got some ideas for this as I continue moving toward becoming what I’ve seen called a “Pro Blogger.” That is, someone who blogs full time for a living.
Keep an eye on our skin as we shed the old one this week. (fingers crossed)
Chuck, your presentation to Midlands NAMA was excellent. I had read about blogs and blogging in professional publications, but your explanations and real-time online demo helped me understand a great deal more.
Chuck, I’m an ASAE member and this was a great article. The author, pictured, has a blog for assocations called “Blogging for Associations” at http://www.associationblog.blogspot.com/
In it he revealed that a) the tattoo is not permanent; and b) he leaves open the possibility that his muscles were digitally enhanced.
I will get it corrected. That’s the way it’s spelled in the “Call For Entries” brochure I received in the mail. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
A big “Ooops!!” from me for spelling Kris Boone’s name wrong. I hate to say how many eyes proof read the copy. We’re doing a second printing with the correction.
Also, Oscar entries are to be submitted to Kris, but inquiries on how to enter should be directed to either the NAFB office or to me at gene.hemphill@cnh.com. I’d be happy to send a pdf to any NAFB voting member who may have misplaced the one sent in the mail. …Gene
Yes, it was a very good presentation. I imagine that there are many of us who should make more use of so many of these technologies – and I think we will. I’m sending this from the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Indianapolis. Looking to apply some blogging technologies to some of our educational efforts. Thanks.
Lyndon Irwin, Phd
Professor of Agriculture
(soon to be) Missouri State University
I enjoyed doing the interview for PR Quest and look forward to hearing it since it was a Skype call. The quality was excellent on my end and I hope yours as well.
[...] der: Public Relations , Blogging — Chuck@ 12:29 pm I just posted information about Global PR Week 2.0 and noticed that the date has changed from what was written [...]
[...] r RSS Feed Filed under: Talking News Release — Chuck@ 6:35 pm I recently posted an announcement about our RSS feed for the Talking News Releases we produce. Now I can announce that w [...]
Chuck, be sure to tell the folks that your blog is one of the very best ones covering agriculture. I get a lot of news and story ideas from you. Thanks!
[...] 7;re going to hear a lot more about it. We reported recently on the introduction of a new voluntary beef labeling program. It was officially kicked off today. The f [...]
I can appreciate the NCGA membership initiatives to try to add value to memberships and encourage membership renewals and new memberships; however Farm information on satellite radio is not likely to be a part of any programming options. The Satellite folks have made it very clear that the number of potential subscribers would be only a fraction of the millions they require to be a target demographic. Yes, farmers are people and enjoy various entertainment options; however when Satellite radio becomes a detraction from AM & FM Local radio for farmers, the potential negative impact on the reliable and timely service they now receive may be in question.
Advertiser support of Farm Broadcasting on the NAFB stations and networks is imperative to provide this FREE service to Agriculture and any thing that detracts from that relationship can only be detremental to the agricultural community.
Example this week. The volitile commodity markets have very significant impact…Corn and soybeans prices have fallen 10% in 48 hours.. Billions of dollars in produciton value that impact the lives of the entire agricultural community…. did you hear about it on Satellite Radio?? NO ..
Local Farm Broadcast Radio IS the most timely and vital daily media link serving this important segement of the American economy and the entertainment options are vast and FREE!!
Thanks for listening.
Great points Gene. As I’ve written here before, I’ve made numerous attempts to generate interest in farm news with both the major satellite companies. One never responded at all (XM) and the other (Sirius) basically said what you said. It’s just not a big enough target for them. I even offered to put together the programming for them but that made no difference.
We’re certainly in a time of fast change in information delivery. Even satellite radio is about to become the “old” technology as we are able to put earphones on our phones and listen to “live” audio anywhere/anytime.
What started my attempt to contact the satellite folks was a comment by a good friend who had a farmer point to his satellite radio and say “You need to be on here. This is what we’re listening to now.” Serious food for thought!
[...] orters use news releases, especially radio reporters since that’s our specialty. In the first chapter I wrote about the news value of a release, which is the most import [...]
[...] ward Filed under: Agribusiness — Chuck@ 7:23 am I introduced you to Jack Schultz a while back. I just found out that he received a very nice award. That’ [...]
There are many forms of security that will be strengthened by a robust renewable energy initiative in this country. Addressing specifically bioconversion technologies that convert agricultural, forestry, and urban waste to ethanol:
1 – Markets for unsuccessful harvests (agricultural waste) as well as successful ones will secure the farming incomes
2 – Farmers can rotate between crops without sacrificing bioenergy income
3 – Cooperative ownership of local production provides economic stability by decentralizing profit centers, increasing employment, and spurring local investment
4 – Competition between fossil fuels and renewables will keep fuel prices in check
5 – Consumer choice at the pump between various blends of gas/ethanol will insure a smooth transition in infrastructure and vehicle development
6 – Fewer greenhouse gas emissions secure the air quality
7 – Waste conversion will reduce need for landfill
8 – Regional energy self-reliance will insure abundance
9 – Communities will save money from reduction of tipping fees
10 – Co-generated electricity will reduce dependence on fossil fuels
Emerging conversion technologies promise a paradigm shift in the way every region of this country addresses its energy needs. Regional self-reliance is the best defense against both foreign dependence and centralized corporate mis-management of the industry.
That’s all the recognition we get? “this place had dsl?”
Hope you guys are staying somewhat dry…at least Dennis isn’t totally kicking your butt!
I can’t remember having more fun than we did over the last few days…looking forward to you stopping back through….Paul
Bear in mind that Catalyst was conducting a qualitative usability test – not a quantitative survey. For usability tests, the industry norm is to use small sample sizes, because from a qualitative perspective, the flaws in an interface become quite clear even after just four or five people have performed a series of tasks. Don’t take my or Catalyst’s word for this – it’s a well known industry practice. Part of the veracity of this is that usability tests don’t emphasize participant opinion. They emphasize much more objective performance: can someone do something, or can they not? If nine different people fail to figure out something on an interface, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist – or 1000 more people – to tell you that interface could be better constructed at that particular point. Just an FYI on testing methodology for this industry….
I was in Ireland recently and the cartons of cigarettes clearly stated on the packaging, “Smoking Causes Fatal Lung Cancer.” It didn’t seem to me that anyone was deterred from buying the product because of that statement.
[...] rector of consumer information is featured on this week’s MBIC Report as we reported earlier. So we had to send out a Talking News Release, which we always post here t [...]
I’ve worked with Bill on projects and he’s bright without being ego driven. NAFB needs a broader perspective and I applaud this move. Change is one of the most difficult things for us to accept as humans but as a recent cover of Fast Company magazine screamed, “CHANGE OR DIE.”
Since Gary criticized Pimental and others work without presenting any factual basis I thought it would be important to provide some “fair and balanced” links to allow the people to learn and create their own opinions of this ongoing debate and issue.
[...] age study next Tuesday. We pointed you to it recently and the webcast just touched on the highlights. I’ll try to get more details to provide you next week. Until t [...]
[...] ers Ethical? Filed under: IFAJ , Ag Media Summit — Chuck@ 4:21 pm Ethics again. I interviewed David Markey by phone a few days ago at his office i [...]
Once again, terrific event coverage by AgWired. The official Agricultural Media Summit website is still frozen back in pre-event time (“Come see us at…”). Goodness, at the very least they should add a prominent link to AgWired. Or hire you to blog the event for them.
[...] ust 7, 2005 Get Your AgWired Tee Now Filed under: General — Chuck@ 11:45 am At the NAMA convention in April, our t-shirts were very popular. So much so, that we re-designed them an [...]
[...] odity Group — Chuck@ 1:05 pm Just yesterday we told you to experience the power of figs, now it’s potatoes. The United States Potato Board is changing Mr. Potato Head. [...]
I enjoyed the producer panel discussion this evening. I guess we are in the land of corn, wheat & beef. Would have liked to hear more from producers in the dairy industry.
Question I have is about farm shows:
What is the general opinion about exhibiting at farm trade shows vs spending money on print media advertising? Which is more succesful?
Good question and since I was just the moderator of the panel tonight I don’t know the answer. I think it was interesting that the producers on the panel said that farm shows were very important to them. They also made comments suggesting that their time spent reading trade pubs was kind of seasonal.
I wish I could provide more information to answer your question. Maybe someone else will read and chime in.
Actually, the recently released research conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Business Media Agri Council suggests that farmers used different sources of information at different points in their decision process. Advertising (in print and broadcast) helps introduce farmers to new products, etc. Their interest in farm shows is for new product info, but also to “test drive” the new product as they near a purchase decision. This will be one of the discussion topics at the NAMA Agribusiness Forum, November 8-9, in Kansas City.
Thanks Chuck,
I had a great time listening in on your session about blogging. The NAMA Boot Camp was very successful and I walked away feeling very satisfied with everything I learned. You have inspired me to create a blog of my own and maybe even the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture as well. Very nicely done
[...] 5 Arbitron Measures Podcasts Filed under: Media , Podcasting — Chuck@ 9:00 pm Just yesterday I posed the question “I wonder when Arbitron will begi [...]
Cows rule! I have about two dozen ceramic cows from Cows on Parade. It started innocently enough, then people starting giving them to me on every gift-giving occasion. I’ve tried to “steer” them to the cows I really want, but there are some definite culls in my herd.
You have a typo in the first sentence of our BASF story. Shouldn’t “significant news business from BASF” be “significant new business?” Maybe they’re just doing P.R.? Right…
Thanks for pointing out the type. Thought I had fixed that one!
I’m not sure the exact details of the business that Quarry is obtaining. I’m still waiting on a call back. It could just be public relations but that’s all the information I have.
Meanwhile is there anything new I should know about Red Lizard? Please add news@agwired.com to your media list so I can keep up to date!
At some point in the not to distant future, corn-to-ethanol conversion will merge with waste-to-energy conversion to greatly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, while simultaneously improving agricultural economics and the environment.
There is a new path being blazed in the development of ethanol fermentation processes. This path involves converting not only corn but also corn stover, other agricultural crops, agricultural wastes, forestry wastes, and urban wastes (including landfills and sewage) into ethanol. In fact, feedstock can include anything containing C-H-O (even fossil fuels).
Instead of sugar fermentation, a revolutionary conversion technology process is used. Gasification can reduce the feedstock to its components while generating enough heat to co-generate electricity. The product of gasification, syngas, can be converted into ethanol using bacteria as the converting agent. The process is amazingly efficient (7 minutes vs. 36-48 hours for sugar fermentation) and results in net energy gains in electricity and liquid fuel – while reducing the societal pariahs of landfills, waste, and fossil fuel dependency.
I invite readers to visit http://www.brienergy.com – the home site for BRI Energy LLC – a company that represents techological processes being pioneered and demonstrated in Fayetteville, Arkansas by James L. Gaddy, Ph.D. More information can be sought by signing up under the “Contact” webpage.
[...] Here’s a link to the story on our sister website, AgWired. You can see a short video of the cows fighting which was taken by one of the participants on her mobile phone. [...]
Farm Bureau Launches Hurricane Relief Efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 1, 2005 – The American Farm Bureau Federation said today that contributions to established charities are the best way to supply immediate aid to hurricane victims, but to provide longer-term assistance to affected farm and ranch families and rural communities AFBF has initiated a nationwide effort to raise money and collect food donations.
“We encourage all Americans to donate to their local charitable organizations, including churches, the American Red Cross, and America’s Second Harvest, who are all doing their best to provide direct and immediate relief to displaced and homeless people in the areas hit hard by Hurricane Katrina,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “AFBF will make a donation to our long-time partners at America’s Second Harvest to provide immediate food relief.”
“By establishing the Farm Bureau Hurricane Ag Fund we hope to provide a donation option for people wishing to assist the farm families and rural residents who were left in the wake of hurricane destruction,” Stallman said. “Every dollar we collect will be earmarked for helping farm and ranch families or their rural communities get back on their feet and back to the business of producing our nation’s food and fiber.”
Stallman said contributions will be disbursed to agricultural or rural-related charities selected by state Farm Bureaus in Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi, and the Alabama Farmers Federation.
The American Farm Bureau also will contribute to the Hurricane Ag Fund, and Stallman said that county Farm Bureaus, state Farm Bureaus and individual members may mail checks directly to the AFB Foundation. Donations are tax deductible when made out to AFBFA/Hurricane Ag Fund. Checks should be mailed to: AFBFA/Hurricane Ag Fund, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20024.
In addition to the Hurricane Ag Fund, the American Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee also are reaching out to America’s Second Harvest in an effort to ensure that people in the hurricane zone are fed.
“We encourage Farm Bureau members to donate appropriate food items to the America’s Second Harvest network of food banks,” said Terry Gilbert, chair of the American Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. “Those of us blessed with so much have the opportunity to help those in desperate need, simply by opening our own pantries,” she said.
“I am confident that America’s young farmers and ranchers will rise to the challenge of supplying hurricane victims with one of the most basic things we all take for granted – safe, nutritious food,” said Ben Boyd, chair of the national American Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Committee.
[...] Just last week I told you about this contest being run by the Holstein Association and this week we helped them promote it by sending out a Talking News Release! Here’s your chance to hear Lisa Perrin. She did a good job don’t you think? BRATTLEBORO, Vt., September 21, 2005— World Dairy Expo 2005 is just around the corner and Holstein Association USA, Inc. is inviting everyone who attends the expo to stop by their booth and meet the “Holstein Association Member of the Day” and get a free copy of the 2006 Holstein Association calendar. [...]
[...] Although he’s not in this race you need to be following team Hemelgarn’s #91, currently driven by Jimmy Kite. You may remember how he stepped in for the injured Paul Dana at the Indy 500. You can see quite a bit of that race experience by visiting our sister site, AgWired, which was around before DomesticFuel. Anyway, it’s Ron Hemelgarn and Paul Dana who have had a lot to do with helping convince the IRL to make the switch to ethanol. That’s why #91 is the “ethanol car.” [...]
[...] In just a few short months the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) has done a tremendous job to bring good information to consumers who want to know about putting it in their cars. The man behind EPIC is Tom Slunecka, executive director. I interviewed Tom for a weekly program on our sister website, AgWired. [...]
[...] In fact, USDA is supposed to be making a press announcement as this post is being written. Maybe this will generate more buzz for the whole MyPyramid thing since we reported on a study that says it hasn’t had much. Everybody’s into online games these days and USDA is no exception since the new MyPyramid for Kids section of their website has one called “Blast Off.” An interactive computer game where kids can reach Planet Power by fueling their rocket with food and physical activity. “Fuel” tanks for each food group help students keep track of how their choices fit into MyPyramid. [...]
[...] I know I just posted an announcement about this new USDA Market News Portal but I thought you might want to hear the announcement from Sec. Johanns himself, courtesy of Southeast AgNet. [...]
Thanks for the comment. I have a policy not to directly forward someone’s email without permission so I’ll forward your request to her and she can decide to respond personally.
[...] You never know who you’ll see when you go to a farm show. I’m here blogging the World Dairy Expo (World Dairy Diary) and the booth next to my little office is for the Southwest Plains Dairy Directory. I posted an announcement about it here on AgWired recently. And the person who’s working the exhibit is Kathy Cornett, Chairman of McCormick Company and a past president of the National Agri-Marketing Association I might add. [...]
[...] Just a few days ago we asked, “What happens to Agri Marketing magazine?” Well, now we know. Henderson Communications L.L.C., a newly formed agricultural communications company, announces that it has purchased AgriMarketing magazine and its related communications activities from Vance Publishing Corp. Vance Publishing had acquired AgriMarketing as part of their purchase of Doane Agricultural Services of St. Louis, MO, on October 7 and immediately sold it to Henderson Communications. [...]
Hi Chuck, been meaning to send you a comment for a long time. Your Sirius comments about agriculture finally made me start typing.
I bought a Sirius a few months ago. I spend alot of time on a tractor in the summer, and alot of time on the road in the winter for http://www.farmauctionguide.com.
Considering how Canadian radio is limited by archaic content regulations, satellite radio is taking over here in a big way even though it is technically illegal for us to use in Canada.
The only time I go back to my local station is for the noon hour at our local station which is full of information and markets. But with web enabled cel phones now, I don’t neccesarily have to wait for somebody to give me outdated market information anymore.
The only thing better than Sirius, is listening to the Zimmcast and other farm commentary podcasts on my Ipaq.
Farmers spending so many hours on the tractors should be jumping on the Ipod bandwagon in a big way. Especially in Canada now that the NHL is back!
[...] This thing apparently was “born from one farmer’s struggle to find farm auction listings on the Internet.” That farmer being Dwayne Leslie, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada. I’m posting this since Dwayne commented on my recent article about Sirius satellite radio. He subscribes to the ZimmCast and I’m sending him an invitation to be my guest on an upcoming program. This auction guide business looks like it has turned into serious business for Dwayne. [...]
[...] You can’t be a weblog and not get into checking out websites. We will only report on them after doing so. That’s why I waited hours to post this announcement from Syngenta. These are the folks who created the very cool, Resistance Fighters site. [...]
Hello Chuck,
Yes I am the editor for Tobacco Farm Quarterly and Peanut Farm Quarterly, two vertical trade magazines for U.S. tobacco and peanut growers.
I was inspired by Paul to start the blog on the business of agricultural biotechnology out of personal interest. Later, I started the tobacco farm blog. I’m not sure how many people are reading it yet, but I’m hoping it may one day provide a forum for farmers and agricultural researchers to discuss the research and news that we cover in our magazine.
I started the B2BPubblog to provide a look at my efforts at starting the other two blogs. I thought it might be useful to other trade journalists who were thinking about getting into blogging.
I’m guessing by the nature of your posts not too many other ag journalists are doing this now. Are there any out there?
[...] There’s two things I’ll point out first. Much better domain and way simpler and easier to deal with. The “old” one was overwhelming with too much on the homepage. This is taking a lesson from the KISS principle. You just don’t have to try to cram everything onto the homepage. Give us some logical choices and let us go where we want for more information. As Steve Krug says in the title of his book, “Don’t make me think.” Why don’t web designers get this? [...]
Dear Sirs,
How’s everything?Pls permit me introduce my products to you,we are manufac-turer all kinds of the farm equipments in China, for example the Hollow Pump,Centrifugal Pump,Spray Machine Set,and Plastic-coated Fibre Soft Pipe.We are jiont-stock enterprise and a Menber of China Water Conservancy Business Enterprise Association Irrigation&Drain Equipments Branch.
Enjoying the superior geographic location,strong technique,advanced equipment,we produce 80thousands waterpumps per year.With the help of Jiangsu Science and Engineering University we have established scientific standard quality guarantee system with complete test means.
The Products of our enterprise have four series: Hollow Pump,Centrifugal Pump,Sand Suction Pump,and Deep-suction Spray,adding more than 30species. Above species all can be used with diesel engines of 2-2.4 horsepower or electric motors of 1.5-1.8kilowatt,applying to half-fixed of moving kit type.And the Plastic-coated Fibre Soft Pipe.
The Kit product of Irrigation Machine Set,which has 1 inch,1.5inch,2inch,2.5inch,2.5inch,3inch,4inch,and 6inch seven species,can be produced 3million square meters per year.
For about the Services of our aftersales,we can provide the technical consultation,product planning and construction direction ,parts to the customers.
We’ll welcoming to the all world the clients to contact with us.
Auctionindex is an auction site search directory for users to find auction venues from which to buy and sell. Auctionindex was created to aid auction sites that would never be found on other search engines.
Offering free and pay per click listings to site owners and is open to all auction sites. Auctionindex will help to increase website traffic and exposure for all sites listed.
[...] It’s hybrid mania at Pioneer. They just announced 62 new hybrids for the 2006 planting season. That includes eleven hybrids with the newly approved Herculex XTRA or Herculex RW insect protection technology. This includes nine new genetic families with 34 hybrids containing technology from the Herculex(R) family of insect protection traits, including hybrids with Herculex XTRA or Herculex RW Rootworm protection for transgenic corn rootworm control, and new hybrids containing the Roundup Ready(R) Corn 2 trait. Posted by: Chuck @ 5:41 pm | | Permalink No Comments » [...]
[...] I wonder if they include blogging in the Beefmobile wrangler training program. If not, I’ll offer to teach it. Where there once was just one Beefmobile now there will be 2 and instead of just one lonely wrangler there will be 3. Tracey Orsburn has been the lone wrangler but she’s now got company. Joining Orsburn as Wranglers in 2006 will be Holly Branecky and Stacy Loutzenhiser. [...]
[...] Speaking of New York. There’s an interesting story in the New York Times (requires free registration) about rural wireless internet access titled “Money Is There to Aid Rural Internet, but Loans Are Hard to Get.” I’ve reported before on the USDA Rural Development program that provides loans to companies that want to install and bring more broadband access to rural Americans (farmers). This article quotes some folks who aren’t happy with the pace at which USDA is granting the loans, the requirements for getting a loan and with the amount of money they’ve given away so far. [...]
Dear Sirs,
How’s everything?Pls permit me introduce my products to you,we are manufac-turer all kinds of the farm equipments in China, for example the Hollow Pump,Centrifugal Pump,Spray Machine Set,and Plastic-coated Fibre Soft Pipe.We are jiont-stock enterprise and a Menber of China Water Conservancy Business Enterprise Association Irrigation&Drain Equipments Branch.
Enjoying the superior geographic location,strong technique,advanced equipment,we produce 80thousands waterpumps per year.With the help of Jiangsu Science and Engineering University we have established scientific standard quality guarantee system with complete test means.
The Products of our enterprise have four series: Hollow Pump,Centrifugal Pump,Sand Suction Pump,and Deep-suction Spray,adding more than 30species. Above species all can be used with diesel engines of 2-2.4 horsepower or electric motors of 1.5-1.8kilowatt,applying to half-fixed of moving kit type.And the Plastic-coated Fibre Soft Pipe.
The Kit product of Irrigation Machine Set,which has 1 inch,1.5inch,2inch,2.5inch,2.5inch,3inch,4inch,and 6inch seven species,can be produced 3million square meters per year.
For about the Services of our aftersales,we can provide the technical consultation,product planning and construction direction ,parts to the customers.
We’ll welcoming to the all world the clients to contact with us.
Hi Chuck,
Are any of the big equipment or crop protection companies taking advantage of blogs now for communication? It would seem to be a natural fit for their farmers/customers.
Matt
So far I haven’t seen anything more than beginning interest. Most of them use the services of advertising agencies and although I’ve seen interest on their part it seems to me that they just don’t understand it yet. I’m evangelizing the use of blogging and podcasting as corporate communications mechanisms since I know that farmers are no different than the general public in their use of computers and the internet. In fact, I dare say they are earlier adopters of new technology.
Since blogging and podcasting is proving itself in consumer communications everyday I do wonder why more in ag aren’t yet taking advantage of it.
ZimmComm has just completed the design and installation of blogs for an agricultural commodity group and large corporate agribusiness. We have orders and projects in process for 5 more and proposals pending for another 5. I think we’ll see it grow once some great examples are out there for the skeptics to see.
I hate to say it but a lot of ag communication professionals don’t seem to be very up to speed on what we’re doing. But I’m trying as hard as I can to educate them.
Keep it up. You’re one of the folks who “get it” and you’ll be successful with it!
I agree. I once was told that agribusiness is about ten years behind other industries when it comes to adopting new information technologies, but I don’t think we’re nearly that far behind. Some of the farmers I know rely on the Internet much more heavily to run their operations than other small to medium-sized businesses.
Although I still draw a lot of blank looks when I talk about my tobaccofarm blog, I envision an online space where farmers, Extension professionals, professionals from the companies and representatives from farmer’s organizations can engage in conversations about issues of interest to them. My site is not getting a lot of traffic yet, but the possibilities for a large company willing to engage their farm customers are endless…
Can you point your readers to one of the blogs you started for one of the agribusinesses?
An example of a blog that we’ve built and host for a client is http://www.missouribeefcouncil.com. This site is a producer communications tool for the organization. It is just now starting to be used by them.
[...] Just a week ago I posted an interview about the Trees For Troops program that’s being coordinated by the Christmas Spirit Foundation which is distributing trees that are donated by Christmas tree farmers. That effort is certainly underway and I got some photos of their stop in St. Louis, MO. The program began in Columbus, Ohio, when FedEx picked up about 200 trees from the Ohio Christmas Tree Association’s “Operation Evergreen.” FedEx provided international transport to Qatar from FedEx Express’s Indianapolis Hub. In addition to the international transport, the Trees for Troops program will collect and deliver about 3,500 freshly harvested trees to military bases in the United States along three regional routes (Western, Central, and Eastern) between Nov. 28 and Dec. 9. FedEx Freight will provide the pick-up and delivery service for the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, the philanthropic branch of the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA). [...]
Your comment “It would be nice to have personal relationships with every reporter out there…” pinpoints the problem.
Smart Publicity Hounds don’t try to have personal relationship with “every reporter out there.” They do everything they can to form personal relationships with a small number of reporters–those who are in the best position to help them. Also, those reproters whose audiences need to hear what you have to say.
Most PR people see their role as sending information to hundreds or thousands or journalists. The longer the list, the more impossible the task.
Instead, choose only one journalist who writels articles about your topic. Then:
–Go back and find the last 5 articles they wrote and read them thoroughly.
–In your initial email or call to the journalist, comment on one or more of the articles. Let them know you know what they write.
–Ask, “How can I help you?”
–Ask the journalist what kinds of stories they are writing now and if they need sources to talk to.
This is a start. Once you’ve done this, choose another journalist and do it again and again. Soon, you’ll have a list of 8 or 10 journalists with whom you are building a relationship.
For the record, David Brazeal tipped me to the Utah State Fair site. A gutsy marketing move by the fair. While you and I (and millions of others) find ND funny… lots of folks didn’t/don’t get the film. I’d guess their traffic is through the roof off this.
It’s a brilliant move I think. I hope we get to find out how well it did. Since I posted this I’ve even had to play the ads for my wife and kids who think the ads are funny, much less the movie.
Very good points Joan. We’ve focused a business on doing what I’d call the mass distribution of news releases and that type of relationship building is impossible with hundreds and thousands of reporters. I still think blasting out a release to a large group of reporters is a worthwhile investment if the dollars are reasonable since there will be reporters who will pick up on a story even without that personal touch.
However, providing a personal focus and contact on key ones is a great idea and when handled properly will certainly show very positive results.
I think the problem is the follow up phone call from the public relations person who hasn’t done their homework as you suggest.
[...] Well I guess I know why Gary hasn’t been getting back to me. I’d been discussing the idea of blogging World Ag Expo with Gary Schulz who even attended the NAMA Boot Camp and my blogging class. [...]
I am really happy to see that you like it and found it useful! I am always amazed to read how people are using Talk Digger for their own purposes, and how new ideas can emerge from these conversations. Many people say that the real utility of a product will be found by users and not marketers, and I think that Talk Digger is no exception.
[...] Recall that last week’s discussion focused on non-trade distorting W.T.O. “green box” payments and remarked that some green box payments are often the type of government outlays that are considered “green” from an agri-environmental perspective. [...]
[...] I just have to laugh about this story and share it with you. First it was “W” and his iPod, now it’s our VP Dick Cheney and his iPod. I just saw this story on C/Net News.com from ABC News. Apparently some reporters on Air Force Two weren’t happy that the Veep’s iPod was charging in the power outlet they needed. Guess who’s plane it is! [...]
[...] Here’s a great ZimmCast to end the year with on AgWired. I’ve brought Global Auction Guide.com to your attention before and finally got to interview president Dwayne Leslie. Dwayne is a farmer who got into the internet business to provide his fellow farmers with information and products he needed and knew they would want as well. [...]
[...] It’s the Missouri Beef Industry Council’s newest website project and it’s a blog. It’s MOBeef Update and was the subject of an MBIC Report recently. [...]
[...] Actually I found them when I visited their site to see Greg’s latest post on “Radio War Heats Up.” If you haven’t visited Sundog you ought to. I mentioned them earlier this year since they did the creative behind the excellent GoE Roadtrip blog. If you’re looking for an agency that “gets it” when it comes to the new online world of communications then give these guys a try. Of course, you can call us too. [...]
If by “worthless” you mean, money-in-your-pocket-at-the-end-of-the-day… then, yeah, a frapper map is worthless. But for those of us that think of ourselves as part othe AgWired Readers Community, it’s fun to see where the others are.
Let’s say AgWired has 1,000 readers and every one of us took time to stick a digital pin in your map…wouldn’t that be fun to throw up on the screen in the middle of a presentation to a new client?
[...] So I guess you have to say that we’re a “new media” company. We want to help our clients deliver their message directly to the people they want to reach in as efficient and cost-effective a way as possible. As my friends at Learfield are realizing, it’s time to get on the Long Tail. [...]
[...] So I guess you have to say that we’re a “new media” company. We want to help our clients deliver their message directly to the people they want to reach in as efficient and cost-effective a way as possible. As my friends at Learfield are realizing, it’s time to get on the Long Tail. [...]
[...] So I guess you have to say that we’re a “new media” company. We want to help our clients deliver their message directly to the people they want to reach in as efficient and cost-effective a way as possible. As my friends at Learfield are realizing, it’s time to get on the Long Tail. [...]
[...] It looks like the folks at Learfield Communications have found a leader for their new Creative Services division. Kim Lang, who was most recently working at DTN, will be joining the firm soon. I’ve got a call in to Kim to get some more details about the position and the services that will be offered by the new division. [...]
[...] We’ve got room for more and there will be more. In fact, in my discussions we’ve been asked about sponsoring all our properties. By properties I mean our blogs. I actually am finding it hard to believe that we own “properties.” Back in my days in traditional media properties meant radio networks, especially sports radio networks, as in “sports properties.” Now all I’ve got is these little old blogs. You can’t argue with traffic and results though can you? It’s new media time. [...]
[...] The New Rural people I’ve met in the panels I’ve been on or watched are heavy users of all media, especially internet. One of the reasons is that for those who have “regular” jobs they are online with their work. For example, a grape grower in the Kansas City area that was a part of a panel at last year’s NAMA Boot Camp said he spends a lot of time online and that it was the main source of his information for growing grapes. Another panel participant there was a hog farmer who has installed wireless internet access that covers his property so he can be connected anywhere, including the barn, on his PDA. They certainly listen to the radio and watch their tv too. Posted by: Chuck @ 10:36 am | | Permalink No Comments » [...]
[...] We know that over half of all U. S. farmers are now online but we really don’t know a lot about their specific internet habits and how they use it for business. I’m hoping to learn more on Tuesday since the Gateway NAMA program is “how high-speed Internet access is changing how the agriculture industry does business.” The presenter will be Kip Pendleton of Agristar Global Networks. [...]
Thanks for the mention. You guys have got one heck of a good suite of sites going yourself.
I’ve thought about switching over to wordpress simply because I am outgrowing the applications provided by blogger.com. Maybe when I get some free time. . . yeah right.
Thanks for the comment Brian. Feel free to keep us updated on your progress too. I’ll be adding links to your site on my Blogs & Podcasts page as soon as I can.
Chuck, a “carnival blog” is a “traveling” blog post that appears at a new site each week. Each weekly “carnival” is created from submissions that have been collected over the previous week. Whoever is “hosting” the carnival that week goes through the submissions, organizes them, provides original commentary and editorial, and puts the post up.
The benefits are threefold:
1) Carnivals allow a wide audience to be exposed to the blogs of folks they normally wouldn’t read
2) Since a different blog “hosts” the carnival each week, the workload to put together the carnival post for that week (which can be 2-4-6 hours or more) is done by a different person every week, so the load is distributed.
3) Some of the carnivals (Carnival of the Capitalists, in particular) have thousands of regular readers, who “follow” the carnival to its place each week. As such, the hosting blog gets exposure to many thousands of new visitors on a week it hosts the carnival. Hopefully, some of those new visitors will stick around and become regular readers.
There are many regular carnivals out there, the CotC is just one of them.
I think I followed most of that. That’s what I had thought, at least as it relates to CotC in particular.
However, what prompted my post on this was a comment on my site that led to a post on Horse Blog (http://horses.blogcarnival.com/) where I found a post from my site. I hadn’t submitted anything to Horse Blog.
I certainly don’t mind extra exposure. I just wanted to make sure I understood what the purpose was.
Agwired.com was mentioned as a great example of a targeted blog that was reaching a specific audience. The comment came from Steve Mays of Learfield Communications during a panel presentation of the “Revolution in Communications Technology” to 260 public relations and marketing professionals at a joint seminar for the St. Louis chapters of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and Community Service Public Relations Council (CSPRC). Learfield said, “AgWired is quickly becoming the destination of choice for the agricultural community.”
It’s great to see the ag community leading the way in new communications technology.
Agwired.com was mentioned as a great example of a targeted blog that was reaching a specific audience. The comment came from Steve Mays of Learfield Communications during a panel presentation of the “Revolution in Communications Technology” to 260 public relations and marketing professionals at a joint seminar for the St. Louis chapters of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and Community Service Public Relations Council (CSPRC) held this week. Learfield said, “AgWired is quickly becoming the destination of choice for the agricultural community.”
It’s great to see the ag community leading the way in new communications technology.
We really appreciate Osborn & Barr Communications sponsoring the luncheon yesterday for the Gateway NAMA chapter and St. Louis Agribusiness Club.
I’m sure you got a great presentation too. I’m looking forward to listening to a recording of it which I think Steve is making available on his website at http://www.smays.com.
[...] As we reported earlier this month, Kim Lang has joined Learfield Communications as an account executive for its News Division in Nebraska as well as representing Brownfield, America’s Ag News Source. [...]
[...] There is one farm “association” that I know of that’s already podcasting and that’s the Missouri Beef Industry Council. It’s a weekly interview about their activities. Their members can hear it directly from them and they do. We produce this report and track the number of times it’s downloaded. According to the statistics there’s a growing number of listeners. You can see the link to their podcast on their homepage and on their blog. [...]
[...] The issue of rural internet access is a very important one in agricultural marketing and communications today. Last week I posted the full presentation made by Tim Ganschow, Agristar Global Networks, at the Gateway NAMA meeting. I’ve selected a couple of segments from Tim’s talk for you in this week’s ZimmCast. I hope you enjoy it. [...]
[...] Will increased use of biofuels lead to more people starving in the world? That is apparently what some are saying now, according to a New York Times article . I have heard concerns about whether farmers can meet the demand for soybeans and corn generated by increased biodiesel and ethanol production, but this is the first I’ve heard that it could increase world hunger. I especially love this quote from the article, “We’re putting the supermarket in competition with the corner filling station for the output of the farm,’ said Lester R. Brown, an agriculture expert in Washington, D.C., and president of the Earth Policy Institute. Farms cannot feed all the world’s people and its motor vehicles as well, Mr. Brown said, and the result is that more people will go hungry.” If you go to the actual article from the NY Times (link above), you will see a picture from Sioux Center, IA of a MOUNTAIN of corn. I could be wrong, but I think farmers can meet the demand without any more people going hungry. Give me a break. We produce enough food now to feed the world if it were not for the politics, corruption and logistics that keep it from getting to those who need it. Farm Policy writer Keith Good has a great commentary on about the article you can read here on domesticfuel.com’s Mother blog AgWired.com. [...]
[...] I hadn’t really thought of what we’re doing here at ZimmComm this way but a recent comment from one of our reader/visitors got me to thinking. He said, “You guys have got one heck of a good suite of sites going yourself.” A suite of sites (blogs). A suite of ag blogs. Is that what we have? [...]
[...] It was just last May that I was at the NRECA Legislative Conference and met with CEO Glenn English. One of the things he was very interested in was blogging. We had a good chat about that. So today I discovered Amped Up. It’s the NRECA blog. They’re doing it and I like the looks of it. Hopefully I can get in touch with Erick Erickson, the NRECA blogger and learn more. Sounds like an opportunity for a ZimmCast to me. Posted by: Chuck @ 8:21 pm | | Permalink No Comments » [...]
[...] You’ve got to love an organization that has “working together” in it’s name. There’s so much “not working together” going on in the world today. However, in the working together department Dow AgroScience and Monsanto made a big announcement today too. But back to Cooperatives Working Together. Here’s there announcement today: Cooperatives Working Together announced Tuesday that it has accepted a bid from Foremost Farms USA of Baraboo, WI, to export 20 metric tons (approximately 44,000 pounds) of mozzarella cheese to Morocco. CWT will pay the export bonus to the bidder, once completion of the cheese shipment is verified. This is the first export assistance bid accepted by CWT in 2006, and the seventh in the past two months. It is also the first dairy product to be exported by CWT to Morocco, and the first to be exported through Foremost Farms, a member of CWT. Posted by: Chuck Zimmerman @ 9:41 pm | Permalink [...]
[...] I know I already did a program with audio from Tim Ganschow. But that was using excerpts from a speech he gave. Last week I got to sit down with him and conduct a more informal interview and ask questions about how rural broadband access will affect agricultural marketing. In this week’s program Tim reviews the current status of rural broadband internet access and talks about what he calls the “pent up demand” that exists on the part of farmers who want to utilize it for the benefit of their agricultural operation. [...]
Great audio quality on this interview. While it’s helpful to know the MP3 file is 3 meg, it would be equally (more?) helpful to know it runs 6 minutes. With that info, I can decide if I have time to listen now or save it for later.
[...] AgWired.com covering the Cattle Industry Convention By Administrator The fellows over at AgWired.com are doing a great job covering the Cattlemen’s Industry Convention out in Denver going on February 1-4. Surf on over to their Cattlemen’s Industry Convention category and check out what’s going on. By the way, if you’re at the convention and happen to run into a guy by the name of George Quackenbush, tell him I said “hi”. This entry is filed under Beef, Farm Shows. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Leave a Reply [...]
[...] Someone on Monsanto is getting on the Cluetrain. I reported about Monsanto’s “Conversations . . . ” a while ago. Now they’re podcasting them. The new multimedia website Conversations about Plant Biotechnology at biotech-gmo.com is launching weekly video podcasts. Viewers are now able to set their favorite video podcast aggregator or portable digital media player to retrieve the latest videos of farmers and experts discussing their personal views and first-hand experiences with genetically modified crops. [...]
Chuck
Thank you for posting our song….the band at Pearson Ford was Tumblin’ Dice (that’s us!) and we go by The Bio Willie Boys whenever we work with Willie Nelson’s Bio Diesel company. We appreciate the plug…thank you!
I don’t know Harry personally but have been reading his Siemens Says email newsletter for a while now. His newsletter and Web site are both very well done in terms of both content and presentation. I’m excited that he will be posting and think he will be a big asset to your blog.
[...] This is very cool and I can’t wait to see what our Monsanto Future Ag Journalists have to say. The same goes for Monsanto Public Affairs Manager Mica DeLong. She says the opportunity will provide the students with a unique real-world media experience. Monsanto has a long- standing commitment to promoting youth involvement in agriculture by supporting programs such as Future Farmers of America, 4-H, Agriculture Future of America, Ag in the Classroom and other notable agriculture youth and leader development organizations. “These students will make some new contacts and learn more about the agricultural industry at one of the largest and most widely recognized ag events of the year,” says DeLong. “ZimmComm has offered a unique opportunity for both students to write for AgWired, which gives them exposure to one of the newest forms of communications and can really broaden their knowledge.” I think Monsanto is one of the companies that’s “getting it.” They’re already video podcasting and now they’ve created an opportunity for students like Mary and Margy to create event coverage via a blog. Who would have imagined this a year ago when we got AgWired kick started? [...]
[...] Andy has been on AgWired in the past, including an interview I did with him late last October. You can also see him in two other posts, here and here. [...]
Dear Margy,
I’m glad to see young journalists taking an interest in agriculture. Where we get our food has become quite an abstract topic here in the land of industrial agriculture, where just 2 percent of the population works on farms.
Yet I hope you will see that there are other perspectives on agriculture than those promoted by the likes of Monsanto. Industrial agriculture is environmentally and socially quite problematic.
And while Monsanto has generously supported your right to expression, the company has threatened to impede mine.
I hope you’ll read the articles I link to with an open mind; I’d love to hear your response..
Cheers,
Tom
[...] A lot of announcements will be made at Commodity Classic this week, or at least timed for the event. Here’s one we’ve been expecting since last week’s Pioneer Science of Solutions event. DuPont today announced that its new proprietary glyphosate, ALS-tolerant trait from its subsidiary, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., will be branded as Optimum GAT. The Optimum GAT trait is targeted for commercialization later in the decade in a number of crops. [...]
Chuck, it was interesting to read the students’ reports. They did a good job of communicating the flavor of the conference. And they know what many people don’t yet recognize — agriculture is such a broad field, affected by so many factors, that you will never get bored in an ag journalism career!
Thank you to Monsanto for supporting their participation. I’m sure they gained a lot from blogging in a real-time situation.
What a treat following the Commodity Classic through the eyes of these young journalists. Agriculture is an everchanging prospect and they will see and experience this changes in their careers.
What an opportunity Monsanto and you have given them! We hope to see more from these young journalists in the future!
[...] Well it’s been a little bit of a dry spell for posting. Travelling and blogging on multiple web sites will do that to you. Last week it was Anaheim, CA for the Commodity Classic. If you want to know anything about soybeans and corn just ask. [...]
Chuck,
Thanks for sharing this with your visitors. Way back in 1997 when we first started the intern grants program, the other Zimm in Zimmcomm (Cindy) was on the NAFB Foundation Board.
Our good friend Gene Hemphill (New Holland)is currently a member of the Board and will be my co-chair for the 2006 NAFB Foundation Auction held during NAFB Convention in November. We’ll be soliciting donations for that big fund-raising event in coming months, so if anyone comes across a cool item that would bring top dollar at auction, we’ll gladly accept your generous donation!!
I am so glad the “Blue Bull” caught your eye!! We look forward to the sale! Everyone is invited to the dinner! Let us know you are coming to dinner and I’ll make the reservation by March 23. Thanks and look forward to seeing you!
Connie Brooks
ABBB President info@belgianblue.com or abbb@lisco.com
[...] I’ve written about the NAWG Blog before and it’s time to write about it again. This time we have a new President who’s giving it a stab. He’s Dale Schuler from Carter, Montana. We met him at Commodity Classic. [...]
After blogging for a few years, I find the idea of a “resume”…quaint, at best. Honestly, I can’t imagine hiring someone for a media job (in 2006) that wasn’t already blogging. Don’t send me your PowerPoint presentation…show me some video you shot and edited. I’ve come across a few students that have traditional “web sites,” and I found myself thinking, “why aren’t you blogging?”
Hello Chuck,
Thanks for the post. As an international publication, Tobacco Reporter sends its reporters on some very interesting trips. Taco decided to try the blog as both a new form of storytelling and a great way to get up to the minute news out during his trip. We’re pretty excited about it here.
Matt
[...] I found out about the tragic event in Homestead, FL yesterday while I was on a Katy Trail walk in the sunshine. I had different posting plans at that point. They included posting some pictures from my hike which I’m doing now. [...]
The California Milk Board is a marketing genius!
They even had a tie in with that wacky supermarket
tabloid, the Weekly World News. They got the
cover story for cow abductions! (Do you pay
money for that?) http://www.weeklyworldnews.com/conspiracies/61531
[...] This is just an update to the last post. The announcement of the new study is being made at a press conference that is taking place right now. [...]
“anyone who has children knows how difficult it can be to get them to eat nutritious foods.”
I’m glad the marketing dollars of the Missouri Beef Industry Council are being used to promote red meat and starch to children (with gravy!).
This would be as laughable as it is unappetizing if there wasn’t such an obesity epidemic among our children here in America. Nothing like encouraging a nation of already fat kids to eat red meat, steak sauce, and potatoes.
The amount of saturated fat and cholestoerol in this dish is frightening, in addition to the fact that the only vegetable matter comes from four tiny cherry tomatoes. Now that’s what I call a balanced meal!
Oh good grief. Or should I say good gravy? Getting kids to eat protein is a good trick. My kids eat healthy meals and this looks like a lot of fun! So give me a break, all you “grossed out” militant vegans, I like meat! This is just as much fun as the cookie and brownie mini sham-”burger” idea, frankly I’d like to see if my kids would try it! One April fools day I made a layer cake of meatloaf and a thin layer of mashed potatoes to look like frosting, with great mixed veggie “confetti” and then we had those cookie-brownie things for dessert. ( I also served broccoli, but that was only because I like it.)
You guys really need to relax a little. Not everyone in America is over weight. We each have a responsibility to ourselves and our kids. Everyone knows what they should and shouldn’t eat.
Red meat is protien, and yes potatoes are starch, but they are also a veggie. It’s not like they’re telling you to eat this everyday! It’s just part of a balanced diet. Open your minds a little. Try something new. This looks like fun, and something I’d be willing to try. There are a lot worse foods out there that all of you have tried at one point or another. If the food were put in a blender and then put in the dish, that would be gross. It’s the same as putting it on a plate, just in a different shaped one.
You only come through this life once. Live a little!
If realizing this is disgusting, desperate, and unhealthy is “militant” then I guess I fit that description. I feel so sorry for the children mentioned in Michael’s comment. Hopefully they will grow up and make the right choices.
Juxtaposing the tastes of a vanilla ice cream sundae with steak and mashed potatoes is just gross. C’mon you meat industry tools, don’t you want your children to be able to distinguish their fattening disgusting cholesterol-ridden murderous meal from their oversweetened frozen concoction derived from the breast milk of pregnant cattle? This could so confusing that they might be turned off to both, and you wouldn’t want them to eat something that is not only healthy but also cruelty-free as well would you.
Yeah – Let’s keep it cruelty free. Turn all the cows loose in the streets cause we’re not gonna eat em any more!
News flash – people eat animal products. People like eating meat and drinking milk. It’s the only reason that cows, pigs, etc. are raised and an important part of our econonmy. Also it’s nutritious. Humans need protien – which is easiest to find in animal products. We evolved with canine teeth!
Plus, it just tastes good.
If you want to be a vegetarian or a vegan, good for you. I support that choice BUT it is just that- a choice.
This looks as healthy as Spam. If your children don’t want to eat meat, don’t make them eat it. Americans don’t have to worry about protein. You can get plenty of protein from nut butters, dairy, and plant based sources.
Just wanted to clear up a misconception about protein. Plant food provides an adequate amount of protein. Eating protein does not create protein in a body. A body uses amino acids which is present in all plant foods. And vegetables, nuts and seeds actually provide more calcium than dairy products.
The book The China Study is a huge source of information and extensive study on fat, protein and disease related to animal product consumption. The US is the top of the charts re meat consumption. There are other nations with larger populations, lower meat consumption and much lower disease.
You can eat animal food is you want to but that doesn’t mean you are being nourished better or will be healthier by all means.
Oh, came ON! Even my omni sister thinks that looks disgusting! Who would eat that? And yes, it is 100% possible to live a life as a vegetarian or vegan, and we have less exposure to supergerms and the e. cole virus! You can’t call that sundae healthy- the only nutritious part of potatoes is the skins, and steak is often fatty or undercooked. And it isn’t like a kid wouldn’t just pick off the tomatoes!
This looks like it has to be fake. I checked the date and it says “April 7th” but I can’t help but feel that this is an April fools day press release that has been caught a week late.
Steak ice cream!? I’ve heard of snail porridge and bacon ice cream, but this has to be a wind up.
As for promoting health, what happened to telling the chubby kids to eat their greens once in a while! Sure, this may make a lovely treat for anyone who is pregnant,and craves weird foods, but to give it the face of being a nutritious food is a bit silly. It’s meat and potatoes, with gravy.
One more comment about “canine” teeth. They are present in vegetarian animals such as gorillas as well, so you’ll have to remove that from your list of rationalizations. I had to.
Em that was great LOL!!!! I don’t eat meat and I was not offended by this sundae at all. It looks like an interesting cute way to serve something. Kind of like art. I just wouldn’t want to eat it or let any child within 10 feet of it. Maybe they should try to make a balanced sundae vegan or not without all the fat and carbs add somemore veggies.
Well it must be big if Solae is involved. They are an industry leader with like a billion dollars in soy protein sales each year. They have also funded many of the studies into the health benefits of soy.
This sounds exciting. I guess we’ll have to wait for more news.
[...] This just in from George Williams, The Deere Gear Store: The first winner of the weekly “Win a Toy Tractor Contest” is Walt Lehmann. Walt chose a 1 50 Scale 400D Articulated Dump Truck as his prize. Congratulations Walt! [...]
All of our associates are treated in the same manner no matter were they happen to work. We do not think of them as seperates offices, but as one team that happen to live in communities of their choice. That is one of the reasons it is a grat place to work.
[...] These virtual exhibitions are very cool. I just participated in one this past weekend. Here’s one you can really get your palate around. Although, sniffing the aroma after popping a cork might be a little challenging. And I’m not sure a virtual cabernet is as good as the real thing. But hey, check it out. [...]
[...] The keynote speaker at the recent NAMA Conference says the future is in wireless information delivery. It looks like Quickfarm agrees with him. They’ve just announced their new mobile service that allows producers with Web-enabled mobile phones or PDAs to access timely production information. The phone-formatted information will be managed by the user from the Web site of their local elevator, cooperative or other QuickFarm subscriber location. QuickFarm Mobile™ provides producers with convenient, portable and immediate access to breaking agricultural news, weather radar, forecasts, grain and livestock market information, local commodity prices and LDP information – right from their mobile phones. [...]
[...] Last week was the one year anniversary to the USDA MyPyramid food guidance system. Apparently the website has received a huge amount of traffic making it “one of the most popular federal websites ever.” [...]
Our various locations make less difference because we work hard to make AdFarm “one location”. AdFarm’s indeed a great place to work — wherever we are.
My good friend Chuck is right on the money – the terrestrial broadcasters will trumpet this as extremely low iPod usage. This number will grow at an increasingly rapid rate. We’ve joined Chuck and his ilk in blogging and podcasting – in fact, we’re staking our reputation on this bleeding edge of the new media revolution. The mainstream media no longer has a stranglehold on thought in mainstream America. Farmers are consumers of goods and services, too. Particularly as the growth of rural broadband increases, be it through expansion of cable/DSL, rising adoption of satellite services like AgriStar, or when broadband over powerline becomes available, farmers will flock to the new media and new technology. They pilot $200,000 combines with $60,000 guidance systems for crying out loud – you don’t think they can manage an iPod?
The negotiators at the World Trade Organization (WTO) failed to meet the April deadline to agree on ground rules for the liberalization of world markets for agricultural and industrial products. According to Oxford Analytica op-ed in The Hill:Progress …
[...] I am seriously amazed that I’ve been blogging on this business for more than a year now. I get reminders, like when I go to save an image and see last year’s in the folder. Like this story. And now we have a new winner this year: Klaus Happel, executive chef at the Renaissance Scottsdale Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., won top honors in the 17th annual national Taste of Elegance contest May 1 in Orlando, Fla. The competition, sponsored by the Pork Checkoff, featured 22 chefs, all winners of state and regional Taste of Elegance contests. Chef Happel earned Chef Par Excellence honors with his winning entrée of Braised Pork Shank Medallion Wrapped in Savoy Cabbage and a check for $5,000. [...]
Chuck, I suspect you’re just being polite. I’d go a step further and say a press-release podcast is just about the silliest thing I’ve ever heard of. It misses the very point that has made podcasts such superb vehicles for communicating with an audience: that podcasts are full of content that a niche group of listeners wants.
A press-release podcast combines the lame content of a traditional press release with the narrow reach of a podcast. Great idea: let’s make something really boring that few people will hear!
Chuck – Once again, you’re spot on. The new media is what I call the bleeding edge of what we’re doing in our business. We believe that for the BARN to continue to grow and prosper (and for farm broadcating to grow and prosper for that matter) we have to create as many touch points with our listeners as possible. We blog, we podcast, and in the next day or two you’ll find copious amounts of video from the FFA Convention as well. Our site features downloadable audio on demand from our broadcasts, all with the idea that we are content providers, not a specific medium. Our listeners/readers/viewers are in the market for specific content and perspective that we provide, and we’re going to provide it in whichever medium they will find most useful. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, and its our task to discover the best use of each to maximize the benefit to the listener and the advertiser.
[...] How’s this for a picture to get your attention? What a week it has been. Event blogging is really picking up. Check out my post this morning on our AgWired site about a 46 day event that’s being blogged as I write. [...]
Hi Chuck,
You’re right.
This site could have been … should have been … so much more.
Anyone looking for a better role model in online p.r. should take a look at this piece in Businessweek about how Boeing is using blogs: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_21/b3985098.htm
“Fast Food Nation” mega-selling author Eric Schlosser must be doing something right. He’s under vicious attack from food industry lobbyists and front groups mimicking his book title in their website smearing him. Fleishman-Hillard’s Becky Johnson and her fellow flustered food flacks risk publicizing Schlosser’s writings in their over-the-top efforts to condemn him.
The industrial food lobby is freaking-out over “Chew On This”, his new book with Charles Wilson aimed at youngsters, and the fact that his “Fast Food Nation” is being made into a major Hollywood movie with the same title. Best Food Nation is the food industry’s sound-alike website funded by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Meat Institute, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Council of Chain Restaurants, and 14 other food lobbies. The website highlights anti-Schlosser rants by industry-funded front groups including Heartland Institute and the American Council on Science and Health.
“I’m proud that New Holland has become the first Original Equipment Manufacturer to announce full
support of B20 in all of the diesel engines it produces. I have used New Holland tractors and combines exclusively throughout my farming career. New Holland equipment has always been known for its quality, and now New Holland is taking quality to the next level by supporting B20 in all its diesel engines. This will be a big boost to the entire ag industry and will also help lessen our dependence on foreign oil.”
[...] From the makers of CattleMax we now have EquineMax. It’s the “complete horse management software program” from Cattlesoft, Inc. You can see screenshots and a video overview here. The Basic Edition keeps complete records including medical treatments, breeding records, unlimited pictures and pedigree information. The program also has income and expense tracking to simplify tax records and appointment reminders to ensure vaccinations are on time. [...]
[...] Event coverage is me. At least it seems that way lately. Besides the upcoming CMA Fan Fair, I’ve got a very interesting one that I can announce. It’s the 50 year celebration of our national interstate system. I will be driving one of the vehicles in the convoy that will be commemorating the 50th anniversary of the federal law that brought the Interstate Highway System to America. The trip begins June 16 in San Francisco and ends June 29 in Washington, DC. You can see the full schedule here. I’ll be writing each day, including interviews and pictures as I find them and I know there will be a lot. My involvement with the trip is being sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council. In fact, I’ll be driving a truck that will be wrapped with their logo. You can see a current list of the sponsoring organizations for the whole event here. I’ll be driving through a lot of farmland. [...]
[...] You must not get out much judging by the lack of “Here’s my favorite festival . . . “ responses. So I’ll just have to take up the slack. Actually dedicated reader Dave Mehlhaff said he’d go with me to Olean next year. [...]
[...] It seems like I was just in Australia. Actually I do hope to visit there someday. Ag Careers is there now. AgCareers.com, a Farms.com Company, is pleased to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rimfire Resources PTY Ltd. of Australia to cooperate on a number of strategic human resource offerings. [...]
Hello. I plan to head down to Olean tomorrow. It’s only about 25 miles away from me. I called the phone number you listed for info but only received an answering machine. I hate to ask you this and don’t mean to be annoying but did you attempt to get more info? If so what was it? I’m not asking for a book, just very generalized information. Times, where to park, directions, things of that nature. I’m sorry to bother you w/ this but I’d apprecaite any help you could give me. Thank You.
It has been a few years since I attended the festival in Olean. I would just drive on down and I think you’ll find plenty of parking. It’s a great little festival. Good food and drink and activities. Enjoy it!
[...] You may remember that New Holland gave away a video iPod at Commodity Classic as part of their ongoing promotion with country music star, Michael Peterson. The iPod was pre-loaded with all my content from Classic (audio interviews, pictures and video of Michael’s performance). To say the contest was a hit would be to put it mildly. [...]
[...] With that successful first campaign under our belt, New Holland and I are doing it again at the Country Music Association Music Festival which starts next week. Although we’re not running an online contest, CMA Festival attendees can register to win a video iPod while they are there. The winner will receive an iPod that’ll come pre-loaded with all my content from blogging the event. It will include pics and audio from the final day Celebrity Boomer Tractor Race which now has 85 celebrities on the list to compete. [...]
Thank you for your comments and reminder about our website. We are launching a new site within a few days, however, will make those changes immediately.
Regards,
Tali Haleua
Director of Business Development
TekVet
Wonderful interview with Todd Fritsch! A true Texas cowboy with deep roots in the cattle business. You can’t find a nicer role model for the kids of today to look up to. What you see is what you get.
Mediacom is wasting their time and money pursuing the RUS. I have been a Broadband Loan receipiant since 1/2005 and it has been the most worst experience. Our Congressman, who is the Telecom Committe Chairman, in 2 years of efforts could not get RUS to do what is right.
Focus on your business, RUS will take care of your competitor.
that young lady who photographed Michael and a fan at the close of the video clip is his older daughter, Amanda, (and my granddaughter). She just graduated from high school and will soon be going to Germany for a year’s advanced study.
Thanks for stopping by our Nashville offices today! It was a pleasure to have you. To clarify just one point: XM Satellite Radio does not “only” make sense for long-haul truckers…it makes sense for ANY music, talk radio, or sports fan. For instance, we have the LARGEST choice of commercial-free music in satellite radio, hands down. We’re also the exclusice satellite radio partner of baseball, carrying every team, all season long!
[...] One of the first agricultural podcasts is the Swinecast. I’ve been following it’s development since early last year and I can tell you this is no longer some sort of unproven concept. Ask Dennis Erpelding at Elanco Animal Health what he thinks. Kudos to Ned Arthur for taking a bold step into the new media world. We’re getting there buddy! I hope no one believes that a company like Eli Lilly would invest in this new technology without serious thought and the belief that it is helping them accomplish their customer communication goals. Elanco’s innovative Internet “conversation” between swine producers and industry experts – celebrates its 100th episode by expanding its introduction to swine industry allies across the nation. “We’re pleased to invite the entire industry to become a part of this bold new Information-Age initiative,” says Ned Arthur, SwineCast Content Partner. “Over the past year, as we’ve slowly introduced SwineCast in test markets, the response from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve discovered that all segments of the swine production industry significantly benefit from an ongoing dialogue with each other, regardless of their location or nationality. That’s what SwineCast provides. That’s what we want to share with you.” [...]
[...] In the first post in this series I wrote out a list of all the hardware and software I use with links to all of them. In this post I’m going to address what I do with all that. There are any number of ways to blog and everyone will develop their own style and processes. A lot depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. For example, on several of our blogs I’m posting as a reporter and often on location from an event. If all you’re trying to do is an infrequent post about your company you may not need to use many of my techniques. So take what you will from this and email me if you’ve got questions or suggestions. [...]
I THINK TANYA TUCKER IS GREAT IS ANYTHING SHE DOES, WHETHER IT’S SINGING, PERFORMING, OR RIDING A TRACTOR. SHE IS SUCH A GOOD SPORT AND ALWAYS SEEMS TO HAVE A LOT OF FUN NO MATTER WHAT SHE IS DOING. I THINK THEY SHOULD GIVE HER A TRACTOR JUST FOR BEING TANYA TUCKER THE SUPERSTAR. KATHY
I’m a student at Purdue Universiy. I am interested in doing a research that studies advertising expenses by ag companies (probably either the seed or chemical industry). I am looking for information regarding the advertising budget mix (how many dollars spent on mass media, how much spend on radioads, magazines, Sales people and so on). I was wondering if you would happen to have that kind of information (for several companies and over several years) or know of a company that does.
Please contact me ASAP
Maud Roucan (765-494-3259)
Been googling to find other agripodcasters. Wow, you do a bit more digging and it looks like there are a lot of agricultural bloggers out there:-) This is an American outfit who write about agribusiness.AgWired � First Dairy Podcast I’ll……
Nice to read about the congress we are preparing for you, Chuck. August in Norway…, you will meet with 189 other journalists from 27 countries.
The first evening, we take you to Ibsen’s Peer Gynt play at lake Gålå. (Spectacular outdoor performance.) Please, bring warm clothes for this evening up in the mountain. Welcome, Brita
Chuck, thanks for the kudos. We’re big believers in the power of new media, avid readers of your blogs and regular listeners of the ZimmCast. Keep up the good work!
What happened to the old barns. I found them one week and now the only one listed is Mike Adams old barn and the others have disappeared. Have you posted any more of them. We were really enjoying the pictures and reading about the old barns. I even copied some of the pictures. Hope to see more.
I did attend the session and am happy to see that there is interest growing in blogging and new media ventures among folks with a more “traditional” media focus. Personally, I was hoping to hear a lot more about podcasting, which unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to get into. As someone from a print background, and with previous website experience, blogging employs skill sets with which I am well familiar (writing, photography, page layout, etc.) Podcasting is a whole different thing. What I’ve learned has come from being a podcast subscriber. So I’m looking forward to delving deeper into the resource links. Personally, I have no desire to be the “talent” on a podcast, but I see great potential there and hope to be able to convince others to “speak up” to enhance the multi-media offerings at capitalpress.com, and on other media sites.
I’m curious if you got a show of hands on how many people actually have blogs.
At a recent blogging session I attended at the national ASBPE conference, a show of hands revealed that many knew about blogging, but few editors there actually had a blog of their own.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation teamed up with meat scientists at Colrado State University to study shelf life requirements and presented the results of this study to the Egyptian government last November. This helped Egypt extend their shelf life requirements in May for U.S. beef livers, hearts and kidneys, increasing flexibility for U.S. beef processors and exporters. For the complete story, see http://www.usmef.org/TradeLibrary/News06_0718a.asp
Every once in a while when I’m discussing what new media can do for a company, I’ll hear something like the following: ‘Sure blogging worked for Microsoft or Sun Microsystems, they’re new, cutting edge technology companies. My company is in…
Chuck – Are you asking about the percentage of Broadcast Council members or Management Council Members or Allied Industry Council Members or members “in general” of NAFB?
-CY
I suppose I was thinking of what is now called the Broadcast Council. I don’t know what that current number is but if it hasn’t changed much in the last year you now employ a signifcant percentage. Can you say “voting bloc?”
[...] Business is picking up for little old ZimmComm New Media. This means more road time and Cindy on the road too. In fact, we both drove to Kansas City separately yesterday to cover and work at a couple of events. Then I was going to drive to the home office while Cindy went on to Ames, IA for an event today. After she’d been gone several hours I realized I had put my keys in my equipment bag which I sent along with her to use. Bad mistake! [...]
In case you missed it, the Murray Cod is a unique FRESH WATER river fish that can live a very long time. A mature specimen can weigh 80 lbs or more, and yes they are great to eat.
Congrtatulations old friend. I am very proud of you and feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with you not only once but at two organizations. I am not at all surprised at your success.
Brownfield Ag News hosted a forum on Animal Identification at the Missouri State Fair on Saturday. On the panel: Justin Angell, Owner/Manager Eastern Missouri Commission Co. (EMCC); Ray Cunio, President, Citizens for Private Property Rights; Mike John, President, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Brownfield reporter Tom Steever moderated. The audio is available for streaming or download at:
That’s Christine Eisler and Kevin Hood, ag communication students at the University of Guelph (near Toronto), in Ontario, Canada. It was their first IFAJ congress, and they appreciated the camaraderie and Norway-style hospitality.
[...] Finally, why do I blog? This “upgrading” process has caused me to reflect on why I love blogging about this topic. To learn more, click on this link to the podcast of an interview I did with Chuck Zimmerman, the blogging expert who helped my “blog” become a “BLOG.” He does a weekly “ZimmCast” as part of his blog for the agricultural industry (his personal passion) http://www.agwired.com. [...]
It is great to see Lee looking like the old Lee I’ve known all these years. Lee, you look great!
I am also happy to see my friends gary and Robin doing so well with this latest venture. I hope the show is a success!
I was just searching for information of my Irish heritage. My Grandfathers name was Mathew Francis Mullen and he lived in Iowa then spent the last 20 years (I think?) working and living at Boy’s Town in Omaha, Nebraska.
My Father’s name was Francis Peter Mullen, he died on March 17, 200………..a good day for an Irishman to go to heaven (they must have been having a good party that day )
Anyway I mostly am writing just to say hi and wondering if by any chance we could be related.
My Dad moved out west after WW2 and we were never close with his family in the midwest. I really don’t know much about any of them back there…. I do remember that my great grandfather Michael Mullen came from Ireland in about 1860 to 1870 and my great grandmother Kate Hogan came about the same time (they were’nt married then) and she was from County Clare. We (my sister and I) found an old bible when we were moving Mom out of her house about 5 years ago. It had belonged to Kate and Michael Mullen and I’d never seen it. It was very fragile so my sister took it with her to Seattle. I haven’t looked at it since but I know she still has it.
Anyway I don’t mean to take up alot of your time.
I just kind of have a romanitic nature and think someday I may find some nice relatives and we’ll all live happily ever after )) which with the crazy Irish family I had that is a joke in itself……..
There always seemed to be some kind of fight or argument going on somewhere.
So I’ll be wishing you a great day and I hope this gets to you.
[...] Our Agriculture Secretary is sure getting around these days. He was in Kansas City this week. Here’s a couple more places we’ll be seeing him. [...]
I am very happy for my old friend Sharlet. From SD Dairy to the Meat Board and to her own business, she and i have shared many laughs and smiles as well as great work.
I am proud of her and wish her well in this new venture.
I just wanted to say that I had the best time yesterday. I would like to thank Chuck for letting me sit in with Kelcy. I am enjoying your blog page. Keep the blogs coming.
Grad noch so mitgekriegt, dass heute BlogDay 2006 ist. 31. August wurde gewählt weil sich aus den Zeichen mit einigem Wohlwollen der Begriff Blog entziffern läßt. Ich denke man kann es in der Grafik erkennen. Seltsame Deutschlandflagge m…
You’ve built a solid brand with AgWired and I’m betting there’s a high degree of brand loyalty. Perhaps your readers would take part in a short survey that would give you some data. I’ve done this for some of my fovorite blogs and the tool I’ve been most impressed with is SurveyMonkey.com
I just checked our stats after reading your post, and we touched 10,000 this month (9,980 to be exact), with over 118,000 hits and 18,000 page views. The thing I thought you’d find most interesting is that with our website only being online eight months or so, our blogs have consistently been our most visited pages. BY FAR. Our blogs will constantly generate five or six times more page views than any other page on the site.
DEAR SIR, COULD YOU PLEASE FURNISH ME WITH THE DETAILS OF A MAGIZINE PUBLISHED IN SOUTH AFRICA CALLED THE FARMERS WEEKLY.
I NEED IT AT YOUR COVENIENCE.
REGARDS
BERNT.
I found this very interesting. In fact I am intrigued by the entire bredth of agricultural products -termed “biobased”
The ink idea is very cool. However, after listening to your interview, I must say I am somewhat dissapointed that AIR plans to market this product at a premium compared to other “conventional” inks and toners.
This to me seems to be an overwhelming trend in what I would call eco-friendly products. (i.e. -hybrid vehicles, biota-water)If this company really wanted to make waves it would sell its product just below average market prices of their competitors. I think by pricing a great new product at a premium, the general public will tend to ingore it in the marketplace.
[...] The World Harvest for Kids was significant in many ways, but to me once I tallied up the media outlets I had touched in some way directly and indirectly, and the number of mediums I had used to get there, it blew me away. [...]
[...] A ZimmCast earlier this summer featured an interview with Commodity Update founder Joel Jaeger. We just sent out a talking news release for him via AgNewsWire. [...]
[...] I guess the Agrotain Nitrogen Cycle was such a big hit that it’s on display at farm shows in Canada now. “The response to the bike at agricultural trade shows in the United States last year was phenomenal,” says Steve Phillips, VP North American Ag Sales. “The Nitrogen Cycle drew a lot of interest, and farmers were asking us a lot of questions about it! It’s a great tool to draw attention to our message of how to minimize nitrogen loss, in an eye-catching and fun way. I can also see this bike getting great attention at the Canadian shows we’ll attend.” [...]
Wow Chuck! Here I am stressing about turning 30, and you’re putting up a photo from 30 years ago! You look very young and stylish – 1976 must have been a great year!
I wonder what date growers in the U.S. think about this? Have growers in the Coachella Valley of California seen their exports or prices helped by the deteriorated date industry in Iraq? Will a resurgence in that industry in Iraq hurt U.S. growers, who are in an area where population growth is already squeezing date groves?
I prefer Firefox as well…even to the IE 7.0 BETA that I’ve been testing. I’ve noticed that IE messes up some of the photos on AgWired, but I don’t have that problem with Firefox.
[...] I want to welcome Truffle Media Networks to the new media world of agribusiness. The company just announced itself and to learn more about them I interviewed one of the founders, Ned Arthur. [...]
Chuck,
I finally got around to reading the section last night and it was worth the 30 minutes I spent with it. If you’re new to this “new media” it’s a great place to start.
[...] Now we know when the Microsoft digital media player will be on the market. This 30GB bad boy will be in stores by November 14 with a retail price of $249. It has some nice features and will play more types of files than an iPod. [...]
[...] I interviewed Nadia this morning for my weekly ZimmCast program that we promote/distribute on AgWired. Listen to this week’s program with my interview with Nadia: ZimmCast 87 (18 min MP3) Posted by: Chuck Zimmerman @ 5:32 pm | Permalink [...]
[...] If you listened to a recent ZimmCast you might have heard that I’m going to my 30 year high school reunion. Well, I’m leaving tomorrow for Sarasota, FL and the Riverview High School Class of 1976 Reunion. [...]
Hey Chuck, in doing some research for sale conditions I noticed that liveAuctions.tv is available for “participating” in a Hereford sale at the American Royal. Hope to learn more.
[...] Just last month USDA announced loans for the development of rural broadband. At the end of last week they announced more. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner announced that nearly $30 million in loans will be provided to telecommunications firms in Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio and Texas. The funds are provided under the USDA Rural Development’s Broadband Access and Telecommunications Programs. [...]
We need help. We own a 8160 New Holland and have electrical problems, no flashers or back up lights, Can anyone give us guidance or an idea of what to do?????
We have made it a priority over the last several years to keep up with emerging dissemination technologies. I am glad to see someone noticed. Thank you for your positive comments.
Great picture and great post. Isn’t it amazing how technology has given us the opportunity to reinvent ourselves as broadcasters and podcasters and posters and who knows what is next?
[...] The latest news about how USDA is helping push broadband development in rural areas has stoked the fires of a number of people. I’m at the top of that list. [...]
As me and alex were walking through Wegmans Supermarket, we stumbled upon an aggresive pack of snapalopes. Using our teamwork abilities we caught a good 5 or 6 of them before the rest of the pack avenged their capture by beating down alex with slim jims of doom. Alex is no longer with us. =[ A ceremony will be held in her honor this sunday. Snapalopes are not welcome.
[...] I have suggested to several people looking for a job that they start a blog. So far only 2 people have done so. The first one got a job right away. The second one is my friend John Davis. I hired John to be a farm broadcaster for the Brownfield Network in early 2000. He was an Air Force broadcaster who impressed me and he did a great job. He soon moved to the company’s state news network in Missouri. [...]
[...] I have suggested to several people looking for a job that they start a blog. So far only 2 people have done so. The first one got a job right away. The second one is my friend John Davis. I hired John to be a farm broadcaster for the Brownfield Network in early 2000. He was an Air Force broadcaster who impressed me and he did a great job. He soon moved to the company’s state news network in Missouri. [...]
[...] from a great friend » Posted on October 15th, 2006» Filed under Uncategorized» No comments My old friend Chuck Zimmerman just gave me a wonderful compliment on his two web sites. Checkthem out at http://agwired.com/2006/10/15/resume-blogging/ andhttp://zimmcomm.biz/2006/10/15/a-blog-as-resume/ . Chuck is a pro at blogging, and he has even been able to make a business out of it. To get a link from a guy such as Chuck is a big boost. He’s always been there to help. True firend. [...]
[...] It’s about time we got some agricultural video into YouTube don’t you think? I’m just getting started on this but thought you might enjoy my first upload. I actually posted this earlier this year at the CMA Music Festival but thought it might have some broad appeal in the YouTube universe. I guess we’ll find out. One thing I already learned is to save my raw video files and use them to upload since I’ve been converting them to pretty small Windows Movie Video files. They still work though. I think you can expect to see more video from us in the coming year! [...]
[...] I’ll be taking some pictures for them and doing some interviews for their weekly podcast. John’s the subject of my ZimmCast this week in case you haven’t had a chance to listen. [...]
Chuck; as a former member you undoubtedly realize that those of us who are “subscribed” to the NAFB News Service are dues paying members of the organization. We pretty much assume that our names, addresses, and other relevant information are available to NAFB’s partners, sponsors, and supporters. Our company finds the relationship between these organizations and businesses to be extremely helpful, and ultimately the flow of information between the two camps (broadcaster and marketer) is mutually beneficial. I think that rather than serving as a potential tool to “punish” of reward specific stations or entities, the data helps marketers learn if they’re doing a good job in providing us with newsworthy content. For example, if the National Widget Coalition posts a story on NAFB, and the story is a stinker, I won’t use it regardless. This is true of all of our content partners; sometimes they provide relevant newsworthy material, and sometimes they provide information that my listeners have no interest in hearing. Ultimately, if one of these content partners want to know what we’re putting on the air, all they have to do is go to our website or subscribe to our podcast.
That being said, you are using your niche well, and have provided a useful service to both broadcaster and markter. I think both services have a place.
Thanks for the comment Andy. I have had numerous chats with members about this whole issue at various conferences. Although you are a published member I don’t think most members realize that the fact that they download files or don’t is reported to the organizations purchasing access through this mechanism. Another question that often comes up is whether audio “aired” or was just listened to. We get asked that same question about our service too. Just because someone downloads or listens to an audio file doesn’t mean it was used.
The member service was originally created to provide a mechanism for members to share audio with each other and I assume that’s still the case. At some point it became a revenue stream for the organization and is now marketed to the same companies and organizations that purchase commercial advertising time. I assume that’s been good for the organization.
I really like your comment about your podcasts! Another aspect of internet-delivered audio.
Thanks for your comments about our service. I agree that each service has its place. It’s been a very good revenue stream for us for going on 3 years now!
BTW. I’m still a member, just not a broadcast council one.
As soon as I submitted my comment I said to myself – “Chuck’s still a member, nitwit.”
The comparison I use on the News Service as a revenue stream is like the Broadcaster Associations allowing individual stations to pay their dues by airing so many publics service announcements. Every radio station in Ohio airs spots for the Ohio National Guard, for example. The Guard isn’t buying the time from every station, but they are buying time from the Ohio Association of Broadcasters.
Good point also about who’s actually playing the audio as opposed to just sampling it. While I don’t have a problem with NAFB sharing my “download data,” so to speak, I would certainly balk at reporting actual airplay.
When hunting the Snapalope, one must have the proper safety gear, First off, the antlers are deadly if charged at. Second, always carry a flashlight…this will give the hunter an advantage, stunning the poor snapalope, allowing for a much easier catch. (This method of capture is under great dispute by the International Snapalope Hunters Association [ISHA] deeming to be considered an unfair advantage against the animal.) Thirdly…no firearms what so ever. With the location of hunting such species, it’s very possible for the clerks to be confused by a hunter seeking a snapalope trophy, and robbing the darn store. Besides, a shotgun would not leave much of the game for the hunter to consume.
Chuck, I hope all is well. I delivered the OI flag to Bob Lee for something we are planning. Once we get some details I will let everyone know.
Here is video clip http://www.koct.org/pages/oidload.htm on my way to San Francisco. I drove 8,000 miles solo and it was a great way to enjoy our great country!
[...] I like one of Andy’s comments about how we’ll soon think in terms of reaching a farm audience through a combined group of media (broadcast/publication/blog/podcast) rather than just one or another. I know it’s hard to grasp at first but research is beginning to show the impact some of these new media tools are having in reaching the farmer. People like Andy and Lindsay are leading the way! [...]
Chuck, I appreciate your altruistism in blogging our new QT series, and especially the help in getting it started. Our goal is to provide a regular feature for broadcasters that is useful, free and beneficial to listeners (or even blog readers)! Many thanks,
Steve Suther
Director of Industry Information
Certified Angus Beef LLC
No problem Steve. I just couldn’t resist when I got the email. I think it makes for an interesting multimedia post. Send ‘em on! Maybe more people in the industry will see value in spicing up their communications strategies.
Does “interactive” mean websites still?
Yes and no. Beyond websites and microsites (campaign specific landing experiences) “interactive” also encompasses online advertising/promotions, email marketing, search engine marketing and emerging media. “Emerging media” is a term coined to encompass the shifts in media consumption and interpersonal communication that are happening. It refers to mobile campaigns, mcommerce, podcasting, streaming video, user generated content, social networking, blogs and vlogs, advergaming, RSS, consumer pull applications…and the list continues to grow. To simplify it, I like to thing of “interactive” marketing as any digital communication that engages its audience in a physical response.
How many interactive department people are blogging?
In my interactive group about 30% have active blogs and are thoroughly enjoying the self expression and community/networking that blogging offers.
I’d be happy to answer any more questions that you may have.
I tried to play the clip from the “Press Conference Headline” the corn recommendation from March 17, 2006 I could not get it to play it just brings me to some other page.
[...] It looks like Truffle Media Networks has their Dairycast program up and running. It got started in conjunction with World Dairy Expo just a few weeks ago. The farm podcasting choices continue to grow. DairyCast is an audio program specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s Dairy professional. We’ll talk about production practices, environmental stewardship, animal welfare and a lot more. We’ll tell you what others in the Dairy industry are thinking about and doing. DairyCast is: [...]
[...] It looks like Truffle Media Networks has their Dairycast program up and running. It got started in conjunction with World Dairy Expo just a few weeks ago. The farm podcasting choices continue to grow. DairyCast is an audio program specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s Dairy professional. We’ll talk about production practices, environmental stewardship, animal welfare and a lot more. We’ll tell you what others in the Dairy industry are thinking about and doing. DairyCast is: [...]
I’m not sure if this is the place to ask – my dad installed a radio for his John Deere 2510Diesel antique tractor (it is a 1 speaker tractor radio mounted to the tire fender). Is there a way to get XM to play through this radio? As far as I know, it only has a headphone jack. Please help!! Thanks!
IF YOU LOVE TRANS FAT AND ANYTHING IT IS IN DROP DEAD.
SUPPORT THE BAN OR BE HATED ON, YOU LIFE HATER. YOU HATE LIFE IF YOU THINK ANYTHING GOOD COMES FROM TRANS FAT. DID I CALL YOU A LIFE HATER? WELL…YOU HATE LIFE.
In other words, “This stuff is really bad.” People have taken much effort in studing the effects of trans fast on the human body. It is very unhealthy, and may very well be the stuff that has caused the obsity epidemic since the 1970′s when it becamne used in the fast food industries.
To add to your article,
The Manitoban Multi-Fuel, Model C-250.
This model, may be used to heat large homes, but while producing upto 250K-400K BTU, it has been used to heat large dwellings/barns/warehouses. Burning Corn,wheat, Barley and Oats, our customers have a chance to play the agriculture market, burning what’s cheap that season.
Please consider looking into Corn Furnaces for larger uses also.
Quailty Manitoban Products,
Henry Krahn,
St.Jean Baptiste, MB
Canada
204-758-3276
i like the song, it was a good song and explain the blue jacket gold standard, but does any body know where i could dl it ? i want to get it for my advisor. if any body does, please email me at already_perfect_for_you@yahoo.com
[...] Case IH participated in an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to help an Iowa family (The Kibe’s) who’s home was destroyed. They donated a new Case IH JX1100U tractor with a LX252 loader to the family. [...]
[...] Hopefully you heard Andy’s and my conversation on a recent ZimmCast. As he said, the agrimarketer of today will need to look at the totality of the audience we are reaching and not get all hung up on exactly which medium we’re using. It’s all about developing a community. Kind of like the AgWired community. I’m glad you’re a part of it! [...]
Glad you enjoyed the videos, Chuck. My interview with Clark Kellogg was one of my favorites because I really felt like he had THE keynote of the convention. His faith is such a vibrant part of his message, and I think he really resonated with the students.
I’ve always felt that we’re at our best when we focus on providing great content to our audience; we’ll do our best to provide it to them in as many flavors as they like, so that no one in our realm of influence has reason not to know the story of agriculture. Our partners (advertisers/marketers/sponsors/friends) will hopefully reap the benefits of that work. Thus far, we’re pleased with the results. As the big media monarchy goes through it’s continual cycle of peaks and valleys, the niche voices like you and I continue to gain traction, and that is good for all of us, I think.
Keep up the good work here, and thanks again for the kind words.
Nice picture, Chuck. Missed you at the NAFB innovators panel discussion today. Would have been interesting to hear your perspective from the audience. Get well soon. Will drink one for you this evening!
Send me an update of what innovative things were discussed. I’d like to know if the organization is willing to look at ways to adapt to all that’s happening in the agricultural communications arena.
I grew up about 15 miles from Templeton. Templeton Rye is well-known to the people of that area. Bootlegging became a big business in the Depression-hit area as some really honest, good farmers had to do what they could just to keep their families alive. Also, that area is full of German Catholics… you couldn’t ask for two peoples who would be more against the idea of no alcohol!! In nearby Dedham, Iowa, in the house in which my maternal grandparents lived for a while (although not during prohibition), legend has it that a hose was run through one of the light fixtures to hide the illegal moonshine stored in the home. If I remember right, some years ago when Templeton had a big anniversary, the town used a little brown jug as a symbol.
I’ve had a little moonshine from that area, and it had quite a kick. Now to think… that it is all legal. Would this be value-added agriculture?
I’m french. I met Paul McKellips at school in Neenah a long time ago. He went in my house in France.
I’d like to be in touch with him. Can you tranfer this e-mail to him so he can have my adress.
Thank you for your help.
[...] The strategy is changing at Blasdel, Cleaver, Schwalbe Communications. Yes they now have a website as Leigh Ann and Kelly informed me last week. The three agency principals, Illinois Blasdel, Leigh Ann Cleaver and Kelly Schwalbe, left years in the big-agency world in order to have more direct, day-to-day contact with clients. We strive to have intimate knowledge of each client’s business and market: to become experts. We apply that knowledge to hit strategic home runs that achieve your business objectives. I say the strategy has changed because Illinois told me sometime last year that not having an agency website was “part of their strategy.” I guess the strategy is working because these folks seem to be doing very well. [...]
[...] The strategy is changing at Blasdel, Cleaver, Schwalbe Communications. Yes they now have a website as Leigh Ann and Kelly informed me last week. The three agency principals, Illinois Blasdel, Leigh Ann Cleaver and Kelly Schwalbe, left years in the big-agency world in order to have more direct, day-to-day contact with clients. We strive to have intimate knowledge of each client’s business and market: to become experts. We apply that knowledge to hit strategic home runs that achieve your business objectives. I say the strategy has changed because Illinois told me sometime last year that not having an agency website was “part of their strategy.” I guess the strategy is working because these folks seem to be doing very well. [...]
Thanks for the mention Chuck, and for sharing links with your readers. It is appreciated. I also want to thank you for taking some time to chat with me about podcasting after your presentation at the Ag Media Summit in Portland.
[...] Over at AgWired, Chuck described “Trade Talking” at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting last week. I was there as well, and as it happened a fair number of my guests on the Buckeye Ag Radio Network were vets discussing their company’s dairy herd health products. Here they are, for your listening pleasure: [...]
Hello. I came across your website while researching the industries of Missouri. I was wondering if you could tell me anything you know about Missouri’s corn industry.
Please e-mail me a.s.a.p with any information you could provide me with.
Thank you.
It has been my priviledge to know Anita since her days with National Cattlemen’s Association, then as colleagues at O&B. Her talents are truly remarkable. Congratulations from all of us at Demeter Communications.
You might consider listing: http://www.farmgate.uiuc.edu as an agricultural blog. It features five new postings per week, and has been in operation for over a year without a burp.
All of the information is generated from Land Grant University specialists and is designed to provide agricultural decision-makers with research-based information in a timely fashion for their operation.
[...] One of the cool things that PERC did this year was experiment with podcasting. Mark says they feel like the podcast series they did worked well and that they’re looking into more uses of new media in getting their message out to the consuming public, which includes farmers since they have programs targeted to agriculture. [...]
Very intersting news. I didn’t realize that they could make diesel fuel from soy beans. Cleaner fuel too. Sounds like a winning combination. I just hate the thought of mixing the word bean and fuel together. It sounds like an explosive duo :0) Hmmm I wonder if there might be any potential here for Soybean stocks.
[...] Well, fast-forward about a year later and they are really proving quite successful using social media in agriculture marketing. And, let us remember that success (as in metrics) is a relative thing. For Chuck and Cindy’s key stakeholders, their stats from the link above seem – to me, at least – to be quite impressive. [...]
[...] There’s even more news from Monsanto this morning and Landec as well. Actually two stories in one. Monsanto Company and Landec Corporation announced two separate agreements today, both of which are expected to broaden their reach and product offerings to U.S. farmers. The two agreements are potentially valued at more than $70 million. [...]
[...] There’s even more news from Monsanto this morning and Landec as well. Actually two stories in one. Monsanto Company and Landec Corporation announced two separate agreements today, both of which are expected to broaden their reach and product offerings to U.S. farmers. The two agreements are potentially valued at more than $70 million. [...]
[...] As I promised last week I’ve got an interview with Steve Hawkins, President of AgSpeak. This new company has been formed as the “first online agricultural market research cooperative.” They plan to attract farmer members who will agree to participate in online surveys and receive a portion of the profits at the end of the year. [...]
[...] Steve says that having farmers fill out surveys online saves them a lot of time and makes the survey process much quicker. They’re seeking farmer members and companies that want to have market research done. The company is based in Des Moines because that’s where other partners in the business are located. They all are involved with The Context Network. [...]
Preach on brother. I got this email this morning too, and immediately set my browser to “cringe.” This isn’t the first time I’ve seen whoo-hah like this out of Kellogg, although they do contribute a fair amount of money to our state’s 4-H Foundation. I guess you have to balance the good with the bad when you’re a multi-billion dollar do-gooder.
The Podcast and New Media conference (formerly known as the Portable Media Conference) is an excellent way to catch up on the latest in new media. I made it two years ago and was glad I went. My colleague has made it two years in a row and has brought back valuable insight. I recommend it for anybody wondering how to fit new media into the marketing plan.
[...] The famous Portable Media Expo has changed its name to Podcast and New Media Expo. And I like their new name and because it sounds better and more understandable even to non-podcasters. The new name clearly states that expo is about podcast and trends in new media. I guess, the revision is also an indication that they are expanding their future expo coverage. [...]
[...] As I reported previously here on AgWired, Farm Journal Media had filed a petition with the FCC regarding RFD-TV’s use of non-commercial DBS (direct broadcast satellite) channels. It’s not a real complicated issue but you have to read through some of the documents to get a handle on it. [...]
[...] Here’s the newest recording sensation for the serious farm podcaster. The Griffin iTalk attached to a video iPod. The iTalk is the little thing about the size of pack of chewing gum at the bottom of the iPod. [...]
[...] My backyard bambi last week prompted one AgWired reader to send in her own. This is a picture from Columbia, MO of what’s probably an albino deer. This one’s living behind Marylin Cummins house. Here’s the special doe I watch for each day out my office window and off the deck — she likes to bed down on the wooded hillside that is our backyard (in the middle of suburban Columbia, Mo.) We think she’s an albino — she’s definitely different. Always travels alone and is quite tame — going right up to people’s backyards, where she ate the leaves off the top of my baby redbud trees this fall. She doesn’t spook when I call to her, either — I’ve nicknamed her “Crystal.” [...]
[...] You might remember the good old UglyRipe and the battle its developers were having with the Florida Tomato Committee. Well it looks like tasty but ugly wins out. The tomato’s developer, Joe Procacci, had been at odds over the tomato with the FTC, a group of competing growers sanctioned by federal law. The FTC is empowered to determine all size and shape standards for tomatoes entering the U.S. market from mid-October to mid-June, the time of year when many Americans claim they’re unable to find a tasty tomato. For the last three years, the FTC has found that the UglyRipe does not meet its rigorous standards, which are based on size and shape, but not taste. The FTC rejection meant that the tomatoes were prohibited for sale outside of the Florida growing region during the winter months. [...]
[...] I’m just jet lagging a little bit this morning and I think you can probably hear it in my voice on this week’s ZimmCast. Bouncing back and forth across the big pond does have a cost. In this week’s program I’ve got an interview with Adrian Bell, Pharo, a full service agency in the United Kingdom with a focus on agribusiness. Adrian was a panelist at the IFAJ professional improvement seminar that took place in Berlin, Germany this past week. I think Adrian brought a very interesting perspective to the discussion as it relates to journalists working with public relations people. [...]
[...] I know I just did a post on this but I’ve had enough people emailing me links to this AP story that I thought I’d post it again. I think that since it’s starting to show up in numerous websites more people are finding it. Like on CNN. [...]
[...] Even though podcast advertising spending was a mere $3.1 million in 2005, it rose to $80 million in 2006, and eMarketer forecasts that it will grow fivefold in the next five years. I have no doubts they’re right. There’s seems to be no stopping iPod sales and with the iPhone coming out soon even more people are going to be looking for content to listen to. Are you in the conversation? [...]
[...] It’s going to be a chance to hear from BASF Scientists and Plant Health experts from the BASF world headquarters in Germany. It’s the only time this year when they’ll be in the United States to speak to the media. Count on posts and interviews from this event. They’ll also be included in the CommodityClassicCast too. [...]
[...] They also sponsor the media room each year as you may have heard in my interview with Gene Hemphill yesterday in this week’s ZimmCast. I’m looking forward to his reception for the media tomorrow evening too. [...]
[...] I haven’t heard anything from or about Wild Blue in a long time. I guess they’re doing okay though if they’re hiring Quickfarm to handle a customer web portal for them. This also makes you realize how important the rural market is to a satellite internet access provider. I wonder how many farmer customers WildBlue has. QuickFarm announced today an agreement with WildBlue Communications to provide content and hosting services through the WildBlue Customer Portal. [...]
[...] It’s titled, “And Now A Word From Our Sponsor: Podcasters Integrate Advertising Into the Mix.” It is an interview with a couple of guys from Libsyn (Liberated Syndication) who talk about what they’re seeing happen and what they think will work when it comes to advertising in podcasts. Here’s a response to a question about tracking. I think it’s going to come full circle. Brands [want to be] associated with this media and the excitement and the buzz going on. Things will become more trackable. The good thing about podcasting is that it’s remote, it’s not tied to the computer. But soon your computer [will be] everywhere. In the next two years or so, fully connected devices like iPhones that have full multimedia capabilities are going to allow for people to do things like “click to learn more” and then engage themselves into a campaign, and that will be trackable. There are call to actions now, like “go to this Web site and learn more.” And if we can track the effect brand advertising is having [on the] Internet, that’s a really good metric for ROI. If Grandma has a new iPod then agricultural communicators and marketers should be paying attention. [...]
[...] “The Center for Food Integrity will be a resource where consumers and other stakeholders can find information about the food system and discuss important issues,” Miller says. “We are providing leadership in building consumer trust and confidence in the contemporary U.S. food system.” Miller said the new entity has support from more than 20 organizations representing each segment of the food chain, including farmers and ranchers, processors, and companies that deliver food products under local, regional and global brand names, and government. You might remember me pointing you to Best Food Nation last year and suggesting they start a blog. Well they did. The only thing is, there’s only 2 posts and they’re both from last year, once in June, once in November. This effort needs a full time blogger working for it and I know an award winning ag reporter (jpg) who can do it. In fact, she started her career working for Florida Farm Bureau and producing a consumer-targeted radio program called Consumriculture. [...]
[...] Ned Arthur, Aaron Gilbertie and I will have entry cards and they’ll be in all the registration bags too. You can also stop by our AgWired Meetup at Ronduel’s (Hyatt Atrium Bar) from 5-7pm on Tuesday evening to get your entry card as well. [...]
[...] It’s with a great deal of sadness that I have to report that Mike Miller, a friend and award winning farm broadcaster has passed away. Many of you may remember Mike from his days in farm broadcasting. Just prior to moving to Missouri I even lived with Mike in Houston and commuted with him to work each day as we were trying to get a full time satellite tv farm news channel off the ground. I was there in a consultant capacity and moved on to Learfield Communications while Mike kept at it. We had some memorable times there that I will never forget. He was a great talent and last fall I had hoped he was getting back into farm television. Here’s an excerpt from his obituary on the Macon.com. Michael Douglass Miller -FORT VALLEY – Michael Douglass Miller, 53, died while on a business trip to Istanbul, Turkey on April 12, 2007. Services will be 11A.M. Thursday, April 19, 2007 at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Fort Valley with The Rev. Drs. Donald and Ruth Tate officiating. Burial will be in Ruckersville, Virginia. -Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, to the late Douglass Harrison and Helen Gibson Miller, Mike was a graduate of Woodberry Forest School and Virginia Military Institute. He was the managing director of the ocean marine division of Allen Insurance Group, and had clients in forty nine countries. Prior to moving to Fort Valley, Mike spent the first twenty years of his career in the broadcast new media and won numerous national awards, including an Oscar. He and his wife, Debbie, have lived in Kentucky, Kansas, Arkansas, Nebraska, Colorado and Texas. -Survivors: his wife of almost twenty five years, Debbie Cook Miller of Fort Valley, originally of Kentucky; sister, Patrice Miller Lifon of Canton, GA; nieces, Anne Douglass Ligon and Sarah Elizabeth Ligon, of Canton, GA; aunt, Charlotte Burrill of Fredericksburg, VA; and several cousins in Virginia. -In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Saint Andrew’s Memorial Fund, 309 Central Ave., Fort Valley, GA 31030. -Rooks Funeral Home in Fort Valley has charge of arrangements. The have a guest book you can sign. [...]
[...] This was too good an opportunity to pass up, sorry Phil. As you know, Phil Johnson is the NAMA Marketer of the Year. His company held a very nice reception at the NAMA convention to honor him and I was lucky enough to be invited and toast him in his golden toga. [...]
Chuck, here’s a link to an Op-Ed from Rick Tolman, NCGA CEO, that ran in today’s St. Louis Post-Dispatch. We expect other media outlets to pick up as well. Yes indeed, for farmers EVERY day is Earth Day!
[...] My Earth Day Post has generated a couple responses. They’re posted below. Additionally, the latest edition of the iTunes New Music Tuesday newsletter links you to a number of “Earth Day Podcasts.” The link will open you iTunes, or ask for it, take you to a search page that lists them for you so that you can easily subscribe to them. [...]
Chuck,
A weekend retreat is an oxymoron. Hope you had a productive weekend, but if you really want a “retreat” take a week off (and a weekend) to reflect and plan. That period will be invaluable.
MY GIRLFRIEND KEYSHIA EPPS CAN NOT BROIL EGGS.
I DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT THE THINGS THE SHE TRIES TO COOK. I JUST NEED HELP ON HOW TO MAKE HER COOK BETTER. WHEN EVER I SEE HER IN THE KITCHEN I ASK HER TO OUT OF THERE. I WOULD DO IT. I DONT CARE IF IT’S WATER
Just wanted to let you know that you’re right–this is the first year that WMMB has created a webpage specifically for media to make it easier for them to download candidate bios and pictures, either by individual or as a group. However, for a number of years we have featured pictures (when available) and bios of all our candidates on our producer site, and this year is no different. Check it out at
The producer page does contain the same info as the media page; it just doesn’t include the editable text files and group downloads requested by media.
Thanks for pointing that out Gina. I posted it on our World Dairy Diary site too and found out that my on-the-ball editor there had already done so a week or so ago.
[...] Bill teaches at the University of Missouri and he and his students have started the MU Agricultural Journalism Blog. I’m very proud of them. It seems like it was just a couple weeks ago that I did a presentation for them on this very subject. We’ll get to see them first in action at the World Ag Forum starting today or tomorrow. I’ll be there early tomorrow morning but it’s my understanding that Bill and his crew will there for the duration. [...]
[...] I have mentioned that the Biotechnology Industry Organization has embraced the use of new media tools for their current BIO 2007 taking place in Boston. Today their PR firm sent out an email that started out, “Bloggers, If you were unable to attend the BIO convention in Boston, you can still cover this event. . . “ Now how cool is it that they’re reaching out to the “bloggers?” They even mention a couple of them like Pharmalot and Patent Baristas. Stephen Albainy-Jenei who writes Patent Baristas looks like he got the gig to be the official BIO Blogger on their Bio Voice. Now there’s someone I’d like to meet since I haven’t run into too many who do what I do. [...]
No problem Angela. I love what you do and I’m trying to do something like it in the agricultural marketing world. I have pointed to AdRants many times. You’re in my daily news feed. Keep it up.
[...] Last week I mentioned that USDA was proposing new rules for rural broadband development. That’s high speed internet access for those of you who aren’t fully AgWired yet. [...]
I m braden fred, i read your blog your blog provides useful information on agriculture. It will help to clear your concept on agricultural and fencing requirements and options available to the readers. I m also handling a agriculture site http://www.mcarthur-group.com
Millions of Americans do not have access to high-speed broadband, especially those in rural and low-income urban areas because it does not pay for providers to invest in these areas. For example, only 17% of adults in rural areas subscribe to high speed internet compared to 31% in urban and 30% in suburban areas.
Monies that were earmarked for development of rural areas have been misappropriated and used to upgrade high-speed broadband in urban areas that already have access. What the U.S. needs is a comprehensive national high speed broadband policy to ensure U.S. residents in rural share the same benefits in the information revolution as their counterparts in urban areas.
CWA’s “Speed Matters Campaign” has some excellent recommendations regarding policy and ways to ensure affordable, high speed internet access for all consumers. Go to http://www.speedmatters.org for more information about public-private partnerships that can help us address gaps in rural investment and consumer demand.
[...] You may remember the tragedy that occurred last year at the first IndyCar race when Paul Dana was killed in a pre-race crash. I had conducted his last media interview prior to that. I finally had a chance to do a short interview with his wife, Tonya here in Indy. Paul is the man who worked so hard to bring the ethanol and racing industries together. He was the driver of the #17 Ethanol Car prior to Jeff Simmons. This year’s running of the Indy 500 with all the cars fueled with ethanol is the fulfillment of his dream. [...]
I’m find great response to short video clips to introduce employees those in other offices or departments. And, thanks to Google Video, YouTube, et al… it’s never been easier to embed the player in a blog post.
chuck we are a company preparing to place a proposal to the usda to provide wireless communications to rural amaerica and with this will be voip services as well as highspeed services.The technology we will use is wimax .You can reach me at my email to get more info on this.
I’d like to hear more. Can you give me a call or email and we can set up a time for discussion. Maybe Tuesday afternoon while I’m driving? Sounds like you’ve got an interesting project.
[...] We learned a lot doing the first tractor race last year and this year’s will be bigger and better. If you’re interested, there’s an auction still going on for the New Holland tractor that was signed by all of last year’s participants. [...]
chuck we are now getting investment capital so this can become a reality and be placed on a timely scale.One good thing about our technology it doesnt take long to place it.
WiMax is the future! The Wimax technology will fuel the growth in daily applications of information technology, and in turn make our lives even easier and more connected.Not to mention that theMobile WiMax equipment market is projected to be worth around $4 Billion by 2011.
With future applications whole cities can connect wirelessly from one substation and recieve all media with never having to run one cable.
[...] He’s really happy to get an opportunity this weekend to work with New Holland and Michael Peterson as they help promote biodiesel here at the CMA Music Festival. Earlier this year the NBB gave New Holland’s Gene Hemphill their Eye on Biodiesel Award for Innovation. Joe talks about how New Holland with people like Gene are leading the way for the company support needed to move bioidiesel forward as a viable alternative fuel. [...]
[...] I met Todd last year and it appears that his career is doing well. He’s a country boy who plays country music. He was excited when I interviewed right after he won the race. Todd’s charity of choice is the Saddle Up program. So part of the proceeds from the auctioning off of this year’s tractor will go to it. You can hear him talk about it in the interview I did with him: [...]
[...] At the end of today’s Michael Peterson/New Holland Celebrity Tractor Race the man took a turn on the course himself. Michael did great with a time of 52.8 seconds. However, that didn’t beat race winner Todd Fritsch’s time. [...]
[...] First, AgWired reports that Farm Futures has their producer planting intention survey results. Farm Futures estimates corn plantings at 88.4 million acres, up 13% from last year, based on a survey of more than 850 farmers from March 5 to March 12. That’s unchanged from the magazine’s last tally, in January. USDA releases its definitive survey of planting intentions on March 30. The massive shift to corn will come at the expense of soybeans and spring wheat, according to the magazine. Survey results showed farmers plan to put in 68.9 million acres of soybeans, down 9% from last year, and a drop of 600,000 acres from the January estimates. Spring wheat plantings are estimated at 12.7 million acres, a 15% crop from last year. No estimate was made for spring wheat in January. The magazine forecasts total wheat acreage at 58.8 million acres, up from 57.3 million in 2006. [...]
[...] So, what have we been doing lately? For one, we have a few more contract part-timers helping us out. John Davis, a 20-year veteran broadcast news reporter, has been posting on Domestic Fuel since January. He has been a great help. Also, a new media world professional by the name of Laura McNamara is now trained to help us with on-site events with photography, interviews and posting. She helped out with the Indy 500 and quickly became an event blogging pro! [...]
Yes it is and I meant to mention it. They were vague about when (October or before) and said it would be a special 2 hour show.
Thanks for the comment. It was a very interesting race and the limitations of my lens have prompted me to decide to invest in a faster zoom. I’m still doing my research though.
would be interested in helping , was a John Deere dealer for 30 years and personally farmed for 30 years Bob Whited 308 550 0916 Box 40 fullerton ne. 68638
[...] While I was doing a little online research for one of our clients I came across quite a few blogs I wasn’t aware of. Actually I did know about this one but not that the Center for Rural Affairs had moved their’s. On their site you can find links to other rural blogs. [...]
[...] It seems like these two companies are sure working together a lot lately. You can listen to BASF’s director of business operations talk about Healine here. BASF Corporation and Monsanto Company announced a co-promotional agreement today that will see each partner’s sales force promote Headline fungicide from BASF – an ideal combination to help corn and soybean growers improve yields and manage risk. [...]
[...] It seems like these two companies are sure working together a lot lately. You can listen to BASF’s director of business operations talk about Headline here. BASF Corporation and Monsanto Company announced a co-promotional agreement today that will see each partner’s sales force promote Headline fungicide from BASF – an ideal combination to help corn and soybean growers improve yields and manage risk. [...]
[...] The Home Cooking blogger is now doing a little farmers’ market blogging. She’s Lane McConnell who is Ag Promotions Specialist with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Ag Business Development Division. Isn’t it amazing what you can do with these things? Farmers’ Markets are an essential part of Missouri’s agricultural economy, providing an outlet for Missouri farmers to sell their produce to consumers across the state. A Look at Missouri Farmers’ Markets blog-site, offered by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, has been created for both consumers and marketers. This site features an insight look of the markets including photos, area market news and events and ways other markets across the state are marketing their local farmers’ market. The site will also serve as a place for marketers to go to find complete farmers’ market resources. [...]
I really enjoyed receiving the RFD channel but when I switched from satellite dish to comcast cable tv they do not carry the channel. I really wish I could still get that station as I thoroughly enjoyed receiving it especially since I have horses.
Hey Chuck — We’re going to have Dippin’Dots at the Ag Media Summit compliments of the creator, Alltech! Also I think we’ll try the carbonated strawberries! What a kick in the pants!!!
Actually I found them in our local Wal Mart Supercenter. I was familiar with the white and red ones but not the purple ones. They’re all good and I think it’s a cool product!
Goes really good with some meat on the grill and a cold brewsky.
Prakash is a talented scientist on agricultural biotechnology issues. It’s encouraging that he will be using GMO Food for Thought to do what he likes best: creating public understanding of agricultural biotechnology.
[...] At the 2007 InfoAg Expo I had a nice conversation with Paul Schrimpf, editor, Croplife Media Group. His company was one of the key organizers of the event and the Precision Ag Awards from the Precision Ag Institute. In the photo he was announcing the award winners. [...]
One bit of advice..make sure to peel the bark off the log pieces you use for your walls..know of one cord wood home that was mortared in with bark on wood and it shrunk..leaving gaps and cord to come in in the Northern Maine climate I live in! Good Luck!
Thanks for the feedback on the conference. We have had media rooms in the past, but they were not used. We will definitely provide a quiet space for media to work in the future.
[...] I’ve interviewed Amanda Nolz more than once at a previous cattle industry meeting. Once was at last year’s winter meeting and once again last summer. Well, this ambassador for beef is now a blogger and I’m proud of her. [...]
AAEA: American Agricultural Editors’ Association
LPC: Livestock Publications Council
ABM: American Business Media
NACT: National Agricultural Communictaors of Tomorrow
ARC: Agricultural Relations Council
IFAJ: International Federation of Agricultural Journalists
Not at all. I’m all for it. What I take exception to are organizations who try to create fear and panic in people for their own personal gain. They don’t base their war cry on anything remotely resembling common sense and science, just emotionalism. The big corporate farm is a myth. Most farms that are corporations are family owned. They’re just using the corporation as a legal entity for business purposes. I know lots of people who farm thousands of acres and those who farm only a couple. They get along great when brought together. I think the groups I’m talking about want to create division and an “us vs. them” mentality. That doesn’t foster good communications and a healthy debate.
Let me say right away that I actually work for an organization like the ones you mention in this post.
I’m not writing here to argue with you. I agree that an “us vs. them” mentality can be counter-productive, particularly when you and I are just two people sitting at computers. We can accomplish much more by communicating effectively with each other – trying to understand the issues from the other person’s point of view.
Believe it or not, I do what I do not for my own personal gain, but because I think it will benefit the American people. A lot of those I work alongside care deeply about the animals, but I care much more about the people. I take issue with enormous livestock operations because of the damage they cause to people’s drinking water, breathing air, and property values.
This is where the communication gap between you and me becomes so important. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that I don’t have a firm understanding of the economic realities of running a farm. I haven’t even seen a livestock facility with my own eyes.
If you, as someone with much more experience in these matters, think I’m horribly misguided, I truly would like to know. I don’t want to waste my life. I agree with you that one of the major problems facing organizations like mine is that we’re often based in big cities. At the same time as we work to help rural America, we are (many of us, anyway) pretty out of touch with rural America.
Please write back to me, either by e-mail or as a comment following mine, and tell me why you think that people like me are bad for farmers. I’d hate to spend any more time doing what I’m doing, thinking that I’m helping farmers, when really I’m doing the opposite.
Breaking the barrier between me and you is a critical first step toward breaking the barrier between “us” and “them.” An open, honest dialogue can only help.
I posted a comment on your blog after reading your post about the factory farm map. I’m assuming that you simply never saw it. I really hope that you will get back to me so that we can open a dialogue. Here’s the comment:
“Let me say right away that I actually work for an organization like the ones you mention in this post.
I’m not writing here to argue with you. I agree that an “us vs. them” mentality can be counter-productive, particularly when you and I are just two people sitting at computers. We can accomplish much more by communicating effectively with each other – trying to understand the issues from the other person’s point of view.
Believe it or not, I do what I do not for my own personal gain, but because I think it will benefit the American people. A lot of those I work alongside care deeply about the animals, but I care much more about the people. I take issue with enormous livestock operations because of the damage they cause to people’s drinking water, breathing air, and property values.
This is where the communication gap between you and me becomes so important. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that I don’t have a firm understanding of the economic realities of running a farm. I haven’t even seen a livestock facility with my own eyes.
If you, as someone with much more experience in these matters, think I’m horribly misguided, I truly would like to know. I don’t want to waste my life. I agree with you that one of the major problems facing organizations like mine is that we’re often based in big cities. At the same time as we work to help rural America, we are (many of us, anyway) pretty out of touch with rural America.
Please write back to me, either by e-mail or as a comment following mine, and tell me why you think that people like me are bad for farmers. I’d hate to spend any more time doing what I’m doing, thinking that I’m helping farmers, when really I’m doing the opposite.
Breaking the barrier between me and you is a critical first step toward breaking the barrier between “us” and “them.” An open, honest dialogue can only help.
I did see your comment, which I approved in order for it to show up. First of all, I haven’t had time to respond due to travel and work.
I just find it amazing how judgmental you can be without “having seen a livestock facility.” You’re apparently working for a cause without even knowing the facts or what you’re talking about.
If you want to break down a barrier then get yourself out on a farm. Yes even a big one. You might be amazed what you’ll find.
Me, I don’t just “sit at a computer” although I’m often at one. I travel with mine and that includes out to the farm where you’ll find high speed internet access these days.
The danger with the type of organization it sounds like you work for (since you didn’t bother to mention which one) is that you gain the ear of media whackos who don’t check their facts either and then all you’re doing is spreading a myth which impacts legislation and the ability of hard working Americans to make a living and in the case of farmers, feed you.
Thanks so much for getting back to me. I really appreciate your comments. We can keep going back and forth like this below your post, but it might be easier for you to e-mail me (andrewbarnet@gmail.com).
I think you’re right about the need for me to see for myself a large animal facility. I plan on doing that soon, although I’ve heard and read that it might be hard to get myself in (although obviously I shouldn’t believe everything I hear and read).
Even without that experience, I find it hard to believe that the pollution from large-scale feedlots is a myth. There is certainly a lot of biased information out there, but there are also objective third-party sources, like the Department of Justice. Here are a couple of links detailing the cases against two such facilities:
You and I almost certainly disagree about how common places like these are. We can save that debate for another time. Right now, I’m interested in what you think about those specific cases. Do you think that a dairy ought to be able to release a million pounds of manure into a waterway? Do you think that the DOJ got the facts wrong?
I don’t at all agree with government micro-management of anyone, especially farmers. I think people ought to be able to do with themselves and their property pretty much whatever they like. However, I think that the government should protect people from harm by other people. If someone else is polluting the air I breathe, shouldn’t I have legal recourse to make that person stop?
I realize that you’re very busy with other commitments, but I’d like it if you could get back to me with whatever thoughts you have.
Due to the discovery of a “Y2K” error by a climate blogger, NASA recently (with no fanfare) recalculated and republished historical temperature data for the US. As a result, 1998 is no longer the “warmest on record”, it’s now 1934. The rankings for other years were also effected in a manner that seems to undercut some of the claims of Al Gore & Co.
While people may point out this error as only relating to the US data, it’s worth noting that the US data set (along with Europe’s) is considered the best historical record at hand, and NASA is also re-crunching the non-US numbers and have not release the results from that effort.
We’ll see how much the audience gets it. However it’s interesting to see many of the ‘traditional’ industries transform as the next generation comes along.
I wish I could be there Josh. I think more and more people in the agricultural marketing business are seeing the value of new media tools. It’s sure keeping my company hopping – http://www.zimmcomm.biz. We’ve coined some terms too like agriblogging and farm podcasting!
I know you’re busy, but it’s been a week and a half since my last comment. I don’t like to keep bugging you, but I think that this dialogue is really important. The people I represent and the people you represent could not be farther apart. It would help both of us to bring them closer together. I was under the impression that you felt the same way, based on your own words: “I sure wish we could get some more of their creativity channeled into communicating facts and not just emotion.” That’s exactly what I want to do. A calm, fact-based exchange of thoughts and ideas between us will help us understand each other’s position. You know the economic realities of this business much better than I do, and I’d like to learn from you.
Here’s what I posted last time, so you don’t have to go back and read it.
“Hey Chuck,
Thanks so much for getting back to me. I really appreciate your comments. We can keep going back and forth like this below your post, but it might be easier for you to e-mail me (andrewbarnet@gmail.com).
I think you’re right about the need for me to see for myself a large animal facility. I plan on doing that soon, although I’ve heard and read that it might be hard to get myself in (although obviously I shouldn’t believe everything I hear and read).
Even without that experience, I find it hard to believe that the pollution from large-scale feedlots is a myth. There is certainly a lot of biased information out there, but there are also objective third-party sources, like the Department of Justice. Here are a couple of links detailing the cases against two such facilities:
You and I almost certainly disagree about how common places like these are. We can save that debate for another time. Right now, I’m interested in what you think about those specific cases. Do you think that a dairy ought to be able to release a million pounds of manure into a waterway? Do you think that the DOJ got the facts wrong?
I don’t at all agree with government micro-management of anyone, especially farmers. I think people ought to be able to do with themselves and their property pretty much whatever they like. However, I think that the government should protect people from harm by other people. If someone else is polluting the air I breathe, shouldn’t I have legal recourse to make that person stop?
I realize that you’re very busy with other commitments, but I’d like it if you could get back to me with whatever thoughts you have.
Best,
-Andrew”
p.s. Since I wrote that, I’ve tried to find a large-scale animal farm to visit, but I’ve had a lot of trouble. Do you know any good ways to find one near me (NW Connecticut)? Thanks again.
Okay. First thing you need to do is identify who you work for. It’s hard to have a dialogue not knowing that. You know who I work for. Just who are these “people” you represent? The ones I report on are feeding the world and I for one want them to continue to do so.
As far as your questions in your comment you’ve got to get out of a mind set that says that just because you can point to one incident somehow that’s what everyone in an industry is doing.
Do I think a dairy ought to do what the ones you point out did? No. But I wouldn’t assume that’s the way all producers manage their operations. Find me an industry where everyone in it follows all the rules.
How much manure does your local city water/sewer pump into waterways? Why don’t we see more outrage about that? I dare say there’s a lot more pollution happening from urban areas than anything you’ll find out on farms, even the largest ones.
Call your local county farm bureau office or state farm bureau office and ask them for suggestions on who you can talk to or visit with to learn more about what farming is really like.
I really enjoyed it Jim. Having some cooler temps than many of us have been experiencing in the midwest was very nice. As a media representative I feel much more confident that I understand what Syngenta is doing. I think this type of interaction leads to a better informed press and therefore farmer.
[...] The big combines just have that “wow” factor when it comes to a show and this week’s John Deere product introduction was no exception. The marketing manager for combines for John Deere is Seth Crawford. I interviewed him right after the field demonstration portion on combines. The one in this picture is one of their new 70 Series with the easy to adjust 600 Series Corn Head. [...]
Why was this event yanked out of the State of Indiana??????????????It is a big insult to those of us who reside in The Hoosier State who now have to listen to those idiot FPS spinmiesters now call this event the Illinois/Indiana site when it is held in Decatur.Take the Indiana out of it because it is a good 1- 2 hour drive for Decatur along Route 36 east to Indiana.What did Indiana do to deserve this fate and how the hell is Iowa and Illinois any better then Indiana is at this point in time?We first heard that some jackasses at FPS declared Indiana to be the eastern end of the corn belt.Perhaps these same myopic idiots can get there heads out of there assends and remember there is another state near Indiana.Its called OHIO.Its spelled O-H-I-O.In reality Ohio raises alot of corn to and in reality is to be in the eastern of the corn belt.As a result of those FPS idiots yanking thieir monopolisitc event out of this state we have no future plans to patronize it instead chooinsg to go to The Molly Caren Agricultural center and Patronize the Ohio farm Science Review instead.There is such irony that those blowhards at FPS would chose to yank their sham out of Indiana is that the current leadership of Gov Mitch Daniels JR is a very friendly towards agriculture.We are building many ethanol plants in this state along with being friendly towards CAFO operations and so on and so forth.Under the leadership of LT Gov Becky Skillman and Agriculture Director Andy Miller Hoosier agriculture is moving forward.We have also voted in a corn check off program here in Indiana.One major positive about Gov Daniels is that he is currently not advoacating a GRT that Gross Reciepts tax like his LIBERAL counterpart is in Illinois where almost every business at the FPS would be hurt financially.The most obvious to all of us is should be noted is that the FPS people obvious think that the State of Indiana has fallen of the map and no longer exist.Which is a real shame.Since that is the case then to OHIO we shall be.
Well said Mr Beck.We were at the last held about 8 miles south of Lafayette 2 weeks after September 11,2001 from 9/-25-27 and personally it was one of the best 3 days of our lives.You brought up alot of good points and besides you cannot understand why this was warranted being pulled out of MItch Daniels state to.I have talked to many of other Hoosiers in our local Farm Bureau Chapter who said they will no longer attending thie event in Decatur will be going to London to FSR instead to.
Hi,
This was a great video because it’s exactly how most visitors see an exhibit. I myself walk randomly through the displays to see what interests me.
Sorry I took so long to respond to your last comment. Again, I appreciate your words. I want to tell you that I did contact my local farm bureau, and they’re fine with me checking out a large-scale dairy. It won’t be until December though, because I won’t be home until then.
As for your comparison of intensive livestock operations with human cities (in terms of waste output), I think there’s some truth to that. I doubt that many of the people who advocate a return to earlier, more dispersed forms of animal husbandry would not support any kind of mandatory evacuation of urban dwellers to the countryside. At the same time, it’s my gut feeling that waste from cities is much more carefully processed and regulated than waste from farms. I could be wrong about this. I tried to find some kind of comparitive study online, but was unsuccessful. If you know of any information like this, I would appreciate you directing me to it.
I was in Red Cloud, NE, working from my home office when my wife came in and said, “you’d better come look at this.” I didn’t get much work done the rest of the day.
[...] We conducted an extensive search for the new NAMA Executive Vice-President/CEO that resulted in a highly qualified pool of 70 applicants. It was Jenny’s combination of skills, experience and forward-thinking ideas that made her the most convincing choice for the position. We’re excited to work with Jenny in her new role and believe she can help the organization adapt as we continue to focus on the changing needs of our members. (more…) [...]
Thank you very much for coming to our company yesterday and introduing about us on your HP. We hope you enjoyed the tour. Regarding the drink, we wondered water or Japanese tea. But we chose the latter one because you rarely try it in your home contry. We serve you water or coffee for your next visit.
Dear Mr.Zimmerman:
Thank you very much for your comments on our presentation.
I am so happy you have enjoyed that lunch I have selected.
Please let you know what I know. First of all that sweet is called DAIFUKU in Japan. The filling is red beans paste and large thing is a whole chesnut. Cesnut reminds us the autumn in Japan.
That lunch is cooked and assorted by the concept of the autumn.
I think you enjoyed steamed rice with chesnuts, red salmon ,shiitake mushroom ,too.Did you try the powder in a tiny green bag? That is MACCHAJIO means mixed salt and green tea powder. It is good to TEMPURA.
By the way I was the person with an yellow helmet.
Thank you again for your visiting us as well as the timely reports.
Best regards.
Dear Chuck and Cindy
I am Takako, one of English interpreters of IFAJ in Japan. I took part in the tours for Imperial Palace, Sankeien, and TUA cultural programs. I really had a good time with your members. Especially I thank Mr. And Mrs. David Markey, IFAJ President, for helping me during the tour by interpreting my English to other members. I hope you will enjoy the rest of the program in Tohoku. I am looking forward to reading your news every day.
Best regards
Takako Mitsuya
Dow has ignored the scientific literature in order to make money. Because of sulfuryl fluoride, more fluoride residues are allowed on foods sold in the U.S.
Fluoride is a neurotoxin, bone damaging and has been shown to damage thyroid, kidneys – even in small doses. Since most Americans are already over-fluoridated because 2/3 of public water supplies actually add the stuff to the water supply, it’s obvious that many more people will be harmed by Dow Chemical and the people who praise them.
[...] the headlines, Cows Make Me Feel Warm at the World Dairy Diary and COWS Are Carbon Dioxide Emitters at AgWired, Chuck wrote and posted the following [...]
[...] “Zemea(TM) propanediol offers a luxurious and non-sticky texture to deodorants,” Terra Naturals co-founder Svetlana Ratnikova said. “It replaces propylene glycol in petroleum-based deodorants and vegetable glycerin in existing natural deodorants. Vegetable glycerin can be very sticky and reduces overall product performance, and propylene glycol is derived from natural gas, a product that energy-conscious consumers are trying to reduce their dependence on.” (more…) [...]
[...] Siemens Says On Day Three of my recovery from my quadruple by-pass surgery, my partner in the next bed, who was going home that day, received a visitor who had the same surgery several years back. He looked at both us, and said, “Guys, listen up! Appreciate the fact you have just received a ‘Second Chance’. Wow what a statement and what a sobering thought. Me, a second chance – One who often took pride in developing chances and taking advantage of them, was now going to get a second chance from the hand the hand of a surgeon’s skill. (more…) [...]
Hey Chuck – Thanks for the mention, and link to my Web site. And what a great couple! I truly enjoyed getting to know you and Cindy during our travels around Japan. And you guys are wearing me out with your week of travel after Japan. No rest for the progressive!
Take care.
Kurt
[...] and that the Hereford breed can help accomplish that. So the Heterosis project which we got the first year results of this morning is one that he thinks is [...]
Oh come on. Everyone knows all about you anyway. Actually I didn’t realize they required that to vote. I think they cut down on the “viralness” of the campaign by doing that.
Maybe you can just buy me a burger somewhere someday.
It was a pleasure having you instruct the class. I appreciate you keeping an eye on the students’ blogs. One of the blogs was featured in a Canadian Farm Writers Federation workshop in September, as a great example of communicating agriculture to an urban audience. So thanks again for helping us get the blogs off the ground.
We’ll look forward to staying in touch with you.
Sincerely,
Owen Roberts
Instructor
Agricultural Communications
University of Guelph
[...] might remember my post on Blog Action Day earlier this week. Now that’s it’s past the organizers have a pretty comprehensive summary of what they [...]
[...] Cheap Insurances wrote an interesting post today on Lower Insurance Premiums for Farmers Who Use Monsanto HybridHere’s a quick excerptMonsanto says its latest agreement with the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation means farmers can opt to have their insurance premiums slashed by up… [...]
While Gore’s powerpoint movie may have stretched the truth a bit, the overall message is true. His tireless work to raise the awareness of this issue is worthy of the award. And the editorial you cited is more about Gore’s past than about what he’s doing today. Hmmm. Guess the writer decided not to dig into the current issue.
Sorry to see you’re rather close-minded toward the facts of global warming.
What’s great about America — we can blog and express our views and debate important issues.
I think it’s very possible that the globe is warmer recently than say a few years ago. I do not believe that it’s caused by us human beings and I really doubt as do many other people, scientists included, that there’s anything we can do to change things.
I’m all for doing things in an environmentally friendly way. I just don’t like whackos like Al Gore who are trying to sensationalize things using misinformation and lies for their own personal gain. They get the lazy media’s attention and affect public opinion which often results in stupid laws being passed making it harder and harder to do business or live in a free world.
I fully agree with the beauty of what a blog offers in the form of expressing opinion. I hope that’s a right that doesn’t get taken away from us.
Excellent machine, great productivity. A little bit costly but well worth every penny. Another great advancement in the John Deere line of cotton and for the company as a whole.
[...] Baron Bodissey wrote an engrossing place today onHere’s a hurried excerptMapleside Farms is ceremonial agriculturalist Johnny Appleseed in it’s period Johnny Appleseed Festival. The river Farm began celebrating the Johnny Appleseed Festival in 1974 on what would hit been Appleseed’s 200th birthday. … [...]
It might be interesting to explain where these interviews wind up. One would assume that these farm broadcasters are taking their interviews back to their respective broadcast outlets and putting them on the air. But there might be more to it than that???
The NAFB Foundation Auction receipts from both live and silent auction items totalled $15,432, a record amount! Thanks to you and CIndy for your continued support of the Foundation!
I’m sitting here listening to your session and thought I’d comment from my phone so everyone can see how easy and effective this blogging thing is. Keep up the great work
Actually Steve, in our shop we’ll use these on the air, in our blogs as downloadable mp3 files, and as additional content on BuckeyeAg.com… Which is probably what you were getting at.
[...] family including her parents and friends and colleagues from work. As you’ve heard in my interview with Pam earlier this week, she’s very dedicated to her family and is looking to spending more time with them [...]
Chuck,
Thanks for playing La Vida on you show. I just posted The Friend of Africa featuring the African Children’s Choir and legendary bassist Abraham Laboriel. Enjoy.
[...] the headlines, Cows Make Me Feel Warm at the World Dairy Diary and COWS Are Carbon Dioxide Emitters at AgWired, Chuck wrote and posted the following piece: “I don’t know if you know Bob McCarty but he [...]
Cindy Zimmerman was right to disbelieve your good judgment in leaving the chocotinis out of this! It was a very nice honor to receive the ISA award. We all work with such a wonderful group of people…being recognized by them is humbling. I wondered about the “funky” in the title. You don’t know that I am a Funk of Funks Grove! And my boys say we have some funky chickens!
Of course the funky is because of your funkiness and being from Funks Grove! Have a happy Thanksgiving. I’m about to call it quits until Friday at least.
Vic we are very proud of you, and do remember your service to all of us during your life as a member of a family of 10….Blessings and continued success in all you do ….
Marantz always had employed cheap mic pre-amps and it will be very hard for it to keep with the fierce competition out there. Sony PCM D50 will be better bet. It’s sound quality is very close to Fostex Fr2 le but with abit more punch and better gain.
Key features:
- Quality MIC (internal – can be set to any position)
- High grade 4 seperate circuits – ultra low noise
- Superb battery life – upto 35 hours with NimH 2700
- Dual Limiter function – no more distortion or clips.
- Built internal 4GB – generous start.
- High qualit mic pre amps/head phone amps.
- can be used with XLR-1 unit – for more wider choice of Mic
option.
- Casing is metal not Plastic.
- It’s SONY.
To sumup Maratnz offers limited sample rate very like Edirol R-09 and battery life is poor. The worse is MIC pre-amp (very noisy).
Yes , I too am very fond of the new sony pcm d50 is this better than fr2 le, zoom h4, h2 ,ro9 and the new 620 put together and I do admire its limiter function. I may even buy XLR-1 for external mic recording. Do u think this machicne is going to dominate under £500 market?
Yes, sony is very good with built in mic or even external mic. Within £500 Market it may possibly blow away every recorder including Korg MR1. To be fair the Fostex F2le is also very good and its going to be neck and neck between these 2.
Edirol R-09 – very expensive and the external mic pre-amp are too hissy.
Zoom H4 – better recorder than R09, but very difficult to use.
Marantz 620 – another version of R09 but released 2 years later offering limited sample rate.
Korg MR1 – good build quality, poor mic pre-amp, built in disk drive can oveheat the equipment and dedicated built in power source which is a bad idea for field recording..
Foxtex FR2le – Unit is abit Large, but superb sound quality (uses CF).
As our farmlands keep disappearing to home we need to discover new places to grow our foods. What better place than in the mist of our urban areas. I have taken the concept and landscaped my entire yard with fruit trees and other food in a concept called edible landscaping. Kudos to this farm and many others around the country and world. Some good examples are Fairview Gardens in Santa Barbara, CA http://www.fairviewgardens.org/ and The Urban Farm http://www.urbanfarm.org/ in Phoenix AZ.
[...] Missouri Beef Industry Council has just kicked off a new program as I mentioned late last night called, “Speaking of Beef.” This program includes preparing volunteer producers [...]
Sorry your weather is soooooo cold right now. Thank the good Lord that there has not been too many accidents on the highways or other. My husband and I will be taveling to Branson in the next couple of weeks, I hope it warms up and clears up by then, not only for our vacation beneift but,also so the good people of Missouri will be able to stay warm and safe. Merry Christmass
[...] the latest episode of “Managerial Insight with Moe Russell.” It’s part of the Business Skills Series from Asgrow which you’ll find on Farm Industry [...]
Very nice interview. I don’t say goodbye to you, just arrivederci. No true journalist ever retires from the job…you know that. I wish you well in your new passions, enjoy the world.
Happy Christmas and Best wishes for the New Year to you and your family.
Kiss,
Liliane
N.B. Many thanks for your tireless support to the work of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. In whatever form, I am sure you will continue this campaign against World hunger.
Liliane Kambirigi, Information Officer
Media Relations Branch (Radio production)
Communication Division (FAO)
Tel: x39.06.57053223 liliane.kambirigi@fao.org http://www.fao.org
Brenda: we have been friends forever–knew you in grade school–but then I was much older,which you remind me of all the time.
Steve and I love you dearly and your love of the town you grew up in–Westfield. Your visits to film and document the history of the oldest concord grape region in the world remains in our hearts forever—not like the grape pies that remain on our hips forever. All those dinners and parties and the splattered white blouse and glasses—–whoops, I must not reveal those secrets.
You have been a wonderful spokeswoman for agriculture and you will be missed–but I know in my heart–you will always continue to be a spokesperson for agriculture—-and the best friend.
We love you and look forward to your visits–I will line up speaking engagements and parties!!!!!
Love, Helen Baran
Wonderful interview. I can’t believe it has been so many years since we started working together. You have truly soared with your career. I wish you all the best in the future and know that your retirement will be as eventful as your working years. Looking forward to your visit, which I hope is soon!!
[...] good video/audio. Even today’s smart phones will let you get in on the action. Take the new Helio Ocean as an example. With a YouTube account you can easily upload video clips, which can include [...]
Thanks for playing my blues tune “Happy New Year”. Its an honor to be on your show. I have a deep and abiding respect for farmers and the no nonsense tangible they bring to sustainable life. Simply put, without farming we’d be f*cked… Sorry to be crude, but more people need to make that connection and understand that without agriculture there is no art or civilization. Thank you for your efforts to enlighten idiots like me and oh yeah..
Those are interesting facts and studies. I think Americans need to remember its probably not the type of sugar, but HOW MUCH of it you’re eating. As a country we tend to eat large portions– we need to cut down on how much food we eat and increase our physical activity.
I think my AgWired blog is pretty much a traveling blog. Thanks for the comments. This new media business has been made possible by the support of a lot of very cool people and I love working with each and every one of them.
[...] PETA is not known for its decency, but this is particularly outrageous. As Dad said on AgWired: Way to go PETA bullies. Pick on a group of peaceful monks who I’m sure are praying for your [...]
I have an existing and operating double 4 herringbone parlor that I have mostly renovated. The building is in need of some repair as well as a need for some mechanical repairs as well. How could this program benifit me?
[...] at Technorati the blog search engine is now indexing 112 million blogs. That’s up from the last time I heard an update from him (35 million). This one was posted on Blogspotting. He also says that [...]
Chuck: Good interview with the Austian woman, and you did a good job of pronouncing her name. Tough one. I really liked the music at the end. Good choice. Greg
Let me clarify, though, that we do, in fact, present a running sequence of posts. The view you saw that showed just one post followed by a comment form must have come on a subject archive page that has only one related entry. Poke around a bit more, and you’ll see that those are more the exception than the rule.
Would have liked to see a few seconds of the Skype call with Laura. Just as an example of the quality and how far the tech has come. Anyone that calls themselves a reporter in 2008 should know how to do this.
[...] This week I paid a visit to the world headquarters of the National Corn Growers Association to meet with Mimi Ricketts and newcomer Jennifer Crichton. I got to see Rick’s new ride in person and took my own picture. [...]
Secretary of Agriculture Edward Schafer
USDA
Washington, DC
Dear Secretary of Agriculture Schafer,
Dear Sir or Madam,
It is true that cows are sacrificed on the wellness of human
beings, but it is also true, that cows, no matter their
physical condition, they deserve to be treated and put to dead
with respect and dignity. Please, stop this constant, atrocious
cruelty on the downers. Please, provide more supervision at the
slaughter plants, make sure animals are being treated nicely,
with dignity.
Thanks again, Chuck, for giving our class a taste of the blogging world from your personal experience. It’s amazing how self-directed a career in blogging is! Hope you gain even more success as you continue supplying the web with your great content.
I have been growing TIckleMe Plants with my children (we home school). It is one experience they look forward to every year.They are still amazed when they tickle the plant and its branches drop and leaves close.
If you are still a disbeliever about the flowers and movement of the plant, watch the videos and pictures at http://www.ticklemeplant.com
This plant could change the way children and adults relate to plants forever!
Just an ugly day for travel all around. Flying United from Winnipeg to Louisville meant that I was only 5 hours late, which was better than 2007 when I was a 11 hours late.
Anybody else wondering what is up with planes being so worried about weight, to the extent that they are removing passengers who are in their seats ?
Just hope my luggage and TRADE SHOW BOOTH arrive from Chicago before opening time Wednesday.
Nice coverage in the Bee today for PureSense (www.puresense.com). I’m sure that they’re happy with the timing of the article, and the World Ag Expo guys must love the coverage too…great job as usual.
[...] just posted an announcement about Rhea + Kaiser’s new branding initiative and today I had the opportunity to speak with Steve Rhea about it. Steve says that they really [...]
hello laura
i’m french, currently studying in 2 year at EIP college (graduate school of agriculture and related industries). my target is to get an internship this summer for 12 weeks in wine business, wineries are fine.given that i don’t know much about wine, but i’m quite motivated/moreover i’d be able to improve my english and my accent overall.
thanks if you could help
I don’t know what the deal with gmail is… but it won’t load sometimes and when it does load, it won’t download the file. I can access all other sites though. Can you load the iview to the server? I can try getting it from there.
Thank you thank you!! I’d like to thank the academy and all my farm broadcaster friends for making this moment possible…you missed my boots on wednesday!!
This is great for folks who gather news and info via mobile devices. However, it leaves folks that subscribe to RSS feeds through Google/Yahoo! or newsreaders like NewsGator in the dark. Maybe this is a halfway-there initiative and the rest will come soon? One can hope.
Really, couldn’t any publication take advantage of RSS – and include advertising as an image right along with the hourly, daily or weekly posts? I’ve even seen some ag blogs that have no RSS/subscription option. It is not difficult to add an RSS tag…and if publications/information companies want to make sure readers are getting the news/info (and looking at the important adverts/sponsors) shouldn’t they make the leap to RSS? Why miss a (growing) portion of the audience?
Well put Mike. I have to believe that the whole problem publications have with RSS is that they can’t get that signature card that tells them who it is. They would have an undefined audience to provide specific demographics to their advertisers with. This is “old media” thinking and perpetuated by marketing/advertising people who aren’t willing to take risks and have to have every dollar justified by some metric. Of course we know that achieving some metrics goal (impressions, etc.) doesn’t guarantee success.
I think you’re seeing a lot of new media options being born by companies like ours that are building an audience and making an impact. I like the fact that there are no barriers to getting the information I publish. In fact, I go out of my way to make it publicly available.
Things are changing pretty fast and I’m interested to see what the future holds for all of us.
I just thought that I’d add that with phones out now like the iPhone you don’t need a “mobile” website or app anymore. They browse actual websites! Sure not everyone has one but . . . How many had a phone that got text messages a couple years ago? Now almost all of them do.
You’re right about iPhone…and certainly that’s the direction we’re going. Within a few years “mobile” sites will be a thing of the past.
I understand the quandary the media is in. The good ones will figure it out and be successful. Many are trying new things – video/podcasts/blogs and so on. But many of these efforts seem half-hearted — they are doing it just to say they are doing it. Hopefully from these efforts, though, they’ll figure out what readers want and how they want to get it. Provided readers are engaged enough to make their thoughts known. (And aren’t engaged readers a marketer/advertiser’s dream? Winners will be rewarded.)
Those darn demographics, though. It will take some faith at first, but in the end this issue will be solved. There are some options today – like site registrations (where people are directed for details/more info on what is provided through the RSS). Or contests. Or something similar. But surely better options/ideas will come. In the end, it will be easier to tell which information sources have engaged their readers…and that’s where marketers/advertisers will want to be.
Eggs are a good part of someone’s diet and give a lot of energy to our body. They are rich of a lot many proteins and they are very good for our health. If one needs a good built then he should eat eggs.
[...] Migration Published in March 14th, 2008 Posted by Pest Control in Pests unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptStill, this is nearly half as old [...]
24 inch monitors sounds good to me each year I upgrade a little bit at a time , last year was 22inch high definition and I thought great not only clear but saves massive amount of space on the workspace but may well go for bigger again later this year
Check out this US Carbon Footprint Map, an interactive United States Carbon Footprint Map, illustrating Greenest States to Cities. This site has all sorts of stats on individual State & City energy consumptions, demographics and much more down to your local US City level…
[...] a little update on that NCBA staff reorganization that I posted on last week. I was wondering who was leaving the organization until I got an email with the information this [...]
Guilty as charged I am not a farmer but wanted to create a Google public map showing where farmers who have their own blogs can be found , I am afraid I did not include your blog on the map because your blog specializes in providing media information to share with the farming community but did include you in our farming RSS feeds ( I can remove you if you wish just use contact form on Farming Guide Page ) . The latest Posts and the blog roll are also available in the public domain without visiting The Power Guides and are not owned by The Power Guides just updated. All our guides only include sites / blogs who have an RSS feed that is updated at least every 30 days so farms that run a static website are not included
sorry if you do not like it
PS I live in Wisconsin in the center of a farming community which is why I decided to provide a guide for farming blogs to gain more visibilty
No problem. I don’t dislike the site or concept. I just like knowing “who” someone is who’s doing it. There are a growing number of sites being set up to re-syndicate content and run ads without saying who they are and not asking permission. It’s made some of us a little sensitive.
You certainly have my permission to include AgWired in your feed.
As you can tell the feeds and the blog roll and even the basic info is left in javascript for exactly that reason I am not trying to steal content just provide a service , I will have adds on the page at some time in the future 3 to 6 months but based on what I write not what others have put all the hard work into , It is one of the reasons I decided to not run feed through feedburner so it is publicaly available for anyone . I chose farming as one of the guides because my neighbor was telling me he found it nearly impossible to find real farmers blogs and so did I in the beginning.
The reason I created the Google Map and decided to make it public was for the same reason to make it freely available for farmers to find other farmers blogs
The biggest problem with any blog directories ( farmers and other Bloggers ) submit to is that to be included they have to provide a link to the directory and the only people who win currently are the blogging directories as most of those listed on the front page are the commercial companies and not the ordinary blogger.
I realise this is a big change to most other sites of this style but It is worth being different in this world
I’m glad you stumbled across POET TV. We have a lot of fun with YouTube and think it’s a great way to give more people the opportunity to see our news. As for Barry…he’s pretty smooth!
I think you were the first blogger credentialed too. I’m the web guy so I can’t confirm it. Different dept yah know. Anyway, I was reading your coverage last year and enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to you doing it again.
Thanks for the link and the tip, I’m going to have to check out the Frogg Togg myself.
I am thrilled to see ag groups advertising the health benefits of meat protein. We have allowed the activist groups to tell consumers misleading information for way too long regarding meat. Another good site to check out is http://www.fb.org/blog to hear what America’s Young Farmers and Ranchers have to say about the benefits of ag!
Chuck, great posting about how companies should start looking into ways to connect with customers. I sent this blog posting on to several managers in my department to let them digest what you wrote.
Hi Chuck,
Thanks for saying I’m “ahead of the curve.” I assure you, with the pace of change in media in recent years, there have been plenty of days when I felt like I’m falling further and further behind.
Sorry to hear that you, too, have received the cold shoulder from journalism educators. It’s too bad that there are so many people in the industry with bad manners and a lack of intellectual curiosity.
I have that same feeling some times myself. It’s no longer a matter of learning a new software program but learning lots of new software programs almost daily, including gadgets.
The cold shoulder sure isn’t just in education though as I’m sure you know. But those are the people teaching the ones some of us will be hiring and I’d like to have more students prepared for what we need them to do.
I really appreciate this emailed in comment from Dr. Carter:
Dear Chuck and Cindy,
Thank you for your posting, http://agwired.com/2008/03/26/podcast-training-by-university-of-florida-ag-school/, about the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources. The photos you have found are of Class VII of the WLIANR, which began their leadership program experience in November of 2007. During their first session together, they were issued video IPods as I am conducting a research study on the use of IPods (mobile technology) in the facilitation of leadership development. During their participation in the WLIANR they are together 55 days and travel extensively throughout Florida, the country and to 2-3 international countries. It is my theory that there is a great deal of learning that can be done outside our seminars through the use of podcasts and their IPods. It has been an interesting process as these are leaders in their organizations, industries and communities, but they were initially hesitant about leadership programming utilizing technology. We have conducted a couple of surveys and plan to further study their use of IPods, what podcasts they are utilizing and also their feelings towards technology and feel that our results will be of great value not only to agricultural leadership programs but also to individuals like yourselves.
I appreciate your interest and posting of Class VII and this research study. If I can provide any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
What kind of games you ask Chuck? FUN GAMES!!! It’s going to be a night of Jeopardy with all the questions about publishing, editing terms, who’s who in the ag comm industry — trivia galore! Food and cold beverages too! Stoney Creek Inn 6 pm Wednesday night — be there.
there is a conversation between shirky and daniel goleman (author of emotional intelligence) called socially intelligent computing, which is pretty interesting and has audio samples available at http://www.morethansound.net
Hey Chuck, thank you for the link love and pointing people to the new network.
We will gladly welcome all from the AgriMarketing world. As I shared with you, I’ve actually got two AgComm students in my class this semester. Agriculture is so ripe for good social network activity. The stories and people, I believe, are a natural fit.
Thank you for signing up, too. Look forward to seeing you and your readers at PROpenMic.
Too much fun! We had a great time tonight and we will just have to fill all of the rest of you in when you ask us the questions! Thanks Chuck for being with us!
[...] was there I got to meet Linda Funk, Executive Director of The Soyfoods Council. We talked about the Soyfoods Podcast project we’ve been working an and you can learn more about why they decided to use podcasting [...]
Chuck, I will make sure to stop by your booth on Thursday. I did give a “new media” presentation to my Deere counterparts at a team meeting on Tuesday afternoon. So, I am “dripping” on them all of the great things we can do in new media and hope we can try some cool things soon.
[...] traveling, it was a Conference to remember. Thanks to all the people who have already subscribed to AgWired Mobile. We’re going to be developing it further and you’ll find more news coming through after [...]
[...] texting is just a part of how farmers are getting information now. Check out Commodity Update and AgWired Mobile if you want to get on the bandwagon and be on the leading edge. Posted by Chuck • April [...]
The table is from President Reagan’s Williamsburg Summit with world leaders. Thus, the conference room is called the Williamsburg Room. There’s a plaque on the wall in there that tells all about it.
[...] Live TV in all it’s glory today. This is the setup that live streamed yesterday from the Sec. of Agriculture’s office and then this afternoon from the National Press Club. My Mac on my briefcase on a [...]
whew – and all in 3 days!! Good to see you Chuck – if you ever talk to Hemphill again tell him I’ll see him at the Old Ebbitt Grill – Now if I can just find my house.
[...] program. During that time I was posting on multiple blogs daily and we started a new concept called Agwired Mobile and AgWired Live TV (using Ustream.tv). Additionally, we’re really incorporating Twitter into [...]
My husband suffers from periodic gout, which is helped if he begins drinking cherry juice at the onset, possibly a connection to what you are reporting about arthritis
It’s a small world and I too used to work for Learfield, though that was after Chuck had come and gone. I just want to comment about the AgLine News comment that other people at Learfield were afraid to talk to Derry. That is simply untrue as I saw it. Derry and I shared cheerful greetings every time we crossed paths and he was always full of questions of how things were working out for me. I also visited Derry’s office on several occasions for quick little chats. And, as far as I could tell, many of my colleagues shared the same friendly interaction with Derry that I did.
Hey Chuck, my favorite agriblogger — I’ve been blogged on agwired a few times but “I ain’t got no t-shirt to show for it!!” Send me one and I’ll send you some cool promo pics for agwired from NYC!!
[...] is a picture of the elements that are making up AgWired Live TV now. On the tripod is a Canon HV30. I’ve been streaming live for about an hour now in the [...]
[...] the schedule for when I intend to be live on AgWired Live TV. 10:15 – 10:30am 12:00 – 12:15 3:00 – 4:00pm, eastern time. Approx. live break [...]
What an amazing evening it was and the 1929 Maury – all I can say is Wow! Great job Ray lining up those two who were not only entertaining but educating.
I agree with Laura. My office was right by the kitchen and every morning I would hear Derry running water for ice cubes (I’m pretty sure he was the only person who refilled the ice cube trays.) Of course, I would run in and lecture him about conserving water and we would have a friendly debate about the water situation in the world. I don’t think there were many people there who were as different from Derry as I am, but we always had great chats. I feel sad that someone would say people were afraid to talk to him, because I know as the lowest person on the totem pole there, he was always friendly and respectful to me.
[...] As many of you know, Lee has fought a tough battle with cancer for the past two years, defying all odds to be a survivor. He has participated in yearly cancer fundraising bike rides, raising over $6,000 last year for the BriarRose Grand Peloton cancer ride (see previous post). [...]
To say that it’s a sad day for everyone in ag media is a big understatement. There was only one Lee McCoy, and it’s hard to believe he’s gone. I go back more than 20 years with Lee when I worked in the Communications Department of the National Cotton Council in the mid-1980s and he was a Texas farm broadcaster. He had a big booming voice and an even bigger heart. He could also strike up a conversation with anyone — even perfect strangers. When Lee made the move from the Texas-Oklahoma region to his newfound home at Southeast AgNet, he always would call me when he passed through Memphis. Even if he only had a few minutes to chat on the phone, he never missed an opportunity to call an old friend. I have attended numerous cotton industry events through the years and have always enjoyed Lee’s company. He may be gone, but he isn’t forgotten. It was my privilege to have known him, and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife Aurora and family.
Tommy Horton
Editor
Cotton Farming magazine
Memphis, Tenn.
[...] like to share your feelings or stories about Lee – please feel free to comment on this post, or yesterday’s post. Posted by Cindy • May 23, 2008 • 9:41 amCategories: [...]
I have had the joy of knowing Lee since his middle school days in Duncan OK. He was a loyal, humorous, faithful friend to me all these years. In the past few years we were together each time he came to Denver on business. We shared meals and laughter each time we got together. He could share his struggle with cancer and in doing so truly inspired all who knew him. We prayed together and his confidence in God’s love for him was steadfast. He was truly one of the most gracious men I have ever known. He loved both the strong and the weak. His relationship with God sustained him to the very end of his life on earth. I remember well him playing basket ball in high school and his friendship with so many in our school. His eyes simply came alive when he talked of Aurora and his family. We are the blest ones by knowing Lee. May the Lord grant him eternal rest in the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that he well knew to be one God, now and forever.
Lee was one of those wonderful folks whose mere presence lit up a room. He was warmth, caring and kindness personified. Rest well, my friend. You will always be remembered with a smile.
I have had the privledge of traveling and working with the finest of the finest over the past several weeks. This picture is truly one of those types of photos that is worthy of the statement,”a picture is worth a thousand words.”
My earlier message might not have made it on to this site. So, let me say again that words can’t really express what a special person Lee was to all of us in the ag media who worked with him for so many years. I traveled to many ag events with Lee and enjoyed his good humor, professionalism and friendship. He was a big guy with a big heart. We all knew that Lee had been battling cancer for a long time, and I have never known anyone with a more positive attitude. He simply refused to give up. I think we can all learn something from him in that regard. I have repeated this story many times, but every time Lee would be driving through Memphis on his way from Texas to Alabama, he would call me from the highway. We would catch up on all the news and chat about everything in the world….from the weather to politics to the price of gas in south Alabama. He loved people and had a contagious enthusiasm for everything that he was involved in on a day-to-day basis. I know I speak for many folks in the cotton industry when I say that we miss you, Lee. You may be gone, but you’ll never be forgotten.
Tommy Horton
Editor
Cotton Farming magazine
Memphis, Tenn.
Lee was a very friendly person. I have been out of farm radio for five years but I can still recall many wonderful vivid memories of him standing tall in his signature cowboy hat. My thoughts and prayers to Aurora and the rest of his family.
Thank you for your sharing your memories of Lee with me and our children. I loved Lee so much that at times it hurt. He was and is the best that has ever happened to me, a true gift from G-d. I am so blessed and happy that he was my friend, soulmate, and husband. The love of my life. He is in heaven now and all I can do is hope for that day when we are together again. Thank you again for sharing your love for Lee, the many emails and phone calls I have received have made my loss almost bearable. Please never forget Lee.
Love to all,
Aurora
[...] will be bringing you live coverage of the New Holland/Michael Peterson Celebrity Tractor Race. AgWired Live TV will be streaming the race on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Viewers can watch thirty [...]
[...] every year on different genetics from all kinds of companies and then I pick the best ones to phttp://agwired.com/2007/11/14/products-share-soybean-champ-spotlight/Brownfield Network: Soybean yield winner shares production secretsFeb 29, 2008 … soybean yield [...]
Darby Ledbetter is the man. I am a US Navy Chief Petty Officer and am proud to say that I know this man! I’ve told folks he’s a redneck! Now I have proof!!! HHEHEHEHEHE Tractor Race winner!!! HEHEHEHE. Don’t forget that name…You will see it again…I promise! Not on NASCAR, but for sure in Nashville!
Thank you for calling this to my attention. This is complete crap and I emailed them to say so. I wrote:
” If you really believe that this food before fuel “movement” makes sense, I can’t believe that you were smart enough to set up this slick website. This is crap propaganda. I am guessing that you are some lobbyist group getting paid to do this. You are selling out your country for and instilling false fear in those who are less informed.”
I agree. Darby Ledbetter is a phenomenal singer / songwriter and a great person. He is serving his country as a National Guard Soldier here in Nashville, Tennessee.
Hi Chuck, Don’t forget the New Media Expo (http://www.newmediaexpo.com/) Aug 14 – 16, also in Las Vegas (everyone ends up in Vegas:). This is _the_ event for new media like podcasting and video cast! John Blue
[...] and much fighting done by the ranchers in order to change things for the better. As a former Beef Ambassador, she has her priorities right. They eat beef, they are aware of how it is produced, and they [...]
[...] near Eddyville, IA. The water in the background is supposed to be the rest of the field, not thehttp://agwired.com/2008/06/18/corn-field-driftwood/Des Moines Next Stop On Route To Beijing Scoop.co.nzThe ITU BG World Cup Triathlon circuit moves to [...]
You forgot the money quote from the original PETA blog page. And it demonstrates why the livestock industry needs to back slowly away from their anti-ethanol campaign:
“Eating meat steals food from starving kids. Jessica’s trip to help kids in Africa got a lot of media buzz, but by gnawing on meat, she’s essentially stealing food from the mouths of starving children since it takes up to 16 pounds of grain to produce just 1 pound of meat. If more people went vegetarian, we’d free up enough grain to feed every person in the world.”
I only found this blog a week ago and have been thoroughly impressed – it looks like you had a good time at the Corn Indy 250! I’m really interested to hear what you learn at the “Transition to a Bio Economy” conference – that’s a topic that should interest quite a few people.
Thanks for your comment. I’m also interested to see what comes out of the conference I’m heading out to. It’s on a timely topic and I’m wondering what kind of perspective and information we’ll get.
i think companies or individuals should start promoting and updating our technology for biofuel, it’s one way that we could help the earth to stay greenier and cleaner. For related biofuel articles, you may check this out —> http://www.agribusinessweek.com
That idea has been bandied about for a while now, and almost always from urbanites (in my personal experience, ymmv). One interesting thing to note is the current trend among farmers, both in NW Iowa where I live, and around the country (as evidenced by the numerous tractor and ag forums I visit each week). Many farmers have firmly decided that global warming, in its entirety, is a myth. “Sure had a long winter – kinda blows the global warming idea out of the water”. (Nevermind that global warming is partly experienced via increasingly marked extremes in weather, not warmer temperatures everywhere all the time, but anyways)
The question then is how the farming community is going to respond to allegations that they’re behind global warming when many are currently trending toward denial of it. My gut reaction is that (on a personal level) they’ll ignore the allegations rather than educate themselves about how to respond to such comments.
Any comments or observations about that topic:? You spend a lot of time traveling and speaking with people, maybe you’ve observed otherwise.
This looks like a lot of fun. It is nice to see communities getting together to provide good quality family entertainment. Tractor shows are a great opportunity to bring the past into our lives today. I love to see the museum putting on such a great event.
I’ve been Twittering from my iPhone using a new free app from the App Store called “Twitteriffic.” It’s a great little App – I don’t use WordPress for my blog, but I wish I had this suave little App for my own blog!
Hey Chuck! Great show. Thanks for playing my song “Peanuts” : ) Hope everybody likes it. You can check out more stuff at http://www.myspace.com/oneinchfrom midget
If you want to request a free CD of my latest music “Bedtime for Scully”, e-mail me at oneinchfrommidget@hotmail.com and I’ll send one out…it rocks and did i mention…its FREE ))))
Hearing comments like, “I know a farmer who doesn’t even own a computer,” is starting to sound like an excuse to do little or nothing in the new media realm. But perhaps the new media holdouts need to consider that activist environmental organizations, animal rights groups, etc., are all very well aware and getting more savvy about use of new media. They are taking their message right to consumers. If agriculture businesses and organizations aren’t there too, where do you think consumers will turn for their information?
About the same time you were writing this, I was chatting with Kerry Grossweiler from Bayer about the new Poncho 500. Feel free to take a listen – http://www.buckeyeag.com/BayerPoncho500.mp3
Hi, Chuck. I know darn well one of those arms is John Walter, right?
Boy, I hate to miss AMS this year. Was going to be there, but came down with mono, so I found out last week, so I’m still pretty weak and addled at this point. Getting better, though. Sure am enjoying your updates…almost feel like I’m there!
Hey, I’ll let you get back to it. Thanks for keeping me in the loop, Chuck! Have fun down there!
Mothers with college-age daughters all over the world are thanking you, Betsy. I don’t have any girls, but if I did, I would want them to meet you. Love your blog. Sorry I missed seeing it in person.
Chuck, thanks for posting this!
The lines are going to be filling up! Dozens of people have already registered for next weeks Social Media Tele-Seminar. We hope many of your readers choose to join in as well!
Have you seen any stats indicating broadband penetration into rural households specifically? It would be interesting to see how that rate compares to the adoption rate of the population in general. I know of a handful of rural folks that are still unable to get broadband due to technical reasons (other than satellite, which is not always an attractive option compared to DSL).
Are there any Ag publications or media outlets that have done that type of survey?
[...] There’s a lot of news coming out of John Deere this week. In fact, it’s 23 news releases worth! You can find links to all of them in their media center or on AgWired in my previous post. [...]
sir….. have you ever read “Livestock’s Long Shadow”? Have you not been on the EPA’s website to view the list of issues with animal agriculture? Let’s just consider the resources it took to “process” the 7 million pounds of meat that were recalled in the last few months – That was an awful lot of grain, water and fuel to be hauled off to the land fills…. Animal agriculture is wasteful – Six times as many people can be fed on what it takes to support the meat industry. With 6.7 billion people the mantra from here on has to be – to use “less” more “wisely”. For health & heart – Go Vegan
Mike’s ribbons signify the many roles he has played in his long career – including leader, team builder, liason, president and, of course, rock star. It was only appropriate that Mike hold the NAMA record for longest name badge!
Yes, get on a plane to Fort Worth and help me learn how to blog… and pack for Austria!
Wow- AMS missed another hurricane by two weeks — same thing 4 years ago. Eeeks.
[...] just thought I’d share an example of the AgWired search engine magnificence. I did a post late yesterday about Barry Engle being named as the new head of New Holland Ag. A few minutes ago I [...]
Chuck,
That IS cool. Picasa (Google) offers a similar code for slide shows where you can cut and paste the code or just link to a photo folder and it will run a slide show on your site. And viewers can download any photo they choose. I use the feature for our family’s blog on blogspot – posted my son’s birthday on Tuesday, now it runs a slide show and family members throughout the country can click on a photo they like and download it. That may be old news to you but I thought I would pass it along. I think that’s pretty cool.
As someone who is trying to get acquainted with the new media tools, I’ve found that setting up and running a personal blog is a great way to start. You can experiment with different functions, features, etc., and have a great time in the process!
it’s always interesting to listen to farmers when they talk about media usage and their individual preferences. I work as a market researcher and we are currently designing a survey among german farmers to do a segmentation on information behaviour and media usage.
bye, Kai
[...] It looks like great weather this week according to the Weather Channel. Highs in the upper 70’s, lows in the upper 50’s to lower 60’s. That’s a big difference from last year. [...]
My guess — the boots belong to Holly Fritz. If right, it’s gotta be due to knowing a little extra about where the boots were obtained… and a little about Holly.
[...] AgWired table in this photo. In the background is Leah Guffey, WFMB. She’s got a new gig as reported here earlier. You can read more about it at SF-R.com (scroll down the [...]
[...] hoping to see my good friends at Broadhead + Co. next week when Cindy and I attend and cover AgNite. It looks like the agency has been busy with the RNC coming to town. Delegates to the Republican [...]
If you compare corn production in Iowa to corn production in Africa, the possibilities of improving yields in Africa completely overshadow what might be done in Iowa.
In Iowa, a five percent increase in corn production would be viewed as a breakthrough–as it has been, with the advent of GM crops.
In South Africa and the Philippines, GM corn has led to self-sufficiency in a way their farmers scarcely could imagine. In Brazil, GM soy has made the nation an exporting powerhouse. India has become a net exporter, rather than importer, of cotton–because of GM pest resistance.
Raising agricultural productivity in the less developed parts of the world has great potential and could benefit the biofuels industry and also the farmers.
But there are provisos, firstly that those who farm the land are treated with dignity and allowed to continue farming without being expelled by those with more muscle, that the land itself is not overstressed and finally that they are not tied to one patented crop or crop protection system unless they are able to make a fair living from the relationship.
There are other issues bigger than seed producer and farmers:trade and tariffs these also need to be fair to all and transparent.
I couldn’t agree more, my blogging friend. This is just what I needed on a stir-crazy, house-bound Sunday night. Let the whackos cry their sob story. I’ll eat their share of meat, too. And when will they get the story straight that organic and free-range don’t automatically equal GREEN? The rBST debate is a great example. It takes way more cows to produce the same amount of milk from rBST free cows than it would from cows who benefit from rBST. But, whatever, you whackjob whackos. Whew.
[...] programs and products. Stephanie is pictured participating in a NAMA Executive Committee Meeting last year. Ms. Gable joins Novus from Fort Dodge Animal Health in Kansas City where she was the Companion [...]
I think one way of spread PR and creating a systematic marketing plan especially online is to be in social media – it really is changing how we consume information and also how we search. I use a Project Management tool called Deskaway for my business (fantastic tool btw!) and just decided to Google them once. So many things come up – a twitter page, a get satisfaction page, a blog, some answers on Yahoo, some pictures, a video. It told me that brands need to be on social media. Im sure Sylvia Small will help clients. I hope my humble addition will help people as well.
Do they know that a wild group of John Deere staff from Iowa were on the Today Show touting green tractors this morning? Like a lot of crazy chicks in JD caps and JD shirts?
No need to post this….but great promo for the team!
[...] heard some of Doug DeVries comments about AG CONNECT in an earlier post, but I also had the opportunity to visit one on one with three of the other execs on the panel who [...]
[...] USDA seminar was hosted by USDA Undersecretary Mark Keenum, who was just at Sunbelt Ag Expo yesterday, and Patricia Sheikh, deputy administrator of [...]
thanks for your great post on poverty as part of Blog Action Day. check out what i wrote and please comment ASAP, i’d like to continue the interest on this issue with my readers
indeed. school feeding programs do so much good in many ways (more nutrition, better brain development … a reason to go to school … that sort of thing).
for my part, i turn to sites like freerice (rice donation), kiva (microfinance), and goodsearch (donation per search), as ways to help alleviate poverty online. i also put up their banners on my blog.
saw this post via the blog action day site. it’s great that you’re participating.
[...] AgWired » Blog Archives » E85 Chopper by Orange County Chopper and IFB – This was a cool story out here at the Iowa Speedway today. They’re billing it as America’s first renewable energy chopper that runs on E85. It was unveiled today just before driver introductions by Iowa Farm Bureau. [...]
[...] on World Food Day, right after Blog Action Day, which had a theme of poverty, let’s do what we can to help those less fortunate than us. But [...]
Chuck – say hello to all the COSDA-nauts for me. I am a reformed COSDAer and I miss all those great folks. I’m glad to see they are learning agri-blogging from the best!
[...] join us in congratulating Beth in anticipation of the award presentation at the NAMA Trends in Agriculture event on November 12th. « What Oprah’s Take on [...]
The Digitel team provided the “cloud”, but the real story for ag here is the 5 county deployment that was reviewed by Georgia Governor, Sonny Purdue. This carrier grade wireless (WiMAX) installation will allow farmers in a 2,000 mile region to send data via the Internet from any machine/farm equipment or device (such as soil and moisture probes) directly to their laptop or other Internet accessible device in order to make more efficient, timely and profitable decisions.
[...] AgWired » Blog Archives » E85 Chopper by Orange County Chopper and IFB – - This was a cool story out here at the Iowa Speedway today. They’re billing it as America’s first renewable energy chopper that runs on E85. It was unveiled today just before driver introductions by Iowa Farm Bureau. addthis_url = ‘http%3A%2F%2Fwww.custommotorcyclewheels.net%2Fcustom-motorcycle-wheels%2Fcustom-motorcycles-article-review’; addthis_title = ‘Custom+Motorcycles+Article+Review’; addthis_pub = ”; [...]
Lindsay and I both downloaded this and tested it out. The app is super-simple to use, the wireless transfer of files to the desktop of your Mac is perhaps the best feature of the whole setup, but the audio quality leaves something to be desired. It sounds more or less like you’re recording something via your cellphone, which I guess you are, really. Our conclusion is that this is a great backup and or tool for less critical applications where you’d really like sound, but it doesn’t have to be pristine quality audio.
Thanks Chuck. We’re proud of the program and it’s ability to bring a little Christmas Spirit to our fellow American citizens who are voluntarily serving in our military. It’s a small token of gratitude for the dedication and sacrifice they are making for all of us.
[...] week, cottonseed oil has caught the attention of rural- and city-dwellers alike. Check out AgWired to read about the growing availability of cottonseed oil this Thanksgiving. If you are [...]
Glad you were able to attend the POET Project Liberty Field Day! I agree that ethanol should be part of an energy independence plan. If you’d like to follow coverage of the ethanol industry in the United States, check out Toni Nuernberg’s blog ethanol Conversations. Let us know what you think.
Thanks!
Joanna Schroeder
EPIC Communications Director
Willie at the helm of the People’s Department? I’d almost pay to see him with the techno- and bureaucrats! Hemp would be legalized fo’ sure! FarmAid on the White House lawn!!!
Willie as Ag Sec would be a disaster. In the ’80s, Farm Aid brought important attention to a real crisis in farm country. Now, though, it’s a shell for those who bash modern agriculture and want to turn agriculture’s clock back to the 1700s or 1800s. Somehow, Willie forgot that a vast majority of farms are family farms – and that not all have to look like a Grant Wood painting to be managed well.
Chuck, you must have been star struck after interviewing Chuck Leavell. Chuck who? No ID at all in the story. I didn’t recognize his photo or voice in the audio interview, and had to wait for one of you to mention it.
Had I been in your shoes, I probably would have forgotten to press “record” or some other fatal error. What a great talent and an obvious true friend of the green movement.
Florida First Insurance of Broward, Inc sells Tractor Trailer insurance (Semi-Truck Insurance) throught out the state of Florida including in Miami-Dade, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale – Broward and surrounding areas. We have standard policies for (Semi-Truck) Tractor Trailer fleets and we are familiar with the different types of cargo and insurance and bond requirements. Florida First is your one-stop agency for all your Semi-Truck / Tractor Trailer insurance needs.
[...] and Information Council (long time ZimmComm client) announced today that it is going to be joining Growth Energy. Actually the board is recommending the transition to its membership but I think it’s safe to [...]
Seems that the large animal vet shortage is due to the relatively small amount of money a vet can make in this way with relation to how many hours they are required to work. Our large animal vet works 7 days a week most weeks. He is only scheduled to work 4 days a week. The rest are emergencies and such. It is a nightmare life for his family. I guess we need to pay them more. My vet has been trying to hire another large animal vet to help but can’t find anyone.
Thanks for bringing up this problem. It’s a biggie for new alpaca breeders.
Great comment. We’re going to cut and paste it to “Field Assignment.” And if anyone wants to continue the conversation over there, we’ll be donating $5 for every non-frivolous comment to UW-Madison’s Dairy Teaching Herd Endowment. Details are here: http://blog.fieldassignment.com/?p=351
Our compliments to C/O for its support of the Allenstein Dairy Teaching Herd at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. There definitely is a need for more food animal practitioners in the future and a need for those in that training to get good hands-on training and exposure to dairy cattle, especially. That’s what the UW-SVM Dairy Teaching Herd is all about.
Thank you!
Chuck, This is so awesome that you will be part of this traveling event and using many social media mechanisms to spread the word about it. Keep up the great work! I have spread the news about this show and this widget on my own Twitter network. A few farmers follow me, so maybe will latch on to your widget and live blogging you will be doing.
Just heard on Marketplace – the Public Radio business show that eggs are expensive because of the high cost of corn. I wanted to scream at the radio asking whether they’d looked at the futures price of corn lately.
Star Tribune here in MSP carried a great story today about how food prices are being raised by shrinking package prices…amazing stuff.
CEOs are pretty quick to find a scapegoat for their bad hedges, their improper decisions and their slow-to-move ideas (perhaps VeraSun?) – in the end the farmer, who never sets his own price, gets to pay.
Hello, I am a retired John Deere employee from the John Deere Davenport Works Plant. I own and love a 2002 John Deere 4110 utility tractor. I don’t know how I could get by without it. Once one of your customers buys one I’m sure they will feel the same way. I have a 6 ft. scraper blade, a 4 ft box blade, a 54 inch rear mounted tiller, a 60 inch belly mower and it has the hydraulic lift on the front for which I have the bucket and the fork attachment. I use it in my garden, to remove snow, cut grass, move dirt, maintain a 1/8 mile rock driveway, get the mail, move my 32 ft. camper trailer around the property, move my car trailer, move a 5 x 8 enclosed trailer which I sometimes load with the fork attachment and a small utility trailer I use around the yard. I have a quick attach on the rear that lets me change whatever I’m using very quick. As you can tell I use it just like the name says “Utility”. It has yet to fail at what I have asked it to do. Feel free to show this to potential customers. Good luck with your show. Bob
[...] And you can hear Farm Foundation President Neilson Conklin give a synopsis of the report over at AgWired. Give it a listen. « U.S. Losing Vet Students to Overseas [...]
[...] “Within the population of the US, only 2 percent are farmers. But 100 percent are eaters.” Quote by Mike Espy, former Secretary of Agriculture. To listen to discussion go to this link [...]
[...] you might remember from my earlier post, this morning, Farm Foundation Pres. Neil Conklin outlined the six major areas of challenges facing [...]
[...] So what’s the good news in all this? Well, Ellinger says the softening of land prices might slow the trend of prime farmland being turned into housing tracks… an issue we discussed in one of my earlier posts. [...]
Sounds like I did the right thing when I graduated with my degree in Journalism with a specialization in Public Relations and a minor in Telecommunications (Broadcasting) and now I’m doing Sales and Marketing. It works.
Couldn’t agree more Chuck! There are so many ag based websites with GREAT content. However, I physically have to go there every single day to get the new info. I don’t have time for that. Let me subscribe to an RSS – or at the minimum, an email list (although, I don’t need more email).
I am a real estate agent in Casey County which is in the center of beautiful farmland suited for cattle or crops. If someone is interested in farmland please e-mail me. thank you.
Chuck, do you get Peter Shankman’s HARO Updates? Yesterday, he offered a discount for this event. Use TWITTER as a coupon/code when you register, and get $200 off registration. I am definitely thinking about attending if I can swing it.
I agree with your statement, “The web isn’t about “mass audience numbers” but “niche audience numbers.” It requires a mind shift for some. You have to be okay with not having all the attention – but if you are gaining the attention of that niche audience that cares about what you have to say, there is a lot of power in that. Marketers should pay attention to this as well. Figure out who you are exactly trying to advertise to – identify the ag bloggers/podcasters are that speak regularly to that audience, and sponsor them. I believe there is more value there, than a spendy add that falls on deaf ears.
You can probably find the SB800. I have both the 800 and 900…the 900 is easier to set when using as a remote and has a longer range, but it is bigger and heavier. Find an 800 if you can. Even the SB600 is a great flash if on a budget.
And I’d take a look at the D90. It’s getting some rave reviews.
Regarding flash memory cards: sign up for SanDisk’s email alerts. You can find some GREAT deals on closeout cards. Adorama also can have some killer deals on cards.
I think you’ve read the data correctly Chuck. The higher up the gross farm income (GFI) curve you go on these producers, the more likely they are to have broadband access, and the more likely they are to use it on a more regular basis than their lower-income counterparts. This is somewhat intuitive if you assume that the “higher end” producers have higher information needs regarding their marketing strategies and how the news and weather affect those plans.
From a marketers standpoint, the beautiful thing for radio is that the fragmentation with web-based media, as with print-based media, means you have to buy many more properties to achieve a similar saturation. Because radio is “broadcast” instead of “narrowcast” – like niche print and web tools – a marketer can but a relatively small number of NAFB-member networks and stations to achieve an exceptional penetration into a given segment of the market.
The beauty of the internet, of course, is that is – in theory – quantifiable in a way that neither radio nor print can possibly be. I say in theory simply because the industry hasn’t decided on the best way to do the quantification; an internet version of AMR, in other words. It may be that something as simple as Google Analytics, which many of us use, will be sufficient. NAFB’s Marketing and Promotion Committee is working with our partners in the agrimarketing community to determine that very thing. As we determine that, I think NAFB members’ web-presences are uniquely positioned to make the combined radio-web mix the most useful tool in the agrimarketers’ toolbox.
Ah, quantification. Which leads to justification. Which leads to ??? I think this is our biggest challenge in online (interactive or whatever you want to call it). I think media planners and buyers know that web sites and other forms of new media are reaching their target audience but they want to know “who” the numbers represent. As one client put it to me (paraphrased), “I don’t care how many you can directly identify, I just need a number which includes a demographic.”
This is tough to do. It’s why so many companies are still trying to control the visitor experience (log ins, registrations, premium content). That way they can identify, quantify and justify to advertisers and sponsors. However, that puts up a barrier that many won’t cross so then you’re leaving out potential customers.
With AgWired I can identify the almost 3,000 people who receive ZimmNews, which is really a promotional mechanism for the website (and our other ones too). This does give me some demographics to point to but leaves out the 10,000+ other visitors/rss feed subscribers.
There are efforts going on with the IAB and ADM to create standards but I haven’t seen anything really meaningful yet. I hope that groups like NAFB will include their efforts in the mix.
What I am finding in day to day networking – online – with agriculture professionals is reflective of Steve’s comments. I’ve been slapped before, because someone else’s website has more HITS than mine does – so there is more perceived value. Possibly still true. However, their strategy is being crafted based on the same rules – numbers = success. But what happens when the rules change. What if the rules become more associated with the amount of time spent on one’s site, or the actions taken while visiting? Then your numbers don’t mean nearly as much. I think we need to heed Steve’s words today – and make them a part of what we are planning for, 5 years down the road.
[...] it? With the new John Deere Drive Green project we’re involved in I decided to upgrade my MoJo (I’ll be doing an update of this soon) with a Canon HD (AVCHD) camera. I naively thought it [...]
You are killing me. My wish list for Santa is growing so long with all your tech tips for us ag-bloggies. I want that microphone! Thanks for all the great ideas. Merry Christmas!
[...] met Amanda when she was a National Beef Ambassador. She’s passionate about her farm and her animals and you can get a sense of that from her [...]
Welcome, Mandy. I tweet as “CleanAirChoice” and our Facebook page is “Clean Air Choice Team.” I frequently send news releases and tips to the Agwired network of news outlets.
Robert Moffitt
Communications Director
Clean Fuel & Vehicle Technologies
American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest
Chuck,
Thanks for the mention on your site! I invite all of your Ag Wired followers to check out the art. I’m always on the prowl for new and different art and artists to feature, so if anyone out there has a good prospect, please forward this post to him/her.
Amanda – Saw the URL to this blog post on your Twitter account. Glad you’ve joined the band wagon. I use it to promote job opportunities in the ag industry – and get some pretty good traffic because of it. It is a GREAT tool when used strategically, and for the right reasons.
If it weren’t for Twitter, I probably wouldn’t have come across your post…but I’ve struggled with the same question from time to time. And even since I became a Twitter convert, I find it hard to convince others of the benefits. For the most part, they don’t believe until they see.
Anybody who cares about his/her company’s reputation in the online environment has no choice but to visit WhosTalkin.com. In the course of my career in interactive public relations and marketing, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of e-Monitoring. This is where I monitor, on behalf of clients, communications regarding their products and brand taking place in blogs, competitors’ websites, online discussion forums and groups. I usually prepare daily or weekly digests, depending on a client’s preference, where I counsel on the best action to take.
As Chuck has said in this post, keeping tab of what people are saying about you on the internet is very important.
I agree that weather is an important issue, but most local weather and news stations have comprehensive weather reports on there sites already. I personally prefer my local fox channel which constantly updates there equipment and are normally spot on with the report.
Thanks for your thoughts. Good points. There are so many sources of information today, it’s amazing.
I’m trying to find out if this new information source will “go mobile” since I couldn’t get it to open on my iPhone. In doing so I found the Weather Channel iPhone app (free) which I installed. It’s way better than the one that comes with the phone.
I travel extensively so weather is important to me for different reasons than farming. However, most farmers I know check multiple sources of weather. I guess there’s now 1 more!
From an agrimarketing standpoint I think Monsanto is trying something very innovative. Time will tell if it works for them.
What a smart young man. I’m sure this will go over big. What a boost to the corn market. To bad I didn’t think of something like that. Congratulations to the young man.
VR+ is a nice app for posting audio to your Twitter feed. Works like Twitpic. Puts audio on your VR+ page with a link from your tweet. Let’s you get more info into the tweet than 140 characters.
One of my favorite iPhone apps is iheartradio. It allows you to listen to a variety of radio stations across the country, and it has neat search capabilities. Let’s me listen to my favorite radio station wherever I am! Can be convenient to listen to your favorite news/talk station or listen to your local station while you’re traveling for local news, snow delay information, etc.
I found your site on one of my Google Alerts. I watched your video and I thought you did a good job with it. I like the fact that you also placed a separate audio player. Some folks may not have a fast internet connection and the audio is a nice touch.
well, Tom doesn’t like it when you get new gadgets…i let you test them and then I tell him I want one and 9 out of 10 times, I’ve gotten one! yahoo!! So…now I’m thinking I want an iPhone.
I keep seeing the positions come across the AgJobNetwork. They certainly are available…but you might not find EXACTLY what you were hoping for. My question in response would be – how many college graduates know exactly what they are looking for? How many have a good to vague sense? And finally, how many just want a job? Depending on the level of certaintly – job searching gets harder.
Now the real question is – how well are students utilizing their connections? It is a lesson in networking. Your network is truly your net worth when it comes to professional life. You can’t do it alone. Those that have been building networks in their field and actively contributing to them are going to get the best jobs – I guarantee it!
Chuck – I find it ridiculously useful! Why? It breaks down barriers and creates an open venue to have conversations with people I wouldn’t normally get to talk with. My recipe?
Offer Value. What can I put on Twitter that is valuable to others?
Offer Suggestions. Be Helpful to others that need your help.
Set Context. What can others expect from you on twitter?
If you Tweet about your day, and update every minute – sure I think it gets a bit redundant. However due to the massive number of increasing users – the content is getting more valuable all the time. Remember that twitter is all about who you are Following – not who is following you.
I am completely addicted to Twitter. I am always checking it and staying informed on what is happening. Several stories that I have put on my blog were initiated becasue I found out about them in real time on Twitter. I also agree with Mark that it breaks down barriers and creates a situation where you can break out of your traditional contacts and meet new people.
I’m a podcaster in Chicago and frequently use the PMD620 for on-the-go recording. I have an odd question, but here goes: Do you like the odor of your PMD620? Mine has this wonderful “machine” smell to it. I can’t imagine my unit is unique.
Chuck: I’m glad you’re pleased with our decision. Our member satisfaction and participation numbers really told the story. I also wanted to mention that we plan to invest the monetary savings gained from staying in KC into quality programming to continue our attempt to provide members with thought-provoking professional development opportunities they can apply to their daily lives.
We hope to see many of your readers in Atlanta so we can help you celebrate your five-year anniversary!
Chuck, Noticed you posted an excerpt from “The View From The Tractor” blog. I know the guy who maintains that blog. You can follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tykerman1
Stoller has a lot of products. Most of the attendees at the conference are familiar with them and Stoller technology. The farmers who are attending for the first time will get a real education during the 3-day event. Hearing what growers and advisors in the other countries are doing is really interesting. Their products can be found on the Stoller website: http://www.stollerusa.com. There is info on all the products, the supporting research and links to the Stoller international subsidiaries.
hi there great job, now I have a question if you don’t mind did you patten this or just go to the company the reason that I ask is because I have a great Idea for a major company but I have no Idea how to get my idea out there greatfully yours hope you can help me thanks God Bless
[...] Chuck Zimmerman of AgWired and Zimmcomm New Media stopped by on Tuesday January 20th to see what the US AG Associates conference is all about. Go to AgWired to listen to his interview with StollerUSA CEO and founder Jerry Stoller. Interesting stuff and nice reporting.click here for story and podcast [...]
[...] the last three years. I enjoyed a little blast from the past by listening to this interview, “Passionate About Beef,” and reading this blog post, “Beef Ambassador Blogs.” It’s a little [...]
Thanks for the training yesterday Chuck. You were very helpful in explaining things to Cassandra and me. This knowledge and the resources you provided will help improve ASA’s media and farmer communications.
People around the globe have certainly seen the influence that videos can do to our society today. In fact, Internet marketers value the help that Internet video marketing can do for their products.
How does one recommend a fungicide for stress tolerance? Unlike fungicide control where the product provides excellent control of certain diseases, my experience in soybean and wheat under field conditions is that stress situations frequently, and easily, overcome any potential benefits. I have conducted numerous replicated trials under moderate to extreme drought and there is never a yield improvement. If it works to protect against drought under field conditions, the tolerance for a response is pretty narrow and limited.
That is a great topic. Can you plz send me the presentation by dr. Tara York. I didn’t have the opportunity to attend the Poultry Expo this year and I am interested in this topic because I am a phD student at UNL doing a research on vitamin E and selenium supplementation in laying hens. Thank you.
That is one of the most Handsome men I’ve ever seen. The lady is not bad looking either. He looks like one of those Wrangle models you see on the posters. Has he starred in any movies? Will he be at your next show? Thanks, JSP
[...] are a lot of them and they sure seem to have lots of money behind them. The latest, besides the post I did this morning, is from LetsActNow.org. These people are seriously drinking some weird koolaid. Who are they? I [...]
Funny that Cyndi noticed how much our Mary (age 10) looks like your Carly. That gene-pool thing is truly amazing. And Veronica (age has some seriously Chelsea expressions along with some Caitlin. The boys and Bayli seemed to have mostly got the dad\mom genes. I wonder if we had another one….HAHAHAHHAHAHAHHA
Had a great visit, Cindy. Make sure you make it on a Wed thru
Sun next time!
Thanks, Jeff! That’s great to hear! So often, these little tools and gadgets can seem like a real drain instead of an effective addition to speed up life. I think iGoogle is one of those technological necessities that can really get a person organized and keep up-to-date with their favorite sites! Thanks for your comment!
Unfortunately, Obama and his team are spreading unwarranted fears based on very questionable “science” hoping to convince the public to totally change their lifestyles, while giving government more control.
The best way to fight the misinformation and fear-mongering is to present facts and evidence. Here are some 80 charts of actual, real climate and temperature data that the public should know about:
I don’t like overwrought environmentalists either Chuck, but for different reasons. They tend to diminish the credibility of those actually trying to make a difference. Unlike the prior commenter (and apparently you), I am convinced the world is walking its way into some terrible environmental problems in the second half of this century. We are going to need continued advances in things like GM crops and biofuels in order to mitigate those problems. That in turn provides great opportunity for those of us in agriculture. Discounting that the problem exists, and in a emotional way, will only help funnel public support and funding to other non-ag sectors of the economy.
I read the news about video conferencing been installed in hotels. This is very useful for Diplomats and VIPs to keep them up to date with their routine work back at home.
I’ve heard Wes speak a couple of times. I think we have to be careful about showing some of our production practices out of context. But as long as we are unwilling to show what we actually do H$U$ has power over us.
Hey Chuck, like your moon, hope youre not too hot in Orlando, I’m sitting here in the office, theres a major winterstorm outside and Im starting to get ready for the holidays in the snow next week. Just wanted to tell you that Ive started my own blog (www.adisagroblog.wordpress.com), unfortunately in german only, but I try to put some nice pictures on it, see you on some of the future IFAJ-events, yours Adrian
[...] than argue the point, they both got the award. You can read more about the New Holland big boy in yesterday’s post where Ed tells us all about how size [...]
Haven’t converted to iPhone yet. I’m still a Blackberry girl, but I am loving the John Deere skin for it. You guys always have the cool gadgets on your blog. Thanks for sharing.
[...] The article pulls data from the Census of Agriculture and PEW Internet surveys. We’ve pointed to them before but this article has some nice charts and summaries of the data like the following. Over 2.2 [...]
I heard the podcast this morning. I have never been so insulted in my life. THIS, THIS is the reason that nothing can be solved in Washington–this provincial divisive rhetoric. I am the daughter of farm boys and business owners, the product of a family who had means to send me far away for my education. And I know development and infrastructure is necessary, especially in rural areas. Because, Katz–when us countryfolk are doing well, that means YOU are doing well.
[...] or company or product blog is open, honest transparency. Interestingly, this issue came up when my upcoming NAMA panel had a conference call. We were pointed to the Federal Trade Commission’s proposed [...]
I read somewhere a while back that the US is #15 in terms of broadband coverage, behind several 3rd world and “emerging” countries. Ridiculously inadequate and a disgrace. Big limitation on education, employment, and business in rural communities. And you are quite right about “arrogance and ignorance” of many politicians and even everyday Americans who dismiss rural America as less important than urban or suburban areas.
I live and work in a borderline rural area and had to wait years for semi-broadband, and only option now is barely functional cellular broadband that constantly drops to 1xRTT speeds that often don’t support needed services like GoToMeeting, video, etc. Two clients with businesses in this area need high-speed access but have NO OPTION BUT DIALUP!!!!!! It is hurting their businesses!!!!!! No wireless that is reliable 2+ weeks per month, no EVDO revA cellular coverage, and definitely no cable or DSL. Absolutely beyond belief in this day and age that the US is behind some 3rd world countries in broadband coverage. Hypocritical for anyone (public official or private citizen) to pay lip service to supporting small biz, job creation and education, then discount the necessity of rural high speed access.
I really really hope that Obama and those interested in supporting Americans of ALL areas will act on the promises of improving broadband coverage. Thank you for shining a light on this important issue.
It is really good to see NGOs working and spreading awareness about agriculture and about weed control. The media(Zimmcast) is doing a great job promoting these type of agricultural programs. I think these type of programs along with media support are very essential because researchers get the chance to reach millions of people all around the world. Great work.
I, too, believe in new media channels. The key is doing it right. The danger we all face is to make sure we don’t get caught up in using the medium without delivering value in the message. Just because we can blog, twitter, youtube, flickr and podcast does not mean the audience will be there for everything. Show me the value and I’ll give you a little time, but not a lot.
How many times have you watched a video or listened to a podcast and learned nothing of value given the time you invested — it happens a lot! More content can be detrimental, no matter how it is presented. Like Steve Rubel says in your first link, “less is the new more.” Right on. But I’m not sold yet on his description of the newspaper reporter of the future. Who has the time to devote to viewing/reading/listening to five or six mediums presented on one small topic? Hmmm. A bit overkill?
We live in a society of communication overload already, and the more mediums we choose to monitor, the more time we take away from something else…such as living our daily lives.
Thanks Kurt. I think the point of a reporter providing information via multiple channels is that he/she is creating more opportunities to connect with people, not that anyone expects that their audience is going to consume all of them.
I have AgWired followers who only connect via Twitter or via my podcast or rss feed, Flickr photos, YouTube channel, etc. Some of them probably never visit the website. I don’t expect anyone to read/listen/watch it all! But by employing all of them, the “community” grows exponentially. You can no longer judge reach and results just by how many visitors to my website I have. You’ve got to include all my other channels because of your point! And we’re not even talking about the word of mouth effect and the re-publishing of my content on other websites.
I fully agree that bad content is worse than no content. We sure see a lot of it, especially when an organization decides they have to create it without any good reason other than, “I have to meet my quota.” How many news releases did you get today that weren’t news?
Now, as to your point on communication overload . . . We need balance and many people go overboard but it’s their personal choice. No one is forcing them to do it. I would say that if someone is allowing their consumption of media to harm their life and relationships, they’re suffering from an addiction not unlike any other type of substance addiction.
[...] you can drool. I have always been a Marantz fan and this one looks to be a great offering. I know I pointed it out before but now you can find it for sale at BSW right now. The Marantz PMD661 is a versatile, professional [...]
Contact your city’s local offices about this. I grew up in a small town and the first thing I did was to alert them to this elitist comment and troubling mentality that urbanites have of us small town folk. It’s easy to see why there is a growing gap in class differences. This type of thinking comes right out of a sociology textbook as the definition for “classicism.” This news tidbit made me want to vomit. I e-mailed the offices of the city in which I grew up and still visit to this day.
I think this is a great idea. I have been saying for months now that rural America is at a disadvantage in many aspects because quality internet access is so difficult to obtain. I can’t imagine trying to do anything but surf a generic text only page nowadays with dial up! Let’s hope that when broadband is offered, it is a good sound system, not one that will explode once there are three users (an exaggeration I know, but I had that problem with my last broadband provider).
Hi Amanda,
We send out an email newsletter 4-6 times a year. I find that people do like it. People who are interested in our farm can visit our blog. But some of them don’t have the time to do that on a daily basis, and some people don’t get to the computer every day. It works for us to reach out and touch base with these folks every once in a while with our newsletter. We include links to our more popular blog posts, let them know about special offers, and have an informative article or two about alpacas.
I think a newsletter can be a flop when it is all about the sender and doesn’t offer much of value to the reader. Newsletters work best when they offer the reader some information they might not have had otherwise.
IMHO, newsletters can be a vital source for information that many do not have time to gather. By sending newsletters, email recipients get the benefit of a concise amount of information in one handy place. They can also send that email to others, thereby creating a “ripple effect” in the pond of knowledge.
I would caution that there are still many folks like me, on a dial-up connection, so keeping the newsletter graphic-free is a plus.
Adding EXACT website addresses, i.e., links, to articles and information is another plus.
I have several email lists and endeavor to keep each list supplied with carefully and copiously researched information on many facets of property rights and resource providing. Subscribers are required to donate at least once annually.
An average of eighty hours each week goes into my effort. In the case of Burlington, Colorado, rancher Kit Pharo, his Wednesday newsletter is a marketing tool. His Sunday Morning Inspiration is a Christian newsletter, and while many subscribe to both his newsletters, some receive one or the other.
My newsletter seeks to educate and empower recipients to learn about their property rights and become actively empowered to protect those rights. It is not selling anything and its triple focus is individual awareness, education and empowerment.
[...] The 90-ft. planter has now been eclipsed, by a whopping 30%. 120 feet of precision planting packed into the new John Deere/Bauer Built DB120. It was introduced at the recent National Farm Machinery Show, where Precision Pays offered an up close and personal look at it. [...]
From NYT: “The growers’ agreement from Syngenta not only prohibits research in general but specifically says a seed buyer cannot compare Syngenta’s product with any rival crop.
Dr. Ostlie, at the University of Minnesota, said he had permission from three companies in 2007 to compare how well their insect-resistant corn varieties fared against the rootworms found in his state. But in 2008, Syngenta, one of the three companies, withdrew its permission and the study had to stop.
So much for free speech… Hopefully the Obama administration can deal with this.
Have any of the gmo food crops that Monsanto thinks we DO need been studied long (or even short)term by independent scientists for feeding humans? Have those results been published in peer-reviewed journals? If so, would you please direct me to them?
Have any long-term feeding human/mammalian studies been done on the the stacked gene varieties–or do Monsanto and the USDA just assume that since the individually altered plants were considered GRAS that the combination of genes would therefore be safe as well?
One more question along that line: Monsanto has successfully petitioned the USDA/APHIS to deregulate many gmo crops. But how do we know that the hybrids of gmo crops with non-gmo crops or other gmo crops are safe as well? We know these hybrids exist from public USDA information. Have all the possible outcomes that are out there and that are being consumed by humans, livestock, and wildlife been deregulated without any safety data?
Thanks for the feedback and the plug on the blog, Chuck.We are excited to get out there and give a voice to those of us who are pro-biotech and get rid of a lot of the fear and unknown surrounding this aspect of agriculture, as well as Monsanto! Keep up the great work, and see you on Twitter!
Correction: the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition has been supportive of President Obama’s selection of Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture.
Hello, I keep hearing how it was revealed by the British Parliment, that Monsanto was involved in field testing their GMO foods on Canadians for 10 years without our knowledge or consent.
As a Canadian, I just wonder if you can tell us, what provinces were chosen and what your company learned from us guinea pigs? Can you at least share the lessons?
Andrew
THE TRUTH ABOUT MONSANTO is difficult to find because so many people without a basic understanding of chemistry and toxicology get involved. Caffeine,Aspirin,Salt and many other items you come in contact with daily are all far more toxic than Roundup.
Toxicity is provided in reference to mammals and to fish. LD50 is the lethal dose of a chemical required to kill 50 percent of a test-animal (rat) population. It is expressed in milligrams of chemical for each kilogram of test-animal weight. For reasons of comparison, the following toxicities are provided:
Caffeine LD50 = 200 mg/kg (extremely toxic)
Aspirin LD50 = 1,240 mg/kg (moderately toxic)
Table salt LD50 = 3,000 mg/kg (moderately toxic)
LC50 is the lethal concentration in water at which a chemical becomes lethal to 50 percent of a test population of fish.
Monsanto was responsible for Agent Orange but that is another issue.
I believe millions more people would be starving today without Monsanto. In my mind this more than counteracts the sins of the Vietnam era.
Since I’m not a broadcaster at the moment and I’m not there I’ll speak freely here. I highly doubt that they have the time or the energy to solicit each individual’s work to make sure it’s up to their standards. I have always found it interesting that they tried to kick out my local commodity’s state media person when he was bringing me and others interviews a few years ago…oh and let’s not forget the other larger companies having their meetings in the “other” side of the media room while broadcasters were attempting to put shows on the air. Oh and let’s not forget that although they know how many broadcasters they will have on hand, there are never enough phone lines nor enough wifi or hard wired internet connections to get their message out about the commodity groups and their meeting that they are there to cover. Stepping down from the soap box….
Seriously – how many times did he see you yesterday and he didn’t take a photo? Must be slipping. Actually, he could have used that “crackberry” photo of you from a couple years back….
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. We’ve added some more Internet connections to help accommodate everyone using the media room and will be assessing the media’s needs with the help of some media folks who were here.
Your feedback is important to us. It will help us consider improvements for next year.
We appreciate all the efforts of the media who attend Commodity Classic and want this to be a great experience for everyone!
Having managed media centers in my previous life for both the pork and beef industry, I prided myself in “doing it right” and making it as “painless” as possible for the media to do their job and in-turn they told my organization’s story. I also realized the importance of other “influencers” such as pr professionals, association staff, producers and station and publictaion sales reps and allowed them access to my media centers as long as they didn’t interfere with a reporter’s duties. The only thing I didn’t allow was other company information in the news center if they weren’t the enws center sponsor. I did provide them a table to display their information on a table right outside the news center.
Point 4 in this “rules’ letter states that they retain the right to examine samples of a news work product to dtermine a person’s qualifications. PLEASE!!!!!!!! Like someone will go out of their way to pretend being a journalist so they can eat stale pastries, sip luke-warm coffee and spend the bulk of their convention time in a convention center meeting room. Who are these people?
Through the years, I have seen those who do it right with regard to media relations and then there are those that don’t get it. Our friends who developed this list are in the latter. These days an organization needs all the help it can get with telling it’s story, that includes being flexible and working with any influencer group that can help you tell your story. Chuck, thanks for sharing this note with those in the pr/communicatuions industry.
I really appreciate all the feedback. I’m sure this is a situation that can be remedied with a little more interaction and understanding and I’m committed to helping that effort.
BTW. Gene Hemphill is quite aware of concerns that media attendees have and would like to make it clear that he is not responsible for the policies and decisions on the actual management of the CC media room.
As many in the media know, Gene is one of the most helpful and understanding supporters of ag media there is. In fact, he runs the media tent at Farm Progress all by himself and I would point to it as a prime example of how to do it right.
Thanks Nancy. But, it’s pretty obvious what (or, I should say who) the problem in the media room. Email complaints re: this individual to scensky@soy.org. Time for this to stop!
Definitely go with a Mac. Given the things you want to accomplish with these tools, there is no debate on this issue. Now, since you want to consider price (me, too!), I think you can accomplish a great deal with a MacBook rather than a MacBook pro. The price difference is significant, but the standard MacBooks now are so much more powerful than they used to be…
In terms of the recorder, I recommend the Edirol R-09. This is a workhorse that is extremely user-friendly and provides a great sound.
Audio editing software: Adobe Soundbooth.
Video editing software: Final Cut Express – Many of the best features for most editing needs and a fraction of the cost.
I use a PC because that’s what my customers overwhelmingly use and I make it my habit to walk in their shoes to the extent that I can. My advice–get what you want. Maybe get both.
Easier said than done? I remember being cash strapped and in College. Chuck Zimmerman has been a good friend to me as a more experienced guy befriending a young guy in the industry so let me try to do the same thing for you.
I’ll front the first $500 for whatever you want. Get other readers to ante up and I’ll match up to another $500 to help get you going.
Good luck post graduation. Don’t forget to enjoy your remaining days of school. They’ll go fast.
I’m not sure what Joel means by “more experienced guy” but I’ll add $500 to the pot. You know I’m a Mac guy and I think that Andy had some good thoughts on Macbook vs. Macbook Pro.
[...] biofuels friendly policies …biomass energy: A Federal Perspective biomass energy MagazineGlobal Renewable Fuels Alliance Formed AgWiredWorld biofuels associations form Global Renewable Fuels Alliance FeedstuffsGlobes - [...]
Wow! I’m overwhelmed by the support and advice given on this post. I can’t thank you all enough, and I definitely wasn’t expecting monetary assistance in my blog post for advice. I don’t even know what to say… I appreciate everything. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
[...] last week’s announcement about the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance and Tom Buis moving from NFU to Growth Energy I thought we now had plenty of organizations [...]
Chuck & Cindy, thanks for being committed to this. I will help you however I can although, not an active broadcaster at this point. I will be again and have always enjoyed my interaction with folks at Classic. It has always been a problem in the media room as egos swell and power of being in charge takes over. It is evident. I think that Observer is right, although he or she should post their real name. The problems have been expressed in the past and fallen on deaf ears time and time again. I talked many ears off about it in the past. Gene is an amazing sponsor and when he’s in control of a media room he does it right! Good luck and keep us “posted”.
Missed seeing everyone this year. I’ll be back next year!
[...] last week’s announcement about the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance and Tom Buis moving from NFU to Growth Energy I thought we now had plenty of organizations promoting not only renewable fuels but corn in [...]
[...] week, I wrote a blog post asking for advice on what equipment I needed to purchase to effectively work as an agricultural journalist. I had some [...]
[...] of week road trip I got in the monster of agriblogging and farm podcasting machines. It’s a 17″ big Mac made for today’s “multiple platform journalist.” I am pumped [...]
[...] foot planter – the biggest ever. It was introduced at the National Farm Machinery Show last month (see previous post), but it was still too big to be unfolded all the way in the booth. At the Classic, John Deere seed [...]
Seriously – this is the second new computer that he has bought for himself in the last two weeks. This means he has three laptops now. Can you say “techaholic”?
Good points all.
It’s astute to mention what some consider a “subtle” difference between a broadcast and a podcast. Podcasting is all about reaching a specific target without the wasteful expense of other media that sends your message out to mostly uninterested receivers. In the case of your certain branding efforts, traditional media is perfect. However, if you need to reach a specific audience, traditional media is too slow, too expensive, and may not reach that audience. Do you pay an airplane pilot to plant your seeds by dropping them from an airplane? Or would you rather get those message “seeds” directly to an audience, everyone in the right place, for free? That’s the difference between traditional broadcast media and podcasting.
As mainstream podcasting grows, podcasting popularity will grow in all segments. Sooner than later, not only will audiences begin looking for your podcasts, they’ll be expecting them. Increasingly, businesses and organizations are using podcasts for a number of audiences. As I discuss podcasting with prospective companies, most of them ask, “Who else is podcasting?” Too often I have to answer, “Your competition.” Something to think about.
I feel very strongly that editorial staffs must realize that their salaries come from advertising dollars which are generated by sales representatives. Sometimes this is overlooked and many times under appreciated. A publication must look at themselves as a team and not as separate entities. On the flip side, the editorial side must create a good product for the sales people to sell. This is not the point of your post, however it is important for media to look at these events as a whole and not only for personal position. Teamwork.
As far as allowing sales/PR people in to media rooms…see above. We are teams.
Chuck,
You raise very salient points in this posting. An organization will ignore the media at its own peril. Your mention of “Media Room” reminds me that episode during last year’s campaigns when the Clinton campaign confined journalists to a toilet. That was terrible, and Clinton paid a dear price for that. Of course on that day, the toilet episode became the story, not what Clinton said. And that treatment of the media kind of validated the then all common feelings that Clinton was playing hardball with the media. We all know what the rest of the story is.
Providing a conducive environment where the media can work from can be a boon to an organization’s attempts to court positive media coverage. Why spend thousands of dollars, for instance, organizing a conference and not spend a penny to set up risers for TV journalists or wireless connection for the rest of the crowd? In deciding how to handle the media, we need to know that journalists, first and foremost, are human beings and want to be treated well.
Regarding who qualifies to be called “media” I think the best word would have been “journalist.” We’re all media, but we’re all not journalists. Media, simply defined, is the plural of medium, which, as we all know, can be likened to a vessel (pipe) where information flow. Journalism, however, is something different; it’s usually associated with “fairness” and “accountability.” A journalist is obligated to be fair-minded and must uphold the “Though shall not condemn unheard” doctrine. Before a journalist declares his/her article is ripe for publication, he has to ensure all the entities that have been mentioned in his article have been accorded a fair hearing. This explains why journalists for the so-called mainstream media go to great lengths to seek comments from people or organizations mentioned in their articles. Failure to do so can seriously jeopardize the journalist’s reputation or that of the media house that he/she works for. The need for fairness in journalism can be further explained by the presence of gatekeepers – editors, Ombudsmen, and, yes, the society- who demand journalists substantiate everything that they write.
Bloggers usually are not necessarily bound by the so-called “fairness doctrine.” Rarely would a blogger sleep on story until he/she solicits comments from people or organizations mentioned in it. Bloggers are highly opinionated, just like columnists are. And by the way, why do we refer to columnists as journalists?
I would add that we probably don’t need phone lines anymore in media rooms. I doubt if anyone uses a land line phone at this point in time. That could be a place to save money to put into some other area.
Chuck:
Not surprising the group is cancelling their convention given the shake down in that industry.
Interesting thoughts on the multiple organizations. As a former member of the NAFB, I always thought there should have been one ag communications organization, but back in the 80′s and 90′s that idea was shot down. Given the expense associated with travel, one large meeting would certainly have more clout.
How can ag communications groups be relative to their members? By going to Washington and lobbying for our interests, like every other trade association. I don’t think the NAFB has learned that lesson yet. It cost us 40% of our membership in the early part of this decade.
James,
Umm – “fairness doctrine”? First of all, the fairness doctrine only applied to broadcasters. Secondly, it was abolished in 1987 – and, God willing, it will not be re-instituted. It was stupid and cumbersome to begin with and it would effectively put conservative talk show hosts off the airwaves today if it were re-instituted. It has NOTHING to do with “objective journalism” – which doesn’t really exist, anyway. Everyone has an agenda.
[...] to spread your messages to a wider audience. My Twitter life has substantially increased since the first day I signed on to give it a whirl. I’m still figuring things out, but I have decided it’s a [...]
I would completely disagree on the phone line statement Cindy. I like the way you are thinking but it is still necessary for those that want to produce a live show and their stations have not afforded them the opportunity to be completely wireless. When the cell signal is poor and the land lines are down (remember FPS Boone 2008??) There was a problem with noon shows in the MidWest who needed to go live. Thus hurt feelings ensued with one site managers behind part a lot smaller by one said broadcaster, who shall remain nameless. (We did make friends later)
I agree with Chuck, a lot. So much that my soon to be husband is forced into knowing that if Chuck has it, I’m going to want it. Chuck you’ve paved the way for a lot of us to open our minds to realize that what we put on the air, also needs to be put online. Journalists are just that and reading a much much bigger audience. The research NAFB did just drives that point home time and time again.
Chuck, thanks for helping circulate the Classic survey. It was specifically sent to those media people attending this year’s Commodity Classic.
We are interested to hear from those 137 media people attending this year’s event and have built several questions toward the bottom of the survey to allow people to comment on anything we didn’t ask specifically. We’ve provided lots of room for write-in comments and/or questions.
We are committed to making the Classic media room an even better place to work out of for next year.
Thanks to all of the media members who attended Classic and who provide us feedback via this survey!!!
Sincerely,
Nancy Bunker Koester, ABC
Director of Communications
NCGA
I never thought about explaining what Retweet is. I’m always assuming people know what I’m talking about, which is a bad habit that I’m trying to get rid of. Also, I didn’t know bio affects who would add you. Thanks for the info!
I’ve been trying to beyond just having an opinion to become at least a knowledgeable layman on the topic.
The one question that I don’t think any of the alarmists can answer is: “Where is the scientific evidence that more CO2 will force temperatures higher?”
The “evidence” cited is the climate models used by the IPCC which, as I understand it, are incapable of modeling the chaotic system that is the Earth’s atmosphere. As it stands now, the global temperature anomaly trend is two standard deviations below the best case modeled trends. Global average temperature this decade has been dropping while model predictions rise.
Thanks Mike. I’m not a scientist either. I hope some of my readers will visit your site and check out some of the things you link to.
I think we’re far from having a good handle on this whole subject and as a result would urge serious caution before we mandate major changes that will result in a serious impact on business and society.
I’m excited about being in ARC eventhough I wan unable to make the meeting in NOLA. If anyone wants more info, Mace, Deron Johnson, Katana Ewbanks and I would be glad to talk through some of the benefits of membership.
The evidence for CO2 as a global heating gas is well established by basic physics. This evidence exists in any good research library and geology department at any good college or university. Svante Arrhenius in the late 19th century did the original calculations showing what a doubling of CO2 would yield in approximate climate warming. See here: http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/chemistry/laureates/1903/arrhenius-bio.html
For a discussion of the basics of climate science please click on the “Start Here” option at the top of this page: http://www.realclimate.org
For an extensive list of organizations, including but not limited to national science academies of many countries see here: http://www.logicalscience.com/consensus/consensusD1.htm
Wow Mark, directing people to realclimate.org is just like telling them to ask Al Gore about the subject. They are one of the most biased, unscientific propaganda sites on the internet. Go to climatedebatedaily for BOTH sides of the issue and links to all of the major research sites – something Mark and his fellow cult members hope nobody will do. Just take their word for it, never mind the $50 BILLION in grants & funding they are receiving for perpetuating this scam – and the HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS they are trying to get at through cap and trade schemes. Do the research, form you own opinion, take not of which side wants to end all debate and silence the opposition…
Try calling names, talking about anything other than the science, and you can be part of the consensus too.
The consensus is that man has never had an impact on climate.
This consensus is over 2000 years old and if you know anything about humanity, they will stone to death or burn at the stake anyone who steps outside the box.
Now if you mention that the levies might not hold during a Katrina storm, then you too are outside the box and will be slandered and ignored.
The beauty is that many of these consensus people have homes in the 9th ward. Gotta love Darwin.
The IPCC report has detailed answers to your question, some pretty technical, others of a summary nature. Here’s the link to the last report they issued:
For the specific issue you ask about, i.e., the connection between increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide and temperature elevation, read section TS.2.1.1 of the Technical Summary, starting
at page 24: http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg1/ar4-wg1-ts.pdf
Carbon dioxide is the main contributor to what they call “radiative forcing” of climate change, i.e., those processes which involve capturing the energy from solar radiation and converting it to atmospheric, oceanic, and land heating. Carbon dioxide is one of a number of “greenhouse gases,” which
refers to the mechanism whereby the infrared component of earth’s reflection of solar energy is radiated back to earth by atmosheric carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxided acts like the glass in a greenhouse, slowing the escape of energy to space.
I urge you to examine some of the really informative graphics at those links, e.g., the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide over the past 10,000 yrs.
I am not completely convinced CO2 has anything to do with Global Warming. That notwithstanding, I am certain that reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is both a good idea and necessary, for a large number of obvious reasons.
The good news is that we can all make a difference. It goes way beyond buying a few (polluting) low energy light bulbs, and will have a real impact if even half of those concerned about Global Warming follow the proposals. The beauty is that even if only half do this, it makes no difference what the rest do! Renewable energy will become cheaper than fossil fuels with enough investment in the technology, and everyone will move over naturally!
Firstly, buy renewable energy.
As far as I am aware, you have the choice to buy renewable electricity in all developed countries. If you cannot now, you should campaign for that inalienable right immediately. Currently our own household buys 25% of our electricity as renewable, costing us about US$33 extra per year. 100% would cost US$183)*.
Some argue that if millions of householders (and industries, I would hope) buy renewable energy, there will not be enough. If you do not buy it, there will NEVER be enough. If you do, the money will be used to INVEST in infrastructure for future renewable energy, so making the expense just as effective.
Merely by choosing to buy this, you are immediately and directly investing in the renewable energy industry, and sending a powerful and undeniable message to those who matter, the people who actually generate electricity, not environmentalists or politicians who may have different agenda.
Secondly, stop investing in ‘Big Oil’ and ‘Big Coal’.
It comes as a shock to many ordinary citizens to be told that the huge greedy corporations actually make money for THEM, not for some faceless consortium. Sure, corporate flunkies may make millions of dollars, but WE, as investors, make billions, and even trillions. Their huge payouts and massive junkets are insignificant compared to the profits the companies make for their investors.
You may well think that you do not invest in these companies, but if you have a pension or investment fund, you almost certainly do. These funds will, quite obviously, be invested in the very companies that make the most profits and returns for their investors. All these corporations are doing is actually acting effectively YOUR instruction, ie to get the best possible return. If WE stop investing in them, they fail, and will be forced to change their practices to survive in a capitalist environment.
The answer is to choose ethical investments (there may be different names). Talk to your financial adviser and make the switch now. ONLY YOU control your investments. Make the choice and stop letting others do it for you.
The message is that YOU control the future of energy production with your wallets. The bad news is that it will cost, but nothing the environmentalists or governments will ever do about this issue will cost you less than this, and most of what they want to do will take control away from you and waste most of your expenditure in bureaucratic bungling and misguided foolishness, in my opinion. This simple two-step approach has all the potential to work and with no complex side effects that I can see immediately. It has a direct and immediate effect.
It is so rare that we are able to do something so straightforward in this complex world. If Global Warming concerns you, I urge you to put your money where your mouth is, and make an immediate difference TODAY, before the power is taken away from you.
“For a while last year the term changed to ‘climate change’ when a number of stories came out from weather reporting stations and actual meteorologists and weather scientists that in fact the Earth had cooled.” [with a link to Fox News]
I wonder if this kind of distortion is part of the explanation for public perceptions of the issue. I learned about 20 years ago that average global warming would cause different climate impacts in different parts of the world. Still the ‘skeptics’ continue to bring up this issue as if it proves their point. Every time a new piece of research points to global warming causing LOCAL cooling [or anything other than warming], it will be a great aha moment for the ‘skeptics’ to point out as proof that the climate scientists are lying or changing their story, even if that research backs up the general consensus among climate scientists FOR global warming.
There is no doubt that the shift in terminology from ‘global warming’ to ‘climate change’ is designed to help communicate the idea to a less technical population. The terminology is not going to change back. Both terms are here to stay. Nobody benefits more from the confusion between weather and climate than the global warming ‘skeptics.’ The climate scientists and activists need BOTH terms in order to explain the underlying problem, to help dismiss this confusion between weather and climate, and to draw the connection between local climate changes and global climate change.
Leigh,
So a site written by actual working climatologists is the same as climatedaily?
I can’t help you out with knowledge if you truly believe this but other readers are welcome to see what RealClimate links to under their “Start Here” button.
“Where is the scientific evidence that more CO2 will force temperatures higher?”
If the greenhouse effect of CO2 were the only question, then there would be no grounds for legitimate skepticism. An informed skeptic [as opposed to a denier] would benefit from considering the term ‘force’ more carefully. Gravity is a force. Does that mean that an object dropped from a tall building will be ‘forced’ to fall to the ground? Yes and no. If that object is a complex system like a bird, it might not fall, but does that mean that the ‘force’ of gravity does not apply? If you actually look at the climate models, you will see multiple forces and feedback terms pushing in both directions! So, while it’s a fact that CO2 ‘forces’ the temperature higher — the question is whether temperatures will actually increase significantly.
The hard part now is to find a way to sell _nuance_ to the straight-talk loving, anti-elitism crowd. Good luck! That was tried early on in the global warming debate, and it didn’t work. Obfuscation and distortion is working much better!
Good post Chuck. I’d like to know how this growing segment of 30+ year old members want to use Facebook? You mention professionals using it. My challenge is trying to segment the mediums by type of use–if that is possible.
I’m not a big fan of people using Facebook a lot for business-related messages (but maybe I’m in a minority thinking it is a “social” network). I think some biz posting is okay, but I get quickly turned off by those who use it solely to promote their business or their stories–many times a day (and maybe I just need to delete those people). I think the problem stems from Twitter posts (which I see as more of a business use) landing on Facebook pages. Your thoughts?
Currently, the lines of business and social are blurred on both FB and Twitter. Perhaps time will help sort these mediums out, and no doubt new creations will continue to sprout to take the place.
Thanks for the great blog post about South Dakota! On behalf of the South Dakota Office of Tourism, we’re glad you had a great time in our state, and we hope you’ll visit us again very soon.
[...] be presenting a breakout session at the upcoming National Agri-Marketing Conference titled, “Social Media DOES Fit in Your Marketing Decision – Moving Beyond This Decision.” Sounds like we’ll need to point to this article on Forrester. Filed under: Marketing / [...]
Gosh! What a silly mistake! Thanks for catching that, Jonathan. And, Kurt, I echo your sentiments that both Facebook and Twitter are social networking tools, but that doesn’t mean businesses shouldn’t utilize them for their personal causes. For me, my personal life is very entwined with my professional life as agriculture is my true passion. It’s natural for me to incorporate business things into these social networks because my friends care about the same things. However, I agree that business messages can certainly muddy up the waters, and it’s a point that we all need to be aware of. Thanks for your thoughts!
I heard that Pioneer’s “refuge in a bag” application to the EPA was rejected. Dow apparently had some major reservations with Pioneer’s approach. I also heard rumors that Pioneer is yanking back some delivered seed. What’s that about?
Thanks to all your farmers out there, risking your lives as you carve out a living all over this wonderful country to put food on my table. Times get tough like they are right now…but you’re a resilient bunch! Never give up!
To date, the EPA has not yet delivered its final determination on registration of Optimum AcreMax 1, which is expected in the coming months. Pioneer is optimistic that the full body of information reviewed by the EPA will support the 2009 registration of an integrated, reduced refuge product followed by a commercial introduction in 2010.
The EPA has indicated support for the Pioneer integrated and reduced corn rootworm (CRW) refuge concept. Both of these signals from the EPA are very encouraging as no other company has ever received a registration for an in-the-bag, integrated refuge or reduction in CRW refuge.
Optimum AcreMax 1 insect protection continues to progress towards commercialization by meeting regulatory milestones, including the current EPA review of the science behind the Optimum AcreMax 1 system.
Pioneer has a long-standing policy of not responding to rumors.
Nice to have a focused day to say thanks to farmers — I hope lots of us say thank you routinely rather than waiting for the day. Not only do they provide my food, fuel and fiber, but my livelihood too! I work for Monsanto and we are 100% ag. I’ve had the chance to work with lots of great farmers over the years — THANK YOU ALL!
Thank you for protecting our national security. I couldn’t imagine where the USA would be if our food was grown offshore. Different standards would result in greater food safety concerns. More importantly – it would become very easy for countries providing the USA with food to monopolize our society. Thanks to the farmers who work hard to not only provide use with food, but also educate people about the importance of the connection between the farm gate and consumer plate.
The theory of anthropogenic global warming is based on a few fundamental scientific facts. CO2 is a greenhouse gas that gets well-mixed into the atmosphere both laterally and vertically and remains in the atmosphere for 100 years or more. As a result, its effects are global and long-term. This contrasts with water vapor which is highly variable both laterally and vertically and remains atmospherically for only a few days.
The Earth’s atmosphere is incredibly thin, with the troposphere extending only 12 miles above the Earth’s surface at its highest point.
Human industrial activities take carbon that nature has sequestered over the course of millions of years and emits it into the atmosphere over the course of single years. These emissions increase as deforestation activities remove a natural carbon sink.
Natural mechanisms can either work in reinforcement of or in opposition to CO2 atmospheric forcing. Upper level oceanic acidity levels are increasing as the oceans absorb more and more carbon from the atmosphere faster than they can cycle it into the depths. Tropical rainforests are expanding as a result of CO2 fertilization effects. Cloud cover fluctuates as a result of a warmer atmosphere’s ability to hold more water vapor.
Yes, despite all of these natural mechanisms working to counter CO2 forcing, CO2 levels and global temperatures continue to rise. Plot monthly data from any of the four major respected temperature sources (NASA GISS, UAH, RSS, HadCRUT) over the last decade from 1999-2008, and you see a continued increasing trend.
And this despite coupling the aforementioned natural opposition to CO2 with cyclical opposition from a solar minimum and a relatively strong La Nina that influenced global climate throughout 2008.
The natural mechanisms of opposition are simply not keeping up with anthropogenic emissions, and this is direct evidence, not climate models of a future state.
The unsettling part being that, while we have been continuously encountering natural opposition, we have yet to encounter many natural reinforcements. While the El Nino of 1998 drove temperatures to record levels, increasing GHG emissions from the likes of drought-stricken and insect-infested forests and melting permafrost are still on the horizon.
So, mankind takes a GHG that has been sequestered over millions of years and returns it to an incredibly thin atmosphere over an extremely short period of time while concurrently removing natural carbon sinks around the world. Measures of atmospheric levels and temperature reflect that, despite natural mechanisms working overtime in opposition, CO2 levels and global temperature continue to rise, and many natural reinforcements are still to be encountered.
Is it any wonder the climates around the world are reacting and changing?
[...] years that consumers (farmers) were moving media habits online. Even ag industry research like the USDA NASS surveys and NAFB has shown this. IBM found that between 2007 and 2008, the proportion of consumers saying [...]
You guys are a little ridiculous if you listen to anything CU says you would know she is fighting for the rights of domestic animals. Her parents are cattle farmers for G**** sake get a life really, and do your research.
Carrie Underwood was born March 10, 1983. Her family already owned the farm in Checotah, Okla., though Underwood was born in the next town over, the one made famous in Merle Haggard’s song, “Okie From Muskogee.” Her father, Stephen, worked at a paper mill, and her mother, Carole, was an elementary school teacher.
If her parents are cattle farmers then I’ll bet they’re ashamed of her support for HSUS. She’s obviously a talented woman. Too bad she’s supporting a group that wants to put her family out of their cattle business.
Maybe you should think through your comments before you leave them. Try to get past the emotional screen that the radicals at HSUS put up to lure in their unsuspecting victims like you.
The Humane Society of the United States is working to vote Carrie Underwood in as ACMA Entertainer of the Year to launch her as a better spokesperson for their agenda to abolish animal agriculture.
Who cares what Carrie Underwood believes in? It’s an Entertainer of the Year Award, not a ‘I believe in this cause’ award!
I gave to the food bank, am I up for Male Vocalist of the Year?
She has the right to support whom ever she wishes as do you. That does not give you a reason to try and sabatoge a young woman’s career and getting the credit that she has earned this past year because she likes pets and doesn’t want them harmed.
Her parents are not ashamed of her she has been a vegetarian since 13 when she witnessed something happening to a new born calf and they have never tried to convert her back. I don’t need to think my comments through because I have researched her upbringing and various interviews and she is not out spoken or push her vegetarianisim on anyone.
She is not trying to put cattle farmers out of business so you should try to stop her from achieving things.
You and your reasoning are beyond absurd.You really think that Carrie and the HSUS are plotting to abolish animal agriculture …really???Where would you get such an foolish idea?
Give me one example where Carrie has used her fame to even start to do this – one.Come on when , where , how?
Amanda: You and your ilk aren’t going to win more support through your rabid misrepresentations of Carrie Underwood’s opinions. It is very sad that you need to resort to distortions of someone’s position to try to drum up support for your cause. This is straight-up bullying and it makes it seem like you’re trying to hide a lack of substance to back up your views.
Carrie Underwood has been quoted numerous times saying that she respects those who raise cattle, not least because her parents did so and that paid for her college education. When asked about her vegetarianism, she has stressed that it is her personal choice and not one she wishes to impose on others. Her support of the HSUS has been focused on its interest in animal rescue (where the HSUS has a mixed record in provision but a good record in advocacy) and animal shelters (where HSUS has a modest record in provision and a good record in advocacy). She has also supported the HSUS-run Rural Area Veterinary Services program which provides free veterinary care to animals in impoverished rural areas of the United States.
At no point has Underwood spoken out to say that she wants cattle farmers put out of business. For you to try to ride Underwood’s name and blame her for stances she doesn’t take makes as much sense as it would for me to oppose all animal agriculture simply because radical elements like you can’t seem to report things for what they really are.
The likelihood is that neither HSUS nor your blog will make much difference in the fan voting for the ACM Entertainer of the Year award. Fan voting is only a portion of what will decide the award, anyway. There are good reasons to support each of the nominees. But anyone, whether it’s you or the HSUS, who is trying to get people to vote for/against a nominee for reasons other than an artist’s music, talent, and professional accomplishments, is flat-out wrong. If anything, you’ve just given the ACM more reason to exclude fan voting from consideration.
I think some of you need to get a life because where did Carrie say that she wants to stop (whatever you called it?) Carrie LOVES ANIMALS Loving animals has nothing to do with that.. you guys are so mad about AI isn’t going to listen to someone that is complaining about a song that Carrie loves and animals… I love animals too…
AND don’t even go messing with Carrie because SHE LOVES ANIMALS
so stop acting like 5 years old and grow up
I Support Carrie for Entertainer of the year and People need to vote vote vote for Carrie because she deserves it and a women need to win it for a change…
Congratulations Amanda! I’m sure Carrie did think she was helping Animal Shelters which is what those who don’t know and understand the working of HSUS. Those of us who live, breathe and report the news everyday know the real story. Good for you and keep up the good work.
The Humane Society of the US is PETA without the press agent. Their goal is to eliminate deer, bear, and bird hunting in the US, as well as to severely restrict animal agriculture. While I am firmly on the side of small, humane animal farming as opposed to giant factory agribusiness, I cannot support any supporter of an organization who looks to end my hunting rights. I eat what I shoot, I respect the life I take – humans are highly threatened by soaring deer populations as the suburbs move into lands that have been wild forever. It’s called Lyme disease, and it kills. Controlling deer population is the only way to control deer TICK population.
Chuck we are not blinded by our emotions, we are stating the facts. You are blinded by your beliefs. Carrie in no way wants to put Cattle Farming out of business, her parents have raised cattle for goodness sakes! People need to get their facts straight before they try and go using a talented and good natured artists popularity to further their own agenda. And Carrie is very open minded and respectful of other people’s beliefs. Case in point her boyfriend (who people around here are saying are close to getting engaged) Mike Fisher is a hunter and even has a deer antler chandelier in his vacation home. Now if she was such a rabid PETA supporter would she date him, I don’t think so.
Vote for Carrie for Entertainer of the Year because she deserves it! Out of all the artists nominated (and I do love them all) she by a country mile has had the best year.
I don’t believe the question here is one of Carrie’s character or musical talent.
The important piece to note is that HSUS is fooling people into believing they are associated with your local Human Society. They are NOT. HSUS has a much different agenda, and unfortunately it does not including helping pets and it does include a direct attack on animal agriculture.
Please take a minute to learn the more about HSUS and what their real agenda is. American farms and ranches are at stake, and we need your help in saving them.
Carrie’s family DOES have a cattle ranch….inform yourselves. And she is simply an advocate of the fair and humane treatment of animals. Period. You guys are a bunch of quacks making up stuff….you must not have very lively jobs…or lives. VOTE for Carrie for Entertainer of the Year….she is by far the best of the bunch. Go Carrie!
Lisa it’s funny that you link to a right wing leading website to get your facts from. And unfortunately people like you and Amanda are questioning her character by saying that she supports an organization that is intent on wiping out cattle raising/farming, when Carrie herself has said that is not her intent. So just be forewarned when you post very poorly researched articles that trash Carrie there will be a lot of people come on here and defend her. Maybe that is your intent though, the more hits the better right! Trash a big name artist so people will come to your website!
I am not Confusing HSUS with PETA Chuck. I am just using PETA as an example, for I think their supporters are very over the top and sometimes violent with their beliefs.
Carrie may love animals–in fact, I’m certain she does–but that really has very little to do with this situation. When you use your celebrity to promote a cause, you need to be darn sure you agree with everything associated with that cause. You can’t disagree with racist skinheads but then choose to support them because you dig bald guys.
It is no secret that HSUS has helped craft legislation that endangers livestock (if you disagree, you’ve never been on a farm and don’t understand the importance of gestation crates and battery cages) and limits farmers’ ability to protect their animals. They’ve done it in two states so far, and we’re pretty sure they are going to continue to wreak havoc across the country. And they fund their campaigns with money taken from people who *think* they are keeping doggies and kitties safe.
Regardless of what Ms. Underwood says about her love for animals, she has chosen to throw her celebrity behind an organization that is deceitful in its fundraising and clearly anti animal agriculture. In a way, I admire her for standing her ground without worrying about who she is pissing off. But she won’t get my vote.
CU is a great talent – and her decision to be a vegetarian is her choice. Fortunately, we live in a country where you can make such choices.
HSUS, however, does not want people to make that choice. It wants to rid the world of animal agriculture (meat, milk, cheese, eggs, etc.). (And follow that up by eliminating pets?)
CU supporting HSUS with dollars is akin to a stamp of approval, even if CU does not want it to appear as such or agree with all that HSUS does.
HSUS exploits its relationships with famous individuals to help spread its message and raise money. Especially the raising money part – because with more money it can further push its agenda, an agenda that moves further from the donor’s intentions day by day.
Carrie and AI doesn’t have to listen to you people who believe Carrie is doing the wrong thing…Carrie loves animals and support them its not like she go around and shoot them for the fun of it
I AM ASKING AGAIN…where did you guys hear that Carrie is hurting animals by doing this thing for ai…
wow get over it carrie is helping animals!!! she will win entertainer of the year no matter what you say you guys need to get a life and stop making articles about carrie obviulsy ur jealous. wow .
You’re right. CU doesn’t have to listen to us. Isn’t it great we can express our opinions though?
I don’t believe anyone has said she’s “hurting animals” except inadvertently by supporting an activist organization as has been pointed out in previous comments.
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[...] forget, Farm Foundation is also holding the fourth in the series of “Transition to a Bioeconomy” conferences… this time focusing on global trade and policy issues… March 30-31 at [...]
Thanks for the link Amanda! I went and voted for George Strait as well!
I hope all the people on here defending Carrie’s support of the HSUS will follow some of the links provided and learn a little more about the deceitful organization Carrie is supporting. The HSUS IS out to abolish animal agriculture, and then they are going to go after pet ownership. They have already started to in California.
It is interesting Carrie’s supporters on here keep mentioning that her family raised cattle and that her boyfriend hunts. These are two perfect examples of why it is so preposterous that Carrie would support an organization that is out to take the rights of ranchers, farmers, hunters and pet-owners away!
Wow! I think I did strike a nerve, Chuck! All I know is that I’m against Carrie Underwood because she supports an organization that wants to put my family out of business. HSUS is no friend of mine. I will not give a dollar of support or an ear to listen to the songs of someone that doesn’t even support her own agriculture roots. Thanks for the great discussions, but please don’t let your fanatic emotions get in the way of seeing the truth. Head to http://www.activistcash.com to learn the evils of many of America’s “great organizations.” I bet you will be shocked!
In the meantime, if you great music and a great person behind the songs, any of the male vocalists would be great. I voted for George Strait because he is a real friend to agriculture!
[...] I posted a call to action on AgWired, and the blog post was titled, “A Special Cause: Vote for ACMA Entertainer of the Year.” The HSUS is trying to slip one past country music fans by getting its members to secretly [...]
This is a very good post. I think there should be more promotion and education of children concerning farms and agriculture. Here is a relevant story to this article:
Politicians and scientist talk about food safety, even talk about enacting laws. However, as long as they keep allowing partially treated sewage to be used for irrigation of vegetables in the Salinas Valley and other places there is still going to be foodborne ourbreaks. California rules state no sample of irrigation water shall exceed a coliform level of 240 MPN/100 ml. You are not told that coliform is the name of the test for the 2,400 E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, etc. per liter of irrigation water. Now there are also 40 miles of irrigation pipe in which bacterial biofilms may form. When the pipes are bumped, or caused to vibrate with a water surge, biofilms may break loose and there is another foodbrone outbreak and the Salinas Valley farmers lose another 100 million dollars, plus the court cost. They will continue to suspect cattle rather than admit treated sewage might have been involved.
The other side of the coin is that sewage concentrate, better known as sludge or biosolids, are dumped on farms as fertilizer for food crops and grazing land with unknown levels of E. coli, Salmonella, shigella, etc. The reason the pathogen levels are unknown is that the elevated temperature fecal coliform test will only show E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, klebsiella, etc. that grow or multiply at 112.1degF. That eliminates most bacteria that only grow well in the temperature range between 77 and 104degF. While the high temperature test injure bacteria and prevent growth in the test, the bacteria in the sewage concentration continue to happily multiply and you have infected cattle and crops — with more foodborne outbreaks
good for carrie underwood and hsus if they really do want to abolish animal “agriculture” … it’s a nasty, nasty business with absolutely NO place in an evolved, intelligent, humane society …
AND the “animal ag” wouldn’t even exist except for the HUGE subsidies (welfare) the “animal” farmers get …
I wasn’t there, but heard that CU was booed off the stage at an outdoor concert in central Nebraska a couple of years ago when she started expressing her love for “cows” and how cruel it is to eat them. Can anyone else verify that?
Selene- Ah thanks for bringing more uninformed beliefs to the party. Livestock producers don’t receive subsidies – crop farmers do. So huge subsidies for animal farmers is a very incorrect statement. I’m sure if you’re not eating animal protein you’re consuming rice or soybeans – subsidies go to help crop producers who are growing the rice and soy you eat, the cotton you end up wearing and a lot of the other food crops you would like to see replace animal protein.
Because I know a lot of people won’t take the time to actually look at the site links here are some good quotes from HSUS:
“[T]he Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is not affiliated with, nor is it a parent organization for, local humane societies, animal shelters, or animal care and control agencies … The HSUS does not operate or have direct control over any animal shelter.”
— From a 2001 disclaimer issued by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
“Our goal is to get sport hunting in the same category as cock fighting and dog fighting.”
— Bozeman (MT) Daily Chronicle
“If we could shut down all sport hunting in a moment, we would.”
— Associated Press
“We have no ethical obligation to preserve the different breeds of livestock produced through selective breeding …One generation and out. We have no problems with the extinction of domestic animals. They are creations of human selective breeding.”
— Animal People News
A good follow-up to this story would be how companies like John Deere put new tractor in the field –to test, I assume– before the official launch. Do they look for extremely remote locations? What kinds of non-disclosures do they have with the people testing them?
[...] glad to find out that the Brownfield Network will be sponsoring the internet access at my NAMA breakout session on social media. Internet access is really becoming such an important part of everyday life and [...]
I think savvy meeting planners would insist on this as part of booking that venue. If a smaller, less fancy hotel offers free, open wifi… why not go with them over the big guys. If enough planners did this, guess what… the big hotels would follow rather than lose the business.
I hate to bring up ugly words like “transparency” and “full disclosure” but…
Was it the intent of the Tractor Chasers site to mask or hide that it was behind the site? That’s a big online no-no.
As I understand it, the idea of Tractor Chasers is these guys search the fields trying to get a glimpse of the news Deere tractor. Like the guys who produce the first photos of the new cars. Cool idea.
But once we know it’s all a scam… it’s not cool. What chase? Deere could have told the guys exactly where to find the new tractors.
Deere is doing interesting things, with AgWired and others. I hope they’ll check with you first next time.
Kevin,
That did happen! In fact, the concert was at a rodeo grounds, and she made the technical support move the stage, so she couldn’t see the riding bulls. She also threw a fit because chicken was offered in the hospitality room at the concert. That was at the start of her career! Talk about a diva!
Great conversation everybody! Let’s rock the vote!
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I’ve followed CU since the beginning of the American Idol show that she ultimatly won. I’ve been a true fan ever since and I understand why anyone would be upset that she should be overlooked due to what she’s done and does as a performer. That’s where my support stops though, when her celebrity status begins raising money to end the things I love doing as well as a huge part of the economy of my country I have a problem with that. The real villian here is HSUS hiding behind such a confusing name. I hope everyone will take time to look at a few of the links listed.
You guys need to get over yourselves Carrie is supporting the HSUS b/c she wants to help aniamls find homes and i can tell you that in NO WAY carrie is trying to get rid of guns or hunting!!! She only cares about finding Aniamls homes!! She grow up on a Cattle farm and she is dating a avid hunter, so maybe you should look things up before you start some stupid campain.
there have been several celebs that have gave money to the HSUS and no one has questioned them but just b/c Carrie choose not to eat meat she is trying to get rid of all hunting — GET REAL
she has said many times that it is her choice to not eat meat and shes not going to try and get people to do the same its simply her chioce!!!
CARRIE IS FOR FINDING ANIMALS HOME NOT GETTING RID OF GUNS AND HUNTING
VOTE FOR CARRIE B/C OF HER AMAZING MUSIC not b/c you guy think she supporting something shes NOT !!
To add to mine —
If the HSUS have some people that are trying to get rid of hunting i can tell you in NO WAY DOES CARRIE AGREE WITH THIS !!SHE SIMPLY WANTS TO HELP FIND HOMES FOR ANIMALS!!!
I live in michigan were hunting is very big , but im HUGE CARRIE fan and i know that carrie only wants the best for animals and is not involved in getting rid of hunting
Wholesale republishing should be considered a no-no. It’s not polite and, in essence, is theft – even if it is attributed and linked back to the source. (Why would someone need to visit the source when it’s all right there?)
That being said, lifting a few lines or short paragraph along with a link to the source so readers can get the full story is different. I’d consider that to be more acceptable and, in fact, could help drive traffic if people want get the whole story.
Of course, I come from a newspaper background so maybe I’m biased that way – but copyright laws (and being a good neighbor) apply to the internet, too.
Some sites, like blognetnews.com, republish headlines plus the first 100 words give or take. Some bloggers may not like it, but it seems more like a commercial to me.
What a timely intervention by Monsanto.What a significant gesture to many of us students who have often sort for such opportunities while we watch the rigors of stresses of ‘Ug99′ for instance, deny food to millions of poor citizens of the world.
Keep up Monsanto and long live.
I shared some thoughts and received some feedback on this issue at my blog a few days ago http://tinyurl.com/dn22fa – Some further thoughts for your consideration.
When an RSS feed is published it makes all content fair game for republishing at some level. That is the intent of an RSS feed. Google does the very thing of “scraping” and making the info available on their web sites. Yes, attribution should be done and it is considerate. But it is hard to enforce.
Interestingly, this is how Time Magazine got its start in the 1920′s; scrapping information from other sources and re-publishing them (with attribution).
It’s no secret that ag leaders are some of the best networkers in the world. Why? I’ll go out on a limb betting 4-H and FFA have a hand in this. As a future college grad, I decided to join LinkedIn to reconnect with some of the folks in the industry that ARE NOT into Facebook. I find most of us college kids can hardly bear this thought, but it is true.
There’s nothing wrong with Facebook, but LinkedIn in offers a more professionally-minded audience for the all-so-important career search. If the extra login is what’s stopping you, don’t be too worried. LinkedIn is really low-maintenance once the initial set-up is complete. Somehow, I still find plenty of time to check my FB News Feed. And as a college student, that appears to remain very high on my list of priorities.
On a similar note, I found Amanda’s post via Twitter. (Just another technology I’ve recently started in search of great info.) Would you say it’s working so far?
When one writes a bill with such sweeping language that does not specifically exclude small farmers, roadside veggies stands, and home gardens it causes confusion and apprehension.
So here is the question:
Wouldn’t this entire mess just be cleared up if simple language, you know the Keep It Simple Silly principle, was applied?
How about:
“No foodstuffs produced by American Citizens on their own property for their own consumption, sharing with neighbors or to supplement other hungry individuals during these Economically Challenging times shall be covered by HR 875.”
I mean – we expect results – let us tell the legislators what we want.
Maybe that is too simple – but look at the situation we are in now by writing thousand page Bills.
I’ve been on Linkedin for some time now but personally it hasn’t really done much for me, that said I haven’t invested much time in it so maybe I’m being a bit unfair. I would say it is probably of more use to people who own their own business or freelance rather than someone who is full-time employed like myself.
That said I completely agree with Whitney in that there are a lot of people on it who don’t use FB and it is far more professional (if a little less intuitive) all round.
Re Twitter I created an account the other day and haven’t used it since, just seems like the status updates component of FB without all the other good bits!
I’ve been on LinkedIn for about three years. I’ve found it very useful for a couple of things: staying in contact with students I’ve mentored over the years and staying in touch with collegues. Contacts are always up to date as long as the person you connect with is diligent about updating their information. I’ve found people that I worked with years ago and just lost track of them along the way. I mentor a lot of students and it helps me keep track of them after graduation. In addition, the job search function will help you find people who already work for a particular company, which helps you get your resume into the hands of people who will help you. I think it’s a great tool. My whole resume is there, including recommendations or “endorsements” from people at each position. It’s instant references for an HR manager. Good luck!
You can go to http://www.ping.fm to update all of your social networks at once. I have a LinkedIn profile but don’t use it much. If I were looking for a job, however, I’d be all over LinkedIn.
10. In the production of a single pound of beef, 11 times more greenhouse gas emissions result than during the production of 1 pound of chicken, and 100 times more than for a pound of carrots.
9. 16 pounds of grain are required to produce 1 pound of beef.
8. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is produced from both ends of cattle to the tune of approximately 100 million tons a year – a key factor in the acceleration of global warming.
7. Confined animal feeding operations (CAFO’s) produce approximately 500 million pounds of waste a year. One cow produces roughly 120 pounds of wet manure daily.
6. There are close to 100,000 feedlots in the United States alone.
5. 70% of grain grown in the United States is used by the meat industry.
4. Over 5,000 gallons of water are required to produce one pound of beef.
3. 70% of Amazonian rainforest, considered to be the lungs of the planet, is now occupied by pastures and feed crops – corn and soybeans to supply CAFO’s around the world.
2. Global warming and the destructive aspects of global climate change are caused in large measure by the burning of fossil fuels and industrial agriculture. 18% of greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to the raising of animals for consumption.
1. Giving up meat eating is the single most important and effective individual effort that can be made to make a difference in the health of the environment of the planet.
Beef will always be what’s for dinner in my house. If you’re going to post statistics (most of which look meaningless to me and I really doubt #3) you might want to do some comparisons.
Like:
How many pounds of waste do you produce a year?
How much methane do you produce?
How much water do you use a year?
Chuck, I just found out about #agchat tonight. I would love to attend a session here soon to see what others are talking about in regards to agriculture. Also very encouraging to see many farmers using Twitter now. If anyone feels free to follow me on Twitter, you can find me at http://twitter.com/markvanbaale. I am a direct marketing manager at John Deere and use Twitter to connect and interact with anyone.
Don’t you people [ the goverment ] think we have enough stinking laws , enforce the ones we allready have , you don’t even do that . We are tired of your medalling in our lives , read my lips , no more taxes , enforce the borders , protect this country, if you don’t like this country and your so dissatisified ,LEAVE , GO TO ANOTHER COUNTRY, IF YOU CAME HERE FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE, GO BACK . We eat meat , speak english, and beleive God . If you want to be part of this country, fine , stay , learn english, learn to live together , respect one another, but goverment works for us We don’t workfor you. Oh by the way , I would like to see Obama s birth certificate, not a problem right? Al You are an inconvenant truth. We Had Enough , Close congress, and stick ACORN up your A——–!
Thanks for all of your advice! I might have to seriously look into starting a LinkedIn account, especially since I will be a freelance writer on the lookout for new projects! I had never heard of ping.fm. That sounds great! I will have to check that out! Thanks for your help!
Interesting. I think that I’ll attend one of your sessions. We’ve been considering using twitter to reach our customers on a social level and I’d sure like to see how you are doing it.
[...] all of you! And, now for that positive beef industry buzz…Preparing lean beef featured on PBSBeef Ambassador makes video to celebrate beef on Earth DayMartha Stewart cooks up delicious beef briskit on showNew E. coli vaccine for cattle gets [...]
[...] that when you stop by the ZimmComm booth you can register to win a very cool giveaway – HP Mini Netbook! Posted by Chuck • April 9, 2009 • 8:33 amCategories: [...]
[...] the panel members of the NAMA breakout session I’m moderating at the end of the week – “Social Media DOES Fit in Your Marketing Decision – Moving Beyond This Decision.” The panel members include David Coustan, Vice President, Digital, Edelman Digital, Kyle Flaherty, [...]
Incomplete is the winners name. Glad you had a good time. Too bad the weather was so nasty. You got a couple of good pics of our horse jumping.
Come back next year or try and make the Maryland Huntcup at the end of the month. 4 mile race, 5 foot fences.
Cattle farming and ranching families care about the environment, just like you.
America’s beef farmers and ranchers take many of the same steps to conserve as consumers do, including recycling, compositing and installing energy-efficient appliances and lightbulbs in their homes.
In addition, beef producers apply specilized environmental practices on farms and ranches to conserve and improve the natural resources that are critical to do business.
85 percent of farmers and ranchers say environmental conservation is important to their success.
On average, each beef producer has 13 different practices in place to accomplish environment goals such as nurturing wildlife, preventing erosion or conserving and protecting water.
[...] a photo of the winning team at friend and colleague Chuck Zimmerman’s AgWired website, at clicking here. CONGRATULATIONS again UF NAMA, and GO [...]
[...] and see them do the Gator Chomp at friend and colleague Chuck Zimmerman’s AgWired website, by CLICKING HERE! CONGRATULATIONS again UF NAMA, and GO [...]
Quite interesting. For the record Anthony Serafini is his book THE EPIC HISTORY OF BIOLOGY also stresses the importance of thinking of new ways and new careers to use scientific knowledge; I think he mentioned using a biology background to consider a career in biomedical ethics
INCREDIBLE. Wow, I’m yet to study the structure of it and how complex the design is. Think it will go up on the shelf for a conversation piece? Well, yes, why do you think they did it? Tractor business is going well….
Ha! I thought you would forget about them Chuck~ Come to Ag Media Summit this summer and you’ll see ‘em again. In fact I’ll take anyone who wants to go to the store where I got them so they can purchase a coordinating pair.
Without a doubt, one of the coolest promotions I’ve ever received. Luckily, the box included an inspection sheet with what I think is the name of the production company…and that went into my contact file.
[...] Earth Day? I don’t get it. What is there about this that engenders honor? During our #agchat session last night it was pointed out that maybe today is an opportunity to connect farming with consumers. [...]
[...] here to register. Commodity Update and ZimmComm are working on a new project to further develop AgWired Mobile. Hopefully we can roll that out soon. Posted by Chuck • April 23, 2009 • 10:19 [...]
[...] this week, Chuck summarized Tuesday’s #agchat session on Twitter. I joined in for the first time this week, and I wanted to discuss Question 5 on AgWired [...]
This commentary is not only an absurd rant, the “facts” stated in both the lead in and rant are misrepresentations. This is a poor excuse for journalism and the only relationship of this event to mainstream agriculture is, that it demonstrates the need to do a damned sight better at educating ranchers/other agriculturists about range management. FYI, this is the second time this moron did this-the first event was with cattle.
Sorry it is not HSUS that is on the ground helping these horses, but Habitat for Horses, a rescue group for horses based in Texas that have been there since day one when the truth came out.
100,000 + horses were sent to Mexico and Canada for slaughter last year and more this year. So what happened at this ranch has nothing to do with HSUS or any anti-groups causing a problem or lack of horse slaughter.
As far as I know wild horses cannot be sent to slaughter and the BLM who is suppose to be in charge for the care of these horses has been taking the land that was suppose to be for the mustangs and giving it for a fee to the cattle industry. So BLM has been getting money to take care of the horses and at the same time getting money from the cattle industry for grazing rights. If BLM had never taken the horses out of their given right to our public lands that had been set aside for them we would not have this problem.
PETA has nothing to do with the horse issues and HSUS has taken little time to support the end of horse slaughter in the last two years, so the problem is not these organizations, but the horse industry themselves.
Their over breeding and lack of control of their own industry is what is the problem. They for to long have had no programs, incentives or guidelines that should be in place to control the whole issue of unwanted horses.
Start at the beginning and take responsibility for the breeding of horses and there would be no unwanted horses thus no slaughter.
Get the cattle industry off our private BLM lands and return the wild horses to where they belong and we would not have had what happened at 3 Strikes.
In closing we slaughter 10 billion animals for food each year. Each day supermarkets and butcher shops all across this nation discard and send to rendering plants meat that could not be sold. Do we need horse slaughter to add to those numbers and more discarded meat?
Holy cow or should I say hamburger. Didn’t take you long to get this all out of proportion. The Cowboy who owned the ranch was starving the poor horses. How is that HSUS or PETA’s fault? And these poor horses were going to get another chance since the BLM had to take them off their range to make room for more cattle to graze on public lands for pennies. And please call horse slaughter what it is, horrible, torturous death not humane harvest. You don’t harvest horses! They are live, living things not green plants. And by the way, horse meat does not feed the poor starving hungry of the world only rich gourmet eating Europeans and Japanese. And keep you head in the sand like always and leave the rescuers do their job and save these American Icons of Freedom if they can.
Oh Please——-so it’s alright to starve these horses and not give help????? The rescuers who are, are not vegans, PETA-related, nor do they have a desire to stop hunting, fishing,cattle ranching,etc.I feel that someone needs to give respect to Horses, who are, if you did not know,are on quarters of 4 states, flags of 5 states!! Some believe in their humane treatment and protection. Horse slaughter is not humane euthanasia, no matter what you are led to believe.
Mr. Henkel, had you been following the story re: 3 strikes ranch, I doubt that you would feel the need to rant and rave. That’s right, rave, because you’re not coming across with any credibility when you don’t have any factual background. Maybe you should read a book once in awhile? I only suggest this because my family has been in the cattle business in Southern CA for 4 generations, and what is being done is trying to save a small vestige of what used to be the Northern Plains with the animals that are one it.
I suggest you get out of “your backyard”, and take a broader look and get some factual information instead of spreading rumors while you’re at it. This is certainly not a PETA project.
Mr. Henkel, had you been following the story re: 3 strikes ranch, I doubt that you would feel the need to rant and rave. That’s right, rave, because you’re not coming across with any credibility when you don’t have any factual background. Maybe you should read a book once in awhile? I only suggest this because my family has been in the cattle business in Southern CA for 4 generations, and what is being done is trying to save a small vestige of what used to be the Northern Plains with the animals that are indigenous to it, and I don’t mean the Spaniards who brought the 3nd wave of the equine species to the Americas.
I suggest you get out of “your backyard”, and take a broader look and get some factual information instead of spreading rumors while you’re at it. This is certainly not a PETA project.
Holy smokes, what and where do your ideas come from? The man who ran this “rescue” simple stopped feeding his HIS horses and darn if they didn’t start dying. The people there trying to Help these horses have no other agenda than feeding and watering horses that have seen neither in months! Take your paranoia somewhere else.There are a lot of caring everyday people out there who have had little food or rest for themselves while caring for these horses and not one them is thinking about you and Your mistaken agenda.
“Harvesting these old horses”?????? What a crock of BS. There are foals and yearlings in this bunch. This man abused and neglected these animals. I don’t think anyone twisted his arm to take them. He was too proud to ask for help when he got in over his head. Mr. Henkel, you make me want to vomit with your assumptions and misleading ideas. Get real, this is a case of animal abuse. Oh yeah, why do we butcher cattle and harvest horses?? No matter what you call it, horse slaughter is still INHUMANE!!!! BEEF, IT’S WHAT’S FOR DINNER!!! At least at my house.
Craig Henkel, you are as pathetic as the mismanagement of BLM. This is where the source of the mustangs’ plight lays… the good almighty BLM. There are no unwanted horses, only mismanaged ones, taken from the range where they belong and where there is sufficient space/resources for them to begin with. All data presented by BLM and their croonies are misrepresentations of true facts. Maybe you ought to do your homework and read up on this.
Read this: Craig C. Downer, Wildlife Ecologist, Author: Wild Horses: Living Symbols of Freedom
Mr. Henkel, what an excellent job of fabricating facts. Crops are harvested, not living beings. What happened at 3 Strikes has no relation to the availability of slaughter.
You are correct with one point – it could have been avoided. If the mustangs weren’t removed from their land in the first place so more cattle could be added to the 6 million, this wouldn’t have happened.
I’m sure Jerry Finch at Habitat for Horses and Jill Start at LifeSavers Wild Horse Rescue appreciate your overlooking the fact that they dropped everything to head to NE to help the horses. That’s what they do – put the horses first – something that you obviously don’t understand.
In defense of Mr. Henkel…
Craig Henkel is an individual that truly cares about the well-being of these horses. The reason he wrote so passionately in his message was to ignite action, intelligent conversation and debate about the issues of mistreatment of animals, the loss of horse slaughter for old, ill and unwanted horses and the dangers of the HSUS’s agenda to abolish animal agriculture.
I agree that horses should never be mistreated, and I sincerely wish that this situation wouldn’t have occurred. However, I believe the HSUS is there to gain media attention to push forward other items on their agenda. I believe animals have rights. They have rights to a quality life with adequate food, water, space and shelter. However, I don’t believe animals should be treated “humanely.” This means they are like humans, which they are not. I’m disappointed that this rancher didn’t ask for help when he needed it, and I’m sad to know that there are so many old and crippled horses that have no place to go. I don’t stand beside the bad apples in the agriculture industry, but I don’t believe all ranchers should be lumped into these situations. There are food producers that dedicate their lives as stewards of the land and care givers to livestock.
Finally, by posting this message, I was hoping to keep everyone informed of this situation. I will post updates as they progress. Word is these horses will be out of the fairgrounds by Sunday and will be adopted and shipped to Texas next week. I appreciate the discussion on this blog post, and I hope that the truth will be unveiled as the story unfolds.
[...] that my sister and I had signed up for a half marathon in Brookings, S.D. on May 16, 2009. In my blog post, I told everyone how I joined Team ZIP (Zinc, Iron and Protein), is a group of runners who believe [...]
Jason neglecting these horses has nothing to do with horse slaughter.
Sure, the midwest is Pro Slaughter, and the vet ( Furman) even mentioned
in conversation, WELL, YOU KNOW, THEY CLOSED DOWN THE SLAUGHTER PLANTS,. That is when I interrupted the conversation.
SO? closing slaughter plants, what does that have to do with anything?
Mr. Henkel, where do you get your information? Better check it again,
or is it from Sue Wallis?
If you knew much of anything these horses WERE NOT OLD, AND SICK AND THIN. And you are one sorry soul to give incorrect information on this story. If you knew anything at all, the kill buyers want the horses fat, healthy and young. the average horse that goes to slaughter now from the UNITED STATES is 7 years old.
Yes they still slaughter our AMERICAN HORSES.Mostly Quarter Horses
This is total irresponsibility on Jasons part just as it is for those that
over breed. The racing industry over breeds; or have you not seen the paper lately about that seizure in New York?
Notice the big problems with horses, that they are Hoarders and even kill buyers busted with horses dying and neglected.
Hello, the kill buyer form the NW had chances to haul them to Canada.
Yet she starved them.
Notice the economy lately? ALL THE BREEDERS ARE GETTING HIT HARD.
Is that the fault of the HSUS? I am sure it is!!!!!!!!!!!
Dog and cats are everywhere burdening the shelters, and the breeders
now come out of the woodwork because of the economy.
I wonder how much the cattlemen pay your sorry self to give misinformation?
What have the horses done to mankind to deserve this? Not a Darn thing.
21 Polo Ponies killed by some human, oh gosh, is it because the slaughter plants closed in the United States?
The BLM have killed enough of our wild horses and whatever is Jason’s problem, who knows. It is all GREED.
HORSES ARE USED FOR HUMAN GREED.
Foreign companies want to open slaughter plants for THEIR BENEFIT.
And the Americans will pay the price dearly.
Henkel, you are one disgusting ‘person.” If Person can even be used.
Get the Facts in the future.
HSUS sent 12 people there from their disaster team to get these horses out with as many lives saved as possible. They were alerted to this situation a month or more ago because of the magnitude of the problem. Seizures on this scale require emergency management and that is what these groups are doing. This problem has nothing to do with the slaughter issue-none of these horses was going to slaughter and none will be going to slaughter. This has to do with an individual that apparently lacked the skills to manage animals and forage conditions, and was willing to allow his animals to starve on more than one occasion. This is arrogance and animal abuse and nothing more. This has occurred likely since animals were domesticated and it will continue-it is not a new phenomenon. It has nothing to do with availability of slaughter within the US.
Sorry Amanda, your understanding of the words “humane” or “humanely” is incorrect. Neither word means or implies animals are like humans or draws any sort of relationship between the two.
Humanely is definied by several major dictionaries as:
- Characterized by kindness, mercy, or compassion
- Characterized by tenderness, compassion, and sympathy for people and animals, esp. for the suffering or distressed
- Marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals
Now, you are certainly free to argue and believe that animals are entitled to food, water and shelter, but are not entitled to compassion or kindness. That is your right.
I have to wonder about the connections being drawn between the slaughter plants being closed and these horses. And the connection being drawn between the guy running this horse ranch and food producing ranchers, too.
There is zero indication that this guy was sending old, unwanted horses off to slaughter and now that the plants are closed, he was forced to let them starve (he claims they were poisoned, by the way). And how many true food producing ranchers do you know that distribute shirtless photos of themselves with their livestock?
Honest to goodness ranchers aren’t under attack here. Local authorities called in a rescue, who in turn called in the HSUS for help. So instead of the slippery slope, chicken little “OMG THEY’RE GOING TO BAN BEEF” nonsense, just call it like it is – an animal hoarding crackpot who just happens to wear wranglers and call himself a cowboy got busted for animal abuse. End of story.
First, I would like to correct my misinformation; No BLM horses can be harvested, or slaughtered as some of you prefer.
The rest of my comments are true.
In reply to some of YOUR comments;
1)I did not know this is the second time for “this moron”, maybe that’s where the name for the ranch comes? Anyone who abuses animals to this degree should never have the honor and priveledge of raising livestock.
2)Yes, HSUS is here, and both they and PETA are wanting the end of meat consumption.
3)Horse meat was not consumed in U.S. it was shipped abroad.
4)If these ragged old horses are your “American Icons of Freedom”, you need to get your head out of the sand. If I were to pick an Icon of Freedom, I think I’d choose a veteran.
5)If HSUS wanted to help these horses immedietly, why didn’t they get some feed to the ranch and get it to the animals. They could’ve gotten a better response from locals if HSUS wasn’t involved.
6) The BLM land is land that no one could make a living from when the land was homesteaded. There is no use for it other than grazing, in order to return a dollar.
7) Are some of you proposing birth control for the wild animals now?
I can send some REAL cowboys to help you round up for the birth control experiment, right after they finish up here with HSUS.
You’ve made one very good observation about these anti-animal ag folks that can’t be emphasized enough and that is how they like to find and observe isolated incidents like this one so they can sensationalize them instead of conducting immediate action to relieve the activity they claim to hate. I think it shows their lack of sincerity very clearly.
Some of the people commenting need to realize that while they have strong emotions about this issue, so do the responsible people in agriculture and the horse business who are being painted with a broad brush thanks to these wacko groups who we see taking advantage of this situation.
I’m glad I live in a country where we have the freedom to speak freely and the tools that allow this “conversation.” There are many that don’t. I applaud Amanda for the courage to post this and her comment. We’re proud of her.
I’ll pick a veteran as an American Icon of Freedom any day too.
You’re still making zero sense with your “HSUS is here, the sky is falling” commentary.
Can you please draw a connection between the closure of the three horse slaughter plants and these starved horses? Seems this guy Jason has had this many horses for some time. Now it’s your opinion that people were dumping unwanted horses on the guy in such large numbers because of the slaughter plant closures that he had to let them all starve. Jason himself isn’t even making this claim – he says their poor condition is due to being poisoned. So is it that PETA and the HSUS are responsible for poisoning these horses just so they can get press?
Instead of circling the wagons and letting the paranoia set in about the animal rights folks coming to take your livelihood away, you’d do a lot better to out the guy as an animal abuser, do what you can to help (you know, since you’re a good, caring rancher kinda guy) and publicize the fact that ranchers will not tolerate abuse in their community because they are good people. If y’all did this sort of thing within YOUR community, HSUS would get no support from anyone ever.
I eat meat, wear leather and am A-OK with horse slaughter. What I have little tolerance for is this “humane harvesting” euphemism nonsense, the lie that only old, lame, unwanted horses go to slaughter and the ridiculous paranoia that the USA is going to be 100% vegan by 2012 if PETA has their way.
And frankly, if PETA/HSUS does get their way, big Ag and the ranchers who support the “anything goes for almighty dollar” mentality will be to blame.
Wanna win the fight with PETA/HSUS? Next time you have a downed cow with a broken leg or pelvis, don’t drag her outta the trailer, beating and prodding her, dragging her to her ultimate death. Get a video camera and film yourself shooting the cow to put her out of her misery and send her off to be rendered. Post THAT on YouTube with an explanation that yes, these things happen, it ain’t pretty for a city slicker, but it’s a hard fact about the business. But see here, most ranchers do the right, humane thing with their stock. 99.9% of America will understand that and PETA/HSUS will wither and die.
Anyone remember the Pony Express that brought this country together through hours and miles with the mail that connected this nation? I doubt any of you do. If we were to have an icon of this nation it should have been the horse, not the Bald Eagle.
These horses are BLM mustangs and cannot be sent to slaughter.Harvesting is just another word to make a bad thing sound nice. It is all the nice little words the Ag and pro slaughter people want us to think about when we think of horses for food production, but these animals are not a food source and never will be. America does not eat its horses and should not send them to Mexico or Canada for slaughter.
From my sources no one knew about what was going on until three days ago and HSUS just got envolved today. The people that have been there has been Jerry Finch with Habitat for Horses and the volunteers that have been working day and night to save what is left.
These horses are in the condition they are in because one man did not do right by these horses and should be punished to the full extent of state and federal laws.
Craig, you are very ill informed and obviously have not followed this story close.
Habitat for horses went out there after confirmation of a problem and ended up in the position to round up hundreds of horses.
Are you aware these are wild horses who need medical attention? Do you know what it takes to get these horses in chutes and get them out of there?
Are you aware that HSUS has gone to LA (hurricane Katrina) and to CA (wildfires) to help get the horses there out of harms way and to safety? Mind you, those horses were owned by several different people.
Here we have a situation of one man, who received funds for these horses, who, for whatever reason, did not care for them. Of course HSUS has every right to be there and should be there for these horses.
This is an awful situation, we have the BLM rounding these horses up, expressing that they need to round them up because the grazing situation and lack of grazing on free roaming land. They then place them with Jason to train them and make them available for adoption. It is a tragedy that these horses were rounded up in the first place and if BLM is sincere in their “concern” then they just sentenced these horses to being starved to death. Personally, they would have had a better chance of survival if they were left alone to begin with. But then, that would take away land for the precious cattle. BTW, horses grazed for centuries on our land without a problem, now cattle has created the problem. Do some homework, see how cattle destroys the grass from the roots, not the horses. Yet, the horses get rounded up, go figure!
Also, I want horse slaughter stopped, I am not a member of HSUS or PETA, I am an American who simply wants this stopped!
BTW, these are NOT old and unwanted horses, did you see how many wild mustangs have been trained for border patrol by inmates? Do you homework and stop with the misinformed rant!
Apparently some of you need me to type a little slower so you can understand.
HSUS wants all animals liberated from their human captors. Just like the Star Trek and Planet of the Apes movies you watched as a kid, while I was out learning how to care for the Good Lord’s creatures.
You see the Lord above gave me a brain and a heart to use for the betterment of mankind, with care and kindness I have the ability to feed many people around this entire world. I take the best care I can of his creatures, and they provide for you and I.
I’m gonna come back here and post some links to more truth about HSUS, I can’t believe you guys think they are Ag’s friend. Maybe this crack problem has gotten out of control !!!!!
How come HSUS sat on that video of animal abuse at the Chino California plant until it was more politically opportune for them to bring the case to light?
If HSUS has been on this horse rescue story for “a month or so ago”, how come it just came to public notification two days ago?
There is plentiful hay supplies in the very near vicinity, I would’ve gladly donated some, if HSUS wasn’t involved. Maybe they had to drag their feet until they were ready to handle the situation politically? I don’t know, why don’t you HSUS experts tell me?
If anyone were to mishandle my livestock, I’d take action immediately and correct them and get them off the property. There is no room for politics when it comes to proper care of livestock.
One of you above said “these horses were not old & sick & thin”, THEN WHAT IS THE RESCUE EFFORT FOR? How come there are piles of dead carcasses on the ranch?
Slaughter houses want fat, healthy and young horses? Yes, there probably was a premium for them, but a thin old nag doesn’t have many other uses than Elmers glue either.
And if a horse were to go to slaughter today, it would HAVE to be in darn good condition in order to make it across the border for a very very abusive(Mexico) end to their existence. To bad they can’t get a quick and humane end here in the U.S. anymore.
Cattlemen didn’t pay me a thing to write what I did, THE TRUTH IS FREE !!!
“Honest to goodness ranchers are not under attack here”, Give me a break. You guys (HSUS & PETA) are so good at lying. Have you ever considered a career in used car sales? I suppose you couldn’t sell something with leather seats though.
“So is it that PETA & HSUS are responsible for poisoning these horses just so they can get press?” I wouldn’t doubt it. They’ve killed 90+% of the animals they “rescued” in ’08. But usually they don’t resort to such cruel methods of euthanizing the animals they “take in”. Maybe this way they have a scapegoat.
“Anything goes for the almighty dollar”. That’s absurd. Ranchers have the responsibility of providing a safe, nutritious and affordable meal to the consumer. We don’t get that result by mistreating or abusing animals, period.
How dare anyone put words in my mouth about how I would treat a down animal.
I treat all animals with respect, under the watchful eye of the Lord above. He knows what’s in my heart at all times, and he gives me the strength and courage to give those animals the best I can to provide the best for the consumers. Even Jesus was a fisherman you know.
How would I tie these horses to lack of harvesting facilities? Well, these horses were through the process of BLM adoption programs, and these particular horses were the ones that could not be adopted. Not adoptable because of bad attitude, disposition etc. So the BLM marked these horses with a “U”, as in UNFIT. They had to sell very cheap or give them away to ranches like the one in trouble now. HSUS has a contract with BLM for some part of these chain of events. I don’t remember where this link is, but it’s there.
So now you have unfit horses roaming ranchland just existing until they get bad hooves and go lame to die and feed the coyotes, or they lose some teeth or wear the teeth off unevenly or completely wear the teeth off and can no longer eat properly and then they starve to death. An Icon of Freedom? Sounds like an inhumane death to me.
Did you think their heart just gives out quietly at some ripe old age? You’re confusing animals with humans again.
Best of luck.
I can not believe the stupidity of Mr. Henkel’s opinion.
According to the USDA over 92% of the horses sent to slaughter were young and in good condition – not old, sick and crippled. How can you possibly claim that it would ever be considered humane to ship crippled horses hundreds to thousands of miles to a slaughter plant while being packed into a trailer with 40 other equines? How could you believe it’s perfectly fine to introduce sick animals into the food supply? Not to mention the fact that horses are often given substances such as dewormers, steriods, bute and others that are banned from use in food producing animals.
The situation with 3Strikes has absolutely nothing to do with the closure of the last three US horse slaughter facilities. This is evidenced by the fact that horses can still be sent to slaughter plants in Canada and Mexico. Meduna chose to starve these horses just as people choose to abandon and starve dogs and cats.
Meduna was not capable or competent enough to care for hundreds of horses. One has to place at least some of the blame on the BLM. Why did they continue to send horses to 3Strikes without verifying the conditions of the existing horses?
Ending the slaughter of American horses has absolutely nothing to do with consumption of cattle. Beef is, and always has been, the preferred meat choice of Americans. We’ve been fighting to end horse slaughter for decades and still haven’t accomplished this yet. It would take a centuries long effort to even begin to convince Americans to give up beef. It simply isn’t going to happen.
With regard to the HSUS being in your ‘backyard’, the HSUS is a national organization, they’ve alway been in your backyard. Are you really so paranoid that you think that the 10+ NDART volunteers that are helping with the 3Strikes horses have such power that they will eliminate the consumption of beef in Nebraska before they leave? I believe they have enough to do with helping the horses.
No Mr. Henkel, the sky is not falling although your illogical assumptions does make one question what exactly is in the air in Nebraska….
I think we can agree on one thing. The mistreatment of these animals is a sad, unfortunate event. With charges against the owner, I believe this situation should not go unpunished. The horse slaughter issue is definitely a multi-faceted issue that ignites passionate discussion amongst the readers.
I want to applaud Mr. Henkel for his efforts to educate everyone about the secret agenda of the HSUS. Without a doubt, they are doing a good job at the ranch in helping to alleviate the situation, although I believe it is wrong that they are shipping the animals away. Why not give them the immediate care and attention they need right at the facilities? Why put them through more stress with shipment? My point is, HSUS may be there to save the day today, but the truth of the matter is, they are no friends to good, honest farmers and ranchers either. They want to abolish animal agriculture in this country, and I believe that is why Mr. Henkel so passionately distrusts the HSUS.
Please remember to keep the comments respectful to ensure a quality debate. Mr. Henkel is a real person, and I don’t want anyone to forget that the words we type online are as hurtful as saying them to someone’s face. Thanks for the dialogue everyone. I will keep posting updates as the story unfolds. I’m praying these horses are getting the adequate care and medical attention they need and deserve.
Bravo Amanda and Craig! Here’s a fact that isn’t mentioned… this guy that’s being hung has actually been rescuing horses since early 2005 AND actually had taken on animals from 3+ other rescues that went under – I’m not sure what happened (hard times and too proud?? Sad if that’s the case and not excusable)…. AND as for HSUS – they knew about this a month ago?? Didn’t do a damn thing… waited for Habitat for Horses to take on the unwanted horses and now are screaming they are the heros?? I’m sure their donations are rolling in once again!! Also note: the BLM immediately took the animal that they are legally responsible for AND THEY were the ones that started the investigation – without them, there would have been many more animals dead!
Dear AG. Friends, I have absolutely no agenda for stopping the eating of a good steak and shudder when I see PETA involvement in anything. Their radical beliefs overshadow any of the good they have done.I do NOT believe horse slaughter is humane. Just a few questions to show the difference between horses and cattle–when was the last time you taught your child to ride on a steer?? When was the last time you went to see cows Run for the Roses?? When was the last time you went on a trail ride on a bull??? Have you run the barrels lately on a cow??? Horses are plain and simply different from cattle. Please quit confusing the two. I do put my money where my mouth is—-own 12 horses, 10 elderly, which according to you should have been sent to be “harvested”. Sincerely, “MissPat”
[...] one situation these folks have gotten involved in you might want to check out Amanda’s post, “HSUS In Nebraska” and the comments posted so far. Feel free to weigh in [...]
This hysterical and emotion based piece shows that the writer has little factual information about horse slaughter. There are livestock auctions all over the U.S. where an irresponsible horse owner can sell their animal to slaughter so slaughter is still an option.
According to USDA documents, however, over 90% of the American horses slaughtered are young, healthy, not lame, and in good weight. The foreign owned horse slaughter industry is not a public service for ill and starved horses. Think about it people–they are butchers who pay by the pound!
The supporters of horse slaughter claim that everyone who wants a ban on horse slaughter must be a wild-eyed animal activist, a vegetarian, and a member of PETA. News Alert: The majority of Americans, in every poll taken, oppose horse slaughter and are not crazy activists, vegetarians, or members of PETA. Mr. Henkel and his defenders might consider lying down with a cool cloth on their foreheads until their feverish, misinformed conclusions have dissipated.
HSUS is bad news anywhere anytime. If they are for it you can bet that any sane American will be against it. If they would spent just 10 percent of the funds they collect from people who don’t know or won’t believe the truth, for animal relief then these horses would not be a problem. hsus and peta kill thousands of animals annually. This is their agenda. No animal use period.
Craig, I think that you have a very valid concern here, but the subject is one that invokes strong emotions. You are using rational, and the other perspective, being emotional, will not be swayed by your arguments.
I’d like to know who has actually contributed money to feed these animals? I’m just guessing that the HSUS will be using this as propaganda to fund raise, but how much money have they actually contributed to this issue? How much do you suppose it costs to keep these animals alive? There is an animal rights group out there that bears full responsibility for those horses dying. Which one of you wants to take that responsibility?
Truth is HSUS didnt help with the care because that is not part of their Program! They are about telling others what to do and how to do it.While sitting back and collecting money from people who have been fooled to think that money does go to feed animals like this.
Check out the tax returns is all I can say.Truth can be seen.
Craig, Seeing as how you can correct your miss information and feel that makes up for all the other untruths, I guess I can try to correct my misspoken words. What I meant to say was the wild horse is the Icon of the American Free Spirit, just look at all the car commercials and see how they show the horse running free on the range not hanging in a cold locker. I’m sure you will still find something wrong with that too but hay you think its OK to send horses to a torturous, suffering death. I do agree with you on one point, a Veteran should be the Icon of American Freedom. My Dad would have been proud to see that happen. But then if one is against war, they have their own ideas, as you have about horse slaughter being good for horses and that only the old, dangerous and sick horses are slaughtered. Maybe you should not be sitting at your computer and you should go out there and try to help instead of creating all this friction here. Go see for yourself how everyday people are helping these poor horses not just HSUS. Go out in the sun and see the light of day!
Actually, Steve, Craig seems to be the one ranting emotionally at the moment. We all know HSUS has a political arm that has some wacky ideas, we are not idiots and most of us don’t agree with them at all. I’m not a member of PETA or HSUS and never will be. Again, I eat meat, wear leather and come from families that raised beef, meat birds, have laying hens and hunts, so your assumptions are just that, baseless ASSumptions. But that isn’t the point.
Still, there is zero connection between these animals and the plant closures. The man is a hoarder and had no intention of sending those horses to slaughter even if there were a slaughter house in every county of the USA. He was “training” them with his own “method” and busy taking sexy pictures of himself on horseback and posting them online. Your point is not valid, sorry.
And Craig, I didn’t say how you personally deal with your livestock. What I suggested was that if you don’t want to be put out of business by PETA/HSUS, that you, as in ALL ranchers, deal with animal processing (and abuse in the industry) out in the open. Show city slicker Americans that you work hard to bring food to their table efficiently, but with general respect for the animals. If ranchers in this area came together to expose this guy and to care for these horses, HSUS would never have the opportunity to step foot in that town. They’d have no pathetic video or photos to use for a fund raising campaign and press and the hardworking ranching folks would be the white hats.
The more you pretend abuse doesn’t exist or the longer you spend pointing your fingers back at the people stepping up to care for animals in these situations, the stronger HSUS/PETA becomes. It’s not rocket science.
And to Responsible Horse Lover, too proud? The guy has been begging for donations across the internet for ages. And he was getting loads of them. Without non-profit status. Lord only knows where the money went. In over his head or just an egotistical scam artist, hard to say.
But as is often the case, using logic here is like screaming into the wind.
Steve, I am like you. I wonder how much money HSUS will contribute to get these horses back to being healthy and how much BLM is willing to pay also. Was Jason paid monthly for the care of these BLM horses? If so why was it not enough to keep them in hay / feed? I would like to hear the media report on why HSUS didn’t do anything a month ago if they did indeed know. How many of those 60 dead horses where still alive then? Maybe the fatality count would not have been so high. People like Jason are afraid to call the authorities for help knowing that these animal rights groups only want to make them martyrs. Maybe he had no resources to feed the horses and had asked for help. That part of the story has not been told. I am not a supporter of Jason and do not know him. I just wonder where things went wrong. He obviously loves horses or he would never taken on this many horses. If you look at the numbers of horses slaughtered a year before the band and closure of slaughter plants in the U.S. it is well over that 60,000 mark and had been close to that for many years. It is those unwanted horses that are now in rescue facilities across the country or are being abandoned by owners because they are told that the rescue facility has a waiting list and it is either food on the table for their children or hay for the horse. Has congress made any financial commitment to help expand these rescue facilities and help pay for the expenses of these horses? I would guess that answer is no. I do not even know if there has even been viable discussion to provide financial help. Oh I forgot we bailed out the fat fanny’s and frank’s and so we have no money for horses. But truly, I wonder how much of the expense of this is going to come back to the county in Nebraska where this is happening. I am sure that as in most situations it will come back to the expense of the law enforcement that initially got permission from the county judge to remove these horses from the owner. In other words it will be the tax payer that pays for this one too…..
Maybe providing Europe with a safe edible meat ( Cattle having MCD) isn’t so bad for the horse after all. It surely could not be any worse that being starved to death.
Everyone has already thoroughly exhausted every possible topic for discussion and debate in the comments of this thread, but I’d just like to make one point: HSUS and PETA are *not* the same organization and have very different methods and goals. I’m not a part of either of these organizations so I can’t speak for them, but I daresay neither one wants to be confused with the other. The HSUS has no interest in preventing people from owning pets–rather, they encourage you to adopt and care for pets–and they’re not trying to destroy agriculture, they’re only trying to secure humane treatment for the animals on whom so many lives and livelihoods depend.
I think treating animals with kindness is a goal everyone commenting here shares–as Amanda pointed out, the mistreatment of these animals is the crime and the tragedy here. Let’s just be thankful for any groups that are putting forth an effort to help–ranchers or animal welfare groups–regardless of whatever anyone may perceive as their motives for helping.
Lynn, with all do respect, I think it has come across that Craig is involved with agriculture, probably quite deeply, and probably has more at stake in this than you.
I am involved with ag too, and as I see it, now more than ever it is important to us, ag, to stand up for our beliefs and positions. Your views are not held exclusively by yourself, and knowingly or not, the policies and programs that you and others support have consequences that you may have no idea of. Without Craig speaking out, would you have known that there where even two sides to this issue? Craig has probably taken time to sit at his computer and stand up for what he believes, at the cost of time that he could be working on something profitable.
I admire his standing up to what he, and others like him, believe is a threat to ag.
I wonder if you may be best served by your own advice “Go out in the sun and see the light of day”. There is far more going on in this situation than meets the casual observer’s eye. Loose the bias, and dig a little for yourself
Who can I call when I can’t afford to feed my horses because I have come upon hard times? Will HSUS, or Habitat for Horses, or at worst PETA send me some money to keep my horses fed until I get back on my feet financially so I dont have to choose between my horses or kids. I can go get some welfare for my family and become a tax burden just like these wild horses are becoming. I would haul my horses to a sale barn but some are no value and they want a deposit before unloading the horses. They will give me back the deposit if someone buys them. They say they need a deposit because if no one buys them they have to pay for removal of the no value horse from their sale facilities. I also have a 6yr old gelding that has become lame that I would like to let somebody have for the $3000 that he cost. This is a good looking registered quarter horse and broke to ride. If someone were willing to rescue this horse and give him a good home until he dies I would probably take $1500. I sure hope somebody will take me up on this offer as it makes me sick to have to put him down with a gun. The reason I want the money is so I can give another USEABLE horse a good home as long as you good people are willing to help me buy hay. If only there was a local slaughter plant I could haul him myself, and that way I know for sure that he wont have to endure someone buying him to ride or being hauled around the US until he finally meets the same gun I will have to use. Mr. Ed says 1100 miles to the end, loaded and unloaded, coggins tested and standing next to a back biter, OH thats right these are all nice horses I will be riding with on the trailer. Hey I will probably get to ride with a horse or two wearing a US freeze brand, as long as their owner had them long enough to get title. Sure hope I end up in Canada and not Mexico. Maybe they will turn me out in the road ditch were I can dodge cars or maybe dump me in a pasture, sure hope if the water freezes in the winter there is snow on the ground. Dont know where the end is but I hope it is quick. Some of you will say they cant haul a lame horse, but Im not that lame. I will get past any vet inspection for transportation. I just can’t do my owners work anymore but maybe one of you horse huggers will give me shelter for the next 18 or so yrs.
Well, if this bunch of imbeciles doesn’t take the cake! They invite Wayne Pacelle to speak and then they start acting like the idiots they are before his speech. My Dad was a farmer and a damn good one. He taught me over 60 years ago to never comment on something in which you know nothing about. You troublemakers would do well to do the same! Mr. Pacelle is a very well educated man who successfully operates an extremely well-respected organization. Just ask the millions and millions of HSUS members. How many members do you folks have? Do the whole world a favor: Get on your John Deere tractors attach a microphone and ride off into the sunset…never to be seen nor heard from again!
wow anyone thinking the HSUS cares about helping animals would ask why they didnt take there millions to help feed the animals .
the hsus is the biggest lie in the animal movement.
if they cared they would set up ranches of there own to take in the unwanted horses the laws the forced threw created .
the HSUS IS A TERRORIST GROUP AGAINST HUMANS.
It never ceases to amaze me that people cannot participate in a civil discourse but can only respond by making ad hominem attacks on the person they disagree with. I speak directly to Sharon, Joyce and Nona.
I’m sure you are all left-leaning; is that your idea of tolerance? Call people stupid or disgusting because they disagree with you?
Several people have said that the BLM doesn’t need to get rid of any of the horses on public land. I don’t know where that misinformation comes from. but it is wrong. The public lands out west provide poor quality vegetation and are horribly overgrazed. The only way to manage the range is to limit the number of livestock.
This particular incident doesn’t have anything to do with the ban on horse slaughter since the owner was buying these horses to try to resell them. That does not change the fact that the ban will have serious repercussions and will result in this sort of thing happening again.
The same day this story broke in the local press, there was also a story about a 3 month old child murdered by her own father. When you animal right wackos exhibit the same distain for the loss of human life, especially the most vulnerable among us, the unborn, as you show for these horses, then we can have an intelligent conversation. You pick and choose what form of life you will protect, which shows your bias. Most animal rights groups are also mostly pro-abortion. When you examine your values on the whole, you are found wanting.
Boy, some of you folks are absolutely paranoid and or misinformed or intentionally putting some of the most moronic trash in print I have ever seen.
Seems people with many different backgrounds and mindsets found a way to come together to help out with this disgusting situation. Others seem to take the opportunity to bash HSUS and whine about no domestic horse slaughter plants (sorry, we still have them here…you don’t get paid for it and it isn’t sold for human consumption). Disjointed, feeble attempt at some type of “protect all aspects of ag at all costs” mentality. Clean up our traditional meat biz first before you get off on some tangent that human consumption horse slaughter is a lynchpin in your ag operation. Of course that doesn’t hold for the horse slaughter auction (New Holland, Sugarcreek, etc), the transporters or the KBs…it is their business. They don’t provide a service. They provide a few cruddy bucks and convenience for the seller with a decent payout. If it didn’t, they wouldn’t do it.
BLM needs to stop rounding up Mustangs until they have a complete, verifiable, humane program in place. But you know what…they still are doing round ups with no place for the horse/burros to go. And sorry, mustangs/burros do go to slaughter for human consumption….go check out the feedlot at Shelby, Montana and see the freeze brands. While you are at it, take a look at the collection pits.
Some of you people are hopeless and that is why the bills in Congress will steamroll you thick headed into compliance. You don’t want to pay for vet/knacker/rendering…then don’t own a horse. While you are at it, take the time to contact your local extension service. They’ll teach you proper care and the possible longevity of that horses you breed or buy. You breed it, break it, you’ve bought it. No payout to cut the cord.
Pete and mcgrewfarmer, I really appreciate your comments. I’d also like to add that comments need to address the issue and need to at least look like they are submitted by a human being. Submitting a comment pretending to be a horse talking to another horse won’t cut it. Yes, I did delete that one. Hopefully you will appreciate that we are willing to post dissenting points of view here. Let’s try to keep it civil.
mcgrewfarmer: until we respect all human life, from conception to natural death, we’re going to see an unbalanced viewpoint like some of what we’ve seen posted. I pray every day that this will change in America and the rest of the world.
Pete, does your amazement extend to those like Craig insinuating multiple times that people who disagree with them are stupid (“Apparently some of you need me to type a little slower so you can understand”) or on drugs (“Maybe this crack problem has gotten out of control !!!!!”)? Or just to those you assume to be left-leaning? Just curious.
Glad to see that someone else understands that this case has nothing to do with slaughter plants.
And as for all you questioning why HSUS might have waited four weeks before going in on this rescue mission, don’t you think they’d best have their ducks in a row before embarking on something of this scale? Perhaps take the time to help assemble the rescue team? (They flew good horse rescue people in from across the country to help, by the way.) And to make sure there would be places to put the animals and resources to take care of them once they were seized? Or maybe even to make sure that there really was a crisis going on and not just say, some weird poisoning event as the joker running the ranch claims? Or hey – maybe they were notified and worked together with local law enforcement and they arrived when they were ASKED TO?
Good lord, no. It can’t be any of those logical things. It’s gotta be just the next step in their plot to outlaw bacon in every state in the union.
mcgrewfarmer, can you please show us a list of these animal welfare/rights organizations that have taken a position on human abortion? Remember now, you said “most,” that means more than half have not only taken a stand, but are PRO-abortion.
And is it that you will only have conversations with people who already agree with you? I don’t understand how agreeing on abortion or infanticide at all relates to animal abuse.Certainly no one here is arguing that killing children is OK, but abusing animals is not.
Back to the subject at hand – HSUS would have NO power if the ag community showed some transparency instead of cowering in paranoia about the animal rights boogymen. Every single one of you know upstanding ranchers, good horse trainers, honest dairymen and farmers who bust their butts to make ends meet. You probably also know one or two who don’t respect their animals, don’t keep a clean barn, steal water or dump where they ain’t supposed to.
Heck I grew up next to several small dairy and egg operations. There was a family down the road who kept a small herd in a nice dairy barn, clean as a whistle. But across the street, hidden by trees kept the REST of their herd along with a few starving horses in some of the filthiest conditions you can imagine. PETA/HSUS would have had a field day with that place. Don’t want PETA/HSUS in your backyard? Stop pretending that all farmers/ranchers/dairymen are irreproachable just by virtue of their profession. As an industry, do not tolerate abusive tactics on the farm, during transportation or during the slaughter process and stop making excuses for those who do.
Right now, all the outside sees is stories about illegal immigrants being paid next to nothing to work in dangerous slaughterhouses that are unnecessarily abusive to the animals, who of course, were factory farmed in horrible conditions. And meat is bad for you, so don’t eat it anyway. THIS is what more and more people believe, because you and I both know, they’ve never even seen a farm, let alone a real live cow/horse/pig and all they have to go on is their Sunday night 60 Minutes report.
Be open and honest about how that tasty $40 steak makes it to a city slicker’s plate and what all you do to get it there and HSUS/PETA will wither and die. Or don’t. Whatever.
I think the the government should step in with a bailout for the 3 strikes ranch and we should have a horse czar. Barry can fly out set up his teleprompters over top the buckin chutes at the fairgrounds, tell us how he will call for a full investigation.
I would venture to bet that most of the comments on this blog from people that think that hsus and peta are not a threat are probably flaming liberals and also believe that the current administration will somehow fix all the problems that one may have. Wake up! I get so sick and tired of hearing how we need to save these horses. what about a horse that is over 20 years old has bad teeth and you idiots are out there trying to save it? how much money will be wasted for these horses to get back into shape and maybe be adopted? unbelievable.! How can this be a good investment. I will be on someone to tell me in a year how much money and time and headache these 200 horses cost the tax payers of morrill co. and the state of ne. Buthcher, kill, slaughter, I don’t care what you have to call it to make your self sleep at night!
Actually the safest thing for the horses would’ve been to keep their previous owner locked up, then get feed to them asap, onsight.
The law has to move the horses because they can confiscate the horses, but not the land, which is unfortunant in this situation.
Reyna, I don’t think you’re stupid, but maybe a little naive. My comments were to cool tempers a little with humor. Humor is like beauty, in the eye of the beholder. Sorry if my humor doesn’t fit your bill as humor.
It’s a huge responsibility to know when the end has come to an animals life. Animals that we are responsible for bringing into this world to do good things for mankind, but life ends at sometime for all living beings.
I don’t care to create issues for HSUS, but they seem to think that livestock producers are all bad and HSUS is in the business of putting all livestock producers/care takers out of business.
Since you know much about HSUS, and I don’t, maybe you can tell me how many animal shelters HSUS runs around the country? How many acres does HSUS own/control to provide for these horses? I understand the man recieving the majority of these horses owns a total of 27 acres in Texas, that is poor land, prone to flooding.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF HSUS ANNUAL BUDGET DO THEY SPEND ON PROVIDING SHELTER FOR ABUSED ANIMALS?
I know that HSUS had a negative effect on this particular situation, because their name was/is involved. Locals were asked to help with the round-up, but refused because of HSUS involvement.
How come hay is in short supply for these horses? They were down to one bale yesterday. If HSUS has millions in the war-chest, how come they’re not out buying hay as we sit here and argue? I donated time, money, hay and my back to this situation already, and was told the horses will be here another 2 weeks. TELL YOUR HSUS FRIENDS TO GET OFF THEIR DUFF AND SEND MONEY FOR HAY. There is hay available locally. Just needs to be paid for.
HSUS didn’t do a very good job of “getting their ducks in a row”, THE VERY FIRST THING A STARVING ANIMAL NEEDS IS FEED !!!!!!!!!!
HSUS has millions in annual budgets, and they’re depending on locals to donate hay in probably one of the biggest rescue situations in some time, if ever. Now what do you have to say?
Lack of slaughter IS behind this situation, indirectly.
This horse owner bought many of these horses for $10-50/head. If there were a market for them, they would have brought hundred’s of dollars per head and went to kill plants.
Local salebarns are having horses dropped off and abandoned at their yards. If you try to honestly sell one at auction yards, you are required to put a deposit down, so that if the horse doesn’t sell, the salebarn won’t be stuck with the animal.
Reyna, do you really participate in “shooting fish in a bucket”? Not only is that illegal, that is non-sporting. I don’t think your friends at HSUS and PETA would like you using that phrase. It implies immorality (in their opinion).
Illegal aliens, and legal workers are actually paid quite well compared to other jobs they would qualify for. The only reason illegals do this work, other that the good (comparatively speaking) money, is that most citizens wouldn’t/couldn’t do it.
Send hay, or money for hay.
[...] for why this animal rights terrorist organization is so inflammatory check out the comments on Amanda’s post about them being in Nebraska. I just got caught up on the latest [...]
Um Craig, implying people are stupid is just that, implying they are stupid. I guess it’s funny to you. We can agree to disagree on that.
I still don’t understand why you’re going on and on about the HSUS. Have you read their mission statement? No, they aren’t involved in local animal shelters, but they NEVER CLAIM TO BE. They educate, they lobby and fund some sanctuaries to the tune of several million dollars a year and disaster relief. You seem to think you’re exposing some big scam, but most thinking people knew all this already. I wouldn’t give them a dime because like most big charities, their operating expenses are far too high, no matter what their mission statement.
And again, there’s no slaughterhouse connection. The guy wasn’t going to sell to slaughter ever! He was the shirtless cowboy, saving those little ponies his own sexy self. Fact of the matter is, there were slaughter plants open when he started this operation and he wasn’t selling then either.
Now, you’d better hurry because I heard Wal*Mart is having a huge sale on anti-HSUS tinfoil hats. They won’t last long!
Chuck, you pose a good thought, “kind of tempting to boycott it”.
Maybe something like Carrie Underwood’s performance at the National FFA convention could/should happen?
But it would have to be at least a majority of you in the audience participating in the walkout.
He gets up to speak, to polite applause, starts speaking, and the first lie he tells, calmly and quietly get up and leave, in mass. I’d pay to see it.
Hey, and don’t forget to take video to be posted on YouTube.
Then again, maybe you ag broadcasters could use a good laugh? Maybe Wayne’s contribution would be to the “entertainment” portion of your conference?
Personally, I don’t think I could hold my lunch down being in the same vicinity as animal liberation wacko’s.
Best of luck.
Pete: Thank you for proving my point that the point of your posts aren’t “really” about right/wrong or the slightest bit of logic.
And again, thank you. I must have expressed myself in some way that got your hackles up (threatened you/your position)…ergo, they must have been reasonable and thought provoking and hack at your proslaughter stance. Thank you.
Yes, I clearly understood the distracting “prolife/abortion” reference in the post. Didn’t think it worthy of response and basically an attempt to change the debate here. It’s horse slaughter for human consumption (really) with a poster child like 3 Strikes Ranch and being infuriated that HSUS is in NE doing something, anything as some here are using as a rally cry. Fairly weak and disconnected logic if you take the time to understand 3 Strikes and the US horse slaughter situation.
Honestly, so much of what you posted is just frankly incomplete/half-truths, distortion, spin and well, opinion. You know how I know? Slaughter of US Horses still exists. Check the USDA numbers. Enough said.
And I told you, US Horses are STILL being slaughtered in the US. I said you have to pay for it and it can’t be consumed by humans. What reeally is your agenda here? Reyna makes some excellent points, not that I completely agree, but I did say clean up yourselves first and then tackle human consumption horse slaughter.
Reyna wrote:
“And as for all you questioning why HSUS might have waited four weeks before going in on this rescue mission, don’t you think they’d best have their ducks in a row before embarking on something of this scale?” What did I miss? I thought HSUS wasn’t involved here!
Reyna, why don’t you define what a “factory farm” is for those of us who are less enlightened than our city cousins. I’ve never seen one myself. I’m sure they’re out there because I hear about them all the time.
D Masters, you completely missed the point Craig made about horse slaughter. The difference is that if the meat was for human consumption the horses would have a floor on their value, if you have to pay to have them slaughtered then they have a negative value. (math101.com)
We out here in fly over country get incredibly weary of being told how to live our lives by the folks who have destroyed their environment, paved over everything in sight, and wrecked the economy. If you want to preserve, then buy the land and the poor animals and preserve them, otherwise butt out.
As for USUS not being anti farming and anti meat go here.
Pete: You need to learn the basics of Econ 101. Pay particular attention to the chapter regarding “supply and demand”. And sorry, but your rights do not out trump morality and a simple thing called ethics. There are many people living on the land and in the city that think human consumption horse slaughter is unethical horse management peddling a contaminated meat product to humans. Horse slaughter serves less than 2% of the US Horse population.
And just an FYI, KBs/SHs never buy ALL the unwanted horses in the US. They buy only what the need to fill an order and meet consumer demand. 3 Strikes has nothing to do with horse slaughter. There were people and organizations that do and do not believe in horse slaughter that came to help these horses because of serious abuse via neglect. That sir, has nothing to do with HSUS OR horse slaughter
D. Masters,
So I understand that you are the arbiter of morality and ethics. I wondered who was responsible for that. It’s good to know that someone in your lofty position would take the time to enlighten the Dalit.
By the way, you pompous #$%, I’ll put my educational background and economic/business experience up against yours any day. Bring it on!
According to horseslaughter.com there were 90,000 horses slaughtered in the US for human consumption in 2005. Is that your 2%?
Where do you get the idea that the meat is contaminated? Oh, that’s right, from your PETA and HSUS marching orders.
Your facts and assumptions are baseless and tiring. I weary of corresponding with someone who knows nothing and insists on proving it over and over.
I appreciate everyone’s comments. At this point I’m only going to post any that have something new to say or I think would make a positive contribution to the discussion.
My apologies to everyone involved. I think we’re ALL a bunch of stupid humans.
I have come to the conclusion, that both sides of the story here are correct.
The problem is that both sides are looking at the situation from different angles.
I am looking from my point of view, as if I were in Mr. Meduna’s position. You are looking at this particular situation, from Mr. Meduna’s true and actual position, and in THIS PARTICULAR SITUATION, you are correct in the statement that in THIS PARTICULAR SITUATION, horse slaughter is irrelevant.
What I mean is: If I were the owner of a horse operation that didn’t have funds to care for the animals adequately and humanely, and I was wacked enough to do anything to keep them from dying, in my view, I would’ve:(in order of priority)
1)passed them on to another horse rescue operation.
2)GIVEN them to “good homes”
3)open the gates, or take down the fences and letting them roam “free”.
4)Sold them to someone who promised not to slaughter them
5)last resort: sold to the first cash I came across.
If I were not against horse slaughter, I think the rational thing to do would’ve been to sell a portion of the herd (cull), into the commercial channels. The commercial channels would have more dollars available if the horse slaughter plants were running. Therefore slaughter would’ve made it possible for me to sell say 10 horses at $400/head, rather than having to sell 100 horses at $40/head in order to raise the same amount of money for feed for the remaining herd.
You folks are looking at the situation from Mr. Meduna’s position, which IN THIS PARTICULAR SITUATION, is correct.
His apparent position is/was:
1)I wanted to save these beautiful creatures, I can’t now, but I’m not going to admit failure??????????????????????????????????????
2)see plan #1
I can’t imagine what was going through his mind. I’ve been trying to put myself in his frame of mind to see what his objective was, and I just come up with insanity and animal abuse.
My point of argument was as if we were dealing with a sane, rational human being, which in this case does not apply.
I can’t even come up with a half ways sane thought process, from his side of view. I haven’t seen the interviews of him, so it’s hard to judge. But from what I know of the case, he needs mental evaluation.
Whomever stated above that HSUS knew about this case “a month or so”, isn’t up on their facts either, according to HSUS employees, they had 12 hours notice.
I stand by all my statements about HSUS. They’re bad news, and they promote vegetarianism.
What my original post has to do with HSUS is I DON’T LIKE THEM MEDDLING IN MY BACKYARD, MAKING THEMSELVES LOOK LIKE THEY CARE ABOUT THE AMERICAN FARMER/RANCHER, when in fact they want us out of business. They’re liars.
D.Masters, yes rendering of horses exists, but at negative value, there is no incentive to take unwanted horses by general public there, for a humane end, rather they just turn the horses loose to roam road ditches, countryside, or drop off at the auction barn.
I bet this last year, if you add the abandoned horse numbers, and add the huge increase to those “rescued”, into the stats of slaughtered horses, you would see a large increase over your 2% of total numbers.
I don’t care how much notice HSUS and the other rescuers had of this situation, I personally haven’t heard any public outcry for feed to be donated to these particular horses. It’s being donated now because of our locals concern for the animals. I HAVEN’T HEARD OF HSUS OFFERING TO PAY FOR THE FEED.
There you have it. I’d be happy to continue this blog if you guys want to. You won some points and I did also.
It’s time to get to work here in Nebraska. It’s getting late and I haven’t even had breakfast yet!!
I’m getting so hungry I could eat a —— NEVERMIND.
Wow! This blog entry has really taken off. I think there have been some great discussions on this topic. While tempers flare on the topics of animal welfare vs. animal rights, the real agenda of HSUS, the tragedy of the mistreatment of horses and the loss of horse slaughter, I believe we have discovered one thing on AgWired: We all have differing view points. We come from different backgrounds and experiences. I’m glad this is a place where we can discuss our differences, and I hope that the comments will help to encourage a healthy dialogue, not a mud throwing spectacle. Thanks again for all of your input. This has been an interesting forum as of late.
Animal hoarding is a weird thing and can be a full on mental illness. Meduna probably thought that no matter what state those horses were in, he was still the best–maybe the ONLY–person in the world able to take care of them. Only knowing the guy through his website and online words, it appears to me he is narcissistic enough to firmly believe that.
I have the utmost respect for farmers and ranchers. You do hard, honest work to put food on our tables. My main regret in life so far is not having spent enough time with older generations of my family before they passed. There’s no one more knowledgeable, more practical, more useful and resourceful than an old farmer. To know just 1/10 of what they knew…
You are totally right to suspect that the HSUS would use this incident to paint an entire group of hardworking people as being bad. My main point was that by defending bad apples like Meduna only makes the HSUS’s job easier. There has to be a bigger effort on the part of farming/ranching organizations to educate the public in an honest way on how meat makes it on their plate. You could so easily take the wind right out of the sails of HSUS and PETA on the farming/ranching issues.
And with regards to promoting vegetarianism, you’ve got the secret weapon the other side has no counter for: bacon.
Thanks for the debate. I have to get going and find a 2 x 4 with which to beat a dog who won’t leave the chickens alone.
Reyna;
I would never, and never meant to, appear that I was standing up for Meduna. I don’t condone any type of animal abuse.
But our definition of animal abuse differs from PETA and HSUS.
By the way, “MA’AM, PUT THE 2X4 DOWN AND STEP BACK FROM THE DOG, YOU’RE BUSTED!!!!”
I’m having ham and Great Northern beans as we speak (type)!!
I can send some beans your way if you need.
Craig
[...] non-profit grant offering, is sprouting up all around the agriculture community. AgriMarketing, AgWired and the American Agricultural Editors’ Association have all published information on this $20,000 [...]
You can thank HSUS for supplying some of the manpower needed to safely move 210 equines off the property where they were starving to death. (Many locals helped out as well and should be applauded) Then you can thank Habitat for Horses and Front Range Equine Rescue who will be coordinating the placement of those horses. Many already have eager adopters stepping up. All have been provided with immediate feed and attention. To say otherwise is a flat-out lie. I was there.
Jason Meduna doesn’t make ranchers look bad. He doesn’t make horsemen look bad. He’s NEITHER of those things and anybody with two IQ points to rub together knows it. This incident will not be used to make ranching or horse trainers or rescues look bad. It only makes this individual look bad and shows the need for the BLM to do better follow-up if they are going to hand out horses like candy for $10 a pop.
HSUS, Thank-you for providing some of the manpower needed to move 208 starving horses!!!
Now please send hay, or money for the hay.
HSUS, Thanks for restricting local participation, through your association with this disaster. We know exactly who/what you are.
I was there also, no lie.
Hi Chuck-
Would it be possible for you to post a transcript of Wayne’s comment, or maybe a short summary of his key points? I don’t know if it’s just me, but I can’t get the audio loud enough to hear what he says.
Thanks!
Mr. Pacelle should understand that indeed, we do not live in a static world – that livestock practices HAVE CHANGED – and care for food animals is many times better now than it was 50-years ago!!
The animals are now protected from weather, disease, from harm to
one-another; a whole host of things are better now than years ago!!
He states that we have always debated issues in our country and that’s how our democracy works…… This is true, however, you, Mr. Pacelle, do not have the right to IMPOSE YOUR BELIEFS OF A VEGAN
LIFESTYLE ON ME, OR ANYONE ELSE!! This is what you are doing and this is not the American way. You desire to take away my choice to eat meat, eggs and drink milk – this is YOUR GOAL. You do not have that right sir…………….
Wayne says that farmers are outstanding Americans that know how to do their jobs.So why is this not good enough for him? Mr. Pacelle’s ultimate goal is to rid this country of animal agriculture. period.
I would suggest, first off, that we don’t call them the ‘enemy.’ And why should we think and act like we are threatened by them? In fact, why are we even promoting their views of how they view a few livestock producers or livestock rearing practices?
What if, instead, we tell our story of the passions our producers have for animals…that is not directed at HSUS. Let’s prove there is sound science that shows it’s okay that animals raised for meat can be safely accomplished in many ways–from confinements to pasture. Marketing will give consumers a choice. And neither choice is better or worse than another.
Getting in a pissing match directly with HSUS only helps promote them as being a legitimate voice in animal behavior.
[...] with it, in his opinion in conjunction with the HSUS. You can listen to his entire presentation at AgWired, including how he responded to the following question from a farm wife in [...]
I wish it was that easy Kurt. Unfortunately we don’t live in a paradise kind of world. People like this do not care at all about science and truth. Sad but true. Additionally, there is a lot of evidence that these groups have a significant impact with the consumer. Listen to the comments because I would say there was a fair amount of bragging in there. We do need to tell positive stories but we also need to know what those who oppose the industry are doing and saying.
There is never an excuse for starving an animal. Neglect is neglect plain and simple. My partner and I own over 20 horses, all are fat and glossy. But the reality of the market is that if the horse slaughter market had not been closed down, the price of horses would be up and we would not own over 20 horses that we cannot sell. Right now it is more economical for slaughter horse buyers to buy animals at the local auction than ever before. They can purchase these animals for pennies on the dollar and transport them to Canada where they are slaughtered and those people make money doing it. Would it not be more humane to have the ability to dispose of these unwanted animals locally so that they are not transported thousands of miles, exposing them to injury and more stress? Face it – people are abandoning their horses at an alarming rate because they do not have the money to feed the horses, let alone themselves. If we were to create an outlet for these animals (unless you call abandoning the former cared for pets on public lands an outlet) we would also boost the horse market at the same time and horses would once again be worth something. This is not a 20 lb. dog we are talking about here. Try researching the cost of owning a horse once. Meduna may be charged with multiple felonies, but really, what avenues were left to him if he was out of money and out of feed? Shame on him for taking in that many animals without full knowledge of how many acres he needed to sustain them. But that is only a small part of a larger problem.
Forgot to ask…you talk to the sheriff or DA? BTW..we seem to have a boat load of foals on the way because BLM didn’t castrate upon transfer/lease of ownership, didn’t do background check on Meduna and the horse rescues involved did have some issues with handling and disposition. No one against horse slaughter is thrilled about this situation.
Who precisely turned you away, since you were there?
I didn’t hear any mention that the release of the Hallmark tapes happened just a few weeks before the deadline for signatures to get Prop 2 on the ballot in California. http://tinyurl.com/dffsaa
It sounded to me like he said that farmers are being bombarded by ethanol, the weather, and environmental threats, but people have “caloric needs,” so we will always need food from farmers. “I grew up on a farm” so I understand farming needs. HSUS has been criticized by many people, including our own members. Criticism goes with the territory. The world is changing and we need to change our ways of doing things to protect the environment and farmers need to change the way they treat animals. Farmers cannot exempt themselves from change.
It does not appear that Pacelle gave any reason for why he should dictate changes in farming, it seems like he is putting himself on the same plain as weather and the environment. Weather and the environment change what farmers do, so farmers should change because HSUS says so.
Chuck…I’m not talking any kind of paradise. I’m talking a different mode of communications. If we are attack dogs, we are no different than the tactics used by HSUS. Our goal is not to attack or convince the activists, for their minds are closed. Our objective is to talk to consumers, not to HSUS. Am I just not being clear here? You want us to brag like they do, too? Obviously we need to know exactly what they are saying and address the issues they are attacking, but we do it in a professional way, not stooping to their tactical level or directly attacking them, because that adds to their credibility as a source in the animal debate.
As a beef producer, I don’t condone the abuse of animals. I provide the best care that I can of my animals. When one is ill, I provide the best care to resort them to health and when one dies, I grieve the loss. Not just as a finacial loss, but that it died under my care. But I understand the circle of life- that being that all living things will eventually die. However, I have been around animals enough to know that bulk of abuse they will see in their lives will come from their own speices. Most of “society” is so far removed from is reality that they don’t know or understand this. HSUS likes to show human abuse of animals, because it puts money in their bank account. Maybe we, as food producers, need to show what happens when hog gestation crates are not used and when chickens are not caged, etc… Then “society” may not be so likely to support the efforts of the HSUS’s and PETA’s of the world.
Basically I feel that Mr. Pacelle has NO understanding of farming and the advances made over the years for the better care of the the animals. Somewhere in all of this we have to have people rights and welfare also. The problem with HSUS is that they are of the opinion that animals have more rights than people. They do not want them owned as property. They would like for us to be guardians of our animals, not OWNERS of our property.
He never answered the question ask of him. He just talked. He has no knowledge of farming or of the care needed for the animals. HSUS would like for all animals to cease to exist as we know them today. Their motto has been “one generation and out”.
What you fail to clarify is that “you” want to get paid to dispose of a horse of yours, rather than pay for humane disposal. At some auctions, horse slaughter buy prices are actually rising (depends on condition and location). Don’t know why you have 20 horses you don’t want. The auctions still exsist for KBs…better yet, do a Craig’s List thing and say horse for $100 or even free…the KBs will beat a path to your door. Base price for a healthy, trained and well bred horse is not related to the kill price…but it is related to the economy and what people are willing to pay for what is basically a luxury item.
I listened to the entire hour long comment and recommend that everyone take the time to listen to the entire session. I took particular interest in the comment that he made in response about science based policy decision making. “In terms of our policy I can’t think of a time we’ve done research”.
Folks, I honestly believe that he’s not out to get us (animal ag). Stick with me now, I think that he is marketing a social reform product and animal ag is collateral damage. It’s about the money folks, time and time again, he mentions that they are just out to correct the “worst of offenses”, egregious acts that “mainstream America” agrees with. A powerful business model, that he has masterfully manipulated. HSUS raises money and they do it by marketing this social reform product. He focuses on the public, where we tend to focus on ourselves. In short, if Pacelle was passionate about something like public transportation, let say, he would use the same tactics and methods to achieve his social reform goal and he’d be battling the auto industry rather than animal ag.
HSUS may not use scientific data to develop policy but their social science is winning the battle, even if it is under the guise that it is legitimate animal food science. Are my comments legitimate? If so, what does this teach us?
He plays to his “base”, as politicians play to their “base”.
He can continue to earn a generous salary as long as he can convince enough rich widows to keep the cash flowing. The guy is a charlatan.
It was interesting to hear Pacelle’s answer to the question – do you ever use science based research when formulating HSUS policy.
His response, “like any kind of sophisticated political operation, you use the best research tools to drive your message.” Then added, “in terms of our policy formulations, I can’t think of a time where we did research.”
He admits to two very important things here. First that the HSUS is a political operation contrary to trying to reference themselves as an animal welfare organization. Secondly that HSUS policy is purely based on public sentiment and polling. The ladder suggests that HSUS is fueled by the emotional exploitation of the American public for the political and financial gain of the organization.
Animal right activist have a clear 12 step goal and it does not brook any compromise thus Wayne Pacelles lust for money. What are the 12 steps of the the animal rights agenda?
1. Abolish by law all animal research. (There would be no cures for AIDS, cancer, heart disease, etc., and testing of new drugs would be done on humans, or not at all.)
2. Outlaw the use of animals for cosmetic and product testing, and classroom demonstration (physicians would perform their first surgeries and procedures on humans without any previous experience).
3. Vegetarian meals should be at all public institutions, including schools.
4. Eliminate all animal agriculture (resulting in no milk, eggs, chicken, fish, or meat for food, no leather for shoes or clothing). (How many foods do you eat that contain eggs or dairy products, or a derivative of the same? Did you know your keyboard and mouse may have been made with animal products?)
5. Eliminate all herbicides, pesticides or other agricultural chemicals. Outlaw predator control.(Farmers would not be able to produce as much food as they do now, driving the cost of living up, and eliminating the export of food to hungry nations. Animals such as coyotes are already a problem in some areas, coming into yards to eat garbage and prey upon outdoor pets.)
6. Transfer enforcement of animal welfare legislation away from the Department of Agriculture. (Animal issues would be controlled by people with little or no experience in customary animal husbandry.
7. Eliminate fur ranching and the use of furs.
8. Prohibit hunting, trapping and fishing.
9. End the international trade in wildlife goods.
10. Stop any further breeding of companion animals, including purebred dogs and cats. Spaying and neutering should be subsidized by state and municipal governments until all companion animals are extinct. Abolish commerce in animals for the pet trade. Eliminate pet ownership.
11. End the use of animals in entertainment and sports (resulting in no horse shows, cat or dog shows, animal actors, rodeos, animal movie stars).
12. Prohibit the genetic manipulation of the species (resulting in the elimination of critical medical research relating to Cancer, AIDS and other life threatening diseases, as well as crop production improvements such as the difference between the Holstein and the Angus, and eliminate all pedigreed animals, etc… ).
You may sympathize with one of the points above… however, do you agree with all of them? If you disagree with only some, you cannot, in good conscience, continue to support the animal rights agenda with donations or support of their legislation. For example, I happen to agree with item 9, above, but if I send money to the animal rights groups, it may be used to support items with which I disagree.
This is a religious cult based upon a philosophy that animals should have human rights and that we make slaves of them. Every law they push about companion animals has been to make it more expensive and difficult to own or keep an animal. Every time they get a community to pass a mandatory spay and neuter law the deaths of pets who had homes increases and licensing compliance drops below effective levels. This has happend in Los Angeles and in other cities. Some cities repealed these laws because they were so devastaing to the community. If they can change our relationship to animals and make our food more expensive this will hurt the poor even more and the USA even more. It will make us vunerable to attack. It will in effect make Wayne Pacelle the new god over America. Wake up people this is not about the few abused animals they keep showing pictures of it is about your ability to have a companion animal, scientific research to prevent life threatening diseases and healthy available food supply. We already have laws on the books to protect animals. The question is getting the police to enforce such laws. HSUS and PETA are clear threats to the American way of life. This is a false god just as Jim Jones convinced people to posion their children. This man is a threat to the safety of our country and our food supplies. This is not about treating animals better it is about killing them all which HSUS is noted for doing and so is PETA. They support no shelters and they recommend killing all dogs. They killed 127 dogs in North Carolina. Healthy dogs of which 67 were puppies. From Wayne’s own mouth: ” We have no ethical obligation to preserve the different breeds of livestock produced through selective breeding. …One generation and out. We have no problems with the extinction of domestic animals. They are creations of human selective breeding ** Wayne Pacelle * Director of HSUS. This is an evil man who lies to the public and makes up stastics to raise money. Do not believe him and do not compromise with him.
As a 5th generation farmer I believe this person is more dangerous to ag than any person I have heard of in my 50 years. He not only does not eat meat, he doesn’t want you to either. He doesn’t care whether you make a living or not. He cares more about animals feelings than any human feelings. Like any politician he knows how to talk to his base and get them to follow along behind him. We must realize these people will not compromise. They believe that no matter how much care we take in raising our livestock, we are as evil as Hitler because we confine them, butcher them, and consume them. They believe as strongly as we do, that they are right. With that in mind, we have to convince his followers- the average American consumer- that we are in the right. We can counter their high-dollar publicity campaign by using any opportunity to tell our story. Talk to your local civic group, call your congressmen. If we sit back and do nothing, we will all be Wal-Mart greeters
I’m a production person/graphic artist. I do ads for The Prairie Star, Farm and Ranch Guide and the Minnesota Farm Guide. We received 3 of those paper tractors at our office, you would think they would go to the production staff, becuz of the photos we can use for our implement dealer ads… but nooooo…. management all got them. I would like one for my Dad’s 70th bday next week. He’s been collecting toy JD tractors all his life. A farm kid himself from North Dakota. The youngest son, so he didn’t get the farm. Can anyone help me? Thank you so much from Bismarck, ND.
Steve,
Sorry I haven’t answered but I’ve been out in the little sun we have had, to take care of my horse and go for a ride on him. Anyway, yes, I’m sure Craig and a lot of others do have a BIG stake in the tortuous death of horses since they seem to feel that the end of horse slaughter will end all animal slaughter. But I feel that most people fighting to save horses realize that is very unlikely because a lot of people like their burgers even if they aren’t good for them. Kind of like cigarettes. Personally, stopping all slaughter is not my agenda for fighting to stop horse slaughter. I feel horse slaughter is both physical and mental torture for horses and I will never understand how anyone who says they love their horse would want them to suffer so. I guess I’ve just read or seen too much about their suffering over these years I’ve been fighting. I have not had my head in the sand about this issue and understand that a lot of people make money off horses. But horse breeders must look to the future and realize that the Yuppies of the 80′s and 90′s are gone and will never be again. Horses as lawn ornaments and babysitters are not going to happen anymore and breeders had better start looking for a new way to pay their bills as horses will be a luxury to own. Horses are very expensive to keep and it is only going to get worse and land is going to be at a premium for raising food crops or food animals, which does not include horses. I feel that it takes way too much to raise a horse for food and it will never be profitable. But its not that groups like the AQHA aren’t trying to make it so. Talk about agendas! The AQHA wants to raise horses for slaughter to keep those registration fees coming in. And in order to do that they need to make horse slaughter acceptable to the American people since most think eating a horse is disgusting. Horse, the New Red Meat, is not something that will be accepted by many here. So lay off the HSUS on their supposed agenda and look at the agenda of other groups too.
And by the way, I do want to thank those who raise or grow our food here in the United States. I wish we would stop importing so much and let our own farmers supply our food. It takes a special kind of human to do that job as it seems so thankless. A lot of people think their food only comes from the grocery store and don’t know or care how it gets there. But horses are not a food source for Americans and horses do not deserve the pain and suffering of a slaughter house or the trip to it. Horse slaughter is cruel and inhumane and there is NO excuse for it! Not even greed!
Oh I want all of my horses. They are all extremely well bred and trained and I have paid to have a sick horse humanely put down when there was no other recourse. I am talking about the economics of the horse industry. These are not just large pets. If you put a horse on Craig’s list for $100 or for free you can bet it would be the order buyer’s purchasing it to take to slaughter in Canada or Mexico. No way would I send one of my high dollar animals out the door that way. This is not a luxury. These horses are working animals in a ranching area who are highly trained and valuable. The economics of the industry are what dictate horse prices. What if we could no longer slaughter cattle or chickens? What would that do to the value of the animals?
So he doesn’t want to hurt farmers? Hmm, let’s think about this…one of the major agronomic products in the U.S. is corn/silage/etc. meant for animal feed. Take out animal ag and there’s a lot of the market gone. I also noticed that the dolt never mentioned how exactly he would help the very citizens he aims to put out of house and home. Like any other person with a subversive agenda, he’s talking out of both sides of his mouth.
Kim, the reality is that if the economy wasn’t in the tank, horses would be more valuable. Everything we own has decreased in value so why would horses be impervious to the economy? Over 100,000 horses were slaughtered last year so how did closing the plants have an impact? Horse slaughter is still thriving and filling the Belgian pockets. Neglect, abuse and hoarding, as was the case with 3 Strikes, has no correlation to the availability of slaughter. Horses were abused and neglected when the plants were open, it’s happening now with slaughter still available and it will happen when slaughter ends. The owners always feel they are taking good care of their animals and don’t have too many. They can always take in one more.
Closing the plants has also not had an impact on the over breeding. Legislation has been pending for years and instead of preparing for the end of slaughter, they continue to breed and dump. And they will continue to do so until they no longer can. As long as they have a dumping ground for their excess, the status quo will continue. Organizations like the AQHA whine about unwanted horses and then bring over 130,000 foals into the population every year. Wouldn’t be so bad but they also have the leading breed going to slaughter. They spend millions trying to continue slaughter instead of helping their members keep their horses. Why not take that money to establish hay funds, euthanasia funds and educating owners on responsible ownership…
[...] a doubt, my past post on the 3 Strikes Ranch incident created an incredibly heated discussion from both animal rights supporters and animal welfare [...]
[...] 30, 2009 · Filed under News Stories AgNewsWire provides some great facts from a Thursday teleconference with reporters and Corn Farmers Coalition [...]
Just wanted folks to know that Lincoln County Farm Bureau (North Platte NE is the county seat) delivered 17 tons of hay Tuesday (April 28) to assist the rescued horses.
You folks had better believe that these well heeled fanatics intend to put you out of business…PERIOD! There is no compromising with them at all. They will isolate the veal farmers (already have to some extent) villify them as inhumane monsters to the point that NOBODY will have nerve enough to speak up in support. Then they will isolate another group and repeat the same. Either you will unite or lose your livelihood.
Many thanks to all those responsible for helping Habitat for Horses and the HSUS with the Nevada horses. Without your donations it would be very hard for them to be cared for! Although they have a long way to go you are making their path easier! Thank you again!
The Internet lets you connect with the public directly every day. Set up a website with great pictures of your beautiful animals so everyone can see. Put a webcam in the barn!
Go direct to the consumer. Right past HSUS.
Go beyond just talking about the products we produce (advertising). Talk about the producer and the process. Take a small percentage of your marketing/advertising dollars and explain and show how it’s done. We need cowboys and farmers for the future and many will come out of the cities seeking an “exotic” and unique lifestyle.
I don’t think there’s much dispute over the fact that the production of meat has negative effects on the environment. The school’s not cutting out meat, its opening students to more sustainable ways of eating, once a week. How is that a bad thing?
Oh but there is a huge amount of dispute over it. The GHG emissions from cows is so insignificant that you can only conclude that people who want to control other people’s diets are behind the misinformation.
Beef is a wonderfully nutritious product and there is a lot of research to document that fact. UCLA’s misguided decision is actually putting students at risk of not getting beneficial dietary requirements.
I think it’s a bad thing to take away a student’s right to choose the food they eat too. This is very divisive and just shows a complete lack of care for their students by people with an agenda who want to exert control.
You preach it, Chuck! I am with you on this belief. It is all about community with our customers and learning what they need so we can help them. Marketing to them through traditional ways has its place at times, but we are starting to see that farmers want that direct interaction with companies. I am one of the select few in the corporate world who believes in the new way of interacting with our customers. I continue to press on hoping others will join me someday.
I definitely eat meat, but think it’s a good thing to better understand what it takes to grow all the food we eat. This UCLA program is trying to create awareness. Sounds like a great idea. One day without beef is unlikely to put students at risk of not getting daily dietary requirements.
I’d venture to say you’re the one missing information. GHG emissions are hardly the only factor to consider when examining the beef industry’s impact on the environment and public health. Global deforestation, ground water contamination, and air pollution are all serious issues given the scale of industrial meat production. Beyond that, to suggest that people are going to have their nutrition compromised by not eating meat one day a week (the fact that they could get it anywhere outside the dining hall not withstanding) is flat ignorant. Ask almost any physician or nutritionist in the country and they’ll say they recommend cutting down on red meat intake as a general method for disease prevention and overall wellness. The typical meat-eating American university student is not lacking for protein or iron, and one day without beef is only going to improve personal health, drive environmental improvement, and raise awareness in a public education facility about the connection between our consumption and the state of the world.
Myth: Amount of water needed to produce 1 pound of wheat: 25 gallons.
Myth: Amount of water needed to produce 1 pound of beef: 2,500 gallons.
According to statistics compiled by the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Kansas State University, the yield of wheat from irrigated land averages about 3 bushels per acre inch of water (27,168 gallons). So it actually takes 151 gallons of water to produce one pound of wheat – six times more than the amount this claim suggests.
Considering all factors in beef cattle production including direct consumption, irrigation of pastures and crops, and carcass processing, it takes 435 gallons of water to produce a pound of boneless beef, according to the CAST 1999 Animal Agriculture and Global Food Supply Report.
Mr. Loos, I understand that you make your blood money by harvesting flesh from mutilitated pig parts, but I think we can agree that language is important. If it were not, you would not be so concerned about the public connecting the swine flu to swine. Yours is a business drenched in blood and violence and using your children to flesh-eating poster children is child abuse. One day they will realize what an incomprehensibly cruel society their father perpetuates. Camille Marino
Just as a little fyi. I’ll only be allowing comments that offer something constructive. Personal attacks and profanity are not allowed. I realize that Camille’s really doesn’t fit but it does show how people like her apparently aren’t capable of a reasonable comment.
Yes, the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. Which is exactly why eating pork is a proven medical cause of heart attacks and cancer. A google search will produce several articles of research supporting this theory. And, ironically, the way in which animals are bred, treated and killed in the agricultural business is quite heartless, done with no love or compassion. It’s a shame that you’re a part of a culture that believes it’s ok for selfish human beings to do whatever they want, however they want, to the defenseless pig and cow. If you want a real match for your money, why not breed tigers and bears for food? Or would that be too much hassle for you “tough guys?’ Lastly, when you start showing some “reasonable” compassionate behavior, maybe you’ll start getting reasonable responses.
Hey Linda: Have you ever been out on a modern day hog farm? Met with the farmers? I’ve been on a lot of them and they are very kind and compassionate with their animals. My guess is you’re buying into rhetoric from people who really have no idea what they’re talking about including wherever you got your information about heart attacks and cancer. Farmers don’t do “whatever they want.” In fact, their animals are often treated much better than many people treat their pets. They have to in order to stay in business. They employ best management practices that have proven to be effective while providing humane treatment to the animals.
What a great idea! I can’t wait to spread the word about this effort!
I was blogging today about how agriculture can’t expect the National Pork Producers Council to handle this situation alone. Great to see that people like Trent Loos are helping out!
Keep up the good work!
And by the way, on our farm, we always joke that we take better care of our livestock’s health than our own.
They always take their vitamins, they get doctored at the first sign of illness, they always eat a healthy diet on schedule, and they live in the most stress free environment possible.
If making your child where something they didn’t want to wear (not saying Libby didn’t choose her own shirt) and taking a photo of them is child abuse than every parent who ever made their kids dress up for family photos is a child abuser. I don’t know many children who liked getting dressed up for family photos! Maybe Camille should redirect her concerns about child abuse to children who really are in dire straights and focus her energy on helping a person in need, not calling millions of people who consume meat perpetually cruel and judging those she does not know.
Boy, I guess I’m a little ole’ school. Chuck can you give me links or explain what Twitter, FriendFeed, Flickr, YouTube, LinkedIn, and facebook are?
I dunno.
Craig
Good job Chuck !!
Keep the facts a-comin. The nay-sayers just can’t stand the facts.
What’s “fashionable” today, will not be tomorrow. Good sound science will always be in demand. Maybe we should alert UCLA to this fact?
I do a lot of public speaking and consulting on this subject. So here’s some feedback. You can find all of these services by just adding www. before the name and .com after it when you type it into your browser.
YouTube is a video sharing service. People upload video clips and they become very easy to find. The service has a built in function for visitors/viewers to send messages back and forth with the person who uploaded the video and others.
Flickr is mostly a photo sharing service which also now has a video sharing function. Very similar in some ways to YouTube with interactive components built in.
LinkedIn is even more of social networking service where you can create an account and become connected with others and share information. Very easy to use and seems to have been embraced more for “business” purposes than personal.
Facebook, like LinkedIn, is a social networking service. I think it’s easier to use than LinkedIn and has a lot more features.
FriendFeed allows you aggregate all your various accounts into one location (Twitter, Flickr, Facebook, etc.). People can subscribe to your feed and follow you more easily.
Twitter is a micro blogging service. You get an account and can post text messages that may contain links to documents, photos and web pages. You can follow other people and interact with them.
Most of these service can interact with each other. I recommend you pick one and give it a try. Learn how to use it and when comfortable, expand to the next one.
Undoubtedly, Libbi and Lindsi are thoroughly enjoying their pork meal, and I don’t think it is considered child abuse to take a photo of a relaxing family meal. How many families even gather around the table for supper at night? How many children are actually abused by their parents on a daily basis? How many children die from that abuse? Why is this nation so focused on saving animals that are being respectfully harvested to nourish the world. These animals are treated with the best care possible, and most farmers are losing money doing it right now. Why are farmers unfairly framed as greedy barbarians?
I love livestock, and I love being a part of agriculture. But, I never forget the circle of life. There are hungry mouths to feed in this world, and farmers and ranchers are dedicated to doing just that. And, by the way, Libbi looks awesome in her “Got Beef” shirt, and I bet she dressed herself…That’s free will, not child abuse.
Nobody, journalists or SEO experts, should stuff keywords in their articles. Stuffing keywords is itself unprofessional and can turn readers away. And search engines can penalize a web site for keywords stuffing.
The key to any successful online public relations and marketing campaign is providing credible content. Keywords, as important as they’re, should be used sparingly and cautiously so as not to dilute the overall meaning of content may it be a blog post, press release, or news article.
As for journalists, I would say they can’t afford not to pay attention to keywords. Why? Keywords in themselves give us an insight into the search behavior of online communities. They answer the question: what kind of language do online users use to look for all sort of information, including current affairs? If journalists don’t know what online readers are interested in, then it goes without saying they’ll continue feeding the web with irrelevant content that their intended audience will never locate. And the effects of this can be devastating. There will be no advertisement revenue because no company would be willing to advertise on a low-trafficked web site.
A deep understanding by a journalist of the language online communities use can provide a very clear pointer to the kind of content online communities are interested in. Let’s say a language analysis reveals “education reforms” to be the most popular popular keywords among online communities countrywide. It would serve a journalist working for news web sites better if he/she can increase the coverage of education reform-related events because this is what readers are interested in.
Boy, I don’t think I could stand the pressure. Imagine, the masses’ every action, hinging on my very thoughts. Looking to me for wisdom and guidance. I’m a man, don’t need to be someone’s “mommy”?
I’ve got enough stress already.
Just joking. I’ll check it out when I get a free minute.
Thanks for the explanations.
I actually knew about YouTube already, but the others, no clue.
Yep, that’s the sad part of production agriculture. We even feed the poor souls that don’t appreciate us, and they complain with a mouth-full.
If every single individual had to produce their own food, we’d have quite a few hungry people.
Forgive me but I find this statement a bit odd: “The world of journalism is certainly evolving, and those not willing to change might be left in the dust.”
According to Wikipedia, “Journalism is the production of news reports and editorials through media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television and the Internet…Journalists serve as the main purveyors of information and opinion in contemporary society.”
Looking at that definition I do not see how it can then be said that “journalism” is evolving and those of us in the business have to change or be “left in the dust.”
Yes, there are certainly new ways available in which to distribute information and a lot of traditional media are playing in those channels (check out top 100 Twitter sites for instance), but that should not be misconveyed as having anything to do with changes necessary in the profession of journalism itself in order to ensure continued existence.
In fact, it is the work of journalists and reporters that often spurs the content of many of today’s blogs and tweets and actually add much credibility to those posts. It is the work of major media journalists that even populates a number of ag media websites for those companies unwilling to do the work themselves – but that is another topic in and of itself.
Personally, I can’t image where we would be without those that spend their days “getting the real story”, talking with the experts, uncovering the dirt and providing unbiased reports instead of zipping off an opinion and posting it online as a so-called “fact.”
Society simply cannot be truly informed on the basis of blogs and microblogs and online chat discussions.
So, let the communications channels continue to evolve as they have throughout history (that is nothing new) and be assured that journalism, in its traditional role, is indeed alive and well and will continue to serve an important role in society.
Thanks, Chuck, for your support of #agchat and participation in our community. Like all communities, there are some neighbors that are more difficult to get along with than others. As you pointed out, we can at least know we’re making a difference by talking about what we believe in – agriculture and feeding the world.
Pacelle, with his slicked back hair, suit and tie, doesn’t look like he has ever actually worked with animals in his life -or ever actually worked at any other real job either. Yet he presumes to tell you folks, farmers in dusty overalls, men and women of the soil who actually work with animals, how to do your work “ethically.”
Look at that tie. It’s either made of silk, or from some chemical derived from petroleum. If it’s made of silk, it’s based on “cruel” exploitation of the cute little silk worms violating their “rights.” But if it’s made from some petroleum derivative that’s alright, no matter how many animals die slow, painful deaths from oil spills, no matter how much natural animal habitat is destroyed by air pollution or global warming. All that’s o.k. because it’s not based on “cruel” treatment of any individual animals.
I’m a lawyer who has worked with my hands, maintaining public parklands, and I say animal “rights” is nothing more than “pernicious nonsense.” You farmers don’t need to pay attention to phonies like Pacelle. Instead you should form alliances with other interest groups, involved in medical research, product testing, environmentalism, wildlife management, hunting, fishing and trapping, etc., to provide a unified front against the animal rights zanies.
If PETA starts a protest in a nearby city against women buying fur coats, get out there in counter protest, riding on your tractors in overalls to support the furriers. Take the steam out of PETA’s dishonest publicity stunts and get your message across that humans necessarily depend on a wide variety of animal products, including both yours and the furriers.
i am disgusted beyond imagination at this situation. this is nothing more than an outright violation of conflict of interest. my god, monsanto is nothing more than a predatory monster. they are trying to control the worlds food supply from seed to final product. how the state of s.dakota has allowed the president of s.d.u. to enter into a contract with the devil is beyond me. fox in the hen house situation. this guy is over paid to begin with never less several several hundred thousand dollars a year to rubber stamp the criminal behavior of monsanto. what do you expect from a state that has a smaller population than most large cities in this country. i think that the gov. all the way down to your legislature is being payed off by monsanto.
[...] Brownfield Network also reported on this main topic at the World Congress. In an interview, Leonard Guarraia, Chairman of the Board for the World Agricultural Forum, posed several important questions, such as, “How are we going to (create enough food), can we do it with existing technology, do we need better inputs? What policies are needed for trade? What policies are needed in production and in technology?” Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jim Bolger was able to provide a partial answer to Guarraia’s questions. Bolger stated that a healthy global economy is vital and that plentiful production will depend on both developed and developing nations. [...]
[...] group (farmers, industry folks, foodies and more) held every Tuesday night from 8-10 EDT. You can check out a recent chat here. And AgChat has a Facebook page, too. related topics: Education, Farmers, GPS, Resources, [...]
[...] fund raising efforts for lobbying against animal agriculture. I also got an update on Trent’s Pork On A Fork contest. The entry deadline for this contest to win an all expense paid trip to World Pork Expo is [...]
Glad you got your Mac picked up. Remember my comment from way back when you polled the readers about what to get? I owe you some money. How much? Did others contribute to so my extra match is in play.
Yes, I will be calling on Chuck to help me with much needed tutorials. Joel, I look forward to meeting you in the future. Thanks again for your kind donation to help me get my start in this industry. Both you and Chuck are generous souls, and I can’t thank you enough for this wonderful opportunity!
Chuck-
Thanks for the blog on this product. I’m considering purchasing an Internet radio but there are a number of products on the market and I’m not sure which is the one to go with.
Would love to see a review or a ranking of these products if you are so inclined.
[...] in it. Why? Because it’s the end of the week and it’s all I’ve got. After I had my chance to interview Alltech Lexington Brewing Company Master Brewer Ken Lee, Trent and Sarah did a video interview with [...]
[...] Landbouw chat in VS In de VS hebben boeren, experts, toeleveranciers en geinteresseerden afgesproken om op een vaste tijd met zijn allen tegelijk over bepaalde vragen te twitteren. Ze noemen het naar de tag die ze gebruiken #agchat. Een moderator laat van tevoren de vragen weten en een debat met vele ’sprekers’ ontvouwt zich rond die vragen. De meerwaarde tot nog toe lijkt vooral te zitten in de inclusiviteit van het medium: er praten mensen mee, en er lezen mensen mee, die voorheen niet zozeer deelnamen aan het debat. Hier lees je agriblogger’s verslag van de laatste sessie. [...]
[...] AgWired Blog Archives New Media Opportunities for Beef Industry Posted by root 20 hours ago (http://agwired.com) The missouri beef industry council was the first state agricultural organization to use new leave a comment name required 1600 skyview dr holts summit mo 65043 573 896 5842 office amp fax powered by wordpress Discuss | Bury | News | agwired blog archives new media opportunities for beef industry [...]
[...] AgWired Blog Archives You 39 ll Like Lane Home Cooking Posted by root 18 hours ago (http://agwired.com) Dec 28 2006 1 comment june 29 2007 3 38 pm agwired blog archives farmers 39 markets blogging the home cooking blogger is now doing a little farmers 39 market mo 65043 573 896 5842 office amp fax powered by wordpress Discuss | Bury | News | agwired blog archives you 39 ll like lane home cooking [...]
I too have been caught by the craze. Over 7,000,000 people have downloaded the application. Would be interesting to know, of that 7,000,000 how many actually farm.
I recently asked Facebook if they knew the specific demos of the game and they politely pointed me to the Facebook advertising page, which is good info but doesn’t tell the whole story.
I personally would like to see integration of some real brands into the game, would certainly take ag + social media to a higher level. Can you imagine buying a real ag product or seed that produces better. I believe its coming.
This is truly a great zoo — one of the nation’s best! The penguins shown in this article are a part of the Zoo’s “Penguin & Puffin Coast”, the best exhibit of its kind in America. This very complete zoo also features The River’s Edge, among the best zoo exhibits in the USA! St. Louis residents should be proud of, and grateful for, their zoo.
Chuck,
Thanks for sharing “Shall we gather at the river” video. I often wonder how many of these as you call it professionally done video’s hit the waves without us even knowing it.
I have been one of the ones who didn’t understand agriculture as I grew up in the city. I learned about agriculture and food production from literally the ground up and am still constantly amazed at the stamina and determination of farmers to survive no matter what the circumstances. Farmers have been forced to create larger and larger operations many times due to economics and are usually very good at thinking about the impact their decisions have upon their lives and the environment.
Blogging and the social media revolution give a huge opportunity for farmers to tell their story along with the activists, the only difference is many of the farmers are out there doing their job, with very little time to set in front of a computer or phone to send posts. That’s why it is so important for you, I and others who are proponents of agriculture to speak for them.
As always, appreciate your hard work in all that you do ….to tell the story.
Pam
Don’t leave out the beginning step – to take the test in StrengsFinders 2.0 by Tom Rath and to read the book. It identifies your top five strengths and helps you understand how to use them. I’ve found this book invaluable in building teams and helping members understand how to work together.
I totally agree with Josh. What a great way to brand our ag products. Even though most of the ‘farmers’ might not be real farmers – I’ll bet some are. I would like them to have a “precision farming” tool – my fields are really crooked. It would be much more efficient if they were straight! Chuck – I’d love to be your neighbor! There are a few ‘agrimarketers’ that are currently farming!
[...] touring the World Pork Expo in Des Moines next Wednesday. Besides Billy’s picture which was posted earlier this week I really liked this one with the kids. One has a t-shirt that says “I Love My Pig” and [...]
Hey Julie!
You sound as wonderful as always! I received this email of you singing from a good friend who is a close friend of your professor, Everett. The world is small, and in my life it is not “6 degrees” of separation, but 2.
I pray you are doing well up there. Hope you are still honeymooning.
Love, dale ann
Julie,
I forgot to tell you who my friend is – Melanie Jonas, married to Jim, and I do not know her maiden name. Nonetheless, Everett knows her very well and I might be wrong but I think they were Voice majors in the same college. You can ask Everett.
God bless you,
Dale Ann
I received a very sweet note from your mom. I need to get in touch with her.
At first glance, seemed a little light, but after playing with it for a day or two, I think Microsoft might still have a little fight left in them to give the market leaders a go. At the very least, it is a case study in how to launch and market a new product with aggresive PR and new media tactics.
I play Farm Town on a pretty regular basis. I like some features, but others are definitely just there to round out aesthetics. Adding in educational features would take some time and I’m not sure that the people who created the game would be all that interested in doing it if it wasn’t sponsored by someone – but I think it’s a good avenue for companies to place educational ads on the game page and try to increase that education component, at least it’d make a good testing to see if it would be worth creating an application that’s more accurate as a communications tactic for a larger company. I mentioned this idea to Monsanto when they were speaking to Gateway NAMA about their social media work – they were planning on developing a Facebook page, but I asked them to consider building an application, those get shared much more frequently than a page does and would have repeat visitors and additional points of contact could easily be built in.
[...] MEDIA AT USDA – Chuck at AgWired had a great podcast the other day, featuring an interview with the Department of Agriculture’s Acting Director of [...]
[...] first since there are so many surveys and studies showing how these new communication platforms are growing. Then I realized that what we’ve been calling “new media” is really no longer [...]
Its so odd you have this up right now cause I’ve been thinking I need an upgrade. Love the size & customizable nature of the Mino HD but would like the Ultra HDs drive size. Obviously I’ve decide I need to upgrade it seems, only question is which one to go for! I’ve just turned my flip over to an intern to play with for a bit.
That is a feel-good story, indeed. I think you might find this story inspiring, too — it’s about the “aha moment” experienced by a caring woman who is also helping students understand where the food on their plate comes from. Check it out at http://www.ahamoment.com/pg/moments/view/2261.
Great demo on how to use the Flip and YouTube. I love my Flip and it beats an expensively produced video any day. Once again, Chuck, you are blazing the trail.
[...] it turns out, for the spike in food prices last year. The issue was one that came up at the recent World Ag Forum in St. Louis that saw delegates from around the world gather with some varying opinions… especially when it [...]
I agree with Kim in first comment above. I agree that I wish she could have been here, too. To anyone that knows me as Gene, make a comment and give Kim a “Howdy”. She really did want to meet lots of people here at Music Festival, but illness got in way.
This is a very cool article about the world’s largest country music festival… Nothing about Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood… Flying Dog and the Naked Cowboy!!!
I’m a trucker and avid supporter of Biodiesel. I am also a devoted listener of the Dave Nemo show. The Dave Nemo show airs on these channels XM 171 and Sirius 147 it is a very informative show for both non truckers and truck drivers. He always has guest that are interesting and from a vast array of subject matter. I would recommend listening to his show to anyone. His show airs on the above channels between 7-11 am est……………….GO Biodiesel !!
[...] show a definite need for youth in ag-related careers. You can read more about that in today’s AgWired blog post “Who Are the Next Generation of Food Producers?”. We’d love to hear [...]
The panel also allowed that newspapers missed the mark several years when they started offering online versions of their publications for free. Howver, they caused an number of incredulous faces to appear among audience members when they suggested that there was still time for newspapers to begin charging for online access. When an audience member reminded them that the NY Times had been there, done that and found it didn’t work, the revelation seemed to go over the panelists’ heads. The panelist seemed oblivious to any kind of advocacy journalism being present in the mainstream media. Interesting panel. And the TV guy looked like Frasier to boot.
As a former ag teacher and FFA advisor (15 years) I can tell you – that at least in Texas – the livestock shows and the 4h and FFA programs do a stellar job of policing themselves and manage to get along fine without the help of disingenuous groups lke PETA.
Show cattle are some of the most pampered animals. They lay in the shade under cool fans in the hot summer months, and get special feed. Someone washes and cleans up after them everyday and provides clean bedding. Kids work hard each and every day on those show calves. PETA is stooping pretty low to resorting to picking kids. Shame on them!!!
The current protesting of PETA’s suggestions seems to indicate that those who protest have something to hide. If the exhibitors are, as one person suggests, looking after their animals correctly, then the ‘children’ and their parents should not be worried about inspections. Drivers have licenses and we are all subjected to inspections on the roads at various times. Our licenses require we follow certain regulations on the road and if we don’t (like drink driving) then we lose our license. Teaching the children who exhibit livestock that they will be inspected is teaching them to be responsible adults by ensuring they follow the rules of animal welfare. It is not, as another suggested, an attack on the ‘children’.
Sorry folks but I can’t agree with ya’ll… I teach my kids and their friends to go above and beyond what we do on the ranch because, well, they’re the future and I have to say, if my children can’t get through life better than I did, then I failed. These peta guys are pretty out there and I’m not saying they’re right. But rather than leaving the kids out of it maybe we should be making sure the kids are right in the middle of treating animals they way the Lord intended… not as our slaves but as our dominions – it’s just my opinion and I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure my father didn’t raise a fool.
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.
John 10:14
Welcome 4-H, FFA Youth to the fight. Your invitation has been officially issued by HSUS & PETA. You will be in good company. Join hands with others fighting the good fight. Unite against animal rights agendas.
Animal Rights individuals wish to take away our rights to have, raise, or use animals for any purpose. They wish to eliminate all animals created by selective breeding taking us back to Neanderthal times. They are willing to lie, cheat and/or steal to achieve their objectives.
Chuck,
What did you have before? I’ve been happy with my Blackberry. What does the iphone have that a Blackberry doesn’t? Are you having any “outages” issues?
I would urge you all to read and have your children read the book Animal Rights: The Inhumane Crusade by Daniel T. Oliver. Also check the link http://www.vidoosh.tv/play.php?vid=4360
to get the truth about HSUS. As for PETA and HSUS check the Homeland Security memo dhs-ecoterrorism-in-us-2008.pdf which can be downloaded at http://www.scribd.com/doc/12251436/DHS-Eco-Terrorism-in-US-2008
This is a cult taking over our country don’t let them infect your children. Educate them to the real goals of PETA, HSUS, and the Animal Liberation Front.
I have the previous version of the iPhone. My new one is due in this week. The iPhone has way more applications to do things I want to do like record audio. The new one shoots video and directly uploads to YouTube. The browser is a “full” one that works just like on your computer. There are a lot of advantages over a Blackberry, not to say Blackberrys are bad.
I really haven’t had too many issues with service around the country that wouldn’t also be experienced by other carriers.
Some people just dont’ get it. Farmers and Ranchers take great care of their animals. Animals would not survive roaming free on their own.
All animals that are brought to a state fair ARE INSPECTED and given a health certificate by a vet. Those papers AND the animals are inspected again very carefully by another impartial vet BEFORE ever entering the fair grounds.
We are not asking people to give up being vegetarians or a vegan lifestyle, so don’t ask us to give up our lifestyle of taking care of livestock. They are better taken care of then some kids in the United State. Let’s join together to for a better cause of helping young children lead a better life.
7 Things You Didn’t Know About PETA
(People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
1) According to government documents, PETA employees have killed more than 19,200 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens since 1998. This behavior continues despite PETA’s moralizing about the “unethical” treatment of animals by farmers, scientists, restaurant owners, circuses, hunters, fishermen, zookeepers, and countless other Americans. PETA puts to death over 90 percent of the animals it accepts from members of the public who expect the group to make a reasonable attempt to find them adoptive homes. PETA holds absolutely no open-adoption shelter hours at its Norfolk, VA headquarters, choosing instead to spend part of its $32 million annual income on a contract with a crematory service to periodically empty hundreds of animal bodies from its large walk-in freezer.
2) PETA president and co-founder Ingrid Newkirk has described her group’s overall goal as “total animal liberation.” This means the complete abolition of meat, milk, cheese, eggs, honey, zoos, aquariums, circuses, wool, leather, fur, silk, hunting, fishing, and pet ownership. In a 2003 profile of Newkirk in The New Yorker, author Michael Specter wrote that Newkirk has had at least one seeing-eye dog taken away from its blind owner. PETA is also against all medical research that requires the use of animals, including research aimed at curing AIDS and cancer.
3) PETA has given tens of thousands of dollars to convicted arsonists and other violent criminals. This includes a 2001 donation of $1,500 to the North American Earth Liberation Front (ELF), an FBI-certified “domestic terrorist” group responsible for dozens of firebombs and death threats. During the 1990s, PETA paid $70,200 to Rodney Coronado, an Animal Liberation Front (ALF) serial arsonist convicted of burning down a Michigan State University research laboratory. In his sentencing memorandum, a federal prosecutor implicated PETA president Ingrid Newkirk in that crime. PETA vegetarian campaign coordinator Bruce Friedrich has also told an animal rights convention that “blowing stuff up and smashing windows” is “a great way to bring about animal liberation,” adding, “Hallelujah to the people who are willing to do it.”
4) PETA activists regularly target children as young as six years old with anti-meat and anti-milk propaganda, even waiting outside their schools to intercept them without notifying their parents. One piece of kid-targeted PETA literature tells small children: “Your Mommy Kills Animals!” PETA brags that its messages reach over 1.2 million minor children, including 30,000 kids between the ages of 6 and 12, all contacted by e-mail without parental supervision. One PETA vice president told the Fox News Channel’s audience: “Our campaigns are always geared towards children, and they always will be.”
5) PETA’s president has said that “even if animal research resulted in a cure for AIDS, we would be against it.” And PETA has repeatedly attacked research foundations like the March of Dimes, the Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and the American Cancer Society, solely because they support animal-based research aimed at curing life-threatening diseases and birth defects. And PETA helped to start and manage a quasi-medical front group, the misnamed Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, to attack medical research head-on.
6) PETA has compared Jewish victims of the Nazi Holocaust to farm animals and Jesus Christ to pigs. PETA’s religious campaigns include a website that claims—despite ample evidence to the contrary—that Jesus Christ was a vegetarian. PETA holds protests at houses of worship, even suing one church that tried to protect its members from Sunday-morning harassment. Its billboards taunt Christians with the message that hogs “died for their sins.” PETA insists, contrary to centuries of rabbinical teaching, that the Jewish ritual of kosher slaughter shouldn’t be allowed. And its infamous “Holocaust on Your Plate” campaign crassly compared the Jewish victims of Nazi genocide to farm animals.
7) PETA frequently looks the other way when its celebrity spokespersons don’t practice what it preaches. As gossip bloggers and Hollywood journalists have noted, Pamela Anderson’s Dodge Viper (auctioned to benefit PETA) had a “luxurious leather interior”; Jenna Jameson was photographed fishing, slurping oysters, and wearing a leather jacket just weeks after launching an anti-leather campaign for PETA; Morrissey got an official “okay” from PETA after eating at a steakhouse; Dita von Teese has written about her love of furs and foie gras; Steve-O built a career out of abusing small animals on film; the officially “anti-fur” Eva Mendes often wears fur anyway; and Charlize Theron’s celebrated October 2007 Vogue cover shoot featured several suede garments. In 2008, “Baby Phat” designer Kimora Lee Simmons became a PETA spokesmodel despite working with fur and leather, after making a $20,000 donation to the animal rights group.
We must take the understanding that this is an evolving process and will continue to be modified. The fact is something is going to be passed and we want to make sure Agriculture is at the table, has a voice and is doing what we can to keep all aspects front and center in this national and international policy development. To keep up to date on all the policy and issues around carbon and Agriculture, i follow http://www.agcarboncredits.com blog.
The point of this post wasn’t to say that kids couldn’t handle an inspection by PETA before bringing their 4-H and FFA projects to the fair, it’s saying that I don’t think they should have to. A veterinarian inspects my animals prior to attending a show, everytime they leave the grounds. They look for signs of illness that could be transferred to other animals. In addition, 4-H, FFA and Open Class shows all have their own requirement of livestock before they bring them to shows. I don’t believe a radical organization like PETA should do further inspections.
More importantly, show cattle are treated with great respect. As others have stated, livestock projects are kept in the cool barn, under the grace of fans, misters, etc. to keep them cool during the summer months. In the winter, they are kept in the barn to stay out of the cold, snowy weather. While I don’t believe all livestock need these kind of measures to take care of them, my show cattle are loved and well cared for under a watchful eye. However, we also take great care in protecting our entire cowherd, providing them with optimal nutrition, shelter, water and the necessary vaccines to keep them healthy. It’s a 24/7 job, that is often thankless, but it’s important to follow best animal handling practices around livestock.
For the record, I don’t stand behind any of the bad apples in the industry that treat livestock with disrespect. However, don’t punish the entire sector for a few rotten apples.
im a member of ffa and 4-h. I dont own cattle but i do own horses. and i know i take take of my horses better than i take care of myself. Ok, say if they do what they want to do- just for me- i wouldnt be able to rodeo, theyd probly take my horses away so no riding, theyd probly take my dogs and cat away and i also take care of them better than myself. then id probly have to move to town cause i just might shoot a wild animal tthat has rabies. really both organizations are mostly trying to take away ag. just like some senitors wanted to pass the cow gas bill mostly were farmers are taxed for the farts of thier cows. and thats whats causeing global warming. and really people we all know global warming is a load of crap. it was probly thought up of by some one who was sitting in the sun too long. the only reason the goverments going along with it is so it can take over some other part of our lives. but they need to be stopped cause pretty soon there will be no agriculture left
Our farm has banked with BofA for a long time and I was disappointed to see the card supporting HSUS. I contacted our rep (he had been out this week to visit our operation) and he responded. He is a senior v.p. with BofA and here is his response:
“Believe me—We know all about the HSUS and how they haven’t saved a single pet. They disgust us enough that we used our Ag ties with UC Davis and funded the study to defeat Prop 2 last year. Unfortunately the Bay Area and So Cal voters had their way with Ag as usual and the study was not enough to bring voters to see the light of day.
With respect to the credit card program—This was not a historical BofA card. We inherited that card program when we acquired MBNA. It was a long term program they have with the HSUS and even though we brought to light the fact that these guys are boarder line crooks we most likely would have lost a legal battle trying to break it. So sorry to say we must live it with for the time being. We know the roots of BofA are in Ag and these guys are the arch enemy of ag. Yes, were in a awkward situation and Yes no one likes it.
Following is my note to BOA yesterday – I am a current customer of BOA and Merrill Lynch. I would like to continue to be a customer in the future. However, the BOA/HSUS credit card is a direct insult to my occupation as a farmer/rancher. HSUS has stated several hundred times that they are going to destroy my industry using any tactics possible, I guess BOA is now one of their tactics? Please review this decision and reverse it as I know thousands of farmers and ranchers will be withdrawing BOA funds and canceling BOA credit cards as a result of this action.
Thank you,
I enjoy following Ray’s tweets on Twitter and learning more about the Ray-Lin Dairy. You have it right. The web and social media tools are great for spreading the story of so many farmers!
Clearly we’ll need to awaken Martin Luther as well and get his input. I think the Lutheran World Relief would concur that GM foods are fine… Feed the hungry. Feed the world.
This is just about the lowest of the low. We as adults should be training our children and not subjecting them to cult views. PeTA grow up and understand that these children are very much taking care of their animals and do not need to be harrassed by you or any other animal rights organization. If you had your way, there would be “no animals owned nor exploited” Under PeTA definitions exploitation is ANYTHING that can be done with an animal,
WE southerners and rednecks do not like the AR wackos trying to push their beleifs down our children. I am a grandmother and I will NOT see my grand-children DEPRIVED of animal companionship because it does not suit your (PeTA) wishes. This is still a free country and if you do not like the fact that we do take care of our animals and treat them well, then my advice to you is to LEAVE the US and find yourself an island wehre you can FORCE your beleifs on the poor idiots that wish to listen to your drivel. Oh, and “have a nice day”
The following eight Republicans voted FOR Waxman-Markey and were instrumental in helping the bill to pass today. They should be targeted for defeat in the 2010 election.
The Ignominious Eight are:
Mary Bono Mack (R-CA)
Mike Castle (R-DE)
Mark Steven Kirk (R-IL)
Leonard Lance (R-NJ)
Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ)
John McHugh (R-NY)
Dave Reichert (R-WA)
Chris Smith (R-NJ)
Follow the science at junkscience.com and Wattsupwiththat.com
Thanks for the shout Chuck! Greatly appreciated! Of course I would be eager to provide info and content from Central America should anyone need it. Please feel free to email me at: lcmcnamara16@gmail.com
To accommodate farmers who had to deal with late planting challenges, the National Corn Growers Association has extended the deadline for early entries to the National Corn Yield Contest. To be eligible for the $75 entry fee rate, mailed entries must be postmarked or submitted online no later than July 10.
The previous early-entry deadline was July 1. This change does not extend the final deadline of Aug. 1. NCGA will review the national planting progress reports July 20 to determine if there is a need to extend the Aug. 1 final deadline.
I thought I had done a post about it on AgWired but guess I never did. After having some with supper last night though I thought I needed to spread the word!
I don’t think the problem is with the bank but with the idiots that would sign up for the card thinking they are helping save some pets. It wouldn’t matter if it was Wells Fargo or US Bank. If people are dumb enough to support the HSUS than they get what they deserve.
Its on all of us to educate and inform the public about the truth of what the HSUS is actually about and hope that the truth prevails.
For anyone interested in agriculture, #agchat on Twitter is a great way to connect with fellow ag enthusiasts and learn what the non-ag people are thinking. It is something I try to do on Tuesday nights when I can.
[...] AgNewsWire provides some great facts from a Thursday teleconference with reporters and Corn Farmers Coalition Director Mark Lambert and Ross Korves, economic-policy analyst and expert on farm and trade policy for the research firm ProExporter Network: “It’s a little known fact that we are growing five times as much corn as our grandfathers did in the 1930s on 20 percent less land,” said CFC during with reporters. [...]
I have to say, this is one of the funniest things I’ve seen in the industry so far. Why have we not taken this approach to combat other extremest groups? Check out the sponsors – this is who we need to spread our message about animal agriculture. Not the good ol’ boy farm system, which is exactly that, and therefore considered biased by general consumers. The events where Meatwater is featured are global, in large cities and diverse. All areas we lack in spreading our message. I’m all for it, thank you for pointing it out!
That was fun! Glad it worked out. The producer from CNN called my cell phone and said we are going live if we can make the connection in 10 minutes. Took me 9 to make it work. I was trying to do it outside with a laptop to the field behind me but not enough bandwidth. So, inside I went.
The twitter response has been amazing!!!! So far, the people that have followed it have been very thankful and respectful. It just goes to show, people love to eat!
Awesome work! I think it’s great that farmers are embracing technology like this. The CNN article pointed out the willingness of farmers to adopt new technology, and how these new tools can help famers remain competitive and up to date in today’s world. My dad is a farmer, and he continues to defy the stereotype and embrace new technologies as well. Keep up the good work.
Great article! The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is hosting regional workshops on Social Media for farmers in agritoursim. Glad to see farmers using twitter, facebook, ect. To learn more about Tennessee’s Social Media workshops go to http://www.PickTnProducts.org
[...] is fair play, as they say. Some of you may remember the Steak Sundae post here on Agwired about three years ago that generated lots of comments from anti-meat eaters who [...]
Jack’s hearty laugh, big smile and leadership to the agricultural community will be greatly missed. His sincere love of ag and zeal that he put into a project was contagious to all who had the privilege to work with him. May his talent in getting a variety of agricultural groups and interests to work together for the betterment of ag’s future live on with his memories.
Thanks so much for sharing this information, because otherwise my family and I wouldn’t have known. Jack was a longtime friend and always an incredible person. Our heartfelt prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.
[...] Obama like chocolate? The folks at Divine Chocolate are inviting Pres. Obama to visit and learn more about cocoa farmers in Ghana Cancel this [...]
Jack’s passing saddens us all. We just had dinner together in February after Jack spoke to our retail customers. What a presentation he gave!
Our sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends Jack left. He was a family man, dedicated father and husband, a humble dedicated professional with an attitude of servitude, and mostly his character was second to none. Jack we will miss you. may God recieve your soul with open arms. Our prayers go with you!
[...] posted Pacelle’s response on the AgWired blog, noting that the animal rights activist appeared defensive and avoided a direct answer. Zimmerman [...]
[...] was in January of 2005 that I mentioned Global PR Week 1.0 here on AgWired. The conference was over at that point of course but it was one of those learning tools for me that [...]
AdFarm/Agrotain relay team has been preparing for months via this joint agency/client event. The spirit between organizations has been fantastic. Congratulations to all.
The day is finally here!!! You all have trained so hard for this and although it took time out of work and your home, you stayed committed to the cause. I can’t wait to hear how it all goes! All the best! Suz
….and how far is far enought? Pollen can blow for hundreds and even thousands of miles. GMOs are not sustainable without taking over our whole agricultural system. We don’t want that, for to control the worlds food supply is to control the world. Do you want a known dangerous chemical company like Monsanto ruling you? All who grow GMOs are now surfs of Monsanto and the 5 or 6 companies what produce GMOs. Once they start, there is no turning back.
NO to GMOs!
[...] what happened next totally floored us. When the Best of Show – Advertising announcement was made, Rick and I could just look at each other with that “did I just hear [...]
Thanks, Amanda! Those are really great tips for any reporter – especially the farm broadcasters who are now armed with cameras and the print journalists who are doing video and audio as well now.
Amanda, by the way, was a top-notch professional all the way covering this event. She has an experience and skill set well beyond her young age as a recent college grad. We sincerely appreciate her contribution as part of the ZimmComm team!
Well, I noticed. Chuck — you must go from hospital to house arrest. Then you may come to Fort Worth. We’ll be easy on you. My goodness take care of yourself!
Chuck, I had noticed you’d been a little quiet. For God’s sake and your own, take it easy. You don’t have to kill yourself 24/7! I do very much appreciate all of the information you share with the community.
Yow….so sorry to hear about your “slow down”…Gene told me about it, and I just want to send my best wishes for a fast and full recovery, Chuck. You and Cindy are The Greatest, and I’m sure thinking about you guys. All the best, and I’ll look forward to hearing good news from you. Take care, Chuck
Where can we find these results now? I am specifically intersted in Whiteside County and Sandwich area (not sure if that is Dekalb County, but I don’t think so). If you can send me any info on those areas it would be appreciated.
This seems to be the pattern around the country. I am running for National V.P. for the Realtors Land Institute http://www.rliland.com and keeping up with Land trends for years the word on the street is pretty consistent.
Southwest Texas has been holding so far better than most places around the country, except for the severe drought and the “Skinny Cows”.
Resort property is dead in the water…not discretionary income to invest. We are seeing pad locks and foreclosures. Rural Land has been holding it’s on except 50+ acre tracts are few and far in between. Forested Land is still showing some investments I believe with respect to the “Cap and Trade” Bill that will address “Carbon Credits”. Land for Solar near power grids inquires have also increased.
Land is the oldest and most secure investment there is. I just wish that more people would write and promote the benefits of Land ownership.
We are honored to have toured ZimmComm World HQ and meet the lovely ladies and prized pets we’ve heard so much about over the years. We WILL be back and hope you can make a trip to Illinois again and enjoy it more this time.
Thanks for our wonderful presents too!
Get well Chuck, you and Tom have yet another thing in common.
[...] that? This is just one of the top ten most unusual fair foods, according to MSN Delish. Chuck posted about these bad boys way back in 2006, and it seems their popularity hasn’t faded away yet. [...]
After nearly half a century of working closely with animals in a resarch setting at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School, Dr. Adrian Morrison takes some time to reflect over the scientific advances made possible by his research subjects. With tender reflection, Dr. Morrison traces the changing attitutes to animal use, be it research or farming. The book is a summary of a lifetime of thoughts on the subject of animal welfare, and moves from his childhood in the country during a time when many Americans grew up on farms, to the drastic changes we have seen recently where most Americans are so far removed from their food sources, agriculture and basic animal husbandry. Animal welfare is often confused with Animal Rights, and Dr. Morrison shows his readers the important difference between the two concepts, while upholding principles for using animals for research, food, clothing, and companions.
When the DOT-COM bust happened 11 years ago, a lot of people lost their shirts. Investments in junk stocks like walk-my-dog.com lost everything. Those stocks were worthless. But there were still some stocks that were based on real value, google, bestbuy, yahoo, etc., dropped in value but did not die. Smart investors survived.
Last year, the mortgage backed securities crashed because of the government required percentage of sub-prime mortgages, they crashed but not to zero. They were still based on real estate that physically exists. There is still value remaining.
When the carbon credit scheme goes bust, because mommy earth decides to prove CO2 does not control climate, ALL carbon credits will be worthless. There will be no good carbon credits vs. bad carbon credits. And who will be holding these worthless credits after investing hundreds of billions of dollars? Power companies, manufacturers, bakeries, farmers, delivery companies, you name it. They will ALL go bankrupt.
So, if you liked the way sub-prime mortgage debacle turned out, or if you enjoyed the dotcom bust, you will love what happens if we institute cap&trade and that system busts.
[...] I mentioned in the first part of my post, I had the opportunity to tour around Ft. Worth with journalists from around the world during the IFAJ conference. After leaving the Rocky Top [...]
[...] waiting for approval on cadre of new technologies. One is Optimum GAT in corn which is broad spectrum herbicide resistance…and we expect regulatory approval this [...]
[...] we expect regulatory approval this year with eventual product introduction. There’s also Optimum Acre Max 1 which is our new in the bag refuge program which makes setting up refuge easier for farmers in [...]
[...] addition to Caramba, BASF also launched Twinline fungicide which uses the same active ingredient in Headline which is designed to control aggressive wheat [...]
[...] week during the IFAJ Congress and Ag Media Summit. And one company that is really kicking it up is BASF with their new product Kixor. Kixor is currently under development and is being designed for broadleaf weed control. Once it is [...]
Remember, it’s all about the brand. I think you should promote you and whatever mechanisms you use should all be directed to that. With a good blog you don’t need any other kind of website. But you can build your online community around that by employing social networking elements like Twitter, Facebook, etc.
Your blog should be updated every day. You will find things to write about and it gets easier if you’re persistent.
These are just a couple of thoughts but they’ve been effective in building our company.
What a great event! We missed you, but understand the need to rest and recuperate. I really appreciated the global flavor provided by our IFAJ colleagues. It was great to hear the non-U.S. point of view on agricultural topics. Personally, I felt I was able to make good contacts with colleagues that will hopefully become fruitful over time.
Great post. Places like Rocky Top are making a real impact on people’s lives. For some added inspiration, check out this video — ahamoment.com/pg/moments/view/5994 — about the “aha moment” of one young man with cerebral palsy and how riding, through the help of an organization called Miracles in Motion, literally changed his life. I know you’ll enjoy it.
Thanks for your post about Smokey’s birthday! I thought you might be interested in sharing this e-card with your readers where they can encourage their family and friends to “get their smokey on” with tips to prevent wildfires: http://happybirthdaysmokeybear.com/
We’re also celebrating Smokey on Facebook and polling people on their favorite Smokey PSA. To see all of Smokey’s work and cast your vote, go here: http://apps.facebook.com/favorite_smokey/?ref=nf
Thanks so much for your help in celebrating this great milestone!
Best,
Stacy Cohen
Freelancer
Home Front Communications for the Ad Council
Thanks Chuck! We’re finding that social media – especially in agriculture – is where the industry influencers are. It takes time and commitment to build relationships and credibility with these people, but well worth the investment in time and effort. Keep up the good work!
[...] International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress/Ag Media Summit on Domestic Fuel and AgWired.com, Flinchbaugh was involved in the “Great Debate” with former Texas congressman Charlie [...]
[...] have chatted with Dr. Dee before here on Agwired – most recently at World Pork Expo – and his main message is one of optimism for ultimately eradicating PRRS. “I’ve [...]
I thought I had something really weird when our crop of potatoes on the coast of Oregon turned oout Purple! We are trying them and liking them. Can we get a second crop next year from these potato seeds?
We have NO IDEA how we got these seed potatoes…just went to the store (feed store in Tillamook) and bought. We thought they were red potatoes when we got them.
May I be received the proceeding and all speakers’ presentation contents ? It’s a great & interesting event, I really appreciated it , though I can not attend due to location in Taiwan.
This new USDA/NASS study tracks closely to Successful Farming’s Farmers Use of Media Study when examining high-speed internet access among farmers. Although about 56% of the total farm population accesses the internet through some sort of non-dialup service, the Successful Farming research shows a significant spike in high speed access among larger and younger farmers.
Roughly 72% of the farmers under the age of 40 and roughly 68% of farmers over 1000 acres of row-crop are likely to have high speed internet access. In contrast less than 45% of farmers over the age of 60 and under 500 acres have high speed access.
There are noticeable differences in media consumption habits of farmers based on their age and size of operation.
Wow, crazy stats Chuck. I enjoyed the article – and it looks like you guys have definitely embraced the changes. It’s hard to keep up these days….you go to bed educated and then wake up behind the times : )
[...] Shawn Martini in Industry, Private Property, Rural Life. Leave a Comment Chuck Zimmerman over at AgWired found this story out of the Ag Journal [...]
The Marshall Fund of the US also published a report on what the EU learned from their cap-and-trade experience. (Sorry, you’ll need to Google search it.)
Chuck– I tried to follow it for a while last night. Wow, it was rather interesting. I felt like I was at the end of a diving board and too scared to jump in the pool though. I hope others watch from the sidelines to see how this works — maybe they’ll have more courage than me though!
So you were one of those people “lurking” online. It does take a little getting used to since we try to have some guidelines about staying on topic, etc. But feel free to join in and let us know what you think anytime.
I just wanted to point out another option to you and your readers: http://www.HearItAgain.com. Hear It Again is a site that lets you start a recorded call right from the web. It calls you, then connects you to the number you want to dial. Right after you hang up, your recording will already be in your email box waiting for download or posting wherever. The format is standard MP3, so it’s going to work with any media player out there.
The really nice thing about HearItAgain is that it works with any phone (cell or land-line), and the rates are very reasonable. The Recorder app on the iPhone is well done for sure, but maybe our site can help some folks out that don’t have iPhones yet
I wouldn’t say I’m 100% yet. By the end of the day Tues. I was worn out. So I’ll be pacing myself kind of slow for a couple months but there’s so much on the schedule!
Craig – your assertion that liberal groups are the only ones trying to dictate how others should live their lives is laughable.
I think I speak for the majority of liberals out there when I say that PETA is an extremist group whose views are hardly a fair reflection our values. I’m sure you wouldn’t care to be bundled in with Fred Phelps just because he falls under the category of “conservative.”
As for the billboard — it’s not the worst PETA has come up with, but it’s just as crass and obnoxious as the rest.
[...] site after walking ground level up and down the streets on foot or riding in a golf cart – or the New Holland Rustler! I was very impressed with the effort put forth by the exhibitors, the beautiful landscaping and how [...]
[...] AgWired now loads fast on your phone! It’s one more reason you might want to subscribe to Agwired Mobile, our text message service that delivers you a text message each time we do a post on AgWired [...]
[...] Energy also introduced a new initiative at Farm Progress called labelmyfuel.com, which we reported on live from the show as it happened. Organization co-chairman retired Gen. Wesley Clark says the concept of country of origin labeling [...]
[...] we’re here we’ll get to tour this new company headquarters facility which was built with sustainability in mind. Sustainability is a key work here at Novus. We’ll probably use it a lot in our coverage of [...]
[...] , pictured on the left here speaking to attendees. As I’ve reported before when covering the facility grand opening, this is a LEED Platinum certified building and very unique. Don took us around and show how [...]
[...] we’re here we’ll get to tour this new company headquarters facility which was built with sustainability in mind. Sustainability is a key work here at [...]
[...] and what types of information they get from it and how. Most recently we saw results of a similar study by Nicholson Kovac and of course there’s lots of data in the USDA NASS survey. And if you contact your [...]
I first met Dr. Borlaug at a research institute outside of Mexico City. Unstereotypically, his years lead him to be more visionary and future minded. He embodied progress in American Agriculture. We have lost an icon for our proud past but his legacy and spirit will pace American agriculture to stay on the leading edge in the world; and, part of that spirit is diplomatic in nature because of that willingness to help fellow man.
Norman Borlaug was the greatest change-master in the ‘green’ revolution, but where Norman would have been the first to have said that this is only just one of the pieces in the jigsaw of human survival. For the realisation of a world without starvation, great wars et al, we have to look elsewhere and fast, as time is simply running out.
In this respect the pace of economic recovery throughout the world should not be the prime consideration of industrialists (World Economic Forum, Dalian, China – 12th September 2009) or governments, but what the future holds for all who live and breathe on this planet. For the way that our politicians are working and addressing mounting global problems is like Nero fiddling whilst Rome burns. They are oblivious to the strains on humankind’s constant growth and are impotent in preventing global Agamemnon coming in this present century with their present thinking and mindsets. Whilst they try and fix the financial system through the people’s wealth, they impoverish tens of millions yearly. The system is a destructive force and where they are the conductors, forever adding fuel to the burning mass that goes on underneath. Over the next 20 years the world will increasingly witness a far more destabilised world, where emerging wars become a common event. By then there will be over 8 billion humans living on planet Earth (and that will be 2 billion less than peak population by 2075 at 10 billion humans according to the latest UN predictions), a significant number unable to sustain themselves. Indeed, the vast dwindling resources problem will create the base and start-line for global conflict, the size and ferocity never seen before. Therefore as Rome did indeed burn, so will humankind eventually with the present political mindsets. This is not pie-in-the-sky scare mongering, but sheer fact and is conditioned by common sense and what will eventually come to pass. That is why armaments throughout the world are increasing every year and where by 2030 through this vast expenditure by governments worldwide, could very well become the largest industry in the world turning over in excess of $5 trillion annually. Indeed in the case of the USA alone, the Friends Committee on National Legislation calculates for Fiscal Year 2009 that the majority of US tax payer’s money goes towards war – some 44.4% of all taxes. Therefore whilst our politicians continue to place their faith in that the strongest will prevail, they lose sight of any possibility of a peaceful future world. Indeed again, they fuel the whole process of human destruction and where their combined interests of relying upon weapons of mass destruction to protect themselves and the preservation of the capitalist system that supports such an unholy mechanism, is absolutely flawed. In time and when things are too late, politicians (and industrialists) will realise the folly of their mismanagement of the world order, for by then all that they once held so dear will have disappeared completely – and the rest of humankind with it.
For having the insight gained from the thinking of many of the world’s foremost scientists and engineers, technology will not come to the rescue this time, as there are not any significant breakthroughs on the horizon in science today. Indeed, if a scientific miracle were discovered tomorrow to solve just one of humankind’s huge problems, it would take around 4 decades for this to have any significant global effect, as all other revolutionary technologies have shown us in the past – R&D development, technological prototypes, final technology product, mass manufacture, global distribution logistics etc, etc. Therefore any solution would come too late according to the dictates of common sense and where the resources necessary to support 8-10 billion humans, would not be there.
And where all the above future problems are determined by a vastly overpopulated world, unimaginable depletion of natural resources over the next 25-years that will not be able to support all human life (it only takes 15% of the global population to be affected to cause an irreversible situation), lack of energy and food, the destruction of arable land by continual erosion (both the hot climate effect and rise in sea levels) and the decimation of the oceans through industrial pollution and energy resources extraction on a momentous scale.
Dr. David Hill, DSc(Hon)
World Innovation Foundation Charity
Bern, Switzerland
It may be significant that your search for eminent domain experiences is on the same web page as a discussion of social media. The two are certainly related nowadays.
My wife and I are among a group of property owners who have endured a transformative two-year eminent domain fight with Houston-based Spectra Energy, backed by the power of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
This was a project located in Bedford County, PA (about 2 hours from Washington), that involved a 12 billion cubic feet underground natural gas storage facility — dubbed the Steckman Ridge Project.
Among many lessons, we learned that the energy industry has sweetheart lease deals with government entities that are very different from what it offers private property owners next door. (Just try to get copies of these lease agreements.)
To the energy companies, as one right-of-way agent admitted, state governments are big and scary — property owners are not. So it is good politics to give the government a better payment deal than property owners. As our attorney said, there is a lot of play in the “just” of “just compensation.”
For example, in lease agreements for underground gas storage fields, private property owners typically receive a one-time payment driven in part by the number of acres. But similar lease agreements with state governments (Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, West Virginia) are significantly different
These leases include a 25-year annuity stream back to the state — in other words, a royalty for the amount of gas withdrawn and/or injected into the underground field.
So “just compensation” for the state is very different than “just compensation” for private property owners — even when the acreage is next door (e.g., state game lands).
As you might suspect, it is not a level playing field legally, economically or ethically for private property owners.
Property owners cannot depend on the kindness of strangers in government or at the energy companies.
Our fight led to the development of a website which focuses specifically on property rights that come under pressure from energy and utility companies. We are now helping and responding to inquiries from property owners in Pennsylvania, Texas, Oklahoma and elsewhere.
We have the distinction of being told by a Spectra Energy VP that he has never seen this level of property owner resistance in 26 years with the gas industry.
In addition to working with property owners in other counties in Pennsylvania and in other states, we are talking to legislators at the state and federal level; and I recently collaborated with an attorney in Pittsburgh (who counsels energy companies) to develop advice and expectations for property owners who are facing eminent domain and property rights issues. It is under “Recent Posts” on our website with the titles “Lawyers, Guns & Money — Parts 1 & 2.
Excellent organizations fighting eminent domain, like the Institute for Justice/Castle Coalition, do not deal with the “taking” power of government where public utilities and energy companies are concerned (because of the “public good” argument). We are trying to fill the gap.
We get into issues like the 2004 Moss Bluff incident which was a catastrophic failure at Spectra Energy’s Texas storage field. The fire burned for 6 1/2 days and consumed 6 billion cubic feet of gas in an uncontrolled release. We researched and wrote it up because the company did not want to respond to questions — said our blog was not an appropriate forum.
In the meantime, we are looking for more examples of lease agreements utilities have with government entities that are better and richer than the agreements they provide to private property owners.
Good luck to your report on eminent domain and your website. As a wise farmer in our part of the country told a group of landowners: “The biggest fear of the natural gas companies is that you will educate yourselves and talk to your neighbors.”
I have only heard and read about Norman but I have a deep respect to him a father of Green Revolution. I as a University teacher of Agronomy is deeply shocked by the demise of Dr. Norman. But a bitter fact is that man is a mortal creature. One has to go sooner or later. In this time of deep sorrow I wish an eternal peace for the departed soul express heartfelt condolenece to the bereaved family. The hungry world will always be waiting for his dream of feeding them to come true.
What makes me sick is starving people – and thanks to biotechnology, millions more people around the world have enough to eat today. Don’t complain about GMOs with a full stomach.
[...] This donation was made to the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank – add it to the 28,224 jars donated earlier this month to the Food Bank of Southwest Georgia and that’s enough peanut butter to make 525,000 peanut [...]
I think that social media marketing can be intimidating for tradional businesses and brands. Do you advertise? Do you start a blog? Do you create a fan page on Facebook? Marketers should enter this marketing medium in the way they enter any other for the first time. Figure out who you want to reach and what you want to say to them. You must be prepared to connect to people on their own terms and in the theme of their dialogue. For example, if you know that 10% of the conversation is going to be about what their doing with new iPhone then figure out if your brand or product has any related attributes. For example Peerset(my company), shows that people who like iPhones disproportionately also like burritos. If you are a mexican restaurant or a grocery chain then marketing to an iPhone owner or fan is smart money. So figure out what things are popular and see how relevant you can be. There is a free tool on our website if you want to discover some of this for yourself.
It doesn’t have to be that your animal is vegetarian for a “cause”, it can be simply because you have compassion for animals in general. By feeding our pets meat, we are forcibly taking hundreds if not thousands of other animals into awful conditions for the entirety of their lives at the early end of which they are violently killed. What exactly is wrong with avoiding that? If we are true animal lovers and compassionate people, doesn’t it make more sense to feed them a vegetarian diet? Especially when, as I have learned from many owners who practice it, that the animals love the vegetarian food and don’t seem to care less?
It can be very hard to allow ourselves to look at and acknowledge how meat gets onto our plates and into our petfood cans. I know it was for me. But if you’re interested in connecting more with what goes on, this 2 minute trailer is a good place to acquaint yourself. Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix.
Thanks Chuck. And I don’t mind if you choose to eat meat either. And I agree that meat is nutritious. And so are vegetables. And I agree that eating meat is good for us (at least in moderation). And so is eating vegetables (which have been shown to prevent disease). Eating meat is not so good for the animals however. They are confined to tiny spaces, neutered without anesthesia, and forcibly impregnated and then suffer a violent death. There is a being that can feel pain, fear and love behind those eyes. I know its hard to connect with that fact. I certainly had trouble with it. Its so easy to gloss over it and say its ok because it tastes so good and they’re too dumb to really know what’s going on. And because our culture and families have ingrained it into us for so long. And we don’t like change and we don’t want to believe we are hurting anything. Its so easy to gloss over. I did it for many years. But when we suppress our compassion it goes a lot further than just causing animals to suffer. When we allow our compassion to atrophy is it really a surprise that we live in a world so filled with war and violence? Like Tolstoy said, “so long as there are slaughterhouses, there will be battlefields”. We are omnivores which means we can survive on vegetables or meat or any combination. So knowing all this we can make our own choice, and I support you in making whatever choice makes the most sense to you.
I have had a Belgium Shepard… Magnificent Girl too and totally vegetarian. I know that dogs can be meat free as I have seen it with my own eyes and the coats of these dogs just shines. I never had any health problems with her and she never had bad breath. Many animals can convert to vegetarian meals with little problems but it has to be gradual or what they are brought up with from babyhood. smiles Michelle
I’ve read the book, and the best part about it is the fact that it is truly written in a business language. Although Mitch runs a digital marketing agency, he knows how to grow a business through social media. Most other “social media experts” don’t know how to turn these channels into a profitable business. Mitch is the real deal. If you want to learn this space, get this book.
PS – we are giving away copies of Mitch’s book this week (and this week only) on our site, which might be a great way for you to get your copy.
I think it’s safe to say that our personal eating habits and our pets are two points that hit pretty close to home with folks. I’m glad this blog post generated some discussions. To Eric, I’m sorry you feel that animal agriculturalists lack in compassion. I care for hundreds of cattle each and every day, and I assure you that their general well-being is in my first priority. With the millions of people that go hungry everyday, I think of the people I can help through my work as a food producer. I don’t equal the life of an animal to a human, and neither did the Bible. I think that’s where our differences lie. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
This campaign is a wolf in sheeps clothing! It will do nothing to advance animal care, just make sure that big agribusiness gets carte blanche to continue to do business as usual–cruel animal confine systems, etc. It’s a completely inappropriate use of a state constitutional amendment, too. Gives way too much power to government appointed bureaucrats! VOTE NOT ON ISSUE TWO Ohioans!! Wake up! YOU ARE BEING FOOLED if you are a small farmer who thinks this is going to do anything for you. Follow the money.
Congratulations to Evan, a deserving choice indeed. Evan is an institution in Colorado – When I was still a child my Mother was interviewed by him -I am now in my late 60s. You can imagine how long ago that was. I was active in NAFB for a few years having been a farm broadcaster in Nebraska, Colorado and California. I am presently with USDA NRCS in Montana. It’s good to see successful lifetime farm broadcasters get the recognition they deserve.
I would agree with a NO vote on this issue, it would appear to just create another layer of government bureaucracy which will hurt samll farm operations and raise food costs for all. The real question is who is behind this bill, anyone know?
Did you look at the website to see who is involved? It states:
The Board will be chaired by the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture and will be made up of 13 Ohioans, including:
* The Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture
* Three family farmers
* Two veterinarians (one of whom is the state veterinarian),
* A food safety expert
* A representative of a local humane society
* Two members representing statewide farm organizations
* The dean of an Ohio agriculture college
* Two members representing Ohio consumers
This is a wonderful program. Passing down information to our children is a must, especially in the agricultural department. I know ATTRA does a wonderful job at this and I even have younger family members signing up for their apprenticeship program. I will pass this learning resource along to them as well! Thnx!
I really enjoyed this article and your post. We have seen similar trends in other local, independent businesses who are using social media to connect with and service their customers http://bit.ly/DOf3z.
Farmers in the UK would love to be able to use social media to communicate in this way too, but unfortunately most of the UK rural land mass only has dial up connections due to the inability of the incumbent telcos to think further than supplying the cities. We still rely on the obsolete copper phone lines for our internet, and they can only deliver a limited service. We also have very poor mobile coverage away from densely populated areas. Sad old digitalbritain. The farmers who can get a connection are moving with the times and find it much easier to comply with government legislation and regulations. They are also diversifying into compatible enterprises to stay economic. Ecommerce sites selling produce are starting to appear when farms close to cities can get a connection. Local JFDI initiatives are springing up to lay fibre and bring connectivity to small communities. Power to the People.
chris
[...] to enjoy another 65 years of success.” It’s hard to believe that I posted the announcement of Bill’s start with NAFB back in 2005. Been doing this a while! 0 Posted by Chuck • October 13, 2009 [...]
Ms. Zablith may be a translator, but here she is working as an interpreter. Although the interpretation fields and translation fields are very closely linked and can overlap, they are two distinct job types.
A translator ‘translates’ one language into another in the WRITTEN form and usually works from their second language into their first or native language. An interpreter ‘translates’ one language into another or vice-versa in SPOKEN/ORAL form.
Simultaneous mode is only one of three modes that interpreters work in and conference interpretation is only one of many types that interpreters specialize in.
Two storms hit us two weeks ago, the effect to us was devastating. Until now, we’re sweeping the streets from mud and the tons of ruined appliances destroyed by the twin-storm. Some are still flooded, many are left homeless and some lost their loved ones. They are seeing four more storms coming this year. This is not usual. News said its all because of global warming/climate change. I use to be blithely about the issue, but after these storms, I thought to myself I need to do something too. I think to solve the global warming problem, it must be stormed at the national and international levels.But the total success is built upon the action of every individual, regardless of nationality, to conserve energy and focused on living in a greener, cleaner community. Thank you for this post. Happy BLog AcTioN Day! Its still October 15 here, 7:17pm
Bill Gates is a sham! From the corrupt corporation Microsoft to his father’s legal colossus to the Gates Foundation – an investment firm masquerading as a philanthropy – this man is more dangerous than any terrorist.
[...] Georgia Peanut Commission has helped feed hungry people by donating lots of peanut butter this summer. To tell us all about it at Sunbelt Ag Expo, Executive Director, Don Koehler, spoke at [...]
[...] main sponsor of the Southeastern Farmer of the Year program is Swisher Sweets. Representing them here at Sunbelt Ag Expo is Mr. J. Thomas Ryan, Swisher [...]
“Know your enemy”? As I understand it, Michael Pollan is no enemy of farmers. His arguments against massive ag corporations actually support more autonomy and broader markets for individual farmers, not to mention a stronger, more diverse economy for rural America and healthier eating for everyone? Might we turn down the rhetoric and focus on our shared values here?
[...] a couple of tidbits from the report and you can listen to my interview with Richard Jalichandra discuss the report here. The rise of the professional blogger continues. 70% of Part-Timers, Pros, and Self-Employeds are [...]
[...] a couple of tidbits from the report and you can listen to my interview with Richard Jalichandra discuss the report here. The rise of the professional blogger continues. 70% of Part-Timers, Pros, and Self-Employeds are [...]
Thanks for the shout out for “I Love Farmers…They Feed My Soul.” The students and I continue to work hard to connect with young people about the value of American family farmers and ranchers. The Facebook group is still growing and there is an excitement out there for our effort! http://www.ilovefarmers.org gets a lot of hits. Of course we can ALWAYS use the support of the industry! We would love to visit with folks if they have any questions!
It is great to see a farmer using social media so successfully, but you’re right: agricultural companies have yet to fully embrace social media. It may be that a lot of companies are listening rather than participating in these outlets. Considering the visibility that agricultural customers like Ryan Weeks have already gained in social media, it seems the marketing potential alone would drive companies to strategize and develop ways to capture a niche market.
I’d love to see a company take the proactive approach of developing relationships with customer/farmer bloggers and support their efforts. Perhaps even with cash! Is the traditional model of advertising valid today? How much of it is spent on “waste”?
Clearly a case of food being a strategic resource in the U.S…. We need milk, and close to the metro areas…
It always brings up the cross commodity frictions. But again, we (as a society) need food, and we need agriculture not only as an industry, but as a nation…. And we also clearly need all the hungry, corn-eating mouths/cows we can find.
[...] this week, I wrote about Obama signing HR 2997 into law, another emergency stimulus package that, this time, could assist dairy producers. I was checking [...]
Thanks for this post. I used to eat red meat many times a week. Not only do I get tired easily and feel depressed, I also feel very heavy. I hate stairs, I don’t like long walk and most especially I don’t run. Somebody advised me to change my eating habit. It was not easy, but I did it anyways. I now eat white meat, more veggies and fruits and lots of drinking water. And then, there was a change, I’m happy, I’m smaller, I can go through the stairs, though I still prefer the elevator if there’s any, I can run and I can do long walk. Most of all, I’m healthier. I’m doing this for my health and not for global warming. However if I am contributing to save the earth, then the more I should eat veggies.
How could pigs get it cause it has mutated so much to where now they cant get it and if they can then why don’t you explain to all the people that you cannot get swine flu from pigs because of your lack of explaining the swine industry has went down and we have no way to explain to people and tell them not to worry
[...] with a couple of farmers in Purdy about their harvest. I told you last week about world famous Kip Cullers’ harvest, today we hear from his neighbor, Curtis Schallert – who also uses Headline fungicide. [...]
[...] for new ways and improved methods for introducing samples into those instruments. Like the whole Fluidigm System, these products help streamline the work flow and in fact are more production devices than just [...]
I note that the Times, ever the guidepost for ethical and upright journalism, referred to Liz Wagstrom as *Ms.* Wagstrom rather than *Dr.* Wagstrom… perhaps a subliminal effort to undermine her credibility?
[...] groups across the country are lining up to oppose (with a few notable exceptions) the Cap and Trade plans before congress. Please help CFB do its [...]
Cyndi and Chuck,
thanks for covering NAFB. The photos and commentary are great.
I love the photo. Megan was quite deserving. The other guy is still in question. Ken
[...] Superior Livestock Auction, Inc., the largest livestock auction company in the U.S. and the number one in the livestock marketing industry, is now owned by SLAI, LLC, a wholly owned entity of Farm Credit West, ACA. [...]
[...] the interview and learn. Ramesh says his team is responsible for developing applications where the Fluidigm System can be used and one of those areas is genotyping. You can learn more about genotyping in this [...]
Hi Dan,
Because it was a Q&A panel, there really wasn’t a set script. However, if you are interested in discussing certain aspects of our experiences, I’d be glad to share. You can e-mail me at meredithm@uspotatoes.com.
Fluidigm has a nice platform, but the expense of the micro-fluidic makes the platform too expensive and the throughput too low. Microarray technology is much higher throughput and costs much less.
[...] echoing the sentiments of Cindy’s Thanksgiving post, today is a day to be thankful and count our many blessings. While most of us have a family to [...]
You sound kind of bitter Phil. Have you ever met a farmer who didn’t show his/her gratitude? Do you doubt the economics necessary to supply you with the quality and quantity of safe food you have?
Frankly, Chuck, in this neck of the woods, I have yet to hear a farmer express anything but a sense of entitlement to the fruits of someone else’s paycheck.
I guess you don’t really understand the complexity of international agribusiness. I wish is was as simple as you would like it to be.
Same for all the demanding dependents on govt. welfare programs. I’m sure you know that the biggest part of the USDA budget is for food assistance. None of which goes to farmers.
All farmers I know would gladly give up subsidies if we played on a level field. Now if you could convince the EU, South American countries, etc. to get rid of them . . .
From an impact standpoint, advertising standpoint, and readership standpoint I believe blogs remain the kingping. I can’t sell ads on twitter, but I can on a blog. Also, I can track readership metrics on my blog much better than on twitter. I can see if I am having a 1,500+ viewer day or a 500 viewer day on my ag blog. I cannot do that (yet) on twitter, other than count my followers.
[...] largest agricultural convention in Palm Springs, California, a man is murdered and set on fire in a genetically modified soy field that is to be unveiled during the conference. As the story unfolds, there is a crazy environmental [...]
[...] largest agricultural convention in Palm Springs, California, a man is murdered and set on fire in a genetically modified soy field that is to be unveiled during the conference. As the story unfolds, there is a crazy environmental [...]
We appreciate the work done by Dr. Ahmed and his colleagues in USDA/FAS! These talented individuals commit their time, talent, and energy, often under difficult circumstances, on behalf of U.S. farmers in their posts around the world…and in Washington, DC. On behalf of U.S. Wheat Associates…thanks for sharing this interview!
I wonder, how many readers of AgWired have family-owned farms worth in excess of $7 million? And for those who do, how many have “poor succession planning [which] can result in the end of a long-standing family tradition”?
My guess would be zero.
To my knowledge, no family has ever had to sell their farm to pay the estate tax, even when the taxable threshold was much lower than it is now.
[...] In this latest edition of the stories about Fluidigm Corporation you’ll get to meet Amy Hamilton. Amy works in the lab at Fluidigm headquarters. She walks us through a workflow of the Fluidigm System. [...]
Yes – Vets are using new tools to “communicate” with their customers. No doubt. We have all seen the birthday cards for your dog and pet portals. But is this really marketing? Seems more like customer retention. While a good thing – certainly – I don’t know that I consider that marketing as much as good customer care…
What are the vets really using for marketing in the Internet age?
Dan,
It is not just the agricultural community that would benefit from a repeal of Death Tax, it is our country as a whole. And that is why every Republican and a small handful of courageous Democrats voted against this bill.
Remember, this bill is NOT inflation indexed.
Many of the ranches in my neck of the woods are worth more than 3.5 million right now, not to mention what they will be worth 15 years from now when current owners who may be 65 would be near life expectancy.
According to a study by Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former Director of Congressional Budget Office (CBO), eliminating the death tax could have dramatic positive effects on the economy and spur job creation. According to the analysis, a repeal of the tax could have the following results:
• Increase small business capital by over $1.6 trillion.
• Increase the probability of hiring by 8.6 percent.
• Increase payrolls by 2.6 percent.
• Expand investment by 3 percent.
• Create 1.5 million additional small business jobs
• Reduce the current jobless rate by .9 percent.
Eliminating the tax would increase the incentive to raise and expend capital because it directly punishes wealth accumulation and transfer. Thus, repealing the tax would have an impact on both existing small businesses and farms that generate wealth and those who receive wealth in a transaction after death. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses and firms employ more than half of all U.S. workers.
I don’t know if I see land values decreasing by 10%. Fed banks have reported that in almost all Midwest states, land values have already increased during the 2009 3Q.
Farmland should be a good long-term investment. Typically, people don’t know a lot about erosion and how it affects farmland quality.
I find it very interesting that all the articles covering the Morocco/Egypt “CORN” Mission are only about DDGS. Egypt has been a major importer of USA corn for a very long time and will continue to import 10 times as much corn as DDGS.
While DDGS is the hot product of today, in the Egypt market, every ton pf DDGS shipped will probably replace a ton of USA corn, so why all the excitement.
I can get much more excited about the future of USA corn gluten meal in Egypt and the region as this product is replacing animal protein in feed rations and has shown great growth in recent months.
[...] out more about what AG Connect offers from previous posts here on Agwired – including this interview with AEM’s Charlie O’Brien, and one with expo director Sara Mooney about the [...]
As a progressive tax, the estate tax serves an important purpose in our economy. The preservation of the estate tax is essential to the government’s ability to finance important policies and projects, as well as promote the democratic ideals that serve as the foundation of our government. Some believe that an extension of the 2009 estate tax policy serves as a tax break for the ultra-wealthy, and is ultimately inadequate for the needs of the American people. For more information visit:http://www.faireconomy.org/news/estate_tax_action_alert_12-7-09
I was floored to be listening to Ken on WHO one day and have him gone the next, within only a few weeks of gaining more well-deserved recognition as Farm Broadcaster of the Year. Unbelievable! Too bad the days of local radio ownership are gone. This was a mistake only an out of touch (and out of state) corporation could make. His departure is a great loss for WHO’s Big Show broadcast and its loyal listeners. I heard Mark Pearson give his thanks to Ken on air which I’m glad he did – probably without management’s blessing.
All the best Ken – everyone knows Clear Channel has committed an egregious blunder.
Not sure what you’re talking about Wayne. The articles have not only been about ddgs. Besides, in case you weren’t aware of it, ddgs are a by product of ethanol production that uses corn as a feedstock so essentially ddgs are “corn.”
There is no evidence that ddgs will displace corn. In fact, quite the opposite is what we’ve found and heard from producers and importers here.
You have every reason to be excited about these countries as growth markets for U.S. corn (yellow corn, gluten and ddgs).
“Gore writes, ‘The production of ethanol in first generation biorefineries has been a disappointment. However, it has had the benefit of increasing income for farmers and has led to the emergence of an infrastructure that will prove highly valuable when second generation technologies are available to produce ethanol from nonfood crops.’”
This sounds more like like praise for the ethanol movement, a bit lukewarm, but praise nonetheless.
But, if you ranch or farm in Minnesota you are subject to a state estate tax for anything over $1 million and that does leave a lot of ranches and farms within reach of government taxation and a heavy tax burden for the next generation. I know few operations not worth that amount in Minnesota. So the Federal estate tax lock does little for relief on our state level.
Trust these xxxxxx yanks to commercialise everything and never look beyond their big bellies. All they are concerned about is who will buy their corn, next. The whole tribe (yanks) make one sick for exhibiting their utter shelfishness at every given opportunity.
You sound like a very bitter and jealous person Raj. Sorry you feel that way. We would appreciate positive comments posted here rather than a personal rant. Your generalizations are very off the mark and simply not true. Next time you post a comment please try to keep it on the subject matter or it won’t be posted.
[...] are John (left) and Successful Farming’s Jeff Caldwell, Multimedia Editor with their recent MIN Integrated Marketing Awards. 0 Posted by Chuck • December 18, 2009 • 4:26 pmCategories: Media, Successful [...]
Chuck, For a great example of this new Ustream.tv app, check out a video that Mark Horvath used to broadcast a live stream when he was helping out a family in need to get clothes recently. I was watching the live stream as it was happening and it was so cool!
[...] of Farm Broadcasting recently released its latest Internet Usage Study. Cindy spoke with Ted Haller at their convention and I thought I’d have a chat with him about it too since the organization sent our a release [...]
Thanks for guest moderating, Chuck! You did a great job and it was a stimulating discussion with many viewpoints. Glad to see consumers, scientists, farmers, agribusinesses and lawyers discussing this issue.
Wanted to let you know about a new social networking site called FarmConnect.net (just launched by farmers for farmers and beginning to spread the word)
http://www.FarmConnect.net allows you the option of signing up for your own blog, creating your own groups and discussion forums (either public, private, or hidden) to help spread the word about agriculture to your families, friends, and communities.
If you use Twitter, you will love FarmConnect.net, because it gives you so much more room to say what you want to say than that little box!
[...] more rapid. According to Wayne, they’re in the final stages of regulatory approval of their Agrisure Viptera for corn which they hope to have available for planting in 2010. Following that they’ll have [...]
I think it would be interesting to know the name of the FFA members repersenting each state on the float. I would really like to know the ones from Pa.
[...] 4557 and the tractor pull at National Farm Machinery Show 2872. Top stories on Agwired included: John Deere Unveils Largest Planter HSUS Challenges American Agriculture HSUS in Nebraska (tops in comments) Record Phone Calls on [...]
[...] Farm Machinery Show 2872. Top stories on Agwired included: John Deere Unveils Largest Planter HSUS Challenges American Agriculture HSUS in Nebraska (tops in comments) Record Phone Calls on iPhone Get a Rustler from New [...]
I’ve always watched Home and Garden TV for the parade but this year RFD did a better job. More detail, better hosting and of course I had to watch RFD while horses and the FFA came through! Thanks for your wonderful coverage!
[...] 4557 and the tractor pull at National Farm Machinery Show 2872. Top stories on Agwired included: John Deere Unveils Largest Planter HSUS Challenges American Agriculture HSUS in Nebraska (tops in comments) Record Phone Calls on [...]
Just finished watching the parade and it was the best ever with few interuption’s, great job, wanted to vote for the FFA float but was unable to find out how to vote, I tried several ways, sorry, Angelo
RFDTV did a great job of covering the parade this year. The special
coverage of all the horses was wonderful!! I am a transplant in ky
from okla. and points west. I truly miss all the rodeos. The cowgirls
really took me back home. Well sometimes RFDTV does that for. I do get home sick, even after 31 years.
Enjoyed your coverage of the parade but are VERY DISAPPOINTED TO SEE YOU DIDN’T COVER THE BLIND BAND FROM COLUMBUS, OHIO. I certainly feel they deserved review as much as any other unit in the parade. Your coverage disappointed us by this missed unit.
i think the float was a good idea this year for ffa, because ffa is a big part of our world. thank you for recognizing our farmers and many others of our world.
devin
[...] on Agwired included: John Deere Unveils Largest Planter HSUS Challenges American Agriculture HSUS in Nebraska (tops in comments) Record Phone Calls on iPhone Get a Rustler from New [...]
I knew that RFD would give great coverage of the FFA float.
So I watched to see the NBC coverage.
I found it interesting that all the parade units and bands were
oohed and awed but all Mr Roker could mamage for the FFA float was a flat “Here is the FFA float” Did anyone else have this feeling of neglect of the industry that makes all others possible.
Amanda, thanks for the compliments! If you would like to watch the program online you can visit http://www.angus.org and click on the video link on the left hand navigation bar or search “I am Angus” on YouTube.com. My favorite segments are on the history of the National Western Stock Show and what Oregon ranchers are doing to create sustainable environments for the Columbia Whitetail Deer that were once close to extinction.
Unfortunately the current IFAJ rules (by-laws?) only allow one farm journalism guild per country. I know they’ve been discussing changing this and I believe they could create an exception if they wanted to.
I have spoken with the leadership of both groups and AAEA about this and encouraged them to “get together.” I’ve written letters to them on the subject as well. Cindy and I firmly believe NAFB members and the organization would benefit from being part of IFAJ. IFAJ is an inclusive membership unlike NAFB or AAEA. IFAJ members are publication editors as well as broadcasters and web editors, photographers, etc. It all depends on how the country member organization defines their member requirements.
Unfortunately, like with efforts to bring NAFB into the Ag Media Summit, there are people on all sides who just don’t want to change. I’m not sure that this can ever be accomplished although I sure wish it could.
[...] thousand people convened in Orlando, Florida this week for the inaugural AG CONNECT Expo. The show kicked off for the general public this morning and so far attendees and exhibitors alike [...]
[...] Fifth U.S.-Mongolia Business Forum took place simultaneously with the AG CONNECT Expo yesterday with several dozen delegates from Mongolia meeting with delegates from the United States [...]
[...] to meet with various companies to dicusss agricultural opportunities and investments during the AG CONNECT Expo. The group has prioritized its greatest needs and prepared a detailed list of projects in which [...]
[...] John Walter is Social Media Superstar – He’s John Walter, Successful Farming Executive Editor. John knows where we’ve been when it comes to convincing agrimarketers that farmers are like “regular people” when it comes to new and social media. Congratulations to him for this … [...]
Thanks for the shout-out Cindy! Lindsay and I had a great time at Convention, especially enjoyed catching up with you, and very much enjoyed representing Ohio in the Excellence in Agriculture program.
[...] news about the Matrix Guidance System with RealView Guidance Over Video was announced during the AG CONNECT Expo in Orlando, Fla. and comes in two screen sizes: 570G Model and 840G model with options for four or [...]
[...] news about the Matrix Guidance System with RealView Guidance Over Video was announced during the AG CONNECT Expo in Orlando, Fla. and comes in two screen sizes: 570G Model and 840G model with options for four or [...]
[...] didn’t think so. But AGCO is connecting socially with their customers as we found out at Tuesday evening’s Tweetup. So how about your company? Are you getting your social network in [...]
[...] topic during the educational session, “Harvesting the Wind,” held yesterday during the AG CONNECT Expo. The session provided an outlook for the wind energy industry in the states as well as offered [...]
[...] and Rural Leaders’ Annual Legislative Agriculture Chairs Summit Luncheon during the AG CONNECT Expo. While Ritz focused on ag initiatives in Canada and the agricultural and trade relationships and [...]
[...] crop growers were introduced to some new technology from Kinze Manufacturing during the AG CONNECT Expo: the 3800 Forward Folding and 3660 Twin-Line® planters with Air Seed Delivery (ASD). The ASD is [...]
[...] for the Brazilian Association of Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers (ABIMAQ) during the AG CONNECT Expo. Bellandi’s organization was here to participate in the AgriEvolution Forum, a forum that is [...]
[...] Bioenergy Feedstocks session was a good value during the AG CONNECT Expo last week in Orlando, Fla. There were three main topics: winter and double crops, perennial energy [...]
[...] were many tractors and loaders filling the McCormick booth during AG CONNECT Expo, and each year about 80 percent of the company’s sales are international. Yet the success of [...]
[...] were several international manufacturing equipment associations on hand at the AG CONNECT Expo including the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA), [...]
[...] spent quite a bit of time in the Case IH booth during AG CONNECT Expo last week – AgriTalk broadcast live one day and the next AgDay TV taped its show. However, my education didn’t end there. I spent [...]
[...] Case IH booth during AG CONNECT Expo last week – AgriTalk broadcast live one day and the next AgDay TV taped its show. However, my education didn’t end there. I spent a few minutes learning about Case IH’s [...]
[...] university professors, growers and Stoller Group representatives. I had the opportunity for a short visit there last year and next week our Joanna Schroeder will be on location for full coverage. Some of the leading [...]
[...] Do you love strawberries? Then I’ve got news for you – the California Strawberry Commission just released a free iPhone app with 50 strawberry-related recipes, and they’re featured my Thai Black Rice Pudding with Strawberries dish. Here’s a little more information on the app. [...]
[...] a lifestyle decision. This year, Challenger had two new pieces of equipment on display during the AG CONNECT Expo including the MT600C and the MT595B. Both of these are prototypical equipment of what’s to [...]
[...] packing my bags for Houston as I get ready to head to the U.S. Ag Associates Conference. I’m a kind of a self-proclaimed geek so I’m really excited to hear the research [...]
[...] a preview of the research that is going to be presented tomorrow in Houston during the 17th annual Ag Associates Conference. I chatted with people from all over the world including Canada, Australia, Jamaica, Trinidad, [...]
[...] haven’t been trained to listen to their plants. But for Jerry Stoller, CEO of StollerUSA, that is what his company does best. In some circles, you could even call him the “plant [...]
[...] This morning during the AG Associates Conference in Houston, Texas A&M released record breaking soybean yield research using StollerUSA’s STO-01. When the STO-1 was applied during the R2 stage, yield jumped by 80 percent to 166.8 bu/acre. “We believe this is a record breaking crop,” said Jerry Stoller, CEO and Founder of StollerUSA, during the kick-off conference presentation. [...]
[...] by 80 percent to 166.8 bu/acre. “We believe this is a record breaking crop,” said Jerry Stoller, CEO and Founder of StollerUSA, during the kick-off conference [...]
[...] having a great time here in Houston at the Ag Associates Conference. So much so that it was hard to get everyone to take a break and have lunch! Last night, Lynn [...]
INSBO is an export import consultancy and International Trade promotional firm organized, http://www.insbo.in , as a World trade directory World wide Company profiles are enlisted here Free of cost..
[...] President David Chicoine caused a fuss last spring when he accepted a high-paying position on Monsanto’s corporate board. Senator Frank Kloucek [...]
[...] Don’t forget to follow the conference right here on AgWired.com. Dozens of people are sharing their research about the success they are having with all the Stoller products. I also had the chance, along with several other reporters, to spend some time alone with Stoller CEO and Founder, Jerry Stoller. [...]
[...] and growers from all over the world that most farmers concentrate on plant health above the ground but don’t spend enough time learning about the plant under the ground. For StollerUSA, root health is one of their biggest areas of [...]
[...] Dr. Ron Heiniger with North Carolina State University is an expert in corn. For many years, he has been researching how to increase corn yields and some of the research he has done in his test plots are showing promising results – 300+ bushels per acre results. To put this number in perspective, the average bushel per acre yield for his area is between 120-125. “Our goal is to try to explore yield levels. The idea is yield equals profit,” said Dr. Heiniger. These results were unveiled during his presentation as part of StollerUSA’s Ag Associates Conference. [...]
[...] asked him why root growth was so important and he told me that a stronger, larger root mass helps the plant combat stress as well as absorb [...]
[...] is the second year that Novus brought a baseball theme to the expo. Last year, it was the legendary Lou Brock, also a St. Louis Cardinal – a tribute to Novus’ hometown. 0 Posted by Cindy [...]
[...] value of dairy feed, but also works on crop and soil nutrition. I spoke with him during the Ag Associates Conference to learn more about the benefits of good feed [...]
[...] the Director of Research and Development with StollerUSA, during an interview with me at the Ag Associates Conference this week. “We’re trying to understand what in the system of productivity will enhance [...]
[...] week, during the Ag Associates Conference hosted by StollerUSA, I had the opportunity to talk with Mike Molnar, with Town and Country Ag. His [...]
That’s got to be the most creative way to get attendees into the trade show exhibit floor that I’ve ever seen!
I’ve been to shows where they wheeled fully loaded bars (wine, beer, liquor) onto the trade show floor right at noon, just to get the attendees in the aisles to interact with exhibitors.
[...] for Australian growers. I caught up with Richard Emery, who runs this division during the Ag Associates Conference. He began by telling me that the country has a diverse range of crops including wheat and cotton, [...]
http://roostershamblin.wordpress.com/ would you please spend a few minutes of your time and read my chicken blog. I have been raising more than 50 breeds of chickens for forty years.
[...] That is why the Ag Associates Conference is so important to the company. This is the meeting that helps to focus their research based on what is happening in farmers’ fields around the world. [...]
I certainly question Yellow Tail’s move as well and am very disappointed in their support of self-serving HSUS; however, every post I see online sending me to their Facebook page is a broken link and even then, when I individually search for their Facebook page it shows the last update being from 2008. We have done a good job raising awareness, especially through Twitter, but we need to make sure Yellowtail actually hears the volume of our concerns.
Not sure what you link problem is Corey. The one in this post to their Facebook page works fine. Lots of comments on there. Do you have a Facebook account?
you could also follow this link; http://www.ussportsmen.org/Page.aspx?pid=2292 and get the even more vital information. Get in touch directly with the American distributor of the wine. It’s more effective if you place a phone call or send a fax…they can’t avoid those methods as easily as pushing the delete button for emails.
[...] reaction to the EPA’s release of its final rules is favorable, but all organizations are expressing concern about the EPA’s continued reliance on the unproven theory of indirect land … [...]
contributing to hsus is a certain blow to the sportsmen! they, surely don’t know what they are contributing to…hsus would, in fact, like to see ALL HUNTING STOPPED…OUTLAWED…ENDED !!! i am sending a letter to anheuser-busch, also…they must not know of this…
yellow tail is distributed by deutsch and son, ltd, is also a distributor of busch and budweiser beers…THE ONES YOU DRANK DURING HUNTING SEASON, THAT WERE IN THE “CAMO” CANS.
YES, THEY KNOW IT’S DEER SEASON, AND THEY ARE TARGETING THE HUNTERS WHEN THEY PUT BEER IN CAMO CANS…why would deutsch and sons distribute beer in cans in “camo”, and contribute to an anti hunting organization, such as hsus?
i’m a member of the central florida dog hunters association…we are fighting anti-hunters, as well as us forestry, for closing roads in our forests…if anyone would like more info, give us some suggestions, or give some input, please check out our website http://www.cfldoghunters.org ,(we’ll even take donations).
Thanks Chuck for the shout-out! Its very important that we come together as an industry and share our story. Social media is creating a great networks for agvocates to do this!
I would never support a domestic terrorist group. I would never support a group who aligns the U.S. meat production industry with the Holocaust.
I would never support anyone who thinks animal agriculture is evil. I would never support a group who lies to the public in order to swindle them out of their hard earned money for reasons and purposes other than what was expressed in their plea for the money in the first place. I would never buy a bottle of Yellow Tail wine.
I have written letters to the editors of every media I can find, and when I get back from taking care of hundreds of animals, like my family has done for 4 generations, and helping my son (9 year old 5th generation) doing his chores, I will find more media addresses to send more letters in protest of Yellow Tail decisions to end U.S. agriculture. My letters will also contain facts about HSUS and their lies and deceipt.
Have a great day.
thanks for the heads up. The yellow-tail blokes have blown it. Amazing to think a biz based in AG would donate to a group with a radical agenda that harms the very industry they are in.
Will be launching “Consumer Ag Connection” radio show in the near future at WTAD/WKAN radio in Quincy/Kankakee Illinois.
Also owner of Fretwell Communications located at Quincy,Illinois.
There has been a lot of great talk about this issue among the agricultural industry but is someone pitching the story to mainstream media? It seems like a great story of how agriculture is using social media to give immediate feedback to Yellow Tail…I would hate for the story to end inside ag’s walls and not reach a larger group of consumers, thereby actually affecting Yellow Tail sales.
How about the Tim Tebow/Focus on the Family spot? Sure seemed out of place, but God love them! Definitely not worth all the pre-game controversy, but that gave them way more for their $2.6 million than they would have had otherwise.
[...] Last week, I wrote a story regarding President Obama’s executive order for the federal government to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 28 percent by 2020. One goal of this program is to get other companies to follow suit, but many companies don’t know where to start. Enter the Hondo Green Assessment Tool (HGAT). To learn more about how companies can become more sustainable, I spoke with the Hondo Group’s CEO Lynn Balinas. [...]
[...] International Vice President of the Americas Dan Meagher about poultry before he headed out to the Cattle Industry Conference in San Antonio to talk about their commitment to the beef industry. Dan says the outlook for the poultry industry [...]
Cool! Let’s see more of those videos out there, American ag! Yellow Fail doesn’t get the point. They think they are saving puppies and kitties, but they are really supporting a group that wants to see the end of steak with a good bottle of wine!
I suggested the look into how many animals H$U$ “rescued” after Hurricane Katrina. They sent me a form letter about how they are concerned about animals, as though they actually believe H$U$ will use this money for the benefit of animals. I can’t buy their wine any more. Anyone who supports an organization as demonstrably dishonest as H$U$ doesn’t deserve my hard earned money. How could they be so ill informed?
[...] check out the posts from yesterday to learn about some of what they have on display and especially what’s NUE. The rest of the show our coverage this week is sponsored by New Holland. Green and blue go well [...]
[...] online and on their phone and includes farmers as well as consumers. New technology like the iPad and increased broadband capability will continue to drive a move towards communications that [...]
Chuck – I totally agree with your statement “First of all I highly recommend working with someone who not only says they understand social media but is actively engaged with it.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself. There’s too many marketing firms, PR agencies and other social media companies that say – “we get social media,” but when you go to their blog or Facebook page it’s empty and has no real value.
I believe that’s the greatest thing about social media – is that you have to participate in it, it is not a passive for of media.
I agree – if you can’t or don’t want to do social media marketing yourself, it’s no excuse not to use it as a marketing strategy. Outsourcing it works great.
[...] ours, I thought it would be helpful to post a little background for you. You can also listen to an interview I did with Rob Kiernan at the recent AG CONNECT Expo. In it he said: “Being a late entrant in the precision ag [...]
[...] management for growers and agribusinesses. While I was at the Trimble booth checking out the newly announced EZ Surface Software that provides surface drainage analysis and design for farmers and drainage contractors, I also [...]
[...] Marketing Conference and 50th Annual Membership Meeting. Tomorrow morning I’ll be going AgWired Live TV with the opening general session starting at 8am, central. So tune if you’d like. I’ll [...]
I think climate / CO2 emissions are the least of our worries. When the fossil fuels run out, so will the pollutions that induce this “global warming.” The CO2 will be reabsorbed back into plants to make new fuels and so the cycle begins again. We may be preventing an ice-age if we are even inducing any sort of climate change. I say: worry about efficiency of combusting fuels, not reducing emissions.
Thanks for the kind words Amanda. It was such a privilege being on a student panel with outstanding people like Bailey and Greg and working with you throughout the week.
I specialize in Social Media Marketing and Training for professionals. I specialize in Real Estate but have worked with professionals in several other industries as well. I agree with the idea of working with someone who actually engages in social media. As a young professional I have grown up using these sites and understand that teaching professionals to use the social media is what really needs to be done. Check out my facebook page if you’re interested, I’m based in NY but often work virtually: http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Personal-Marketing-Specialist/115444096583?ref=ts
That’s our lovely tour guide from Ducks Unlimited! And to help people get “the rest of the picture,” I have posted a picture on twitpic. http://twitpic.com/14cq4e — too bad I couldn’t zoom in out her name tag without it pixelating!
HSUS is on the run trying to raish money to shut down Consumer Freedom. You know when you are a not for profit 58% of money raised has to be spent for what they advertised it would be used for. HSUS wouldn’t help on old dog across the street unless someone paid them. Then they would just kill the old dog.
My best guess would be, the boots belong to the person in photo arc-10-64.JPG http://bit.ly/b3sokE
The person in the foreground is also wearing a green vest with numerous patches on it and bluejeans.
[...] the award winners this year was New Holland’s BB9000 Series large square balers. New Holland’s Bob Hatz picked up the baler category award on behalf of the company, [...]
[...] also saw John Deere get two awards – for the DB120 planter and AutoTrac RowSense. Syngenta was honored with two awards for the Viptera corn seed trait and Avicta seed treatment. [...]
[...] I can’t believe I’ve done 250 of these. The first posted version of the ZimmCast was January 31, 2005! I wish I could say it seems like only yesterday but it really [...]
[...] highlighted the confusion the issue of indirect land use change has engendered for farmers. Chuck Zimmerman of AgWired summed it up in a report from the conference: Do you understand things like indirect land use when [...]
It doesn’t surprise me at all, considering all of the “free items” I used to receive for my previous donations. They play on the emotions to better their greedy pockets. It makes me sick just thinking about the “fingers twiddling” as the money rolls in from unsuspecting, generous and caring people. Answer, give to your local shelters!
Congratulations. This is one of the most importaant positions in the company and industry. They together will be the foundation of feeding the developed and underdeveloped communities.
[...] about some gadgets a number of times lately and am getting ready to do an updated version of my mobile ag journalism kit post from May of 2008. It’s going to be interesting to see the changes (and there are changes). [...]
I’ve recently become a fan/member of HumaneWatch.org. Can’t say enough positive about what I’m seeing from the Ag, Trucking, and Pet people out there. I’m talking about the responsible, caring, ethical people who practice animal husbandry or at minimum, have a common link to the business side of animal husbandry and animal welfare.
Here in Canada, we’ve not been hit as hard by the AR activists as the USA has – yet. But, there is no doubt in my mind that the insidious seeds of planned domestic animal extinction have been planted up here and it is only a matter of time before a sister to H$U$ becomes well established in Canada. They just need to get the right politicians elected so they can push their causes through the system. I want to take a proactive approach to helping stymie the AR Crazies’ efforts in Canada but am just beginning to arm myself with knowledge. It is a very long row to hoe without the resources of HumaneWatch, CCF, etc…
The greater success and noteriety that H$U$ experiences in its attempt to undermine laws designed to protect individuals and business, deceive ill informed and/or ill intentioned politicians into doing its bidding, convince celebs to be spokespeople for its twisted agenda, and dupe the general public into donating to their general coffers, the higher the impact in Canada will be. It is not that I only care about Canada – I care about the entire globe. However, at this point, my immediate concern is to affect my circle of contacts by disemminating information that is contrary to what H$U$, PETA, and the like purport.
Thank you for having Mr. Martosko as a guest. His polite and fair approach opposing the legitimacy of H$U$ was both inspiring and refreshing.
[...] posting what’s in my MOJO. I haven’t done this for a couple of years. You read the last post and compare what’s different. So here’s what’s in my MOJO (mobile journalism [...]
As someone in a similar line of work, it’s quite interesting to see a breakdown of your kit. One thing that’s piqued my interest, though; why three audio recorders and three video cameras? Have you thought about upgrading to the D300s and using the video on that?
I’d also be interested to hear about your video editing workflow.
On a side note and speaking with the voice of experience, I feel for your spine!
Thank you so much for allowing yet another venue to point to humanewatch.org and factual documents they provide to spread the word about HSUS. Wayne Pacelle does his best to try to undermine the effort to show the Animal Rights agenda for what it is by saying CCF and humane watch are radical front groups for tabacco and restaurants, etc. The fact is, it really doesn’t matter what you think of CCF or if you agree or disagree with what they do because it won’t change documented facts they provide. Just as the ‘horror’ videos the AR groups get publicized of bad ag animal practice and try to convince the public ALL ag animals are abused, they do the same with pet breeders. Pet breeders are fighting along with ag producers to defeat the lies with facts (many pet breeders are also ag producers) we hope the ag communnity will also help the pet breeding community, who also take good care of their animals. We all have a few in our chose animal fields who are bad apples and those are the ones the AR groups use against us to get public support. The animal industry if the US can be a formidable opponent to these radicals if we unite and work together to stop the deception. Thanks again for helping spread the word!
great job….Mississippi is fighting similar attacks…..how do we reach the folks in Mo. about their organization……..
Mississippi now has a clone of HSUS in tsheform of MS-FACTS a animal rights political action committee
our group MIssissippi Animal Legislation League is made up of animal owners, farmers, and actual shelters and rescue people….
would appreciate any information you cangive me….preparing to launch a campaign on the diffrence between animal welfare and animal rights………working with Ms. FArm Bureau…..
[...] way, I’m not quite as tech savvy as Chuck – who REALLY has his MOJO going. But we’ll be able to show you and let you hear from some of the good folks from BIVI who are [...]
[...] in the right direction. I’m anticipating we’ll see some increase in the blend rate,” said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack during a press conference at Commodity Classic when asked about EPA’s delaying the decision to increase the blend rate to [...]
The tax credit was meant to help a fledgling industry get on it’s feet and stand on it’s own. Needing the tax credit to exist means it is not viable but simply a farm welfare program.
[...] right direction. I’m anticipating we’ll see some increase in the blend rate,” said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack during a press conference at Commodity Classic when asked about EPA’s delaying the decision to increase the blend rate to [...]
I believe we are overlooking a couple crucial points in the ethanol debate. While every possible cost of producing corn is included when figuring the cost of ethanol no one is figuring the true cost of oil and gas such as the military cost of securing the region from which a huge portion of our oil orignates.During the 2008 presidental debate sen. gravel estimated the military cost alone to secure gas to be thee dollars per gallon.Secondly the envoirmental cost of cleaning up oil and gas spills in this country and the oceans is huge.US citizens are paying far more for oil and gas than the pump price but no one is reminding them of that.
Big oil gets $2 in “government subsidies” for every $1 the entire alt fuels industry gets.
That doesn’t count expenses like $50BB a year just to protect the Straits of Hemus fpr Big Oil to get their tankers through and on and on. Heard of “war for oil”. Who pays for that?
What about solar? It can’t exist without subsidies because coal plants can make electricity much cheaper. Should we shut that industry down too?
You need to see the bigger picture. At some point we have to cleanup our act and somethings are going to cost a little more to do that.
Heard of “cancer alley” in Louisiana? 150 fuel refineries in 100 miles. The highest cancer rates in the country. What does that cost? Of course it has nothing to do with the refineries.
Let alone THEIR KILLING PEOPLE!!!
Also, biodiesel supports over 100,000 American jobs for about $650mm in subsidies.
Beats any jobs bill I’ve seen.
That cost doesn’t include the offset from US revenues generated by the
billions of dollars of American Made clean burning fuel. 16 lbs of CO2 removed for every gallon of biodiesel.
60,000 deaths a year can be directly attributed to the breathing of diesel exhaust.
[...] has made a guess yet on the last “Guess Whose Boots” from Commodity Classic, but here is another pair that was spotted on the trade show floor. These “boots with [...]
[...] Security Symposium, which is sponsored by the organization. USGC Chairman Rick Fruth confirmed that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is expected to deliver the keynote address at the symposium, scheduled for April 7, 2010, in Tokyo, [...]
[...] capability that provides enhanced information management for growers and agribusinesses, and the EZ Surface Software provides surface drainage analysis and design for farmers and drainage [...]
[...] to an interview with TeeJet technology specialist Jon Reinecker conducted at the National Farm Machinery Show by Agwired reporter John Davis: pp_flashembed( [...]
[...] will launch an image and activism campaign to reinforce the importance of agriculture, according to NCGA President, Darrin Ihnen during a press conference at Commodity Classic. While many people are still confused about food versus fuel, an issue perpetuated by media around [...]
I have always admired Chip’s creative work with cars and trucks, and his talent is unquestionable. However, as a life-long Deere collector, I was horribly disappointed in this project. Chip took a classic 4020 nad made it into a freakin lawn tractor/model. Sorry Chip, no more tractors please.
I think it’s great that Deere went out on a limb and did something different. Great job Chip on making a great old tractor look like a completely different new, exciting, and unique machine. Why wouldn’t you try to bring new customers into Deere’s customer base? I’m looking forward to the Foose Gator next!
[...] Leader, Insect Management Traits & Seeds Treatments for Dow AgroSciences, is developing the new smart stack technology for corn with Monsanto. I spoke with Hendrix about the new smart stack traits in more detail during [...]
[...] NCGA program awards five $1,000 scholarships to college students studying agriculture, while the ASA program chooses one student to award $5,000. So, each year for the past three years, BASF has helped six students pay for their [...]
[...] I was able to do a quick interview with him while he was in the BASF exhibit presenting the annual BASF/ASA Scholarship award. He talked about the scholarship program, the attendance at Classic, his thoughts on Secretary [...]
[...] rainforest. Only then is the land converted to pasture and then to land for crops like soybeans. Sugarcane is rarely grown in the rainforest and Brazil doesn’t produce biofuels from corn. So what I just can’t seem to wrap my head around [...]
[...] wheat yields. One of the benefits he noted was that the Bio-Forge helped the plant to make a “massive root system” that enabled it to take up the nutrients from the [...]
[...] already met first place winners David and Sue Roehm in an earlier post. Today we meet Dave and Mary Jonas of Pinnconning, Michigan, one of two runners [...]
I became a fan of her facebook fan page just long enough to leave her a very pointed message. We are also thinking about eating burgers and brats at the Capitol on her Meatout Day which is also National Ag Day. If anyone is interested, please e-mail me at krissa.g.thom@gmail.com. If we are going to do this, we need the gathering to be big enough to make a point. We need to stand up for ag!
I really found this one hard to believe. Wish I could be there. Feel free to send me a photo if you’d like for a follow up on this story. I’m going to try her office tomorrow to see if I can get some kind of statement on why. It sure isn’t a way to say thank you to the people who are feeding the world!
Hmm… Michigan Meatout Day, huh? I think I shall celebrate by ordering a very large helping of steak, or burger, or ANYTHING meat on Saturday. We have plans to visit New Holland Brewing Company, and I’m pretty sure they list meat items on the menu.
Fruits and vegetables are better for us and most people don’t eat enough of them, why is she being demonized for promoting a healthy diet?
Plus the cruelty farm animals must endure for our burgers and pizza – calves being stolen from their mother at birth, de-horning, de-beaking, crammed cages, and most animals never go outside and are hardly allowed to move. Is there any way in the world God is happy with this system? Also, modern animal agriculture is polluting the planet more than transportation.
Tom, you obviously have no idea what you’re talking about when it comes to farm raised animals for meat consumption. There are plenty of studies to show that the bogus idea of animal agriculture “polluting” the planet is a myth. Feel free to eat vegan if you want.
We don’t need government telling us what to eat or not eat. None of its business.
I personally love eating fruits and vegetables along with a good steak or any type of meat. Every individual should take personal responsibility for their own eating habits.
This is the problem agriculture is having in the state of Michigan and all around the country. Agriculture is being criticized and blamed for everything and many of the people pointing fingers have no idea what they are talking about. First of all, livestock are just that live…stock…they were put on this earth to produce and work for us. That includes being used as a food animal. They have been for years and they WILL for years to come. Yes calves are seperated from their mothers, here again, this is what they are for. Have you visited a large scale operation before? They have done as much research as possible to make this necessary component as stress-free as possible. Livestock need to be de-horned for the safety of themselves, the other livestock, and the humans working around them. Obviously, you’ve never been around one with horns before. One of the reasons they de-beak birds is, again, for their own safety. Chickens will peck each other to death, it is their nature, again probably something you’ve never seen before, because had you seen it, you would understand why it is so necessary. I could go on and on as to why these practices are necessary from many standpoints including medical.
I suggest you do your research before commenting on such a sensitive subject next time and you really need to visit a farm.
[...] to obtain a short audio interview regarding the Governor’s decision to declare March 20, Michigan Meatout Day. I sincerely appreciate her calling me back so that we can better understand what in the world [...]
According to the Detroit Free Press, Spokeswoman Liz Boyd tried to restore calm this evening by saying the governor herself is not a vegetarian and is as likely to eat meat on Saturday as any other day (maybe a little more likely if her family ends up in front of the television watching NCAA basketball).
Sounds to me like a bit of a back tracking. I wonder how much money was promised or favors given for this proclamation.
I for one, am appalled. Not only as a supporter of all agriculture systems, but also as a tax paying American. Where does the government get off telling me what to eat? With the current state of economical affairs in Michigan today, seems like Jennifer might put her time to much better use than proclaiming this type of rhetoric at the “encouragement” of vegetarian and vegan activists.
First of all why is everyone getting so upset. It is about time someone stood up and spoke the truth about nutrition. Do you know that the meat and dairy industries have been confusing our kids and teachers for decades on this subject. please read the book the China Study and you will see how a plant based diet can reverse and cure heart disease. what could be wrong about that. you get so angry because the meat and dairy industries have brainwashed you to believe that meat is necessary when it is not true. And whoever made that statement about birds being debeaked and animals being dehorned for their own good. wow that is horrible. First every animal has a mother just like you and has a will to live. They exsist for their own reasons not for us. If the animals were not crammed so close together they would not have to mutilate them. . Milk from a cow is meant for a baby calve thats why she can grow so fast because it has lots of fat and is suited for her not for humans. read up on the studies and I encourage you to read that book or other books on the subject.
Just another normal day for our governor and our goverment.
Make decisions without thinking, really don’t understand what they are doing or saying.
She has promised us one thing, that she would blow us away.
She did, comments like no meat day, unemployement, companies and people moving out.
Great job
I am an animal science major at Michigan State University in my third year, so I assure you I have read plenty on livestock practices and how to protect the animals from each other. I also have worked under a large animal(food animal) veterinarian for the last six years and gone on countless calls with him so again I assure you I at least am educated on what I am saying when I say that the animals are dehorned and debeaked for their own good, and for the safety of the people around them.
Eating meat has worked for thousands of years, so yes that is why they are here. Some people just cannot get enough nutrients out of being a vegetarian. It may work for some people but I guarantee you with my fast metabolism, I literally would not survive without consuming meat.
Also, just a sidenote…”Milk from a cow is meant for a baby calve thats why she can grow so fast because it has lots of fat and is suited for her not for humans”…The proper thing to say would have been the milk from a cow is meant for a baby CALF…and the rest doesn’t even make sense, and just to let you know cows don’t drink milk their whole lives, humans are actually one of the only species that drink milk even in their adulthood.
I send my congratulation to such a visionary Governor.
The comments against the project are so poor and reveal the point of view of people who didn’t spend enough time on researching the question. First of all Idon’t believe animals were made to be explored by man with so much cruelty- from birth to death. Furthermore, I know people who don’t protein from animal food for years (including myself and some athletes) and have a good health.
It all started with “National Smoke Out Day.” Now cigarettes are taxed to the hilt(to pay for the obese health care) in Michigan and that led to a state wide smoking ban in public places. Ask yourselves is meat headed down the same road? Why don’t we have a “Sweet Out Day” or a “Fast Food Out Day” In this overly governed country anything is possible. Why we as tax payers don’t designate a “Tax Out Day” Where any one who still has a job left in Michigan, doesn’t go to work that day (Mi would loose income tax), and also on the same day, NO ONE should buy any goods that would lead to the State of Michigan receiving any kind of sales tax revenue. This country gets more and more communist everyday, trying to dictate to us what we can eat? I don’t see why anybody would want to come and live in this country. Disgusting!
Are you 5’0″ and weigh 100 lbs. even while eating meat and vegetables and fruit and junk food? I eat 3 meals a day and in between and I do not excercise or run. I have been tested for thyroid problems and all come back negative. So, no I guarantee you I would not survive without meat.
And I just do not understand where you all are coming from when you say that I need to do more research on the topics. That’s all I do. I go to school 9 months out of the year and exclusively study livestock. Can you say the same for yourself?
And you provided no counter argument against anything I said.
Do you also “send my congratulation to such a visionary Governor.” for taking away the Michigan Promise Scholarship. Yeah, do great on your MEAPs kids, we’ll give you a scholarship because you are the hope of our state. HAHAHAHA I guess that was a slap in the face for all of us college students and past high school students who worked our butts off to do well because we had some incentive, and what happened to our scholarship…ripped out from under us, yeah great governor and person.
“explored by man with so much cruelty”…just a sidenote I think you meant exploited by man not “explored”…maybe you should proofread (kind of like you said I should research)
Also worth noting, per the third “Whereas” — the last major outbreak of E-coli in this country was caused by fresh spinach — not meat!! Ergo, avoiding meat does NOT reduce the exposure to e-coli risks!
It is wise for the entrepreneur and commercial sector to get involved in the agriculture area, in an innovative and low-environment –impact way. I leave you here a Costa Rican’s company site, which is dedicated in that way to the agriculture area: http://www.primocompany.net. Please leave comments!
This is a hilariously convoluted (and, in many cases hugely ignorant) argument but, the facts are, humans subsisted for eons without animal flesh in their diets because our bodies simply aren’t designed for it.
It never occurred to early Homo Sapiens to eat flesh; their bodies (and ours) were never designed for it. Then (as now) we have no teeth designed for tearing flesh like ALL other carnivorous/omnivorous animals do. They didn’t even have fire to cook it with or the “tools” to deal with it.
Even better evidence is our long and convoluted digestive tract. In true carnivores like cats, it is as short as possible and designed to extract nutrition quickly and expel flesh byproducts as quickly as possible to protect the system. Dogs which are more omnivorous, have somewhat longer paths to help them deal with both flesh and other food substances. Herbivores (cows, humans, pigs etc) have long and complex digestive tracts to process foods other than flesh, the longer pathway being needed to breakdown other nutritive substances and conversely suffers from the prolonged exposure to toxic flesh byproducts.
Our basic physiology is clearly not designed to consume flesh in any form – it merely tolerates it to varying degrees. As humans evolved over time, a small degree of flesh eating became an adaptation over time as a survival means as humans moved to spread across the continents and had to deal with climate & environmental changes (moving close to desert areas, the ice ages, etc).
Look at most of the world’s cultures and nearly all cultures have consumed flesh in very small amounts and never until recent times, in today’s larger quantities. The good old USA really cranked up the flesh eating quota in the last century to absurd (and dangerous) levels and our modern health crisis does reflect that in all sorts of pathologies beyond just the “major” ones such as heart disease, diabetes,obesity, colon cancer); there’s no denying it.
Go ahead and eat flesh if you like it but then be willing to accept the health consequences too -just quit all the sniping; eating flesh is bad for our health and our bodies were NOT designed to ingest it.
The other issues of animal cruelty, the environmental and climate change consequences of large scale animal ag, transport, processing etc. are real and undeniable concerns too of course, so let’s stop denying them please.
But let us also recognize the facts of our own physiology; that IS the main issue. Nature has always done a good job of designing ALL its creatures efficiently and correctly. Like it or not, that includes us humans.
Silly arguments about “needing” to eat flesh to survive are just rationale. It’s simply not true. Our species would NOT have survived were that the case.
If nature intended us to eat flesh, our bodies would be designed to thrive on it. Argue all you want but, they’re simply NOT. We “choose” to do so in spite of that. And, we pay the health consequences accordingly.
Hey Thirdstone, which I assume is not your real name. You must live in another universe. I completely disagree with everything you’ve said because it’s so wrong. But thanks for registering your comment.
Thank you Chuck!
I feel like I’m alone in my arguments with these imbeciles.
I believe that diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are more likely caused by the donuts, ice cream, potato chips, etc. that people consume in much larger quantities than meat. And I hate to tell you that heart disease and diabetes are also caused for many other reasons than diet. Genetics, environment, amount of excercise, smoking, and overall lifestyle behaviors are more likely to cause these diseases.
You are not alone Megan. In fact, these folks are just a loud mouth minority. They have to make outlandish claims in the hopes someone will be stupid enough to buy into their emotionalism. I could care less if someone wants to be a vegetarian. I feel sorry for and resent the militant vegans who want to impose their views on others. They have a totally selfish outlook and don’t care about other people’s views. You are absolutely right in what you commented. Let’s hope more and more people will take responsibility for their own decisions and that includes choice of diet. Meat is part of a healthy diet. These folks are just trying to use it as as scapegoat and to further their own agenda.
[...] Hopefully it will be warmer than the midwest. I’ll be working with AGROTAIN and covering the International Conference on Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers. See you from there. 0 Posted by Chuck • March 22, 2010 • 8:22 amCategories: [...]
[...] heart of the issue when he criticizes highly publicized campaigns such as “Meatless Mondays” or the recent proclamation by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to create “Michigan Meatout Day” in the state, on the [...]
So true Cindy, it is definitely not paranoid when they are out to get you! And they ARE out there to put us out of business! I invite Facebook users to join a group named exPOSE HSUS and help to spread the TRUE STORY about HSUS.
Thanks Cindy for sharing. I guess I’m always a little paranoid when it comes to dealing with people who lie and will do anything to achieve an agenda. Agriculture guys are the good guys….HSUS is the bad guys, make no mistake about it!
I thought you had done it all… I typically can’t find stuff you aren’t topping!
I have my 4-H Key Award. and a long time 4-Her… Mom and Dad met related to 4-H. Mom was involved with 4-H for 65 years… We all should be outraged with 4-H providing any platform for HSUS…
Either a massive oversight, or a massive mistake… Keep digging and keep us posted.
Great review…I thought your quote, “One of the accessories I ordered is a VGA adapter so I can plug it into a projector. I’m intending to use the iPad for some of my presentations in coming months. ” about the accessories was really interesting. How much is that accessory?
Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us. Look forward to hearing more in the future.
I hope this wasn’t a paid author that typed this review. This is a sample of the worst writing on the web. The grammar and sentence structure are on a sixth grade level. Is this a blog? I hope so …
No Scott, unfortunately I didn’t get paid to write this. Thanks for your literary criticism. If you’re not sure about AgWired being a blog then you must not be very web savvy. Keep reading and you’ll get up to speed.
My question is how does it fare against a netbook? After all, the base device costs around $500 and you’ve ended up purchasing an external keyboard and VGA adapter. Why should I spend the money for all that when I can get a netbook with more features for nearly half the price?
Have you purchased e-books on it yet? I’m eager to hear how the reading experience is. After reading a lot of reviews here: http://bit.ly/a7GWvU I heard the backlighting is hard on the eyes.
Thanks for all the comments. Yes, I am a techno geek. I’m all about using them to earn a living!
The iPad will work anywhere as long as you can keep it charged. I’ve never used any store outside of US but would recommend you make purchases before an international trip so you’ve got content to watch/read/listen to on the way. I’ll be taking mine to Belgium next week.
I think the iPad is a good alternative to a netbook (I have an HP Mini 311) but one of the main limitations is inability to connect other devices via usb (card reader, printer, etc.). This is why I don’t think it really can replace a notebook or netbook. It really depends on how many and what type of applications you need to use.
ebooks don’t take up much memory. They’re small files since they’re just text. Now if they start making books with a lot graphics and internal functions, etc. it might be different.
I’ve only got one ebook so far but reading it is a great experience. The screen is beautiful to read on.
“work or your favorite coffee shop, which is where I’m tryping this (Coffee Zone).”
I’m guessing typing out messages still sucks like on the iphone if you are “tryping” out messages.
$500? I don’t know. I like the concept but for what it does it is over priced. I think e-readers are over priced to. When a tablet comes out in the $100 – $200 range I am sure I will buy one. Since I do not care if it is apple or palm or google I am sure I will not have to wait long. Battery life +, weight +, No flash – Price – -, Limited Ports I don’t know I guess I just don’t care much about that.
I would like something like this for a media center remote.
Typing on the iPad is a much improved experience over the iPhone. I’ve already typed longer messages and emails but it’s still a touch pad and therefore you can’t rest your fingers on the screen. In landscape mode, propped up, it’s not too bad.
However, knowing I want to type long message I like being able to turn on my bluetooth keyboard and type “normal.” I’m getting a stand to hold the iPad up in front of me while I use the keyboard in front of it or in my lap. It works very nicely.
I have used the iPad from fully charged for about 6+ hours which included open browser (watching some tv), email, reading, downloading/installing apps/books and reading. At that point it got down to about 65%. I have since recharged. That’s my best take on the battery life. Looks pretty good to me!
[...] announcements from SF for you so keep watching your AgWired feed wherever you get it (RSS, Text, Twitter, Facebook, FriendFeed, Widget, or just plain old visiting the website). Remember that [...]
[...] you of a great way to keep up with AgWired via your mobile phone. Besides the fact that AgWired is mobile phone browser friendly (it knows what kind of phone you use!) you can put that unlimited text plan to good use with [...]
Reporting from Tokyo with Marri, Chuck! The Global Food Security Symposium, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, is drawing a standing-room only crowd today! We have heard great panel discussions and a very compelling presentation from Dr. Robert Thompson with the University of Illinois. I’m sure Marri will be sharing more soon!
[...] works for GPN Agriculture in France, pictured here with Andrew Semple, VP International Sales, AGROTAIN. She says there’s a lot of pressure in France and other EU countries on the development of [...]
http://www.mikeroweworks.com/2010/02/mike-rowe-egg-farming-its-a-tough-job/
Hope this link goes through with my comment. This is the type of video HSUS does NOT want the public to see. It’s an entirely different world than what is portrayed in an animal rights video. It shows what a large farm is like when following the laws we already have in place. Healthy chickens, clean facilities, and no one treating the birds the way it’s shown by HSUS. What proof does HSUS offer in their videos that they were taken at the facilities they claim they were? What proof do they offer that it isn’t their own paid staff abusing the animals for the purpose of the videos? What scientific evidence do they provide the way Mike Rowe did by talking to professionals in animal care standards to back up their claims? What proof do they have that they spoke to and toured the facilities with as Mike did when walked through by the owenr himself?
Gassing the uused up hens, is the same method the hsus used when killing thousands of game fowl across the nation, and thousands of dogs by the hsus and peta. so what is wrong with the farmer useing this gassing method that they (the hsus)use the difference is when the farmer does it it is called crulty, when they (the hsus) does it is called saving the birds fron an inhumane death. BULL S—.
Annual U.S. corn ethanol production is currently about 12 billion gallons and is projected to increase to 15 billion gallons. Ethanol produces about two-thirds as many miles-per gallon as gasoline; therefore, 15 billion gallons of ethanol can effectively replace only 10 billion gallons of gasoline.
Ethanol production consumes significant amounts of energy. This includes the fossil fuels used to produce fertilizer, power farm equipment, and process corn into ethanol. Estimates of the actual amount of energy contained in corn ethanol compared to the energy used to produce it generally range from less than 1 to 1 to as high as 1.67 to 1. Even at the higher 1.67 to 1 ratio, 9 billion gallons of the 15 billion gallons of ethanol to be produced would be required to replace the energy used in production. The remaining 6 billion gallons of ethanol could effectively replace about 4 billion gallons of gasoline or about 3.3% of the estimated 120 billion gallons of gasoline used annually in the U.S.
The oil reserves in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) are estimated at 4.3 billion barrels or more. While this amount of oil is insignificant in comparison to our overall energy consumption, it dwarfs the amount of energy gained by converting massive amounts of food into ethanol. Each barrel of oil yields about 19 gallons of gasoline, 9 gallons of diesel fuel and several gallons of heating oil, jet fuel and other petroleum products. The 81 billion gallons of gasoline produced from 4.3 billion barrels of oil would replace the energy gained from producing 15 billion gallons of corn ethanol per year for 20 years. Some estimates of the ANWR oil reserves are as high as 16 billion barrels or enough gasoline to replace the energy gained from ethanol production for almost 75 years.
The wholesale price of ethanol is currently around $1.55 per gallon compared to $2.20 per gallon for wholesale gasoline. However, since ethanol achieves only two-thirds the mileage of gasoline, it should sell for two-thirds the price of gasoline or only about $1.47 per gallon. To replace a gallon of gasoline with ethanol, consumers pay for 1.5 gallons of wholesale ethanol, 25 to 50 cents per gallon retail markup on 1.5 gallons, and taxes to offset the 45 cents per gallon blender tax credit on 1.5 gallons of ethanol for a minimum total of about $3.40. Is that holding down the retail price of gasoline which is around $2.60?
Ethanol advocates claim that using corn to produce ethanol does not cause significant increases in food prices. They especially like to remind us of how little of the cost of a box of corn flakes is attributable to the corn content. Pilgrim’s Pride, a large U.S. chicken producer, filed for bankruptcy protection in late 2008. A major contributing factor was an increase of almost $1 billion per year in its feed costs. Producers of other animal proteins such as pork, beef, milk, and eggs have also suffered from increases in feed costs. These producers, out of absolute financial necessity, have significantly reduced production in an effort to force food prices high enough to offset their increased feed costs.
World fertilizer prices have shown wide fluctuations since 2005 when the Government mandated the increased use of corn ethanol. The production of nitrogen fertilizer requires large amounts of natural gas. Phosphorus is produced by mining phosphate rock, and potash is produced from mineral salts obtained primarily from deep mines. The U.S. has limited quantities of high quality phosphate rock and imports about 85% of its potash needs from Canada. How can we assume that we have the resources needed to indefinitely produce great amounts of crops for ethanol production while preserving the resources that will be needed by future generations to produce food?
The ethanol industry warns that 112,000 jobs could be lost if tax credits are discontinued. Ethanol production is not labor intensive. The typical 100 million gallon per year ethanol plant hires fewer than 50 people. The current production of 12 billion gallons of ethanol could be accomplished by 120 plants hiring fewer than 6,000 people. The 38% reduction in production projected by the industry would eliminate about 2,300 production jobs. Pilgrim’s Pride has reduced its workforce from about 55,000 to 41,000 since it began struggling with higher feed costs. Did those 14,000 job cuts result in the elimination of 672,000 other jobs?
The $5.4 billion tax credit represents $900,000 for each of the 6,000 people needed to produce 12 billion gallons of ethanol. It represents $48,000 per person for each of the total 112,000 people who would lose their jobs according to the claims of the ethanol industry. That is not a one-time credit that creates a lasting job but is given each and every year. This seems to be a terribly expensive way to create jobs. The elimination of the tax credit would mean that big oil companies would be paying $5.4 billion more in taxes every year that could replace an equal amount of the tax burden now shouldered by low and middle income taxpayers. The additional spending by those taxpayers is likely to provide a greater economic contribution than would additional profits for big oil companies and dividends for their stockholders.
Even with Government subsidies since 1978, the ethanol industry has not significantly increased the U.S. fuel supply nor has it achieved economic viability without subsidies and protective tariffs. While ethanol producers should have the freedom to produce and sell their product, the U.S. Government should not dictate the diversion of massive quantities of food to the production of expensive low-quality fuel. Let’s stop the mandates and subsidies and let the fate of ethanol be decided by the marketplace. Consumers should have the opportunity to make their own buying decisions rather than having those decisions made for them by the U.S. Government and the ethanol lobby that seems to exert such great influence on that Government.
You consider the Environmental Working Group, National Resources Defense Council and Friends of the Earth extremist groups?!! I know people in all three of these groups, and they are very level-headed, pragmatic and with a strong social conscience. Perhaps they are naiive at times as to what can be accomplished politically, but the last time I looked that wasn’t something that qualified somebody as extremist. If these groups are extremist, what do you call Al Qaida and the Klu Klux Klan?
Hey Walter. I almost deleted your comments since they don’t address the topic of the post at all. I wasn’t inviting a diatribe about ethanol policy. I was asking for ideas for how we can bring together agricultural interests that are divided on this issue. And I’d like to know why a group like AMI would side with organizations that don’t seem to have their best interests at heart. I went ahead and posted your comment to show how blind antagonists against developing biofuels like ethanol are. I guess your mantra is “don’t address the issue, just hammer out your policy points.”
Ron, are you trying to compare these groups to terrorists and racists? Some of groups that these associate with do come pretty close IMO. These groups practice the art of misleading information. They also make outrageous claims that directly contradict established research. If you look into the information provided by organizations like the NCGA you’ll find lots of resources that counter their claims.
Good ol’ Walter G is incorrect on nearly every point. I get about 12% fewer MPG on E85 than I do on gasoline- not 30% less. But I won’t belabor the point.
This much is true- there is a finite amount of oil out there. Whether we replace it with renewable fuels now, or 25 years from now, is really the only debate there is. Farmers in this nation will be dedicated to providing not only the food to feed us, but also the fuel we will need to get around in future years.
I don’t use gasoline- haven’t in three years- as I am a retired Army Officer, and I know how much oil actually costs, in terms of the blood of our nation’s soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. We NEED ethanol, and biodiesel, to provide a way to break our addiction to foreign oil.
Now- to the subject at hand- How do we provide BOTH food and fuel for the future? We learn that everything is a balance- it’s not one or the other. Farmers are doing incredible things with corn production- without expanding the amount of land, we are producing more and more corn crop each year. We can, and we will, produce both food and fuel in the future.
The truth is there are more than 4 billion bushels of corn sitting today in storage – we are producing more than we need to meet both needs. And we have the capability to do even more in the future. Besides- ethanol production also makes a heck of a lot of Dried Distiller’s Grain (DDG) which can be added to feed.
So it shouldn’t be a war between the two interests- both gain when DDG is produced. Both gain when there is a market for ethanol and for meat production. And we all gain when we are able to help break the addiction to foreign oil that is crippling our nation.
Feel free to delete the previous comments and I will try to be a little more constructive this time.
It is going to be difficult to get many dairy, poultry, and livestock producers to support the production of ethanol and especially government mandated and subsidized production of ethanol until they are able to recover from the financial disaster they have recently suffered. The severe economic recession of the past couple of years destroyed a significant amount of demand for their products. Even as they tried to cut production to match demand, that demand seemed to just keep shrinking. Their feed costs, while moderating from the extreme highs of 2008 have still remained well above the historical level established over many years.
While the government mandates that a certain amount of ethanol is consumed in the U.S. and rewards blenders for using the specified amounts, it does not mandate that certain amounts of chicken, beef, pork, etc. are consumed and gives little or no support to those producers when feed costs rise.
A good way to get more support for ethanol from meat producers would be to level the playing field at least a little. The ethanol industry could advocate some degree of government assistance to other corn users when corn prices spike. Is the ethanol industry willing to set some lower limits on its production if we have a severe crop failure? It must appear to many producers that the government is willing to do whatever it takes to make the ethanol industry viable while seeming to care little about the other industries that depend on an affordable supply of corn. I think meat producers would like to see a little more understanding of the challenges they face and some safeguards against possible extreme increases in the cost of corn.
US tax payers pay well over $2.00 a gallon in direct and indirect taxes for the high priced gasoline sourced from Persian Gulf crude oil. Do we pave the streets of the Middle East with our blood and hard earned income or do we invest in ourselves? The solution is to pay those corn farmers for producing FUEL, food, and fiber. Competition from farmers throws the oil industry from an oligopolistic market player to one of perfect competition; thus, reducing overall fuel prices. Farmers should not have to bend down to the huge US food processors and grocery chains. By preventing the growing ethanol market, the food processors make greater profits for themselves off the backs of farmers.
“These groups practice the art of misleading information. They also make outrageous claims that directly contradict established research. If you look into the information provided by organizations like the NCGA you’ll find lots of resources that counter their claims.”
I assume that you are being ironic. Because that is exactly the view of that those who are skeptical about biofuels have in respect of the organizations that represent that industry.
This post by Kent State University p.r. professor Bill Sledzik addresses same topic: “Are PR pros tomorrow’s journalists?” http://bit.ly/bHB4Rn
But my concern, as voiced by Sledzik, is this: “Can the watchdog function of media operate in such a system?” No, of course, not. And the general public will also see the source of this “news” for what it is: p.r. Will that create larger distrust of agriculture if the slick p.r. message is louder than the objective message?
It’s a great opportunity for corporate communications and organization public relations, no doubt, but we cannot pretend it is something it’s not: news.
Sledzik said it better than I could: “It’s the fox guarding the hen house. It can work, but first you gotta convert the fox into a vegetarian — and that’s not in his DNA.”
I would disagree about media not being able to operate in this system. It is operating in the system. Some companies better than others. It’s not like we have never seen the watchdogs letting their political views and advertisers influence their supposedly unbiased reporting either. We’ve also seen corporate pr efforts fail miserably when outed (if they tried to hide it), mostly by consumers themselves!
Bottom line is we have no choice in the matter. Consumers decide today how/when/where they get their “news.”
I believe technology is providing great information flow opportunities. Call them whatever you will. Unless big brother clamps down we’ll never see things be the way they were.
Not everyone distrusts agriculture and I don’t know if we’ve seen a slick pr message that’s louder than an objective one. Of course I don’t know how you define objective or louder. I’m sure you’ve been called a mouthpiece for big ag by certain critics just because you work for an ag news company. Ag’s critics don’t really care to look beyond the superficial.
Farmer and dog owner….while this has been happening do dog owners for years, take a lesson, Wayne will start driving up in the “swat van” for a “deployment” equipted with legal looking badges and jackets that look authorative – yet they have no authority to do anything. A couple of states have started rewarding them with property of the owner of the animals confiscated, and in one case the owner was found innocent but his property was confiscated and would you believe awarded to HSUS? Gosh that gives them an incentive to take more animals and their animal rights swayed vets to say abuse, deplorable conditions etc. when there was none. Gosh if every state did this, HSUS will be much less in debt than the US Government and couls start targeting those with large acreage. Beware to all fellow farmers, HSUS is a real threat to every animal that is “used” or comes in contact with “humans”. I take care of my cattle but I know I am raising them to die to feed americans, and I can not wrap my mind around becoming vegan in order to show compassion for animals. Yes sometimes I hate to see some go, am not hard harted it is just the realization that they are raised for food. But then again I guess Wayne will show us the way to veganism once we all surrender to his perpetual laws to end animal ownership. Josh I want to see another video……
The reality is that we’re both competing for a slice of someone’s time — whether we’re journalists or PR people. I hear a lot of journalists worrying about the future of journalism, but a lot of times I think they’re actually confusing self-righteousness with resistance to change.
The reality is that people prefer to get their information these days (whether it’s “pure news” or pr) from a multitude of sources — blogs, news sites, chat boards, videos, etc., etc. — and the sooner journalists stop fussing about these sweeping changes and start finding ways to embrace and shape these opportunities, the better off they’ll be.
The days of the paperboy tossing the morning news onto our front porch are long gone.
On more thing: The American Angus Association belongs to most of the organizations that you listed above. I wonder if in 10 years we won’t see a convergence of these organizations to reflect the multi-media approach that many of its members are currently undergoing.
I’m not sure I can even add anything to what you said. I’ve been planting the seed of ag comm organization convergence for a while now. We’re members of all them too and have many friends within all of them. But if we’re all doing essentially the same thing then will our budgets continue to allow us to actively participate in all of them? How about the sponsoring organizations too?
[...] work load to just relax a little bit. Of course not everyone was relaxing. There was the team of Bob Brunker and Jeff Jackson working the new grill and cranking out the burgers. I had mine with crumbled blue [...]
As the mom of a child who has food allergies this seems great! I don’t know that I would use it all that much though bc I would still need to physically read the actual label to feel good about it. Thankfully our son is so much better since we started giving him Belly Boost probiotic though. He had such severe Eczema due to food intolerance and now looks and feels great! We do still avoid some major allergens though.
[...] Agwired readers may remember the lovely and talented Laura McNamara who did quite a bit of work for us back a couple of years ago. Among many of her assignments was [...]
Just a correction on the ANWR figures listed in the first comment by Walter G. Sorry to nitpick but…
The USGS 1998 report on ANWR “in-place” reserve estimates were 16-42 bbls (high / low estimate), of that amount using a mid 1990s average of 37% technical recovery rate (today recovery rates are above 60%), the USGS estimated 95% probability of 5.6bbls, a mean average (50% probability) of 10.4bbls, and a 5% probability of 16bbls. Those figures, again, based on a 37% recovery rate, making them completely out of date with todays technological capabilities. The “4.3″bbls number quoted by Walter G. was taken from the USGS estimates of “Federal Land Only”, within the 10-02. The 10-02 contains Federal, Native and State lands, thus his figure quoted is incorrect as stated as an ANWR total reserve.
Wow. I’m most humbled Cindy. Thank you for your support and touching words.
Please know that I credit you and Chuck with offering my first true opportunity to begin living the life I’ve always dreamed of… working with you both was a crucial step into achieving all that I’ve come to achieve so far. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
[...] Walter, Agriculture.com, about trends in ag media today and what he sees in the future. John is a social media superstar and very proud of the company’s young farmer social networking site, Farmers for the Future. [...]
[...] interviewed Agrisure Marketing Manager Tracy Mader last fall about the trait prior to the regulatory approval. You can also find out more on the [...]
Sorry Nat but you miss the point. Although everyone is entitled to their opinion this is a government agency website and by allowing an intern to voice their opinion in this manner it gives the impression that it is approved by and reflective of the agency’s regard for American farmers and ranchers. That is wrong and needs to be pointed out as we done. Please look through the comments left on that blog post and you’ll see quite a bit of agreement with our opinion.
[...] Last night while the judges were relaxing in preparation for today’s Student Marketing Competition, the students were doing a little prepping themselves. All around the Hyatt, you could see members of the 31 competing teams practicing their presentations, Q&A’s and making final tweaks. [...]
[...] all know that John Walter is a social media superstar. Now he has his very own Twitter Bird. Cindy presented John with Ollie the Twitterbird at the end [...]
im Dying to get my hands on a ipad its been delayed all i can do is watch some unboxing videos i hope it out soon found a really cool ipad video at http://mac-gear.co.uk/ipad-review/ cant wait to get one soon
Very good interview with Stephanie. She is a very hard worker and well deserving of this award. She will always be a credit to agriculture and leadership in the ag community.
What make/model of card reader are you using? I tried with mine (a Belkin multi-format card reader) and got a message saying that it uses too much juice.
I use a Lexar Professional CF/SD reader. I have used an Apple wireless keyboard with it but not at same time the cam connector was attached. Had no problem with it then.
Email Marketing does not have to mean only mass emails.
Companies invest a great deal in their website which is often the only “store” where they showcase products and services. The challenge is to drive people to the website but as we all know, more people in the store will lead to more sales. Corporate employees send emails every day to clients, prospects, friends and others but these are plain emails that do not generate any traffic to the website.
WrapMail offers a solution that does not require any installation but that seamlessly adds interactive letterheads (designed by the client) to every outgoing email so that each and every one becomes a promotional piece for the company and when clicked delivers the reader to the website. Furthermore the solution tracks the clicks and reports who is clicking on what and when (also in real time), turning the system into a research tool.
This “hidden” advertising medium is probably the most viral available and the least costly, WrapMail only charges $5 per user per month.
[...] He started right out making sure that I knew that the “We Hate Sheep” theme is metaphorical. As he puts it, “We hate sheep-like marketing.” John says the company has been growing their ag business. They work for clients like Merial Animal Health, Dairy Farmers of America, Cargill Meat Solutions and others. He says they work from farm to plate. To producers on behalf of producers. SHS was very successful in the Best of NAMA competition with a Best of Show – Advertising [...]
Thanks for pointing out email is the “backbone” of the ongoing strategy for keeping customers connected to the brand.
And you are so right on about email performs best when married to other forms of digital communication (mobile, social). It is vital in helping create “brand fans” who will help spread the message.
In fact it leads into the following that relates to plans and planning.
No marketing plan or calendar should be set in stone! No matter how effective your plan may be, chances are, it will have to be altered at a given time; due to what your competitor(s) is doing.
We have all been in a situation in which, we feel heavy frustration from the fact that we have to change the plan – that we once considered our ‘baby’ – in order to counter what it was that another company was coming to battle with.
Even the actions of your clients, future clients or suppliers can take you by surprise – to the point of startling you – and force you to change the way in which you had set out to do things. In other words, you must be ready for anything. You must have flexibility. You must expect the unexpected!
Now, don’t feel as if you have to be a psychic. Don’t feel overwhelmed at the thought of needing a business and marketing plan so flexible that it takes away from the overall aim and goals that made you ‘hungry’ to run your particular business in the first place!
There is an easy way to be sure that you can continue to have success in the future – if you just start off with flexibility in mind! The best way to do so is to have a marketing calendar that is flexible and built to adjust itself when the time comes to do so.
P.S. Who else would love getting Monday Morning E-Mail Reminders with all your marketing strategies and tactics you’ve planned for the week.
P.P.S. While in the Fast Marketing Plan site, click the link in the lower right and you’ll start making 50% ongoing monthly income from everyone you refer.
[...] the Show Director for the American Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). This past January, AEM held its first agricultural trade show, the Ag Connect Expo. Sara told me that it was a great first show. “We are very pleased with the results and it [...]
Yes that is good news but does this mean that industrializing the farming process has improved efficiency or other factors are overlooked. GMO crops produce more for less with less fertilizer but are horrendously bad for the environment and are directly responsible for the BEE death syndrome. See Dan Winters report. Being more efficient is not the answer. The quality of products produced and the ability for the farms to continue production with great quality soil not needing artificial fertilizers is the way to go , what are the stats in this regard. By saying cows consume less food, what food are they now consuming is it as good as prior or just going to add to further mad cow disease? The above information is vague at best and misleading at worst.
Looks like a bunch of BS to me Anthony. Bee die off? Lots of ‘em around here. GMO’s bad for the environment? No data to back that up. Lots to the contrary though. Efficiency not important? Tell that to starving people. Further mad cow disease? What in the world are you talking about? Very specific information in the above. Not vague at all.
[...] is AEM’s Show Director and she says they were happy with the very first AG CONNECT expo held this past January in Orlando. “We are very pleased with the results and it really [...]
[...] What upset me is that there are so many companies and organizations engaging in campaigns against production farming. Ironically, at the same time, there are companies and organizations trying to end organic farming [...]
Sorry. I didn’t see the Triscuits campaign as smearing anyone, but instead as an opportunity to get more Americans outside connecting with food, one another, their past (if I wanted to be poetic about it) and, frankly, those in agribusiness who put the food on our plates en masse. I don’t remember if you posted on it but based on this one you probably were also not a fan of last year’s Campbell’s Grow Your Soup effort.
I’ll keep reading your blog, though. You bring a lot of insights and travel coverage which I appreciate and, frankly, which make me a better agrimarketer.
[...] iPhone App For Humane Foodies AgWired I’m pretty sure most AgWired fans like a good steak or hamburger and some, myself included, like a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Right? [...]
[...] Joanna Schroeder interviewed Pioneer’s Bill Belzer about the product last year as they were awaiting approval. “What this technology does is allow [...]
[...] to encourage farmers to buy their seed. This year, Successful Farming (SF) conducted a seed study, (and they also do a Farmer Insight Study each year) one that they have done every two years for the past 12 years. This year, there was a pretty big [...]
It’s actually not the adapters fault that you can’t use a projector. It’s just that 99.9% of apps don’t have video-out support. It’s something the app developers are responsible for adding. So far there is literally only 1 app that has video-out programmed in. iPhone/Touch owners have to jailbreak their phone to get all their apps to have video out. I don’t know of a way to break an iPad in the same way yet. I bought this projector ( http://www.aaxatech.com/products/m1_micro_projector.htm ) to go with my iPhone, jailbroke it, and installed an app that lets all of my programs run through the video out. Until the same thing comes out for the iPad users are out of luck. Hope that helps!
[...] of us still have the sting of “Michigan’s Meat Out Day” on our mind. Among the purported reasons for reducing (or eliminating) meat from your diet [...]
Chuck,
This is a simple gadget, nothing fancy but I used it all the time when I was giving lots of presentations. A wireless presenter that stores in your PCMCIA slot. Of course if you have a mac it is probably not as useful!
Here is an example. Mine is similar and I got it at Radio Shack for about $20. http://www.techstyleuk.co.uk/index_files/mwp.htm
[...] that they are labeling all of their fruit and produce by country, and sometimes, city of origin (also known as food labeling a separate topic for discussion). The idea is to support local farmers first, and then to support [...]
Like most who argue this debate you forgot about the water. How much water will future crops suck up to feed mankind? We’re already overusing our blue water–the underground supplies–and as we export grain, we’re also exporting our own water supplies.
[...] gals who are NAFB old-timers got together and bought the weekend at Al and Sara’s up for bid at the NAFB Foundation auction last fall. That included myself, Cyndi Young and Anita Vanderwer (both with Brownfield), Cindy [...]
[...] The Alltech International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium has concluded. For our closing we heard some final words from Dr. Pearse Lyons who was then joined on stage by some of the great voices we heard at the opening International Dinner. [...]
Does Alltech who are sponsoring horse events in Kentucky aware that HSUS has squirmed it’s way into the Us Equine Federation??????
If so..do you suppose they could get HSUS out? The ASPCA is also involved…both groups are going to be proscuted under the RICO laws….HSUS and the ASPCA are both to be avoided like the plague.
Sincerely
Mary Verbeck Pomeroy – South New Berlin, NY – I may live in a town with 4 streets BUT I read and I vote.
Yes Alltech is aware of HSUS having a booth at the the games. I don’t think they’re too happy about it since they are the sponsor. They have been encouraging farm groups to participate but I don’t think they’ve had much luck with that. They brought this up openly at their closing session this week.
I’ll be doing a post on this very subject in the next couple days. Thanks for your comment!
[...] International executive vice president Giovanni Gasperoni is excited about the company’s new acquisitions announced this week, IQF Group in Spain and IQF-ENAMEX in [...]
Contrary to Mr. George’s opinion above, I would think that USDA believes that the “firewall” between policy activities and checkoff-funded activities would constitute more than a simple (or even complex) accounting firewall. I believe they would prefer some separation of staff duties and assignments.
Actually, it does have everything to do with dairy farms in general! This is NOT isolated abuse, especially in Ohio and even across the entire country. The ag industry is not run properly or even kept a close eye on. That is how this abuse can happen and how it happens all over the entire U.S. I am not a vegan activist, however I have educated myself enough to know that the entire ag industry is not even kept in proper order and many of these farms run on their own. The people hired are after money, have major psychological issues and have never been shown that animals do indeed have feelings. Not to mention how unsanitary it is for these men to be beating these animals and all over them and talking about downed cows, hurting them and then sending them to slaughter. That is what you are eating and what happens in farms ALL over the U.S. To say this has nothing to do with the dairy industry is an absolute excuse and completely ridiculous. Support caring farmers or kill this animals yourself for meat. Until you stop paying for someone else to do YOUR dirty work, then this abuse will stop.
Alicia I understand how this video can create intense emotions. However, your claims are unsubstantiated. You’re making statements as if they’re facts when the facts of this completely isolated event haven’t even been found out yet. This does not happen at farms all over the country or even in Ohio. If you would take a little bit of time to look into this further you’ll find plenty of information that has been published on the subject by legitimate organizations and individuals in response to this incident.
Campaign for Liberty member Dale Peterson is on the verge of winning the second most important position in Alabama – this would be great for the liberty movement.
We have volunteers driving in from all over to help out. If you can’t come to Alabama, visit http://www.dalepeterson2010.com – we sure could use donations to keep his ad on the air.
“Tired of the whole Ohio dairy animal abuse story.” Really? It’s that very attitude that guarantees the mistreatment of animals will continue. The need to get on to the next news assures that the horrible treatment of the the cows in Ohio will be swept under the carpet in no time. The torturers thank you.
Thank the cows? Forcing them to give up their babies isn’t much of a display of gratitude. Neither is shipping them off to the slaughterhouse once they are no longer producing enough milk.
[...] Corn Growers Association. From there he’ll head to the Carolinas to ride and drive new Gator Utility Vehicles with John Deere. Make sure you follow @AgriBlogger and AgWired to keep up with all the [...]
comming from a dairy farm.. i can say that you are clearly not educated about anything that has to do with the ag industry and your just another ignorant person who has no clue. watching this video makes me sick. but its no different then someone who beats on their pet. or even their child. so i guess that we should just kill all the cats, dogs, horses and any other pet in the world and kill all the children also.. that would solve all the problems yes?
[...] Bill making some opening remarks prior to the first home game of the Normal CornBelters in the Corn Crib. I spoke to him about this new franchise and what he thinks about the support of Illinois Corn [...]
[...] But, the change is a lot more than just a way of getting the word out, the internet also allows local food providers to be able to build a community around their food. Facebook, Twitter, and email newsletters all can help local producers build a following. The good news is that local food purchasers seem to want to connect in virtual and real communities. These people like to get to know each other and their local food producers. For more info on social media and where it fits into farming, see my interview with Chuck Zimmerman at http://agwired.com/2009/12/30/chicago-f … ial-media/. [...]
[...] an earlier post, John wrote about the National Pork Board’s (NPB) celebration of its Pork Quality Assurance Plus program and the milestone of having nearly 60 percent of all hogs in the U.S. and nearly 50,000 producers [...]
[...] the meantime you can see and hear the launch in my post from last night. So I hope you enjoy. 0 Posted by Chuck • June 10, 2010 • 7:56 amCategories: John [...]
[...] There are many elements of a pig producer’s operations that could affect both pig health and his bottom line. One such factor is the quality of animal feed. Poor quality can spell trouble for the pigs….illness, depressed growth and lower birth rates just to name a few. To learn more about how to address problems with feed and some options for improving feed quality, I spoke with Scott Moore, Regional Sales Manager for Novus International. [...]
[...] outside the Novus International tent was served up without decoration, but was just as tasty. After the crew at Novus carved the pig, the lines were long but it was worth the wait. The pork literally melted in your [...]
[...] roasted pigs were carved for the crowds. novus at 2010 world pork expo … Continued here: AgWired » Blog Archives » World Pork Expo GM Thrilled with Crowds World china, crazy, crowds, expo, hour, midday, pigs, pork, time, torrential, [...]
[...] its latest report on improving sustainability efforts with agricultural biotechnology, according to AgWired. The report, released at the end of May, stresses the importance of environmental and economic [...]
[...] also talked to me about Novus’ recent acquisitions of Albion and IQF-ENAMEX and how they have helped strengthen the company’s product lines and offerings [...]
I would love to get more information on the behalf of Alliance Tire Americas,Inc.
I posted this to Twitter and facebook. Facebook | Alliance Tire Americas, Inc. http://ow.ly/1YLPW
[...] I’m the last to know about the sport of pig racing. While I was at the World Pork Expo (WPX) last week, I watched a few of these cute little pigs race to the finish line. The motivation to race? A Fig [...]
The social media guru at the ACE#2010 recommends that we actually post relevant content to our blogs, Twitter, etc. Good thing that we have a lot of information to share.
“Corn growers have been the hardest hit by those who criticize the sustainability of production agriculture, despite the fact that we are growing more on less acres using less inputs than ever before. ”
Probably true – But the corn growers are also beat up by companies like ADM that underpay for the feed to their ethanol empire and “manipulate?” futures contracts to make sure they do not pay too much for what they need.
I, too, witnessed the piglet races – a fine example of Americana for sure. On another note, it was very nice to NOT have to talk about H1N1 at this year’s event and to see some optimism in the global pig market.
[...] Swine health is of the utmost importance for producers and the use of antibiotics has often been used to keep the pigs healthy. Yet a few years ago, the European Union passed legislation that limited the use of antibiotics for animal health. Since then, many of these producers have been using organic acids to help improve pig health with great success. [...]
[...] these issues are so important, I sat down with Helen Stebbens, Ph.D. in Pig Nutrition for Novus Europe to discuss organic acids, an alternative to antibiotics that have been used with much success [...]
[...] The biggest news out of the recent BASF Agricultural Solutions Media Summit was the first Eco-Efficiency Analysis for corn in the Midwest, both with and without the fungicide Headline. The reason it was relevant is that it shows the potential for measuring sustainability. [...]
I truly miss Paul Dana and working with him. I’ll never forget hearing the news to of the wreck that ended his short life after just interviewing him about ethanol. The work continues on…
Great post! I concur 100%. Perhaps for the larger companies, it is best to have an external training consultant with someone like yourself. That way they can look at all the options, before scuffling about addressing the issue internally. Small companies on the other hand have the ability to adapt more quickly, which is to their advantage. Small organizations benefit from the transparency enormously. Big companies can too, but they seem to be more reluctant in many cases because top management doesn’t want to relinquish control. My question is – what are they hiding if they are afraid to embrace transparency. Nobody is saying they have to share their secret sauce! We’re just asking to engage in conversation. We wonder if they are listening.
Thanks for bringing that article to our attention. I think that most companies and businesses are having a hard time grasping the Web 2.0 culture of social media and word of mouth marketing (WOM). What I mean is that content, comments, conversations, the messages are not in control of the business or company or individual. Social media is participatory and a good social media strategy should embrace allowing the consumers to shape the conversation about them. Rapid response with a real conversation is the best way to deal with a naysayer or disgruntled client/customer. So reputation management is also a huge part of a good social media strategy too.
Thank you for creating this video for the public to learn about our industry ! You did an awesome job, too !
I am also a pork producer, and I thoroughly enjoy what I do each day with the sows and their litters . Our sows receive attention and lots of petting, and they are able to stay in our herd for quite a long time, because of our biosecurity and health.
Chris,
Thank you for creating this video for the public to learn about our industry ! You have done an awesome job, too !
The sows at our farm receive attention, and lots of petting. We are able to keep our sows as long as we want, due to biosecurity and herd health.
We wish the best for you,and your family. Take care,
….and I thought the animal care board was going to use logic and science……we will all see prices rise out of sight and that is just what HSUS in in hopes of….pushing that meat and eggs farther away from the table. I just hope that Ohio farmers will not be the loosers but the agenda of HSUS is to end all animal use….eventually.
Suckered in again by animal rights .. when will people ever learn that there is NO benefit to negotiating with terrorists.. and that is exactly what happened.. CAVED IN . of course the HSUS had a press release.. they knew they would find NO resistance when push came to shove.. people are AFRAID of them.. why?/ I have no idea…there is NO “common ground” with animal rights people .. NONE.. OHIO BIG MISTAKE.. you can kiss your farmers goodbye.. if that is the “best” they could do.. then it is a sorry state of affairs in Ohio.. watch the HSUS crow about this.. and why.. MO’money.. Mo’ money..Mo’money.. the HSUS ultimate goal .. is NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS and NO PETS.. and Ohio walked right into the trap..
as Churchill said:
An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.
How does the Governor make a “deal’ with an organization that is a private one .. and a “charity” to boot.. located out of his state? Do you not have a constitution? don’t these measures need to pass in your legislature? Since when does the Governor have the ability to cut deals to keep measures off of the state ballot.. ?? Is your Governor a KING?? sounds like someone who does not need reelecting.. ( you do still have elections in Ohio right?)
all of you do realize.. the HSUS is NOT a government organization no matter what Pacelle tells you..your Gov is now a puppet of the HSUS..listen to this and listen to Wayne pull the strings.. remember that song “I’m Your Puppet”.. well sing it long and loud Ohio.. you have become the newest puppet state of the HSUS…as they work to remove animal husbandry from your state.. and your pets from your homes.. a sad sad day for Ohio..
How disgusting that Ohio caved to the “animal rights” industry leader. I PREDICT–H$U$ will be back again *demanding more concessions* and wanting an even bigger role. H$U$ wants to control and destroy over time the human/animal bond, and our weak-spined legislators are bending over with heads in the sand saying, “kick me again”–and H$U$ will do that. You CANNOT compromise with the “animal rights” true believers–they will just incrementally peck you to death with legislation.
To JanA: Animals are living, breathing creatures, with various I.Q levels. When you step on your dog’s toe, it feels pain, just as your baby would feel pain. I came to Ohio to help collect signatures for the HSUS ballot. I talked to quite a few farmers. I was disturbed by the fact that the farmers kept referring to their farm animals as the”PRODUCT.” When I would attempt to discuss the cruel confinement issues, the response was ,”they are confined in these ways because it’s most ECONOMICAL.” Farmers had very cold, sterile attitudes toward the animals. One farmer actually said,”I don’t believe in cruelty to animals, I’m a farmer.” So much for LOGIC and SCIENCE!
This could be the worst deal yet for animal owners yet unless we can either compel this “Livestock Care Standards Board” to renege on this diabolical deal or eliminate this board entirely. The HSUS won against Ohio’s state government by intimidation.
How could they yet fail to know that the HSUS is a lying, swindling animal rights organization? It has even been named as a supporter of terrorism. Ohio should be fighting these people tooth and nail. Compromise with these people means that they will be back for more.
And who is going to do what to “restrict” exotic animals and what business does the HSUS have trying to dictate this to anyone? Had to find someone to throw under the bus, did you? If you want to throw someone under the bus, throw that greasy pinstriped Chicago mobster under the bus and drive it back and forth over the nasty so and so.
This may turn out to be the worst thing that the agriculture industry in Ohio has ever done to itself. You do not appease people like the HSUS. The only right thing to do to them is to destroy them.
I don’t think Ohio Ag caved. 1) U.S. veal producers’ association had already planned to phase out veal crates by 2017, so that was going to happen (by ag’s decision) anyway, and 2) the moratorium on new battery cage poultry operations is a decison by the governor, which OPA agreed to. If Ohio elects a new governor in Nov. that decision can be overturned immediately. There is no law saying defintely no more cages, etc. 3)This decision affects gestation crates for hogs (not farrowing crates) and fifteen years from now we may have come up with a better way to care for pregnant sows – a lot can happen in 15 years! As for the puppy mills and exotic animal stuff, its just that, stuffing. If you listened to the press conference or read the releases, there really isn’t any thing “hard and fast” there – just recommendations or supporting statements. Before everyone acusses Ohio Ag of selling out, think about those things. No HSUS is not a governmental organization, but they are a very strong (well-funded) lobbying organization. This agreement will prevent another hugely expensive ballot issue (which Ohio just had last year) and allow the OLCSB and the commodity organizations to focus on more important issues than whether or not HSUS is going to force another ballot issue. Ohio Ag will keep up their end of the bargain, lets just hope HSUS will, too (they seemed so happy with it, they should)
Someone had better be aware that doing this encourages the terrorists. The animal rights terrorists got worse in Iowa after they got their exotic animal bill passed, then they went after regulations that make things nearly impossible for dog breeders, and they are putting their own people in animal control and everywhere else they can cause trouble. Iowa has also had to go underground with animal testing, literally.
When you appease terrorists and bullies they get worse. People who appease terrorists and bullies do not deserve better than that, either.
Make a deal with the Devil and you change, the Devil doesn’t. H$U$ now has a foothold in Ohio that they should never have been given. They can crow and posture like the bullies they are. Insofar as those who compromised, wait for the other shoe to drop–Ohio animal owners won’t like it.
Insofar as animals being a PRODUCT, yes they are if raised commercially, and making a profit is NOT a bad thing–in fact, it’s necessary to stay in business. That doesn’t mean less care, and in fact, if you have a product to sell, are you going to damage it and thus dimiknish or destroy its value? No.
Kathy says it all.. she “came to Ohio”.. Paid by ht HSUS?? probably.. many signature gatherers were paid.. and offered PRIZES for the most signatures.. Kathy.. a baby is NOT the same as a dog.. so much for logic and science is right..
Elaine.. you are DREAMING.. HSUS has NEVER “held up their end of the bargain”.. they are incrementalists.. biting off a bit of the apple at a time.. they are in NO hurry.. each inch forward is another inch toward the goal of NO ANIMALS.. they do not care how long it takes.. they are a CULT..
as for throwing pet animal breeders under the bus.. yes they did…when the next ‘puppy mill” bill comes around the HSUS will be there.. whispering in the ear.. and lining the pockets.. of every legislator.. “remember what you promised… the only way to get rid of these cultists is to STOP SENDING THEM MONEY.. they thrive in the element of greed and lies.. and money greases the wheels….
Friends DON’T Let Friends Donate To the HSUS
Think about it. They swindled Ohio into trading almost everything that the HSUS wants for one thing that the HSUS wants, and none of that is anything that the HSUS is entitled to.
Every signatory to this agreement needs to lose their job, particularly Wayne Pacelle. This is actually so wrong that the HSUS should be disbanded for thinking of it, somehow coercing a state to sign an illegal and wrong contract.
[...] Wisconsin Cheese CupidAgWiredPairs wine, beer, and liquor with appropriate cheeses. • Filters by beverage category (eg, Red Wine) and beverage style (eg, Merlot). …and more » [...]
[...] For Animal Care continue to fight the HSUS battle by releasing another video to help create public awareness. Our mission is to promote and protect [...]
I don’t understand why the animal rights groups don’t fund the local shelters so they can cover the laws that already exust. Maybe there isn’t enough abuse that really goes on to warrant the dollars and time. Why make new laws when the ones that exist cover any problem that arises? Keep up the fight. It is worth winning.
Well first off people have to realize that you are dealing with a criminal gang called HSUS. They dont care about you or your pets. Its all about the donation and creating strangle holds around all animal regulation, laws or private proterty issues.
The battle is more towards Urbanites verse Rural than anything and those that are not surrounded by farming or ranching communities who really have no business in discussing animal related issues. Personally I seen this play out before and seen the cockfighting bill pass with only support from 4 counties out of the 100 plus. Point is unless everyone that is involved in the any form of Animal Industries and get this out of the average Joe citizen hands we all will be wishing someone would have stood up at the beginning of this money grabbing power hungry group call HSUS.
Maybe you better hang onto some of your grandfather’s equipment. With the way things are going in the oil business we may need them again. Did he use mules or did he have an early tractor?
[...] AgWired Blog Archives No-Till Farmers Love BASF Headline border: 1px solid ddf padding: 5px background: f2f2ff/ /AgWiredNews From the world of Agribusiness07.06.2010Subscribe to AgWired Follow Chuck on Twitter Female piglets do more tail biting: http://bit.ly/ctV88y Who knew… [...]
[...] Farm Bureau informed us today that the Farm American Chevrolet that will debut at the Brickyard 400 Sprint Cup race in Indianapolis on Sunday has a different look than when it [...]
[...] Panama City Beach Welcomes Peanut GrowersAgWiredI don't know what I expected after all the horror stories in the news about the Gulf oil spill but it wasn't crowded immaculate white beach here in Panama … [...]
Hello Bob,
I would be willing to contact you. Can you send me information as to what times would work for you and see if we can line something up.
I am at work now, but if you can respond to my email, I can send you a list of our program and perhaps some more of a bio if you are interested.
Thanks!
Jim Checkel
(507)696-0933
Thanks for all the great photos from AMS, Chuck. It was good seeing you. I’m using one of your photos for my Facebook profile photo (Betsy, Karen and me), and plan to use the photo from the boat too (you know – kissing the mosquito…!)
Thanks again,
JoAnn
As a quirky kid and sister of an even quirkier one, thank you, Temple Grandin. To paraphrase Goethe: Treat a (wo)man as he is, he will stay as he is. Treat him as he can and should be, and he will become what he can and should be. Thank you to all of you out there who helped Temple Grandin be what she can and should be.
Dr. Grandin is a true miracle. As an educator, I loved the insight to the world of an autistic person through HBO’s movie about Dr. Grandin’s life. I was overjoyed and amazed. It helped and allowed me to learn about the great potential for learning that children with special needs have. A movie for the whole family to watch, learn how to respect, and be considerate of others’ needs. Thank you to all involved with the making of this movie, especially Dr. Grandin.
We recently viewed the Temple Grandin moving and it is a MUST SEE for anyone who has ever worked cattle in a chute! My husband, father-in-law and I work all the cattle and the movie was not only enjoyable, but educational. Congratulations!
[...] Cydectin, a pour-on cattle dewormer manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, has become the first industry sponsor of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). The WWP is a nonprofit, founded in 2003, whose mission is to enlist Americans’ aid to help meet the needs of injured service members. [...]
New farmers in the US and Canada are having success with SPIN-Farming, which is a small plot farming system that outlines how to make $50,000+ growing in backyards, front lawns and neighborhood lots. SPIN provides everything you’d expect from a good franchise: a business concept, marketing advice, financial benchmarks and a detailed day-to-day workflow. In standardizing the system and creating a reproducible process it really isn’t any different from McDonalds. By offering a non-technical, easy-to-understand and inexpensive-to-implement farming system, it allows many more people to farm commercially, wherever they live, as long as there are nearby markets to support them. A free calculator that shows how much farm income can be made from backyards and neighborhood lots is available at the SPIN website – http://www.spinfarming.com/free/
[...] Technology Information Center Chairman Tim Healey, AGROTAIN, gave us a preview of the Conservation in Action Tour. Now you get to hear his wrap-up following the CTIC board [...]
[...] has a new look. I haven’t received any official notice on it but the effort was announced at this year’s NAMA convention where I spoke with Mitch Rouda, President of Farm Journal’s e-Media [...]
it’s happened to me too often to count. In San Antonio, though, justice was served. I was in the middle of an interview when a ‘gentleman’ holding a cell phone as a recording deviced stepped between me and my subject and started asking questions. The man I was interviewing looked startled for a second and then said, “Kindly get the hell away from me. I’m talking with Chuck.”
[...] itself to the beef industry during the Cattle Industry Conference in January, with the help of a mechanical steer named Wally that was on display at their [...]
I remember you talking to me about this and, gladly, can say that none of the folks you mention in the article are on our team. Unfortunately there are a few over aggressive PR professionals that spoil the pot for the rest of us. In general I would hope that other PR professionals practice the sort of etiquette that you and others in your profession would assume to be common sense practices. At our agency, common sense tells us that getting an interview is important, but not at the expense of ruining a relationship with the media. Perhaps this sort of topic would be a good one for an Ag Relations Council meeting?
After talking with several people about this I just thought it needed to be said. It really is the exception to the rule but happens often enough to get you riled up. It is one thing when you’re in a live news situation and competing with other reporters for an interview. That’s another situation when you just come to realize that there is no “respect” for others. But in a relaxed atmosphere of a trade show or a media room it’s just uncalled for to be as aggressive as some of these PR professionals have become. I think it’s an excellent topic for an ARC meeting. Good idea.
[...] new herbicide product launch in two decades, applied to more than 10 million acres in first year. Launched almost a year ago in September 2009, the Kixor chemistry powers a family of four products – Sharpen™ [...]
[...] in several regions of the U.S. are discovering a new potential cash crop – camelina. Camelina is beginning to find favor with both the biofuels industry as a strong potential feedstock for biodiesel, as well as with [...]
That is so unfortunate and sad to think that public relations professionals would interrupt another colleague while in the midst of interviewing! That is anything but professional.
[...] about the oral testing of hogs for disease from Jeff Zimmerman, DVM, Iowa State University, before, here and here. But a guy with a last name of Zimmerman is worth hearing again! And that’s what we [...]
[...] Harold continues his champion role, especially in the use of precision technology for conservation. Chuck just did an interview with him last week at the Conservation in Action [...]
[...] we look at the negatives. But the successful farmer focuses on the controllables,” echoing the sentiments of fellow presenter Steve Johnson, a farm and ag business specialist with Iowa State [...]
Ms Devine continues to mislead cattle producers after all of the MBNA’s claims have been debunked by the USDA and other cattle groups. The MBNA has misused beef checkoff funds at the federal and state level for their own agenda. Cattle producers do not need a lobbyist for the packers because we are in the cattle business and not the beef business.
The GIPSA Competition Rule is necessary to prevent packers from exploiting their dominant market positions that already enable them to create market access risk for cattle feeders, entice cattle feeders to abandon the competitive cash market to avoid market access risk, and establish pricing strategies that effectively lower the aggregate price for all cattle. It accomplishes this by addressing four factors that are known to reduce, if not eliminate, competition: First, it addresses the lack of packer accountability by clarifying that packers are prohibited from engaging in unfair, unjustly discriminatory, and deceptive practices against cattle feeders even if such practices are directed at a single cattle feeder. Second, it addresses the lack of documentation needed to evaluate disparities in prices and terms offered for cattle of similar quality. Third, it addresses the lack of transparency in the marketplace by requiring packers to submit sample contracts for cattle feeders to review. And, fourth, it prohibits known practices that, by their nature, are anticompetitive: packer-to-packer sales and multiple packers colluding to use a single cattle buyer. In short, the GIPSA Competition Rule is the first comprehensive effort in nearly 90 years to both protect and preserve an open, fair, and transparent competitive marketplace for independent U.S. cattle producers.
As a rancher from Lewis, Kansas, I’m very concerned about the recent USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) proposal on livestock marketing. No matter what business you’re in, everyone should be concerned about what’s really going on here. This rule would have serious impacts on both producers and consumers, and represents a precedent of big government interference in the private marketplace.
The scope of the proposed rule goes well beyond the intent of Congress in the 2008 Farm Bill and even contradicts previous court decisions. The bottom line is this. “Big Brother” is trying to interfere in the private market by telling producers when and how they can market their cattle. This rule has the potential to take the beef industry back 30 years by stifling the innovative efforts of U.S. cattle producers to add value, and enhance the quality and safety of their product for consumers in the U.S. and abroad.
It is interesting to me that people who support this rule will claim it restores fairness and helps the “little guy”, when in fact this couldn’t be farther from the truth. The truth is those who will be hit hardest are small- to mid-sized operations. The proposed rule, which could potentially eliminate alternative marketing arrangements (AMAs) is more likely to encourage consolidation rather than to provide more opportunities for cattlemen. Thousands of ranchers have spent years upgrading their herds through careful genetic selection and utilizing best management practices to produce high quality, uniform livestock. When cattlemen enter into AMAs with feedlots and processors, they are rewarded for their efforts. All of this is on the line because of this proposal based on unsubstantiated concerns.
I am an average-sized cow-calf rancher, and U.S. Premium Beef (USPB) member and unit holder. I sell my raised calves as finished cattle on an AMA to National Beef, whose majority stockholder is USPB. My calves are source- and age-verified and I sell the calves on the USPB grid. This returns a very nice premium that in turn produces the incentive for me to produce better beef.
This rule would mean the end to AMAs, as we know them. If alternative arrangements are seriously restricted, or prohibited altogether, cattlemen will have no choice but to revert back to a commodity beef business where they get paid on the averages for a pen of cattle and not the individual merits of their own cattle. The end result will be less money paid to individual cow-calf producers, which is absolutely not in the best interest of the cattle industry or our consumers.
You are wrong! I guess we will hammer this out at Ft. Collins, Colorado.
I’m also aware of NCBA’s plan to tax producers one dollar per head for traceability. Furthermore, the NCBA also testified that without NAIS the QSA could not exist. Is this the best the NCBA can negotiate with the meat packers?
The NCBA should take a bow for helping to eliminate competition and driving our cattle prices down and even worse…out of business.
In my eight years working in agricultural communications,Bethany is one of the most talented go-getters I’ve met. NCBA was lucky to have her. She kept the DC office moving. A big congrats to Bethany!
Thanks Joanna, Its good to know how the Iowa corn crop is doing. BTW I have one of those shirts and it always gets someones attention (at first I thought it was just me!). Ken
Why don’t we just call it the National Beef Association since the NCBA is not representing the cattle producers. The beef industry has been manipulating the cash market with there packer to packer captive supply for years and NCBA has done nothing to protect the market. The NCBA has promoted the export of beef but yet for every cow that is export almost 2.5 must be imported. Also, the NCBA has stood by while cattle prices are manipulated through futures market by the packers. Furthermore, NCBA and Farm Bureau supported NAIS through cooperative agreement which will only lead the cattle industry into the integrated market and close the open free market.
Yes, the NCBA has allowed the unsafe, unfair trade and supports this non-competitive market and how much of our checkoff dollars were used to do so?
HANDS OFF of our money!
[...] in new mechanisms to increase the AgWired community with channels like our text delivered service, AgWired Mobile, and now the AgWired iPhone [...]
[...] Soybean Board Sponsors Jeff City, MO Tractor PullAgWiredThe video below is from last year's event in Jeff City. NOTE: This version of the story corrects an error that said the tractors will be running on … [...]
[...] the next year, nearly 60,000 tons of bone-dry light corn stover and corn cobs will be delivered to Project Liberty in an effort to refine biomass harvesting, storage and transportation techniques in time for the [...]
But Chuck…the bright spot is that some in agriculture obviously see the opportunity in videos like this. Here is the link that popped up in the Google ad while I was watching: http://www.realcaliforniamilk.com/people?gclid=CLv76drH16MCFZQz5wodfDggwA
Seems the California Dairy folks recognize this is the audience they need to catch. I’d be curious to see how many click-throughs they get.
[...] has a brief article about J. Patrick Boyle’s appearance on the Report in the Better Know a Lobby segment featuring the American Meat Institute: [...]
[...] The media day is an opportunity for reporters to get a feel for the show site ahead of the big event. Riding in a tram pulled by (what else?) a New Holland tractor, the media checked out several highlights around the site including the field demonstration plots, the locations of the web cams, the cattle handling location, the hospitality tent, the Iowa State University exhibit, and Big Bud. [...]
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. America can also be described as life, liberty and the pursuit of prosperity.
What is being requested and proposed by the GISPA Rule does not result in liberty, the freedom to puruse prosperity, or the American way.
There are a number of programs created by producers for the benefit of producers. These programs allow producers to grow high quality products, and allows them also to get paid for staying within the desired quality standards.
Those who chose or choose not to participate in value added programs, or those who are unable to meet the standards are not rewarded. That is the American way.
Soliciting theoretically unbiased public officials to shut down such performance-based programs smells of something that should be more likely considered in countries that do not believe in the American way.
[...] an earlier post, Matt Jungmann, the director for the Farm Progress Show, noted that one of the reasons Farm Progress is one of the largest ag shows in the world is because [...]
The metabolic versatility of this enzyme (xtreme xylanase) will enable economic enzyme production, biomass pretreatment process versatility, and significant equipment and operational cost savings that could make affordable cellulosic ethanol a reality.
[...] were way more fair than some of the GIPSA stories that we did here on Agwired. Sure, we did an interview with R-CALF to let them explain their position regarding the GIPSA rule, we did have live coverage of the [...]
[...] we did an interview with R-CALF to let them explain their position regarding the GIPSA rule, we did have live coverage of the R-CALF rally the night before the hearing, and we did live webcast the entire event so that anyone who wanted to [...]
[...] the ten winning recipes in the Southern Peanut Growers “PB&J My Way” contest. The contest kicked off during March Peanut Month, pledging to donate one jar of peanut butter to Feeding America for each [...]
[...] agreed with an Agwired interviewer’s assertion that the estate tax will decimate “our farmers of the future”: Q: I mean, I think that probably, maybe we’ll see your opinion, it just has a huge impact [...]
[...] scream, I scream we all screamed for ice cream during this year’s Farm Progress Show. The weather may have been damp and somewhat dreary, but it didn’t stop the crowds from [...]
This guy is a self destructive force for agriculture and the livestock industry. He is perfecting the art of giving himself a black eye, and thoroughly confusing those who don’t understand the beef industry.
Contrary to his unpopular belief, we (yes even “small” producers support those who he is throwing rocks at.)
I congratulate Bill Northey for his honesty. It’s nice to hear a politician finally state the objective of corn ethanol subsidies and mandates. They’re not about producing energy, saving money, or environmental protection. They’re about confiscating money from consumers and taxpapers.
P.S. Why do people think that if they try to tear others down, it will make them look big? I fact the opposite is true. That is not the way to grow a “calf”…
This is not anything new. LG Seeds and AgReliant have been doing this for years. Pioneer is so far behind on this it will take the 20 years to catch up. If you want a true version of what is going on in this type of reasearch you should go where it was started not where it is politcal correct.
[...] the Farm Progress Show held last week in Boone, Iowa, Raven introduced several new products including OmniRow, Envizio Pro II and SmartYield. I caught [...]
[...] many wet areas of the Midwest. When growers have to apply nitrogen, once such product they use is Agrotain Plus, a nitrogen stabilizer which controls nitrogen loss by blocking the enzyme urease. Agrotain Plus can be added in liquid [...]
[...] week New Holland unveiled their new T8 and T9 tractors at the Farm Progress Show. I sat down with two of their marketing managers to learn more about [...]
[...] by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the National Pork Producers Council. I streamed it live at the time but also recorded it for [...]
[...] Deere has released the next generation of it’s 8R Tractors. These new tractors integrate the “smart-tractor” concept into the row-crop tractors, and by [...]
[...] promotion. As part of this initiative, this past Tuesday, the organizations jointly hosted three pump rallies around Iowa City, Iowa. I spoke with Matt Chase to learn [...]
[...] as a researcher this actually excites him because he is able to learn how his company’s corn hybrids will perform. He noted that with all the rain, a lot of corn had a problem with denitrification and [...]
[...] Iowa is the number one producing state of both ethanol and corn. This has been highlighted all week during several promotions in conjunction with Kum & Go as part of the Iowa Corn Fed Game Day sponsorship and on Tuesday, [...]
[...] Corn Fed Game Day, a promotion designed to educate consumers about the role Iowa corn farmers play in producing our food and fuel, is actually a sponsorship of the Iowa versus Iowa State football [...]
[...] the Iowa versus Iowa State football game, basketball game and wrestling matches. Iowa Corn has been traveling around the state holding events and telling consumers about the more than 4,000 products that contain corn. My favorite product so [...]
[...] Last night, the Iowa Corn Growers were treated to an inside look at football. As part of that experience, the University of Iowa cheerleaders stormed into the room leading cheers to pep everyone up. Herky was also there, dressed for game day and hammin’ it up once again for Iowa football and Iowa grown corn. [...]
[...] in Iowa City last night to some wet and dreary conditions. But new Iowa Corn Growers President, Dean Taylor, promised that not only are Iowa corn farmers experts at growing our food, they are also experts at moving [...]
[...] soy oil on your local supermarket shelf just yet but that doesn’t mean there isn’t some taste testing going on. At the Farm Progress Show Pioneer Hi-Bred conducted a cooking demonstration and had samples of [...]
Producers are not stupid and can read the stats, the proposed rule and between the lines of this hogwash.
The same group that blames the producers are the same ones that blames the producers for bone fragments in meat exported to Japan, the same group that opposed country-of-origin-labeling and breached contracts resulting in bankrupted farmers. The same group that misused checkoff funds and refused to support producers even when there was absolute proof of market price manipulation. This is the same group that bankrupts producers by flooding the cash market with meatpacker owned or foreign imports to suppress producers prices. This group encouraged higher risk diseased import policies and HACCP that monopolized the meatpacking industry. The same group that is leading the cattle industry down the same broken path of vertical integration that will destroy the open free cash market.
NO WHERE are the producers asking for anything more than a FAIR market, based on supply and demand. The producers are asking government to do their job and enforce the Packers & Stockyard Act of 1921 as was reiterated in the 2008 Farm Bill and which USDA already has authority to act.
There are absolutely no prevision in the proposed rule that will affect added or premium value to producers. What is certain is the U.S. cattle industry cannot survive in a noncompetitive market.
There is a good reason why the Packers & Stockyard Act was needed and Abraham Lincoln warned us…
“I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country….corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.”
Abraham Lincoln
So what does he say about the share of the consumer dollar being taken away from the producer and given to the retailers and middlemen?
Silence, I suppose.
Fear that the consumer will pay more. At my grocery store they already are. Food prices are going up at the retail level but not the producer level.
I suppose Dr. Stephen Koonntz has no solutions other than fear of what is already happening under the current system. If the middlemen are playing price games to reduce the overall price to producers, they should have to face a judge and a jury in court. What does Koontz want, market manipulation to continue? Legal trouble should be a deterrent to price discrimination. Let the packers lose a few big ones and the legal system won’t need to be used.
[...] on Twitter. I hope you’ll tune in and participate. Our topic is farm safety. Next week is National Farm Safety & Health Week so we thought it would be timely, especially with harvest underway in many [...]
[...] Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is focused on reaching out to Iowans and consumers to tell them about the value of Iowa corn farmers. One avenue in which they do this, is through [...]
Hi Chuck – thanks for the promo of IFAJ 2011! We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in Canada…and lots more exciting news to come now that we’re under the 365-days countdown.
Cheers – Lilian
[...] There's A New Flip In TownAgWiredLet's say you want some ultra HD video on the go, simple and very portable. Flip has updated their revolutionary video cameras, including the new Flip UltraHD. Smooth, crystal-clear HD video that looks incredible under any condition ? no complicated …Flip UltraHD (2010, 2 hour, white)CNETNew Flip Camcorders Add Smoother Video, Accessory PortWashington PostFlip Video's new lineup features slimmer UltraHD with image stabilization and …ZDNet (blog)Gadget Venue -Electronista -I4Uall 61 news articles » [...]
I have bought three Flip video devices since they first came out – all three wound up having defects of some sort or another. Two of the three had “spots” in the videos (spots/dust on the sensor?), and the replacement for one had the same problem. The last one I bought was the last one I’ll ever buy as a result. Quality control for a $200+ device is horrible it seems.
[...] the winners of their Big Buck Sweepstakes. The big prize winner is Harold Beaver who receives the Chip Foose customized John Deere 4020 Tractor. As the grand prize winner of the John Deere Big Buck Sweepstakes, Beaver not only won the [...]
[...] it better I spoke with New Holland’s Sean Dorosz at the Farm Progress Show. Pictured is a New Holland T9 Series Tractor that will support the new technology. “We don’t simply consider Tier IV as a legal [...]
[...] Food Truck Race is Big Truck Tacos. This is a contest it would be fun to participate in, which I sort of did at Farm Progress Show. Of course lots of people did by voting [...]
[...] to all the panels (I would highly suggest it, for me it was an eye opening experience), visit agwired.com. This entry was posted in Government Information, KFU Releases. Bookmark the permalink. [...]
Let the Games Begin!!!!!
What a thrilling evening it will be seeing the opening ceremonies! Wish I were there!
I will be following your comments on my iPhone!!!
Hugs!
Cindy
That’s quite an insightful post, thanks. I never knew solar power is used at farms so it’s something I’ve learned today. I’ve been amazed at the importance of solar energy and I must say having devices being run by free energy is very interesting.
Which means that you actually believe that Purina and Monsanto and Tyson’s and McDonnell’s and Con-Agra and all the other MULTINATIONAL and MULTI-BILLION dollar GIANTS of the food industry will be driven out of town badda bing by the mighty Wayne Pacelle!!!!
Lunacy…
Sheer unadulterated madness..
You are either a food industry lobby-troll or just plain dirt-ignorant.
Nope. Excelled at economics. I don’t think Wayne is mighty but he is a good con-artist. You are a good name caller though. I actually am a believer in the good farmers who feed the world and am supporting my family with my own business. Thanks for your comment.
[...] of Yes We Did – An Inside Look at How Social Media Built the Obama Brand, to a webcast about a Texas farmer using social media. But, by far the largest number of headlines read like this one: Social Media and CRM — The [...]
I’m loving this concept. At least, it takes guts on your part to make a stand on this. The truth is stranger than fiction. For example, do you really think that Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook page is maintained by himself? Maybe. But big league players don’t simply have the time and to get a ‘ghost’ social media writer to keep things running smooth is like a betrayal of your fans/followers trust? Or, people knew it but wouldn’t care less anyway.
[...] a decrease in stocks, increase in feed use, decrease in exports and ethanol about the same. At a seminar in Chicago promoting exports of the ethanol by-product distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), U.S. [...]
Being a northerner I had never seen one of these until my first trip south. We found one on the road side and had to spend quite a time perusing the field guide to trees before we figured out what it was.
[...] illegal immigration. In response to this issue, along with ramped unemployment in the country, the United Farm Workers launched a “Take Our Jobs” campaign. To my knowledge, Americans are not jumping off couches to “take their [...]
[...] Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and a crystal globe trophy from the Missouri Soybean Association for breaking the soybean yield record again. But, MachineryLink presented the “Crop King” with a more practical honor – an [...]
I am the editor of a weekly electronic newsletter that is produced by Conklin Company, the manufacturer and distributor of the AgroVantage System of crop management products. Kip Cullers has been featured many times in our publications because of his use of Conklin products. Would it be possible for us to use the wonderful photo you took of Kip standing next to Governor Nixon while receiving his trophy? Our weekly newsletter is e-blasted on Wednesday afternoons ( today!), so your speedy response would be appreciated! I would be happy to give you credit under the photo – and attach a link to your great story. If you would like to speak to me, you can contact me at (952)224-5118, and my name is Gigi Cowell. Thanks!!
[...] Kip Cullers knows how to grow soybeans. As a matter of fact, he’s the best in the world, as Cindy already told you. Another product that helped Kip reach another record is Stoller’s [...]
I too remember WKRP and Les Nessman, and in 1985 I was one of those NAFB members. Now our company markets animal health and nutrition products to farmers, and my job includes recommending media buys to reach those farmers. The media choices are more segmented than ever and changing rapidly. Two observations:
1) Print media is too often cost-prohibitive anymore, but as magazines develop online, email and other avenues to reach readers, they can continue to provide value (some of them, anyway). It just consists of electrons rather than dead trees.
2) For the general public, farms are becoming a distant memory. The blogs (like Michele’s) and online discussion groups in a way have replaced weekend trips to grandpa’s farm. We need to maintain a dialogue with our consumers and give them agriculture’s side of the story, now more than ever. We can’t leave it to HSUS and similar groups to fill our customers’ heads with untruths and scare tactics.
My email signature concludes with: “Drink more milk! Each more beef and cheese!” That message gets delivered at least several times a day. I’d suggest everyone in the ag industry send a similar message to your stakeholders.
[...] February, we acquired the animal nutrition division of Albion, which brought us a second line of minerals that we can sell to the dairy and beef market,” [...]
[...] Ruminant Sales Manager Gary Winter during an interview at World Dairy Expo. “More recently, we acquired IQF, which is primarily in Spain and Mexico, but it does have some products that will apply into the [...]
‘The Center for Food Integrity reports consumers are twice as likely to believe the Humane Society of the United States and PETA over farm organizations on issues relating to the well-being of animals. After the activist groups, veterinarians, USDA and university experts were next in the rankings. Large-scale livestock farmers were at the bottom of the list in animal welfare credibility’
[...] From Agwired.com. Here’s a little social media marketing for you. It’s Yeo Valley Group’s rap video to promote their products. How many of you agribusiness companies are brave enough to try it? Thanks to Lindsay at Corn Scoops for the heads up. [...]
The reason for that is that the vast majority of the general public knows absolutely NOTHING about raising livestock, so they believe the garbage that HSUS and PETA tell them.
[...] so sad but so true. All the supporters of the HSUS sponsored ballot initiative can see is the word “puppy” and they assume it’s good. It doesn’t take much [...]
[...] “]Entrega del premio a Gabriela Cruz [Fotografía: AgwiredLa agricultora y empresaria portuguesa Gabriela Cruz ha recibido el prestigioso premio Kleckner de Comercio y Promoción Tecnológica. El galardón fue entregado en el marco de la mesa redonda anual de agricultores del TATT (The Truth About Trade & Technology) en la que participan agricultores de todo el mundo, según recoge la página web de Agwired. [...]
This is a link on youtube that your quote about people believing the animal rights industry over those who have knowledge and experience in animal husbandry brought to mind.
It’s about anagnorisis and peripeteia in relation to the castration of a lamb.
How are we able to get these? I am an agriculture education coordinator and will be going into classrooms and doing a turkey presentations. Thanks, Teresa
[...] Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) during a segment on Agri-Talk yesterday, after an economic study was released showing that implementing the rule as proposed would cost 104,000 jobs and $14 billion to the [...]
I always find it ironic that the same groups who cry out to stop animal cruelty are the same groups who want (in same cases wish to require) all animals spayed or neutered, and act which I consider the worst form of animal cruelty.
In most if not every developed country genital mutilation is considered abhorrent, even torture. If I started a group promoting female circumcision I would get blasted as a monster, but it’s humane to torture your pets?
It seems to me that a group so focused on “animal rights” would strive to protect their most basic right, the right to reproduce.
Probably the most telling trend among the “animal left” is a lack of any actual experience relating to the matter. How do people who’ve never set foot on a working farm tell farmers what’s best from them from behind their desks in the city?
Everyone needs to take the time to comment against this rule, until the USDA realizes they need to do an economic study. I found this site the other day that makes it easy to submit comments against the rule:
[...] of the Illinois Farm Bureau. …E15 for 2007 and Newer Vehicles Benefits AmericaFarm Bureau NewsLimited E15 Waiver Approval Fosters Mixed EmotionsAgWiredReaction swift to E15 fuel rulingThe State Journal-Registerall 1,145 news [...]
I am an Ag in the Classroom coordinator. If you can get some copies to me of your Celebrate Agriculture Weekly Reader, I would appreciate it. I will pass them around to teachers who do not receive your publication.
I know another lady who will be teaching about turkeys in my county to grades K-4. I realize that your reader is for grades 3-6. I used to use it when I taught 6th grade.
Lots of fun being on a panel with Chuck as expected. Amazing trying to talk to social media without a working projection of the social media you are talking about.
Butler was put in the position because the former GIPSA heads were not doing their job. The OIG (Office of Investigator General) came out with a report on their investigation of GIPSA that was so damaging to the agency that the then head, JoAnn Waterfield, disappeared.
This agency has been a poster boy for the problems of a government full of incompetent and sell out politicians who have been using their political power to undermine the work of regulatory agencies. Butler had been fighting the corruption from the legal side and was one of the last men standing in this fight.
Far from needing some kind of blame for corruption the former (and current) legislators have engaged in on behalf of the industry, Butler is cleaning it up. It is too bad we can’t go after Goodlette or Saxby Chambliss in their incompetence or corruption when they had oversight authority.
Politicians will sell out their mother if they think they can get away with it. Phil Gramm did and it sparked the greatest financial crisis in my life time.
It is time the political parties started holding their own accountable for the incompetent and corrupt government that has plagued our nation. Where was the Republican party when Phil Gramm undid laws that protected us from profiteering in the financial industry? Where was the Republican Party when Goodlatte and others sold out family farmers and competent regulations of those who were bribing them? Where is the Democrat Party when it comes to Rep. Scott and Chairman Peterson and Senator Blanche Lincoln for selling out for meat packer interests instead of championing the principles of economic laws?
We have to stop running this democracy like a popularity contest and start running it competently. Until we do, we will have the best Congress money can buy and an electorate whose choices over right and wrong are confused with party affiliation. That is no help when both parties sell out their principles to the highest bidder.
I am very displeased that the Obama administration wants to add more regulations to the pork industry, that is already hanging by a thread.
adding more regulations to the farmers the packers in turn more costs and then the drive down a perilous slope of higher prices.
less jobs more layoffs.
You Washington beuracrats need to get your bovine fecal matter out of your mouths.
Thanks Chuck for posting this. The best part is you have fun whether you want to or not! AND, we are raising great funds for a worthwhile cause. More news to come out of this event soon.
[...] research farm, located about an hour or so from Novus global headquarters in St. Charles, has been under development for over a year. Novus purchased and renovated the 15 acre farm to serve as a multi-functional [...]
[...] research farm, located about an hour or so from Novus global headquarters in St. Charles, has been under development for over a year. Novus purchased and renovated the 15 acre farm to serve as a multi-functional [...]
Great victory Missouri! Just proves who can still read in Missouri. Yes us agriculture people and supporters! It’s not rural schools closing their doors by the masses! Now us rural people know why city schools are closing, it’s a lost cause! When you can’t read the BBB Report that the HSUS smeared all over the news, to do the math, to figure Missouri only had a 0.12% rate of reported health conditions in puppies and that the DNR Report of dead dumped dogs, with graphic pictures to take your focus off the content of the report that clearly showed NONE of the breeders or brokers would have been held liable under the puppy mill cruelty act! But, after my conversation with the lady in St. Louis who was in shock to learn that cage free eggs still came from hens and was appalled that I used an agricultural magazine for my reference, I think we came a long way! Breeders were dragged through the mud and agricultural professionals were doubted on their beliefs. Still all showed America how kind, caring, honest, and hard working they really are! They still have a voice, hope they use it!
I am sure other states would just love to have our dogs put off on them to take care of and pay for, or to have the responsibility of euthanization. This is a slap in the face to Missouri agriculture. Where are the sensible people in those cities you mentioned who say they are educated people. I dont think they are or they would have read the bill and see that nothing will change in care of dogs for the good. Unlicensed breeders will continue to do what they do best, stay hidden. Yeh, thanks HSUS for seeing that our dogs will be taken care of. You wont give nothing, tax payers and law abiding citizens will pay dearly though.
I do hope not one of those dogs ever sees the inside of a “shelter’.. shelters are just a place where dogs are sold.. for MONEY.. and what better way to make money than to get free product then sell it as “abused and sickly” so when the home fails you can blame it on the “nasty breeder”
if you look at a map of the votes. 99.9% of the state was a NO.. farms, ranches and rural areas.. when the big cities spoke.. the tide turned.. (but not by much.. it was no landslide.. 52-48
This bill has noting to do with dogs.. it has everything to do with the future as the vegan group at HSUS envisions it..)
“My goal is the total abolition of animal agriculture” John Goodwin.. employee at HSUS and convicted felon
Dogs are a good start…
So, what’s next??? This ballot initiative is totally unconstitutional by limiting someone’s rights to private property and limiting income! Thousands of MO jobs are going to be lost over this and revenue for the State. What is the next step??? REPEAL!!!!!
I think this election is a wake up call to the rural communities that they are NOT in control of rural/ag issues. But instead, the city dwellers are. Clearly when you look at the map of the counties that voted in support of Prop. B, they were all in, or near the larger population centers and the rest of the state was against this measure. What does that mean? It means city dwellers have not been properly educated! And the HSUS knew it and took advantage of it.
It’s time for the Ag community to do it’s part in educating city dwellers in the future. If we don’t, who will? The HSUS and other animal “welfare” groups, that’s who. Look what happened in MO. CA and OH. We can’t afford to let them have one more inch!
I also think the Ag community needs to pool their monies and hire the best lawyers and get Prop B repealed ASAP as it does smack of constitutional freedom grabbing. PLEASE Missourians, do something about this now. The HSUS is NOT going to stop at Missouri. Surely we don’t want them to have more “feathers under their cap” do we? Challenge the referendum with everything you have. After all, this is America. Don’t sit back and let this happen. If we do, we only have ourselves to blame for the down fall that will be before us.
[...] Kip Cullers recently set yet another world soybean yield record with 160.6 bushels per acre on his 2010 test fields. The question other growers have is “How does he do it?” [...]
Why are people allowed to make charges such as “Tom” does above, with NO verification from any source other than his own mind, and to do so anonymously????
Last time I checked what our Founding Fathers wrote, our government was a democratic republic, not a simple democracy, which is far to vulnerable to those who use tactics as “Tom” uses in order to fool our citizens into following charlatans to our detriment!
Temple needs to address her comments to meat packers, not the Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration.
The new rules don’t require any animals to be shipped long distances for slaughter although that is how Temple Grandin portrayed it– certainly from a meatpacker view.
Meatpackers are prohibited from selling to each other but nothing is said about their livestock having to be shipped to other places for slaughter.
It would be nice if Grandin knew this about the new rules instead of assuming something that is said by meat packers to get her started.
Temple has been instrumental in helping keep the industry more humane from the livestock perspective and deserves everyone’s respect for that input. Interpreting GIPSA rules just may not be her forte’.
[...] have more information about this study and the differences between its findings and the recent John Dunham study coming up shortly. 0 Posted by Cindy • November 10, 2010 • 10:35 amCategories: [...]
[...] hard to believe that the inaugural AG CONNECT Expo happened almost a year ago in Orlando, Florida back in January. A successful first-time event, AG [...]
[...] attributes much of the show’s success to their industry supporters. “The show was 30 years in the making so there was a lot of interest and a lot of [...]
[...] been nearly a year since the inaugural AG CONNECT Expo happened in Orlando, Florida back in January. A successful first-time event, AG CONNECT Expo 2011 [...]
[...] attributes much of the show’s success to their industry supporters. “The show was 30 years in the making so there was a lot of interest and a lot of [...]
[...] along with other producer organizations that will be affected by the rule, recently released a economic impact study by Informa Economics which found that rule would result in ongoing direct and indirect costs to the [...]
[...] “The success of our Bio-Forge product continues to increase. Growers are beginning to understand how our products dovetail into their programs,” said Morgan. “They spend a lot of money on seed. There are a lot of genetic traits built into that seed that they need. The challenge becomes when they go out and stick it in the dirt, nature takes over and they need to find a way to extract all that potential. That’s where Stoller products like Bio-Forge come in. We help extract all that potential out of that seed so you can earn that ROI.” [...]
[...] also important that it really be YOUR voice, not a form letter. As Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently said about the comments on GIPSA, “There’s a difference between 16,000 unique comments and 16,000 [...]
Interesting, but who’s gonna kill and clean all those fish when they are ready for harvest? Sounds like a pretty icky job. Plus, they’ll have to be eaten quickly or frozen right away.
What are the USDA rules for a fish packing/processing facility? If it is anything like meat, you are looking at major inspections and sanitary requirements.
Being bullish on corn ethanol today is like running into a burning building, just plain idiotic. Take ethanol and biodiesel off of government life support and let it die a natural death.
[...] the recent NAFB convention Trade Talk session this was one of the items that came up in my interview with Gregg Doud, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Chief Economist. Listen to Gregg [...]
[...] program. You can still listen to an interview about that from a recent World Dairy Expo that Cindy did that included Polly Ligon O’Grady, also part of the leadership team at Weber Shandwick. ZimmCast 283 – Weber Shandwick – Farm and [...]
This is a bunch of crap……since when does it make good logic to use a corn product that the farmers rely on to feed their animals for consumers to feed their families and that same corn product that those same families use for their own consumption in other products. In both cases all the lobbies for “The National Corn Growers Association” accomplished was driving the prices for the consumer and the farmer up. There are many things that can be used to make ethanol that are not a food item and would not effect the farmers or the consumers.
Actually it is not a bunch of “crap.” It makes very good logic if you do a little research on the subject. A great place to get good scientific information on the subject is http://www.ethanolfacts.com/.
You’re obviously being taken in by people who want to spread misinformation. We produce way more corn for example than is needed for feed or food. And the corn people eat is not the corn used for ethanol production. Common misconception though.
Any increase in feed and food costs caused by ethanol production is negligible. It is largely due to other factors like transportation costs. Again, another common misconception.
If you really want to help farmers and consumers convince your legislator to get rid of subsidies for oil companies! That the real culprit and talk about lobbyists. NCGA with all its efforts is not even a drop in the bucket of what the oil lobby spends.
As an educator, a consumer, and a passionate person for Agriculture, who too is concerned about the gap and lack of knowledge. I try to teach and engage my students of all ages about agriculture. With the help of many community helpers, the children work in a school garden to grow food. I think we need to begin teaching daily and often! Get the students involved so they understand.
Get them up and moving… might even help the health society of Obesity.
Everyone needs to understand where their food comes from.
Want to know what’s wrong with this? Corn Ethanol. And E-1 thru E85.
Want to make a real difference in America? Make cars that are tuned to run on ethanol and not gas. Use crops to produce ethanol that is better than corn and have better GHG lowering and are cheaper… Energy Beets….. Look those facts up….. All “Made in the USA”
Sir or Mam, whom answered my first comment. You are part of our problems in this country. The link you referenced for “The Facts” on the subject just happens to be “The National Corn Growers Association”, fancy that. You are nothing more than the front for the lobbies that work Congress to get special favors for the Large Farmers that grow the corn that also just happen to be your members who pay dues which allows you to PAY the lobbyist to work Congress. Isn’t that special. The farmers that I was referring to are the small ones that really make this country run and have, by the way, pretty much been put out of business. But, thanks for your trying to set me straight.
Thanks for you comment Chuck. My name too btw. It’s amazing that you can’t get beyond your emotion to look at facts. The information posted on the website comes from a variety of sources including those that do not work for or get paid by the organization posting it. Science is science and facts are facts.
How do you define Large Farmers? Most of the ones I know who are members of NCGA are family farmers who are working the same ground their ancestors did. What’s a small farmer? What do you base your statement that they are the ones making this country run on?
If it wasn’t for farmers large and small and the work their organization does we would have a lot more hungry and starving people around the world. Ever thought of that? How do you think America can ship so much food aid to poor countries? Where does it come from?
Fact is we meet all our domestic needs, the needs of foreign markets, our need for fuel and still have leftover.
Thank You for your prompt reply. Your comment “If you really want to help farmers and consumers convince your legislator to get rid of subsidies for oil companies!” was very disingenuous. There are very large “Farmer Corporations” that are doing great because of the “Subsidies” they receive for growing just corn. One of the “Facts” that I failed to get was the one about how it takes a Petroleum product to make it in the first place and that it takes almost $2.00 to make a $1.00 worth of Ethanol. So if it weren’t for being “Subsidized” by the Government, to make the product in the first place, the mega farmers would not have gone into the business as growers. So my suggestion to you, for what is worth, is to keep thinking Corn and you will have a nice job for a while until the subsidies run out.
Thanks again for your comment. Apparently you are privy to some very erroneous information since the “fact” you state is not true. Wonder where you got that from. Could you define farmer corporation for me? Or any of the other questions I posed? Feel free to post links to your information too.
Oh, and my comment about oil subsidies was very sincere. Have you ever looked into how much they are subsidized? Just wondering.
[...] the recent NAFB convention Trade Talk session because I interviewed Wayne Fithian, Syngenta Seeds, just like last year. However, since the topic is “what’s new” you’ll hear a new [...]
[...] Reader’s Digest, Wilson Quarterly and the Wall Street Journal. One of those we highlighted here on Agwired last year, a clever piece he wrote for The American Enterprise titled “The Omnivore’s [...]
[...] Andy left the network just a couple of weeks ago for a new assignment with Ohio FFA. Lindsay is president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) and expected to officially take over the post at the end of this month. No official word yet from NAFB how the status of the network and her job will affect her position in the farm broadcast organization. [...]
[...] FFA. Lindsay is president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) and expected to officially take over the post at the end of this month. No official word yet from NAFB how the status of the network and her job [...]
It is sad what has happened to the ABN! Bart Johnson built a program that was so credible to the state of Ohio and it is a shame what happened to it. When Dale no longer worked for them, the quality of the show went southward. The worse thing now is that the “ABN’s” name could be tarnished…hopefully not. The Ohio Ag Net has become “THE” farm news for the state of Ohio and look forward to it moving forward even more!
I’m a freelance columnist for the Kalamazoo Gazette; Emeritus member NAFB, retired after nearly 30 years Farm Services Director, WKZO Radio-TV in Kalamazoo Michigan. I’d like hard copies of your electronic transmissions (position statements, etc . . . .
[...] found out what’s new at BCS Communications at their recent holiday open house party. This is an episode in my series with the leadership of agricultural marketing and communications [...]
[...] year-long promotion, designed to highlight the many uses of corn and its importance to Iowa, traversed a year of Iowa State versus Iowa sporting events that included football, basketball and [...]
Great post about irrigation technique. I wrote about circular irrigation a few months ago: http://dmandle.wordpress.com/2010/09/16/hip-to-be-square/
Do you know why circular is better than square? No-one ever responded to my question there. (Disclosure: my readership is barely nil.)
[...] to go back up to 55% with the expiration of the Bush-era tax cuts at the end of this year. At the end of last month, more than 30 agricultural organizations sent letters to Congress and the president and held a [...]
[...] representatives. I actually found him in the AgSync booth. He says that he converted his system to AgSync this year. He says the conversion was “a little tough” but by the end of the year he [...]
[...] survey the chance to win $250 cash money each month. We already sent a check to one lucky reader at the end of November – the next one will be pulled at the end of this [...]
[...] story. For example, we can point to the fact that they are the management firm for the newly formed U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance. In our conversation we talk about this and just what the company will be doing for the new effort. [...]
[...] top of mind right now. In fact, it has given rise to new agricultural organization efforts like the USFRA and of course it is one of the goals of the AgChat Foundation to help consumers better understand [...]
[...] top of mind right now. In fact, it has given rise to new agricultural organization efforts like the USFRA and of course it is one of the goals of the AgChat Foundation to help consumers better understand [...]
[...] top of mind right now. In fact, it has given rise to new agricultural organization efforts like the USFRA and of course it is one of the goals of the AgChat Foundation to help consumers better understand [...]
[...] top of mind right now. In fact, it has given rise to new agricultural organization efforts like the USFRA and of course it is one of the goals of the AgChat Foundation to help consumers better understand [...]
[...] Another week, another ZimmPoll. In answer to the question, “Do you participate in social media?” the majority say they do. According to the numbers, 53% say yes and they post regularly, 28% say yes but they rarely create their own posts, 27% say no and they never will and only 1% say no but plan to start participating soon… Read More [...]
[...] them all in the hat to draw one winner for the month of December. Everyone, that is, except our lucky winner from last month Jamie Wilson with the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan. She already got her [...]
[...] to page views, the most popular stories of the year on Agwired were: Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner New John Deere Gator XUV iPad Review part one and Part Two Chip Foose 4020 Unveiled Record Phone [...]
[...] Gator XUV iPad Review part one and Part Two Chip Foose 4020 Unveiled Record Phone Calls on iPhone Missourians for Animal Care Launch William Shatner at Alltech FEI Games New Holland Unveils T8 & T9 [...]
[...] to page views, the most popular stories of the year on Agwired were: Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner New John Deere Gator XUV iPad Review part one and Part Two Chip Foose 4020 Unveiled Record Phone Calls on iPhone Missourians [...]
[...] According to page views, the most popular stories of the year on Agwired were: Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner New John Deere Gator XUV iPad Review part one and Part Two Chip Foose 4020 Unveiled Record Phone Calls on iPhone Missourians for Animal Care Launch William Shatner at Alltech FEI Games New Holland Unveils T8 & T9 Tractors [...]
[...] Part Two Chip Foose 4020 Unveiled Record Phone Calls on iPhone Missourians for Animal Care Launch William Shatner at Alltech FEI Games New Holland Unveils T8 & T9 [...]
[...] have a working Ayrmesh hub now working at ZimmComm World Headquarters. As I posted recently this is a product that’s affectionately called “free range internet.” Made by [...]
I think the key word for the new congress will be repeal, meaning everything is fair game. There is no way that ethanol and biodiesel government schemes are not on the chopping block.
Being lucky enough to live in a rural area I have great resources yet in Seattle the co-op has reached out through social media to be a resource for urban farming.
Funny that he’s all for land rights and letting farmers plant what they want where they want after he put out a report saying RR alfalfa should be banned on about 20% of the acreage to protect neighbors from “contamination” by trace amounts of perfectly safe hay! And he asked activists to say what else farmers should do to compensate them. If he said what he was really up to he would have been booed off ths stage.
Just checked out the twitter accounts of those named – they do a good job of having conversations, but it seems to be with just other people in the ag industry and not “non farmers” as they call them.
Good luck to all on extending your social media programs
Dan, I’m not sure why circular is better than square, but I do know they have sprinklers that can get to those corner edges now. Maybe best to consult with a crop extension specialist in your area? Thanks for the comment!
[...] Rowe is well-versed on (and, of course, has hands-on experience with) animal welfare issues, and he has become something of a champion to farmers whose way of life is routinely threatened by HSUS and other animal rights groups. [...]
@Amanda,
Indeed many of us talk to farmers, but we talk to many non farmers as well. Cindy forgot to mention my personal Twitter handle that is @ezweber. I talk with many moms, foodies and others of interest to me. I would say more than 75% of those I follow are non-farmers. If Cindy would have stayed and not run off to see Mike Rowe (don’t see why he was more exciting than me,j/k) I actually discuss this. I learn a lot from farmers and nonfarmers a like.
Thanks Amanda for the point of thought. I agree that we need to continue to work on is making connections with people who aren’t on the farm. That takes real time and effort. And to me, it takes people really helping others understand how to build those bridges. Not many farmers live in my Midtown Memphis neighborhood (esp since Alan returned to the farm).
At the same time, the analysis of SM is not easily tackled in a quick one off. First, considering a tiny point in time isn’t representative of any efforts on SM. It’s about relationships. Second, I’d also suggest that my social media connections go WAY beyond Twitter with Facebook, blogs, etc.
If you look more broadly at the efforts of some of the people mentioned, you will see positive influences and seeing how far we’ve come — I think Mace & Dan would clarify their SM efforts are largely directed to their organization’s farmer members too.
Personally, I can say I’m proud of agvocacy efforts on SM in the last couple of years and even hours. I think growth is tough and lots of us in agriculture are growing in ways we never expected. We are making a difference and things will continue to grow, of that I am sure of!
I do talk to other farmers a lot using social media. They are my friends and I enjoy hearing updates about their farm’s. I have learned a lot about farms across the US and have even made some improvements to my farm after hearing some creative ideas by other farmers via twitter and Facebook.
Dont discount the fact that we talk to other farmers a lot though, we do talk to others outside of agriculture a lot. Just this morning I enjoyed a conversation with a young lady from New York City. I also get at least one email or direct message a week from somebody that found me from social media and has a specific question about agriculture that they want to learn more about.
Great comments folks and much appreciated. As much as I believe in what we can accomplish with social media it is still difficult to measure the effect or impact or ROI or whatever you want to call it. There are lots of statistics but in the end advocates or agvocates all want to make an impact. In our case, we want non-farmers to better understand where their food comes from and to know that the food they eat is safe and nutritious.
As was stated above, I get lots of messages and interactions with people who are not in the farming business. They come at me from many sources – Twitter, Facebook, Blog, Podcast, YouTube, Flickr, etc. So I’m confident that I’m having an impact and hopefully showing information that they may not see otherwise.
I have a lot of followers on Twitter who are not in ag and who never interact with me but hopefully they see at least some of my tweets and that may tweak their curiosity and help inform them.
Thank you Mike for showing some farmers just trying to feed America and the world. You are right that people who like to “chew and swallow” could be our best advocates, but first farmers need to show where that food comes from and how it is raised instead of the pieces some of the animal rights activists choose to show people. I raise beef cattle outside of Amarillo and I know we take as good of care of our animals as possible because they are our lives and livelihood. (at our place, if someone mistreats an animal, they get fired) The public is too distant from the food source these days.
Thank you for your show and your work.
@Amanda – Thanks for your comment, and I appreciate you taking the time to check things out and spark a conversation.
Janice is correct in assuming that the efforts of myself and Mace are more directed through our organizations. My personal Twitter account is mostly used for my personal interactions with folks I know (and those of whom I’ve met through Twitter interaction both personally and professionally), to share social media links I find interesting and to bemoan the travesty that is known as my Cleveland Browns.
If you take a look at my professional Twitter account: @OhioFarmBureau, you will see much more in the way of interaction not only with ag folks, but sharing ag-related links, facts and information, as well as interacting with the non-farming public. The OhioFarmBureau account is also used keep track of our members, provide them service and help promote what they do. I also use it to connect nonfarmers to our farming members. I also use the account a lot to help our farming members get more involved in social media and to bring them the latest news and information.
It’s also hard to get a snapshot of one’s overall Twitter presence from a recent sample of ones tweets. I would guess that you looked at our accounts at a time when we were all together at one massive meeting and celebration of Farm Bureau’s grassroots nature. Because we were at a multi-day meeting where we were all sharing so many experiences in-person and together, it was bound to lead to a ton of tweets mentioning each other.
Overall, if you take a look at the accounts of these folks over time (and my business account), you’ll get a better picture of what we’re talking about when it comes to reaching beyond the ag community.
I also agree that ones total social media presence cannot be judged by just a brief look at a Twitter account. There’s so much more out there (blogs, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Quora, Foursquare, etc.).
And there are a ton of people who consume information without acting on it. My guess is the amount of people who have read this conversation, but haven’t said anything is overwhelmingly higher than those who are participating. And remember, there’s nothing wrong with preaching to the choir once in a while either…especially when it gets them singing the same tune!
Sorry for the long reply – my mind never shuts off!
I have to agree with everything that has been said. Social Media use in Agriculture is in it’s infancy and is growing by leaps and bounds. If each farmer reaches out to just a few outside farming amazing things will happen. I have spent quite a bit of time thinking of more than one way to reach out and not just through social media.
[...] reason for this post is the excellent response in comments to a recent story post Cindy did about Farm Bureau members engaging in social media. I really appreciate one AgWired reader who posted a comment with her observation after looking at [...]
I’ve long held the belief–and concern, given our line of work–that of all of new media outlets, Twitter has the most risk of serving as an echo chamber.
On a side note, why does your blog not publish submitted comments? Seeing the breadth of commanders with whom AgWired engages would likely help allay the concern of those who feel as though farmers only talk to farmers. (That belief is wrong, BTW, especially when we look at agvocates such as those within the AgChat Foundation.)
I agree that social media is an important tool for agvocacy today. Maybe you should think about adding Add This to your blog so that it can be shared on Fb, Tiwtter, Digg, StumbleUpon and other social media outlets.
The issues of gestation crates and battery cages are completely unaddressed in this ridiculous video. Extreme confinement is what HSUS and the meat buying public want to end. Stop blaming Pacelle when your consumer has the same concerns. Stop ignoring the people that are buying your product. No other industry does that. It’s pure arrogance. Since you don’t like the word “factory farm”…how about “CAFO” did animal advocates invent that term too? And how come the same people that are pro horse slaughter are also pushing breeding of horses? hmmm $$$$$
I buy beef and I don’t feel ignored such as ‘gohumane’implies. Good video with a reality check on HSUS. Cattlemen and those that raise livestock know how to treat the cattle best. Unhappy livestock do not gain weight and do not produce. It is in the best interest of the rancher to treat them well. As for horse slaughter HSUS knew there would be problems with unwanted horses. They didn’t care that horses would starve and be in worse shape than before. they just wanted to blame people for ‘overbreeding’ rather than face the fact that some horses who are lame, old or downright dangerous should be humanely put down and the meat put to good use. They prefer the suffering so they can raise $$ on it and blame the good people who truly do care about animals. Shame on you HSUS.
GoHumane (afraid to use your real name??) the ‘consumer’ wants affordable, safe product. That is their number one concern. To the extent some express the desire for “humane” grown food it is generally after being duped by the likes of H$U$ and the state run media whose primary goal is to end animal agriculture. There is no huge rush to buy “humane” raised (and much more expensive) food.
Before you get up on your high horse… errr… broccoli stalk, “GoHumane”, how many pigs or chickens have you raised and cared for firsthand? Sows are dangerous. Just ask the organic farmer in Virginia whose “free range” sow crushed and broke both her arms when she went in to remove a dead piglet. The sow mistook her caring owner as a threat to her living babies. The organic farmer was in the hospital for months and to my knowledge, has never completely recovered. Chickens. Uggh. Unconfined chickens will drop eggs wherever they please. They don’t mind defecating on or eating them either. They will eat (cannibalize) each other too. Scientific research indicates that laying hens are less stressed when properly and humanely confined.
I have “cage-free” chickens and I often wish they were caged! Caging a large quantity of birds is the most humane thing to do. When cage-free, they are very susceptible to predator attacks (I had a fox break into my hen house and kill birds). That definitely would not have been an issue with cages. Chickens are animals, and pick on the weakest in the group until they die. In cages, there are fewer birds, and a “pecking order” is easily established. What
CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) is an acceptable term that has a definition. CAFO’s are required to have a nutrient management plan, which means they have extensive paperwork and limits on manure spreading. They are managing their resources responsibly!
Why should gestation crate and/or battery crate issues be brought up in this video about cattle farming? I understand why the horse issue was brought up, since many western cattle farmers use horses in their work with cattle. Perhaps you were unaware of that little fact.
There is a very big disconnect from the largely urban population of this country and the people who raise the food they eat. So large that if you ask many lifelong urban dwellers, they really have no idea where their food comes from other than the store.
The fact is that the producers (farmers) do their best to keep their animals healthy and happy while they have them and it pays. If the producer was to mistreat his animals as HSUS often alleges, production goes down and money is lost. Everything HSUS does and proposes goes against this and makes it more difficult and expensive to raise food as it should be done. They go against the current proven science with false science of their own making. They present their case in emotional language using their own “facts” mostly falsehoods, to win the population over to their side.One can pretty mush assume that if he opens his mouth, Pacelle, like many politicians, is lying.
I thought the animation was pretty well done, and pretty much covered the topic well. Keep in mind that 97% of the cattle farms in this country are family owned farms, and, as stated in the animation, have been in th efamily for generations. If these guys do not know how to raise animals well, no one does.
Sounds like you all are going to continue ignoring the meat buying public. I just received an email from a friend who will be eating fish only from now on–that decision was made without the help of Wayne Pacelle. Good going guys! (Pigs cannibilizing each other? I guess Temple Grandin didn’t get that memo as she would like to see the end of gestation crates.)
GoHumane’s comments indicate that he/she has no clue about animal husbandry and the real care that farmers and cattlemen and poultry producers provide to their animals on a daily basis. With livestock, you must work with them on a daily basis, providing appropriate nutrition and shelter and vetting as needed. When animals are abused, they lose weight, they are stressed, and the quality of the meat is reduced. So, if an animal producer is going to be successful, it is absolutely necessary that they treat the animals humanely and provide them with what they need. Since most modern animal producers have received excellent educations in ag colleges and are provided with the latest in scientifically determined care, it should be apparent that they are working towards providing the best for their animals. Animal producers are hard workers and are the individuals most knowledgeable about appropriate and humane care.
Certainly, Wayne Pacelle and the HSUS team are NOT interested in appropriate animal care but rather they are interested in ENDING all animal use! Read their statements…the reality is they don’t give a darn about humane care…they want us all to be VEGANS. UGH…No way Jose!
GoHumane pretty much indicates that it (since we have no idea who this is) really doesn’t know anything related to what they made comments on. No legislation in the works that affect cattle farmers? Really? There’s too much to even try to list it here. You can certainly find some if you look to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association http://www.beefusa.org/goveFarmPolicy2.aspx
We need 1 voice in order to be taken seriously in the world we live in. Mainly we need to take away the Women in Agriculture groups because if we want to be a modern industry, we must stop segregating ourselves.
[...] You know they’ve become part of farm life when you see educational sessions about them at a farm show. You also know that there are a lot choices. This is one gadget I get [...]
I think that’s appropriate. As I mentioned in the post, Sprint burned the bridge with me. Worst experience I’ve ever had with any company. I still get these weird monthly mailings saying they owe me 44 cents! I gave up calling and asking them to stop. I haven’t had that account in years.
However, I know they are an option and the EVO would be on my list. Thanks for mentioning.
[...] Poultry Expo makes it easy to navigate with their iPhone/iPad app. The show started this last year. It’s on my iPhone and iPad and I’ll be using it there next week! The IPE Guide App [...]
How cool is that, having the whole Atlanta International Poultry Expo mapped out and in your hand for easy reference. A time saver, too.
I’m wondering if the realtime updates can be picked up via my iPad’s WiFi, or if it’s just by 3G.
When Verizon comes through with the iPhone, then there’s no worry at this end.
Melissa, I just wanted to say that I always really enjoy your posts. I love your mix of whimsy and nostalgia, packaged with perfect little stories. Thanks for sharing with all of us!
[...] at the International Poulty/Feed Expo is Scott Fleetwood, pictured (right) next to Charlie Arnot, Center For Food Integrity. Scott says that Novus has supported CFI’s efforts since the beginning. I asked him about [...]
[...] reading here: AgWired » Blog Archives » Preview of International Poultry/Feed Expo This entry was posted in Poultry and tagged board-meeting, coming-together, convention, [...]
I just switced to an iphone4 from ip3 and really like it! The comments about the carrier are correct and very important when buying an phone. On another note, thanks for your recomendation to use the DTN app Chuck it is very good, fast and informative. I use it every day now. Ken
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AgWired Team and Jordan Kucik, Spenser Villwock. Spenser Villwock said: State of the Union Talks Trade and Biofuels – AgWired http://ow.ly/1b2Rum [...]
Great news for not only alfalfa producers but all of us who grow biotec crops! This is also good news for consumers who depend on farmers to grow enough to feed and fuel a hungry world.
[...] more: AgWired » Blog Archives » Big Turnout For International Poultry … This entry was posted in Poultry and tagged annual, association, exhibit, industry, [...]
[...] Besides the snow and ice, the highlights of the meetings included being part of a really great show for AG CONNECT with lots of content that we are still using on all of our on-line publications – and meeting Mike “Dirty Jobs” Rowe. He is really a great advocate for agriculture. [...]
Interesting that you’d feature a group that is so closely tied with the Humane Society of the United States, a lobbying organization bent on eliminating all animal agriculture. Certified Humane proudly proclaims that affiliation on their website. Unfortunately, exposure for groups like this do more damage to agriculture and further drives a wedge between farmers who may chose to use different management styles.
How many farmers in the program realize the group’s affiliation with HSUS?
In my conversation with Adele after our interview she told me that although HSUS says they support her organization the exact opposite is true. I’m guessing she’ll be taking that affiliation off her website shortly. She claims that HSUS is working very hard to put her out of business.
I did the interview mainly because I thought it would be interesting to hear why they’re doing what they are doing. I don’t think that exposure on my website “damages” agriculture. I made my thoughts known and encourage comments like yours.
I don’t know the answer to your question. Judging from many of the names of the farms signed on I’m guessing they wouldn’t care but that’s a personal judgment.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cindy Zimmerman, AgWired Team. AgWired Team said: NCBA President-Elect Stresses Working Together: The pony-tailed president-elect of the National Cattlemen’s Beef… http://bit.ly/hQCfDO [...]
[...] we did a post about the Couser Cattle Company last year when they hosted a tour of the operation as part of the TATT Global Farmer to Farmer [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jordan Kucik, NE-MW Institute. NE-MW Institute said: Cattlemen’s Beef Assoc. new mission statement includes providing beef "in an environmentally . . . sustainable manner” http://bit.ly/hkoaD9 [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AgWired Team, Jordan Kucik. Jordan Kucik said: CattleFax Outlook at Cattle Industry Convention http://bit.ly/i2lKCW [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jordan Kucik, mark grip. mark grip said: NCBA CEO Says Industry is Optimistic: National Cattlemen's Beef Association CEO Forrest Roberts is thrilled at t… http://bit.ly/hHn6hh [...]
[...] During his address just prior to the auction, the former White House advisor mentioned the importance of the political action committee for a policy organization like NCBA that is working daily for the interests of cattle producers in the nation’s capitol. “You want to have a role, you want to have a voice, you want to have an influence in making our country what you want it to be,” Rove said. “The first thing you ought to do is you ought to write a check to the PAC.” [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AgWired Team, Jenny. Jenny said: NCBA Live Cattle Marketing Issues: … Livestock bankruptcy case were the top issues on the agenda for the… http://tinyurl.com/4e873r9 [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cindy Zimmerman, Jordan Kucik. Jordan Kucik said: NCBA PAC Auction Raises $50,000 http://bit.ly/gC1Qgf [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cindy Zimmerman, Jordan Kucik. Jordan Kucik said: State Beef Council Federation Charter Adopted http://bit.ly/gRRSKx [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Laura Nelson, Jennifer Ryan. Jennifer Ryan said: Congrats to Eric Grant from @AngusAssoc for his NCBA Communications Award http://bit.ly/f7021F #NCBA11 @AgriBlogger [...]
[...] industry unanimously voted to approve the new Beef Industry Long Range Plan with a vision statement of “An industry united around a common goal of being the world’s most [...]
[...] and beef producer from Wyoming was elected as the new vice president for NCBA, switching over from leadership within the Federation of State Beef Councils where he just finished a year as chairman. He is optimistic that a unified beef cattle industry can [...]
[...] NRCS chief was also at the convention Thursday night to honor the winners of the 20th annual national Environmental Stewardship Awards (ESA) program which recognizes that [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sustainable Living, Sheryl Barnes. Sheryl Barnes said: NCBA Committees Address Tax and Environmental Issues: Cliff Polk, estate planning specialist and founder and pre… http://bit.ly/fL1VjW [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AgWired Team, mark grip. mark grip said: New NCBA Officers Excited About Cattle Industry Future: The 2011 Cattle Industry Convention and wrapped up on Sa… http://bit.ly/edJvYm [...]
[...] slate of officers and a new vision for the future. The industry unanimously voted to approve the new Beef Industry Long Range Plan with a vision statement of “An industry united around a common goal of being the world’s most [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Modern Agriculture , Jordan Kucik. Jordan Kucik said: March 15 is National Ag Day http://bit.ly/h2fqqH [...]
[...] is also a darn good amateur auctioneer, as we found out at the convention when he worked the mic for the NCBA PAC auction during the second [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AgWired, AgWired Team and Led Lanterns, mvanbaale. mvanbaale said: RT @AgriBlogger: Learn about the NCBA social media guru in this week's ZimmCast: http://bit.ly/fwYxbl @BeltwayBeef [...]
[...] InvestAg Savills Report Released Prior to World Agriculture Investment …AgWiredInvestAg Savill's ?International Farmland Market Bulletin 2011? provides an interesting overview of international values and farmland as an asset class … [...]
[...] his thoughts on the new structure for the federation he just left, as well as the NCBA’s new Beef Industry Long Range Plan that includes the vision statement of “An industry united around a common goal of being the [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AgWired Team, Ayesha . Ayesha said: "USDA Deregulates Corn Amylase" and related posts – AgWiredSyngenta Seeds announced today it has received full dereg… http://ow.ly/1biClD [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by mvanbaale, LA Farm Bureau. LA Farm Bureau said: Feb is #HeartDisease Awareness Month. #AHA Heart-Check Logo on #Beef may help people make healthier decisions: http://bit.ly/gu7qFP [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AgWired and AgWired Team, Brian Meunier. Brian Meunier said: iPhone and Android Lead Smartphone Pack http://bit.ly/eXaMZ2 [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by DOTIV B2BMarketplace and AKGEE Protections, Deere MachineFinder. Deere MachineFinder said: National Farm Machinery Show Underway http://t.co/7qgHifB via @agwired #NFMS11 [...]
[...] According to the survey, the largest percentage of our 14,000 visitors each month are in Advertising/Marketing/Sales or Communications/Public Relations – making up 20% in each category for a total of 4 out of 10 of our readers. Another 13% are with agribusiness associations or organizations and 7% are media. Over 20% are in crop or livestock production – including crop and livestock producers, dairy farmers, crop consultants, etc. There were some categories that applied to production agriculture but several also checked the “other” category. [...]
[...] Gasperoni who is also in charge of marketing and sales. In the photo he’s visiting with Dick Butkus at the recent International Poultry Expo. I thought I’d save the best for [...]
[...] The tour includes the new PowerStar tractors, hay and forage equipment, precision ag products as well as the new line of skid steer loaders. [...]
Looks like a winner to me. Being a product manager I can see an area to address which is storage of the implements that attach to the tractor. They can take up more space than the tractor itself. I really don’t have any thoughts other than custom shelving or overhead suspension.
Gentlemen: Looks OK but with Horicon having the 700 series whats the
bleed-off of sales lost? Seems as Augusta and Horicon aren’t communicating!!!! Your new tractor has small diameter tires which with your background you should know even home owners don’t appreciate.
It appears the space is very limited between front and rear tires to get the mower in so tires will stay small. If your auto mower attaching system works you are to be commended. That was one we wanted for Horicon for years but did not find one that was foolproof for the consumer.
Good luck but for me I would much rather have the 700 series if I needed a tractor of that size.
Kindest regards Bill Lee ex. division marketing manager at Horicon
[...] and honors outstanding accomplishments in the field of agri-marketing. You can listen to my ZimmCast with Roger here. 0 Posted by Chuck • February 23, 2011 • 11:39 amCategories: [...]
[...] president Deron Johnson of Rhea and Kaiser. Mace and Deron are both pictured here during the Golden ARC award ceremony. That award program is also experiencing new interest after being revived last [...]
[...] City. But, three canceled flights later, we did arrive and only missed the first day. We saw former Senior White House Advisor Karl Rove give the keynote address during the second general session and Larry the Cable Guy at the Cowboy [...]
Sorry I missed the ARC meeting this year. It’s great to see ARC’s resurgence. I attended every ARC meeting from 1988 to 1997 while working for Paul Weller at Agri/Washington and learned much of what I know about communications from professionals like Gary Myers, Tom Waldinger, Ron Phillips, Deb DeGraff, Marsha Mauzey, and others who were active at the time. ARC was and onece again is THE professional association for public relations in agriculture.
If the Ag world can do this to conserve water and continue to develop for the future, why then can’t communities in Hays County and its surrounds see the benefit in reining in the waste of urban speculators??!!
It is interesting to see how far machinery has come since even 20 years ago. John Deere is becoming the Cadillac of agricultural and farming machinery.
[...] the Agricultural Relations Council annual meeting in Ft. Myers last week, we had a presentation from The Center for Public Issues Education – or simply the [...]
Great coverage (as always), Cindy. This year’s meeting was a home-run on all fronts, thanks in large part to our newest board member, Rebecca Colnar, who planned speakers and content. It’s great to see ARC regain its stride!
[...] a few days ago, Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) hosted its 2011 Swine Health Seminar in Phoenix. Before the first session began, I had a chance to speak with Tyler Holck, Director of Swine [...]
[...] Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) decided to mix it up a bit this year during their 2011 Swine Health Seminar held in Phoenix, Arizona this past week and one of the focal points was emerging markets for pork producers. The BI team brought Nick Giordano, Vice President and Council, International Affairs for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) to give the nearly 300 attendees an update on where the next big markets for pork will be. [...]
[...] section leader for molecular and viral diagnostics at Iowa State University, to speak during their 2011 Swine Health Seminar. One of Strait’s area of expertise is mycoplasmas and she has been conducting extensive [...]
[...] Did you know that just like humans, pigs can get the flu too? To learn more about how to treat and prevent the flu in pigs, I spoke with Tom Gillespie, DVM, with Rensselaer Swine Services. Gillespie, a veterinarian who lives in northwest Indiana, participated in the Emerging PRDC Control Opportunities Panel as part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s 2011 Swine Health Seminar. [...]
[...] very engaging session during the 2011 Swine Health Seminar hosted by Boehringer Ingelheim was the practitioner panel focusing on Emerging PRDC Control [...]
[...] learned a lot during Boehringer Ingelheim’s (BIVI) 2011 Swine Health Seminar, but maybe my biggest take away was that there are three diseases that seem to be a problem for the [...]
You don’t consider email to be part of the “social network”? It seems to me it is still a major transmitter of information, news and simply socializing.
[...] very engaging session during the 2011 Swine Health Seminar hosted by Boehringer Ingelheim was the practitioner panel focusing on Emerging PRDC Control [...]
Hi Elizabeth and thanks for your comment. First of all, I never even thought of it as an option so I’m glad you posted it here. I wonder what others think. I fully agree with your thought on how important it is.
Although I believe email is still an important part of online networking I don’t think of it as a “network” like Facebook or Twitter. For one thing it is so private in that you can’t search emails on the web. They only become more than just a two way conversation when they’re forwarded or sent to a list of people. Additionally, you can’t generally “join” the email conversation like you can on social networks.
I hope this makes sense. I will use your thought in my summary next week and invite comments there too. If anyone else has one now, please share!
[...] thought I’d add the last interview I did with Derry in 2009. I think it gives you a good sense of the Derry Brownfield spirit: Interview with [...]
Derry’s son, Jon, and I were great friends in college. I remember Derry talking about how he had written his own obituary entitled “Bury Derry Day” and as of a few years ago he told me it was still sitting in his safe deposit box. I won’t be able to travel from California state to California the town for his funeral, but I’m guessing those attending to honor his life will receive a rare treat.
My first job in farm broadcasting came at The Brownfield Network. Derry was an unconventional teacher and expected things to be done the way he did them. I’ll admit it was tough to learn “the Brownfield method” for doing the markets, but after a near nervous breakdown and some great guidance from Dick Marshall, I was able to get Derry’s blessing. The Brownfield style of reporting markets is still the method I use today.
I have many memories of Derry; the best come from time at the cabin. My most notable, though, was when Beth stopped in one afternoon for a visit. She was about 8 months pregnant and Derry, as he introduced Beth as my wife to someone that had stopped by, proclaimed, “he knocked her up good, didn’t he?”
Wouldn’t you like to hear the discussion (or debate) that he and Saint Peter are having right now?
Derry and Verna were regular customers at The Lucky Dog. They would come in for supper and say cook for us Pam, you know what we want. I will miss that…… I am sorry for your loss.
Derry was a voice of reason that was never out of season. He was a friend, one that also had a beloved dog named Wiggles. Derry appreciated a good horse, good cattle and good friends. Godspeed, Derry!
Its very sad to loose Derry, our listners at kmaq listened intently Friday 3/11.
In my morning broad cast time I have for sometime looked forward to his show .On behalf of KMAQs listners Maquoketa Ia happy trails Derry,,,Rusty
His departure left a hole in America, that with my measure, compares to that of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Although via different means, the three men served America well.
Relentless, he served up the truth on a daily basis for year upon year – that was his creed. Fearless and unswerving was his pursuit of protecting America.
He was going to tell all that would listen the truth about American agriculture and the problems that lie ahead for all of us. Very serious problems. And he was going to do that for free.
Because he was Derry Brownfield.
It is with tears in my eyes that I write of this news – it is sad beyond compare.
I wish words could express the depth of our sadness at America’s loss.
Please take a moment to say a prayer for Derry Brownfield, Beth, Kay, and his family. They all need your prayers.
Wow, We wil all miss that crusty ole fart. I loved to listen to his common sense views of America, and the world. There will never be anyone like him ever again. Rest in Peace Cowboy. Blessings and strength to his family. One rightous dude, God is proud.
[...] enjoy learning more about this very unique individual and seeing and hearing some of his work, thanks to a website post by good friend, associate and hunting buddy Chuck Zimmerman at [...]
Such a HUGE loss for us all!
I’ve listened every weekday for 12 years, probably longer, could never start my day without Derry’s intellect, wit and charm,
Now what are we all gonna do, this stinks for all of us still here now that Derry is back home!
GOD Bless Derry’s loved ones, and Beth, et al!
I do not have the history that most of you did with Derry, I listened to his radio
program at 11am eastern each morning for a few years now. I can say that
I rarely disagreed with Derry and looked forward to his visit each morning.
He was missed this morning when I tuned in and found another program in his
time slot. I was concerned because there were repeat programs the past few
days. Happy Trails Derry Brownfield may you have following seas.
May the Good Lord Bless and Keep YOU,Derry Brownfield. You will most certainly be missed by this old Veteran. I also feel very saddened by the great loss of Common Sense. Sincerely; Dale R.[Mickey] Snyder-Retired USCG.
We will miss you! Listening to you on KBHB from Sturgis, SD, was the highlight of our day. Your information and knowledge gave us insight to many things. May the Good Lord Bless and Keep YOU. Happy trails to you, and we will meet again. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
[...] Did you know that just like humans, pigs can get the flu too? To learn more about how to treat and prevent the flu in pigs, I spoke with Tom Gillespie, DVM, with Rensselaer Swine Services. Gillespie, a veterinarian who lives in northwest Indiana, participated in the Emerging PRDC Control Opportunities Panel as part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s 2011 Swine Health Seminar. [...]
living in the city i found this man on shortwave and found myself listing at 4 in the morning when i had to get up and go. i have never met this man but loved to listen to a people person . i am grateful to have heard this man and his love for his country . i hope someone keeps his show on the air. i wll always remember how he tried to keep us city folk on line of what is true and right with this country. keep on keepin on . love ya man. mike huffman a true friend . see ya in heaven .
Betty Botter bought some butter,
“But,” she said, “this butter’s bitter;
If I put it in my batter,
It will make my batter bitter;
But a bit of better butter,
Better than the bitter butter
Will but make my bitter batter better.”
So she bought a bit of better butter,
Better than the bitter butter,
and made her bitter batter better.
Like Mike H above, I never met Derry and didn’t get to hear him a lot but I liked how he put things into terms a normal, everyday person could wrap his/her mind around. It seems we are losing some of the GREAT ONES in a hurry. My prayers aare for God’s blessings to be with Derry’s family, Beth, and all of his extended family in this time. I have felt the sting of lose of a loved one more than once and I count Derry as one of that number.
God speed to you Derry Brownfield and “Happy Trails’.
Around 5 years ago I started listening to The Derry Brownfield Show on WCER 900 in Canton, OH. I learned more from him in those 5 years than in my previous 47 years on this planet. Such valuable wisdom, wit & humor he imparted! I wish I could have had a grandfather like him while I was growing up. My heart goes out to the Brownfield family, friends & associates. Derry will always be remembered in our family as a true american hero and will always have a special place in our hearts.
Thank you Derry for having the courage to speak the truth and the faithfullness to acknowlege our Lord Jesus Christ during your broadcasts. Your warm, humorous ways brightened my mornings and you taught me what it means to be a truly great man.
May the Good Lord bless and keep you though for now you’re far away, may the good you wished for others shine on you today, may you be hearing music that will cheer your heart my friend, may the Good Lord bless and keep you until we meet again.
So sorry, sad for his family and friends (audience) that this man of ‘common sense’ has left us for just a little while! I just came across him (show) not long ago and really got to like him for his honesty and integrity. I’m sure w/o a doubt that his trail(s) will be happy from here on out!
My (our) prayers are with his wife and family, what a loss for us, what a gain for Heaven!
I thank Joyce R. (and others)for keeping ‘us’ informed, he will be missed.
Yet another great voice has been silenced. Maybe GOD needed
someone with “horse-sense”. GOD Bless Derry, his family, and
his staff. I hope they can keep the show going.
A long time listener of Derry’s Common Sense Coalition, which we all need to take a good listen too, from the many days he has given us. Just go to http://www.gcnlive.com and listen to his archives for yourself.
[...] have the app on your iPhone, Touch or iPad (Android version coming soon). TJ also did a great job introducing Ag Day speaker Jonathan Coppess [...]
[...] away. It was a shock to say the least. My life has been made better by knowing him. Here’s a link to my work blog post that I did when the call came in. I worked with Derry and traveled a lot of miles with him during [...]
They have one thing in common:
They do their thing without ever following anybody or anything – but lead. The rest is crumbling by following. LinkedIn is an unfortunate victim of the following cancer.
Followers make leaders not only unstoppable but widens the distance from their followers and turns them into insignificance. Twitter is a great example too – doing just their thing but they are not a leader yet – too much influence from too many people may be their biggest treat.
May our Heavenly Father bless Derry and his family richly, now & forever! I love Derry and I loved his commonsense. I so agree with Sheriff Richard Mack, ” Derry was the most authentic Patriot I ever knew.” Yes, he was so Down-To-Earth! Let’s create a billion more people like him!
My favorite saying of Derry’s was “…a whole bunch and a gob!”. I had never heard anyone say that before. I got so tickled every time I heard Derry say that! I’ll never forget him. My husband & I were devoted listeners for over a decade. Thank you.
I think it’s a good idea to continue the radio show as “The Common Sense Coalition” Definitely have these great guests on: Mary Webster, The Appleseed Project, David Barton of Wallbuilders, Red Beckman, Craig Smith, Richard Mack & Bill Federer. If you do this, please let us know what network it’ll be on: GCN or RBN or? Thanks again,
[...] Kirk ‘has made a very excellent case in Geneva on what the U.S. position is,’ Stallman said at a news conference at the group’s annual meeting. Stallman said he was pleased that Kirk has told World Trade Organization and trade officials from [...]
[...] has a mobile application that will be very helpful. It’s the Mix Tank App which was just recently announced. In this week’s program we’re going to learn more about it and the [...]
Typing on an iPad is no excuse for bad spelling and grammar. It’s not cute or excusable. Go back to your laptop and spellcheck. Just because you can Blog from WordPress on the iPad doesn’t mean you should.
Oh, yes, this was typed on an iPad and includes (‘) apostrophes….
Thanks Thom. I fixed those typos as soon as I got back to office (WP custom theme/WP app issue). Sorry you’re so sensitive. Enjoy the rest of your day.
[...] that about sums up my National Ag Day experience. Check out AgWired for further coverage, including interviews with me and some other attendees about why we were [...]
We had enjoyed listening to him for at least the last 4 years and only wish we would of been connected earlier so we could of had more prime time with his simplicity and honesty. We will cherish this precious soul that the good Lord blessed us with. To his family I hope and pray your heart is smiling every time his name is even wispered, I can fill the love.
Wow, smacked down by the random Internet Grammar Squad. I liked the review, but of course I read the edited version, who knows what rage might have been induced by the other one.
I’m sure you already know this about the 3G service on the iPad as you are the techiest guy I know, but I love my iPad 1, and ended up returning the first one to get one with the 3G service. You don’t have to commit to a contract to use the 3G. Just use it for a month and easily cancel. It’s been handy for me while traveling, but I don’t have to pay for it in the months that I don’t use it. I understand your situation in tethering to your phone, but didn’t want other readers to miss out on the advantages of having the 3G version!
Good point Shari. I won’t deny that there have been some moments during travel when I wished I had built in 3G. In fact, if I wasn’t paying the $45/mo. iPhone tethering fee . . . But I need that tethering for my computer too much so it works for me. I think it’s great that Apple offers options along with the carriers.
[...] from FMC. At the Commodity Classic I spoke with Matt Foster, FMC, about Authority XL which was just recently launched. This is the fourth brand in the Authority portfolio which he says is a nice fit in the “I-70 [...]
Chuck: thanks for picking up the release. Let me address some of your questions here:
1. The release points out that the information is on the Web. To clarify, as of now it cannot be accessed via mobile devices–iPhone or Android.
2. We do say in the release that it will soon be available on mobile apps. And it will be for the iPhone and Android. “By broadcasting on the Web—and soon through mobile applications—we provide a new and more convenient way to access timely information.”
3. Don’t discount Android devices. Due to lack of coverage via iPhone providers in rural areas, we are seeing clear evidence that Android devices are the preferred choice of the rural audience. The iPhone isn’t far behind, but the broad reach of the several Android providers certainly is evident. (Being an avid iPhone and iPad user, I personally realize how easy it is to forget about the Android platform.)
Hope this helps and feel free to drop me an e-mail or give me a call (contact information is on the release) if you have any more questions.
Actually what I was getting at was the ability to subscribe to the audio reports as in a podcast. If they were put into an RSS feed then I could subscribe and pull them to my device to listen to when/where I want regardless of any mobile or web application. This allows me to be in control as opposed to having to access via going to the website or even opening an app on a mobile device.
I subscribe to all kinds of content that includes audio reports using iTunes for example. Then it just auto syncs to my computer or mobile device.
However, I just think that it’s interesting to see publication editors producing audio/video content while there are “broadcasters” who are now in the magazine business. Makes me wonder when the need for separate professional ag journalist organizations will change!
I get it now. No, it’s not a podcast for these two-minute reports. However, you can download them via Real Player and you can format it there for iPhone applications. Not exactly the same thing, I realize, but it’s close.
Podcasts are on the way when we get to longer format programming. Certainly a need, yes.
I agree with your comment about podcasting being suited more to longer form programming. I would find it difficult to subscribe to something that’s published every day or multiple times per day. There is some of it being done though.
Looking forward to whatever technology we get next!!
[...] The earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan has repercussions in a variety of industries. Agriculture is no exception. Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How will Japan disaster affect US exports?” 61% said it will increase exports while 23% said decrease and 17% said no impact. So how has this disaster affected agriculture in Japan? You can learn more in this week’s ZimmCast. [...]
[...] The earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan has repercussions in a variety of industries. Agriculture is no exception. Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How will Japan disaster affect US exports?” 61% said it will increase exports while 23% said decrease and 17% said no impact. So how has this disaster affected agriculture in Japan? You can learn more in in this interview with an agricultural journalist in Japan. [...]
Nestle doesn’t have a problem at all paying 300 dollars to a grocery warehouse to unload a half of a trailer of ice cream! What does this do for the consumers prices?
[...] While we are disappointed that we were not chosen by Friends of the Earth (FOE) for this award, as they say in the Academy, it was an honor just to be nominated! [...]
[...] famous in the general population, thanks to the HBO movie starring Claire Danes, but she’s a hero in the cattle industry for her groundbreaking work in animal welfare and reforming livestock handling practices in beef [...]
It is hard to beleive we’ve been agchatting for two years and the Foundation’s already got a year under its belt! Thanks for all you have done to support it. You may enjoy stopping by my blog as I’ve got a photo of you up from January’s session in Atlanta in a post about the facts of AgChat. Good times!
[...] a block grant, with a lump sum of federal …You put the load right on meThe Economist (blog)Republican Budget Would Cut Farm SpendingAgWiredThe Ryan Plan Is “Fundamentally Immoral”Wall Street PitAmerican Enterprise [...]
Chuck U. Schumer is a disgrace and an embarrassment to the people of New York. Perhaps even more embarrassing is how he manages to be re-elected to another term. It seems that, every time a border of common sense and responsibility arrises during a debate, we find him on the wrong side of it. Its almost like he has an unerring and infallible sense of how best to be a scoundrel and a monster. Here’s hoping that my fellow New Yorkers will find some sense and elect someone else, anyone else, to his job. I think a stuffed animal would be less compliant.
[...] can face significant challenges from stakeholders. The National Potato Council, for instance, is asking others in the agribusiness world to “stand up for potatoes in schools” by lobbying the USDA [...]
So, either he never read the darn thing (or understood it) before proceeding to support it being shoved down our throats, or Obama himself had to wait until the bill was passed to see what was in it!!!
[...] such as Food Inc.?” The results of this question will be published at the start of the 2011 Agri-Marketing Conference next week and I think the results will be of real interest to agrimarketers attending. If you have [...]
[...] such as Food Inc.?” The results of this question will be published at the start of the 2011 Agri-Marketing Conference next week and I think the results will be of real interest to agrimarketers attending. If you have [...]
[...] such as Food Inc.?” The results of this question will be published at the start of the 2011 Agri-Marketing Conference next week and I think the results will be of real interest to agrimarketers attending. If you have [...]
[...] you? Well it is a possibility if you are selected in our drawing next week at the conclusion of the 2011 Agri-Marketing Conference Connection Point. You have to stop by booth #412 and get your entry in but don’t have to be present to win [...]
[...] Senior White House Advisor Karl Rove give the keynote address during the second general session and Larry the Cable Guy at the Cowboy Comedy [...]
[...] is currently serving as regional vice president for the organization. In 2009, she was honored with NAFB’s Horizon Award. She is a great agricultural reporter and photographer and we are grateful to the management of [...]
[...] Vice President of the agricultural chemistries business and Daniel Ori, Marketing Specialist in a recent ZimmCast with them. Improving crop protection strategies will most likely lead to more tank mixing. [...]
[...] Vice President of the agricultural chemistries business and Daniel Ori, Marketing Specialist in a recent ZimmCast with them. Improving crop protection strategies will most likely lead to more tank mixing. [...]
[...] Laboratories Mix Tank App iPod touch Giveaway Apr122011 Leave a Comment Written by admin Precision Laboratories Mix Tank App iPod touch GiveawayHow would you like a chance to win one of the coolest apps on your very own iPod? All you have to do [...]
[...] Precision Laboratories Mix Tank App iPod touch GiveawayAgWiredHow would you like a chance to win one of the coolest apps on your very own iPod? All you have to do is enter the Precision Laboratories Mix Tank App iPod touch Giveaway Contest (entry form). The contest kicks off today and will end on midnight May 9 …and more » [...]
[...] about how upbeat people have been at the conference. She also wants to remind people to get the NAMA App on their smartphone. One of the key features is the directory of NAMA [...]
I was so proud to be a part of rural Mo tonight. I guess ag is still the main industry in Mo. Almost every speaker tonight pointed it out. I imagine it is high time the Gov tell the city folks. Because I have seen them lying on line about that as well. It is high time Nixon get off his duff and do his job. If not his state will be bankrupt like CA shortly. Politely put Nixon sign the bill and lets get on to some thing else. The economy would be good! If you veto SB113 our failing economy will not stand a chance.
Today almost 1200 people stood at the Capitol steps to show their support to agriculture. It was amazing to see youth, farmers, & kennel owners cheering together as legislators led the fight to keep property rights in Missouri. We applaud you and we send this message to Governor Nixon. “Sign that Bill”!! It will be the right thing to do.
[...] dog-breeding compromiseColumbia MissourianCapital Hosts Dueling Prop. B ProtestsKansas City CitizenMissouri Farmers Rally to Support Changes To Prop BAgWiredPoliticMo -St. Louis Beacon -Bizjournals.comall 266 news [...]
[...] kind of the theme of this week’s program. I’ve been asked many times who developed the AgWired App? The answer is WillowTree Apps. In this week’s program you can listen to my conversation with [...]
Thanks guys. It was a great event, Roger is a great guy, and I’m delighted to work with AdFarm on an ongoing basis. We’re doing an AdFarm event for The NOW Revolution in Sacramento too in early June.
Thanks for posting, Chuck. We missed having you attend. Our event in Sacramento is June 1 and anyone interested can contact us @adfarmtweets or me @katpinke and I can send an invite. Thanks again.
[...] Dr. Angela Bowzer, Westminster College and Dr. Katricia Pierson, William Woods University. We already met the FFA representatives Christopher Bell, FFA Regional Director and National Officers Shannon Norris [...]
[...] I featured some of the career possibilities these participants heard about during the Science in Action day. Today, we hear from the students [...]
Chuck, I think there needs to be a more compelling reason for farmers to use social media. Tell a farmer he can chat with his friends and share funny pictures on twitter and he doesn’t really care. He already chats with his friends in person. Give a farmer social media tools that can increase his yield, sell at a higher price, improve his efficiency, etc. and I bet it numbers change.
[...] Vice President of the agricultural chemistries business and Daniel Ori, Marketing Specialist in a recent ZimmCast with them. Improving crop protection strategies will most likely lead to more tank mixing. [...]
[...] North American agricultural communications organizations have joined together in an effort to provide support for the people of Japan as a result of the earthquake and [...]
Even though the average age of farmers is in the mid to late 50s, I look closely at the multi-generational farms, where the son/daughter or grandkids will be coming up after them or is currently farming full-time with them. These younger farmers (early 20s to mid-30s) who currently farm with their dad/mom are educated and “hard-wired”. Many of them are already engaged and are influencing decisions on the farm “now” a lot more than you think they do. I agree that we need to provide a compelling reason for using social media beyond social interaction or “shooting the breeze”. Telling the truth about agriculture is one very compelling reason for farmers today. Get out there and counteract the viral “nonsense” that is spreading about ag.
Chuck,
Thanks for the poll. This substantiates what I have already assessed anecdotally. Social media has a few years before it replaces morning coffee. As much as is shared between producers, much is not shared. Technology must have practical applications to be adopted.
[...] Novus International Chief Sustainability Officer Joyce Cacho said during the company’s recent “Science in Action” day. “We started celebrating in January in India, we’re currently celebrating in China and [...]
I would be curious to know that the fellow in the video is alright in terms of his cholesterol, blood pressure, and respiratory function. It’s not polite to point out, I know, but he has extra pounds of fat on his body that might indicate or lead to other issues. Of course, not necessarily, it’s more the ‘brown’ fat – internal fat – than the familiar jolly fat one has to be concerned about. Being young, he still has a good chance of being fit, but definitely I would make sure he’s getting a good healthy and complete diet as well. Meat is good in moderation, remembering that we need very little protein from day to day, and animal fats (saturated fats) are problematic for arteries that can get blocked. So, lean meat, if you do supplement your protein. Cheers, and I’d love to point out that you still need your greens people, and you should be eating more most of you! Much love, and may all the cells of your bodies be happy!
Chuck, I am sorry to say, but you are misguided about the Corn Growers and Soybean Growers. They are not sustianable farmers in the least, Just the opposite. Most of them are aligned with GMO products from Monsanto that is killing the sustainability of agriculture on the entire planet in the name of greed and profit….
Thanks for your comment Mary. Those are some wild and unsubstantiated claims you’re making there. I’m sure all the hard working farmers and people who works at companies like Monsanto would disagree. I don’t think there actually is such a thing as “aligning” with GMO’s. Maybe they “use” them but . . .
Sounds like you need to look into some facts and scientific data.
You can’t beat those backers in terms of foundation support. It will be interesting to hear how they reconcile the feed-the-world claims of the “organic-only” crowd and the other 99% or so of agricultural production. Anyone with a lick of sense knows we may need both, so hedge the bets and find the middle path to maximum productivity with minimal impacts. Tom Redick, GEEC, LLC, President CAST, counsel to growers etc.
Cases of abuse are widespread and well-documented and the abuse is not an isolated incident. Any time someone turns on the video camera, they can find abuse because it is standard industry practice–and for a very good reason. Abusing animals adds a large percentage to the profits of factory farmers. The more animals crammed into smaller spaces, moved quicker through assembly lines, and treated as machines instead of the creatures they are, the more money they make. That’s why the tail-dock
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Becky
Well – I guess I’ve made the big-time now that I’ve made an appearance in your blog.
Nice site – congrats on getting this up and running.
Becky
Steve Mays
I’ve worked with Bob Priddy for 20 years he is very unforgiving on the subject of “canned” news releases. This is amazingly high praise form one of the most respected names in broadcast journalism. Put this one in your Memory Book.
Steve Mays
I wasn’t sure if “agrimarketing” was really a word but it generates almost 18,000 results on Google, and your site was #5.
Steve Mays
You might alreayd have this link somewhere and I missed it, but a “How to” or “FAQ” page on podcasting (how to subscribe, not how to produce) would be useful. You could inlcude links to iPodder, etc. ZimmCast will be so popular you’re gonna need such a help page.
Chuck
Thanks Steve:
I will create one and make it available asap!
Fred
No one commented on this one, Chuck, because they were all out playing “flog”?!
Keith Good
What an encouraging and interesting development- Congratulations.
This is certainly the kind of thing that puts some wind in the sails of fellow bloggers.
Well done!
Steve Mays
If anything could entice me to follow the goings-on of the WTO, it would be knowing you are there, blogging away. Perhaps you should put up a Paypal link and invite your readers to contribute a few bucks toward the trip. You can put me down for a twenty.
Link Blog - Robert’s » Agrimarketing Pros :: Blog Readers In The Agrimarketing World?
[...] rimarketing World? Posted on Wednesday 6 April 2005 Agrimarketing Pros » Blog Readers In The Agrimarketing World? [...]
Steve Mays
As you know, I agree with your position on advertising and like the idea of “underwriting” your efforts. Might I suggest that you use the Paypal logo instead of your “donate” button. Most people know and trust Paypal and “donate” is a little… mysterious. Take advantage of the good Paypal brand.
Jacqueline Mackie Paisley Passey
CAFTA Blogging Roundup
A quick blogosphere roundup of recent posts on the Central American Free Trade Agreement: Anti-CAFTA: The Green Lantern, Freiheit und Wissen, Intellectual Property
Becky
Thanks for all the updates… since I’m not making it to the conference this year, I guess I’ll have to rely on you for the scoop.
Cyndi Young-Puyear
Thanks for joing us for the Brownfield party!
Lane McConnell
Your t-shirts are great! Blog away ZimmComm…
Donna Taylor
I wanted to be the first (ok, second to Chuck) to express what a great event BCS Communications hosted last night. Anyone who attended was the recipient of great atmosphere, food, drink and people! I left around midnight and the festivities were still going, albeit a smaller group. They are answering their phones and the door is open for business as I just spoke to Leigh Ann… They never really were locked up last night. Leigh Ann, Kelly and David are all on-site and working… Illinois is AWOL. We assume he’s just drying out his liver… Christy, escorted home last night by her devoted (that’s just a nice way of saying “sober”) husband, David, has been accounted for but is not in the office.
Way to let your hair down, BCS… you deserve it! Congratulations on your two-year milestone.
Sarpy Sam
If your in contact with them you need to explain RSS feed. I could find no RSS feed for the blog and that is the most efficient way to keep track of a blog.
Chuck
I fully agree and I also noticed that their “feedback” mechanism is to sent them an email. They don’t have the public comment function like we’re using here. Another thing they should consider if they’re serious about calling it a blog in my opinion.
Donna Taylor
The owner is Mike Gustafson. I’m just waiting for him to get beyond the leather gloves and pull out the REAL gear… leather chaps!
Cool bike, Mike.
Donna Taylor
Yikes… I think I ruined this for everyone. I inadvertently “blogged” when I should have sent a private email… my apologies:(
jeff jackson
Well drat the luck I also was aware that the bike belonged to one of the original Hells Angels “MAD MIKE GUSTAFSON”. Of course you probably do not have a t-shirt in My SIZE anyway.
Jeff
David Mehlhaff
Chuck,
You’re a dedicated and hard working individual.
I’m a slacker, I would have been trying to get my 18 holes in rather than work.
Please send me my $20, now that I mentioned what a hard working individual you are.
David
U.S. Food Policy
How nice to hear from you. I have been reading your weblog regularly from your site feed, after hearing about it through the Farm Policy weblog. I have added you to the very top of my blogroll (okay, I admit it’s alphabetical). I did thing that was funny that the agrimarketing pros were hesitating about advertising. Don’t let me keep you from changing your mind — everybody needs to make a living.
Steve Mays
This really has nothing to do with this post but the idea hit me so why not post it here.
I was thinking I’d enjoy hearing one of your presentations as a podcast. But if you do that, folks might not feel like they need to have you come speak to their group. Which helps ZimmComm.
But how about a regular (monthly?) podcast where you and two or three agri-marketing types talk about…agri marketing. Not sure how you’d work out the tech challenges but there’s always a way.
I’m thinking very free-form, round-table bull session on the latest news and trends. Once you get some traction you’ll have the heavy hitters (does agri marketing have heavy hitters?) calling you to be inclulded.
Just mention this was my idea in the first show
smays
Chuck
Good idea Steverino. I’ve got some ideas for this as I continue moving toward becoming what I’ve seen called a “Pro Blogger.” That is, someone who blogs full time for a living.
Keep an eye on our skin as we shed the old one this week. (fingers crossed)
CherylAnnS
Chuck, your presentation to Midlands NAMA was excellent. I had read about blogs and blogging in professional publications, but your explanations and real-time online demo helped me understand a great deal more.
Cheryl Stubbendieck
Chuck, I found the article at this link, the free articles for May 23 — article may not be there later.
http://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/0,,SB111643067458336994-k6L7bvm60veXh6qnB09aNci4szM_20050622,00.html
Chuck
Thanks Cheryl! I obviously should have searched harder.
CherylAnnS
Chuck, I’m an ASAE member and this was a great article. The author, pictured, has a blog for assocations called “Blogging for Associations” at http://www.associationblog.blogspot.com/
In it he revealed that a) the tattoo is not permanent; and b) he leaves open the possibility that his muscles were digitally enhanced.
Bob from the American Lung Association of MN
Sadly, the driver would have to go to Terre Haute to buy E85 from a retail outlet. Still, it’s nice to see E85 awareness growing in my old hometown.
Now I live in Minnesota, helping the American Lung Association of Minnesota spread the good news on E85 and biodiesel. See our site:
http://www.CleanAirChoice.org
Great race this year, eh? Wait till the Indy open wheel cars start running on ethanol…
Wayne Hurlbert
The new AgWired blog looks great.
All my best on its success.
Marilyn Cummins
Hi, Chuck:
It’s Boone (with an “n”), not Boome, for Kris’s name.
Thanks — and I like the new site!
Chuck
I will get it corrected. That’s the way it’s spelled in the “Call For Entries” brochure I received in the mail. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Gene Hemphill
Chuck (and all)…
A big “Ooops!!” from me for spelling Kris Boone’s name wrong. I hate to say how many eyes proof read the copy. We’re doing a second printing with the correction.
Also, Oscar entries are to be submitted to Kris, but inquiries on how to enter should be directed to either the NAFB office or to me at gene.hemphill@cnh.com. I’d be happy to send a pdf to any NAFB voting member who may have misplaced the one sent in the mail. …Gene
Lyndon Irwin
Yes, it was a very good presentation. I imagine that there are many of us who should make more use of so many of these technologies – and I think we will. I’m sending this from the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Indianapolis. Looking to apply some blogging technologies to some of our educational efforts. Thanks.
Lyndon Irwin, Phd
Professor of Agriculture
(soon to be) Missouri State University
Robert French
Thank you, Chuck. And, we just finished the podcast.
We’ll post it soon.
Love the new site! Wonderful.
Chuck
I enjoyed doing the interview for PR Quest and look forward to hearing it since it was a Skype call. The quality was excellent on my end and I hope yours as well.
AgWired » Date Update For Global PR Week 2.0
[...] der: Public Relations , Blogging — Chuck@ 12:29 pm I just posted information about Global PR Week 2.0 and noticed that the date has changed from what was written [...]
Phones
Radio On Your Sprint Phone
A lot of cell phones now have an FM radio, too, but how many people will use their phones as music devices?…
AgWired » Subscribe To Talking News Releases With Our RSS Feed
[...] r RSS Feed Filed under: Talking News Release — Chuck@ 6:35 pm I recently posted an announcement about our RSS feed for the Talking News Releases we produce. Now I can announce that w [...]
Cheryl
Chuck, be sure to tell the folks that your blog is one of the very best ones covering agriculture. I get a lot of news and story ideas from you. Thanks!
AgWired » Reaction To USA Raised-Beef Announcement
[...] 7;re going to hear a lot more about it. We reported recently on the introduction of a new voluntary beef labeling program. It was officially kicked off today. The f [...]
Gene Millard
Hi Chuck,
I can appreciate the NCGA membership initiatives to try to add value to memberships and encourage membership renewals and new memberships; however Farm information on satellite radio is not likely to be a part of any programming options. The Satellite folks have made it very clear that the number of potential subscribers would be only a fraction of the millions they require to be a target demographic. Yes, farmers are people and enjoy various entertainment options; however when Satellite radio becomes a detraction from AM & FM Local radio for farmers, the potential negative impact on the reliable and timely service they now receive may be in question.
Advertiser support of Farm Broadcasting on the NAFB stations and networks is imperative to provide this FREE service to Agriculture and any thing that detracts from that relationship can only be detremental to the agricultural community.
Example this week. The volitile commodity markets have very significant impact…Corn and soybeans prices have fallen 10% in 48 hours.. Billions of dollars in produciton value that impact the lives of the entire agricultural community…. did you hear about it on Satellite Radio?? NO ..
Local Farm Broadcast Radio IS the most timely and vital daily media link serving this important segement of the American economy and the entertainment options are vast and FREE!!
Thanks for listening.
Chuck
Great points Gene. As I’ve written here before, I’ve made numerous attempts to generate interest in farm news with both the major satellite companies. One never responded at all (XM) and the other (Sirius) basically said what you said. It’s just not a big enough target for them. I even offered to put together the programming for them but that made no difference.
We’re certainly in a time of fast change in information delivery. Even satellite radio is about to become the “old” technology as we are able to put earphones on our phones and listen to “live” audio anywhere/anytime.
What started my attempt to contact the satellite folks was a comment by a good friend who had a farmer point to his satellite radio and say “You need to be on here. This is what we’re listening to now.” Serious food for thought!
AgWired » Tracking News Releases Chapter 2
[...] orters use news releases, especially radio reporters since that’s our specialty. In the first chapter I wrote about the news value of a release, which is the most import [...]
AgWired » Boomtown Jack Receives Award
[...] ward Filed under: Agribusiness — Chuck@ 7:23 am I introduced you to Jack Schultz a while back. I just found out that he received a very nice award. That’ [...]
Richard Lake
It should have been a hemp plant mascot representing renewable fuels, and Canadian hemp farmers, at the Canada Day event.
Wouldn’t that have got Shell’s knickers in a knot!
The Impolitic
Outrageous. I think those folks should be concentrating on banning White House officials. Totalitarianism appears to be contagious.
Madd Maxx
Yes! Hey Shell, meet HERB!
C. Scott Miller, EDP
There are many forms of security that will be strengthened by a robust renewable energy initiative in this country. Addressing specifically bioconversion technologies that convert agricultural, forestry, and urban waste to ethanol:
1 – Markets for unsuccessful harvests (agricultural waste) as well as successful ones will secure the farming incomes
2 – Farmers can rotate between crops without sacrificing bioenergy income
3 – Cooperative ownership of local production provides economic stability by decentralizing profit centers, increasing employment, and spurring local investment
4 – Competition between fossil fuels and renewables will keep fuel prices in check
5 – Consumer choice at the pump between various blends of gas/ethanol will insure a smooth transition in infrastructure and vehicle development
6 – Fewer greenhouse gas emissions secure the air quality
7 – Waste conversion will reduce need for landfill
8 – Regional energy self-reliance will insure abundance
9 – Communities will save money from reduction of tipping fees
10 – Co-generated electricity will reduce dependence on fossil fuels
Emerging conversion technologies promise a paradigm shift in the way every region of this country addresses its energy needs. Regional self-reliance is the best defense against both foreign dependence and centralized corporate mis-management of the industry.
Paul
That’s all the recognition we get? “this place had dsl?”
Hope you guys are staying somewhat dry…at least Dennis isn’t totally kicking your butt!
I can’t remember having more fun than we did over the last few days…looking forward to you stopping back through….Paul
John Franklin
Bear in mind that Catalyst was conducting a qualitative usability test – not a quantitative survey. For usability tests, the industry norm is to use small sample sizes, because from a qualitative perspective, the flaws in an interface become quite clear even after just four or five people have performed a series of tasks. Don’t take my or Catalyst’s word for this – it’s a well known industry practice. Part of the veracity of this is that usability tests don’t emphasize participant opinion. They emphasize much more objective performance: can someone do something, or can they not? If nine different people fail to figure out something on an interface, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist – or 1000 more people – to tell you that interface could be better constructed at that particular point. Just an FYI on testing methodology for this industry….
JF
Cheryl
I was in Ireland recently and the cartons of cigarettes clearly stated on the packaging, “Smoking Causes Fatal Lung Cancer.” It didn’t seem to me that anyone was deterred from buying the product because of that statement.
AgWired » TNR On New MBIC Director of Consumer Information
[...] rector of consumer information is featured on this week’s MBIC Report as we reported earlier. So we had to send out a Talking News Release, which we always post here t [...]
Anonymous
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Paul Welsh
I’ve worked with Bill on projects and he’s bright without being ego driven. NAFB needs a broader perspective and I applaud this move. Change is one of the most difficult things for us to accept as humans but as a recent cover of Fast Company magazine screamed, “CHANGE OR DIE.”
Jeff Koenig
Good interview with Gary.
Since Gary criticized Pimental and others work without presenting any factual basis I thought it would be important to provide some “fair and balanced” links to allow the people to learn and create their own opinions of this ongoing debate and issue.
http://jeffkoenig.com/?q=node/417
AgWired » Complete ABM Agri Council Study To Be Released At AMS
[...] age study next Tuesday. We pointed you to it recently and the webcast just touched on the highlights. I’ll try to get more details to provide you next week. Until t [...]
AgWired » Are Publishers Ethical?
[...] ers Ethical? Filed under: IFAJ , Ag Media Summit — Chuck@ 4:21 pm Ethics again. I interviewed David Markey by phone a few days ago at his office i [...]
DL Byron
Great to hear you’re coming! See you there.
Steve Mays
Once again, terrific event coverage by AgWired. The official Agricultural Media Summit website is still frozen back in pre-event time (“Come see us at…”). Goodness, at the very least they should add a prominent link to AgWired. Or hire you to blog the event for them.
AgWired » Get Your AgWired Tee Now
[...] ust 7, 2005 Get Your AgWired Tee Now Filed under: General — Chuck@ 11:45 am At the NAMA convention in April, our t-shirts were very popular. So much so, that we re-designed them an [...]
AgWired » Pumped Up Potato Head
[...] odity Group — Chuck@ 1:05 pm Just yesterday we told you to experience the power of figs, now it’s potatoes. The United States Potato Board is changing Mr. Potato Head. [...]
DrinkMoreMilk
my first blog……..wow!
DrinkMoreMilk
I enjoyed the producer panel discussion this evening. I guess we are in the land of corn, wheat & beef. Would have liked to hear more from producers in the dairy industry.
Question I have is about farm shows:
What is the general opinion about exhibiting at farm trade shows vs spending money on print media advertising? Which is more succesful?
Chuck
Good question and since I was just the moderator of the panel tonight I don’t know the answer. I think it was interesting that the producers on the panel said that farm shows were very important to them. They also made comments suggesting that their time spent reading trade pubs was kind of seasonal.
I wish I could provide more information to answer your question. Maybe someone else will read and chime in.
Eldon
Actually, the recently released research conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Business Media Agri Council suggests that farmers used different sources of information at different points in their decision process. Advertising (in print and broadcast) helps introduce farmers to new products, etc. Their interest in farm shows is for new product info, but also to “test drive” the new product as they near a purchase decision. This will be one of the discussion topics at the NAMA Agribusiness Forum, November 8-9, in Kansas City.
Ross Retzlaff
Thanks Chuck,
I had a great time listening in on your session about blogging. The NAMA Boot Camp was very successful and I walked away feeling very satisfied with everything I learned. You have inspired me to create a blog of my own and maybe even the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture as well. Very nicely done
Chuck
Thanks a lot Ross. I enjoyed it too.
AgWired » Arbitron Measures Podcasts
[...] 5 Arbitron Measures Podcasts Filed under: Media , Podcasting — Chuck@ 9:00 pm Just yesterday I posed the question “I wonder when Arbitron will begi [...]
Cheryl
Cows rule! I have about two dozen ceramic cows from Cows on Parade. It started innocently enough, then people starting giving them to me on every gift-giving occasion. I’ve tried to “steer” them to the cows I really want, but there are some definite culls in my herd.
Joe Robertson
You have a typo in the first sentence of our BASF story. Shouldn’t “significant news business from BASF” be “significant new business?” Maybe they’re just doing P.R.? Right…
Chuck
Thanks for pointing out the type. Thought I had fixed that one!
I’m not sure the exact details of the business that Quarry is obtaining. I’m still waiting on a call back. It could just be public relations but that’s all the information I have.
Meanwhile is there anything new I should know about Red Lizard? Please add news@agwired.com to your media list so I can keep up to date!
C. Scott Miller, EDP
At some point in the not to distant future, corn-to-ethanol conversion will merge with waste-to-energy conversion to greatly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, while simultaneously improving agricultural economics and the environment.
There is a new path being blazed in the development of ethanol fermentation processes. This path involves converting not only corn but also corn stover, other agricultural crops, agricultural wastes, forestry wastes, and urban wastes (including landfills and sewage) into ethanol. In fact, feedstock can include anything containing C-H-O (even fossil fuels).
Instead of sugar fermentation, a revolutionary conversion technology process is used. Gasification can reduce the feedstock to its components while generating enough heat to co-generate electricity. The product of gasification, syngas, can be converted into ethanol using bacteria as the converting agent. The process is amazingly efficient (7 minutes vs. 36-48 hours for sugar fermentation) and results in net energy gains in electricity and liquid fuel – while reducing the societal pariahs of landfills, waste, and fossil fuel dependency.
I invite readers to visit http://www.brienergy.com – the home site for BRI Energy LLC – a company that represents techological processes being pioneered and demonstrated in Fayetteville, Arkansas by James L. Gaddy, Ph.D. More information can be sought by signing up under the “Contact” webpage.
AgWired » The Latest On The WTO From FarmPolicy.com
[...] I’ve written about Keith Good before. In fact he was one of the first interviews on the ZimmCast. Now my man is using audio on his weblog! [...]
World Dairy Diary » Do You Know About The Fighting Cows of Switzerland
[...] Here’s a link to the story on our sister website, AgWired. You can see a short video of the cows fighting which was taken by one of the participants on her mobile phone. [...]
Cheryl
Farm Bureau Launches Hurricane Relief Efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 1, 2005 – The American Farm Bureau Federation said today that contributions to established charities are the best way to supply immediate aid to hurricane victims, but to provide longer-term assistance to affected farm and ranch families and rural communities AFBF has initiated a nationwide effort to raise money and collect food donations.
“We encourage all Americans to donate to their local charitable organizations, including churches, the American Red Cross, and America’s Second Harvest, who are all doing their best to provide direct and immediate relief to displaced and homeless people in the areas hit hard by Hurricane Katrina,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “AFBF will make a donation to our long-time partners at America’s Second Harvest to provide immediate food relief.”
“By establishing the Farm Bureau Hurricane Ag Fund we hope to provide a donation option for people wishing to assist the farm families and rural residents who were left in the wake of hurricane destruction,” Stallman said. “Every dollar we collect will be earmarked for helping farm and ranch families or their rural communities get back on their feet and back to the business of producing our nation’s food and fiber.”
Stallman said contributions will be disbursed to agricultural or rural-related charities selected by state Farm Bureaus in Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi, and the Alabama Farmers Federation.
The American Farm Bureau also will contribute to the Hurricane Ag Fund, and Stallman said that county Farm Bureaus, state Farm Bureaus and individual members may mail checks directly to the AFB Foundation. Donations are tax deductible when made out to AFBFA/Hurricane Ag Fund. Checks should be mailed to: AFBFA/Hurricane Ag Fund, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20024.
In addition to the Hurricane Ag Fund, the American Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee also are reaching out to America’s Second Harvest in an effort to ensure that people in the hurricane zone are fed.
“We encourage Farm Bureau members to donate appropriate food items to the America’s Second Harvest network of food banks,” said Terry Gilbert, chair of the American Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. “Those of us blessed with so much have the opportunity to help those in desperate need, simply by opening our own pantries,” she said.
“I am confident that America’s young farmers and ranchers will rise to the challenge of supplying hurricane victims with one of the most basic things we all take for granted – safe, nutritious food,” said Ben Boyd, chair of the national American Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Committee.
You may search for the nearest America’s Second Harvest food bank online at http://www.secondharvest.org.
AgWired » Meet The New AAEA President
[...] Meet The New AAEA President Filed under: Ag Media Summit , Podcasting , Audio , ZimmCast , AAEA — Chuck@ 1:28 pm [...]
AgWired » Win A Holstein Association Jacket
[...] Just last week I told you about this contest being run by the Holstein Association and this week we helped them promote it by sending out a Talking News Release! Here’s your chance to hear Lisa Perrin. She did a good job don’t you think? BRATTLEBORO, Vt., September 21, 2005— World Dairy Expo 2005 is just around the corner and Holstein Association USA, Inc. is inviting everyone who attends the expo to stop by their booth and meet the “Holstein Association Member of the Day” and get a free copy of the 2006 Holstein Association calendar. [...]
domesticFuel » IRL Race Set For This Weekend
[...] Although he’s not in this race you need to be following team Hemelgarn’s #91, currently driven by Jimmy Kite. You may remember how he stepped in for the injured Paul Dana at the Indy 500. You can see quite a bit of that race experience by visiting our sister site, AgWired, which was around before DomesticFuel. Anyway, it’s Ron Hemelgarn and Paul Dana who have had a lot to do with helping convince the IRL to make the switch to ethanol. That’s why #91 is the “ethanol car.” [...]
domesticFuel » The Latest For EPIC
[...] In just a few short months the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) has done a tremendous job to bring good information to consumers who want to know about putting it in their cars. The man behind EPIC is Tom Slunecka, executive director. I interviewed Tom for a weekly program on our sister website, AgWired. [...]
domesticFuel » Mandated Ethanol Movements
[...] Legislation is pending in Missouri to mandate a 10% blend of ethanol in that state. [...]
AgWired » Will MyPyramid For Kids Create Buzz
[...] In fact, USDA is supposed to be making a press announcement as this post is being written. Maybe this will generate more buzz for the whole MyPyramid thing since we reported on a study that says it hasn’t had much. Everybody’s into online games these days and USDA is no exception since the new MyPyramid for Kids section of their website has one called “Blast Off.” An interactive computer game where kids can reach Planet Power by fueling their rocket with food and physical activity. “Fuel” tanks for each food group help students keep track of how their choices fit into MyPyramid. [...]
AgWired » Johanns Web Portal Announcement
[...] I know I just posted an announcement about this new USDA Market News Portal but I thought you might want to hear the announcement from Sec. Johanns himself, courtesy of Southeast AgNet. [...]
S.Danieli
can we get the e-mail address of J.Smith
thank you
Blooming of Beloit
Beloit Wisconsin
info@da-sh.com
S.Danieli
can we get J.Smith e-mail address ?
thank you
Blooming of Beloit
info@da-sh.com
Chuck
Thanks for the comment. I have a policy not to directly forward someone’s email without permission so I’ll forward your request to her and she can decide to respond personally.
AgWired » McCormick Company Expo Exhibit
[...] You never know who you’ll see when you go to a farm show. I’m here blogging the World Dairy Expo (World Dairy Diary) and the booth next to my little office is for the Southwest Plains Dairy Directory. I posted an announcement about it here on AgWired recently. And the person who’s working the exhibit is Kathy Cornett, Chairman of McCormick Company and a past president of the National Agri-Marketing Association I might add. [...]
AgWired » BASF Agency of Record Official Announcement
[...] working with Quarry to pursue them,” Iftner and Watson said. Posted by: Chuck @ 2:54 pm | | Permalink No Comments» [...]
Cheryl
Congratulations, Chuck! AgWired Rocks!
AgWired » Henderson Communications Acquires Agri Marketing
[...] Just a few days ago we asked, “What happens to Agri Marketing magazine?” Well, now we know. Henderson Communications L.L.C., a newly formed agricultural communications company, announces that it has purchased AgriMarketing magazine and its related communications activities from Vance Publishing Corp. Vance Publishing had acquired AgriMarketing as part of their purchase of Doane Agricultural Services of St. Louis, MO, on October 7 and immediately sold it to Henderson Communications. [...]
Cheryl
He does a mean Podcast, too.
Dwayne Leslie
Hi Chuck, been meaning to send you a comment for a long time. Your Sirius comments about agriculture finally made me start typing.
I bought a Sirius a few months ago. I spend alot of time on a tractor in the summer, and alot of time on the road in the winter for http://www.farmauctionguide.com.
Considering how Canadian radio is limited by archaic content regulations, satellite radio is taking over here in a big way even though it is technically illegal for us to use in Canada.
The only time I go back to my local station is for the noon hour at our local station which is full of information and markets. But with web enabled cel phones now, I don’t neccesarily have to wait for somebody to give me outdated market information anymore.
The only thing better than Sirius, is listening to the Zimmcast and other farm commentary podcasts on my Ipaq.
Farmers spending so many hours on the tractors should be jumping on the Ipod bandwagon in a big way. Especially in Canada now that the NHL is back!
Keep up the great work.
Dwayne Leslie
http://www.farmauctionguide.com
AgWired » The Birth of the Global Auction Blog
[...] This thing apparently was “born from one farmer’s struggle to find farm auction listings on the Internet.” That farmer being Dwayne Leslie, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada. I’m posting this since Dwayne commented on my recent article about Sirius satellite radio. He subscribes to the ZimmCast and I’m sending him an invitation to be my guest on an upcoming program. This auction guide business looks like it has turned into serious business for Dwayne. [...]
Internet Marketing, SEO Expert
Hey this is a GREAT site. We enjoyed surfing through it please feel free to surf on over to ours.
AgWired » Syngenta Upgrades FarmAssist.com
[...] You can’t be a weblog and not get into checking out websites. We will only report on them after doing so. That’s why I waited hours to post this announcement from Syngenta. These are the folks who created the very cool, Resistance Fighters site. [...]
Matt Mullen
Hello Chuck,
Yes I am the editor for Tobacco Farm Quarterly and Peanut Farm Quarterly, two vertical trade magazines for U.S. tobacco and peanut growers.
I was inspired by Paul to start the blog on the business of agricultural biotechnology out of personal interest. Later, I started the tobacco farm blog. I’m not sure how many people are reading it yet, but I’m hoping it may one day provide a forum for farmers and agricultural researchers to discuss the research and news that we cover in our magazine.
I started the B2BPubblog to provide a look at my efforts at starting the other two blogs. I thought it might be useful to other trade journalists who were thinking about getting into blogging.
I’m guessing by the nature of your posts not too many other ag journalists are doing this now. Are there any out there?
AgWired » Kinder, Friendlier Pork Board Website
[...] There’s two things I’ll point out first. Much better domain and way simpler and easier to deal with. The “old” one was overwhelming with too much on the homepage. This is taking a lesson from the KISS principle. You just don’t have to try to cram everything onto the homepage. Give us some logical choices and let us go where we want for more information. As Steve Krug says in the title of his book, “Don’t make me think.” Why don’t web designers get this? [...]
ZHONGWEI
Dear Sirs,
How’s everything?Pls permit me introduce my products to you,we are manufac-turer all kinds of the farm equipments in China, for example the Hollow Pump,Centrifugal Pump,Spray Machine Set,and Plastic-coated Fibre Soft Pipe.We are jiont-stock enterprise and a Menber of China Water Conservancy Business Enterprise Association Irrigation&Drain Equipments Branch.
Enjoying the superior geographic location,strong technique,advanced equipment,we produce 80thousands waterpumps per year.With the help of Jiangsu Science and Engineering University we have established scientific standard quality guarantee system with complete test means.
The Products of our enterprise have four series: Hollow Pump,Centrifugal Pump,Sand Suction Pump,and Deep-suction Spray,adding more than 30species. Above species all can be used with diesel engines of 2-2.4 horsepower or electric motors of 1.5-1.8kilowatt,applying to half-fixed of moving kit type.And the Plastic-coated Fibre Soft Pipe.
The Kit product of Irrigation Machine Set,which has 1 inch,1.5inch,2inch,2.5inch,2.5inch,3inch,4inch,and 6inch seven species,can be produced 3million square meters per year.
For about the Services of our aftersales,we can provide the technical consultation,product planning and construction direction ,parts to the customers.
We’ll welcoming to the all world the clients to contact with us.
Cheryl
Great photo, Chuck! Send yourself an AgWired t-shirt!
AgWired » Michael Peterson Down On The Farm At Trade Talk
[...] one of those interviews that I hope to have for you soon. Posted by: Chuck @ 5:50 pm | | Permalink No Comments» [...]
Alan Lewis
Auctionindex is an auction site search directory for users to find auction venues from which to buy and sell. Auctionindex was created to aid auction sites that would never be found on other search engines.
Offering free and pay per click listings to site owners and is open to all auction sites. Auctionindex will help to increase website traffic and exposure for all sites listed.
AgWired » New Hybrids From Pioneer
[...] It’s hybrid mania at Pioneer. They just announced 62 new hybrids for the 2006 planting season. That includes eleven hybrids with the newly approved Herculex XTRA or Herculex RW insect protection technology. This includes nine new genetic families with 34 hybrids containing technology from the Herculex(R) family of insect protection traits, including hybrids with Herculex XTRA or Herculex RW Rootworm protection for transgenic corn rootworm control, and new hybrids containing the Roundup Ready(R) Corn 2 trait. Posted by: Chuck @ 5:41 pm | | Permalink No Comments » [...]
AgWired » 2 Beefmobiles 3 Wranglers
[...] I wonder if they include blogging in the Beefmobile wrangler training program. If not, I’ll offer to teach it. Where there once was just one Beefmobile now there will be 2 and instead of just one lonely wrangler there will be 3. Tracey Orsburn has been the lone wrangler but she’s now got company. Joining Orsburn as Wranglers in 2006 will be Holly Branecky and Stacy Loutzenhiser. [...]
AgWired » Rural Internet Loan Situation
[...] Speaking of New York. There’s an interesting story in the New York Times (requires free registration) about rural wireless internet access titled “Money Is There to Aid Rural Internet, but Loans Are Hard to Get.” I’ve reported before on the USDA Rural Development program that provides loans to companies that want to install and bring more broadband access to rural Americans (farmers). This article quotes some folks who aren’t happy with the pace at which USDA is granting the loans, the requirements for getting a loan and with the amount of money they’ve given away so far. [...]
ZHONGWEI
Dear Sirs,
How’s everything?Pls permit me introduce my products to you,we are manufac-turer all kinds of the farm equipments in China, for example the Hollow Pump,Centrifugal Pump,Spray Machine Set,and Plastic-coated Fibre Soft Pipe.We are jiont-stock enterprise and a Menber of China Water Conservancy Business Enterprise Association Irrigation&Drain Equipments Branch.
Enjoying the superior geographic location,strong technique,advanced equipment,we produce 80thousands waterpumps per year.With the help of Jiangsu Science and Engineering University we have established scientific standard quality guarantee system with complete test means.
The Products of our enterprise have four series: Hollow Pump,Centrifugal Pump,Sand Suction Pump,and Deep-suction Spray,adding more than 30species. Above species all can be used with diesel engines of 2-2.4 horsepower or electric motors of 1.5-1.8kilowatt,applying to half-fixed of moving kit type.And the Plastic-coated Fibre Soft Pipe.
The Kit product of Irrigation Machine Set,which has 1 inch,1.5inch,2inch,2.5inch,2.5inch,3inch,4inch,and 6inch seven species,can be produced 3million square meters per year.
For about the Services of our aftersales,we can provide the technical consultation,product planning and construction direction ,parts to the customers.
We’ll welcoming to the all world the clients to contact with us.
Matt Mullen
Hi Chuck,
Are any of the big equipment or crop protection companies taking advantage of blogs now for communication? It would seem to be a natural fit for their farmers/customers.
Matt
Chuck
So far I haven’t seen anything more than beginning interest. Most of them use the services of advertising agencies and although I’ve seen interest on their part it seems to me that they just don’t understand it yet. I’m evangelizing the use of blogging and podcasting as corporate communications mechanisms since I know that farmers are no different than the general public in their use of computers and the internet. In fact, I dare say they are earlier adopters of new technology.
Since blogging and podcasting is proving itself in consumer communications everyday I do wonder why more in ag aren’t yet taking advantage of it.
ZimmComm has just completed the design and installation of blogs for an agricultural commodity group and large corporate agribusiness. We have orders and projects in process for 5 more and proposals pending for another 5. I think we’ll see it grow once some great examples are out there for the skeptics to see.
I hate to say it but a lot of ag communication professionals don’t seem to be very up to speed on what we’re doing. But I’m trying as hard as I can to educate them.
Keep it up. You’re one of the folks who “get it” and you’ll be successful with it!
Matt Mullen
Hi Chuck,
I agree. I once was told that agribusiness is about ten years behind other industries when it comes to adopting new information technologies, but I don’t think we’re nearly that far behind. Some of the farmers I know rely on the Internet much more heavily to run their operations than other small to medium-sized businesses.
Although I still draw a lot of blank looks when I talk about my tobaccofarm blog, I envision an online space where farmers, Extension professionals, professionals from the companies and representatives from farmer’s organizations can engage in conversations about issues of interest to them. My site is not getting a lot of traffic yet, but the possibilities for a large company willing to engage their farm customers are endless…
Can you point your readers to one of the blogs you started for one of the agribusinesses?
Matt
Chuck
An example of a blog that we’ve built and host for a client is http://www.missouribeefcouncil.com. This site is a producer communications tool for the organization. It is just now starting to be used by them.
Cher;yl
Hey, Chuck. We’re working on it!
Chuck
Glad to hear it. If you need any help you know who to call. My rates are reasonable.
There’s a lot of groups that need to consider this in addition to USDA.
How’s your annual meeting going?
AgWired » Trees For Troops Delivers
[...] Just a week ago I posted an interview about the Trees For Troops program that’s being coordinated by the Christmas Spirit Foundation which is distributing trees that are donated by Christmas tree farmers. That effort is certainly underway and I got some photos of their stop in St. Louis, MO. The program began in Columbus, Ohio, when FedEx picked up about 200 trees from the Ohio Christmas Tree Association’s “Operation Evergreen.” FedEx provided international transport to Qatar from FedEx Express’s Indianapolis Hub. In addition to the international transport, the Trees for Troops program will collect and deliver about 3,500 freshly harvested trees to military bases in the United States along three regional routes (Western, Central, and Eastern) between Nov. 28 and Dec. 9. FedEx Freight will provide the pick-up and delivery service for the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, the philanthropic branch of the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA). [...]
Steve Mays
Your excellent post reminded me of the countless calls I used to field from agency and PR folks:
“We faxed your news department a release. Can you tell us how many people heard the story? We need to tell our client.”
I’m proud to report that I never laughed out loud.
Joan Stewart
Your comment “It would be nice to have personal relationships with every reporter out there…” pinpoints the problem.
Smart Publicity Hounds don’t try to have personal relationship with “every reporter out there.” They do everything they can to form personal relationships with a small number of reporters–those who are in the best position to help them. Also, those reproters whose audiences need to hear what you have to say.
Most PR people see their role as sending information to hundreds or thousands or journalists. The longer the list, the more impossible the task.
Instead, choose only one journalist who writels articles about your topic. Then:
–Go back and find the last 5 articles they wrote and read them thoroughly.
–In your initial email or call to the journalist, comment on one or more of the articles. Let them know you know what they write.
–Ask, “How can I help you?”
–Ask the journalist what kinds of stories they are writing now and if they need sources to talk to.
This is a start. Once you’ve done this, choose another journalist and do it again and again. Soon, you’ll have a list of 8 or 10 journalists with whom you are building a relationship.
Steve Mays
For the record, David Brazeal tipped me to the Utah State Fair site. A gutsy marketing move by the fair. While you and I (and millions of others) find ND funny… lots of folks didn’t/don’t get the film. I’d guess their traffic is through the roof off this.
Chuck
It’s a brilliant move I think. I hope we get to find out how well it did. Since I posted this I’ve even had to play the ads for my wife and kids who think the ads are funny, much less the movie.
Chuck
Very good points Joan. We’ve focused a business on doing what I’d call the mass distribution of news releases and that type of relationship building is impossible with hundreds and thousands of reporters. I still think blasting out a release to a large group of reporters is a worthwhile investment if the dollars are reasonable since there will be reporters who will pick up on a story even without that personal touch.
However, providing a personal focus and contact on key ones is a great idea and when handled properly will certainly show very positive results.
I think the problem is the follow up phone call from the public relations person who hasn’t done their homework as you suggest.
AgWired » Gary Schulz Leaves International Agri-Center
[...] Well I guess I know why Gary hasn’t been getting back to me. I’d been discussing the idea of blogging World Ag Expo with Gary Schulz who even attended the NAMA Boot Camp and my blogging class. [...]
anonymous
My daughter sang the rediculously over-the-top operatic fruitcake song on this “limmitted edition” (They only printed 500) CD.
Other versions that did not make the CD included a rap version, an 80′s style “the cure”, and more.
It was a lot of fun for the composers;-)
Fred
Hi Chuck,
I am really happy to see that you like it and found it useful! I am always amazed to read how people are using Talk Digger for their own purposes, and how new ideas can emerge from these conversations. Many people say that the real utility of a product will be found by users and not marketers, and I think that Talk Digger is no exception.
Thanks and take care,
Salutations,
Fred
AgWired » A Potential W.T.O.- Congressional Disconnect?
[...] Recall that last week’s discussion focused on non-trade distorting W.T.O. “green box” payments and remarked that some green box payments are often the type of government outlays that are considered “green” from an agri-environmental perspective. [...]
AgWired » The Vice President And His iPod
[...] I just have to laugh about this story and share it with you. First it was “W” and his iPod, now it’s our VP Dick Cheney and his iPod. I just saw this story on C/Net News.com from ABC News. Apparently some reporters on Air Force Two weren’t happy that the Veep’s iPod was charging in the power outlet they needed. Guess who’s plane it is! [...]
AgWired » Canadian Farmer Web Auction Business
[...] Here’s a great ZimmCast to end the year with on AgWired. I’ve brought Global Auction Guide.com to your attention before and finally got to interview president Dwayne Leslie. Dwayne is a farmer who got into the internet business to provide his fellow farmers with information and products he needed and knew they would want as well. [...]
AgWired » Blog Training At MBIC Today
[...] It’s the Missouri Beef Industry Council’s newest website project and it’s a blog. It’s MOBeef Update and was the subject of an MBIC Report recently. [...]
AgWired » The Radio War Perspective From Sundog
[...] Actually I found them when I visited their site to see Greg’s latest post on “Radio War Heats Up.” If you haven’t visited Sundog you ought to. I mentioned them earlier this year since they did the creative behind the excellent GoE Roadtrip blog. If you’re looking for an agency that “gets it” when it comes to the new online world of communications then give these guys a try. Of course, you can call us too. [...]
Steve Mays
If by “worthless” you mean, money-in-your-pocket-at-the-end-of-the-day… then, yeah, a frapper map is worthless. But for those of us that think of ourselves as part othe AgWired Readers Community, it’s fun to see where the others are.
Let’s say AgWired has 1,000 readers and every one of us took time to stick a digital pin in your map…wouldn’t that be fun to throw up on the screen in the middle of a presentation to a new client?
Chuck
I knew that was a poor choice of words. That’s why the post text has just been altered!
DomesticFuel » Happy New Year From ZimmComm
[...] So I guess you have to say that we’re a “new media” company. We want to help our clients deliver their message directly to the people they want to reach in as efficient and cost-effective a way as possible. As my friends at Learfield are realizing, it’s time to get on the Long Tail. [...]
World Dairy Diary » Happy New Year From ZimmComm
[...] So I guess you have to say that we’re a “new media” company. We want to help our clients deliver their message directly to the people they want to reach in as efficient and cost-effective a way as possible. As my friends at Learfield are realizing, it’s time to get on the Long Tail. [...]
AgWired » Happy New Year From ZimmComm
[...] So I guess you have to say that we’re a “new media” company. We want to help our clients deliver their message directly to the people they want to reach in as efficient and cost-effective a way as possible. As my friends at Learfield are realizing, it’s time to get on the Long Tail. [...]
Cyndi Young
If there is once thing we do not have to worry about, it is Tom finding a good meal.
AgWired » Lang Joins Learfield
[...] It looks like the folks at Learfield Communications have found a leader for their new Creative Services division. Kim Lang, who was most recently working at DTN, will be joining the firm soon. I’ve got a call in to Kim to get some more details about the position and the services that will be offered by the new division. [...]
AgWired » ZimmComm Blog Sponsors Announced
[...] We’ve got room for more and there will be more. In fact, in my discussions we’ve been asked about sponsoring all our properties. By properties I mean our blogs. I actually am finding it hard to believe that we own “properties.” Back in my days in traditional media properties meant radio networks, especially sports radio networks, as in “sports properties.” Now all I’ve got is these little old blogs. You can’t argue with traffic and results though can you? It’s new media time. [...]
AgWired » NAFB Reaches The New Rural
[...] The New Rural people I’ve met in the panels I’ve been on or watched are heavy users of all media, especially internet. One of the reasons is that for those who have “regular” jobs they are online with their work. For example, a grape grower in the Kansas City area that was a part of a panel at last year’s NAMA Boot Camp said he spends a lot of time online and that it was the main source of his information for growing grapes. Another panel participant there was a hog farmer who has installed wireless internet access that covers his property so he can be connected anywhere, including the barn, on his PDA. They certainly listen to the radio and watch their tv too. Posted by: Chuck @ 10:36 am | | Permalink No Comments » [...]
AgWired » Are Older Farmers Using The Internet More?
[...] We know that over half of all U. S. farmers are now online but we really don’t know a lot about their specific internet habits and how they use it for business. I’m hoping to learn more on Tuesday since the Gateway NAMA program is “how high-speed Internet access is changing how the agriculture industry does business.” The presenter will be Kip Pendleton of Agristar Global Networks. [...]
Brian Barnett
Chuck,
Thanks for the mention. You guys have got one heck of a good suite of sites going yourself.
I’ve thought about switching over to wordpress simply because I am outgrowing the applications provided by blogger.com. Maybe when I get some free time. . . yeah right.
Keep in touch
Horse Blog
100 Years Of The National Western
LOL….
Chuck
Thanks for the comment Brian. Feel free to keep us updated on your progress too. I’ll be adding links to your site on my Blogs & Podcasts page as soon as I can.
AgWired » Carnival Blogs
[...] comment. Anyone have any more information on this or suggestions? Posted by: Chuck @ 7:22 am | | Permalink No Comments» [...]
Christopher Carfi
Chuck, a “carnival blog” is a “traveling” blog post that appears at a new site each week. Each weekly “carnival” is created from submissions that have been collected over the previous week. Whoever is “hosting” the carnival that week goes through the submissions, organizes them, provides original commentary and editorial, and puts the post up.
The benefits are threefold:
1) Carnivals allow a wide audience to be exposed to the blogs of folks they normally wouldn’t read
2) Since a different blog “hosts” the carnival each week, the workload to put together the carnival post for that week (which can be 2-4-6 hours or more) is done by a different person every week, so the load is distributed.
3) Some of the carnivals (Carnival of the Capitalists, in particular) have thousands of regular readers, who “follow” the carnival to its place each week. As such, the hosting blog gets exposure to many thousands of new visitors on a week it hosts the carnival. Hopefully, some of those new visitors will stick around and become regular readers.
There are many regular carnivals out there, the CotC is just one of them.
Hope this helps!
best,
c
Chuck
I think I followed most of that. That’s what I had thought, at least as it relates to CotC in particular.
However, what prompted my post on this was a comment on my site that led to a post on Horse Blog (http://horses.blogcarnival.com/) where I found a post from my site. I hadn’t submitted anything to Horse Blog.
I certainly don’t mind extra exposure. I just wanted to make sure I understood what the purpose was.
Christopher Carfi
Gotcha. Not familiar with the Horse Blog…
Just call me "Joe"
Better fact-check the “nothing trade distorting” quote.
Tammy Humm Donelson
Agwired.com was mentioned as a great example of a targeted blog that was reaching a specific audience. The comment came from Steve Mays of Learfield Communications during a panel presentation of the “Revolution in Communications Technology” to 260 public relations and marketing professionals at a joint seminar for the St. Louis chapters of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and Community Service Public Relations Council (CSPRC). Learfield said, “AgWired is quickly becoming the destination of choice for the agricultural community.”
It’s great to see the ag community leading the way in new communications technology.
Tammy Humm Donelson
Agwired.com was mentioned as a great example of a targeted blog that was reaching a specific audience. The comment came from Steve Mays of Learfield Communications during a panel presentation of the “Revolution in Communications Technology” to 260 public relations and marketing professionals at a joint seminar for the St. Louis chapters of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and Community Service Public Relations Council (CSPRC) held this week. Learfield said, “AgWired is quickly becoming the destination of choice for the agricultural community.”
It’s great to see the ag community leading the way in new communications technology.
Chuck
We really appreciate Osborn & Barr Communications sponsoring the luncheon yesterday for the Gateway NAMA chapter and St. Louis Agribusiness Club.
I’m sure you got a great presentation too. I’m looking forward to listening to a recording of it which I think Steve is making available on his website at http://www.smays.com.
AgWired » Meyers An Excellent Finalist At AFBF
[...] chime clock. Sounds to me like she made out very well! Posted by: Chuck @ 12:45 pm | | Permalink No Comments» [...]
AgWired » Learfield Adds Two
[...] As we reported earlier this month, Kim Lang has joined Learfield Communications as an account executive for its News Division in Nebraska as well as representing Brownfield, America’s Ag News Source. [...]
AgWired » Podcasting Applicable For Associations
[...] There is one farm “association” that I know of that’s already podcasting and that’s the Missouri Beef Industry Council. It’s a weekly interview about their activities. Their members can hear it directly from them and they do. We produce this report and track the number of times it’s downloaded. According to the statistics there’s a growing number of listeners. You can see the link to their podcast on their homepage and on their blog. [...]
AgWired » A ZimmCast On Rural Internet Access
[...] The issue of rural internet access is a very important one in agricultural marketing and communications today. Last week I posted the full presentation made by Tim Ganschow, Agristar Global Networks, at the Gateway NAMA meeting. I’ve selected a couple of segments from Tim’s talk for you in this week’s ZimmCast. I hope you enjoy it. [...]
DomesticFuel » Ethanol and World Hunger
[...] Will increased use of biofuels lead to more people starving in the world? That is apparently what some are saying now, according to a New York Times article . I have heard concerns about whether farmers can meet the demand for soybeans and corn generated by increased biodiesel and ethanol production, but this is the first I’ve heard that it could increase world hunger. I especially love this quote from the article, “We’re putting the supermarket in competition with the corner filling station for the output of the farm,’ said Lester R. Brown, an agriculture expert in Washington, D.C., and president of the Earth Policy Institute. Farms cannot feed all the world’s people and its motor vehicles as well, Mr. Brown said, and the result is that more people will go hungry.” If you go to the actual article from the NY Times (link above), you will see a picture from Sioux Center, IA of a MOUNTAIN of corn. I could be wrong, but I think farmers can meet the demand without any more people going hungry. Give me a break. We produce enough food now to feed the world if it were not for the politics, corruption and logistics that keep it from getting to those who need it. Farm Policy writer Keith Good has a great commentary on about the article you can read here on domesticfuel.com’s Mother blog AgWired.com. [...]
AgWired » Suite Blogs
[...] I hadn’t really thought of what we’re doing here at ZimmComm this way but a recent comment from one of our reader/visitors got me to thinking. He said, “You guys have got one heck of a good suite of sites going yourself.” A suite of sites (blogs). A suite of ag blogs. Is that what we have? [...]
AgWired » NRECA’s Blog - Amped Up
[...] It was just last May that I was at the NRECA Legislative Conference and met with CEO Glenn English. One of the things he was very interested in was blogging. We had a good chat about that. So today I discovered Amped Up. It’s the NRECA blog. They’re doing it and I like the looks of it. Hopefully I can get in touch with Erick Erickson, the NRECA blogger and learn more. Sounds like an opportunity for a ZimmCast to me. Posted by: Chuck @ 8:21 pm | | Permalink No Comments » [...]
World Dairy Diary » Mozzarella To Morocco
[...] You’ve got to love an organization that has “working together” in it’s name. There’s so much “not working together” going on in the world today. However, in the working together department Dow AgroScience and Monsanto made a big announcement today too. But back to Cooperatives Working Together. Here’s there announcement today: Cooperatives Working Together announced Tuesday that it has accepted a bid from Foremost Farms USA of Baraboo, WI, to export 20 metric tons (approximately 44,000 pounds) of mozzarella cheese to Morocco. CWT will pay the export bonus to the bidder, once completion of the cheese shipment is verified. This is the first export assistance bid accepted by CWT in 2006, and the seventh in the past two months. It is also the first dairy product to be exported by CWT to Morocco, and the first to be exported through Foremost Farms, a member of CWT. Posted by: Chuck Zimmerman @ 9:41 pm | Permalink [...]
Ag Moment - Go ahead, take a moment for some Ag news and information on the net » Internet Ag Audio
[...] Zimmcast [...]
AgWired » Ag Marketing Needs Rural Broadband
[...] I know I already did a program with audio from Tim Ganschow. But that was using excerpts from a speech he gave. Last week I got to sit down with him and conduct a more informal interview and ask questions about how rural broadband access will affect agricultural marketing. In this week’s program Tim reviews the current status of rural broadband internet access and talks about what he calls the “pent up demand” that exists on the part of farmers who want to utilize it for the benefit of their agricultural operation. [...]
Steve Mays
Great audio quality on this interview. While it’s helpful to know the MP3 file is 3 meg, it would be equally (more?) helpful to know it runs 6 minutes. With that info, I can decide if I have time to listen now or save it for later.
Ag Moment - Go ahead, take a moment for some Ag news and information on the net » AgWired.com covering the Cattle Industry Convention
[...] AgWired.com covering the Cattle Industry Convention By Administrator The fellows over at AgWired.com are doing a great job covering the Cattlemen’s Industry Convention out in Denver going on February 1-4. Surf on over to their Cattlemen’s Industry Convention category and check out what’s going on. By the way, if you’re at the convention and happen to run into a guy by the name of George Quackenbush, tell him I said “hi”. This entry is filed under Beef, Farm Shows. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Leave a Reply [...]
AgWired » Stop By For Prime Rib
[...] Ale across the aisle and you’ve got a high traffic area. Posted by: Chuck @ 4:52 pm | | Permalink No Comments» [...]
CKB
Chuck — you get all of the good gigs.
Chuck
That’s why I am “The Agriblogger!”
AgWired » Video Podcasts From Monsanto
[...] Someone on Monsanto is getting on the Cluetrain. I reported about Monsanto’s “Conversations . . . ” a while ago. Now they’re podcasting them. The new multimedia website Conversations about Plant Biotechnology at biotech-gmo.com is launching weekly video podcasts. Viewers are now able to set their favorite video podcast aggregator or portable digital media player to retrieve the latest videos of farmers and experts discussing their personal views and first-hand experiences with genetically modified crops. [...]
jeff
Chuck
Thank you for posting our song….the band at Pearson Ford was Tumblin’ Dice (that’s us!) and we go by The Bio Willie Boys whenever we work with Willie Nelson’s Bio Diesel company. We appreciate the plug…thank you!
AgWired » Snow Boarding With Your iPod
[...] up with New Holland to provide a video iPod to a lucky winner. Posted by: Chuck @ 5:34 pm | | Permalink No Comments» [...]
Matt Mullen
Hi Chuck,
I don’t know Harry personally but have been reading his Siemens Says email newsletter for a while now. His newsletter and Web site are both very well done in terms of both content and presentation. I’m excited that he will be posting and think he will be a big asset to your blog.
Check out this conversation thread (http://paulconley.blogspot.com/2005/09/journalists-as-entrepreneurs.html) from Paul Conley’s blog where I point out Harry’s work.
Best regards,
Matt Mullen
AgWired » Cruising Rural America
[...] into a marketing campaign for both ag and non-ag clients. Posted by: Chuck @ 11:07 pm | | Permalink No Comments» [...]
AgWired » College Students To Blog Commodity Classic
[...] This is very cool and I can’t wait to see what our Monsanto Future Ag Journalists have to say. The same goes for Monsanto Public Affairs Manager Mica DeLong. She says the opportunity will provide the students with a unique real-world media experience. Monsanto has a long- standing commitment to promoting youth involvement in agriculture by supporting programs such as Future Farmers of America, 4-H, Agriculture Future of America, Ag in the Classroom and other notable agriculture youth and leader development organizations. “These students will make some new contacts and learn more about the agricultural industry at one of the largest and most widely recognized ag events of the year,” says DeLong. “ZimmComm has offered a unique opportunity for both students to write for AgWired, which gives them exposure to one of the newest forms of communications and can really broaden their knowledge.” I think Monsanto is one of the companies that’s “getting it.” They’re already video podcasting and now they’ve created an opportunity for students like Mary and Margy to create event coverage via a blog. Who would have imagined this a year ago when we got AgWired kick started? [...]
AgWired » This Quasimojo Member Won’t Be Forgotten
[...] Andy has been on AgWired in the past, including an interview I did with him late last October. You can also see him in two other posts, here and here. [...]
Chuck
Great job Margy. Have a safe and on-time trip and I’ll see you in Anaheim.
Chuck
Hi Mary:
Good start. Have a safe trip and I’ll see you in Anaheim.
Tom Philpott
Dear Margy,
I’m glad to see young journalists taking an interest in agriculture. Where we get our food has become quite an abstract topic here in the land of industrial agriculture, where just 2 percent of the population works on farms.
Yet I hope you will see that there are other perspectives on agriculture than those promoted by the likes of Monsanto. Industrial agriculture is environmentally and socially quite problematic.
And while Monsanto has generously supported your right to expression, the company has threatened to impede mine.
I hope you’ll read the articles I link to with an open mind; I’d love to hear your response..
Cheers,
Tom
Aunt Sis
Can’t wait to follow you this week! I didn’t know the word blogger even existed, let alone my niece was one. What an experiene!
AgWired » Optimum Time To Announce GAT
[...] A lot of announcements will be made at Commodity Classic this week, or at least timed for the event. Here’s one we’ve been expecting since last week’s Pioneer Science of Solutions event. DuPont today announced that its new proprietary glyphosate, ALS-tolerant trait from its subsidiary, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., will be branded as Optimum GAT. The Optimum GAT trait is targeted for commercialization later in the decade in a number of crops. [...]
Michael Mills
Margy,
You look like a natural in that mean, “green” machine! Nice job on the blogs. This is a great idea.
- Mike
Diane Johnson
They have to belong to Colleen Church McDowell!!!!
AgWired » Diane Knows Whose Boots They Are
[...] We have a winner in our “Guess whose boots contest.” Diane Johnson was the first person to guess – Colleen Church McDowell. [...]
Cheryl
Chuck, it was interesting to read the students’ reports. They did a good job of communicating the flavor of the conference. And they know what many people don’t yet recognize — agriculture is such a broad field, affected by so many factors, that you will never get bored in an ag journalism career!
Thank you to Monsanto for supporting their participation. I’m sure they gained a lot from blogging in a real-time situation.
Laurie
Chuck,
What a treat following the Commodity Classic through the eyes of these young journalists. Agriculture is an everchanging prospect and they will see and experience this changes in their careers.
What an opportunity Monsanto and you have given them! We hope to see more from these young journalists in the future!
Chuck
I have no doubt we’ll see and hear more from Margy and Mary. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed working with them. They deserve all the credit.
» Update From Nancy
[...] Well it’s been a little bit of a dry spell for posting. Travelling and blogging on multiple web sites will do that to you. Last week it was Anaheim, CA for the Commodity Classic. If you want to know anything about soybeans and corn just ask. [...]
Cyndi Young
Chuck,
Thanks for sharing this with your visitors. Way back in 1997 when we first started the intern grants program, the other Zimm in Zimmcomm (Cindy) was on the NAFB Foundation Board.
Our good friend Gene Hemphill (New Holland)is currently a member of the Board and will be my co-chair for the 2006 NAFB Foundation Auction held during NAFB Convention in November. We’ll be soliciting donations for that big fund-raising event in coming months, so if anyone comes across a cool item that would bring top dollar at auction, we’ll gladly accept your generous donation!!
AgWired » Our Student Blogger Has a Job
[...] Our Student Blogger Has a Job Filed under: Blogging , Margy Fischer — Chuck@ 11:24 am [...]
Cyndi Young
Way to go Margy!
Connie Brooks
I am so glad the “Blue Bull” caught your eye!! We look forward to the sale! Everyone is invited to the dinner! Let us know you are coming to dinner and I’ll make the reservation by March 23. Thanks and look forward to seeing you!
Connie Brooks
ABBB President
info@belgianblue.com or abbb@lisco.com
AgWired » NAWG Keeps On Blogging
[...] I’ve written about the NAWG Blog before and it’s time to write about it again. This time we have a new President who’s giving it a stab. He’s Dale Schuler from Carter, Montana. We met him at Commodity Classic. [...]
Steve Mays
After blogging for a few years, I find the idea of a “resume”…quaint, at best. Honestly, I can’t imagine hiring someone for a media job (in 2006) that wasn’t already blogging. Don’t send me your PowerPoint presentation…show me some video you shot and edited. I’ve come across a few students that have traditional “web sites,” and I found myself thinking, “why aren’t you blogging?”
Matt Mullen
Hello Chuck,
Thanks for the post. As an international publication, Tobacco Reporter sends its reporters on some very interesting trips. Taco decided to try the blog as both a new form of storytelling and a great way to get up to the minute news out during his trip. We’re pretty excited about it here.
Matt
AgWired » Early Spring On The Katy Trail
[...] I found out about the tragic event in Homestead, FL yesterday while I was on a Katy Trail walk in the sunshine. I had different posting plans at that point. They included posting some pictures from my hike which I’m doing now. [...]
Tim G
The California Milk Board is a marketing genius!
They even had a tie in with that wacky supermarket
tabloid, the Weekly World News. They got the
cover story for cow abductions! (Do you pay
money for that?)
http://www.weeklyworldnews.com/conspiracies/61531
Chuck
I have no idea. Very interesting.
I think their new campaign is absolutely brilliant.
Cyndi Young
GREAT PHOTO!!!
Paul Conley
Hi Chuck,
Thanks for letting people know about the new site!
AgWired » BIO Press Conference
[...] This is just an update to the last post. The announcement of the new study is being made at a press conference that is taking place right now. [...]
AgWired » Russian TV Crew
[...] You heard me interview them in a previous post. [...]
AgWired » Roeper On A Field of Dreams
[...] At the BASF Plant Science press reception yesterday we got to hear from movie critic Richard Roeper. Why you ask? [...]
KH
Oh my god, this looks disgusting! (And I can’t believe anyone thinks that getting children to eat *steak* is healthy!)
Molly
“anyone who has children knows how difficult it can be to get them to eat nutritious foods.”
I’m glad the marketing dollars of the Missouri Beef Industry Council are being used to promote red meat and starch to children (with gravy!).
This would be as laughable as it is unappetizing if there wasn’t such an obesity epidemic among our children here in America. Nothing like encouraging a nation of already fat kids to eat red meat, steak sauce, and potatoes.
The amount of saturated fat and cholestoerol in this dish is frightening, in addition to the fact that the only vegetable matter comes from four tiny cherry tomatoes. Now that’s what I call a balanced meal!
Paul K.
That actually made me throw up a little bit in my mouth.
Nutritious? Nope. Bad.
Michael
Oh good grief. Or should I say good gravy? Getting kids to eat protein is a good trick. My kids eat healthy meals and this looks like a lot of fun! So give me a break, all you “grossed out” militant vegans, I like meat! This is just as much fun as the cookie and brownie mini sham-”burger” idea, frankly I’d like to see if my kids would try it! One April fools day I made a layer cake of meatloaf and a thin layer of mashed potatoes to look like frosting, with great mixed veggie “confetti” and then we had those cookie-brownie things for dessert. ( I also served broccoli, but that was only because I like it.)
Em
Michael, I hope you die of a heart attack real soon so your children don’t have to suffer your bad health decisions any longer.
Liz
You guys really need to relax a little. Not everyone in America is over weight. We each have a responsibility to ourselves and our kids. Everyone knows what they should and shouldn’t eat.
Red meat is protien, and yes potatoes are starch, but they are also a veggie. It’s not like they’re telling you to eat this everyday! It’s just part of a balanced diet. Open your minds a little. Try something new. This looks like fun, and something I’d be willing to try. There are a lot worse foods out there that all of you have tried at one point or another. If the food were put in a blender and then put in the dish, that would be gross. It’s the same as putting it on a plate, just in a different shaped one.
You only come through this life once. Live a little!
shawn
well, not everyone in America is overweight, but I bet whoever invented this is!
Lindsay
If realizing this is disgusting, desperate, and unhealthy is “militant” then I guess I fit that description. I feel so sorry for the children mentioned in Michael’s comment. Hopefully they will grow up and make the right choices.
Niki
Juxtaposing the tastes of a vanilla ice cream sundae with steak and mashed potatoes is just gross. C’mon you meat industry tools, don’t you want your children to be able to distinguish their fattening disgusting cholesterol-ridden murderous meal from their oversweetened frozen concoction derived from the breast milk of pregnant cattle? This could so confusing that they might be turned off to both, and you wouldn’t want them to eat something that is not only healthy but also cruelty-free as well would you.
Julia
Yeah – Let’s keep it cruelty free. Turn all the cows loose in the streets cause we’re not gonna eat em any more!
News flash – people eat animal products. People like eating meat and drinking milk. It’s the only reason that cows, pigs, etc. are raised and an important part of our econonmy. Also it’s nutritious. Humans need protien – which is easiest to find in animal products. We evolved with canine teeth!
Plus, it just tastes good.
If you want to be a vegetarian or a vegan, good for you. I support that choice BUT it is just that- a choice.
Kristin
This looks as healthy as Spam. If your children don’t want to eat meat, don’t make them eat it. Americans don’t have to worry about protein. You can get plenty of protein from nut butters, dairy, and plant based sources.
I wouldn’t feed my dog that sundae.
Sharon
Just wanted to clear up a misconception about protein. Plant food provides an adequate amount of protein. Eating protein does not create protein in a body. A body uses amino acids which is present in all plant foods. And vegetables, nuts and seeds actually provide more calcium than dairy products.
The book The China Study is a huge source of information and extensive study on fat, protein and disease related to animal product consumption. The US is the top of the charts re meat consumption. There are other nations with larger populations, lower meat consumption and much lower disease.
You can eat animal food is you want to but that doesn’t mean you are being nourished better or will be healthier by all means.
Beth
Oh, came ON! Even my omni sister thinks that looks disgusting! Who would eat that? And yes, it is 100% possible to live a life as a vegetarian or vegan, and we have less exposure to supergerms and the e. cole virus! You can’t call that sundae healthy- the only nutritious part of potatoes is the skins, and steak is often fatty or undercooked. And it isn’t like a kid wouldn’t just pick off the tomatoes!
Craig
This looks like it has to be fake. I checked the date and it says “April 7th” but I can’t help but feel that this is an April fools day press release that has been caught a week late.
Steak ice cream!? I’ve heard of snail porridge and bacon ice cream, but this has to be a wind up.
As for promoting health, what happened to telling the chubby kids to eat their greens once in a while! Sure, this may make a lovely treat for anyone who is pregnant,and craves weird foods, but to give it the face of being a nutritious food is a bit silly. It’s meat and potatoes, with gravy.
Do people actually eat this kind of stuff?
Amanda
Hey Julia–we evolved with canine teeth? I’d like to see you tackle a steer and tear it apart with those ferocious incisors
admit it, it just comes down to that honest statement: …”it just tastest good.”
Scott
One more comment about “canine” teeth. They are present in vegetarian animals such as gorillas as well, so you’ll have to remove that from your list of rationalizations. I had to.
Paul Converse
Do you have Tom Doerge’s e-mail?
Anya
Em that was great LOL!!!! I don’t eat meat and I was not offended by this sundae at all. It looks like an interesting cute way to serve something. Kind of like art. I just wouldn’t want to eat it or let any child within 10 feet of it. Maybe they should try to make a balanced sundae vegan or not without all the fat and carbs add somemore veggies.
Andy
Well it must be big if Solae is involved. They are an industry leader with like a billion dollars in soy protein sales each year. They have also funded many of the studies into the health benefits of soy.
This sounds exciting. I guess we’ll have to wait for more news.
AgWired » First Weekly Toy Tractor Winner Announced
[...] This just in from George Williams, The Deere Gear Store: The first winner of the weekly “Win a Toy Tractor Contest” is Walt Lehmann. Walt chose a 1 50 Scale 400D Articulated Dump Truck as his prize. Congratulations Walt! [...]
Steve Mercer
If Canadian Business magazine had surveyed me and my U.S. AdFarm colleagues, I have no doubt the outcome would be the same!
Roger Reierson
All of our associates are treated in the same manner no matter were they happen to work. We do not think of them as seperates offices, but as one team that happen to live in communities of their choice. That is one of the reasons it is a grat place to work.
AgWired » Virtual Wine Exhibition
[...] These virtual exhibitions are very cool. I just participated in one this past weekend. Here’s one you can really get your palate around. Although, sniffing the aroma after popping a cork might be a little challenging. And I’m not sure a virtual cabernet is as good as the real thing. But hey, check it out. [...]
AgWired » Get Mobile Farm Info Quickly
[...] The keynote speaker at the recent NAMA Conference says the future is in wireless information delivery. It looks like Quickfarm agrees with him. They’ve just announced their new mobile service that allows producers with Web-enabled mobile phones or PDAs to access timely production information. The phone-formatted information will be managed by the user from the Web site of their local elevator, cooperative or other QuickFarm subscriber location. QuickFarm Mobile™ provides producers with convenient, portable and immediate access to breaking agricultural news, weather radar, forecasts, grain and livestock market information, local commodity prices and LDP information – right from their mobile phones. [...]
AgWired » MyPyramid Website Rocks Along
[...] Last week was the one year anniversary to the USDA MyPyramid food guidance system. Apparently the website has received a huge amount of traffic making it “one of the most popular federal websites ever.” [...]
Bob Wilhelm
Our various locations make less difference because we work hard to make AdFarm “one location”. AdFarm’s indeed a great place to work — wherever we are.
Andy Vance
My good friend Chuck is right on the money – the terrestrial broadcasters will trumpet this as extremely low iPod usage. This number will grow at an increasingly rapid rate. We’ve joined Chuck and his ilk in blogging and podcasting – in fact, we’re staking our reputation on this bleeding edge of the new media revolution. The mainstream media no longer has a stranglehold on thought in mainstream America. Farmers are consumers of goods and services, too. Particularly as the growth of rural broadband increases, be it through expansion of cable/DSL, rising adoption of satellite services like AgriStar, or when broadband over powerline becomes available, farmers will flock to the new media and new technology. They pilot $200,000 combines with $60,000 guidance systems for crying out loud – you don’t think they can manage an iPod?
Atlantic Review
World Trade negotiations in crisis…
The negotiators at the World Trade Organization (WTO) failed to meet the April deadline to agree on ground rules for the liberalization of world markets for agricultural and industrial products. According to Oxford Analytica op-ed in The Hill:Progress …
AgWired » The Elegant Pork
[...] I am seriously amazed that I’ve been blogging on this business for more than a year now. I get reminders, like when I go to save an image and see last year’s in the folder. Like this story. And now we have a new winner this year: Klaus Happel, executive chef at the Renaissance Scottsdale Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., won top honors in the 17th annual national Taste of Elegance contest May 1 in Orlando, Fla. The competition, sponsored by the Pork Checkoff, featured 22 chefs, all winners of state and regional Taste of Elegance contests. Chef Happel earned Chef Par Excellence honors with his winning entrée of Braised Pork Shank Medallion Wrapped in Savoy Cabbage and a check for $5,000. [...]
David Brazeal
Chuck, I suspect you’re just being polite. I’d go a step further and say a press-release podcast is just about the silliest thing I’ve ever heard of. It misses the very point that has made podcasts such superb vehicles for communicating with an audience: that podcasts are full of content that a niche group of listeners wants.
A press-release podcast combines the lame content of a traditional press release with the narrow reach of a podcast. Great idea: let’s make something really boring that few people will hear!
Andy Vance
Chuck – Once again, you’re spot on. The new media is what I call the bleeding edge of what we’re doing in our business. We believe that for the BARN to continue to grow and prosper (and for farm broadcating to grow and prosper for that matter) we have to create as many touch points with our listeners as possible. We blog, we podcast, and in the next day or two you’ll find copious amounts of video from the FFA Convention as well. Our site features downloadable audio on demand from our broadcasts, all with the idea that we are content providers, not a specific medium. Our listeners/readers/viewers are in the market for specific content and perspective that we provide, and we’re going to provide it in whichever medium they will find most useful. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, and its our task to discover the best use of each to maximize the benefit to the listener and the advertiser.
» A Week of Event Blogging
[...] How’s this for a picture to get your attention? What a week it has been. Event blogging is really picking up. Check out my post this morning on our AgWired site about a 46 day event that’s being blogged as I write. [...]
Paul Conley
Hi Chuck,
You’re right.
This site could have been … should have been … so much more.
Anyone looking for a better role model in online p.r. should take a look at this piece in Businessweek about how Boeing is using blogs:
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_21/b3985098.htm
John Stauber
“Fast Food Nation” mega-selling author Eric Schlosser must be doing something right. He’s under vicious attack from food industry lobbyists and front groups mimicking his book title in their website smearing him. Fleishman-Hillard’s Becky Johnson and her fellow flustered food flacks risk publicizing Schlosser’s writings in their over-the-top efforts to condemn him.
The industrial food lobby is freaking-out over “Chew On This”, his new book with Charles Wilson aimed at youngsters, and the fact that his “Fast Food Nation” is being made into a major Hollywood movie with the same title. Best Food Nation is the food industry’s sound-alike website funded by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Meat Institute, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Council of Chain Restaurants, and 14 other food lobbies. The website highlights anti-Schlosser rants by industry-funded front groups including Heartland Institute and the American Council on Science and Health.
Click here to read the rest of my article:
http://www.prwatch.org/node/4800
Gene Hemphill
Thanks Chuck…
We have worked hard for this and have enjoyed working with the NBB for many years. It’s fun to be on the side of what we hope will make a difference.
ghh
Scritz
I wish
IIIIII
Had an iPOd
Greg Anderson
“I’m proud that New Holland has become the first Original Equipment Manufacturer to announce full
support of B20 in all of the diesel engines it produces. I have used New Holland tractors and combines exclusively throughout my farming career. New Holland equipment has always been known for its quality, and now New Holland is taking quality to the next level by supporting B20 in all its diesel engines. This will be a big boost to the entire ag industry and will also help lessen our dependence on foreign oil.”
AgWired » Manage Your Horses
[...] From the makers of CattleMax we now have EquineMax. It’s the “complete horse management software program” from Cattlesoft, Inc. You can see screenshots and a video overview here. The Basic Edition keeps complete records including medical treatments, breeding records, unlimited pictures and pedigree information. The program also has income and expense tracking to simplify tax records and appointment reminders to ensure vaccinations are on time. [...]
AgWired » Blogging Coast To Coast
[...] Event coverage is me. At least it seems that way lately. Besides the upcoming CMA Fan Fair, I’ve got a very interesting one that I can announce. It’s the 50 year celebration of our national interstate system. I will be driving one of the vehicles in the convoy that will be commemorating the 50th anniversary of the federal law that brought the Interstate Highway System to America. The trip begins June 16 in San Francisco and ends June 29 in Washington, DC. You can see the full schedule here. I’ll be writing each day, including interviews and pictures as I find them and I know there will be a lot. My involvement with the trip is being sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council. In fact, I’ll be driving a truck that will be wrapped with their logo. You can see a current list of the sponsoring organizations for the whole event here. I’ll be driving through a lot of farmland. [...]
David Mehlhaff
Sounds like a fun festival. Let me know when you’re headed there next year Chuck, and I’ll meet you.
AgWired » Dairy Month Festivals
[...] You must not get out much judging by the lack of “Here’s my favorite festival . . . “ responses. So I’ll just have to take up the slack. Actually dedicated reader Dave Mehlhaff said he’d go with me to Olean next year. [...]
AgWired » Recruiting Down Under
[...] It seems like I was just in Australia. Actually I do hope to visit there someday. Ag Careers is there now. AgCareers.com, a Farms.com Company, is pleased to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rimfire Resources PTY Ltd. of Australia to cooperate on a number of strategic human resource offerings. [...]
Mobhead
Hello. I plan to head down to Olean tomorrow. It’s only about 25 miles away from me. I called the phone number you listed for info but only received an answering machine. I hate to ask you this and don’t mean to be annoying but did you attempt to get more info? If so what was it? I’m not asking for a book, just very generalized information. Times, where to park, directions, things of that nature. I’m sorry to bother you w/ this but I’d apprecaite any help you could give me. Thank You.
Mobhead
Chuck
It has been a few years since I attended the festival in Olean. I would just drive on down and I think you’ll find plenty of parking. It’s a great little festival. Good food and drink and activities. Enjoy it!
AgWired » New Holland CMA iPod Contest
[...] You may remember that New Holland gave away a video iPod at Commodity Classic as part of their ongoing promotion with country music star, Michael Peterson. The iPod was pre-loaded with all my content from Classic (audio interviews, pictures and video of Michael’s performance). To say the contest was a hit would be to put it mildly. [...]
AgWired » New Holland CMA iPod Contest
[...] With that successful first campaign under our belt, New Holland and I are doing it again at the Country Music Association Music Festival which starts next week. Although we’re not running an online contest, CMA Festival attendees can register to win a video iPod while they are there. The winner will receive an iPod that’ll come pre-loaded with all my content from blogging the event. It will include pics and audio from the final day Celebrity Boomer Tractor Race which now has 85 celebrities on the list to compete. [...]
Tali Haleua
Hi Chuck,
Thank you for your comments and reminder about our website. We are launching a new site within a few days, however, will make those changes immediately.
Regards,
Tali Haleua
Director of Business Development
TekVet
Chuck
When you launch the new website, let me know and I’ll do a new post about it.
Good luck.
Chansiaux
About french agriculture & communication : http://comagri-chansiaux.blogs.com
julie brown
Wonderful interview with Todd Fritsch! A true Texas cowboy with deep roots in the cattle business. You can’t find a nicer role model for the kids of today to look up to. What you see is what you get.
Gerald Ludwick
Mediacom is wasting their time and money pursuing the RUS. I have been a Broadband Loan receipiant since 1/2005 and it has been the most worst experience. Our Congressman, who is the Telecom Committe Chairman, in 2 years of efforts could not get RUS to do what is right.
Focus on your business, RUS will take care of your competitor.
Howard Wilson
that young lady who photographed Michael and a fan at the close of the video clip is his older daughter, Amanda, (and my granddaughter). She just graduated from high school and will soon be going to Germany for a year’s advanced study.
Ben Krech
Chuck,
Thanks for stopping by our Nashville offices today! It was a pleasure to have you. To clarify just one point: XM Satellite Radio does not “only” make sense for long-haul truckers…it makes sense for ANY music, talk radio, or sports fan. For instance, we have the LARGEST choice of commercial-free music in satellite radio, hands down. We’re also the exclusice satellite radio partner of baseball, carrying every team, all season long!
http://www.xmradio.com
Best,
Ben Krech
Production Director
XM Satellite Radio
AgWired » Farm Podcasting Proven
[...] One of the first agricultural podcasts is the Swinecast. I’ve been following it’s development since early last year and I can tell you this is no longer some sort of unproven concept. Ask Dennis Erpelding at Elanco Animal Health what he thinks. Kudos to Ned Arthur for taking a bold step into the new media world. We’re getting there buddy! I hope no one believes that a company like Eli Lilly would invest in this new technology without serious thought and the belief that it is helping them accomplish their customer communication goals. Elanco’s innovative Internet “conversation” between swine producers and industry experts – celebrates its 100th episode by expanding its introduction to swine industry allies across the nation. “We’re pleased to invite the entire industry to become a part of this bold new Information-Age initiative,” says Ned Arthur, SwineCast Content Partner. “Over the past year, as we’ve slowly introduced SwineCast in test markets, the response from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve discovered that all segments of the swine production industry significantly benefit from an ongoing dialogue with each other, regardless of their location or nationality. That’s what SwineCast provides. That’s what we want to share with you.” [...]
AgWired » How I Blog - Part Two
[...] In the first post in this series I wrote out a list of all the hardware and software I use with links to all of them. In this post I’m going to address what I do with all that. There are any number of ways to blog and everyone will develop their own style and processes. A lot depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. For example, on several of our blogs I’m posting as a reporter and often on location from an event. If all you’re trying to do is an infrequent post about your company you may not need to use many of my techniques. So take what you will from this and email me if you’ve got questions or suggestions. [...]
Shearlene Whipple
This Was A Great Event Michael Held
Held…. Hope It Becomes A Tradition!
Shearlene
Dee
Very, very cool! Thanks for the interview and the video : )
kathy
I THINK TANYA TUCKER IS GREAT IS ANYTHING SHE DOES, WHETHER IT’S SINGING, PERFORMING, OR RIDING A TRACTOR. SHE IS SUCH A GOOD SPORT AND ALWAYS SEEMS TO HAVE A LOT OF FUN NO MATTER WHAT SHE IS DOING. I THINK THEY SHOULD GIVE HER A TRACTOR JUST FOR BEING TANYA TUCKER THE SUPERSTAR. KATHY
Cari
Go Wade!
Gene Hemphill
Thanks Chuck, for your comment and for your great coverage of the Music Festival. Gene
Gina M. Jones
Always glad to see good things for Wade, he so deserves it, from his #1 fan
AgWired » Milk That Soccer Star
[...] The ad debuts in the July 4th issue of Sports Illustrated. Posted by: Chuck @ 6:25 am | | Permalink No Comments» [...]
Michael Peterson
Chuck,
I just returned from Korea and discovered all the links for FanFair are now invisible.
Any chance I could still get a look at the hundreds of photos you took from the tractor race?
Is there any video?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Trust all is well.
Michael
Chuck
Hi Michael:
Great to hear from you. You can still find all my posts from the event.
Put this url into your web browser, then you can scroll back through all my posts:
http://agwired.com/category/fan-fair/
There are pictures, including a link to my online photo album and there’s links to audio files and some video as well.
Let me know if you have any problems. It was a great experience and I know next year will be even better!!
Chuck
maud Roucan
I’m a student at Purdue Universiy. I am interested in doing a research that studies advertising expenses by ag companies (probably either the seed or chemical industry). I am looking for information regarding the advertising budget mix (how many dollars spent on mass media, how much spend on radioads, magazines, Sales people and so on). I was wondering if you would happen to have that kind of information (for several companies and over several years) or know of a company that does.
Please contact me ASAP
Maud Roucan (765-494-3259)
Alan Kirk
Item in foreground looks like a seed drill and item in background is a manure spreader
Cyndi
Both!
Cyndi
Congrats! This will be a great fit with the World Dairy Diary. Cindy will be awesome.
Life on the pea harvest
The first dairy podcast?…
Been googling to find other agripodcasters. Wow, you do a bit more digging and it looks like there are a lot of agricultural bloggers out there:-) This is an American outfit who write about agribusiness.AgWired � First Dairy Podcast I’ll……
Brita
Nice to read about the congress we are preparing for you, Chuck. August in Norway…, you will meet with 189 other journalists from 27 countries.
The first evening, we take you to Ibsen’s Peer Gynt play at lake Gålå. (Spectacular outdoor performance.) Please, bring warm clothes for this evening up in the mountain. Welcome, Brita
Chuck
Thanks Brita. I can hardly wait. I just hope I don’t have to say “skaal” too many times!
Let me know of any updates so I can post them on AgWired.
By the way . . . Can you put a link to AgWired on your website? I’ll be blogging the trip!
Thanks
Aaron Gilbertie
Welcome Beth! It’s great to see a fellow Mustang making contributions to the industry. Wishing you the best of luck!
Nathan Schock
Chuck, thanks for the kudos. We’re big believers in the power of new media, avid readers of your blogs and regular listeners of the ZimmCast. Keep up the good work!
David B.
If this beef is anything like Greg Norman’s golf game, it’s sure to be tender. It will fall apart at the slightest application of heat or pressure.
Ruth Gilstrap
What happened to the old barns. I found them one week and now the only one listed is Mike Adams old barn and the others have disappeared. Have you posted any more of them. We were really enjoying the pictures and reading about the old barns. I even copied some of the pictures. Hope to see more.
Chuck
I’m only too happy to oblige! Keep up the good work and thanks for visiting/listening.
Chuck
Good point! Ha. I’ve already been told today by more than one person that he’s done a lot better marketing products than playing golf!
Kevin Smith
I am a customer of AgSource from Central IA. I am extremely excited for the new company.
AgWired » Workshop Follow Up
[...] Blog” which has a Part One and a Part Two. Now you have them! Posted by: Chuck @ 2:00 pm | | Permalink No Comments» [...]
Gary L. West
I did attend the session and am happy to see that there is interest growing in blogging and new media ventures among folks with a more “traditional” media focus. Personally, I was hoping to hear a lot more about podcasting, which unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to get into. As someone from a print background, and with previous website experience, blogging employs skill sets with which I am well familiar (writing, photography, page layout, etc.) Podcasting is a whole different thing. What I’ve learned has come from being a podcast subscriber. So I’m looking forward to delving deeper into the resource links. Personally, I have no desire to be the “talent” on a podcast, but I see great potential there and hope to be able to convince others to “speak up” to enhance the multi-media offerings at capitalpress.com, and on other media sites.
Matt Mullen
I’m curious if you got a show of hands on how many people actually have blogs.
At a recent blogging session I attended at the national ASBPE conference, a show of hands revealed that many knew about blogging, but few editors there actually had a blog of their own.
ASBPE link:
http://www.asbpe.org/about/news_2006/2006-03-24natconf.htm
Chuck
I didn’t count the hands but I would estimate it at about 10 people. I don’t know if those are personal blogs or “business” related.
I saw more hands who have iPods and subscribe to podcasts!
Dan
Chuck, thanks for the plug! BTW: That photo obviously was taken without the “chin filter”.
Enjoyed your session at AMS.
Dan
Curt Blades
These fancy shoes belong to Marisa Murphy.
Curt Blades
A much deserved award for a very classy lady.
Chuck
Curt wins this one. I think he had a little help at one of the receptions last night though. But that’s okay.
I guess this was a tough one since there haven’t been any more guesses.
Cheryl Kamenski
The U.S. Meat Export Federation teamed up with meat scientists at Colrado State University to study shelf life requirements and presented the results of this study to the Egyptian government last November. This helped Egypt extend their shelf life requirements in May for U.S. beef livers, hearts and kidneys, increasing flexibility for U.S. beef processors and exporters. For the complete story, see http://www.usmef.org/TradeLibrary/News06_0718a.asp
Laura Bodell
Congrats, Amber! Very well deserved. Thank you for all you do.
Nicole Boegeman
She is definitely deserving of an award. She’s great. Congrats, Amber!
martha garrett
Congratulations, this demands celebrating!
David Mehlhaff
It’s about time. Amber has done so much for LPC. I am very proud of her. She’s top-notch. Congratulations Amber!
Kristi Crabtree
Congratulations, Amber! Definitely well deserved!
Fresh Glue
Agriblogging with the Zimmermans…
Every once in a while when I’m discussing what new media can do for a company, I’ll hear something like the following: ‘Sure blogging worked for Microsoft or Sun Microsystems, they’re new, cutting edge technology companies. My company is in…
Diane Johnson
Hey I was at least going to try to guess, but Curt wins. Cute shoes Marisa!
Diane Johnson
What a week for you — you were a star~~~ Congrats Amber!
Cyndi
Chuck – Are you asking about the percentage of Broadcast Council members or Management Council Members or Allied Industry Council Members or members “in general” of NAFB?
-CY
Chuck
I suppose I was thinking of what is now called the Broadcast Council. I don’t know what that current number is but if it hasn’t changed much in the last year you now employ a signifcant percentage. Can you say “voting bloc?”
AgWired » Dave’s Picture
[...] Dave Russell and here’s the story. Posted by: Chuck @ 7:02 pm | | Permalink NoComments» [...]
Learfield InterAction
Straight to Podcasting?…
…
AgWired » My Very Unordinary Day
[...] Business is picking up for little old ZimmComm New Media. This means more road time and Cindy on the road too. In fact, we both drove to Kansas City separately yesterday to cover and work at a couple of events. Then I was going to drive to the home office while Cindy went on to Ames, IA for an event today. After she’d been gone several hours I realized I had put my keys in my equipment bag which I sent along with her to use. Bad mistake! [...]
Cyndi
Have safe travels my friend!
brian hedt
In case you missed it, the Murray Cod is a unique FRESH WATER river fish that can live a very long time. A mature specimen can weigh 80 lbs or more, and yes they are great to eat.
Your brother
Norweigans are obviously strange people. I’m not sure I would be excited about trying mare’s milk, but I really don’t know why.
David Mehlhaff
Congrtatulations old friend. I am very proud of you and feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with you not only once but at two organizations. I am not at all surprised at your success.
AgWired » Deere Gear Contest Update
[...] 1. Remember that AgWired is a sponsor so feel free to enter. Posted by: Chuck @ 8:56 pm | | Permalink NoComments» [...]
Steve Mays
Please forgive and delete if this is off-topic…
Brownfield Ag News hosted a forum on Animal Identification at the Missouri State Fair on Saturday. On the panel: Justin Angell, Owner/Manager Eastern Missouri Commission Co. (EMCC); Ray Cunio, President, Citizens for Private Property Rights; Mike John, President, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Brownfield reporter Tom Steever moderated. The audio is available for streaming or download at:
http://www.brownfieldnetwork.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=E90E5437-CB6C-96B6-5C50296E18DC4B23
AgWired » Champion Cherry Seed Spitter
[...] BTW. I didn’t spit any seeds but I did drink the Aquavit. Posted by: Chuck @ 7:58 pm | | Permalink NoComments» [...]
Ayman Shehada Al-Ouda
Do you think that we can sustain wheat productivity in the future?
Doug Brook
Traverse City, Michigan has a Cherry spitting contest each summer.
Owen Roberts
Hi all -
That’s Christine Eisler and Kevin Hood, ag communication students at the University of Guelph (near Toronto), in Ontario, Canada. It was their first IFAJ congress, and they appreciated the camaraderie and Norway-style hospitality.
- Owen Roberts
Cali Williams Yost - Work+Life “Fit” Not Balance » Blog Archive » Upgraded Work+Life Fit Blog Goes Live! Some Things I’ve Learned About Blogging…
[...] Finally, why do I blog? This “upgrading” process has caused me to reflect on why I love blogging about this topic. To learn more, click on this link to the podcast of an interview I did with Chuck Zimmerman, the blogging expert who helped my “blog” become a “BLOG.” He does a weekly “ZimmCast” as part of his blog for the agricultural industry (his personal passion) http://www.agwired.com. [...]
Cyndi
Great Stuff Cindy!
AgWired » Henderson Wins Another Award
[...] of America, July 29 to Aug. 2 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Posted by: Chuck @ 8:06 pm | | Permalink NoComments» [...]
Cyndi
Who is that tall drink of water with the cowboy hat??? Sure is good to see the real McCoy looking so healthy!
David Mehlhaff
It is great to see Lee looking like the old Lee I’ve known all these years. Lee, you look great!
I am also happy to see my friends gary and Robin doing so well with this latest venture. I hope the show is a success!
Margy Mullen
Hi Matt
I was just searching for information of my Irish heritage. My Grandfathers name was Mathew Francis Mullen and he lived in Iowa then spent the last 20 years (I think?) working and living at Boy’s Town in Omaha, Nebraska.
My Father’s name was Francis Peter Mullen, he died on March 17, 200………..a good day for an Irishman to go to heaven (they must have been having a good party that day
)
Anyway I mostly am writing just to say hi and wondering if by any chance we could be related.
My Dad moved out west after WW2 and we were never close with his family in the midwest. I really don’t know much about any of them back there…. I do remember that my great grandfather Michael Mullen came from Ireland in about 1860 to 1870 and my great grandmother Kate Hogan came about the same time (they were’nt married then) and she was from County Clare. We (my sister and I) found an old bible when we were moving Mom out of her house about 5 years ago. It had belonged to Kate and Michael Mullen and I’d never seen it. It was very fragile so my sister took it with her to Seattle. I haven’t looked at it since but I know she still has it.
)) which with the crazy Irish family I had that is a joke in itself……..
Anyway I don’t mean to take up alot of your time.
I just kind of have a romanitic nature and think someday I may find some nice relatives and we’ll all live happily ever after
There always seemed to be some kind of fight or argument going on somewhere.
So I’ll be wishing you a great day and I hope this gets to you.
Margy Mullen
AgWired » Ag Secretary Midwest Visits
[...] Our Agriculture Secretary is sure getting around these days. He was in Kansas City this week. Here’s a couple more places we’ll be seeing him. [...]
David Mehlhaff
I am very happy for my old friend Sharlet. From SD Dairy to the Meat Board and to her own business, she and i have shared many laughs and smiles as well as great work.
I am proud of her and wish her well in this new venture.
John Herath
I will ALWAYS conceed to the superior experience and technical ability of Mike Wilson.
Deena Schroder
I just wanted to say that I had the best time yesterday. I would like to thank Chuck for letting me sit in with Kelcy. I am enjoying your blog page. Keep the blogs coming.
Kai Schleyerbach
Hi,
we are celebrating BlogDay2006 (http://www.blogday.org/) and recommended your blog on Farmblogger’s.
http://farmblogger.de/archives/39-Heute-BlogDay-2006.html
Bye
Kai
Die_Farmblogger
Heute BlogDay 2006…
Grad noch so mitgekriegt, dass heute BlogDay 2006 ist. 31. August wurde gewählt weil sich aus den Zeichen mit einigem Wohlwollen der Begriff Blog entziffern läßt. Ich denke man kann es in der Grafik erkennen. Seltsame Deutschlandflagge m…
Jim Veenstra
Hey Kelcy, SAW-WEET !!! Thanks for the publicity !! You are doing a great job !!
Jim
Steve Mays
Kelcy:
You blogged like veteran and your posts added greatly to AgWired’s coverage. I hope you keep bloging, personally and/or professionally. Well done.
Steve Mays
Mica Veihman
Sorry Mike, but I’m voting for John’s!
Dave Martin
Its nice to see RFID technology being utilized in agriculture. Seems much more reliable, practical, and modern that more traditional approaches.
Steve
You’ve built a solid brand with AgWired and I’m betting there’s a high degree of brand loyalty. Perhaps your readers would take part in a short survey that would give you some data. I’ve done this for some of my fovorite blogs and the tool I’ve been most impressed with is SurveyMonkey.com
http://www.surveymonkey.com/
I don’t have to tell you not to get carried away with the questions. Just enough to give you a feel for who’s here. Good luck.
Andy Vance
I just checked our stats after reading your post, and we touched 10,000 this month (9,980 to be exact), with over 118,000 hits and 18,000 page views. The thing I thought you’d find most interesting is that with our website only being online eight months or so, our blogs have consistently been our most visited pages. BY FAR. Our blogs will constantly generate five or six times more page views than any other page on the site.
Chuck
That’s great Andy. Do you promote the site in your on-air programming or advertise it any other way?
Some other August stats from AgWired include, 24,000 visits and 87,000 page views.
Mike Retallick
Congrats on a great job at Farm Progress Days, Kelcy! It looks like this was a great experience.
Keep up the good work.
BRENT VD STADT
DEAR SIR, COULD YOU PLEASE FURNISH ME WITH THE DETAILS OF A MAGIZINE PUBLISHED IN SOUTH AFRICA CALLED THE FARMERS WEEKLY.
I NEED IT AT YOUR COVENIENCE.
REGARDS
BERNT.
D. Martin
I found this very interesting. In fact I am intrigued by the entire bredth of agricultural products -termed “biobased”
The ink idea is very cool. However, after listening to your interview, I must say I am somewhat dissapointed that AIR plans to market this product at a premium compared to other “conventional” inks and toners.
This to me seems to be an overwhelming trend in what I would call eco-friendly products. (i.e. -hybrid vehicles, biota-water)If this company really wanted to make waves it would sell its product just below average market prices of their competitors. I think by pricing a great new product at a premium, the general public will tend to ingore it in the marketplace.
Gene Hemphill
Kelcy… never got the chance to tell you, but I enjoyed meeting you and reading your words. Hope to see you at future events from time to time.
Gene
AgWired » We ain’t seen nothing yet
[...] The World Harvest for Kids was significant in many ways, but to me once I tallied up the media outlets I had touched in some way directly and indirectly, and the number of mediums I had used to get there, it blew me away. [...]
AgWired » Markets By Phone
[...] A ZimmCast earlier this summer featured an interview with Commodity Update founder Joel Jaeger. We just sent out a talking news release for him via AgNewsWire. [...]
AgWired » Nitrogen Cycling Around Canada
[...] I guess the Agrotain Nitrogen Cycle was such a big hit that it’s on display at farm shows in Canada now. “The response to the bike at agricultural trade shows in the United States last year was phenomenal,” says Steve Phillips, VP North American Ag Sales. “The Nitrogen Cycle drew a lot of interest, and farmers were asking us a lot of questions about it! It’s a great tool to draw attention to our message of how to minimize nitrogen loss, in an eye-catching and fun way. I can also see this bike getting great attention at the Canadian shows we’ll attend.” [...]
AgWired » $8.9 Million For Rural Broadband
[...] also enable residents to pursue educational opportunities.” Posted by: Chuck @ 7:57 pm | | Permalink NoComments» [...]
Nathan Schock
Chuck,
Interesting podcast. I’ll be looking for the Irish food next week!
Mica Veihman
I think you look a little like Eric Stoltz.
Chuck
I do not believe you said that. I just got an email from someone who said the exact same thing after seeing this post.
I think he’s probably jealous of my lifestyle though. Don’t you think?
Cyndi
You do know that Carly looks very, very much like you in this picture. (It’s a good thing, Carly!)
David Mehlhaff
A classic 70′s haircut. Had one like that too back in the day.
What’s the no shirt thing all about?
Lisa Perrin
Wow Chuck! Here I am stressing about turning 30, and you’re putting up a photo from 30 years ago! You look very young and stylish – 1976 must have been a great year!
Gary L. West
I wonder what date growers in the U.S. think about this? Have growers in the Coachella Valley of California seen their exports or prices helped by the deteriorated date industry in Iraq? Will a resurgence in that industry in Iraq hurt U.S. growers, who are in an area where population growth is already squeezing date groves?
AgWired » HAT Radio
[...] Hoosier Ag Today programs into their schedule several times daily. Posted by: Chuck @ 3:15 pm | | Permalink NoComments» [...]
Nathan Schock
I prefer Firefox as well…even to the IE 7.0 BETA that I’ve been testing. I’ve noticed that IE messes up some of the photos on AgWired, but I don’t have that problem with Firefox.
Rob Hunt
FarmStack.com looks like is a useful, efficient user friendly site. Its pretty easy to post an ad. The best things is that the classifieds are free.
AgWired » Trufflecasting
[...] I want to welcome Truffle Media Networks to the new media world of agribusiness. The company just announced itself and to learn more about them I interviewed one of the founders, Ned Arthur. [...]
Nathan Schock
Chuck,
I finally got around to reading the section last night and it was worth the 30 minutes I spent with it. If you’re new to this “new media” it’s a great place to start.
AgWired » Zune Availability Announced
[...] Now we know when the Microsoft digital media player will be on the market. This 30GB bad boy will be in stores by November 14 with a retail price of $249. It has some nice features and will play more types of files than an iPod. [...]
World Dairy Diary » Learn From A Cheeseaholic
[...] I interviewed Nadia this morning for my weekly ZimmCast program that we promote/distribute on AgWired. Listen to this week’s program with my interview with Nadia: ZimmCast 87 (18 min MP3) Posted by: Chuck Zimmerman @ 5:32 pm | Permalink [...]
AgWired » Florida Fresh Tomatoes Available - Again
[...] It looks like the advertising campaign the Florida Tomato Committee ran for field fresh Florida tomatoes was a successful one. [...]
Aaron Gilbertie
Chuck,
Will you continue to use WordPress?
Chuck
Yes we will. I think it’s the best software out there to run a website with.
AgWired » Blogging My Reunion
[...] If you listened to a recent ZimmCast you might have heard that I’m going to my 30 year high school reunion. Well, I’m leaving tomorrow for Sarasota, FL and the Riverview High School Class of 1976 Reunion. [...]
Steve
Hey Chuck, in doing some research for sale conditions I noticed that liveAuctions.tv is available for “participating” in a Hereford sale at the American Royal. Hope to learn more.
AgWired » More Money For Broadband
[...] Just last month USDA announced loans for the development of rural broadband. At the end of last week they announced more. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner announced that nearly $30 million in loans will be provided to telecommunications firms in Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio and Texas. The funds are provided under the USDA Rural Development’s Broadband Access and Telecommunications Programs. [...]
linda
We need help. We own a 8160 New Holland and have electrical problems, no flashers or back up lights, Can anyone give us guidance or an idea of what to do?????
Corey Jenkins
Just as a point of clarification, NASS has been offering RSS Feeds since November of 2004.
http://www.nass.usda.gov/Newsroom/archive/rss_11_10_04.htm
We have made it a priority over the last several years to keep up with emerging dissemination technologies. I am glad to see someone noticed. Thank you for your positive comments.
Cyndi
Great picture and great post. Isn’t it amazing how technology has given us the opportunity to reinvent ourselves as broadcasters and podcasters and posters and who knows what is next?
AgWired » Selling That Seed Online
[...] The latest news about how USDA is helping push broadband development in rural areas has stoked the fires of a number of people. I’m at the top of that list. [...]
alex and corey
As me and alex were walking through Wegmans Supermarket, we stumbled upon an aggresive pack of snapalopes. Using our teamwork abilities we caught a good 5 or 6 of them before the rest of the pack avenged their capture by beating down alex with slim jims of doom. Alex is no longer with us. =[ A ceremony will be held in her honor this sunday. Snapalopes are not welcome.
AgWired » Resume Blogging
[...] I have suggested to several people looking for a job that they start a blog. So far only 2 people have done so. The first one got a job right away. The second one is my friend John Davis. I hired John to be a farm broadcaster for the Brownfield Network in early 2000. He was an Air Force broadcaster who impressed me and he did a great job. He soon moved to the company’s state news network in Missouri. [...]
» A Blog as Resume
[...] I have suggested to several people looking for a job that they start a blog. So far only 2 people have done so. The first one got a job right away. The second one is my friend John Davis. I hired John to be a farm broadcaster for the Brownfield Network in early 2000. He was an Air Force broadcaster who impressed me and he did a great job. He soon moved to the company’s state news network in Missouri. [...]
John C. Davis Online » Blog » A great link from a great friend
[...] from a great friend » Posted on October 15th, 2006» Filed under Uncategorized» No comments My old friend Chuck Zimmerman just gave me a wonderful compliment on his two web sites. Checkthem out at http://agwired.com/2006/10/15/resume-blogging/ and http://zimmcomm.biz/2006/10/15/a-blog-as-resume/ . Chuck is a pro at blogging, and he has even been able to make a business out of it. To get a link from a guy such as Chuck is a big boost. He’s always been there to help. True firend. [...]
Steve Mays
Bravo on the new look! Easy on the eyes and easy to navigate. A great blog get greater. More greater? Great-o-licious?
Chuck
Great o mundo! Still got some work to do but it’s getting there. Thanks O inspiring one.
Tim
You have a layout problem when viewed with IE 7.
Chuck
Thanks for the note Tim. I hope that’s fixed now. Let me know if it isn’t.
Nathan Schock
Looks good in FireFox! Congrats on the new look. It’s definitely an improvement.
AgWired » Blog Archives » YouTubing It
[...] It’s about time we got some agricultural video into YouTube don’t you think? I’m just getting started on this but thought you might enjoy my first upload. I actually posted this earlier this year at the CMA Music Festival but thought it might have some broad appeal in the YouTube universe. I guess we’ll find out. One thing I already learned is to save my raw video files and use them to upload since I’ve been converting them to pretty small Windows Movie Video files. They still work though. I think you can expect to see more video from us in the coming year! [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » MBIC Board Is Meeting
[...] I’ll be taking some pictures for them and doing some interviews for their weekly podcast. John’s the subject of my ZimmCast this week in case you haven’t had a chance to listen. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » New Media Articles
[...] New Media Articles [...]
Andy Vance
Chuck; as a former member you undoubtedly realize that those of us who are “subscribed” to the NAFB News Service are dues paying members of the organization. We pretty much assume that our names, addresses, and other relevant information are available to NAFB’s partners, sponsors, and supporters. Our company finds the relationship between these organizations and businesses to be extremely helpful, and ultimately the flow of information between the two camps (broadcaster and marketer) is mutually beneficial. I think that rather than serving as a potential tool to “punish” of reward specific stations or entities, the data helps marketers learn if they’re doing a good job in providing us with newsworthy content. For example, if the National Widget Coalition posts a story on NAFB, and the story is a stinker, I won’t use it regardless. This is true of all of our content partners; sometimes they provide relevant newsworthy material, and sometimes they provide information that my listeners have no interest in hearing. Ultimately, if one of these content partners want to know what we’re putting on the air, all they have to do is go to our website or subscribe to our podcast.
That being said, you are using your niche well, and have provided a useful service to both broadcaster and markter. I think both services have a place.
Chuck
Thanks for the comment Andy. I have had numerous chats with members about this whole issue at various conferences. Although you are a published member I don’t think most members realize that the fact that they download files or don’t is reported to the organizations purchasing access through this mechanism. Another question that often comes up is whether audio “aired” or was just listened to. We get asked that same question about our service too. Just because someone downloads or listens to an audio file doesn’t mean it was used.
The member service was originally created to provide a mechanism for members to share audio with each other and I assume that’s still the case. At some point it became a revenue stream for the organization and is now marketed to the same companies and organizations that purchase commercial advertising time. I assume that’s been good for the organization.
I really like your comment about your podcasts! Another aspect of internet-delivered audio.
Thanks for your comments about our service. I agree that each service has its place. It’s been a very good revenue stream for us for going on 3 years now!
BTW. I’m still a member, just not a broadcast council one.
Andy Vance
As soon as I submitted my comment I said to myself – “Chuck’s still a member, nitwit.”
The comparison I use on the News Service as a revenue stream is like the Broadcaster Associations allowing individual stations to pay their dues by airing so many publics service announcements. Every radio station in Ohio airs spots for the Ohio National Guard, for example. The Guard isn’t buying the time from every station, but they are buying time from the Ohio Association of Broadcasters.
Good point also about who’s actually playing the audio as opposed to just sampling it. While I don’t have a problem with NAFB sharing my “download data,” so to speak, I would certainly balk at reporting actual airplay.
Steve the Snapalope Hunter
When hunting the Snapalope, one must have the proper safety gear, First off, the antlers are deadly if charged at. Second, always carry a flashlight…this will give the hunter an advantage, stunning the poor snapalope, allowing for a much easier catch. (This method of capture is under great dispute by the International Snapalope Hunters Association [ISHA] deeming to be considered an unfair advantage against the animal.) Thirdly…no firearms what so ever. With the location of hunting such species, it’s very possible for the clerks to be confused by a hunter seeking a snapalope trophy, and robbing the darn store. Besides, a shotgun would not leave much of the game for the hunter to consume.
– Steve the Snapalope Hunter
Kelcy
Hey Chuck!! I like the new layout!! How have you been? I miss writing on here but I love checking up on it and reading your new entries!!!
Albert R. Renteria
Chuck, I hope all is well. I delivered the OI flag to Bob Lee for something we are planning. Once we get some details I will let everyone know.
Here is video clip http://www.koct.org/pages/oidload.htm on my way to San Francisco. I drove 8,000 miles solo and it was a great way to enjoy our great country!
Al
Chuck
I’m doing fine and business is good. Your login still works. Feel free to post a note about what’s going on at school, especially as it relates to ag.
It’s good to hear from you.
Mark Zimmerman
I was there and this was a great serivce for the EXPO to offer—-for FREE!!
Thanks!! Chip and company!!
Mark Zimmerman
AgWired » Blog Archives » Buckeye Agriblogging Farm Podcaster
[...] I like one of Andy’s comments about how we’ll soon think in terms of reaching a farm audience through a combined group of media (broadcast/publication/blog/podcast) rather than just one or another. I know it’s hard to grasp at first but research is beginning to show the impact some of these new media tools are having in reaching the farmer. People like Andy and Lindsay are leading the way! [...]
Steve Suther
Chuck, I appreciate your altruistism in blogging our new QT series, and especially the help in getting it started. Our goal is to provide a regular feature for broadcasters that is useful, free and beneficial to listeners (or even blog readers)! Many thanks,
Steve Suther
Director of Industry Information
Certified Angus Beef LLC
Chuck
No problem Steve. I just couldn’t resist when I got the email. I think it makes for an interesting multimedia post. Send ‘em on! Maybe more people in the industry will see value in spicing up their communications strategies.
Steve Suther
Chuck, you can tell I am used to an automatic spell checker, but that’s what you get if you cross two suffixes! Thanks again.
Diane J...
So what happened at the concert?!
Patty Henderson
Hi Chuck,
To answer your questions…
Does “interactive” mean websites still?
Yes and no. Beyond websites and microsites (campaign specific landing experiences) “interactive” also encompasses online advertising/promotions, email marketing, search engine marketing and emerging media. “Emerging media” is a term coined to encompass the shifts in media consumption and interpersonal communication that are happening. It refers to mobile campaigns, mcommerce, podcasting, streaming video, user generated content, social networking, blogs and vlogs, advergaming, RSS, consumer pull applications…and the list continues to grow. To simplify it, I like to thing of “interactive” marketing as any digital communication that engages its audience in a physical response.
How many interactive department people are blogging?
In my interactive group about 30% have active blogs and are thoroughly enjoying the self expression and community/networking that blogging offers.
I’d be happy to answer any more questions that you may have.
All the best,
Patty Henderson
Interactive Director
Colle+McVoy
Jason McDonough
I tried to play the clip from the “Press Conference Headline” the corn recommendation from March 17, 2006 I could not get it to play it just brings me to some other page.
Chuck
Please give it a try now Jason. I fixed the link.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Dairycast Is Online
[...] It looks like Truffle Media Networks has their Dairycast program up and running. It got started in conjunction with World Dairy Expo just a few weeks ago. The farm podcasting choices continue to grow. DairyCast is an audio program specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s Dairy professional. We’ll talk about production practices, environmental stewardship, animal welfare and a lot more. We’ll tell you what others in the Dairy industry are thinking about and doing. DairyCast is: [...]
World Dairy Diary » A New Dairy Podcast
[...] It looks like Truffle Media Networks has their Dairycast program up and running. It got started in conjunction with World Dairy Expo just a few weeks ago. The farm podcasting choices continue to grow. DairyCast is an audio program specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s Dairy professional. We’ll talk about production practices, environmental stewardship, animal welfare and a lot more. We’ll tell you what others in the Dairy industry are thinking about and doing. DairyCast is: [...]
Amy
I’m not sure if this is the place to ask – my dad installed a radio for his John Deere 2510Diesel antique tractor (it is a 1 speaker tractor radio mounted to the tire fender). Is there a way to get XM to play through this radio? As far as I know, it only has a headphone jack. Please help!! Thanks!
Amy
SEAN
IF YOU LOVE TRANS FAT AND ANYTHING IT IS IN DROP DEAD.
SUPPORT THE BAN OR BE HATED ON, YOU LIFE HATER. YOU HATE LIFE IF YOU THINK ANYTHING GOOD COMES FROM TRANS FAT. DID I CALL YOU A LIFE HATER? WELL…YOU HATE LIFE.
In other words, “This stuff is really bad.” People have taken much effort in studing the effects of trans fast on the human body. It is very unhealthy, and may very well be the stuff that has caused the obsity epidemic since the 1970′s when it becamne used in the fast food industries.
Henry Krahn
To add to your article,
The Manitoban Multi-Fuel, Model C-250.
This model, may be used to heat large homes, but while producing upto 250K-400K BTU, it has been used to heat large dwellings/barns/warehouses. Burning Corn,wheat, Barley and Oats, our customers have a chance to play the agriculture market, burning what’s cheap that season.
Please consider looking into Corn Furnaces for larger uses also.
Quailty Manitoban Products,
Henry Krahn,
St.Jean Baptiste, MB
Canada
204-758-3276
morris james
Chuck,
I like the look, but….
Turn off the light behind you or put it off to the side in front of you.
Morris James
RJ
i like the song, it was a good song and explain the blue jacket gold standard, but does any body know where i could dl it ? i want to get it for my advisor. if any body does, please email me at already_perfect_for_you@yahoo.com
AgWired » Blog Archives » Extreme Makeover Case IH Style
[...] Case IH participated in an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to help an Iowa family (The Kibe’s) who’s home was destroyed. They donated a new Case IH JX1100U tractor with a LX252 loader to the family. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » First Radio, Now Video
[...] Hopefully you heard Andy’s and my conversation on a recent ZimmCast. As he said, the agrimarketer of today will need to look at the totality of the audience we are reaching and not get all hung up on exactly which medium we’re using. It’s all about developing a community. Kind of like the AgWired community. I’m glad you’re a part of it! [...]
Andy Vance
Glad you enjoyed the videos, Chuck. My interview with Clark Kellogg was one of my favorites because I really felt like he had THE keynote of the convention. His faith is such a vibrant part of his message, and I think he really resonated with the students.
I’ve always felt that we’re at our best when we focus on providing great content to our audience; we’ll do our best to provide it to them in as many flavors as they like, so that no one in our realm of influence has reason not to know the story of agriculture. Our partners (advertisers/marketers/sponsors/friends) will hopefully reap the benefits of that work. Thus far, we’re pleased with the results. As the big media monarchy goes through it’s continual cycle of peaks and valleys, the niche voices like you and I continue to gain traction, and that is good for all of us, I think.
Keep up the good work here, and thanks again for the kind words.
Guarian Simnacher
Great idea.
Ashley
I would also love to find this song! Please help me out.
Curt Blades
An A+ team of digital professionals.
Hannah and Zane
This song rocks our faces off! It was one of the highlites of convention! We would love to have the song downloaded. Will you help us please?….
Tom
i would also like to get this song, so if you could give me the URL so that i could download it that would be great
Hillary
[url=http://drmiller7.tripod.com/hotel-moscow-id.html]hotel moscow id[/url]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Agribusiness Forum Starts Today
[...] In case you missed a recent ZimmCast with the Chairman of this year’s conference you can still find it. [...]
rdl
Love your site. Especially all references to John Deere. Based on your archives you must be doing well. Best wishes!
David Mehlhaff
A well-deserved honor for a classy and very talented lady.
Anita is one of the true stars in this industry!
FS
Nice picture, Chuck. Missed you at the NAFB innovators panel discussion today. Would have been interesting to hear your perspective from the audience. Get well soon. Will drink one for you this evening!
Chuck
Hey Fred:
Send me an update of what innovative things were discussed. I’d like to know if the organization is willing to look at ways to adapt to all that’s happening in the agricultural communications arena.
John Davis
Chuck,
I grew up about 15 miles from Templeton. Templeton Rye is well-known to the people of that area. Bootlegging became a big business in the Depression-hit area as some really honest, good farmers had to do what they could just to keep their families alive. Also, that area is full of German Catholics… you couldn’t ask for two peoples who would be more against the idea of no alcohol!! In nearby Dedham, Iowa, in the house in which my maternal grandparents lived for a while (although not during prohibition), legend has it that a hose was run through one of the light fixtures to hide the illegal moonshine stored in the home. If I remember right, some years ago when Templeton had a big anniversary, the town used a little brown jug as a symbol.
I’ve had a little moonshine from that area, and it had quite a kick. Now to think… that it is all legal. Would this be value-added agriculture?
John
Odile REVERCHON
I’m french. I met Paul McKellips at school in Neenah a long time ago. He went in my house in France.
I’d like to be in touch with him. Can you tranfer this e-mail to him so he can have my adress.
Thank you for your help.
Odile REVERCHON
AgWired » Blog Archives » The ThinkTank Agency Website
[...] The strategy is changing at Blasdel, Cleaver, Schwalbe Communications. Yes they now have a website as Leigh Ann and Kelly informed me last week. The three agency principals, Illinois Blasdel, Leigh Ann Cleaver and Kelly Schwalbe, left years in the big-agency world in order to have more direct, day-to-day contact with clients. We strive to have intimate knowledge of each client’s business and market: to become experts. We apply that knowledge to hit strategic home runs that achieve your business objectives. I say the strategy has changed because Illinois told me sometime last year that not having an agency website was “part of their strategy.” I guess the strategy is working because these folks seem to be doing very well. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » The ThinkTank Agency Website
[...] The strategy is changing at Blasdel, Cleaver, Schwalbe Communications. Yes they now have a website as Leigh Ann and Kelly informed me last week. The three agency principals, Illinois Blasdel, Leigh Ann Cleaver and Kelly Schwalbe, left years in the big-agency world in order to have more direct, day-to-day contact with clients. We strive to have intimate knowledge of each client’s business and market: to become experts. We apply that knowledge to hit strategic home runs that achieve your business objectives. I say the strategy has changed because Illinois told me sometime last year that not having an agency website was “part of their strategy.” I guess the strategy is working because these folks seem to be doing very well. [...]
Gary L. West
Thanks for the mention Chuck, and for sharing links with your readers. It is appreciated. I also want to thank you for taking some time to chat with me about podcasting after your presentation at the Ag Media Summit in Portland.
World Dairy Diary » Dairy Health Audio Roundup
[...] Over at AgWired, Chuck described “Trade Talking” at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting last week. I was there as well, and as it happened a fair number of my guests on the Buckeye Ag Radio Network were vets discussing their company’s dairy herd health products. Here they are, for your listening pleasure: [...]
Chelsea
Hello. I came across your website while researching the industries of Missouri. I was wondering if you could tell me anything you know about Missouri’s corn industry.
Please e-mail me a.s.a.p with any information you could provide me with.
Thank you.
Chuck
I would refer you to the Missouri Corn Growers Association office – 573-893-4181. Becky Grisham would be your contact.
Chuck
I have forwarded your message on to Paul.
Trade Show Booth
Well, that’s the first time I’ve ever played a combine game…
I’ve played farming games before (Harvest Moon, SimFarm), but a Combine…?
Indy 500
It will be interesting to see if ethanol becomes the “norm” in the Indy 500.
Sharlet Teigen
It has been my priviledge to know Anita since her days with National Cattlemen’s Association, then as colleagues at O&B. Her talents are truly remarkable. Congratulations from all of us at Demeter Communications.
Stu Ellis
You might consider listing: http://www.farmgate.uiuc.edu as an agricultural blog. It features five new postings per week, and has been in operation for over a year without a burp.
All of the information is generated from Land Grant University specialists and is designed to provide agricultural decision-makers with research-based information in a timely fashion for their operation.
evan slack
Hello Chuck,
Well done, I like your conversational style.
All the best,
Evan
lmote
I am looking for a lime jello congealed salad; it is made in two layers, and contains lime jello, pineapple, buttermilk, pecans.
Can you help?
AgWired » Blog Archives » PERC Yourself Up
[...] One of the cool things that PERC did this year was experiment with podcasting. Mark says they feel like the podcast series they did worked well and that they’re looking into more uses of new media in getting their message out to the consuming public, which includes farmers since they have programs targeted to agriculture. [...]
Lisa Perrin
Hi Chuck!
Your wish list is similar to mine! My brother just got a new Apple iMac desk top with a 24-inch screen: it’s amazing!! You should check it out. http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=C1211F78&nclm=iMac
Lisa
Nathan Voris
Thanks for linking our site. Also, thanks for everything you did for the club!
Gene Hemphill
Chuck…
YOU are also right on target! Always good working with you.
GH
Jason Meeker
He’s not the real Jason Meeker. I am.
boating marine
Very intersting news. I didn’t realize that they could make diesel fuel from soy beans. Cleaner fuel too. Sounds like a winning combination. I just hate the thought of mixing the word bean and fuel together. It sounds like an explosive duo :0) Hmmm I wonder if there might be any potential here for Soybean stocks.
Edgar
infOpinions? · Agrimarketing: AgWired Leads the Way for the Evan Slack Network
[...] Well, fast-forward about a year later and they are really proving quite successful using social media in agriculture marketing. And, let us remember that success (as in metrics) is a relative thing. For Chuck and Cindy’s key stakeholders, their stats from the link above seem – to me, at least – to be quite impressive. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » More Monsanto News
[...] There’s even more news from Monsanto this morning and Landec as well. Actually two stories in one. Monsanto Company and Landec Corporation announced two separate agreements today, both of which are expected to broaden their reach and product offerings to U.S. farmers. The two agreements are potentially valued at more than $70 million. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » More Monsanto News
[...] There’s even more news from Monsanto this morning and Landec as well. Actually two stories in one. Monsanto Company and Landec Corporation announced two separate agreements today, both of which are expected to broaden their reach and product offerings to U.S. farmers. The two agreements are potentially valued at more than $70 million. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » The AgSpeakerers
[...] As I promised last week I’ve got an interview with Steve Hawkins, President of AgSpeak. This new company has been formed as the “first online agricultural market research cooperative.” They plan to attract farmer members who will agree to participate in online surveys and receive a portion of the profits at the end of the year. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » The AgSpeakerers
[...] Steve says that having farmers fill out surveys online saves them a lot of time and makes the survey process much quicker. They’re seeking farmer members and companies that want to have market research done. The company is based in Des Moines because that’s where other partners in the business are located. They all are involved with The Context Network. [...]
Andy Vance
Preach on brother. I got this email this morning too, and immediately set my browser to “cringe.” This isn’t the first time I’ve seen whoo-hah like this out of Kellogg, although they do contribute a fair amount of money to our state’s 4-H Foundation. I guess you have to balance the good with the bad when you’re a multi-billion dollar do-gooder.
Aaron Gilbertie
The Podcast and New Media conference (formerly known as the Portable Media Conference) is an excellent way to catch up on the latest in new media. I made it two years ago and was glad I went. My colleague has made it two years in a row and has brought back valuable insight. I recommend it for anybody wondering how to fit new media into the marketing plan.
Chuck
I hope I can make it in 2007! I’ve got it on the calendar. It all depends on what’s happening with business.
Podcast Fresh - » Portable Media Expo Changed Name
[...] The famous Portable Media Expo has changed its name to Podcast and New Media Expo. And I like their new name and because it sounds better and more understandable even to non-podcasters. The new name clearly states that expo is about podcast and trends in new media. I guess, the revision is also an indication that they are expanding their future expo coverage. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » FCC Rules on Farm Journal Petition
[...] As I reported previously here on AgWired, Farm Journal Media had filed a petition with the FCC regarding RFD-TV’s use of non-commercial DBS (direct broadcast satellite) channels. It’s not a real complicated issue but you have to read through some of the documents to get a handle on it. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » THE Microphone For the iPod
[...] Here’s the newest recording sensation for the serious farm podcaster. The Griffin iTalk attached to a video iPod. The iTalk is the little thing about the size of pack of chewing gum at the bottom of the iPod. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » White Backyard Bambi
[...] My backyard bambi last week prompted one AgWired reader to send in her own. This is a picture from Columbia, MO of what’s probably an albino deer. This one’s living behind Marylin Cummins house. Here’s the special doe I watch for each day out my office window and off the deck — she likes to bed down on the wooded hillside that is our backyard (in the middle of suburban Columbia, Mo.) We think she’s an albino — she’s definitely different. Always travels alone and is quite tame — going right up to people’s backyards, where she ate the leaves off the top of my baby redbud trees this fall. She doesn’t spook when I call to her, either — I’ve nicknamed her “Crystal.” [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » UglyRipe Wins The Fight
[...] You might remember the good old UglyRipe and the battle its developers were having with the Florida Tomato Committee. Well it looks like tasty but ugly wins out. The tomato’s developer, Joe Procacci, had been at odds over the tomato with the FTC, a group of competing growers sanctioned by federal law. The FTC is empowered to determine all size and shape standards for tomatoes entering the U.S. market from mid-October to mid-June, the time of year when many Americans claim they’re unable to find a tasty tomato. For the last three years, the FTC has found that the UglyRipe does not meet its rigorous standards, which are based on size and shape, but not taste. The FTC rejection meant that the tomatoes were prohibited for sale outside of the Florida growing region during the winter months. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Agriblogging in the United Kingdom Pharo Style
[...] I’m just jet lagging a little bit this morning and I think you can probably hear it in my voice on this week’s ZimmCast. Bouncing back and forth across the big pond does have a cost. In this week’s program I’ve got an interview with Adrian Bell, Pharo, a full service agency in the United Kingdom with a focus on agribusiness. Adrian was a panelist at the IFAJ professional improvement seminar that took place in Berlin, Germany this past week. I think Adrian brought a very interesting perspective to the discussion as it relates to journalists working with public relations people. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Cattlemen Getting iPods
[...] Here’s the Elanco Animal Health 40 iPods in 40 hours promotion in action at the trade show in Nashville. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farmers Online In Web Forums
[...] I know I just did a post on this but I’ve had enough people emailing me links to this AP story that I thought I’d post it again. I think that since it’s starting to show up in numerous websites more people are finding it. Like on CNN. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Podvertising Growing
[...] Even though podcast advertising spending was a mere $3.1 million in 2005, it rose to $80 million in 2006, and eMarketer forecasts that it will grow fivefold in the next five years. I have no doubts they’re right. There’s seems to be no stopping iPod sales and with the iPhone coming out soon even more people are going to be looking for content to listen to. Are you in the conversation? [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » BASF Plant Health Scientists at Symposium
[...] It’s going to be a chance to hear from BASF Scientists and Plant Health experts from the BASF world headquarters in Germany. It’s the only time this year when they’ll be in the United States to speak to the media. Count on posts and interviews from this event. They’ll also be included in the CommodityClassicCast too. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Meeting The Media at Commodity Classic
[...] They also sponsor the media room each year as you may have heard in my interview with Gene Hemphill yesterday in this week’s ZimmCast. I’m looking forward to his reception for the media tomorrow evening too. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Meeting The Media at Commodity Classic
[...] The interview is also part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series started just for this year’s Commodity Classic. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Ray Gilmer Moderates BASF Symposium
[...] The interview is also part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Dr. Gary Fellows on New Plant Health Research
[...] The interview is also part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » BASF Headline a No-Brainer
[...] The interview is also part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » BASF Research Leader
[...] The interview is also part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Ethanol Opportunities and Pitfalls
[...] The interview is also part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Shuttle Bus Video
[...] The interview is also part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » World Record Yields
[...] The interview is also part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Meet The Commodity Presidents
[...] These interviews are also part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Intelligent Monitoring From New Holland
[...] This interview is part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » The Berry Best From New Holland
[...] This interview is part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Opening Market Report
[...] This interview is part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » John Phipps and the Presidents
[...] This interview is part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » New Holland Marketing True Blue
[...] This interview is part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » The NEVC Chairman
[...] This interview is part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » BASF WINner
[...] This interview is part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » The Wyant Perspective
[...] This interview is part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Kleckner on Biofuels
[...] This interview is part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » The BASF Wrapup
[...] This interview is part of the CommodityClassicCast podcast series. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » WildBlue Down on the QuickFarm
[...] I haven’t heard anything from or about Wild Blue in a long time. I guess they’re doing okay though if they’re hiring Quickfarm to handle a customer web portal for them. This also makes you realize how important the rural market is to a satellite internet access provider. I wonder how many farmer customers WildBlue has. QuickFarm announced today an agreement with WildBlue Communications to provide content and hosting services through the WildBlue Customer Portal. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Advertising in Podcasts
[...] It’s titled, “And Now A Word From Our Sponsor: Podcasters Integrate Advertising Into the Mix.” It is an interview with a couple of guys from Libsyn (Liberated Syndication) who talk about what they’re seeing happen and what they think will work when it comes to advertising in podcasts. Here’s a response to a question about tracking. I think it’s going to come full circle. Brands [want to be] associated with this media and the excitement and the buzz going on. Things will become more trackable. The good thing about podcasting is that it’s remote, it’s not tied to the computer. But soon your computer [will be] everywhere. In the next two years or so, fully connected devices like iPhones that have full multimedia capabilities are going to allow for people to do things like “click to learn more” and then engage themselves into a campaign, and that will be trackable. There are call to actions now, like “go to this Web site and learn more.” And if we can track the effect brand advertising is having [on the] Internet, that’s a really good metric for ROI. If Grandma has a new iPod then agricultural communicators and marketers should be paying attention. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Center For Food Integrity Launched
[...] “The Center for Food Integrity will be a resource where consumers and other stakeholders can find information about the food system and discuss important issues,” Miller says. “We are providing leadership in building consumer trust and confidence in the contemporary U.S. food system.” Miller said the new entity has support from more than 20 organizations representing each segment of the food chain, including farmers and ranchers, processors, and companies that deliver food products under local, regional and global brand names, and government. You might remember me pointing you to Best Food Nation last year and suggesting they start a blog. Well they did. The only thing is, there’s only 2 posts and they’re both from last year, once in June, once in November. This effort needs a full time blogger working for it and I know an award winning ag reporter (jpg) who can do it. In fact, she started her career working for Florida Farm Bureau and producing a consumer-targeted radio program called Consumriculture. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » An Agricultural Relations Council Report From Bob Giblin
[...] Ned Arthur, Aaron Gilbertie and I will have entry cards and they’ll be in all the registration bags too. You can also stop by our AgWired Meetup at Ronduel’s (Hyatt Atrium Bar) from 5-7pm on Tuesday evening to get your entry card as well. [...]
Di!
It’s Kiersten! Yes?
Chuck
Good guess but not correct. I will provide a clue though. She works for an advertising agency.
Dave Anderson
of course, it is Sally Behringer’s ring… I’m sure I’m too slow, as I did not get to this until now, but let me know… I know it is the correct answer…
Dave Anderson
Chuck
The man is right! It is Sally’s. You are first and will be sent a set of ZimmComm ear buds. Thanks and good to see you in Dallas.
Dan
As always, you stuck out in the crowd (in a good way that is)! Nice shirt.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Mike Miller Was a Great Farm Broadcaster
[...] It’s with a great deal of sadness that I have to report that Mike Miller, a friend and award winning farm broadcaster has passed away. Many of you may remember Mike from his days in farm broadcasting. Just prior to moving to Missouri I even lived with Mike in Houston and commuted with him to work each day as we were trying to get a full time satellite tv farm news channel off the ground. I was there in a consultant capacity and moved on to Learfield Communications while Mike kept at it. We had some memorable times there that I will never forget. He was a great talent and last fall I had hoped he was getting back into farm television. Here’s an excerpt from his obituary on the Macon.com. Michael Douglass Miller -FORT VALLEY – Michael Douglass Miller, 53, died while on a business trip to Istanbul, Turkey on April 12, 2007. Services will be 11A.M. Thursday, April 19, 2007 at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Fort Valley with The Rev. Drs. Donald and Ruth Tate officiating. Burial will be in Ruckersville, Virginia. -Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, to the late Douglass Harrison and Helen Gibson Miller, Mike was a graduate of Woodberry Forest School and Virginia Military Institute. He was the managing director of the ocean marine division of Allen Insurance Group, and had clients in forty nine countries. Prior to moving to Fort Valley, Mike spent the first twenty years of his career in the broadcast new media and won numerous national awards, including an Oscar. He and his wife, Debbie, have lived in Kentucky, Kansas, Arkansas, Nebraska, Colorado and Texas. -Survivors: his wife of almost twenty five years, Debbie Cook Miller of Fort Valley, originally of Kentucky; sister, Patrice Miller Lifon of Canton, GA; nieces, Anne Douglass Ligon and Sarah Elizabeth Ligon, of Canton, GA; aunt, Charlotte Burrill of Fredericksburg, VA; and several cousins in Virginia. -In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Saint Andrew’s Memorial Fund, 309 Central Ave., Fort Valley, GA 31030. -Rooks Funeral Home in Fort Valley has charge of arrangements. The have a guest book you can sign. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Phil Johnson Be Comin’ Round The Mountain
[...] This was too good an opportunity to pass up, sorry Phil. As you know, Phil Johnson is the NAMA Marketer of the Year. His company held a very nice reception at the NAMA convention to honor him and I was lucky enough to be invited and toast him in his golden toga. [...]
Fred Stemme, National Corn Growers Association
Chuck, here’s a link to an Op-Ed from Rick Tolman, NCGA CEO, that ran in today’s St. Louis Post-Dispatch. We expect other media outlets to pick up as well. Yes indeed, for farmers EVERY day is Earth Day!
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/editorialcommentary/story/2EA5569FB86E7EB5862572C20055760D?OpenDocument
AgWired » Blog Archives » Green Podcasts and Earth Day Responses
[...] My Earth Day Post has generated a couple responses. They’re posted below. Additionally, the latest edition of the iTunes New Music Tuesday newsletter links you to a number of “Earth Day Podcasts.” The link will open you iTunes, or ask for it, take you to a search page that lists them for you so that you can easily subscribe to them. [...]
Greg Ness
Chuck,
A weekend retreat is an oxymoron. Hope you had a productive weekend, but if you really want a “retreat” take a week off (and a weekend) to reflect and plan. That period will be invaluable.
Greg Ness
reginald
MY GIRLFRIEND KEYSHIA EPPS CAN NOT BROIL EGGS.
I DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT THE THINGS THE SHE TRIES TO COOK. I JUST NEED HELP ON HOW TO MAKE HER COOK BETTER. WHEN EVER I SEE HER IN THE KITCHEN I ASK HER TO OUT OF THERE. I WOULD DO IT. I DONT CARE IF IT’S WATER
Gina Bauer
Hi Chuck,
Just wanted to let you know that you’re right–this is the first year that WMMB has created a webpage specifically for media to make it easier for them to download candidate bios and pictures, either by individual or as a group. However, for a number of years we have featured pictures (when available) and bios of all our candidates on our producer site, and this year is no different. Check it out at
http://producer.wisdairy.com/dairyresources/userfiles/Elections/FY07/2007_director_elections.asp
The producer page does contain the same info as the media page; it just doesn’t include the editable text files and group downloads requested by media.
Gina Bauer
WMMB Producer Communications
Chuck
Thanks for pointing that out Gina. I posted it on our World Dairy Diary site too and found out that my on-the-ball editor there had already done so a week or so ago.
Multi-Media Ethanol Promotion Day | ETHANOL BUSINESS
[...] More. [...]
Lisa
Chuck-
That was super helpful and enlightening! Thank you for sharing!! I’m going to try this out soon.
Zune : You Can Feed Your Zune
[...] Original post by AgWired [...]
Diane
Hey Chuck — Michael is going to be our featured speaker and entertainer at our luncheon on Tuesday, July 31 at the Ag Media Summit in Louisville!
AgWired » Blog Archives » New MU Agricultural Journalism Blog
[...] Bill teaches at the University of Missouri and he and his students have started the MU Agricultural Journalism Blog. I’m very proud of them. It seems like it was just a couple weeks ago that I did a presentation for them on this very subject. We’ll get to see them first in action at the World Ag Forum starting today or tomorrow. I’ll be there early tomorrow morning but it’s my understanding that Bill and his crew will there for the duration. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » New Media Reporting on BIO 2007
[...] I have mentioned that the Biotechnology Industry Organization has embraced the use of new media tools for their current BIO 2007 taking place in Boston. Today their PR firm sent out an email that started out, “Bloggers, If you were unable to attend the BIO convention in Boston, you can still cover this event. . . “ Now how cool is it that they’re reaching out to the “bloggers?” They even mention a couple of them like Pharmalot and Patent Baristas. Stephen Albainy-Jenei who writes Patent Baristas looks like he got the gig to be the official BIO Blogger on their Bio Voice. Now there’s someone I’d like to meet since I haven’t run into too many who do what I do. [...]
Angela
Oh, it was just outside my periphery, that’s all. Really, I think you guys are awesome.
-AN
Chuck
No problem Angela. I love what you do and I’m trying to do something like it in the agricultural marketing world. I have pointed to AdRants many times. You’re in my daily news feed. Keep it up.
ravi
he is the only indian leader who cares for farmming sector
AgWired » Blog Archives » USDA Under Secretary Dorr on Rural Broadband Proposal
[...] Last week I mentioned that USDA was proposing new rules for rural broadband development. That’s high speed internet access for those of you who aren’t fully AgWired yet. [...]
Braden Fred
Hello,
I m braden fred, i read your blog your blog provides useful information on agriculture. It will help to clear your concept on agricultural and fencing requirements and options available to the readers. I m also handling a agriculture site http://www.mcarthur-group.com
Thanks
Mike
Great interview with Jay Leno. He seems like a nice guy.
And I appreciate his support of fuel made from farm products.
unityworks
Millions of Americans do not have access to high-speed broadband, especially those in rural and low-income urban areas because it does not pay for providers to invest in these areas. For example, only 17% of adults in rural areas subscribe to high speed internet compared to 31% in urban and 30% in suburban areas.
Monies that were earmarked for development of rural areas have been misappropriated and used to upgrade high-speed broadband in urban areas that already have access. What the U.S. needs is a comprehensive national high speed broadband policy to ensure U.S. residents in rural share the same benefits in the information revolution as their counterparts in urban areas.
CWA’s “Speed Matters Campaign” has some excellent recommendations regarding policy and ways to ensure affordable, high speed internet access for all consumers. Go to http://www.speedmatters.org for more information about public-private partnerships that can help us address gaps in rural investment and consumer demand.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Interview With Tonya Dana
[...] You may remember the tragedy that occurred last year at the first IndyCar race when Paul Dana was killed in a pre-race crash. I had conducted his last media interview prior to that. I finally had a chance to do a short interview with his wife, Tonya here in Indy. Paul is the man who worked so hard to bring the ethanol and racing industries together. He was the driver of the #17 Ethanol Car prior to Jeff Simmons. This year’s running of the Indy 500 with all the cars fueled with ethanol is the fulfillment of his dream. [...]
Steve
We must assume Mr. Letterman was pressing his “Stalker Alert” alarm (we can’t see his hands) as this photo was being taken.
Steve Mays
I’m find great response to short video clips to introduce employees those in other offices or departments. And, thanks to Google Video, YouTube, et al… it’s never been easier to embed the player in a blog post.
http://learfield.typepad.com/missourinet/2007/06/new_sports_dire.html
jamie
chuck we are a company preparing to place a proposal to the usda to provide wireless communications to rural amaerica and with this will be voip services as well as highspeed services.The technology we will use is wimax .You can reach me at my email to get more info on this.
Chuck
Great example! I’ve got to find time to do more of this myself and plan to.
Chuck
Hi Jamie:
I’d like to hear more. Can you give me a call or email and we can set up a time for discussion. Maybe Tuesday afternoon while I’m driving? Sounds like you’ve got an interesting project.
jamie
hi chuck email me and i will give you my info and we can go from there .
datadetectives@gmail.com
also others interested can email also
jamie
hi chuck i emailed you today .Broadband for the rural regions is needed without it we will be the 3rd world country
AgWired » Blog Archives » Getting Ready For Some Country Music
[...] We learned a lot doing the first tractor race last year and this year’s will be bigger and better. If you’re interested, there’s an auction still going on for the New Holland tractor that was signed by all of last year’s participants. [...]
jamie
chuck we are now getting investment capital so this can become a reality and be placed on a timely scale.One good thing about our technology it doesnt take long to place it.
jamie
WiMax is the future! The Wimax technology will fuel the growth in daily applications of information technology, and in turn make our lives even easier and more connected.Not to mention that theMobile WiMax equipment market is projected to be worth around $4 Billion by 2011.
With future applications whole cities can connect wirelessly from one substation and recieve all media with never having to run one cable.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Talking Biodiesel With Joe Jobe
[...] He’s really happy to get an opportunity this weekend to work with New Holland and Michael Peterson as they help promote biodiesel here at the CMA Music Festival. Earlier this year the NBB gave New Holland’s Gene Hemphill their Eye on Biodiesel Award for Innovation. Joe talks about how New Holland with people like Gene are leading the way for the company support needed to move bioidiesel forward as a viable alternative fuel. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Todd Fritsch Wins Celebrity Tractor Race
[...] I met Todd last year and it appears that his career is doing well. He’s a country boy who plays country music. He was excited when I interviewed right after he won the race. Todd’s charity of choice is the Saddle Up program. So part of the proceeds from the auctioning off of this year’s tractor will go to it. You can hear him talk about it in the interview I did with him: [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Michael Peterson Wraps Things Up
[...] At the end of today’s Michael Peterson/New Holland Celebrity Tractor Race the man took a turn on the course himself. Michael did great with a time of 52.8 seconds. However, that didn’t beat race winner Todd Fritsch’s time. [...]
Cyndi
Chuck – Great coverage of CMA Music Festival and of course, the 2nd annual Michael Peterson Celebrity Tractor Race! -Cyndi
the sky blue waters report » Buy wheat
[...] First, AgWired reports that Farm Futures has their producer planting intention survey results. Farm Futures estimates corn plantings at 88.4 million acres, up 13% from last year, based on a survey of more than 850 farmers from March 5 to March 12. That’s unchanged from the magazine’s last tally, in January. USDA releases its definitive survey of planting intentions on March 30. The massive shift to corn will come at the expense of soybeans and spring wheat, according to the magazine. Survey results showed farmers plan to put in 68.9 million acres of soybeans, down 9% from last year, and a drop of 600,000 acres from the January estimates. Spring wheat plantings are estimated at 12.7 million acres, a 15% crop from last year. No estimate was made for spring wheat in January. The magazine forecasts total wheat acreage at 58.8 million acres, up from 57.3 million in 2006. [...]
John Herath
Chuck – Is this bike going to be featured on American Chopper? If so, any idea when? Great coverage of the Ethanol 250!
ZimmComm - New Media, LLC » Blog Archives » ZimmNews
[...] So, what have we been doing lately? For one, we have a few more contract part-timers helping us out. John Davis, a 20-year veteran broadcast news reporter, has been posting on Domestic Fuel since January. He has been a great help. Also, a new media world professional by the name of Laura McNamara is now trained to help us with on-site events with photography, interviews and posting. She helped out with the Indy 500 and quickly became an event blogging pro! [...]
Chuck
Yes it is and I meant to mention it. They were vague about when (October or before) and said it would be a special 2 hour show.
Thanks for the comment. It was a very interesting race and the limitations of my lens have prompted me to decide to invest in a faster zoom. I’m still doing my research though.
tried to register but couldn't for some reasom
would be interested in helping , was a John Deere dealer for 30 years and personally farmed for 30 years Bob Whited 308 550 0916 Box 40 fullerton ne. 68638
Tony Barnicle
I loved the article Laura. thank you.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Rural and Farm Blogs
[...] While I was doing a little online research for one of our clients I came across quite a few blogs I wasn’t aware of. Actually I did know about this one but not that the Center for Rural Affairs had moved their’s. On their site you can find links to other rural blogs. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » A BASF and Monsanto Headline
[...] It seems like these two companies are sure working together a lot lately. You can listen to BASF’s director of business operations talk about Healine here. BASF Corporation and Monsanto Company announced a co-promotional agreement today that will see each partner’s sales force promote Headline fungicide from BASF – an ideal combination to help corn and soybean growers improve yields and manage risk. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » A BASF and Monsanto Headline
[...] It seems like these two companies are sure working together a lot lately. You can listen to BASF’s director of business operations talk about Headline here. BASF Corporation and Monsanto Company announced a co-promotional agreement today that will see each partner’s sales force promote Headline fungicide from BASF – an ideal combination to help corn and soybean growers improve yields and manage risk. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farmers’ Markets Blogging
[...] The Home Cooking blogger is now doing a little farmers’ market blogging. She’s Lane McConnell who is Ag Promotions Specialist with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Ag Business Development Division. Isn’t it amazing what you can do with these things? Farmers’ Markets are an essential part of Missouri’s agricultural economy, providing an outlet for Missouri farmers to sell their produce to consumers across the state. A Look at Missouri Farmers’ Markets blog-site, offered by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, has been created for both consumers and marketers. This site features an insight look of the markets including photos, area market news and events and ways other markets across the state are marketing their local farmers’ market. The site will also serve as a place for marketers to go to find complete farmers’ market resources. [...]
Petra Garthwait
I really enjoyed receiving the RFD channel but when I switched from satellite dish to comcast cable tv they do not carry the channel. I really wish I could still get that station as I thoroughly enjoyed receiving it especially since I have horses.
Diane
Hey Chuck — We’re going to have Dippin’Dots at the Ag Media Summit compliments of the creator, Alltech! Also I think we’ll try the carbonated strawberries! What a kick in the pants!!!
David Mehlhaff
Chuck,
Where did you find these? What supermarket/? In Missouri?
Chuck
Actually I found them in our local Wal Mart Supercenter. I was familiar with the white and red ones but not the purple ones. They’re all good and I think it’s a cool product!
Goes really good with some meat on the grill and a cold brewsky.
Mario Pineda-Krch
Looks like Daniel Pauly might be right when he said “Overfishing is not a problem as long as your children like plankton stew”.
James Njoroge
Prakash is a talented scientist on agricultural biotechnology issues. It’s encouraging that he will be using GMO Food for Thought to do what he likes best: creating public understanding of agricultural biotechnology.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Precision Ag by Croplife
[...] At the 2007 InfoAg Expo I had a nice conversation with Paul Schrimpf, editor, Croplife Media Group. His company was one of the key organizers of the event and the Precision Ag Awards from the Precision Ag Institute. In the photo he was announcing the award winners. [...]
Andy Mooers
One bit of advice..make sure to peel the bark off the log pieces you use for your walls..know of one cord wood home that was mortared in with bark on wood and it shrunk..leaving gaps and cord to come in in the Northern Maine climate I live in! Good Luck!
Andy Mooers
Make that COLD comes in when bark wood pieces shrink!
Quentin Rund
Thanks for the feedback on the conference. We have had media rooms in the past, but they were not used. We will definitely provide a quiet space for media to work in the future.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Beef Ambassador Blogs
[...] I’ve interviewed Amanda Nolz more than once at a previous cattle industry meeting. Once was at last year’s winter meeting and once again last summer. Well, this ambassador for beef is now a blogger and I’m proud of her. [...]
Bryan Bjerke
I’m looking forward to visiting with you at the Summit.
Teresa
AAEA: American Agricultural Editors’ Association
LPC: Livestock Publications Council
ABM: American Business Media
NACT: National Agricultural Communictaors of Tomorrow
ARC: Agricultural Relations Council
IFAJ: International Federation of Agricultural Journalists
Libby
Are you against people going to farms directly to purchase their food? Curious for your take on that.
Chuck
Not at all. I’m all for it. What I take exception to are organizations who try to create fear and panic in people for their own personal gain. They don’t base their war cry on anything remotely resembling common sense and science, just emotionalism. The big corporate farm is a myth. Most farms that are corporations are family owned. They’re just using the corporation as a legal entity for business purposes. I know lots of people who farm thousands of acres and those who farm only a couple. They get along great when brought together. I think the groups I’m talking about want to create division and an “us vs. them” mentality. That doesn’t foster good communications and a healthy debate.
Andrew
Let me say right away that I actually work for an organization like the ones you mention in this post.
I’m not writing here to argue with you. I agree that an “us vs. them” mentality can be counter-productive, particularly when you and I are just two people sitting at computers. We can accomplish much more by communicating effectively with each other – trying to understand the issues from the other person’s point of view.
Believe it or not, I do what I do not for my own personal gain, but because I think it will benefit the American people. A lot of those I work alongside care deeply about the animals, but I care much more about the people. I take issue with enormous livestock operations because of the damage they cause to people’s drinking water, breathing air, and property values.
This is where the communication gap between you and me becomes so important. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that I don’t have a firm understanding of the economic realities of running a farm. I haven’t even seen a livestock facility with my own eyes.
If you, as someone with much more experience in these matters, think I’m horribly misguided, I truly would like to know. I don’t want to waste my life. I agree with you that one of the major problems facing organizations like mine is that we’re often based in big cities. At the same time as we work to help rural America, we are (many of us, anyway) pretty out of touch with rural America.
Please write back to me, either by e-mail or as a comment following mine, and tell me why you think that people like me are bad for farmers. I’d hate to spend any more time doing what I’m doing, thinking that I’m helping farmers, when really I’m doing the opposite.
Breaking the barrier between me and you is a critical first step toward breaking the barrier between “us” and “them.” An open, honest dialogue can only help.
Best,
-Andrew
Chuck
You’ve got it right Teresa! Good job. The ear buds will be on their way to you.
Del Wehrspann
Good performance
Andrew
Hi Chuck,
I posted a comment on your blog after reading your post about the factory farm map. I’m assuming that you simply never saw it. I really hope that you will get back to me so that we can open a dialogue. Here’s the comment:
“Let me say right away that I actually work for an organization like the ones you mention in this post.
I’m not writing here to argue with you. I agree that an “us vs. them” mentality can be counter-productive, particularly when you and I are just two people sitting at computers. We can accomplish much more by communicating effectively with each other – trying to understand the issues from the other person’s point of view.
Believe it or not, I do what I do not for my own personal gain, but because I think it will benefit the American people. A lot of those I work alongside care deeply about the animals, but I care much more about the people. I take issue with enormous livestock operations because of the damage they cause to people’s drinking water, breathing air, and property values.
This is where the communication gap between you and me becomes so important. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that I don’t have a firm understanding of the economic realities of running a farm. I haven’t even seen a livestock facility with my own eyes.
If you, as someone with much more experience in these matters, think I’m horribly misguided, I truly would like to know. I don’t want to waste my life. I agree with you that one of the major problems facing organizations like mine is that we’re often based in big cities. At the same time as we work to help rural America, we are (many of us, anyway) pretty out of touch with rural America.
Please write back to me, either by e-mail or as a comment following mine, and tell me why you think that people like me are bad for farmers. I’d hate to spend any more time doing what I’m doing, thinking that I’m helping farmers, when really I’m doing the opposite.
Breaking the barrier between me and you is a critical first step toward breaking the barrier between “us” and “them.” An open, honest dialogue can only help.
Best,
-Andrew”
Chuck
I did see your comment, which I approved in order for it to show up. First of all, I haven’t had time to respond due to travel and work.
I just find it amazing how judgmental you can be without “having seen a livestock facility.” You’re apparently working for a cause without even knowing the facts or what you’re talking about.
If you want to break down a barrier then get yourself out on a farm. Yes even a big one. You might be amazed what you’ll find.
Me, I don’t just “sit at a computer” although I’m often at one. I travel with mine and that includes out to the farm where you’ll find high speed internet access these days.
The danger with the type of organization it sounds like you work for (since you didn’t bother to mention which one) is that you gain the ear of media whackos who don’t check their facts either and then all you’re doing is spreading a myth which impacts legislation and the ability of hard working Americans to make a living and in the case of farmers, feed you.
Andrew
Hey Chuck,
Thanks so much for getting back to me. I really appreciate your comments. We can keep going back and forth like this below your post, but it might be easier for you to e-mail me (andrewbarnet@gmail.com).
I think you’re right about the need for me to see for myself a large animal facility. I plan on doing that soon, although I’ve heard and read that it might be hard to get myself in (although obviously I shouldn’t believe everything I hear and read).
Even without that experience, I find it hard to believe that the pollution from large-scale feedlots is a myth. There is certainly a lot of biased information out there, but there are also objective third-party sources, like the Department of Justice. Here are a couple of links detailing the cases against two such facilities:
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2006/July/06_enrd_433.html
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2003/November/03_enrd_634.htm
You and I almost certainly disagree about how common places like these are. We can save that debate for another time. Right now, I’m interested in what you think about those specific cases. Do you think that a dairy ought to be able to release a million pounds of manure into a waterway? Do you think that the DOJ got the facts wrong?
I don’t at all agree with government micro-management of anyone, especially farmers. I think people ought to be able to do with themselves and their property pretty much whatever they like. However, I think that the government should protect people from harm by other people. If someone else is polluting the air I breathe, shouldn’t I have legal recourse to make that person stop?
I realize that you’re very busy with other commitments, but I’d like it if you could get back to me with whatever thoughts you have.
Best,
-Andrew
Kelly Schwalbe
Chuck,
Great photo. Just so everyone knows who is in the photo (l to r):
Joe Roybal, Pam Barry, Kelly Schwalbe, Greg Lamp and Larry Dreiling.
Thanks.
Geoff
Due to the discovery of a “Y2K” error by a climate blogger, NASA recently (with no fanfare) recalculated and republished historical temperature data for the US. As a result, 1998 is no longer the “warmest on record”, it’s now 1934. The rankings for other years were also effected in a manner that seems to undercut some of the claims of Al Gore & Co.
See: http://www.norcalblogs.com/watts/2007/08/1998_no_longer_the_hottest_yea.html
While people may point out this error as only relating to the US data, it’s worth noting that the US data set (along with Europe’s) is considered the best historical record at hand, and NASA is also re-crunching the non-US numbers and have not release the results from that effort.
Josh Hallett
We’ll see how much the audience gets it. However it’s interesting to see many of the ‘traditional’ industries transform as the next generation comes along.
Chuck
I wish I could be there Josh. I think more and more people in the agricultural marketing business are seeing the value of new media tools. It’s sure keeping my company hopping – http://www.zimmcomm.biz. We’ve coined some terms too like agriblogging and farm podcasting!
Laura
Thanks Chuck!
AgWired » Blog Archives » LPC Gala Rally
[...] I didn’t use a picture of the YMCA at the Ag Media Summit but I did post the video. [...]
Andrew
Hey Chuck,
I know you’re busy, but it’s been a week and a half since my last comment. I don’t like to keep bugging you, but I think that this dialogue is really important. The people I represent and the people you represent could not be farther apart. It would help both of us to bring them closer together. I was under the impression that you felt the same way, based on your own words: “I sure wish we could get some more of their creativity channeled into communicating facts and not just emotion.” That’s exactly what I want to do. A calm, fact-based exchange of thoughts and ideas between us will help us understand each other’s position. You know the economic realities of this business much better than I do, and I’d like to learn from you.
Here’s what I posted last time, so you don’t have to go back and read it.
“Hey Chuck,
Thanks so much for getting back to me. I really appreciate your comments. We can keep going back and forth like this below your post, but it might be easier for you to e-mail me (andrewbarnet@gmail.com).
I think you’re right about the need for me to see for myself a large animal facility. I plan on doing that soon, although I’ve heard and read that it might be hard to get myself in (although obviously I shouldn’t believe everything I hear and read).
Even without that experience, I find it hard to believe that the pollution from large-scale feedlots is a myth. There is certainly a lot of biased information out there, but there are also objective third-party sources, like the Department of Justice. Here are a couple of links detailing the cases against two such facilities:
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2006/July/06_enrd_433.html
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2003/November/03_enrd_634.htm
You and I almost certainly disagree about how common places like these are. We can save that debate for another time. Right now, I’m interested in what you think about those specific cases. Do you think that a dairy ought to be able to release a million pounds of manure into a waterway? Do you think that the DOJ got the facts wrong?
I don’t at all agree with government micro-management of anyone, especially farmers. I think people ought to be able to do with themselves and their property pretty much whatever they like. However, I think that the government should protect people from harm by other people. If someone else is polluting the air I breathe, shouldn’t I have legal recourse to make that person stop?
I realize that you’re very busy with other commitments, but I’d like it if you could get back to me with whatever thoughts you have.
Best,
-Andrew”
p.s. Since I wrote that, I’ve tried to find a large-scale animal farm to visit, but I’ve had a lot of trouble. Do you know any good ways to find one near me (NW Connecticut)? Thanks again.
Chuck
Okay. First thing you need to do is identify who you work for. It’s hard to have a dialogue not knowing that. You know who I work for. Just who are these “people” you represent? The ones I report on are feeding the world and I for one want them to continue to do so.
As far as your questions in your comment you’ve got to get out of a mind set that says that just because you can point to one incident somehow that’s what everyone in an industry is doing.
Do I think a dairy ought to do what the ones you point out did? No. But I wouldn’t assume that’s the way all producers manage their operations. Find me an industry where everyone in it follows all the rules.
How much manure does your local city water/sewer pump into waterways? Why don’t we see more outrage about that? I dare say there’s a lot more pollution happening from urban areas than anything you’ll find out on farms, even the largest ones.
Call your local county farm bureau office or state farm bureau office and ask them for suggestions on who you can talk to or visit with to learn more about what farming is really like.
Di!
Great Job Karen!!
eleyson
We have a jatropha coalition in Africa and seeking partner for jatropha coalition
Jim Elliott
Thank you Chuck for great coverage of our Learning Center this week and I welcome all of you to a future Syngenta Learning Center in the future!
Jim Elliott
AgriEdge, Agronomic Services Mgr
Brand Marketing
Syngenta Seeds, Inc.
Chuck
I really enjoyed it Jim. Having some cooler temps than many of us have been experiencing in the midwest was very nice. As a media representative I feel much more confident that I understand what Syngenta is doing. I think this type of interaction leads to a better informed press and therefore farmer.
Chuck
AgWired » Blog Archives » Wielding The Golden ZimmComm Microphone
[...] like the Golden ZimmComm Microphone to visit your event please let me know. BTW. I’m interviewing Dr. Fred Below in the [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Seth Crawford Talks John Deere Combines
[...] The big combines just have that “wow” factor when it comes to a show and this week’s John Deere product introduction was no exception. The marketing manager for combines for John Deere is Seth Crawford. I interviewed him right after the field demonstration portion on combines. The one in this picture is one of their new 70 Series with the easy to adjust 600 Series Corn Head. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Corn Is Being Harvested
[...] is the field I posted a picture from last week which shows that corn harvesting has begun here in Missouri. It’s the first field I’ve [...]
Glenn Beck
Why was this event yanked out of the State of Indiana??????????????It is a big insult to those of us who reside in The Hoosier State who now have to listen to those idiot FPS spinmiesters now call this event the Illinois/Indiana site when it is held in Decatur.Take the Indiana out of it because it is a good 1- 2 hour drive for Decatur along Route 36 east to Indiana.What did Indiana do to deserve this fate and how the hell is Iowa and Illinois any better then Indiana is at this point in time?We first heard that some jackasses at FPS declared Indiana to be the eastern end of the corn belt.Perhaps these same myopic idiots can get there heads out of there assends and remember there is another state near Indiana.Its called OHIO.Its spelled O-H-I-O.In reality Ohio raises alot of corn to and in reality is to be in the eastern of the corn belt.As a result of those FPS idiots yanking thieir monopolisitc event out of this state we have no future plans to patronize it instead chooinsg to go to The Molly Caren Agricultural center and Patronize the Ohio farm Science Review instead.There is such irony that those blowhards at FPS would chose to yank their sham out of Indiana is that the current leadership of Gov Mitch Daniels JR is a very friendly towards agriculture.We are building many ethanol plants in this state along with being friendly towards CAFO operations and so on and so forth.Under the leadership of LT Gov Becky Skillman and Agriculture Director Andy Miller Hoosier agriculture is moving forward.We have also voted in a corn check off program here in Indiana.One major positive about Gov Daniels is that he is currently not advoacating a GRT that Gross Reciepts tax like his LIBERAL counterpart is in Illinois where almost every business at the FPS would be hurt financially.The most obvious to all of us is should be noted is that the FPS people obvious think that the State of Indiana has fallen of the map and no longer exist.Which is a real shame.Since that is the case then to OHIO we shall be.
Scot
Well said Mr Beck.We were at the last held about 8 miles south of Lafayette 2 weeks after September 11,2001 from 9/-25-27 and personally it was one of the best 3 days of our lives.You brought up alot of good points and besides you cannot understand why this was warranted being pulled out of MItch Daniels state to.I have talked to many of other Hoosiers in our local Farm Bureau Chapter who said they will no longer attending thie event in Decatur will be going to London to FSR instead to.
Henwhisperer
Did they happen to mention or explain how the FMD germs escaped the laboratory? No one seems to be talking about that anymore.
Vicki Henrickson
OK, I didn’t get to the Show this year, but it has to be my friend, Susie Decker!
Carlos Manoluv
These ladies are smoken hot. Especially the one on the left.
Chuck
You are correct Vicki. Way to go.
Mike Sage
Hi,
This was a great video because it’s exactly how most visitors see an exhibit. I myself walk randomly through the displays to see what interests me.
Mike
Andrew
Hey Chuck,
Sorry I took so long to respond to your last comment. Again, I appreciate your words. I want to tell you that I did contact my local farm bureau, and they’re fine with me checking out a large-scale dairy. It won’t be until December though, because I won’t be home until then.
As for your comparison of intensive livestock operations with human cities (in terms of waste output), I think there’s some truth to that. I doubt that many of the people who advocate a return to earlier, more dispersed forms of animal husbandry would not support any kind of mandatory evacuation of urban dwellers to the countryside. At the same time, it’s my gut feeling that waste from cities is much more carefully processed and regulated than waste from farms. I could be wrong about this. I tried to find some kind of comparitive study online, but was unsuccessful. If you know of any information like this, I would appreciate you directing me to it.
Thanks again,
-Andrew
gene hemphill
Great picture, Chuck. But, they all are.
AgWired » Blog Archives » I’ll Be Your Geek Marketer
[...] you don’t use yourself? If Geek Marketer is not on your corporate flow chart then keep the Godfather of ag blogging in [...]
Chris McClure
I was in Red Cloud, NE, working from my home office when my wife came in and said, “you’d better come look at this.” I didn’t get much work done the rest of the day.
Kingmaker Equipment » Blog Archive » I’ll Be Your Geek Marketer
[...] you don’t use yourself? If Geek Marketer is not on your corporate flow chart then keep the Godfather of ag blogging in [...]
Jenny Pickett New NAMA EVP/CEO | Kingmaker Equipment
[...] We conducted an extensive search for the new NAMA Executive Vice-President/CEO that resulted in a highly qualified pool of 70 applicants. It was Jenny’s combination of skills, experience and forward-thinking ideas that made her the most convincing choice for the position. We’re excited to work with Jenny in her new role and believe she can help the organization adapt as we continue to focus on the changing needs of our members. (more…) [...]
Kyle Maw
…and we look forward to having you!
Laura
More pics are on the way!
Chuck
Hi Kyle:
I finally got in right before 11pm. About 4 1/2 hours late. Interesting travel experience. See you soon.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Roush F-150 Burns Propane Fuel
[...] has already posted information on the innovative use of propane as motor fuel from Roush Manufacturing, but I [...]
John Herath
Chuck-are you getting any new Nikon equipment while you’re close to the source? I think those Zimmages would look much better off of a D3.
Koji Kurata (ZEN-NOH FPM)
Mr.Zimmerman,
Thank you very much for coming to our company yesterday and introduing about us on your HP. We hope you enjoyed the tour. Regarding the drink, we wondered water or Japanese tea. But we chose the latter one because you rarely try it in your home contry. We serve you water or coffee for your next visit.
Regards,
Kiyoshi Imahashi
Dear Mr.Zimmerman:
Thank you very much for your comments on our presentation.
I am so happy you have enjoyed that lunch I have selected.
Please let you know what I know. First of all that sweet is called DAIFUKU in Japan. The filling is red beans paste and large thing is a whole chesnut. Cesnut reminds us the autumn in Japan.
That lunch is cooked and assorted by the concept of the autumn.
I think you enjoyed steamed rice with chesnuts, red salmon ,shiitake mushroom ,too.Did you try the powder in a tiny green bag? That is MACCHAJIO means mixed salt and green tea powder. It is good to TEMPURA.
By the way I was the person with an yellow helmet.
Thank you again for your visiting us as well as the timely reports.
Best regards.
Takako Mitsuya
Dear Chuck and Cindy
I am Takako, one of English interpreters of IFAJ in Japan. I took part in the tours for Imperial Palace, Sankeien, and TUA cultural programs. I really had a good time with your members. Especially I thank Mr. And Mrs. David Markey, IFAJ President, for helping me during the tour by interpreting my English to other members. I hope you will enjoy the rest of the program in Tohoku. I am looking forward to reading your news every day.
Best regards
Takako Mitsuya
Wayne
Hey Cindy,
Does mixing sake sit better than mixing German wine? I hope so!
My suit is now a the dry cleaners. And I am enjoying the new camera strap.
Glad to see you made it safely to Japan.
—Wayne
Laura
Wow… looks opulent!
Fluorideus
Dow has ignored the scientific literature in order to make money. Because of sulfuryl fluoride, more fluoride residues are allowed on foods sold in the U.S.
Fluoride is a neurotoxin, bone damaging and has been shown to damage thyroid, kidneys – even in small doses. Since most Americans are already over-fluoridated because 2/3 of public water supplies actually add the stuff to the water supply, it’s obvious that many more people will be harmed by Dow Chemical and the people who praise them.
Cow-Friendly Designs Attract ‘Agri-tention’ « Bob McCarty Writes
[...] the headlines, Cows Make Me Feel Warm at the World Dairy Diary and COWS Are Carbon Dioxide Emitters at AgWired, Chuck wrote and posted the following [...]
Fending Off Body Odor With Corn | Kingmaker Equipment
[...] “Zemea(TM) propanediol offers a luxurious and non-sticky texture to deodorants,” Terra Naturals co-founder Svetlana Ratnikova said. “It replaces propylene glycol in petroleum-based deodorants and vegetable glycerin in existing natural deodorants. Vegetable glycerin can be very sticky and reduces overall product performance, and propylene glycol is derived from natural gas, a product that energy-conscious consumers are trying to reduce their dependence on.” (more…) [...]
My Second Chance | Kingmaker Equipment
[...] Siemens Says On Day Three of my recovery from my quadruple by-pass surgery, my partner in the next bed, who was going home that day, received a visitor who had the same surgery several years back. He looked at both us, and said, “Guys, listen up! Appreciate the fact you have just received a ‘Second Chance’. Wow what a statement and what a sobering thought. Me, a second chance – One who often took pride in developing chances and taking advantage of them, was now going to get a second chance from the hand the hand of a surgeon’s skill. (more…) [...]
Kurt
Hey Chuck – Thanks for the mention, and link to my Web site. And what a great couple! I truly enjoyed getting to know you and Cindy during our travels around Japan. And you guys are wearing me out with your week of travel after Japan. No rest for the progressive!
Take care.
Kurt
AgWired » Blog Archives » Hereford Product Best In Years
[...] and that the Hereford breed can help accomplish that. So the Heterosis project which we got the first year results of this morning is one that he thinks is [...]
REGGAE FAR EAST
Thank you for using my music.
Laura
Wow… sounds really interesting. Wish I could have been there!
Laura
Diane
Congratulations Ashley!… and welcome to Fort Worth!
InsectaPod Blog » Moving ag-comm forward
[...] Zimmerman recently wrote a post on Agwired about another online agriculture communications initiative recently. He says this one uses [...]
John Herath
Sorry Chuck. I tried to vote for you…but it popped up with this whole registration thing. I’ll click to get you free food, but not give away my info!
Chuck
Oh come on. Everyone knows all about you anyway. Actually I didn’t realize they required that to vote. I think they cut down on the “viralness” of the campaign by doing that.
Maybe you can just buy me a burger somewhere someday.
Owen Roberts
Hi Chuck,
It was a pleasure having you instruct the class. I appreciate you keeping an eye on the students’ blogs. One of the blogs was featured in a Canadian Farm Writers Federation workshop in September, as a great example of communicating agriculture to an urban audience. So thanks again for helping us get the blogs off the ground.
We’ll look forward to staying in touch with you.
Sincerely,
Owen Roberts
Instructor
Agricultural Communications
University of Guelph
AgWired » Blog Archives » Blog Action Day Results
[...] might remember my post on Blog Action Day earlier this week. Now that’s it’s past the organizers have a pretty comprehensive summary of what they [...]
ZimmComm - New Media, LLC » Blog Archives » Blog Action Day Shows Blogger Reach
[...] this week I participated in Blog Action Day through our AgWired site. Now that’s it’s past the organizers have a pretty [...]
Farmers Insurance » Lower Insurance Premiums for Farmers Who Use Monsanto Hybrid
[...] Cheap Insurances wrote an interesting post today on Lower Insurance Premiums for Farmers Who Use Monsanto HybridHere’s a quick excerptMonsanto says its latest agreement with the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation means farmers can opt to have their insurance premiums slashed by up… [...]
Kurt
Chuck
While Gore’s powerpoint movie may have stretched the truth a bit, the overall message is true. His tireless work to raise the awareness of this issue is worthy of the award. And the editorial you cited is more about Gore’s past than about what he’s doing today. Hmmm. Guess the writer decided not to dig into the current issue.
Sorry to see you’re rather close-minded toward the facts of global warming.
What’s great about America — we can blog and express our views and debate important issues.
Have a great day.
Kurt
Chuck
I think it’s very possible that the globe is warmer recently than say a few years ago. I do not believe that it’s caused by us human beings and I really doubt as do many other people, scientists included, that there’s anything we can do to change things.
I’m all for doing things in an environmentally friendly way. I just don’t like whackos like Al Gore who are trying to sensationalize things using misinformation and lies for their own personal gain. They get the lazy media’s attention and affect public opinion which often results in stupid laws being passed making it harder and harder to do business or live in a free world.
I fully agree with the beauty of what a blog offers in the form of expressing opinion. I hope that’s a right that doesn’t get taken away from us.
You have a great day too Kurt.
Chris
i totally agree
Laura
Or your favorite blogger!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Center For Food Integrity Summit
[...] Center for Food Integrity is about to kick off it’s 2007 Summit in Indianapolis. The theme is “STATE OF CONSUMER [...]
wes
Excellent machine, great productivity. A little bit costly but well worth every penny. Another great advancement in the John Deere line of cotton and for the company as a whole.
Laura
great shot!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Make The Logo Bigger Cream
[...] if a song about making the logo bigger wasn’t enough, now we’ve got Make The Logo Bigger [...]
Corn Guy
The second episode, “Corn Guy vs. Taco Lady” is now on Corn Guy TV!
Laura
Ah! You beat me to this… was next on my to-do list.
Amped 2 » Johnny Appleseed Festival
[...] Baron Bodissey wrote an engrossing place today onHere’s a hurried excerptMapleside Farms is ceremonial agriculturalist Johnny Appleseed in it’s period Johnny Appleseed Festival. The river Farm began celebrating the Johnny Appleseed Festival in 1974 on what would hit been Appleseed’s 200th birthday. … [...]
Steve Mays
It might be interesting to explain where these interviews wind up. One would assume that these farm broadcasters are taking their interviews back to their respective broadcast outlets and putting them on the air. But there might be more to it than that???
Chuck
Good question. I’ll be doing a post shortly with short interviews with Trade Talk exhibitors and a couple of them address this.
Cyndi
The NAFB Foundation Auction receipts from both live and silent auction items totalled $15,432, a record amount! Thanks to you and CIndy for your continued support of the Foundation!
Lindsay
I’m sitting here listening to your session and thought I’d comment from my phone so everyone can see how easy and effective this blogging thing is. Keep up the great work
Andy Vance
Actually Steve, in our shop we’ll use these on the air, in our blogs as downloadable mp3 files, and as additional content on BuckeyeAg.com… Which is probably what you were getting at.
Chuck
Thanks Lindsay for helping with the presentation.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Honoring Pam Fretwell
[...] family including her parents and friends and colleagues from work. As you’ve heard in my interview with Pam earlier this week, she’s very dedicated to her family and is looking to spending more time with them [...]
Steve Kercher
Chuck,
Thanks for playing La Vida on you show. I just posted The Friend of Africa featuring the African Children’s Choir and legendary bassist Abraham Laboriel. Enjoy.
All the best,
Steve Kercher
Cow-Friendly Designs Attract ‘Agri-tention’
[...] the headlines, Cows Make Me Feel Warm at the World Dairy Diary and COWS Are Carbon Dioxide Emitters at AgWired, Chuck wrote and posted the following piece: “I don’t know if you know Bob McCarty but he [...]
Tricia Braid Terry
Cindy Zimmerman was right to disbelieve your good judgment in leaving the chocotinis out of this! It was a very nice honor to receive the ISA award. We all work with such a wonderful group of people…being recognized by them is humbling. I wondered about the “funky” in the title. You don’t know that I am a Funk of Funks Grove! And my boys say we have some funky chickens!
Chuck
Of course the funky is because of your funkiness and being from Funks Grove! Have a happy Thanksgiving. I’m about to call it quits until Friday at least.
Rita McGill Vondracek
We are so proud of you, Vic. You are a very special person.
Rita, George, Christopher, and Leo
Pat McGill
Vic we are very proud of you, and do remember your service to all of us during your life as a member of a family of 10….Blessings and continued success in all you do ….
See you at Christmas….Love Pat
Sherry McGill
Congratulations Vic! What a great honor for a great person.
Graham Riches
Marantz always had employed cheap mic pre-amps and it will be very hard for it to keep with the fierce competition out there. Sony PCM D50 will be better bet. It’s sound quality is very close to Fostex Fr2 le but with abit more punch and better gain.
Key features:
- Quality MIC (internal – can be set to any position)
- High grade 4 seperate circuits – ultra low noise
- Superb battery life – upto 35 hours with NimH 2700
- Dual Limiter function – no more distortion or clips.
- Built internal 4GB – generous start.
- High qualit mic pre amps/head phone amps.
- can be used with XLR-1 unit – for more wider choice of Mic
option.
- Casing is metal not Plastic.
- It’s SONY.
To sumup Maratnz offers limited sample rate very like Edirol R-09 and battery life is poor. The worse is MIC pre-amp (very noisy).
check this link: http://www.bradlinder.net/2007/10/comparing-sony-pcm-d50-fostex-fr2-le_
Saj
Yes , I too am very fond of the new sony pcm d50 is this better than fr2 le, zoom h4, h2 ,ro9 and the new 620 put together and I do admire its limiter function. I may even buy XLR-1 for external mic recording. Do u think this machicne is going to dominate under £500 market?
Graham Riches
Yes, sony is very good with built in mic or even external mic. Within £500 Market it may possibly blow away every recorder including Korg MR1. To be fair the Fostex F2le is also very good and its going to be neck and neck between these 2.
Edirol R-09 – very expensive and the external mic pre-amp are too hissy.
Zoom H4 – better recorder than R09, but very difficult to use.
Marantz 620 – another version of R09 but released 2 years later offering limited sample rate.
Korg MR1 – good build quality, poor mic pre-amp, built in disk drive can oveheat the equipment and dedicated built in power source which is a bad idea for field recording..
Foxtex FR2le – Unit is abit Large, but superb sound quality (uses CF).
Graham Riches
http://www.bradlinder.net/2007/10/comparing-sony-pcm-d50-fostex-fr2-le_06.html
sorry, link update
Diane
Very well deserved! Congratulations Steve~
Greg Peterson
As our farmlands keep disappearing to home we need to discover new places to grow our foods. What better place than in the mist of our urban areas. I have taken the concept and landscaped my entire yard with fruit trees and other food in a concept called edible landscaping. Kudos to this farm and many others around the country and world. Some good examples are Fairview Gardens in Santa Barbara, CA http://www.fairviewgardens.org/ and The Urban Farm http://www.urbanfarm.org/ in Phoenix AZ.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Getting Back in Action
[...] week I’ll be out and about but of course you’ll be able to keep up with all the action [...]
Dick Fitzgerald
Badeeter
Quite an honor for a boy who eats Post Toasties while viewing art
Fitz
Jan (Bergman) Lochridge-Long
Wow! Beresford boy makes good! Congratulations, Vic! Can’t wait to see you at our 40th class reunion next summer!!
David Mehlhaff
Another great party. Thanks guys and continued success in 2008.
BCS is going great places!
Zimfo Bites · Scholarships
[...] Original post by AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Speaking of Beef Kicks Off
[...] Missouri Beef Industry Council has just kicked off a new program as I mentioned late last night called, “Speaking of Beef.” This program includes preparing volunteer producers [...]
Strawberry for holiday drinks « Bartender Mixing Drinks Guide
[...] would be a good mix. It’s a good thing that my eyes got opened. Got myself some recipes from here. Here are some scientific [...]
Donna
Sorry your weather is soooooo cold right now. Thank the good Lord that there has not been too many accidents on the highways or other. My husband and I will be taveling to Branson in the next couple of weeks, I hope it warms up and clears up by then, not only for our vacation beneift but,also so the good people of Missouri will be able to stay warm and safe. Merry Christmass
Laura
great photo!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Negotiating Skills Moe Russell Style
[...] the latest episode of “Managerial Insight with Moe Russell.” It’s part of the Business Skills Series from Asgrow which you’ll find on Farm Industry [...]
Familia Mansueto Cuisine » Strawberry for Holiday Drinks
[...] would be a good mix. It’s a good thing that my eyes got opened. Got myself some recipes from here. Here are some scientific [...]
Brenda Curtis-Heiken
Chuck I will save this forever!! Thank you so very much…You did a beautiful job and you and Cindy will forever be friends.
Have a blessed Christmas!
Brenda
Liliane Kambirigi
Hi Brenda,
Very nice interview. I don’t say goodbye to you, just arrivederci. No true journalist ever retires from the job…you know that. I wish you well in your new passions, enjoy the world.
Happy Christmas and Best wishes for the New Year to you and your family.
Kiss,
Liliane
N.B. Many thanks for your tireless support to the work of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. In whatever form, I am sure you will continue this campaign against World hunger.
Liliane Kambirigi, Information Officer
Media Relations Branch (Radio production)
Communication Division (FAO)
Tel: x39.06.57053223
liliane.kambirigi@fao.org
http://www.fao.org
helen baran
Brenda: we have been friends forever–knew you in grade school–but then I was much older,which you remind me of all the time.
Steve and I love you dearly and your love of the town you grew up in–Westfield. Your visits to film and document the history of the oldest concord grape region in the world remains in our hearts forever—not like the grape pies that remain on our hips forever. All those dinners and parties and the splattered white blouse and glasses—–whoops, I must not reveal those secrets.
You have been a wonderful spokeswoman for agriculture and you will be missed–but I know in my heart–you will always continue to be a spokesperson for agriculture—-and the best friend.
We love you and look forward to your visits–I will line up speaking engagements and parties!!!!!
Love, Helen Baran
Jeff
Thanks for posting…Moe is an outstanding guy. I was able to work with him closely when I was in another career….and he has high integrity.
Nathan Schock
Chuck,
Great idea. I just added you to both. Happy New Year!
Brenda Curtis-Heiken
Brenda,
Wonderful interview. I can’t believe it has been so many years since we started working together. You have truly soared with your career. I wish you all the best in the future and know that your retirement will be as eventful as your working years. Looking forward to your visit, which I hope is soon!!
Helen
ZimmComm - New Media, LLC » Blog Archives » Happy New Year
[...] good video/audio. Even today’s smart phones will let you get in on the action. Take the new Helio Ocean as an example. With a YouTube account you can easily upload video clips, which can include [...]
Colie Brice
Thanks for playing my blues tune “Happy New Year”. Its an honor to be on your show. I have a deep and abiding respect for farmers and the no nonsense tangible they bring to sustainable life. Simply put, without farming we’d be f*cked… Sorry to be crude, but more people need to make that connection and understand that without agriculture there is no art or civilization. Thank you for your efforts to enlighten idiots like me and oh yeah..
“Happy New Year”
Colie Brice
Kai
Congratulations for yor fast growing blog job. 223 days on the road….maybe you should start a travelling blog too.
Kai
hsas88
Those are interesting facts and studies. I think Americans need to remember its probably not the type of sugar, but HOW MUCH of it you’re eating. As a country we tend to eat large portions– we need to cut down on how much food we eat and increase our physical activity.
Greg Ness
Chuck…whenever I’m feelin’ too busy I just look at your schedule and I feel like I’m on vacation. Congrats on all the well-deserved success!
Chuck
I think my AgWired blog is pretty much a traveling blog. Thanks for the comments. This new media business has been made possible by the support of a lot of very cool people and I love working with each and every one of them.
Cottonseed oil a trans-free cooking oil - National Cottonseed Products Association » Blog Archive » Talkin’ Oil at the Beltwide
[...] Listen to the interview. – Tour Manager « Cottonseed Forecasts Climb [...]
Nathan Schock
Google Reader is the one for me!
PathToHoliness » PETA Strikes Again
[...] PETA is not known for its decency, but this is particularly outrageous. As Dad said on AgWired: Way to go PETA bullies. Pick on a group of peaceful monks who I’m sure are praying for your [...]
Luther W. Gier
I have an existing and operating double 4 herringbone parlor that I have mostly renovated. The building is in need of some repair as well as a need for some mechanical repairs as well. How could this program benifit me?
AgWired » Blog Archives » Technorati Ranking For AgWired
[...] at Technorati the blog search engine is now indexing 112 million blogs. That’s up from the last time I heard an update from him (35 million). This one was posted on Blogspotting. He also says that [...]
field assignment » Live From World Dairy Expo
[...] a look at the full post here, or watch the video of the interview [...]
Fred
Good particle!
Wholeheartedly agree…
Correction:
“Stae of Fear” is aq great book, buit not wriotten by Stephen King
The author is Michael Crichton
a
‘State of Fear’ isn’t by Stephen King
Chuck
I have no idea how I messed that up. Thanks for correcting me. You are absolutely right.
Greg Lamp
Chuck: Good interview with the Austian woman, and you did a good job of pronouncing her name. Tough one. I really liked the music at the end. Good choice. Greg
Mary Ann
Thanks for mentioning NAL’s blog, InfoFarm.
Let me clarify, though, that we do, in fact, present a running sequence of posts. The view you saw that showed just one post followed by a comment form must have come on a subject archive page that has only one related entry. Poke around a bit more, and you’ll see that those are more the exception than the rule.
smays
Would have liked to see a few seconds of the Skype call with Laura. Just as an example of the quality and how far the tech has come. Anyone that calls themselves a reporter in 2008 should know how to do this.
Corn Commentary » Blog Archives » Chatting About Corn Commentary
[...] This week I paid a visit to the world headquarters of the National Corn Growers Association to meet with Mimi Ricketts and newcomer Jennifer Crichton. I got to see Rick’s new ride in person and took my own picture. [...]
Shoot Your Fuel The Change EPIC - Affordable Website Marketing - Just another website promotion and online advertising weblog about seo and search engine marketing
[...] post by AgWired and posted by Alfred [...]
PLEASE, STOP ATROCIOUS CRUELTY ON COWS
Secretary of Agriculture Edward Schafer
USDA
Washington, DC
Dear Secretary of Agriculture Schafer,
Dear Sir or Madam,
It is true that cows are sacrificed on the wellness of human
beings, but it is also true, that cows, no matter their
physical condition, they deserve to be treated and put to dead
with respect and dignity. Please, stop this constant, atrocious
cruelty on the downers. Please, provide more supervision at the
slaughter plants, make sure animals are being treated nicely,
with dignity.
Thanks in advance, and God bless you,
Adriana Mathews
Rachel Smeda
Thanks again, Chuck, for giving our class a taste of the blogging world from your personal experience. It’s amazing how self-directed a career in blogging is! Hope you gain even more success as you continue supplying the web with your great content.
Scot
These tractors were shown at the big John Deere product introduction to the dealers back in August.
John
BRING BACK SAM ELLIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sara
I have been growing TIckleMe Plants with my children (we home school). It is one experience they look forward to every year.They are still amazed when they tickle the plant and its branches drop and leaves close.
If you are still a disbeliever about the flowers and movement of the plant, watch the videos and pictures at http://www.ticklemeplant.com
This plant could change the way children and adults relate to plants forever!
David Mehlhaff
I bet these belong to Kathy LeScala.
Cyndi Young
I’ve never seen her in these but could it possibly be Michelle Rook?
Chuck
You are warm but not correct. Try again. Here’s another clue. She did attend the NCBA convention.
David Mehlhaff
Kathy LeScala of Drovers
Jess
Bridget Baird?
Chuck
Boy these are good guesses but not correct yet. I’ll update the post with more clues.
Cyndi Young
Kristi Pettis.
David Mehlhaff
Kristi Petis
Chuck
You are correct and Cyndi got her guess posted first. Sorry Dave but maybe next time. Yee Haw.
David Mehlhaff
That’s not fair. SOME of us were working…guess my pal CY had time to kill.
Dwayne MB
Just an ugly day for travel all around. Flying United from Winnipeg to Louisville meant that I was only 5 hours late, which was better than 2007 when I was a 11 hours late.
Anybody else wondering what is up with planes being so worried about weight, to the extent that they are removing passengers who are in their seats ?
Just hope my luggage and TRADE SHOW BOOTH arrive from Chicago before opening time Wednesday.
Safe traveling everyone.
Scharton
Gary,
Nice coverage in the Bee today for PureSense (www.puresense.com). I’m sure that they’re happy with the timing of the article, and the World Ag Expo guys must love the coverage too…great job as usual.
Craig
Nathan Schock
Beautiful shot!
Re-branding Story From Steve Rhea | AgWired
[...] just posted an announcement about Rhea + Kaiser’s new branding initiative and today I had the opportunity to speak with Steve Rhea about it. Steve says that they really [...]
Faye
*sighs happily at that sexy voice*
It’s enough to make a vegetarian eat beef!
hehe
pierre
hello laura
i’m french, currently studying in 2 year at EIP college (graduate school of agriculture and related industries). my target is to get an internship this summer for 12 weeks in wine business, wineries are fine.given that i don’t know much about wine, but i’m quite motivated/moreover i’d be able to improve my english and my accent overall.
thanks if you could help
Great
I would like a label for rates, and diseases controlled. Thanks, Ted.
Laura
Hey Chuck,
I don’t know what the deal with gmail is… but it won’t load sometimes and when it does load, it won’t download the file. I can access all other sites though. Can you load the iview to the server? I can try getting it from there.
Sorry and thanks!
Jess
Joe Jobe
Jess
Okay, I’m going to guess again!
Gene Hemphill
Chuck
Good tries Jess. However, they’re wrong. I’ll give you a clue. It’s a woman who is in those boots.
Jess
Wow, where is everyone? I’m the only one guessing!
Charlene Finck?
Leah
Duh…they are Cyndi Young’s boots!! Love the red!!!!
Curt
Leigh Ann Cleaver
Chuck
Yee Haw. Leah gets it right! They belong to Cyndi Young, Brownfield Ag News. I will mail your little iPod speaker as soon as I can.
Cindy
Watch out, world! Leah has a clone!
Leah
Thank you thank you!! I’d like to thank the academy and all my farm broadcaster friends for making this moment possible…you missed my boots on wednesday!!
Gene Hemphill
Thanks for the thoughtful words, Chuck. I hope you know how much I appreciate them.
gh
Scholarships
James could may also try athletic scholarship.
Christy Cocklin
Another Proud Grandma reporting from Ft. Myers Florida. You Go Girls – Love, Grandma Chris
den
Chuck, thanks for the warning on the website. I’m checking it out! Have a good day! Den
Chuck
Good luck Den. That’s strange. Looks like someone hacked the site?
Diane
Tell all my Cal Poly friends hello ~~ We can’t wait to see more than 20 of them in Tampa!
Chuck
Will do Diane. Vernon just went with me to get a cup of coffee before we get started. That’s a big group they’re taking to AMS!
Mike
This is great for folks who gather news and info via mobile devices. However, it leaves folks that subscribe to RSS feeds through Google/Yahoo! or newsreaders like NewsGator in the dark. Maybe this is a halfway-there initiative and the rest will come soon? One can hope.
Really, couldn’t any publication take advantage of RSS – and include advertising as an image right along with the hourly, daily or weekly posts? I’ve even seen some ag blogs that have no RSS/subscription option. It is not difficult to add an RSS tag…and if publications/information companies want to make sure readers are getting the news/info (and looking at the important adverts/sponsors) shouldn’t they make the leap to RSS? Why miss a (growing) portion of the audience?
Chuck
Well put Mike. I have to believe that the whole problem publications have with RSS is that they can’t get that signature card that tells them who it is. They would have an undefined audience to provide specific demographics to their advertisers with. This is “old media” thinking and perpetuated by marketing/advertising people who aren’t willing to take risks and have to have every dollar justified by some metric. Of course we know that achieving some metrics goal (impressions, etc.) doesn’t guarantee success.
I think you’re seeing a lot of new media options being born by companies like ours that are building an audience and making an impact. I like the fact that there are no barriers to getting the information I publish. In fact, I go out of my way to make it publicly available.
Things are changing pretty fast and I’m interested to see what the future holds for all of us.
Chuck
I just thought that I’d add that with phones out now like the iPhone you don’t need a “mobile” website or app anymore. They browse actual websites! Sure not everyone has one but . . . How many had a phone that got text messages a couple years ago? Now almost all of them do.
tham
proud of you..^.^.
Farming & Agriculture » Blog Archive » AG Day Essay Contest Winner
[...] unknown [...]
Mike
You’re right about iPhone…and certainly that’s the direction we’re going. Within a few years “mobile” sites will be a thing of the past.
I understand the quandary the media is in. The good ones will figure it out and be successful. Many are trying new things – video/podcasts/blogs and so on. But many of these efforts seem half-hearted — they are doing it just to say they are doing it. Hopefully from these efforts, though, they’ll figure out what readers want and how they want to get it. Provided readers are engaged enough to make their thoughts known. (And aren’t engaged readers a marketer/advertiser’s dream? Winners will be rewarded.)
Those darn demographics, though. It will take some faith at first, but in the end this issue will be solved. There are some options today – like site registrations (where people are directed for details/more info on what is provided through the RSS). Or contests. Or something similar. But surely better options/ideas will come. In the end, it will be easier to tell which information sources have engaged their readers…and that’s where marketers/advertisers will want to be.
Leah
Your handwriting is great!!
Urban Cowboy
Chuck, You have a great face for radio.
(p.s. me too)
Urban Cowboy
p.s. I just posted this so you’d have something to use as an example for folks on the webinar. Actually, I think you’re quite a handsome guy.
Chuck
You have been added. If we’d had more time I would have shown them how quickly someone can comment!
Angie
Eggs are a good part of someone’s diet and give a lot of energy to our body. They are rich of a lot many proteins and they are very good for our health. If one needs a good built then he should eat eggs.
Urban Cowboy
Thanks!!!
You covered a lot of ground in the time allotted. I think it’s great the association is branching out.
Hi to Cindy,
Owen
Springtime Migration | Pest Identification
[...] Migration Published in March 14th, 2008 Posted by Pest Control in Pests unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptStill, this is nearly half as old [...]
steve
24 inch monitors sounds good to me each year I upgrade a little bit at a time , last year was 22inch high definition and I thought great not only clear but saves massive amount of space on the workspace but may well go for bigger again later this year
steve
Eredux
Check out this US Carbon Footprint Map, an interactive United States Carbon Footprint Map, illustrating Greenest States to Cities. This site has all sorts of stats on individual State & City energy consumptions, demographics and much more down to your local US City level…
http://www.eredux.com/states/
Four NCBA VP’s Leaving | AgWired
[...] a little update on that NCBA staff reorganization that I posted on last week. I was wondering who was leaving the organization until I got an email with the information this [...]
Plant Pathology Journalism Award | AgWired
[...] like last year, the Plant Pathology Journalism Award excludes websites, which might exclude some quality entries. [...]
steve
Hi Chuck,
Guilty as charged I am not a farmer but wanted to create a Google public map showing where farmers who have their own blogs can be found , I am afraid I did not include your blog on the map because your blog specializes in providing media information to share with the farming community but did include you in our farming RSS feeds ( I can remove you if you wish just use contact form on Farming Guide Page ) . The latest Posts and the blog roll are also available in the public domain without visiting The Power Guides and are not owned by The Power Guides just updated. All our guides only include sites / blogs who have an RSS feed that is updated at least every 30 days so farms that run a static website are not included
sorry if you do not like it
PS I live in Wisconsin in the center of a farming community which is why I decided to provide a guide for farming blogs to gain more visibilty
Steve Pearson
steve
PS the aggregate posts are in Public Google reader which are open for any use including those who wish to redirect into Feedburner etc
steve
Chuck
Hey Steve:
No problem. I don’t dislike the site or concept. I just like knowing “who” someone is who’s doing it. There are a growing number of sites being set up to re-syndicate content and run ads without saying who they are and not asking permission. It’s made some of us a little sensitive.
You certainly have my permission to include AgWired in your feed.
Thanks
steve
As you can tell the feeds and the blog roll and even the basic info is left in javascript for exactly that reason I am not trying to steal content just provide a service , I will have adds on the page at some time in the future 3 to 6 months but based on what I write not what others have put all the hard work into , It is one of the reasons I decided to not run feed through feedburner so it is publicaly available for anyone . I chose farming as one of the guides because my neighbor was telling me he found it nearly impossible to find real farmers blogs and so did I in the beginning.
The reason I created the Google Map and decided to make it public was for the same reason to make it freely available for farmers to find other farmers blogs
The biggest problem with any blog directories ( farmers and other Bloggers ) submit to is that to be included they have to provide a link to the directory and the only people who win currently are the blogging directories as most of those listed on the front page are the commercial companies and not the ordinary blogger.
I realise this is a big change to most other sites of this style but It is worth being different in this world
steve
Nathan Schock
Chuck,
I’m glad you stumbled across POET TV. We have a lot of fun with YouTube and think it’s a great way to give more people the opportunity to see our news. As for Barry…he’s pretty smooth!
CMA Webmaster
I think you were the first blogger credentialed too. I’m the web guy so I can’t confirm it. Different dept yah know. Anyway, I was reading your coverage last year and enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to you doing it again.
Thanks for the link and the tip, I’m going to have to check out the Frogg Togg myself.
See you in June!
Webb
If you hurry you can win a trip for two from http://www.countryhound.com. Contest ends March 22nd though!
familyfarmer
I am thrilled to see ag groups advertising the health benefits of meat protein. We have allowed the activist groups to tell consumers misleading information for way too long regarding meat. Another good site to check out is http://www.fb.org/blog to hear what America’s Young Farmers and Ranchers have to say about the benefits of ag!
Mark Van Baale
Chuck, great posting about how companies should start looking into ways to connect with customers. I sent this blog posting on to several managers in my department to let them digest what you wrote.
Michelle wiggley
Thanks for spreading the word about this promotion. Hopefully we’ll get the response we’re looking for!
Paul Conley
Hi Chuck,
Thanks for saying I’m “ahead of the curve.” I assure you, with the pace of change in media in recent years, there have been plenty of days when I felt like I’m falling further and further behind.
Sorry to hear that you, too, have received the cold shoulder from journalism educators. It’s too bad that there are so many people in the industry with bad manners and a lack of intellectual curiosity.
Chuck
I have that same feeling some times myself. It’s no longer a matter of learning a new software program but learning lots of new software programs almost daily, including gadgets.
The cold shoulder sure isn’t just in education though as I’m sure you know. But those are the people teaching the ones some of us will be hiring and I’d like to have more students prepared for what we need them to do.
Chuck
I have no doubt you’ll get some interesting entries. Keep me informed of the progress.
Gardner Hatch
Chuck – Happy 5-0 man! You don’t look a day over 40 – you’re only as old as what you believe! Have a great one and keep on ag bloggin’!
Diane
Wow you are such a hottie in that bow tie. Happy Birthday! We’ll celebrate soon!
Cyndi
DO your daughters know how much they look like you?
Chuck
I really appreciate this emailed in comment from Dr. Carter:
Dear Chuck and Cindy,
Thank you for your posting, http://agwired.com/2008/03/26/podcast-training-by-university-of-florida-ag-school/, about the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources. The photos you have found are of Class VII of the WLIANR, which began their leadership program experience in November of 2007. During their first session together, they were issued video IPods as I am conducting a research study on the use of IPods (mobile technology) in the facilitation of leadership development. During their participation in the WLIANR they are together 55 days and travel extensively throughout Florida, the country and to 2-3 international countries. It is my theory that there is a great deal of learning that can be done outside our seminars through the use of podcasts and their IPods. It has been an interesting process as these are leaders in their organizations, industries and communities, but they were initially hesitant about leadership programming utilizing technology. We have conducted a couple of surveys and plan to further study their use of IPods, what podcasts they are utilizing and also their feelings towards technology and feel that our results will be of great value not only to agricultural leadership programs but also to individuals like yourselves.
I appreciate your interest and posting of Class VII and this research study. If I can provide any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Hannah Carter
Diane
What kind of games you ask Chuck? FUN GAMES!!! It’s going to be a night of Jeopardy with all the questions about publishing, editing terms, who’s who in the ag comm industry — trivia galore! Food and cold beverages too! Stoney Creek Inn 6 pm Wednesday night — be there.
Chuck
I’m still waiting to find out if I’m going to be in Des Moines next week. Could happen.
Jon
Correction: Mr. Sanchez was a part-time instructor and was last employed by Madison Media Institute in June 2005.
Nancy Burke
We will be moving back to WL – I grew up there!_ and always search for organic, local foods.
Thank you for this service.
Nancy Taylor Burke
Diane
Hope you can make it. We’re pushing 80 with our attendance numbers right now!
lewis
there is a conversation between shirky and daniel goleman (author of emotional intelligence) called socially intelligent computing, which is pretty interesting and has audio samples available at http://www.morethansound.net
Justin
Rock ON!!!!
Robert French
Hey Chuck, thank you for the link love and pointing people to the new network.
We will gladly welcome all from the AgriMarketing world. As I shared with you, I’ve actually got two AgComm students in my class this semester. Agriculture is so ripe for good social network activity. The stories and people, I believe, are a natural fit.
Thank you for signing up, too. Look forward to seeing you and your readers at PROpenMic.
Diane
Too much fun! We had a great time tonight and we will just have to fill all of the rest of you in when you ask us the questions! Thanks Chuck for being with us!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Writing and Podcasting in Iowa
[...] was there I got to meet Linda Funk, Executive Director of The Soyfoods Council. We talked about the Soyfoods Podcast project we’ve been working an and you can learn more about why they decided to use podcasting [...]
ken jansen
NOTHING runs as good as a deere
leah
of course my favorite is jeff smith!!
David Mehlhaff
It is Sally Behringer
Chuck
Good guess Dave but not right. A clue is, “She was at the AAEA/LPC Regional Writing Workshop” in Des Moines last week.
Mark Van Baale
Chuck, I will make sure to stop by your booth on Thursday. I did give a “new media” presentation to my Deere counterparts at a team meeting on Tuesday afternoon. So, I am “dripping” on them all of the great things we can do in new media and hope we can try some cool things soon.
Nathan Schock
Do you have to be there to get the t-shirt?
Mike Howie
They are Betsy Freese’s boots.
But she gave the answer on her blog, so is that cheating?
Diane
Betsy Freese!!!!
Jay Muller
Nice work Gators!
David Mehlhaff
Sally Behringer
Chuck
You are correct! I’ll have a shirt mailed asap. It was good to see you in KC, MO.
AgWired » Blog Archives » NAMA Withdrawal
[...] traveling, it was a Conference to remember. Thanks to all the people who have already subscribed to AgWired Mobile. We’re going to be developing it further and you’ll find more news coming through after [...]
Laura
Geez, they should have him at all our events!
Willie Vogt
Wow! That’s super! Appreciate it, can’t wait to get it.
Chuck
I’ll get it ordered today and have it shipped direct. Email me the address you want it sent to.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Texting Is Here and Now
[...] texting is just a part of how farmers are getting information now. Check out Commodity Update and AgWired Mobile if you want to get on the bandwagon and be on the leading edge. Posted by Chuck • April [...]
Tricia
cz roks
Diane
Rigged.
Laura
watch the lighting chuck…
Laura
awesome app though!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farm Broadcasters and New Communications Technology
[...] notice the Macbook Pro sitting in front of him. That was streaming his remarks live on AgWired Live TV using the built-in camera and [...]
former usda'er
The table is from President Reagan’s Williamsburg Summit with world leaders. Thus, the conference room is called the Williamsburg Room. There’s a plaque on the wall in there that tells all about it.
Chuck
Thanks a lot for filling us in. I knew there was a story behind it.
AgWired » Blog Archives » AgWired Live TV at National Press Club
[...] Live TV in all it’s glory today. This is the setup that live streamed yesterday from the Sec. of Agriculture’s office and then this afternoon from the National Press Club. My Mac on my briefcase on a [...]
leah
whew – and all in 3 days!! Good to see you Chuck – if you ever talk to Hemphill again tell him I’ll see him at the Old Ebbitt Grill – Now if I can just find my house.
leah
ZimmComm - New Media, LLC » Blog Archives » The Future of Journalism is Here
[...] program. During that time I was posting on multiple blogs daily and we started a new concept called Agwired Mobile and AgWired Live TV (using Ustream.tv). Additionally, we’re really incorporating Twitter into [...]
Cyndi
I’ve had my Blackberry Curve for about a week and I love it. It’s a deep red – more like a raspberry.
leah
Ah yes…before the complete tour and trying to listen to scientists.
leah
Ooh Ooh…me too Cyndi!! Isn’t it great!!!!
Carole
My husband suffers from periodic gout, which is helped if he begins drinking cherry juice at the onset, possibly a connection to what you are reporting about arthritis
Teresa
Visit the Pork Checkoff’s channel: http://www.youtube.com/PorkCheckoff
Laura
It’s a small world and I too used to work for Learfield, though that was after Chuck had come and gone. I just want to comment about the AgLine News comment that other people at Learfield were afraid to talk to Derry. That is simply untrue as I saw it. Derry and I shared cheerful greetings every time we crossed paths and he was always full of questions of how things were working out for me. I also visited Derry’s office on several occasions for quick little chats. And, as far as I could tell, many of my colleagues shared the same friendly interaction with Derry that I did.
AgWired » Blog Archives » New Media in Ag Journalism
[...] The last newsletter posed a member survey question, “What dangers do you face in your work as an agricultural journalist or editor?” [...]
Gardner
Hey Chuck, my favorite agriblogger — I’ve been blogged on agwired a few times but “I ain’t got no t-shirt to show for it!!” Send me one and I’ll send you some cool promo pics for agwired from NYC!!
Gardner
Chuck
I’ll have it in the mail tomorrow!
Corey
Well, the 50% budget cuts does not surprise me one bit.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Getting AgWired Live TV Running at BASF Media Summit
[...] is a picture of the elements that are making up AgWired Live TV now. On the tripod is a Canon HV30. I’ve been streaming live for about an hour now in the [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » AgWired Live TV Schedule Today
[...] the schedule for when I intend to be live on AgWired Live TV. 10:15 – 10:30am 12:00 – 12:15 3:00 – 4:00pm, eastern time. Approx. live break [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Video Interview With BASF Wine Cellar Hosts
[...] for those of you who got to listen to Katja Schweder and Bernhard Wolff, now you can watch [...]
Mike
Way to go on hitting 5,000!
leah
What an amazing evening it was and the 1929 Maury – all I can say is Wow! Great job Ray lining up those two who were not only entertaining but educating.
AgWired » Blog Archives » ZimmComm New Media Training
[...] light of some of the latest news on how big the blogging business is getting I think I need to train me an [...]
bob
dumb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nathan Schock
Thanks for my t-shirt! Picture coming soon.
Kurt Lawton
Hey Chuck
Thanks for the link to Joe Bonamassa – great blues talent!
And check out my 14-yr-old son Matt’s early YouTube videos…he’s a budding rock/blues guitarist…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N15x1CgWaWk
Have a great day.
Kurt
Jenne
I agree with Laura. My office was right by the kitchen and every morning I would hear Derry running water for ice cubes (I’m pretty sure he was the only person who refilled the ice cube trays.) Of course, I would run in and lecture him about conserving water and we would have a friendly debate about the water situation in the world. I don’t think there were many people there who were as different from Derry as I am, but we always had great chats. I feel sad that someone would say people were afraid to talk to him, because I know as the lowest person on the totem pole there, he was always friendly and respectful to me.
John Herath
Nice Picture!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Peace Be With Lee McCoy and Family
[...] As many of you know, Lee has fought a tough battle with cancer for the past two years, defying all odds to be a survivor. He has participated in yearly cancer fundraising bike rides, raising over $6,000 last year for the BriarRose Grand Peloton cancer ride (see previous post). [...]
Tommy Horton
To say that it’s a sad day for everyone in ag media is a big understatement. There was only one Lee McCoy, and it’s hard to believe he’s gone. I go back more than 20 years with Lee when I worked in the Communications Department of the National Cotton Council in the mid-1980s and he was a Texas farm broadcaster. He had a big booming voice and an even bigger heart. He could also strike up a conversation with anyone — even perfect strangers. When Lee made the move from the Texas-Oklahoma region to his newfound home at Southeast AgNet, he always would call me when he passed through Memphis. Even if he only had a few minutes to chat on the phone, he never missed an opportunity to call an old friend. I have attended numerous cotton industry events through the years and have always enjoyed Lee’s company. He may be gone, but he isn’t forgotten. It was my privilege to have known him, and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife Aurora and family.
Tommy Horton
Editor
Cotton Farming magazine
Memphis, Tenn.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Lee McCoy Arrangements
[...] like to share your feelings or stories about Lee – please feel free to comment on this post, or yesterday’s post. Posted by Cindy • May 23, 2008 • 9:41 amCategories: [...]
Larry D. Ellis (Denver CO
I have had the joy of knowing Lee since his middle school days in Duncan OK. He was a loyal, humorous, faithful friend to me all these years. In the past few years we were together each time he came to Denver on business. We shared meals and laughter each time we got together. He could share his struggle with cancer and in doing so truly inspired all who knew him. We prayed together and his confidence in God’s love for him was steadfast. He was truly one of the most gracious men I have ever known. He loved both the strong and the weak. His relationship with God sustained him to the very end of his life on earth. I remember well him playing basket ball in high school and his friendship with so many in our school. His eyes simply came alive when he talked of Aurora and his family. We are the blest ones by knowing Lee. May the Lord grant him eternal rest in the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that he well knew to be one God, now and forever.
David Mehlhaff
Michael Peterson
Diane
They’re Michael Peterson’s!?
Vicki Henrickson
Lee was one of those wonderful folks whose mere presence lit up a room. He was warmth, caring and kindness personified. Rest well, my friend. You will always be remembered with a smile.
Diane
Dadgommit David, you beat me by 23 minutes?!!!??
Reflections of a Paralytic » In Memoriam
[...] was a good friend and collegue of my parents’ in the ag media industry. See a tribute to Lee here and [...]
PathToHoliness » In Memoriam
[...] was a good friend and collegue of my parents’ in the ag media industry. See a tribute to Lee here and [...]
Randall Mitchell
I have had the privledge of traveling and working with the finest of the finest over the past several weeks. This picture is truly one of those types of photos that is worthy of the statement,”a picture is worth a thousand words.”
Tommy Horton
My earlier message might not have made it on to this site. So, let me say again that words can’t really express what a special person Lee was to all of us in the ag media who worked with him for so many years. I traveled to many ag events with Lee and enjoyed his good humor, professionalism and friendship. He was a big guy with a big heart. We all knew that Lee had been battling cancer for a long time, and I have never known anyone with a more positive attitude. He simply refused to give up. I think we can all learn something from him in that regard. I have repeated this story many times, but every time Lee would be driving through Memphis on his way from Texas to Alabama, he would call me from the highway. We would catch up on all the news and chat about everything in the world….from the weather to politics to the price of gas in south Alabama. He loved people and had a contagious enthusiasm for everything that he was involved in on a day-to-day basis. I know I speak for many folks in the cotton industry when I say that we miss you, Lee. You may be gone, but you’ll never be forgotten.
Tommy Horton
Editor
Cotton Farming magazine
Memphis, Tenn.
Shelly Funk
Lee was a very friendly person. I have been out of farm radio for five years but I can still recall many wonderful vivid memories of him standing tall in his signature cowboy hat. My thoughts and prayers to Aurora and the rest of his family.
Aurora McCoy
Thank you for your sharing your memories of Lee with me and our children. I loved Lee so much that at times it hurt. He was and is the best that has ever happened to me, a true gift from G-d. I am so blessed and happy that he was my friend, soulmate, and husband. The love of my life. He is in heaven now and all I can do is hope for that day when we are together again. Thank you again for sharing your love for Lee, the many emails and phone calls I have received have made my loss almost bearable. Please never forget Lee.
Love to all,
Aurora
Josh Maxwell
Thanks for posting the article, was certainly a great read!
Chris Mathews
Hey i am in Orrick Missouri by Excelsior Springs And Richmond and i can see it!!
Tricia Braid Terry
I couldn’t make it to World Pork Expo, but ZimmComm is the next best thing! Thanks so much to your work and to Novus for helping in the coverage.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Watch the New Holland/Michael Peterson Celebrity Tractor Race Live!
[...] will be bringing you live coverage of the New Holland/Michael Peterson Celebrity Tractor Race. AgWired Live TV will be streaming the race on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Viewers can watch thirty [...]
kip cullers soybean record
[...] every year on different genetics from all kinds of companies and then I pick the best ones to phttp://agwired.com/2007/11/14/products-share-soybean-champ-spotlight/Brownfield Network: Soybean yield winner shares production secretsFeb 29, 2008 … soybean yield [...]
Tricia Braid Terry
Hello to the Cindys! Wish I were there to have fun with you.
AgWired » Blog Archives » FFA Working in New Holland Booth
[...] posted a video clip with Dustin Delp, seated on the right, the other day at the start of the CMA Music Fest parade. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Hog Stampede at WPX
[...] wondered why the NAMA Bombers and Leah Guffey weren’t here – it was certainly an event they could appreciate! Maybe next [...]
Bob
Darby Ledbetter is the man. I am a US Navy Chief Petty Officer and am proud to say that I know this man! I’ve told folks he’s a redneck! Now I have proof!!! HHEHEHEHEHE Tractor Race winner!!! HEHEHEHE. Don’t forget that name…You will see it again…I promise! Not on NASCAR, but for sure in Nashville!
Bob
Alex Tiller
Thank you for calling this to my attention. This is complete crap and I emailed them to say so. I wrote:
” If you really believe that this food before fuel “movement” makes sense, I can’t believe that you were smart enough to set up this slick website. This is crap propaganda. I am guessing that you are some lobbyist group getting paid to do this. You are selling out your country for and instilling false fear in those who are less informed.”
Alex Tiller
tubesteak
If we are what we eat, than most of us are sausages:
http://decentcommunity.org/2008/06/11/most-decent-tubes-of-meat/
robnutrients
nutrients are useful for the growth of the body. Thank you for giving this information.
Guard Dude
I agree. Darby Ledbetter is a phenomenal singer / songwriter and a great person. He is serving his country as a National Guard Soldier here in Nashville, Tennessee.
Watch out for Darby!!
john blue
Hi Chuck, Don’t forget the New Media Expo (http://www.newmediaexpo.com/) Aug 14 – 16, also in Las Vegas (everyone ends up in Vegas:). This is _the_ event for new media like podcasting and video cast! John Blue
Chuck
I haven’t. I’m just trying them all. This year’s New Media Expo conflicts with something else on my schedule.
leah
back at opryland eh? you travelin fools!! Miss ya!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Chewing Some Argentina Cud
[...] and much fighting done by the ranchers in order to change things for the better. As a former Beef Ambassador, she has her priorities right. They eat beef, they are aware of how it is produced, and they [...]
des moines
[...] near Eddyville, IA. The water in the background is supposed to be the rest of the field, not thehttp://agwired.com/2008/06/18/corn-field-driftwood/Des Moines Next Stop On Route To Beijing Scoop.co.nzThe ITU BG World Cup Triathlon circuit moves to [...]
Kevin
We’re proud of ya man! That was a lot of fun…… Glad I was there to enjoy it with you!
Check out this web site for a great shot of the winner!
http://kevinschlatt.smugmug.com/gallery/4647160_7Rq4a#309486973_kvTXh
leah
awesome. i’ve got veggie here and that would just be funny.
David Mehlhaff
That’s why I like Jessica.
Take that Britney!
Ken
You forgot the money quote from the original PETA blog page. And it demonstrates why the livestock industry needs to back slowly away from their anti-ethanol campaign:
“Eating meat steals food from starving kids. Jessica’s trip to help kids in Africa got a lot of media buzz, but by gnawing on meat, she’s essentially stealing food from the mouths of starving children since it takes up to 16 pounds of grain to produce just 1 pound of meat. If more people went vegetarian, we’d free up enough grain to feed every person in the world.”
Justin
That Deceiver website is one of the most clever, “out there” things I’ve ever seen. It’s amazing that nobody has ever thought of it before.
mrkbsm
I only found this blog a week ago and have been thoroughly impressed – it looks like you had a good time at the Corn Indy 250! I’m really interested to hear what you learn at the “Transition to a Bio Economy” conference – that’s a topic that should interest quite a few people.
Chuck
Thanks for your comment. I’m also interested to see what comes out of the conference I’m heading out to. It’s on a timely topic and I’m wondering what kind of perspective and information we’ll get.
Alex Tiller
This is an interesting interview. Is Sarah Brechbill report published anywhere? I would like to see a copy of it.
Alex Tiller
http://blog.alextiller.com
leah
Garry and Ken…double trouble…and Gene…wow…a triple threat!! Love it!
leah
Isn’t that Steve Taylor?
Dawn Fox
Has to be Leah!
Chuck
Or not. Good guess. It’s a “her” but not that one. Let’s just say that she’s a performer though.
Leah
Ha! I think it’s Callaway or however you spell her name!!! I love Dawn!!!!!
vansimplement
For more info on the Massey 6400…
http://www.masseyferguson.com/agco/MF/NA/Tractors/MF6400/6400.htm
and the 7400….
http://www.masseyferguson.com/agco/MF/NA/Tractors/MF7400/7400.htm
Excellent machines (but then again I’m a bit biased!)
leah
so…did i win?? I need another t-shirt. I actually got asked about mine the other day!!
Chuck
Yes you win and we’ll send you another t-shirt.
leah
I’m a winner!!!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Cow Ends Cause Problems
[...] already seen this coming but this is a pretty blatant push. Here’s an excerpt from their release: Ask most Americans [...]
mark@yahoo.com
i think companies or individuals should start promoting and updating our technology for biofuel, it’s one way that we could help the earth to stay greenier and cleaner. For related biofuel articles, you may check this out —> http://www.agribusinessweek.com
MasseyFerguson
That idea has been bandied about for a while now, and almost always from urbanites (in my personal experience, ymmv). One interesting thing to note is the current trend among farmers, both in NW Iowa where I live, and around the country (as evidenced by the numerous tractor and ag forums I visit each week). Many farmers have firmly decided that global warming, in its entirety, is a myth. “Sure had a long winter – kinda blows the global warming idea out of the water”. (Nevermind that global warming is partly experienced via increasingly marked extremes in weather, not warmer temperatures everywhere all the time, but anyways)
The question then is how the farming community is going to respond to allegations that they’re behind global warming when many are currently trending toward denial of it. My gut reaction is that (on a personal level) they’ll ignore the allegations rather than educate themselves about how to respond to such comments.
Any comments or observations about that topic:? You spend a lot of time traveling and speaking with people, maybe you’ve observed otherwise.
Elizabeth Gross
This looks like a lot of fun. It is nice to see communities getting together to provide good quality family entertainment. Tractor shows are a great opportunity to bring the past into our lives today. I love to see the museum putting on such a great event.
Jerry Robert Mason
Like it, easy to move around….
Great Overall….
Jerry Robert Mason, Media Consultant
To the City of Worthington
Andy Vance
I’ve been Twittering from my iPhone using a new free app from the App Store called “Twitteriffic.” It’s a great little App – I don’t use WordPress for my blog, but I wish I had this suave little App for my own blog!
Fence Flatley
Hey Chuck! Great show. Thanks for playing my song “Peanuts” : ) Hope everybody likes it. You can check out more stuff at http://www.myspace.com/oneinchfrom midget
If you want to request a free CD of my latest music “Bedtime for Scully”, e-mail me at oneinchfrommidget@hotmail.com and I’ll send one out…it rocks and did i mention…its FREE
))))
Keep on rockin in the AG world baby! Fence
Fence Flatley
Let me redo that link… http://www.myspace.com/oneinchfrommidget
Hope that works..
Gary L. West
Hearing comments like, “I know a farmer who doesn’t even own a computer,” is starting to sound like an excuse to do little or nothing in the new media realm. But perhaps the new media holdouts need to consider that activist environmental organizations, animal rights groups, etc., are all very well aware and getting more savvy about use of new media. They are taking their message right to consumers. If agriculture businesses and organizations aren’t there too, where do you think consumers will turn for their information?
Chuck
Very good point Gary. We’ve got the tools to join the online conversation or ignore them and be left out.
Cebu Catering Service : FMC Catering (Updates & Bookings) » Strawberry for Holiday Drinks
[...] would be a good mix. It’s a good thing that my eyes got opened. Got myself some recipes from here. Here are some scientific [...]
steak-enthusiast.com » Blog Archive » Cool, Refreshing . . . Steak?
[...] — if you dare (courtesy of AgWired.com) . . [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Joe Schuele Says So Long
[...] know where to find Joe though. Posted by Chuck • July 18, 2008 • 2:15 pmCategories: Ag Group, Audio, Beef, [...]
mark@yahoo.com
such an up-to-date idea…. very cool. farmers can now receive up-to-date information just thru SMS…
Andy Vance
About the same time you were writing this, I was chatting with Kerry Grossweiler from Bayer about the new Poncho 500. Feel free to take a listen – http://www.buckeyeag.com/BayerPoncho500.mp3
AgWired » Blog Archives » Lunch and Learn Blog
[...] Four years ago I heard that a lot. Rob Cook and I talk about it in this week’s ZimmCast. [...]
Chuck
Just updated the post with that link.
Gary and Fran
That was a blast! Fran and I really enjoyed the day and seeing you. Please pass on our thanks to Tom and Gary Cooper!
Jeff Caldwell
Hi, Chuck. I know darn well one of those arms is John Walter, right?
Boy, I hate to miss AMS this year. Was going to be there, but came down with mono, so I found out last week, so I’m still pretty weak and addled at this point. Getting better, though. Sure am enjoying your updates…almost feel like I’m there!
Hey, I’ll let you get back to it. Thanks for keeping me in the loop, Chuck! Have fun down there!
Jeff Caldwell
diane
Greg, Kelly, Mike?
Jill Spiekerman
Mothers with college-age daughters all over the world are thanking you, Betsy. I don’t have any girls, but if I did, I would want them to meet you. Love your blog. Sorry I missed seeing it in person.
diane
Greg, Kelly and John!?
Kelly Schwalbe
Technically they are Swiss Railway watches. Looks like Diane wins.
The answer is Greg Lamp, John Walter and Kelly Schwalbe.
Mark Jewell
Chuck, thanks for posting this!
The lines are going to be filling up! Dozens of people have already registered for next weeks Social Media Tele-Seminar. We hope many of your readers choose to join in as well!
Massey Ferguson Fan
Have you seen any stats indicating broadband penetration into rural households specifically? It would be interesting to see how that rate compares to the adoption rate of the population in general. I know of a handful of rural folks that are still unable to get broadband due to technical reasons (other than satellite, which is not always an attractive option compared to DSL).
Are there any Ag publications or media outlets that have done that type of survey?
Chuck
Here’s a link to an earlier post on this subject that shows the information you’re looking for I believe: http://agwired.com/2008/07/03/rural-broadband-grows-23-percent/
gene hemphill
Nice
ken jansen
goota love those green tractors. I,ve been driving them for many years.
diane
Great to see a recent Cal Poly grad and regular AMS attendee being successful in the ag communications industry. Way to go Liza!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Consistent Worldwide Numbering System
[...] There’s a lot of news coming out of John Deere this week. In fact, it’s 23 news releases worth! You can find links to all of them in their media center or on AgWired in my previous post. [...]
Michael Kopka
i have an ipod touch too. i will give it a try!
Bea Elliott
sir….. have you ever read “Livestock’s Long Shadow”? Have you not been on the EPA’s website to view the list of issues with animal agriculture? Let’s just consider the resources it took to “process” the 7 million pounds of meat that were recalled in the last few months – That was an awful lot of grain, water and fuel to be hauled off to the land fills…. Animal agriculture is wasteful – Six times as many people can be fed on what it takes to support the meat industry. With 6.7 billion people the mantra from here on has to be – to use “less” more “wisely”. For health & heart – Go Vegan
Steve Mays
Very cool. Good look with the RNC. Will be sure to watch your posts.
Vicki Henrickson
Mike’s ribbons signify the many roles he has played in his long career – including leader, team builder, liason, president and, of course, rock star. It was only appropriate that Mike hold the NAMA record for longest name badge!
diane
Yes, get on a plane to Fort Worth and help me learn how to blog… and pack for Austria!
Wow- AMS missed another hurricane by two weeks — same thing 4 years ago. Eeeks.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Barry Engle has Local New Holland Roots
[...] just thought I’d share an example of the AgWired search engine magnificence. I did a post late yesterday about Barry Engle being named as the new head of New Holland Ag. A few minutes ago I [...]
Gardner Hatch
Chuck,
That IS cool. Picasa (Google) offers a similar code for slide shows where you can cut and paste the code or just link to a photo folder and it will run a slide show on your site. And viewers can download any photo they choose. I use the feature for our family’s blog on blogspot – posted my son’s birthday on Tuesday, now it runs a slide show and family members throughout the country can click on a photo they like and download it. That may be old news to you but I thought I would pass it along. I think that’s pretty cool.
As someone who is trying to get acquainted with the new media tools, I’ve found that setting up and running a personal blog is a great way to start. You can experiment with different functions, features, etc., and have a great time in the process!
Take care Chuck!
Kai
Hi Chuck,
it’s always interesting to listen to farmers when they talk about media usage and their individual preferences. I work as a market researcher and we are currently designing a survey among german farmers to do a segmentation on information behaviour and media usage.
bye, Kai
Chuck
Hi Kai:
I’d love to know any results you’d be willing to share when your survey is done.
Thanks
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farm Progress Here We Come
[...] It looks like great weather this week according to the Weather Channel. Highs in the upper 70’s, lows in the upper 50’s to lower 60’s. That’s a big difference from last year. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farm Progress Show Video
[...] First up, I’ve got a short clip from this morning’s Monsanto press conference: [...]
Cindy
Ask Kip and Michelle if they got their AgWired t-shirts
Cindy
I hope you told Andy that was a lousy excuse.
Stephanie
My guess — the boots belong to Holly Fritz. If right, it’s gotta be due to knowing a little extra about where the boots were obtained… and a little about Holly.
Chuck
Good guess Stephanie but you are not correct. So the competition is still open.
Dave Russell
I’m going to guess Cyndi Young.
Chuck
And you would be correct, so you are the winner!
J
This doesn’t work. It only contains about 30 seconds of her speach!
Chuck
You’re right. Thanks for pointing that out. We’ll get the correct file uploaded right away.
J
Thanks.
Ann
Norah steals the SHOW…… Ann
Leah Guffey
well, I wanted to guess…but mine were cuter as I showed more leg!! Great coverage of the show Chuck…I’m going to miss you and Cindy and the rest.
Leah Guffey
I really did chew Andy’s behind the day before…it’s a very very poor excuse but I think our requests finally fell on the right ears.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Post FPS Stress Syndrome
[...] AgWired table in this photo. In the background is Leah Guffey, WFMB. She’s got a new gig as reported here earlier. You can read more about it at SF-R.com (scroll down the [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Broadhead + Co. is Middle of Country
[...] hoping to see my good friends at Broadhead + Co. next week when Cindy and I attend and cover AgNite. It looks like the agency has been busy with the RNC coming to town. Delegates to the Republican [...]
Cook Books Australia » Blog Archive » The Blue Ribbon Cookbook Blog
[...] Read the original here: The Blue Ribbon Cookbook Blog [...]
Andrew Apel
Michael Doane is far too modest.
If you compare corn production in Iowa to corn production in Africa, the possibilities of improving yields in Africa completely overshadow what might be done in Iowa.
In Iowa, a five percent increase in corn production would be viewed as a breakthrough–as it has been, with the advent of GM crops.
In South Africa and the Philippines, GM corn has led to self-sufficiency in a way their farmers scarcely could imagine. In Brazil, GM soy has made the nation an exporting powerhouse. India has become a net exporter, rather than importer, of cotton–because of GM pest resistance.
Biofuelsimon
Raising agricultural productivity in the less developed parts of the world has great potential and could benefit the biofuels industry and also the farmers.
But there are provisos, firstly that those who farm the land are treated with dignity and allowed to continue farming without being expelled by those with more muscle, that the land itself is not overstressed and finally that they are not tied to one patented crop or crop protection system unless they are able to make a fair living from the relationship.
There are other issues bigger than seed producer and farmers:trade and tariffs these also need to be fair to all and transparent.
Tricia
I couldn’t agree more, my blogging friend. This is just what I needed on a stir-crazy, house-bound Sunday night. Let the whackos cry their sob story. I’ll eat their share of meat, too. And when will they get the story straight that organic and free-range don’t automatically equal GREEN? The rBST debate is a great example. It takes way more cows to produce the same amount of milk from rBST free cows than it would from cows who benefit from rBST. But, whatever, you whackjob whackos. Whew.
Chuck
You are right. Let’s look at things without all the emotion and be rational about it. And enjoy life a lot more in the process!
Melissa
Know what’s funny? As old as those guys are, sad but true, I have them in my CD player right now. But I didn’t see any pictures…
Tricia
Glad you crazy kids made it there safely!
Tricia
Cindy you look lovely!
investing-finance.info- » farm science review
[...] Heading to Farm Science Review 4 hours ago [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » One Dose Is Enough
[...] at the Boehringer Ingelheim Flex Symposium was Dr. John Kolb. I met him at the company’s Animal Health Seminar last [...]
Mike
Really interesting article. Thanx. If you are interested in wood pellets please check out this site – http://ecoenergogroup.com.
Laura
Thanks for spreading the word!!
Lauren
Congrats Sylvia. Best of luck!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Stephanie Gable Joins Novus International
[...] programs and products. Stephanie is pictured participating in a NAMA Executive Committee Meeting last year. Ms. Gable joins Novus from Fort Dodge Animal Health in Kansas City where she was the Companion [...]
diane
Will you be joining us for breakfast on Thursday morning?
Chuck
I will plan on it. He said hopefully.
Mark Hensen
I think one way of spread PR and creating a systematic marketing plan especially online is to be in social media – it really is changing how we consume information and also how we search. I use a Project Management tool called Deskaway for my business (fantastic tool btw!) and just decided to Google them once. So many things come up – a twitter page, a get satisfaction page, a blog, some answers on Yahoo, some pictures, a video. It told me that brands need to be on social media. Im sure Sylvia Small will help clients. I hope my humble addition will help people as well.
Leah Guffey
TRICIA!!!
Andy Vance
I know the answer but was disqualified from guessing; really, I think Leah should be ineligible, too….
leah guffey
oh andy you’re just jealous! I never win anything from AgWired! I wasn’t disqualified this time but I was the last time. doggone it.
leah guffey
i miss you guys!! wish i was there!! I am in spirit though!
AgWired » Blog Archives » AgJobNetwork Wants to be Disruptive
[...] looks like the AgJobNetwork, started by Aggie-Lance founder, Mark Jewell, is off and running. Yes, there are companies still [...]
Tim
Any pictures of these tractors?
diane
Do they know that a wild group of John Deere staff from Iowa were on the Today Show touting green tractors this morning? Like a lot of crazy chicks in JD caps and JD shirts?
No need to post this….but great promo for the team!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Ag Secretary Addresses Ag Company Executives
[...] you can also see the recorded video from the live webcast this morning here. Posted by Cindy • October 9, 2008 • 12:13 pmCategories: [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Ag Equipment Execs on AG CONNECT
[...] heard some of Doug DeVries comments about AG CONNECT in an earlier post, but I also had the opportunity to visit one on one with three of the other execs on the panel who [...]
Bill Stadick
There’s also a Facebook group for those interested in the contest: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10331244990
AgWired » Blog Archives » World Food Prize Events Underway
[...] USDA seminar was hosted by USDA Undersecretary Mark Keenum, who was just at Sunbelt Ag Expo yesterday, and Patricia Sheikh, deputy administrator of [...]
rob, BtG
thanks for your great post on poverty as part of Blog Action Day. check out what i wrote and please comment ASAP, i’d like to continue the interest on this issue with my readers
http://www.blogtogreat.com/2008/10/blog-action-day.html
kouji haiku
indeed. school feeding programs do so much good in many ways (more nutrition, better brain development … a reason to go to school … that sort of thing).
for my part, i turn to sites like freerice (rice donation), kiva (microfinance), and goodsearch (donation per search), as ways to help alleviate poverty online. i also put up their banners on my blog.
saw this post via the blog action day site. it’s great that you’re participating.
Chopper Articles Review | Custom Motorcycle Wheels
[...] AgWired » Blog Archives » E85 Chopper by Orange County Chopper and IFB – This was a cool story out here at the Iowa Speedway today. They’re billing it as America’s first renewable energy chopper that runs on E85. It was unveiled today just before driver introductions by Iowa Farm Bureau. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » World Food Day
[...] on World Food Day, right after Blog Action Day, which had a theme of poverty, let’s do what we can to help those less fortunate than us. But [...]
AlpacaFarmgirl
This looks so awesome. Wish I was there! Thanks for the pics. Have you seen the alpacas yet?
outdoor griller
If you want more recipes or if you want to take a look at the collection of tips I have you can visit http://www.cookingandgrillinoutdoors.com
Andy
Is that an efficient way to heat air?
Chuck
Chuck you are great.
John Herath
Chuck – say hello to all the COSDA-nauts for me. I am a reformed COSDAer and I miss all those great folks. I’m glad to see they are learning agri-blogging from the best!
field assignment » Congratulations, Beth!
[...] join us in congratulating Beth in anticipation of the award presentation at the NAMA Trends in Agriculture event on November 12th. « What Oprah’s Take on [...]
Liz Zucco
The Digitel team provided the “cloud”, but the real story for ag here is the 5 county deployment that was reviewed by Georgia Governor, Sonny Purdue. This carrier grade wireless (WiMAX) installation will allow farmers in a 2,000 mile region to send data via the Internet from any machine/farm equipment or device (such as soil and moisture probes) directly to their laptop or other Internet accessible device in order to make more efficient, timely and profitable decisions.
Pretty cool, huh?
Jack Carson
Chuck-Great class! Thanks for being so patient as you explained these new media concepts and ideas to our COSDA members. Hope to visit with you again!
Chuck
Thanks Jack. It was a lot of fun and I think I got a lot out of it myself.
cheritycall
Hello, Do something for help those hungry people from Africa or India,
I created this blog about that subject:
on http://tinyurl.com/6kv7fu
Custom Motorcycles Article Review | Custom Motorcycle Wheels
[...] AgWired » Blog Archives » E85 Chopper by Orange County Chopper and IFB – - This was a cool story out here at the Iowa Speedway today. They’re billing it as America’s first renewable energy chopper that runs on E85. It was unveiled today just before driver introductions by Iowa Farm Bureau. addthis_url = ‘http%3A%2F%2Fwww.custommotorcyclewheels.net%2Fcustom-motorcycle-wheels%2Fcustom-motorcycles-article-review’; addthis_title = ‘Custom+Motorcycles+Article+Review’; addthis_pub = ”; [...]
Andy Vance
Lindsay and I both downloaded this and tested it out. The app is super-simple to use, the wireless transfer of files to the desktop of your Mac is perhaps the best feature of the whole setup, but the audio quality leaves something to be desired. It sounds more or less like you’re recording something via your cellphone, which I guess you are, really. Our conclusion is that this is a great backup and or tool for less critical applications where you’d really like sound, but it doesn’t have to be pristine quality audio.
Chuck
That’s good to know. I’m still waiting on November 30 to get here so I can buy my new phone!
Rick Dungey
Thanks Chuck. We’re proud of the program and it’s ability to bring a little Christmas Spirit to our fellow American citizens who are voluntarily serving in our military. It’s a small token of gratitude for the dedication and sacrifice they are making for all of us.
general fuzz
Hi Chuck,
Thanks so much for featuring one of my tracks in your podcast. I really appreciate it.
If possible, could you update the general fuzz link to: http://www.generalfuzz.net?
Thanks,
James
Chuck
Done. Thanks a lot James and keep it up.
Tucker
Man, this Tucker guy sounds like one cool farmer! Of Course I am biased!
Thanks for the kind words and the post! Now, just make the markets go back up will ya?
leah guffey
Thanks for doing this. My friends in the military sure do appreciate it.
Cottonseed oil a trans-free cooking oil - National Cottonseed Products Association » News
[...] week, cottonseed oil has caught the attention of rural- and city-dwellers alike. Check out AgWired to read about the growing availability of cottonseed oil this Thanksgiving. If you are [...]
Joanna Schroeder
Glad you were able to attend the POET Project Liberty Field Day! I agree that ethanol should be part of an energy independence plan. If you’d like to follow coverage of the ethanol industry in the United States, check out Toni Nuernberg’s blog ethanol Conversations. Let us know what you think.
Thanks!
Joanna Schroeder
EPIC Communications Director
Susan Crowell
Willie at the helm of the People’s Department? I’d almost pay to see him with the techno- and bureaucrats! Hemp would be legalized fo’ sure! FarmAid on the White House lawn!!!
Michae Kopka
Congratulations and all the best from Germany to the new Agriblogger … =)
Mike
Willie as Ag Sec would be a disaster. In the ’80s, Farm Aid brought important attention to a real crisis in farm country. Now, though, it’s a shell for those who bash modern agriculture and want to turn agriculture’s clock back to the 1700s or 1800s. Somehow, Willie forgot that a vast majority of farms are family farms – and that not all have to look like a Grant Wood painting to be managed well.
leah guffey
Isn’t there another Cindy you can get into that shot with Jim? Congratulations Jim!
Jeremy Lutgen
Asylum Street Spankers, they are great. I have seen them perform several times here in St. Louis.
Jonathan Reed
Chuck, you must have been star struck after interviewing Chuck Leavell. Chuck who? No ID at all in the story. I didn’t recognize his photo or voice in the audio interview, and had to wait for one of you to mention it.
Had I been in your shoes, I probably would have forgotten to press “record” or some other fatal error. What a great talent and an obvious true friend of the green movement.
Florida First Insurance of Broward, Inc.
Florida First Insurance of Broward, Inc sells Tractor Trailer insurance (Semi-Truck Insurance) throught out the state of Florida including in Miami-Dade, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale – Broward and surrounding areas. We have standard policies for (Semi-Truck) Tractor Trailer fleets and we are familiar with the different types of cargo and insurance and bond requirements. Florida First is your one-stop agency for all your Semi-Truck / Tractor Trailer insurance needs.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Meet Carol Anderson, New NAMA President
[...] to Carol Anderson, Mariposa Partners, our new NAMA President. The fine folks at Paulsen AgriBranding helped bring her to you personally. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » NAMA Trends in Agriculture Opening Session Available
[...] was my first interview at the [...]
Michael Kopka
Rumensin is banned in the European Union.
AgWired » Blog Archives » EPIC Joins Growth Energy
[...] and Information Council (long time ZimmComm client) announced today that it is going to be joining Growth Energy. Actually the board is recommending the transition to its membership but I think it’s safe to [...]
Alpaca Farmgirl
Seems that the large animal vet shortage is due to the relatively small amount of money a vet can make in this way with relation to how many hours they are required to work. Our large animal vet works 7 days a week most weeks. He is only scheduled to work 4 days a week. The rest are emergencies and such. It is a nightmare life for his family. I guess we need to pay them more. My vet has been trying to hire another large animal vet to help but can’t find anyone.
Thanks for bringing up this problem. It’s a biggie for new alpaca breeders.
Bill Stadick
Alpaca Farmgirl,
Great comment. We’re going to cut and paste it to “Field Assignment.” And if anyone wants to continue the conversation over there, we’ll be donating $5 for every non-frivolous comment to UW-Madison’s Dairy Teaching Herd Endowment. Details are here: http://blog.fieldassignment.com/?p=351
–Bill for Field Assignment
Joyce
You go girl!!
Steve
Our compliments to C/O for its support of the Allenstein Dairy Teaching Herd at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. There definitely is a need for more food animal practitioners in the future and a need for those in that training to get good hands-on training and exposure to dairy cattle, especially. That’s what the UW-SVM Dairy Teaching Herd is all about.
Thank you!
Mark Van Baale
Chuck, This is so awesome that you will be part of this traveling event and using many social media mechanisms to spread the word about it. Keep up the great work! I have spread the news about this show and this widget on my own Twitter network. A few farmers follow me, so maybe will latch on to your widget and live blogging you will be doing.
Willie
Just heard on Marketplace – the Public Radio business show that eggs are expensive because of the high cost of corn. I wanted to scream at the radio asking whether they’d looked at the futures price of corn lately.
Star Tribune here in MSP carried a great story today about how food prices are being raised by shrinking package prices…amazing stuff.
CEOs are pretty quick to find a scapegoat for their bad hedges, their improper decisions and their slow-to-move ideas (perhaps VeraSun?) – in the end the farmer, who never sets his own price, gets to pay.
Robert J. Melliere
Hello, I am a retired John Deere employee from the John Deere Davenport Works Plant. I own and love a 2002 John Deere 4110 utility tractor. I don’t know how I could get by without it. Once one of your customers buys one I’m sure they will feel the same way. I have a 6 ft. scraper blade, a 4 ft box blade, a 54 inch rear mounted tiller, a 60 inch belly mower and it has the hydraulic lift on the front for which I have the bucket and the fork attachment. I use it in my garden, to remove snow, cut grass, move dirt, maintain a 1/8 mile rock driveway, get the mail, move my 32 ft. camper trailer around the property, move my car trailer, move a 5 x 8 enclosed trailer which I sometimes load with the fork attachment and a small utility trailer I use around the yard. I have a quick attach on the rear that lets me change whatever I’m using very quick. As you can tell I use it just like the name says “Utility”. It has yet to fail at what I have asked it to do. Feel free to show this to potential customers. Good luck with your show. Bob
field assignment » Farm Foundation Looks Ahead Three Decades
[...] And you can hear Farm Foundation President Neilson Conklin give a synopsis of the report over at AgWired. Give it a listen. « U.S. Losing Vet Students to Overseas [...]
Julie’s Fresh Air » Former Secretaries of Agriculture Offer Advice and Talk About Job Ahead for New Ag Secretary
[...] “Within the population of the US, only 2 percent are farmers. But 100 percent are eaters.” Quote by Mike Espy, former Secretary of Agriculture. To listen to discussion go to this link [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Infrastructure Challenges for Rural America
[...] you might remember from my earlier post, this morning, Farm Foundation Pres. Neil Conklin outlined the six major areas of challenges facing [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Financial Crisis Starting to Impact Rural Lending
[...] So what’s the good news in all this? Well, Ellinger says the softening of land prices might slow the trend of prime farmland being turned into housing tracks… an issue we discussed in one of my earlier posts. [...]
Leah Guffey
Sounds like I did the right thing when I graduated with my degree in Journalism with a specialization in Public Relations and a minor in Telecommunications (Broadcasting) and now I’m doing Sales and Marketing. It works.
Mark Jewell
Couldn’t agree more Chuck! There are so many ag based websites with GREAT content. However, I physically have to go there every single day to get the new info. I don’t have time for that. Let me subscribe to an RSS – or at the minimum, an email list (although, I don’t need more email).
Jerry Durham
I am a real estate agent in Casey County which is in the center of beautiful farmland suited for cattle or crops. If someone is interested in farmland please e-mail me. thank you.
Mark Jewell
Chuck, do you get Peter Shankman’s HARO Updates? Yesterday, he offered a discount for this event. Use TWITTER as a coupon/code when you register, and get $200 off registration. I am definitely thinking about attending if I can swing it.
Mark Jewell
Correction! TWITTER is NOT the code – I just double checked. Sorry. Join the HARO: http://www.helpareporterout.com and I am sure he’ll resend it.
Christy
I’ll take the Nikon D40!
Another idea for Ag Communications professionals – and farmers – is a laptop mount for the car/truck/cab.
http://www.123farmworks.com/rammounts.htm
Chuck
That’s a great idea Christy. Thanks.
John Herath
Sorry Chuck…but Nikon has stopped making the SB800. It has been replaced by the larger SB900.
And while you’re shopping, I’ll take one of each!
Merry Christmas
Chuck
Then why is it still on their website? http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Flashes/index.page I’d like a new one too!
AlpacaFarmgirl
Those all sound good. I need a digital video recorder and Photoshop. Thanks Santa!
Mark Jewell
Chuck,
I agree with your statement, “The web isn’t about “mass audience numbers” but “niche audience numbers.” It requires a mind shift for some. You have to be okay with not having all the attention – but if you are gaining the attention of that niche audience that cares about what you have to say, there is a lot of power in that. Marketers should pay attention to this as well. Figure out who you are exactly trying to advertise to – identify the ag bloggers/podcasters are that speak regularly to that audience, and sponsor them. I believe there is more value there, than a spendy add that falls on deaf ears.
Mark
You can probably find the SB800. I have both the 800 and 900…the 900 is easier to set when using as a remote and has a longer range, but it is bigger and heavier. Find an 800 if you can. Even the SB600 is a great flash if on a budget.
And I’d take a look at the D90. It’s getting some rave reviews.
Regarding flash memory cards: sign up for SanDisk’s email alerts. You can find some GREAT deals on closeout cards. Adorama also can have some killer deals on cards.
Andy Vance
I think you’ve read the data correctly Chuck. The higher up the gross farm income (GFI) curve you go on these producers, the more likely they are to have broadband access, and the more likely they are to use it on a more regular basis than their lower-income counterparts. This is somewhat intuitive if you assume that the “higher end” producers have higher information needs regarding their marketing strategies and how the news and weather affect those plans.
From a marketers standpoint, the beautiful thing for radio is that the fragmentation with web-based media, as with print-based media, means you have to buy many more properties to achieve a similar saturation. Because radio is “broadcast” instead of “narrowcast” – like niche print and web tools – a marketer can but a relatively small number of NAFB-member networks and stations to achieve an exceptional penetration into a given segment of the market.
The beauty of the internet, of course, is that is – in theory – quantifiable in a way that neither radio nor print can possibly be. I say in theory simply because the industry hasn’t decided on the best way to do the quantification; an internet version of AMR, in other words. It may be that something as simple as Google Analytics, which many of us use, will be sufficient. NAFB’s Marketing and Promotion Committee is working with our partners in the agrimarketing community to determine that very thing. As we determine that, I think NAFB members’ web-presences are uniquely positioned to make the combined radio-web mix the most useful tool in the agrimarketers’ toolbox.
I look forward to your thoughts.
Chuck
Ah, quantification. Which leads to justification. Which leads to ??? I think this is our biggest challenge in online (interactive or whatever you want to call it). I think media planners and buyers know that web sites and other forms of new media are reaching their target audience but they want to know “who” the numbers represent. As one client put it to me (paraphrased), “I don’t care how many you can directly identify, I just need a number which includes a demographic.”
This is tough to do. It’s why so many companies are still trying to control the visitor experience (log ins, registrations, premium content). That way they can identify, quantify and justify to advertisers and sponsors. However, that puts up a barrier that many won’t cross so then you’re leaving out potential customers.
With AgWired I can identify the almost 3,000 people who receive ZimmNews, which is really a promotional mechanism for the website (and our other ones too). This does give me some demographics to point to but leaves out the 10,000+ other visitors/rss feed subscribers.
There are efforts going on with the IAB and ADM to create standards but I haven’t seen anything really meaningful yet. I hope that groups like NAFB will include their efforts in the mix.
Mark Jewell
What I am finding in day to day networking – online – with agriculture professionals is reflective of Steve’s comments. I’ve been slapped before, because someone else’s website has more HITS than mine does – so there is more perceived value. Possibly still true. However, their strategy is being crafted based on the same rules – numbers = success. But what happens when the rules change. What if the rules become more associated with the amount of time spent on one’s site, or the actions taken while visiting? Then your numbers don’t mean nearly as much. I think we need to heed Steve’s words today – and make them a part of what we are planning for, 5 years down the road.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Driving Green in HD
[...] it? With the new John Deere Drive Green project we’re involved in I decided to upgrade my MoJo (I’ll be doing an update of this soon) with a Canon HD (AVCHD) camera. I naively thought it [...]
Alpaca Farmgirl
You are killing me. My wish list for Santa is growing so long with all your tech tips for us ag-bloggies. I want that microphone! Thanks for all the great ideas. Merry Christmas!
Mark Jewell
Wow! That is awesome! I’d love to have that with me for interviewing on the fly – especially at trade shows and other networking events this year!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Welcome Amanda Nolz to AgWired
[...] met Amanda when she was a National Beef Ambassador. She’s passionate about her farm and her animals and you can get a sense of that from her [...]
Bob Moffitt
Welcome, Mandy. I tweet as “CleanAirChoice” and our Facebook page is “Clean Air Choice Team.” I frequently send news releases and tips to the Agwired network of news outlets.
Robert Moffitt
Communications Director
Clean Fuel & Vehicle Technologies
American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest
Michae Kopka
Hi Mandy,
welcome to Agwired!
Happy Christmas from Germany
Michael!
autotrac.org/landlive.de
Kathy Swift
Chuck,
Thanks for the mention on your site! I invite all of your Ag Wired followers to check out the art. I’m always on the prowl for new and different art and artists to feature, so if anyone out there has a good prospect, please forward this post to him/her.
Thanks!
Kathy Swift
http://www.cowartandmore.com
Mandy
Thanks for the warm welcome! I’m excited to join the team, and I hope you will like the new things I bring to the table!
Mark Jewell
Amanda – Saw the URL to this blog post on your Twitter account. Glad you’ve joined the band wagon. I use it to promote job opportunities in the ag industry – and get some pretty good traffic because of it. It is a GREAT tool when used strategically, and for the right reasons.
Lilian
If it weren’t for Twitter, I probably wouldn’t have come across your post…but I’ve struggled with the same question from time to time. And even since I became a Twitter convert, I find it hard to convince others of the benefits. For the most part, they don’t believe until they see.
Cheers,
Lilian
http://www.foodandfarmingcanada.com
Bob Moffitt
Mandy, I recommend “Twitter Means Business” a book by Saint Paul Pioneer Press reporter Julio Ojeda-Zapata, who tweets as @jojeda.
Link to website on his book:
http://yourtech.typepad.com/twitinbiz/
AgWired » Blog Archives » AgWired’s Agricultural Communications Reading List
[...] A YouTube Justification: Now you can even load high definition video and it’s still free. Why wouldn’t you go [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » AgWired’s Agricultural Communications Reading List
[...] New Media On The Minds of Marketing Officers: And it should not only be on your mind but you should be a part of the [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » AgWired’s Agricultural Communications Reading List
[...] Blogging/Podcasting Exploding: And this study finds that people think more positively about a company that [...]
Adrian
Happy New Year, Chuck!
Chuck
Same to you Adrian. See you somewhere soon.
Joe Hall
Hey Chuck, thanks so much for talking about WhosTalkin! Feel free to email me anytime about any thoughts or ideas that you have! joe@whostalkin.com
James
Anybody who cares about his/her company’s reputation in the online environment has no choice but to visit WhosTalkin.com. In the course of my career in interactive public relations and marketing, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of e-Monitoring. This is where I monitor, on behalf of clients, communications regarding their products and brand taking place in blogs, competitors’ websites, online discussion forums and groups. I usually prepare daily or weekly digests, depending on a client’s preference, where I counsel on the best action to take.
As Chuck has said in this post, keeping tab of what people are saying about you on the internet is very important.
Mark Jewell
Thanks for the mention! Very much appreciated! Looking forward to reading more of your posts in the near future!
Matt Thomas
I agree that weather is an important issue, but most local weather and news stations have comprehensive weather reports on there sites already. I personally prefer my local fox channel which constantly updates there equipment and are normally spot on with the report.
Chuck
Hey Matt:
Thanks for your thoughts. Good points. There are so many sources of information today, it’s amazing.
I’m trying to find out if this new information source will “go mobile” since I couldn’t get it to open on my iPhone. In doing so I found the Weather Channel iPhone app (free) which I installed. It’s way better than the one that comes with the phone.
I travel extensively so weather is important to me for different reasons than farming. However, most farmers I know check multiple sources of weather. I guess there’s now 1 more!
From an agrimarketing standpoint I think Monsanto is trying something very innovative. Time will tell if it works for them.
Cheryl
So, is that a cow in the photo? Or two? Presbyops with inquiring minds would like to know.
Chuck
It’s a mystery to me. I think you’d have to ask Russell!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Promoting Welfare of Animals
[...] those media representatives. Paul encourages broadcasters and podcasters to make use of their new Animal Research Minute program for [...]
Barb Bracken
What a smart young man. I’m sure this will go over big. What a boost to the corn market. To bad I didn’t think of something like that. Congratulations to the young man.
Mace Thornton, AFBF
We also have a more detailed PDF monthly FoodieNews newsletter that anyone can subscribe to. You can do that by going to the foodienews blog at:
http://www.fb.org/index.php?fuseaction=yourag.foodiesubscribe
Mace Thornton, AFBF
Steve
VR+ is a nice app for posting audio to your Twitter feed. Works like Twitpic. Puts audio on your VR+ page with a link from your tweet. Let’s you get more info into the tweet than 140 characters.
Marlene
One of my favorite iPhone apps is iheartradio. It allows you to listen to a variety of radio stations across the country, and it has neat search capabilities. Let’s me listen to my favorite radio station wherever I am! Can be convenient to listen to your favorite news/talk station or listen to your local station while you’re traveling for local news, snow delay information, etc.
Steve Sherron
I found your site on one of my Google Alerts. I watched your video and I thought you did a good job with it. I like the fact that you also placed a separate audio player. Some folks may not have a fast internet connection and the audio is a nice touch.
Chuck
Thanks Steve. I always appreciate feedback. The tools to communicate online just continue to develop.
Sustainability Advocate
I really like that definition. It allows for continued progress in the present without hampering the potential of the future.
The Cotton Wife
I have younger friends who cannot find jobs. Even schools (education is supposed to be a growing field)are not hiring due to budget cuts.
I do think the economy will recover – it’s all cyclical after all – the question is WHEN. Let’s hope soon.
Leah Guffey
well, Tom doesn’t like it when you get new gadgets…i let you test them and then I tell him I want one and 9 out of 10 times, I’ve gotten one! yahoo!! So…now I’m thinking I want an iPhone.
Dean Dittmar
Congratulations Greg! Your efforts are appreciated. Thanks Chuck
for taking photos today at the St. Louis AgriBusiness Club meeting.
Mark Jewell
Mandy –
I keep seeing the positions come across the AgJobNetwork. They certainly are available…but you might not find EXACTLY what you were hoping for. My question in response would be – how many college graduates know exactly what they are looking for? How many have a good to vague sense? And finally, how many just want a job? Depending on the level of certaintly – job searching gets harder.
Now the real question is – how well are students utilizing their connections? It is a lesson in networking. Your network is truly your net worth when it comes to professional life. You can’t do it alone. Those that have been building networks in their field and actively contributing to them are going to get the best jobs – I guarantee it!
John
Not all the time. Esp not professionally.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Renegade Combine Debuts
[...] remember the Rock and Roll Buffalo? Well now Machinery Link has the Renegade Combine. Here’s a first look at what they’ve [...]
Mark Jewell
Chuck – I find it ridiculously useful! Why? It breaks down barriers and creates an open venue to have conversations with people I wouldn’t normally get to talk with. My recipe?
Offer Value. What can I put on Twitter that is valuable to others?
Offer Suggestions. Be Helpful to others that need your help.
Set Context. What can others expect from you on twitter?
If you Tweet about your day, and update every minute – sure I think it gets a bit redundant. However due to the massive number of increasing users – the content is getting more valuable all the time. Remember that twitter is all about who you are Following – not who is following you.
Josh
Twitter is a fun tool. I am amazed at the people you can “meet” using this technology. There’s contacts abundant — just a Tweet away.
Shaun Haney
I am completely addicted to Twitter. I am always checking it and staying informed on what is happening. Several stories that I have put on my blog were initiated becasue I found out about them in real time on Twitter. I also agree with Mark that it breaks down barriers and creates a situation where you can break out of your traditional contacts and meet new people.
Fred
Chuck, the Google Reader Blog has a good post (including video) on introducing computer users to RSS: http://googlereader.blogspot.com/2009/01/google-reader-for-beginners.html
Leigh Hanlon
I’m a podcaster in Chicago and frequently use the PMD620 for on-the-go recording. I have an odd question, but here goes: Do you like the odor of your PMD620? Mine has this wonderful “machine” smell to it. I can’t imagine my unit is unique.
Chuck
Hi Leigh:
We have two of these and I can’t say that we’ve noticed this at all.
Carol Anderson, NAMA President
Chuck: I’m glad you’re pleased with our decision. Our member satisfaction and participation numbers really told the story. I also wanted to mention that we plan to invest the monetary savings gained from staying in KC into quality programming to continue our attempt to provide members with thought-provoking professional development opportunities they can apply to their daily lives.
We hope to see many of your readers in Atlanta so we can help you celebrate your five-year anniversary!
Mark Van Baale
Chuck, Noticed you posted an excerpt from “The View From The Tractor” blog. I know the guy who maintains that blog. You can follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tykerman1
Memphis Rain
Stoller has a lot of products. Most of the attendees at the conference are familiar with them and Stoller technology. The farmers who are attending for the first time will get a real education during the 3-day event. Hearing what growers and advisors in the other countries are doing is really interesting. Their products can be found on the Stoller website: http://www.stollerusa.com. There is info on all the products, the supporting research and links to the Stoller international subsidiaries.
lupie
hi there great job, now I have a question if you don’t mind did you patten this or just go to the company the reason that I ask is because I have a great Idea for a major company but I have no Idea how to get my idea out there greatfully yours hope you can help me thanks God Bless
Cyndi
Congratulations Steve! (Steve and my husband were college roommates.)
-Cyndi
Cybercoffeeshop » Blog Archive » Coverage of Conference by AgWired
[...] Chuck Zimmerman of AgWired and Zimmcomm New Media stopped by on Tuesday January 20th to see what the US AG Associates conference is all about. Go to AgWired to listen to his interview with StollerUSA CEO and founder Jerry Stoller. Interesting stuff and nice reporting.click here for story and podcast [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Ditchin’ South Dakota
[...] the last three years. I enjoyed a little blast from the past by listening to this interview, “Passionate About Beef,” and reading this blog post, “Beef Ambassador Blogs.” It’s a little [...]
Chuck
Hey Mandy:
See you in Phoenix!
Bob Callanan
Thanks for the training yesterday Chuck. You were very helpful in explaining things to Cassandra and me. This knowledge and the resources you provided will help improve ASA’s media and farmer communications.
bvents
When is the Phoenix meeting ?
Diana Pears
People around the globe have certainly seen the influence that videos can do to our society today. In fact, Internet marketers value the help that Internet video marketing can do for their products.
Cyndi
The girl (2nd from right) hugging the boy looks like a miniature version of one of your daughters. Holy Cow!
Paul
Boy, their Dad must be one good-looking guy!!! (Actually, I’m positive they got their looks from their Mom!)
Thanks, Cindy, for the warm comments above…we sure enjoyed your visit and can’t wait for the next time we can get together. Much Love, Paul
Don Hershman
How does one recommend a fungicide for stress tolerance? Unlike fungicide control where the product provides excellent control of certain diseases, my experience in soybean and wheat under field conditions is that stress situations frequently, and easily, overcome any potential benefits. I have conducted numerous replicated trials under moderate to extreme drought and there is never a yield improvement. If it works to protect against drought under field conditions, the tolerance for a response is pretty narrow and limited.
Alia Aljamal
That is a great topic. Can you plz send me the presentation by dr. Tara York. I didn’t have the opportunity to attend the Poultry Expo this year and I am interested in this topic because I am a phD student at UNL doing a research on vitamin E and selenium supplementation in laying hens. Thank you.
Jessic Sara Parker
That is one of the most Handsome men I’ve ever seen. The lady is not bad looking either. He looks like one of those Wrangle models you see on the posters. Has he starred in any movies? Will he be at your next show? Thanks, JSP
AgWired » Blog Archives » More Global Warming Wacko-ism
[...] are a lot of them and they sure seem to have lots of money behind them. The latest, besides the post I did this morning, is from LetsActNow.org. These people are seriously drinking some weird koolaid. Who are they? I [...]
Laura Z
Funny that Cyndi noticed how much our Mary (age 10) looks like your Carly. That gene-pool thing is truly amazing. And Veronica (age
has some seriously Chelsea expressions along with some Caitlin. The boys and Bayli seemed to have mostly got the dad\mom genes. I wonder if we had another one….HAHAHAHHAHAHAHHA
Had a great visit, Cindy. Make sure you make it on a Wed thru
Sun next time!
Jeff Miller
I have been using iGoogle for a couple years now…the Agwired RSS feed is near the top of my iGoogle page!
Great suggestion!
Best,
Jeff Miller
WATT
Mandy
Thanks, Jeff! That’s great to hear! So often, these little tools and gadgets can seem like a real drain instead of an effective addition to speed up life. I think iGoogle is one of those technological necessities that can really get a person organized and keep up-to-date with their favorite sites! Thanks for your comment!
Amanda
C3H_Editor
Unfortunately, Obama and his team are spreading unwarranted fears based on very questionable “science” hoping to convince the public to totally change their lifestyles, while giving government more control.
The best way to fight the misinformation and fear-mongering is to present facts and evidence. Here are some 80 charts of actual, real climate and temperature data that the public should know about:
http://www.c3headlines.com/chartsimages.html
And here are quotes from scientists who have stepped forward to counter the fear-mongering of global warming and climate alarmism:
http://www.c3headlines.com/quotes-from-global-warming-critics-skeptics-sceptics.html
C3H Editor
Miranda
This is probably the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard, or very close to it. Turning veg*n reduces global warming more than any meat eating diet.
Andy Bater
I don’t like overwrought environmentalists either Chuck, but for different reasons. They tend to diminish the credibility of those actually trying to make a difference. Unlike the prior commenter (and apparently you), I am convinced the world is walking its way into some terrible environmental problems in the second half of this century. We are going to need continued advances in things like GM crops and biofuels in order to mitigate those problems. That in turn provides great opportunity for those of us in agriculture. Discounting that the problem exists, and in a emotional way, will only help funnel public support and funding to other non-ag sectors of the economy.
Video Conferencing Setup
I read the news about video conferencing been installed in hotels. This is very useful for Diplomats and VIPs to keep them up to date with their routine work back at home.
Ashley K. Edwards
Glad to see you integrating social media discussions into your program! Looks like you’ve got some interesting folks on board.
Cheryl
I’ve heard Wes speak a couple of times. I think we have to be careful about showing some of our production practices out of context. But as long as we are unwilling to show what we actually do H$U$ has power over us.
Cyndi
Wow. Great shot Chuck. Cyndi
Adrian Krebs, prez Swiss guild
Hey Chuck, like your moon, hope youre not too hot in Orlando, I’m sitting here in the office, theres a major winterstorm outside and Im starting to get ready for the holidays in the snow next week. Just wanted to tell you that Ive started my own blog (www.adisagroblog.wordpress.com), unfortunately in german only, but I try to put some nice pictures on it, see you on some of the future IFAJ-events, yours Adrian
Jim
intereting article
diane
I just want to know the price!
Cindy
Diane,
If you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it!
Diane
But Valentine’s Day is coming up and I was looking for a gift!
Jim
True
AgWired » Blog Archives » FinOvation Awards
[...] than argue the point, they both got the award. You can read more about the New Holland big boy in yesterday’s post where Ed tells us all about how size [...]
Willie
Oh sure you do this after I leave and we talked about Twitter on Thursday…it’s a growing thing for sure.
Andy Kleinschmidt
Hey, that’s pretty cool! It’s neat to see all the people I follow on Twitter.
Alpaca Farmgirl
Haven’t converted to iPhone yet. I’m still a Blackberry girl, but I am loving the John Deere skin for it. You guys always have the cool gadgets on your blog. Thanks for sharing.
Chuck
That’s okay Ms. Alpaca. Cindy hasn’t moved up from her Motorola Razr yet!
Leah Guffey
LOVE my iPhone!! I didn’t want Evan Slack to get all the fun!!
Leah Guffey
Cindy –
I’m glad to see you were able to get your own video this year. Felt like I was there….wonder if that hot fireman was there again this year….
AgWired » Blog Archives » Rural Broadband Debate
[...] The article pulls data from the Census of Agriculture and PEW Internet surveys. We’ve pointed to them before but this article has some nice charts and summaries of the data like the following. Over 2.2 [...]
NYlivinVAborn
I heard the podcast this morning. I have never been so insulted in my life. THIS, THIS is the reason that nothing can be solved in Washington–this provincial divisive rhetoric. I am the daughter of farm boys and business owners, the product of a family who had means to send me far away for my education. And I know development and infrastructure is necessary, especially in rural areas. Because, Katz–when us countryfolk are doing well, that means YOU are doing well.
Chuck
Well said. Let’s hope that more people think like you do. I guess time will tell on this one. Thanks.
Michael Kopka
does it only work with the google gadget?
AgWired » Blog Archives » Truth In Advertising Applies To New Media
[...] or company or product blog is open, honest transparency. Interestingly, this issue came up when my upcoming NAMA panel had a conference call. We were pointed to the Federal Trade Commission’s proposed [...]
Chuck
I guess so Michael. When you are on your channel page, it will show up in the left column at the bottom of the “Connect With . . . ” box.
courtney
The real thanks is to Stephanie Liska; she sent me the guidlines and suggested reading.
Christy
I read somewhere a while back that the US is #15 in terms of broadband coverage, behind several 3rd world and “emerging” countries. Ridiculously inadequate and a disgrace. Big limitation on education, employment, and business in rural communities. And you are quite right about “arrogance and ignorance” of many politicians and even everyday Americans who dismiss rural America as less important than urban or suburban areas.
I live and work in a borderline rural area and had to wait years for semi-broadband, and only option now is barely functional cellular broadband that constantly drops to 1xRTT speeds that often don’t support needed services like GoToMeeting, video, etc. Two clients with businesses in this area need high-speed access but have NO OPTION BUT DIALUP!!!!!! It is hurting their businesses!!!!!! No wireless that is reliable 2+ weeks per month, no EVDO revA cellular coverage, and definitely no cable or DSL. Absolutely beyond belief in this day and age that the US is behind some 3rd world countries in broadband coverage. Hypocritical for anyone (public official or private citizen) to pay lip service to supporting small biz, job creation and education, then discount the necessity of rural high speed access.
I really really hope that Obama and those interested in supporting Americans of ALL areas will act on the promises of improving broadband coverage. Thank you for shining a light on this important issue.
Gill
It is really good to see NGOs working and spreading awareness about agriculture and about weed control. The media(Zimmcast) is doing a great job promoting these type of agricultural programs. I think these type of programs along with media support are very essential because researchers get the chance to reach millions of people all around the world. Great work.
Michael Kopka
okay, i will have a look for another way to present ist witout the google badge. i don’t like it very much.
Chuck
Thanks for giving credit. Much appreciated.
Kurt Lawton
Hey Chuck
I, too, believe in new media channels. The key is doing it right. The danger we all face is to make sure we don’t get caught up in using the medium without delivering value in the message. Just because we can blog, twitter, youtube, flickr and podcast does not mean the audience will be there for everything. Show me the value and I’ll give you a little time, but not a lot.
How many times have you watched a video or listened to a podcast and learned nothing of value given the time you invested — it happens a lot! More content can be detrimental, no matter how it is presented. Like Steve Rubel says in your first link, “less is the new more.” Right on. But I’m not sold yet on his description of the newspaper reporter of the future. Who has the time to devote to viewing/reading/listening to five or six mediums presented on one small topic? Hmmm. A bit overkill?
We live in a society of communication overload already, and the more mediums we choose to monitor, the more time we take away from something else…such as living our daily lives.
Something to ponder.
Kurt Lawton
http://www.stellarcontent.biz
Chuck
Thanks Kurt. I think the point of a reporter providing information via multiple channels is that he/she is creating more opportunities to connect with people, not that anyone expects that their audience is going to consume all of them.
I have AgWired followers who only connect via Twitter or via my podcast or rss feed, Flickr photos, YouTube channel, etc. Some of them probably never visit the website. I don’t expect anyone to read/listen/watch it all! But by employing all of them, the “community” grows exponentially. You can no longer judge reach and results just by how many visitors to my website I have. You’ve got to include all my other channels because of your point! And we’re not even talking about the word of mouth effect and the re-publishing of my content on other websites.
I fully agree that bad content is worse than no content. We sure see a lot of it, especially when an organization decides they have to create it without any good reason other than, “I have to meet my quota.” How many news releases did you get today that weren’t news?
Now, as to your point on communication overload . . . We need balance and many people go overboard but it’s their personal choice. No one is forcing them to do it. I would say that if someone is allowing their consumption of media to harm their life and relationships, they’re suffering from an addiction not unlike any other type of substance addiction.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Another Farm Podcaster Tool
[...] you can drool. I have always been a Marantz fan and this one looks to be a great offering. I know I pointed it out before but now you can find it for sale at BSW right now. The Marantz PMD661 is a versatile, professional [...]
Tonya McDaniel
Contact your city’s local offices about this. I grew up in a small town and the first thing I did was to alert them to this elitist comment and troubling mentality that urbanites have of us small town folk. It’s easy to see why there is a growing gap in class differences. This type of thinking comes right out of a sociology textbook as the definition for “classicism.” This news tidbit made me want to vomit. I e-mailed the offices of the city in which I grew up and still visit to this day.
Kathy
I think this is a great idea. I have been saying for months now that rural America is at a disadvantage in many aspects because quality internet access is so difficult to obtain. I can’t imagine trying to do anything but surf a generic text only page nowadays with dial up! Let’s hope that when broadband is offered, it is a good sound system, not one that will explode once there are three users (an exaggeration I know, but I had that problem with my last broadband provider).
Alpaca Farmgirl
I know I would want one of these if I could figure out what you do with it. lol.
Andy Vance
Have you used the Tascam?
Chuck
I haven’t. It looks good though.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Communicating Renewables on YouTube
[...] told you in last week’s ZimmCast about the Communicating Renewables Summit coming up in Minneapolis this April. This conference is [...]
David Mehlhaff
Congratulations Amy!
Well-deserved and they couldn’t have found any better person for this position. I am proud of you.
Diane
Yea for AMY!!! Congratulations!
Alpaca Farmgirl
Hi Amanda,
We send out an email newsletter 4-6 times a year. I find that people do like it. People who are interested in our farm can visit our blog. But some of them don’t have the time to do that on a daily basis, and some people don’t get to the computer every day. It works for us to reach out and touch base with these folks every once in a while with our newsletter. We include links to our more popular blog posts, let them know about special offers, and have an informative article or two about alpacas.
I think a newsletter can be a flop when it is all about the sender and doesn’t offer much of value to the reader. Newsletters work best when they offer the reader some information they might not have had otherwise.
Amanda
Thanks for the feedback. It sounds like your newsletter and blog are a good tool to help market your business. Can I get signed up?
JulieKaySmithson, property rights research, Ohio
IMHO, newsletters can be a vital source for information that many do not have time to gather. By sending newsletters, email recipients get the benefit of a concise amount of information in one handy place. They can also send that email to others, thereby creating a “ripple effect” in the pond of knowledge.
I would caution that there are still many folks like me, on a dial-up connection, so keeping the newsletter graphic-free is a plus.
Adding EXACT website addresses, i.e., links, to articles and information is another plus.
I have several email lists and endeavor to keep each list supplied with carefully and copiously researched information on many facets of property rights and resource providing. Subscribers are required to donate at least once annually.
An average of eighty hours each week goes into my effort. In the case of Burlington, Colorado, rancher Kit Pharo, his Wednesday newsletter is a marketing tool. His Sunday Morning Inspiration is a Christian newsletter, and while many subscribe to both his newsletters, some receive one or the other.
My newsletter seeks to educate and empower recipients to learn about their property rights and become actively empowered to protect those rights. It is not selling anything and its triple focus is individual awareness, education and empowerment.
Jenny Howe
You go girl!!! Congratulations from the whole Deana Jak crew!
smays.com
How about some props for your pal George?
Precision Pays
[...] The 90-ft. planter has now been eclipsed, by a whopping 30%. 120 feet of precision planting packed into the new John Deere/Bauer Built DB120. It was introduced at the recent National Farm Machinery Show, where Precision Pays offered an up close and personal look at it. [...]
Chuck
Okay. I was already planning to but . . . I did get to see it a little more up close and personal with George’s in Coffee Zone. My man George.
Sharon Stevenson
From NYT: “The growers’ agreement from Syngenta not only prohibits research in general but specifically says a seed buyer cannot compare Syngenta’s product with any rival crop.
Dr. Ostlie, at the University of Minnesota, said he had permission from three companies in 2007 to compare how well their insect-resistant corn varieties fared against the rootworms found in his state. But in 2008, Syngenta, one of the three companies, withdrew its permission and the study had to stop.
So much for free speech… Hopefully the Obama administration can deal with this.
william Steigerewald
I’ts about time
Russ
May god have mercy on us all.
Deborah Rubin
Have any of the gmo food crops that Monsanto thinks we DO need been studied long (or even short)term by independent scientists for feeding humans? Have those results been published in peer-reviewed journals? If so, would you please direct me to them?
Have any long-term feeding human/mammalian studies been done on the the stacked gene varieties–or do Monsanto and the USDA just assume that since the individually altered plants were considered GRAS that the combination of genes would therefore be safe as well?
One more question along that line: Monsanto has successfully petitioned the USDA/APHIS to deregulate many gmo crops. But how do we know that the hybrids of gmo crops with non-gmo crops or other gmo crops are safe as well? We know these hybrids exist from public USDA information. Have all the possible outcomes that are out there and that are being consumed by humans, livestock, and wildlife been deregulated without any safety data?
Kathleen @ Monsanto
Thanks for the feedback and the plug on the blog, Chuck.We are excited to get out there and give a voice to those of us who are pro-biotech and get rid of a lot of the fear and unknown surrounding this aspect of agriculture, as well as Monsanto! Keep up the great work, and see you on Twitter!
Aimee Witteman
Correction: the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition has been supportive of President Obama’s selection of Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture.
Andrew Wysotski
Hello, I keep hearing how it was revealed by the British Parliment, that Monsanto was involved in field testing their GMO foods on Canadians for 10 years without our knowledge or consent.
As a Canadian, I just wonder if you can tell us, what provinces were chosen and what your company learned from us guinea pigs? Can you at least share the lessons?
Andrew
Jeffrey Gillette
THE TRUTH ABOUT MONSANTO is difficult to find because so many people without a basic understanding of chemistry and toxicology get involved. Caffeine,Aspirin,Salt and many other items you come in contact with daily are all far more toxic than Roundup.
Toxicity is provided in reference to mammals and to fish. LD50 is the lethal dose of a chemical required to kill 50 percent of a test-animal (rat) population. It is expressed in milligrams of chemical for each kilogram of test-animal weight. For reasons of comparison, the following toxicities are provided:
Caffeine LD50 = 200 mg/kg (extremely toxic)
Aspirin LD50 = 1,240 mg/kg (moderately toxic)
Table salt LD50 = 3,000 mg/kg (moderately toxic)
LC50 is the lethal concentration in water at which a chemical becomes lethal to 50 percent of a test population of fish.
Monsanto was responsible for Agent Orange but that is another issue.
I believe millions more people would be starving today without Monsanto. In my mind this more than counteracts the sins of the Vietnam era.
Jeffrey Gillette
Roundup
Toxicity: LD50 – 5,600 mg/kg (slightly toxic)
LC50 – 86 ppm (slightly toxic)
FarmerMike
Here is a selection of tractor pulling videos to watch. tractorpullvideos dot com
David Mehlhaff
Chuck,
Looks like some really rough duty old friend.
AgWired » Blog Archives » BASF Kixor is Cutting Edge
[...] this previous post on Agwired from last year’s Kip Cullers field day for a video of Dan demonstrating the efficacy of [...]
John
The Tascam DR-07 is really good. I love mine. You can get $20 off and free shipping from Musician’s Friend: http://tinyurl.com/aatupk
Leah Guffey
Since I’m not a broadcaster at the moment and I’m not there I’ll speak freely here. I highly doubt that they have the time or the energy to solicit each individual’s work to make sure it’s up to their standards. I have always found it interesting that they tried to kick out my local commodity’s state media person when he was bringing me and others interviews a few years ago…oh and let’s not forget the other larger companies having their meetings in the “other” side of the media room while broadcasters were attempting to put shows on the air. Oh and let’s not forget that although they know how many broadcasters they will have on hand, there are never enough phone lines nor enough wifi or hard wired internet connections to get their message out about the commodity groups and their meeting that they are there to cover. Stepping down from the soap box….
respectfully submitted,
Leah Guffey
Hugh Whaley
Two-year old picture. Haven’t changed much.
Cindy
Seriously – how many times did he see you yesterday and he didn’t take a photo? Must be slipping. Actually, he could have used that “crackberry” photo of you from a couple years back….
Diane
Wow. I have some comments, but would probably get in trouble. Leah put it well. Chuck, you’re right– they could learn from the livestock crowd.
Cheryl
Talk about overkill! So, work only, no schmoozing — which is half the value of being there.
Nancy
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. We’ve added some more Internet connections to help accommodate everyone using the media room and will be assessing the media’s needs with the help of some media folks who were here.
Your feedback is important to us. It will help us consider improvements for next year.
We appreciate all the efforts of the media who attend Commodity Classic and want this to be a great experience for everyone!
Thanks,
Nancy
David Mehlhaff
Having managed media centers in my previous life for both the pork and beef industry, I prided myself in “doing it right” and making it as “painless” as possible for the media to do their job and in-turn they told my organization’s story. I also realized the importance of other “influencers” such as pr professionals, association staff, producers and station and publictaion sales reps and allowed them access to my media centers as long as they didn’t interfere with a reporter’s duties. The only thing I didn’t allow was other company information in the news center if they weren’t the enws center sponsor. I did provide them a table to display their information on a table right outside the news center.
Point 4 in this “rules’ letter states that they retain the right to examine samples of a news work product to dtermine a person’s qualifications. PLEASE!!!!!!!! Like someone will go out of their way to pretend being a journalist so they can eat stale pastries, sip luke-warm coffee and spend the bulk of their convention time in a convention center meeting room. Who are these people?
Through the years, I have seen those who do it right with regard to media relations and then there are those that don’t get it. Our friends who developed this list are in the latter. These days an organization needs all the help it can get with telling it’s story, that includes being flexible and working with any influencer group that can help you tell your story. Chuck, thanks for sharing this note with those in the pr/communicatuions industry.
Chuck
I really appreciate all the feedback. I’m sure this is a situation that can be remedied with a little more interaction and understanding and I’m committed to helping that effort.
BTW. Gene Hemphill is quite aware of concerns that media attendees have and would like to make it clear that he is not responsible for the policies and decisions on the actual management of the CC media room.
As many in the media know, Gene is one of the most helpful and understanding supporters of ag media there is. In fact, he runs the media tent at Farm Progress all by himself and I would point to it as a prime example of how to do it right.
Nancy
We so appreciate Gene’s support of the Classic Media Room and we’re committed to making things better.
Observer
Thanks Nancy. But, it’s pretty obvious what (or, I should say who) the problem in the media room. Email complaints re: this individual to scensky@soy.org. Time for this to stop!
Andy Vance
Definitely go with a Mac. Given the things you want to accomplish with these tools, there is no debate on this issue. Now, since you want to consider price (me, too!), I think you can accomplish a great deal with a MacBook rather than a MacBook pro. The price difference is significant, but the standard MacBooks now are so much more powerful than they used to be…
In terms of the recorder, I recommend the Edirol R-09. This is a workhorse that is extremely user-friendly and provides a great sound.
Audio editing software: Adobe Soundbooth.
Video editing software: Final Cut Express – Many of the best features for most editing needs and a fraction of the cost.
Good luck and happy hunting!
AgWired » Blog Archives » The Classic Whaley
[...] the Commodity Classic trade show. That gives you an updated look at Hugh since I used an old one in the story about his moving to [...]
Joel Jaeger
I use a PC because that’s what my customers overwhelmingly use and I make it my habit to walk in their shoes to the extent that I can. My advice–get what you want. Maybe get both.
Easier said than done? I remember being cash strapped and in College. Chuck Zimmerman has been a good friend to me as a more experienced guy befriending a young guy in the industry so let me try to do the same thing for you.
I’ll front the first $500 for whatever you want. Get other readers to ante up and I’ll match up to another $500 to help get you going.
Good luck post graduation. Don’t forget to enjoy your remaining days of school. They’ll go fast.
Chuck
I’m not sure what Joel means by “more experienced guy” but I’ll add $500 to the pot. You know I’m a Mac guy and I think that Andy had some good thoughts on Macbook vs. Macbook Pro.
Biofuels Industries Form Global Renewable Fuels Alliance - MSNBC | Utility Compare . Com
[...] biofuels friendly policies …biomass energy: A Federal Perspective biomass energy MagazineGlobal Renewable Fuels Alliance Formed AgWiredWorld biofuels associations form Global Renewable Fuels Alliance FeedstuffsGlobes - [...]
Amanda
Wow! I’m overwhelmed by the support and advice given on this post. I can’t thank you all enough, and I definitely wasn’t expecting monetary assistance in my blog post for advice. I don’t even know what to say… I appreciate everything. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Bill Meeks
Thanks for playing our stuff!
Chuck
No problema Bill. I enjoyed listening and appreciate what Podsafe Music Network does.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Corn Farmers Coalition Launched
[...] last week’s announcement about the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance and Tom Buis moving from NFU to Growth Energy I thought we now had plenty of organizations [...]
Leah
Love Megan. INterviewed her many times! A great asset!
Leah
Chuck & Cindy, thanks for being committed to this. I will help you however I can although, not an active broadcaster at this point. I will be again and have always enjoyed my interaction with folks at Classic. It has always been a problem in the media room as egos swell and power of being in charge takes over. It is evident. I think that Observer is right, although he or she should post their real name. The problems have been expressed in the past and fallen on deaf ears time and time again. I talked many ears off about it in the past. Gene is an amazing sponsor and when he’s in control of a media room he does it right! Good luck and keep us “posted”.
Missed seeing everyone this year. I’ll be back next year!
Tyne
Thanks for highlighting the girls. They both did a great job!
Chuck
Okay. Now what does, “I’ll be back next year!” mean?
AgWired » Blog Archives » Corn Farmers Coalition Launched
[...] last week’s announcement about the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance and Tom Buis moving from NFU to Growth Energy I thought we now had plenty of organizations promoting not only renewable fuels but corn in [...]
Holly
Last 2 paragraphs very thought provoking and well put Chuck!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Engadget
[...] week, I wrote a blog post asking for advice on what equipment I needed to purchase to effectively work as an agricultural journalist. I had some [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Got A Big Mac
[...] of week road trip I got in the monster of agriblogging and farm podcasting machines. It’s a 17″ big Mac made for today’s “multiple platform journalist.” I am pumped [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Big Planter Topic at Classic
[...] foot planter – the biggest ever. It was introduced at the National Farm Machinery Show last month (see previous post), but it was still too big to be unfolded all the way in the booth. At the Classic, John Deere seed [...]
Cindy
Seriously – this is the second new computer that he has bought for himself in the last two weeks. This means he has three laptops now. Can you say “techaholic”?
David Burckhard
Good points all.
It’s astute to mention what some consider a “subtle” difference between a broadcast and a podcast. Podcasting is all about reaching a specific target without the wasteful expense of other media that sends your message out to mostly uninterested receivers. In the case of your certain branding efforts, traditional media is perfect. However, if you need to reach a specific audience, traditional media is too slow, too expensive, and may not reach that audience. Do you pay an airplane pilot to plant your seeds by dropping them from an airplane? Or would you rather get those message “seeds” directly to an audience, everyone in the right place, for free? That’s the difference between traditional broadcast media and podcasting.
As mainstream podcasting grows, podcasting popularity will grow in all segments. Sooner than later, not only will audiences begin looking for your podcasts, they’ll be expecting them. Increasingly, businesses and organizations are using podcasts for a number of audiences. As I discuss podcasting with prospective companies, most of them ask, “Who else is podcasting?” Too often I have to answer, “Your competition.” Something to think about.
Dave Burckhard
National Podcasting System
Diane
Good job Chuck.
Ref: point 5:
I feel very strongly that editorial staffs must realize that their salaries come from advertising dollars which are generated by sales representatives. Sometimes this is overlooked and many times under appreciated. A publication must look at themselves as a team and not as separate entities. On the flip side, the editorial side must create a good product for the sales people to sell. This is not the point of your post, however it is important for media to look at these events as a whole and not only for personal position. Teamwork.
As far as allowing sales/PR people in to media rooms…see above. We are teams.
James Wachai
Chuck,
You raise very salient points in this posting. An organization will ignore the media at its own peril. Your mention of “Media Room” reminds me that episode during last year’s campaigns when the Clinton campaign confined journalists to a toilet. That was terrible, and Clinton paid a dear price for that. Of course on that day, the toilet episode became the story, not what Clinton said. And that treatment of the media kind of validated the then all common feelings that Clinton was playing hardball with the media. We all know what the rest of the story is.
Providing a conducive environment where the media can work from can be a boon to an organization’s attempts to court positive media coverage. Why spend thousands of dollars, for instance, organizing a conference and not spend a penny to set up risers for TV journalists or wireless connection for the rest of the crowd? In deciding how to handle the media, we need to know that journalists, first and foremost, are human beings and want to be treated well.
Regarding who qualifies to be called “media” I think the best word would have been “journalist.” We’re all media, but we’re all not journalists. Media, simply defined, is the plural of medium, which, as we all know, can be likened to a vessel (pipe) where information flow. Journalism, however, is something different; it’s usually associated with “fairness” and “accountability.” A journalist is obligated to be fair-minded and must uphold the “Though shall not condemn unheard” doctrine. Before a journalist declares his/her article is ripe for publication, he has to ensure all the entities that have been mentioned in his article have been accorded a fair hearing. This explains why journalists for the so-called mainstream media go to great lengths to seek comments from people or organizations mentioned in their articles. Failure to do so can seriously jeopardize the journalist’s reputation or that of the media house that he/she works for. The need for fairness in journalism can be further explained by the presence of gatekeepers – editors, Ombudsmen, and, yes, the society- who demand journalists substantiate everything that they write.
Bloggers usually are not necessarily bound by the so-called “fairness doctrine.” Rarely would a blogger sleep on story until he/she solicits comments from people or organizations mentioned in it. Bloggers are highly opinionated, just like columnists are. And by the way, why do we refer to columnists as journalists?
Cindy
I would add that we probably don’t need phone lines anymore in media rooms. I doubt if anyone uses a land line phone at this point in time. That could be a place to save money to put into some other area.
Jim Fleming
Chuck:
Not surprising the group is cancelling their convention given the shake down in that industry.
Interesting thoughts on the multiple organizations. As a former member of the NAFB, I always thought there should have been one ag communications organization, but back in the 80′s and 90′s that idea was shot down. Given the expense associated with travel, one large meeting would certainly have more clout.
digiuseppe
How can ag communications groups be relative to their members? By going to Washington and lobbying for our interests, like every other trade association. I don’t think the NAFB has learned that lesson yet. It cost us 40% of our membership in the early part of this decade.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farm Foundation Announces 30-Year Challenge Competition
[...] [...]
Cindy
James,
Umm – “fairness doctrine”? First of all, the fairness doctrine only applied to broadcasters. Secondly, it was abolished in 1987 – and, God willing, it will not be re-instituted. It was stupid and cumbersome to begin with and it would effectively put conservative talk show hosts off the airwaves today if it were re-instituted. It has NOTHING to do with “objective journalism” – which doesn’t really exist, anyway. Everyone has an agenda.
AgWired » Blog Archives » 10 Ways to Increase Your Twitter Followers
[...] to spread your messages to a wider audience. My Twitter life has substantially increased since the first day I signed on to give it a whirl. I’m still figuring things out, but I have decided it’s a [...]
Leah
I would completely disagree on the phone line statement Cindy. I like the way you are thinking but it is still necessary for those that want to produce a live show and their stations have not afforded them the opportunity to be completely wireless. When the cell signal is poor and the land lines are down (remember FPS Boone 2008??) There was a problem with noon shows in the MidWest who needed to go live. Thus hurt feelings ensued with one site managers behind part a lot smaller by one said broadcaster, who shall remain nameless. (We did make friends later)
I agree with Chuck, a lot. So much that my soon to be husband is forced into knowing that if Chuck has it, I’m going to want it.
Chuck you’ve paved the way for a lot of us to open our minds to realize that what we put on the air, also needs to be put online. Journalists are just that and reading a much much bigger audience. The research NAFB did just drives that point home time and time again.
Leah
Chuck
I think he’s kind of scary looking but he’s got a good idea and I hope it’s successful.
werp
FINNALLY!!! something other than Monsanto!!!
Chuck
Interesting comment since we’ve only done 3 posts about Monsanto in the last 80.
Nancy Bunker Koester
Chuck, thanks for helping circulate the Classic survey. It was specifically sent to those media people attending this year’s Commodity Classic.
We are interested to hear from those 137 media people attending this year’s event and have built several questions toward the bottom of the survey to allow people to comment on anything we didn’t ask specifically. We’ve provided lots of room for write-in comments and/or questions.
We are committed to making the Classic media room an even better place to work out of for next year.
Thanks to all of the media members who attended Classic and who provide us feedback via this survey!!!
Sincerely,
Nancy Bunker Koester, ABC
Director of Communications
NCGA
Kai Lo
I never thought about explaining what Retweet is. I’m always assuming people know what I’m talking about, which is a bad habit that I’m trying to get rid of. Also, I didn’t know bio affects who would add you. Thanks for the info!
Chuck
Sometimes they just take a little bit of prodding to take the time to offer their feedback. They know who they are.
Hopefully they will provide meaningful and helpful information.
Mike Goad
I’ve been trying to beyond just having an opinion to become at least a knowledgeable layman on the topic.
The one question that I don’t think any of the alarmists can answer is: “Where is the scientific evidence that more CO2 will force temperatures higher?”
The “evidence” cited is the climate models used by the IPCC which, as I understand it, are incapable of modeling the chaotic system that is the Earth’s atmosphere. As it stands now, the global temperature anomaly trend is two standard deviations below the best case modeled trends. Global average temperature this decade has been dropping while model predictions rise.
Chuck
Thanks Mike. I’m not a scientist either. I hope some of my readers will visit your site and check out some of the things you link to.
I think we’re far from having a good handle on this whole subject and as a result would urge serious caution before we mandate major changes that will result in a serious impact on business and society.
Janice Person
I’m excited about being in ARC eventhough I wan unable to make the meeting in NOLA. If anyone wants more info, Mace, Deron Johnson, Katana Ewbanks and I would be glad to talk through some of the benefits of membership.
Chuck
I couldn’t make it either and Mace has made the pitch to me. Checking my membership dues budget.
Mark Schaffer
The evidence for CO2 as a global heating gas is well established by basic physics. This evidence exists in any good research library and geology department at any good college or university. Svante Arrhenius in the late 19th century did the original calculations showing what a doubling of CO2 would yield in approximate climate warming. See here:
http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/chemistry/laureates/1903/arrhenius-bio.html
For a discussion of the basics of climate science please click on the “Start Here” option at the top of this page:
http://www.realclimate.org
For an extensive list of organizations, including but not limited to national science academies of many countries see here:
http://www.logicalscience.com/consensus/consensusD1.htm
Leigh
Wow Mark, directing people to realclimate.org is just like telling them to ask Al Gore about the subject. They are one of the most biased, unscientific propaganda sites on the internet. Go to climatedebatedaily for BOTH sides of the issue and links to all of the major research sites – something Mark and his fellow cult members hope nobody will do. Just take their word for it, never mind the $50 BILLION in grants & funding they are receiving for perpetuating this scam – and the HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS they are trying to get at through cap and trade schemes. Do the research, form you own opinion, take not of which side wants to end all debate and silence the opposition…
Earl_E
Mark,
No room for physics in this discussion.
Try calling names, talking about anything other than the science, and you can be part of the consensus too.
The consensus is that man has never had an impact on climate.
This consensus is over 2000 years old and if you know anything about humanity, they will stone to death or burn at the stake anyone who steps outside the box.
Now if you mention that the levies might not hold during a Katrina storm, then you too are outside the box and will be slandered and ignored.
The beauty is that many of these consensus people have homes in the 9th ward. Gotta love Darwin.
Todd Gilmore
Mike,
The IPCC report has detailed answers to your question, some pretty technical, others of a summary nature. Here’s the link to the last report they issued:
http://www.ipcc.ch/ipccreports/ar4-wg1.htm
For the specific issue you ask about, i.e., the connection between increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide and temperature elevation, read section TS.2.1.1 of the Technical Summary, starting
at page 24:
http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/wg1/ar4-wg1-ts.pdf
Carbon dioxide is the main contributor to what they call “radiative forcing” of climate change, i.e., those processes which involve capturing the energy from solar radiation and converting it to atmospheric, oceanic, and land heating. Carbon dioxide is one of a number of “greenhouse gases,” which
refers to the mechanism whereby the infrared component of earth’s reflection of solar energy is radiated back to earth by atmosheric carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxided acts like the glass in a greenhouse, slowing the escape of energy to space.
I urge you to examine some of the really informative graphics at those links, e.g., the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide over the past 10,000 yrs.
JER0ME
Individuals CAN prevent Global Warming
I am not completely convinced CO2 has anything to do with Global Warming. That notwithstanding, I am certain that reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is both a good idea and necessary, for a large number of obvious reasons.
The good news is that we can all make a difference. It goes way beyond buying a few (polluting) low energy light bulbs, and will have a real impact if even half of those concerned about Global Warming follow the proposals. The beauty is that even if only half do this, it makes no difference what the rest do! Renewable energy will become cheaper than fossil fuels with enough investment in the technology, and everyone will move over naturally!
Firstly, buy renewable energy.
As far as I am aware, you have the choice to buy renewable electricity in all developed countries. If you cannot now, you should campaign for that inalienable right immediately. Currently our own household buys 25% of our electricity as renewable, costing us about US$33 extra per year. 100% would cost US$183)*.
Some argue that if millions of householders (and industries, I would hope) buy renewable energy, there will not be enough. If you do not buy it, there will NEVER be enough. If you do, the money will be used to INVEST in infrastructure for future renewable energy, so making the expense just as effective.
Merely by choosing to buy this, you are immediately and directly investing in the renewable energy industry, and sending a powerful and undeniable message to those who matter, the people who actually generate electricity, not environmentalists or politicians who may have different agenda.
Secondly, stop investing in ‘Big Oil’ and ‘Big Coal’.
It comes as a shock to many ordinary citizens to be told that the huge greedy corporations actually make money for THEM, not for some faceless consortium. Sure, corporate flunkies may make millions of dollars, but WE, as investors, make billions, and even trillions. Their huge payouts and massive junkets are insignificant compared to the profits the companies make for their investors.
You may well think that you do not invest in these companies, but if you have a pension or investment fund, you almost certainly do. These funds will, quite obviously, be invested in the very companies that make the most profits and returns for their investors. All these corporations are doing is actually acting effectively YOUR instruction, ie to get the best possible return. If WE stop investing in them, they fail, and will be forced to change their practices to survive in a capitalist environment.
The answer is to choose ethical investments (there may be different names). Talk to your financial adviser and make the switch now. ONLY YOU control your investments. Make the choice and stop letting others do it for you.
The message is that YOU control the future of energy production with your wallets. The bad news is that it will cost, but nothing the environmentalists or governments will ever do about this issue will cost you less than this, and most of what they want to do will take control away from you and waste most of your expenditure in bureaucratic bungling and misguided foolishness, in my opinion. This simple two-step approach has all the potential to work and with no complex side effects that I can see immediately. It has a direct and immediate effect.
It is so rare that we are able to do something so straightforward in this complex world. If Global Warming concerns you, I urge you to put your money where your mouth is, and make an immediate difference TODAY, before the power is taken away from you.
* Based on a usage of 5,000 kWh of electricity.
Source: http://www.originenergy.com.au/1142/Green-energy-FAQs#extracost
http://www.carbonclimate.info/2009/03/individuals-can-prevent-global-warming.html
Gary
How about an on-line survey to rate the best and the worst media rooms. We can rank the ones we work in and explain why.
Mr. Orange
“For a while last year the term changed to ‘climate change’ when a number of stories came out from weather reporting stations and actual meteorologists and weather scientists that in fact the Earth had cooled.” [with a link to Fox News]
I wonder if this kind of distortion is part of the explanation for public perceptions of the issue. I learned about 20 years ago that average global warming would cause different climate impacts in different parts of the world. Still the ‘skeptics’ continue to bring up this issue as if it proves their point. Every time a new piece of research points to global warming causing LOCAL cooling [or anything other than warming], it will be a great aha moment for the ‘skeptics’ to point out as proof that the climate scientists are lying or changing their story, even if that research backs up the general consensus among climate scientists FOR global warming.
There is no doubt that the shift in terminology from ‘global warming’ to ‘climate change’ is designed to help communicate the idea to a less technical population. The terminology is not going to change back. Both terms are here to stay. Nobody benefits more from the confusion between weather and climate than the global warming ‘skeptics.’ The climate scientists and activists need BOTH terms in order to explain the underlying problem, to help dismiss this confusion between weather and climate, and to draw the connection between local climate changes and global climate change.
Mark Schaffer
Leigh,
So a site written by actual working climatologists is the same as climatedaily?
I can’t help you out with knowledge if you truly believe this but other readers are welcome to see what RealClimate links to under their “Start Here” button.
Mr. Orange
“Where is the scientific evidence that more CO2 will force temperatures higher?”
If the greenhouse effect of CO2 were the only question, then there would be no grounds for legitimate skepticism. An informed skeptic [as opposed to a denier] would benefit from considering the term ‘force’ more carefully. Gravity is a force. Does that mean that an object dropped from a tall building will be ‘forced’ to fall to the ground? Yes and no. If that object is a complex system like a bird, it might not fall, but does that mean that the ‘force’ of gravity does not apply? If you actually look at the climate models, you will see multiple forces and feedback terms pushing in both directions! So, while it’s a fact that CO2 ‘forces’ the temperature higher — the question is whether temperatures will actually increase significantly.
The hard part now is to find a way to sell _nuance_ to the straight-talk loving, anti-elitism crowd. Good luck! That was tried early on in the global warming debate, and it didn’t work. Obfuscation and distortion is working much better!
Jonathan Reed
Amanda, I think the word is “animosity,” not “anymosity,”
Good points you make, though.
Kurt Lawton
Good post Chuck. I’d like to know how this growing segment of 30+ year old members want to use Facebook? You mention professionals using it. My challenge is trying to segment the mediums by type of use–if that is possible.
I’m not a big fan of people using Facebook a lot for business-related messages (but maybe I’m in a minority thinking it is a “social” network). I think some biz posting is okay, but I get quickly turned off by those who use it solely to promote their business or their stories–many times a day (and maybe I just need to delete those people). I think the problem stems from Twitter posts (which I see as more of a business use) landing on Facebook pages. Your thoughts?
Currently, the lines of business and social are blurred on both FB and Twitter. Perhaps time will help sort these mediums out, and no doubt new creations will continue to sprout to take the place.
Keep up the good work.
Kurt
Chuck
Thanks for the comment Kurt. This was Amanda’s post though. She’s doing a great job.
Kirk
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for the great blog post about South Dakota! On behalf of the South Dakota Office of Tourism, we’re glad you had a great time in our state, and we hope you’ll visit us again very soon.
Thanks again!
Kirk
ZimmComm - New Media, LLC » Blog Archives » Social Media Good Choice In Recession
[...] be presenting a breakout session at the upcoming National Agri-Marketing Conference titled, “Social Media DOES Fit in Your Marketing Decision – Moving Beyond This Decision.” Sounds like we’ll need to point to this article on Forrester. Filed under: Marketing / [...]
Amanda Nolz
Thanks for your comment, Kirk! I live in good old South Dakota, and I’m happy to share the wonderful secrets that this quiet state holds! Take care!
Amanda
Amanda
Gosh! What a silly mistake! Thanks for catching that, Jonathan. And, Kurt, I echo your sentiments that both Facebook and Twitter are social networking tools, but that doesn’t mean businesses shouldn’t utilize them for their personal causes. For me, my personal life is very entwined with my professional life as agriculture is my true passion. It’s natural for me to incorporate business things into these social networks because my friends care about the same things. However, I agree that business messages can certainly muddy up the waters, and it’s a point that we all need to be aware of. Thanks for your thoughts!
Kurt Lawton
Sorry, Amanda. I must pay closer attention to who is posting.
Charlie
I heard that Pioneer’s “refuge in a bag” application to the EPA was rejected. Dow apparently had some major reservations with Pioneer’s approach. I also heard rumors that Pioneer is yanking back some delivered seed. What’s that about?
Chuck
I don’t know Charlie but I’ll pose the question and see what the response is and post here.
Greg Phillips
I saw an article about this in my local country magazine and decided to look into it. Thanks for the link to the site in your post.
Melissa Hart
Thanks to all your farmers out there, risking your lives as you carve out a living all over this wonderful country to put food on my table. Times get tough like they are right now…but you’re a resilient bunch! Never give up!
Chuck
Hey Charlie:
Here’s Pioneer’s response:
To date, the EPA has not yet delivered its final determination on registration of Optimum AcreMax 1, which is expected in the coming months. Pioneer is optimistic that the full body of information reviewed by the EPA will support the 2009 registration of an integrated, reduced refuge product followed by a commercial introduction in 2010.
The EPA has indicated support for the Pioneer integrated and reduced corn rootworm (CRW) refuge concept. Both of these signals from the EPA are very encouraging as no other company has ever received a registration for an in-the-bag, integrated refuge or reduction in CRW refuge.
Optimum AcreMax 1 insect protection continues to progress towards commercialization by meeting regulatory milestones, including the current EPA review of the science behind the Optimum AcreMax 1 system.
Pioneer has a long-standing policy of not responding to rumors.
Janice Person
Nice to have a focused day to say thanks to farmers — I hope lots of us say thank you routinely rather than waiting for the day. Not only do they provide my food, fuel and fiber, but my livelihood too! I work for Monsanto and we are 100% ag. I’ve had the chance to work with lots of great farmers over the years — THANK YOU ALL!
Michele Payn-Knoper
Thank you for protecting our national security. I couldn’t imagine where the USA would be if our food was grown offshore. Different standards would result in greater food safety concerns. More importantly – it would become very easy for countries providing the USA with food to monopolize our society. Thanks to the farmers who work hard to not only provide use with food, but also educate people about the importance of the connection between the farm gate and consumer plate.
CK
check out Agriculture Future of America–www.agfuture.org/ the propective interns are the best in agriculture.
Michael S.
The theory of anthropogenic global warming is based on a few fundamental scientific facts. CO2 is a greenhouse gas that gets well-mixed into the atmosphere both laterally and vertically and remains in the atmosphere for 100 years or more. As a result, its effects are global and long-term. This contrasts with water vapor which is highly variable both laterally and vertically and remains atmospherically for only a few days.
The Earth’s atmosphere is incredibly thin, with the troposphere extending only 12 miles above the Earth’s surface at its highest point.
Human industrial activities take carbon that nature has sequestered over the course of millions of years and emits it into the atmosphere over the course of single years. These emissions increase as deforestation activities remove a natural carbon sink.
Natural mechanisms can either work in reinforcement of or in opposition to CO2 atmospheric forcing. Upper level oceanic acidity levels are increasing as the oceans absorb more and more carbon from the atmosphere faster than they can cycle it into the depths. Tropical rainforests are expanding as a result of CO2 fertilization effects. Cloud cover fluctuates as a result of a warmer atmosphere’s ability to hold more water vapor.
Yes, despite all of these natural mechanisms working to counter CO2 forcing, CO2 levels and global temperatures continue to rise. Plot monthly data from any of the four major respected temperature sources (NASA GISS, UAH, RSS, HadCRUT) over the last decade from 1999-2008, and you see a continued increasing trend.
And this despite coupling the aforementioned natural opposition to CO2 with cyclical opposition from a solar minimum and a relatively strong La Nina that influenced global climate throughout 2008.
The natural mechanisms of opposition are simply not keeping up with anthropogenic emissions, and this is direct evidence, not climate models of a future state.
The unsettling part being that, while we have been continuously encountering natural opposition, we have yet to encounter many natural reinforcements. While the El Nino of 1998 drove temperatures to record levels, increasing GHG emissions from the likes of drought-stricken and insect-infested forests and melting permafrost are still on the horizon.
So, mankind takes a GHG that has been sequestered over millions of years and returns it to an incredibly thin atmosphere over an extremely short period of time while concurrently removing natural carbon sinks around the world. Measures of atmospheric levels and temperature reflect that, despite natural mechanisms working overtime in opposition, CO2 levels and global temperature continue to rise, and many natural reinforcements are still to be encountered.
Is it any wonder the climates around the world are reacting and changing?
AgWired » Blog Archives » Agencies Behind Consumers Online
[...] years that consumers (farmers) were moving media habits online. Even ag industry research like the USDA NASS surveys and NAFB has shown this. IBM found that between 2007 and 2008, the proportion of consumers saying [...]
Mark Jewell
I couldn’t agree more Chuck! Great Post. Thanks for sharing.
jessica
You guys are a little ridiculous if you listen to anything CU says you would know she is fighting for the rights of domestic animals. Her parents are cattle farmers for G**** sake get a life really, and do your research.
Carriefan
If you would actually listen to Carrie, you wouldnt look like an idiot and assume whats shes standing for.
Vote for CU!
Chuck
Thanks for your comment jessica.
Here’s what it says about her background from her bio on CMT: http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/underwood__carrie/bio.jhtml
Carrie Underwood was born March 10, 1983. Her family already owned the farm in Checotah, Okla., though Underwood was born in the next town over, the one made famous in Merle Haggard’s song, “Okie From Muskogee.” Her father, Stephen, worked at a paper mill, and her mother, Carole, was an elementary school teacher.
If her parents are cattle farmers then I’ll bet they’re ashamed of her support for HSUS. She’s obviously a talented woman. Too bad she’s supporting a group that wants to put her family out of their cattle business.
Maybe you should think through your comments before you leave them. Try to get past the emotional screen that the radicals at HSUS put up to lure in their unsuspecting victims like you.
I assume you meant God in your comments.
WHO NEEDS TO KNOW
Editor’s Note: I deleted this comment since the author not only used profanity but was apparently not comfortable providing a name.
Bill Hart
Let me get this straight,
The Humane Society of the United States is working to vote Carrie Underwood in as ACMA Entertainer of the Year to launch her as a better spokesperson for their agenda to abolish animal agriculture.
Who cares what Carrie Underwood believes in? It’s an Entertainer of the Year Award, not a ‘I believe in this cause’ award!
I gave to the food bank, am I up for Male Vocalist of the Year?
jessica
She has the right to support whom ever she wishes as do you. That does not give you a reason to try and sabatoge a young woman’s career and getting the credit that she has earned this past year because she likes pets and doesn’t want them harmed.
Her parents are not ashamed of her she has been a vegetarian since 13 when she witnessed something happening to a new born calf and they have never tried to convert her back. I don’t need to think my comments through because I have researched her upbringing and various interviews and she is not out spoken or push her vegetarianisim on anyone.
She is not trying to put cattle farmers out of business so you should try to stop her from achieving things.
Dl
You and your reasoning are beyond absurd.You really think that Carrie and the HSUS are plotting to abolish animal agriculture …really???Where would you get such an foolish idea?
Give me one example where Carrie has used her fame to even start to do this – one.Come on when , where , how?
Dave
Amanda: You and your ilk aren’t going to win more support through your rabid misrepresentations of Carrie Underwood’s opinions. It is very sad that you need to resort to distortions of someone’s position to try to drum up support for your cause. This is straight-up bullying and it makes it seem like you’re trying to hide a lack of substance to back up your views.
Carrie Underwood has been quoted numerous times saying that she respects those who raise cattle, not least because her parents did so and that paid for her college education. When asked about her vegetarianism, she has stressed that it is her personal choice and not one she wishes to impose on others. Her support of the HSUS has been focused on its interest in animal rescue (where the HSUS has a mixed record in provision but a good record in advocacy) and animal shelters (where HSUS has a modest record in provision and a good record in advocacy). She has also supported the HSUS-run Rural Area Veterinary Services program which provides free veterinary care to animals in impoverished rural areas of the United States.
At no point has Underwood spoken out to say that she wants cattle farmers put out of business. For you to try to ride Underwood’s name and blame her for stances she doesn’t take makes as much sense as it would for me to oppose all animal agriculture simply because radical elements like you can’t seem to report things for what they really are.
The likelihood is that neither HSUS nor your blog will make much difference in the fan voting for the ACM Entertainer of the Year award. Fan voting is only a portion of what will decide the award, anyway. There are good reasons to support each of the nominees. But anyone, whether it’s you or the HSUS, who is trying to get people to vote for/against a nominee for reasons other than an artist’s music, talent, and professional accomplishments, is flat-out wrong. If anything, you’ve just given the ACM more reason to exclude fan voting from consideration.
Manuel Meza
i voted for george strait
Michelle
I think some of you need to get a life because where did Carrie say that she wants to stop (whatever you called it?) Carrie LOVES ANIMALS Loving animals has nothing to do with that.. you guys are so mad about AI isn’t going to listen to someone that is complaining about a song that Carrie loves and animals… I love animals too…
AND don’t even go messing with Carrie because SHE LOVES ANIMALS
so stop acting like 5 years old and grow up
I Support Carrie for Entertainer of the year and People need to vote vote vote for Carrie because she deserves it and a women need to win it for a change…
Chuck
Hey Amanda. I think you struck a nerve. Interesting how most of these folks are so blinded by their emotions.
I tried to vote for George Strait but was having trouble logging in to the CBS site. I’ll be trying again though.
Leah
Congratulations Amanda! I’m sure Carrie did think she was helping Animal Shelters which is what those who don’t know and understand the working of HSUS. Those of us who live, breathe and report the news everyday know the real story. Good for you and keep up the good work.
Leah
Did you seriously blog and use “methinks”! ROFL!
Casey Quinlan
The Humane Society of the US is PETA without the press agent. Their goal is to eliminate deer, bear, and bird hunting in the US, as well as to severely restrict animal agriculture. While I am firmly on the side of small, humane animal farming as opposed to giant factory agribusiness, I cannot support any supporter of an organization who looks to end my hunting rights. I eat what I shoot, I respect the life I take – humans are highly threatened by soaring deer populations as the suburbs move into lands that have been wild forever. It’s called Lyme disease, and it kills. Controlling deer population is the only way to control deer TICK population.
Short version? I voted for George Strait.
Colleen
Chuck we are not blinded by our emotions, we are stating the facts. You are blinded by your beliefs. Carrie in no way wants to put Cattle Farming out of business, her parents have raised cattle for goodness sakes! People need to get their facts straight before they try and go using a talented and good natured artists popularity to further their own agenda. And Carrie is very open minded and respectful of other people’s beliefs. Case in point her boyfriend (who people around here are saying are close to getting engaged) Mike Fisher is a hunter and even has a deer antler chandelier in his vacation home. Now if she was such a rabid PETA supporter would she date him, I don’t think so.
Vote for Carrie for Entertainer of the Year because she deserves it! Out of all the artists nominated (and I do love them all) she by a country mile has had the best year.
Lisa
For all of you who believe HSUS is helping animals, please follow this link to learn the truth about their organization.
http://activistcash.com/organization_overview.cfm/oid/136
I don’t believe the question here is one of Carrie’s character or musical talent.
The important piece to note is that HSUS is fooling people into believing they are associated with your local Human Society. They are NOT. HSUS has a much different agenda, and unfortunately it does not including helping pets and it does include a direct attack on animal agriculture.
Please take a minute to learn the more about HSUS and what their real agenda is. American farms and ranches are at stake, and we need your help in saving them.
Chuck
I think it’s interesting how people commenting are equating HSUS with PETA. Maybe they’re confusing them with each other. Especially Colleen.
Jan
Carrie’s family DOES have a cattle ranch….inform yourselves. And she is simply an advocate of the fair and humane treatment of animals. Period. You guys are a bunch of quacks making up stuff….you must not have very lively jobs…or lives. VOTE for Carrie for Entertainer of the Year….she is by far the best of the bunch. Go Carrie!
Colleen
Lisa it’s funny that you link to a right wing leading website to get your facts from. And unfortunately people like you and Amanda are questioning her character by saying that she supports an organization that is intent on wiping out cattle raising/farming, when Carrie herself has said that is not her intent. So just be forewarned when you post very poorly researched articles that trash Carrie there will be a lot of people come on here and defend her. Maybe that is your intent though, the more hits the better right! Trash a big name artist so people will come to your website!
Colleen
I am not Confusing HSUS with PETA Chuck. I am just using PETA as an example, for I think their supporters are very over the top and sometimes violent with their beliefs.
Beth
Carrie may love animals–in fact, I’m certain she does–but that really has very little to do with this situation. When you use your celebrity to promote a cause, you need to be darn sure you agree with everything associated with that cause. You can’t disagree with racist skinheads but then choose to support them because you dig bald guys.
It is no secret that HSUS has helped craft legislation that endangers livestock (if you disagree, you’ve never been on a farm and don’t understand the importance of gestation crates and battery cages) and limits farmers’ ability to protect their animals. They’ve done it in two states so far, and we’re pretty sure they are going to continue to wreak havoc across the country. And they fund their campaigns with money taken from people who *think* they are keeping doggies and kitties safe.
Regardless of what Ms. Underwood says about her love for animals, she has chosen to throw her celebrity behind an organization that is deceitful in its fundraising and clearly anti animal agriculture. In a way, I admire her for standing her ground without worrying about who she is pissing off. But she won’t get my vote.
Chuck
Not sure I see where anyone has “trashed” Carrie here
BethColleen. We don’t like her support of HSUS. Plain and simple.Read more about HSUS here: http://www.activistcash.com/organization_overview.cfm/oid/136
Kurt Lawton
Beth – You’ve made the most sane statement of anyone posting a comment. Good job.
Mike
CU is a great talent – and her decision to be a vegetarian is her choice. Fortunately, we live in a country where you can make such choices.
HSUS, however, does not want people to make that choice. It wants to rid the world of animal agriculture (meat, milk, cheese, eggs, etc.). (And follow that up by eliminating pets?)
CU supporting HSUS with dollars is akin to a stamp of approval, even if CU does not want it to appear as such or agree with all that HSUS does.
HSUS exploits its relationships with famous individuals to help spread its message and raise money. Especially the raising money part – because with more money it can further push its agenda, an agenda that moves further from the donor’s intentions day by day.
Michelle
Carrie and AI doesn’t have to listen to you people who believe Carrie is doing the wrong thing…Carrie loves animals and support them its not like she go around and shoot them for the fun of it
I AM ASKING AGAIN…where did you guys hear that Carrie is hurting animals by doing this thing for ai…
Jordyn b
wow get over it carrie is helping animals!!! she will win entertainer of the year no matter what you say you guys need to get a life and stop making articles about carrie obviulsy ur jealous. wow .
Chuck
Michelle:
You’re right. CU doesn’t have to listen to us. Isn’t it great we can express our opinions though?
I don’t believe anyone has said she’s “hurting animals” except inadvertently by supporting an activist organization as has been pointed out in previous comments.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Win An HP Mini Netbook or Desktop Speaker/Dock At NAMA
[...] us at booth #102 in the Connection Point at the 2009 Agri-Marketing Conference. Since I’ll be leading a workshop on social media Cindy and I thought a tool to help you with yours would be a great giveaway at this year’s [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farm Foundation Sponsors Food Safety Regulation Forum
[...] forget, Farm Foundation is also holding the fourth in the series of “Transition to a Bioeconomy” conferences… this time focusing on global trade and policy issues… March 30-31 at [...]
American Idol Headlines For 03/26/09
[...] Agwired [...]
Lynnette
Thanks for the link Amanda! I went and voted for George Strait as well!
I hope all the people on here defending Carrie’s support of the HSUS will follow some of the links provided and learn a little more about the deceitful organization Carrie is supporting. The HSUS IS out to abolish animal agriculture, and then they are going to go after pet ownership. They have already started to in California.
It is interesting Carrie’s supporters on here keep mentioning that her family raised cattle and that her boyfriend hunts. These are two perfect examples of why it is so preposterous that Carrie would support an organization that is out to take the rights of ranchers, farmers, hunters and pet-owners away!
Amanda
Wow! I think I did strike a nerve, Chuck! All I know is that I’m against Carrie Underwood because she supports an organization that wants to put my family out of business. HSUS is no friend of mine. I will not give a dollar of support or an ear to listen to the songs of someone that doesn’t even support her own agriculture roots. Thanks for the great discussions, but please don’t let your fanatic emotions get in the way of seeing the truth. Head to http://www.activistcash.com to learn the evils of many of America’s “great organizations.” I bet you will be shocked!
In the meantime, if you great music and a great person behind the songs, any of the male vocalists would be great. I voted for George Strait because he is a real friend to agriculture!
World Dairy Diary » Blog Archives » Join the Big Discussion at AgWired!
[...] I posted a call to action on AgWired, and the blog post was titled, “A Special Cause: Vote for ACMA Entertainer of the Year.” The HSUS is trying to slip one past country music fans by getting its members to secretly [...]
threecollie
Voted for George. Got the kids to vote for Kenny. Nuff said.
Charles
This is a very good post. I think there should be more promotion and education of children concerning farms and agriculture. Here is a relevant story to this article:
http://www.americasheartland.org/episodes/episode_107/reindeer.htm
Jim Bynum
Politicians and scientist talk about food safety, even talk about enacting laws. However, as long as they keep allowing partially treated sewage to be used for irrigation of vegetables in the Salinas Valley and other places there is still going to be foodborne ourbreaks. California rules state no sample of irrigation water shall exceed a coliform level of 240 MPN/100 ml. You are not told that coliform is the name of the test for the 2,400 E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, etc. per liter of irrigation water. Now there are also 40 miles of irrigation pipe in which bacterial biofilms may form. When the pipes are bumped, or caused to vibrate with a water surge, biofilms may break loose and there is another foodbrone outbreak and the Salinas Valley farmers lose another 100 million dollars, plus the court cost. They will continue to suspect cattle rather than admit treated sewage might have been involved.
The other side of the coin is that sewage concentrate, better known as sludge or biosolids, are dumped on farms as fertilizer for food crops and grazing land with unknown levels of E. coli, Salmonella, shigella, etc. The reason the pathogen levels are unknown is that the elevated temperature fecal coliform test will only show E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, klebsiella, etc. that grow or multiply at 112.1degF. That eliminates most bacteria that only grow well in the temperature range between 77 and 104degF. While the high temperature test injure bacteria and prevent growth in the test, the bacteria in the sewage concentration continue to happily multiply and you have infected cattle and crops — with more foodborne outbreaks
selene
good for carrie underwood and hsus if they really do want to abolish animal “agriculture” … it’s a nasty, nasty business with absolutely NO place in an evolved, intelligent, humane society …
AND the “animal ag” wouldn’t even exist except for the HUGE subsidies (welfare) the “animal” farmers get …
Kevin
I wasn’t there, but heard that CU was booed off the stage at an outdoor concert in central Nebraska a couple of years ago when she started expressing her love for “cows” and how cruel it is to eat them. Can anyone else verify that?
Mandy
Selene- Ah thanks for bringing more uninformed beliefs to the party. Livestock producers don’t receive subsidies – crop farmers do. So huge subsidies for animal farmers is a very incorrect statement. I’m sure if you’re not eating animal protein you’re consuming rice or soybeans – subsidies go to help crop producers who are growing the rice and soy you eat, the cotton you end up wearing and a lot of the other food crops you would like to see replace animal protein.
Mandy
Because I know a lot of people won’t take the time to actually look at the site links here are some good quotes from HSUS:
“[T]he Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is not affiliated with, nor is it a parent organization for, local humane societies, animal shelters, or animal care and control agencies … The HSUS does not operate or have direct control over any animal shelter.”
— From a 2001 disclaimer issued by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
“Our goal is to get sport hunting in the same category as cock fighting and dog fighting.”
— Bozeman (MT) Daily Chronicle
“If we could shut down all sport hunting in a moment, we would.”
— Associated Press
“We have no ethical obligation to preserve the different breeds of livestock produced through selective breeding …One generation and out. We have no problems with the extinction of domestic animals. They are creations of human selective breeding.”
— Animal People News
Michael Kopka
Muhaha, tractorchasers.com is registered for Deere & Company.
So welcome to the show!!
smays.com
A good follow-up to this story would be how companies like John Deere put new tractor in the field –to test, I assume– before the official launch. Do they look for extremely remote locations? What kinds of non-disclosures do they have with the people testing them?
AgWired » Blog Archives » Tractor Chasers A John Deere Website
[...] AgWired reader Michael Kopka has pointed out, Tractor Chasers is a John Deere website. As if you hadn’t already figured that [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Sell Internet Access Sponsorships
[...] glad to find out that the Brownfield Network will be sponsoring the internet access at my NAMA breakout session on social media. Internet access is really becoming such an important part of everyday life and [...]
smays.com
I think savvy meeting planners would insist on this as part of booking that venue. If a smaller, less fancy hotel offers free, open wifi… why not go with them over the big guys. If enough planners did this, guess what… the big hotels would follow rather than lose the business.
smays.com
I hate to bring up ugly words like “transparency” and “full disclosure” but…
Was it the intent of the Tractor Chasers site to mask or hide that it was behind the site? That’s a big online no-no.
As I understand it, the idea of Tractor Chasers is these guys search the fields trying to get a glimpse of the news Deere tractor. Like the guys who produce the first photos of the new cars. Cool idea.
But once we know it’s all a scam… it’s not cool. What chase? Deere could have told the guys exactly where to find the new tractors.
Deere is doing interesting things, with AgWired and others. I hope they’ll check with you first next time.
Wayne
I voted for George. Partly because he deserves to win but mainly because I am against Ms Underwood and the HSUS. Hope it has an effect.
Willie Vogt
Viral video – it’s all the rage…and it can create buzz
Amanda Nolz
Thanks for sharing! I enjoyed the piece about the reindeer ranch! I agree, youth in agriculture are so incredibly important!
Amanda Nolz
Kevin,
That did happen! In fact, the concert was at a rodeo grounds, and she made the technical support move the stage, so she couldn’t see the riding bulls. She also threw a fit because chicken was offered in the hospitality room at the concert. That was at the start of her career! Talk about a diva!
Great conversation everybody! Let’s rock the vote!
Rambaran yadaw
Dear sir/Madam
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RBYdaw
Senior rice brreder
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Bobby
I’ve followed CU since the beginning of the American Idol show that she ultimatly won. I’ve been a true fan ever since and I understand why anyone would be upset that she should be overlooked due to what she’s done and does as a performer. That’s where my support stops though, when her celebrity status begins raising money to end the things I love doing as well as a huge part of the economy of my country I have a problem with that. The real villian here is HSUS hiding behind such a confusing name. I hope everyone will take time to look at a few of the links listed.
Emily_T
You guys need to get over yourselves Carrie is supporting the HSUS b/c she wants to help aniamls find homes and i can tell you that in NO WAY carrie is trying to get rid of guns or hunting!!! She only cares about finding Aniamls homes!! She grow up on a Cattle farm and she is dating a avid hunter, so maybe you should look things up before you start some stupid campain.
there have been several celebs that have gave money to the HSUS and no one has questioned them but just b/c Carrie choose not to eat meat she is trying to get rid of all hunting — GET REAL
she has said many times that it is her choice to not eat meat and shes not going to try and get people to do the same its simply her chioce!!!
CARRIE IS FOR FINDING ANIMALS HOME NOT GETTING RID OF GUNS AND HUNTING
VOTE FOR CARRIE B/C OF HER AMAZING MUSIC not b/c you guy think she supporting something shes NOT !!
Emily_T
To add to mine —
If the HSUS have some people that are trying to get rid of hunting i can tell you in NO WAY DOES CARRIE AGREE WITH THIS !!SHE SIMPLY WANTS TO HELP FIND HOMES FOR ANIMALS!!!
I live in michigan were hunting is very big , but im HUGE CARRIE fan and i know that carrie only wants the best for animals and is not involved in getting rid of hunting
Mike
Wholesale republishing should be considered a no-no. It’s not polite and, in essence, is theft – even if it is attributed and linked back to the source. (Why would someone need to visit the source when it’s all right there?)
That being said, lifting a few lines or short paragraph along with a link to the source so readers can get the full story is different. I’d consider that to be more acceptable and, in fact, could help drive traffic if people want get the whole story.
Of course, I come from a newspaper background so maybe I’m biased that way – but copyright laws (and being a good neighbor) apply to the internet, too.
Some sites, like blognetnews.com, republish headlines plus the first 100 words give or take. Some bloggers may not like it, but it seems more like a commercial to me.
GODWIN MACHARIA
What a timely intervention by Monsanto.What a significant gesture to many of us students who have often sort for such opportunities while we watch the rigors of stresses of ‘Ug99′ for instance, deny food to millions of poor citizens of the world.
Keep up Monsanto and long live.
ed shoup
Has anyone used Bioforge as a seed treatment and how was your response. I have had some farmers tell me yhey have been very pleased with it.
Andy Vance
I shared some thoughts and received some feedback on this issue at my blog a few days ago http://tinyurl.com/dn22fa – Some further thoughts for your consideration.
john blue
When an RSS feed is published it makes all content fair game for republishing at some level. That is the intent of an RSS feed. Google does the very thing of “scraping” and making the info available on their web sites. Yes, attribution should be done and it is considerate. But it is hard to enforce.
Interestingly, this is how Time Magazine got its start in the 1920′s; scrapping information from other sources and re-publishing them (with attribution).
john blue
And just as soon as I wrote the comment, this comes out:
A.P. to Take On Web Aggregators
* http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/business/media/07paper.html
Now this will be interesting to watch. Its all about the money Google generates by making information serachable.
Whitney Wallace
It’s no secret that ag leaders are some of the best networkers in the world. Why? I’ll go out on a limb betting 4-H and FFA have a hand in this. As a future college grad, I decided to join LinkedIn to reconnect with some of the folks in the industry that ARE NOT into Facebook. I find most of us college kids can hardly bear this thought, but it is true.
There’s nothing wrong with Facebook, but LinkedIn in offers a more professionally-minded audience for the all-so-important career search. If the extra login is what’s stopping you, don’t be too worried. LinkedIn is really low-maintenance once the initial set-up is complete. Somehow, I still find plenty of time to check my FB News Feed. And as a college student, that appears to remain very high on my list of priorities.
On a similar note, I found Amanda’s post via Twitter. (Just another technology I’ve recently started in search of great info.) Would you say it’s working so far?
Sharon S.
When one writes a bill with such sweeping language that does not specifically exclude small farmers, roadside veggies stands, and home gardens it causes confusion and apprehension.
So here is the question:
Wouldn’t this entire mess just be cleared up if simple language, you know the Keep It Simple Silly principle, was applied?
How about:
“No foodstuffs produced by American Citizens on their own property for their own consumption, sharing with neighbors or to supplement other hungry individuals during these Economically Challenging times shall be covered by HR 875.”
I mean – we expect results – let us tell the legislators what we want.
Maybe that is too simple – but look at the situation we are in now by writing thousand page Bills.
Martin Bristow
I’ve been on Linkedin for some time now but personally it hasn’t really done much for me, that said I haven’t invested much time in it so maybe I’m being a bit unfair. I would say it is probably of more use to people who own their own business or freelance rather than someone who is full-time employed like myself.
That said I completely agree with Whitney in that there are a lot of people on it who don’t use FB and it is far more professional (if a little less intuitive) all round.
Re Twitter I created an account the other day and haven’t used it since, just seems like the status updates component of FB without all the other good bits!
Jill Spiekerman
I’ve been on LinkedIn for about three years. I’ve found it very useful for a couple of things: staying in contact with students I’ve mentored over the years and staying in touch with collegues. Contacts are always up to date as long as the person you connect with is diligent about updating their information. I’ve found people that I worked with years ago and just lost track of them along the way. I mentor a lot of students and it helps me keep track of them after graduation. In addition, the job search function will help you find people who already work for a particular company, which helps you get your resume into the hands of people who will help you. I think it’s a great tool. My whole resume is there, including recommendations or “endorsements” from people at each position. It’s instant references for an HR manager. Good luck!
Cheryl
You can go to http://www.ping.fm to update all of your social networks at once. I have a LinkedIn profile but don’t use it much. If I were looking for a job, however, I’d be all over LinkedIn.
Laura
Hold the beef on Earth Day!
10. In the production of a single pound of beef, 11 times more greenhouse gas emissions result than during the production of 1 pound of chicken, and 100 times more than for a pound of carrots.
9. 16 pounds of grain are required to produce 1 pound of beef.
8. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is produced from both ends of cattle to the tune of approximately 100 million tons a year – a key factor in the acceleration of global warming.
7. Confined animal feeding operations (CAFO’s) produce approximately 500 million pounds of waste a year. One cow produces roughly 120 pounds of wet manure daily.
6. There are close to 100,000 feedlots in the United States alone.
5. 70% of grain grown in the United States is used by the meat industry.
4. Over 5,000 gallons of water are required to produce one pound of beef.
3. 70% of Amazonian rainforest, considered to be the lungs of the planet, is now occupied by pastures and feed crops – corn and soybeans to supply CAFO’s around the world.
2. Global warming and the destructive aspects of global climate change are caused in large measure by the burning of fossil fuels and industrial agriculture. 18% of greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to the raising of animals for consumption.
1. Giving up meat eating is the single most important and effective individual effort that can be made to make a difference in the health of the environment of the planet.
http://www.ByeByeBeef.com
Chuck
Thanks Laura.
Beef will always be what’s for dinner in my house. If you’re going to post statistics (most of which look meaningless to me and I really doubt #3) you might want to do some comparisons.
Like:
How many pounds of waste do you produce a year?
How much methane do you produce?
How much water do you use a year?
Mark Van Baale
Chuck, I just found out about #agchat tonight. I would love to attend a session here soon to see what others are talking about in regards to agriculture. Also very encouraging to see many farmers using Twitter now. If anyone feels free to follow me on Twitter, you can find me at http://twitter.com/markvanbaale. I am a direct marketing manager at John Deere and use Twitter to connect and interact with anyone.
Michele Payn-Knoper
Thanks for participating. Amazing tool we have in social media to bring together people around agriculture.
Bob GASKINS
Don’t you people [ the goverment ] think we have enough stinking laws , enforce the ones we allready have , you don’t even do that . We are tired of your medalling in our lives , read my lips , no more taxes , enforce the borders , protect this country, if you don’t like this country and your so dissatisified ,LEAVE , GO TO ANOTHER COUNTRY, IF YOU CAME HERE FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE, GO BACK . We eat meat , speak english, and beleive God . If you want to be part of this country, fine , stay , learn english, learn to live together , respect one another, but goverment works for us We don’t workfor you. Oh by the way , I would like to see Obama s birth certificate, not a problem right? Al You are an inconvenant truth. We Had Enough , Close congress, and stick ACORN up your A——–!
Bob GASKINS
As far as HR875 goes we’ll see this next election!
Idea Proliferation « Gate to Plate Blog by Michele Payn-Knoper
[...] [...]
Amanda
Thanks for all of your advice! I might have to seriously look into starting a LinkedIn account, especially since I will be a freelance writer on the lookout for new projects! I had never heard of ping.fm. That sounds great! I will have to check that out! Thanks for your help!
Elizabeth Gross
Interesting. I think that I’ll attend one of your sessions. We’ve been considering using twitter to reach our customers on a social level and I’d sure like to see how you are doing it.
Chuck
I’m sure we’d all like to welcome you to #agchat. It was a very good session and the pace kept it interesting. Good application of this tool.
Questions for you | Beef Daily
[...] all of you! And, now for that positive beef industry buzz…Preparing lean beef featured on PBSBeef Ambassador makes video to celebrate beef on Earth DayMartha Stewart cooks up delicious beef briskit on showNew E. coli vaccine for cattle gets [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Sunrise Soothes My Soul
[...] that when you stop by the ZimmComm booth you can register to win a very cool giveaway – HP Mini Netbook! Posted by Chuck • April 9, 2009 • 8:33 amCategories: [...]
Wrenn Pacheco
LOVED IT!
Thanks girls for stepping out of the box and representing!
Keep up the good work!
Wrenn Pacheco
Kathy
For anyone who’s scared of Twitter, don’t be! There are many great aspects to it, including the new #agchat group. Jump in!
Mary Ann
I caught wind of a new ag community forming on Twitter, thanks to the AgWired blog. >> Read full post
Eleanor Miller
Hey, Zimmcomm. You’ve really seized upon the new media and are making it work well for you. Tweet away!
Curt
It just goes to show that sometimes the best ideas originate on a bar napkin.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Agricultural FINDERBINDER
[...] Last year you got to meet Cory Cart, Agricultural FINDERBINDER here on AgWired. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Social Media - Beyond The Decision
[...] the panel members of the NAMA breakout session I’m moderating at the end of the week – “Social Media DOES Fit in Your Marketing Decision – Moving Beyond This Decision.” The panel members include David Coustan, Vice President, Digital, Edelman Digital, Kyle Flaherty, [...]
Larry Ensor
Incomplete is the winners name. Glad you had a good time. Too bad the weather was so nasty. You got a couple of good pics of our horse jumping.
Come back next year or try and make the Maryland Huntcup at the end of the month. 4 mile race, 5 foot fences.
Chuck
Thanks Larry. I had to leave quickly after that first race. Except for the wx I wish I could have stayed. Perhaps I can make it back next year.
Kim
Cattle farming and ranching families care about the environment, just like you.
America’s beef farmers and ranchers take many of the same steps to conserve as consumers do, including recycling, compositing and installing energy-efficient appliances and lightbulbs in their homes.
In addition, beef producers apply specilized environmental practices on farms and ranches to conserve and improve the natural resources that are critical to do business.
85 percent of farmers and ranchers say environmental conservation is important to their success.
On average, each beef producer has 13 different practices in place to accomplish environment goals such as nurturing wildlife, preventing erosion or conserving and protecting water.
terri
Great Job UNL!!!
patti herndon
I am proud of you UNL. You rock!
Southeast AgNET » Archive » GO GATOR NAMA - AGAIN!
[...] a photo of the winning team at friend and colleague Chuck Zimmerman’s AgWired website, at clicking here. CONGRATULATIONS again UF NAMA, and GO [...]
Southeast AgNET » Archive » GO GATOR NAMA - AGAIN!
[...] and see them do the Gator Chomp at friend and colleague Chuck Zimmerman’s AgWired website, by CLICKING HERE! CONGRATULATIONS again UF NAMA, and GO [...]
David Fornier
Quite interesting. For the record Anthony Serafini is his book THE EPIC HISTORY OF BIOLOGY also stresses the importance of thinking of new ways and new careers to use scientific knowledge; I think he mentioned using a biology background to consider a career in biomedical ethics
courtney
diane johnson
Chuck
Congratulations to alert AgWired reader, Courtney. You are correct and your prize will be in the mail as soon as I can get it there.
Cheryl
Loved the paper tractor format and very much appreciate the photos.
Albert E. Gator
Go GATORS!!!!!! 6 National Championships in 3 years! WOW!
Diane
INCREDIBLE. Wow, I’m yet to study the structure of it and how complex the design is. Think it will go up on the shelf for a conversation piece? Well, yes, why do you think they did it? Tractor business is going well….
Diane
Ha! I thought you would forget about them Chuck~ Come to Ag Media Summit this summer and you’ll see ‘em again. In fact I’ll take anyone who wants to go to the store where I got them so they can purchase a coordinating pair.
Steve
Without a doubt, one of the coolest promotions I’ve ever received. Luckily, the box included an inspection sheet with what I think is the name of the production company…and that went into my contact file.
AgWired » Blog Archives » A People’s Garden On Earth Day
[...] Earth Day? I don’t get it. What is there about this that engenders honor? During our #agchat session last night it was pointed out that maybe today is an opportunity to connect farming with consumers. [...]
Jared Huke
The correct links are http://www.hondogroup.com, http://www.hondogreen.com and lynn.balinas@hondogroup.com
Chuck
Thanks Jared. They’re fixed.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Get Aphid Alerts On Your Phone
[...] here to register. Commodity Update and ZimmComm are working on a new project to further develop AgWired Mobile. Hopefully we can roll that out soon. Posted by Chuck • April 23, 2009 • 10:19 [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » More on Twitter #agchat: Farm Slogans
[...] this week, Chuck summarized Tuesday’s #agchat session on Twitter. I joined in for the first time this week, and I wanted to discuss Question 5 on AgWired [...]
Equine Veterinarian
This commentary is not only an absurd rant, the “facts” stated in both the lead in and rant are misrepresentations. This is a poor excuse for journalism and the only relationship of this event to mainstream agriculture is, that it demonstrates the need to do a damned sight better at educating ranchers/other agriculturists about range management. FYI, this is the second time this moron did this-the first event was with cattle.
Leah
Sorry it is not HSUS that is on the ground helping these horses, but Habitat for Horses, a rescue group for horses based in Texas that have been there since day one when the truth came out.
100,000 + horses were sent to Mexico and Canada for slaughter last year and more this year. So what happened at this ranch has nothing to do with HSUS or any anti-groups causing a problem or lack of horse slaughter.
As far as I know wild horses cannot be sent to slaughter and the BLM who is suppose to be in charge for the care of these horses has been taking the land that was suppose to be for the mustangs and giving it for a fee to the cattle industry. So BLM has been getting money to take care of the horses and at the same time getting money from the cattle industry for grazing rights. If BLM had never taken the horses out of their given right to our public lands that had been set aside for them we would not have this problem.
PETA has nothing to do with the horse issues and HSUS has taken little time to support the end of horse slaughter in the last two years, so the problem is not these organizations, but the horse industry themselves.
Their over breeding and lack of control of their own industry is what is the problem. They for to long have had no programs, incentives or guidelines that should be in place to control the whole issue of unwanted horses.
Start at the beginning and take responsibility for the breeding of horses and there would be no unwanted horses thus no slaughter.
Get the cattle industry off our private BLM lands and return the wild horses to where they belong and we would not have had what happened at 3 Strikes.
In closing we slaughter 10 billion animals for food each year. Each day supermarkets and butcher shops all across this nation discard and send to rendering plants meat that could not be sold. Do we need horse slaughter to add to those numbers and more discarded meat?
Lynn
Holy cow or should I say hamburger. Didn’t take you long to get this all out of proportion. The Cowboy who owned the ranch was starving the poor horses. How is that HSUS or PETA’s fault? And these poor horses were going to get another chance since the BLM had to take them off their range to make room for more cattle to graze on public lands for pennies. And please call horse slaughter what it is, horrible, torturous death not humane harvest. You don’t harvest horses! They are live, living things not green plants. And by the way, horse meat does not feed the poor starving hungry of the world only rich gourmet eating Europeans and Japanese. And keep you head in the sand like always and leave the rescuers do their job and save these American Icons of Freedom if they can.
Sandra Inselman
Oh Please——-so it’s alright to starve these horses and not give help????? The rescuers who are, are not vegans, PETA-related, nor do they have a desire to stop hunting, fishing,cattle ranching,etc.I feel that someone needs to give respect to Horses, who are, if you did not know,are on quarters of 4 states, flags of 5 states!! Some believe in their humane treatment and protection. Horse slaughter is not humane euthanasia, no matter what you are led to believe.
Pamela Stiefel Gerla
Mr. Henkel, had you been following the story re: 3 strikes ranch, I doubt that you would feel the need to rant and rave. That’s right, rave, because you’re not coming across with any credibility when you don’t have any factual background. Maybe you should read a book once in awhile? I only suggest this because my family has been in the cattle business in Southern CA for 4 generations, and what is being done is trying to save a small vestige of what used to be the Northern Plains with the animals that are one it.
I suggest you get out of “your backyard”, and take a broader look and get some factual information instead of spreading rumors while you’re at it. This is certainly not a PETA project.
Pamela Stiefel Gerla
Mr. Henkel, had you been following the story re: 3 strikes ranch, I doubt that you would feel the need to rant and rave. That’s right, rave, because you’re not coming across with any credibility when you don’t have any factual background. Maybe you should read a book once in awhile? I only suggest this because my family has been in the cattle business in Southern CA for 4 generations, and what is being done is trying to save a small vestige of what used to be the Northern Plains with the animals that are indigenous to it, and I don’t mean the Spaniards who brought the 3nd wave of the equine species to the Americas.
I suggest you get out of “your backyard”, and take a broader look and get some factual information instead of spreading rumors while you’re at it. This is certainly not a PETA project.
Ellieroo
Holy smokes, what and where do your ideas come from? The man who ran this “rescue” simple stopped feeding his HIS horses and darn if they didn’t start dying. The people there trying to Help these horses have no other agenda than feeding and watering horses that have seen neither in months! Take your paranoia somewhere else.There are a lot of caring everyday people out there who have had little food or rest for themselves while caring for these horses and not one them is thinking about you and Your mistaken agenda.
Margaret Smith
“Harvesting these old horses”?????? What a crock of BS. There are foals and yearlings in this bunch. This man abused and neglected these animals. I don’t think anyone twisted his arm to take them. He was too proud to ask for help when he got in over his head. Mr. Henkel, you make me want to vomit with your assumptions and misleading ideas. Get real, this is a case of animal abuse. Oh yeah, why do we butcher cattle and harvest horses?? No matter what you call it, horse slaughter is still INHUMANE!!!! BEEF, IT’S WHAT’S FOR DINNER!!! At least at my house.
Chuck
Regarding HSUS involvement in this you can find this post today on their Twitter feed:
In Nebraska aiding in the rescue of 200 mustangs – more to come.
#hsusemergency – SH
about 3 hours ago from TwitterMail
HumaneSociety
HSUS
http://twitter.com/HumaneSociety/status/1595859533
Monika Courtney
Craig Henkel, you are as pathetic as the mismanagement of BLM. This is where the source of the mustangs’ plight lays… the good almighty BLM. There are no unwanted horses, only mismanaged ones, taken from the range where they belong and where there is sufficient space/resources for them to begin with. All data presented by BLM and their croonies are misrepresentations of true facts. Maybe you ought to do your homework and read up on this.
Read this: Craig C. Downer, Wildlife Ecologist, Author: Wild Horses: Living Symbols of Freedom
Wild horses belong in the wild. Period.
vicki tobin
Mr. Henkel, what an excellent job of fabricating facts. Crops are harvested, not living beings. What happened at 3 Strikes has no relation to the availability of slaughter.
You are correct with one point – it could have been avoided. If the mustangs weren’t removed from their land in the first place so more cattle could be added to the 6 million, this wouldn’t have happened.
I’m sure Jerry Finch at Habitat for Horses and Jill Start at LifeSavers Wild Horse Rescue appreciate your overlooking the fact that they dropped everything to head to NE to help the horses. That’s what they do – put the horses first – something that you obviously don’t understand.
Amanda
In defense of Mr. Henkel…
Craig Henkel is an individual that truly cares about the well-being of these horses. The reason he wrote so passionately in his message was to ignite action, intelligent conversation and debate about the issues of mistreatment of animals, the loss of horse slaughter for old, ill and unwanted horses and the dangers of the HSUS’s agenda to abolish animal agriculture.
I agree that horses should never be mistreated, and I sincerely wish that this situation wouldn’t have occurred. However, I believe the HSUS is there to gain media attention to push forward other items on their agenda. I believe animals have rights. They have rights to a quality life with adequate food, water, space and shelter. However, I don’t believe animals should be treated “humanely.” This means they are like humans, which they are not. I’m disappointed that this rancher didn’t ask for help when he needed it, and I’m sad to know that there are so many old and crippled horses that have no place to go. I don’t stand beside the bad apples in the agriculture industry, but I don’t believe all ranchers should be lumped into these situations. There are food producers that dedicate their lives as stewards of the land and care givers to livestock.
Finally, by posting this message, I was hoping to keep everyone informed of this situation. I will post updates as they progress. Word is these horses will be out of the fairgrounds by Sunday and will be adopted and shipped to Texas next week. I appreciate the discussion on this blog post, and I hope that the truth will be unveiled as the story unfolds.
Respectfully,
Amanda Nolz
AgWired » Blog Archives » It’s 91 degrees Fahrenheit!
[...] that my sister and I had signed up for a half marathon in Brookings, S.D. on May 16, 2009. In my blog post, I told everyone how I joined Team ZIP (Zinc, Iron and Protein), is a group of runners who believe [...]
Nona
Jason neglecting these horses has nothing to do with horse slaughter.
Sure, the midwest is Pro Slaughter, and the vet ( Furman) even mentioned
in conversation, WELL, YOU KNOW, THEY CLOSED DOWN THE SLAUGHTER PLANTS,. That is when I interrupted the conversation.
SO? closing slaughter plants, what does that have to do with anything?
Mr. Henkel, where do you get your information? Better check it again,
or is it from Sue Wallis?
If you knew much of anything these horses WERE NOT OLD, AND SICK AND THIN. And you are one sorry soul to give incorrect information on this story. If you knew anything at all, the kill buyers want the horses fat, healthy and young. the average horse that goes to slaughter now from the UNITED STATES is 7 years old.
Yes they still slaughter our AMERICAN HORSES.Mostly Quarter Horses
This is total irresponsibility on Jasons part just as it is for those that
over breed. The racing industry over breeds; or have you not seen the paper lately about that seizure in New York?
Notice the big problems with horses, that they are Hoarders and even kill buyers busted with horses dying and neglected.
Hello, the kill buyer form the NW had chances to haul them to Canada.
Yet she starved them.
Notice the economy lately? ALL THE BREEDERS ARE GETTING HIT HARD.
Is that the fault of the HSUS? I am sure it is!!!!!!!!!!!
Dog and cats are everywhere burdening the shelters, and the breeders
now come out of the woodwork because of the economy.
I wonder how much the cattlemen pay your sorry self to give misinformation?
What have the horses done to mankind to deserve this? Not a Darn thing.
21 Polo Ponies killed by some human, oh gosh, is it because the slaughter plants closed in the United States?
The BLM have killed enough of our wild horses and whatever is Jason’s problem, who knows. It is all GREED.
HORSES ARE USED FOR HUMAN GREED.
Foreign companies want to open slaughter plants for THEIR BENEFIT.
And the Americans will pay the price dearly.
Henkel, you are one disgusting ‘person.” If Person can even be used.
Get the Facts in the future.
Equine Veterinarian
Amanda,
HSUS sent 12 people there from their disaster team to get these horses out with as many lives saved as possible. They were alerted to this situation a month or more ago because of the magnitude of the problem. Seizures on this scale require emergency management and that is what these groups are doing. This problem has nothing to do with the slaughter issue-none of these horses was going to slaughter and none will be going to slaughter. This has to do with an individual that apparently lacked the skills to manage animals and forage conditions, and was willing to allow his animals to starve on more than one occasion. This is arrogance and animal abuse and nothing more. This has occurred likely since animals were domesticated and it will continue-it is not a new phenomenon. It has nothing to do with availability of slaughter within the US.
Reyna
Sorry Amanda, your understanding of the words “humane” or “humanely” is incorrect. Neither word means or implies animals are like humans or draws any sort of relationship between the two.
Humanely is definied by several major dictionaries as:
- Characterized by kindness, mercy, or compassion
- Characterized by tenderness, compassion, and sympathy for people and animals, esp. for the suffering or distressed
- Marked by compassion, sympathy, or consideration for humans or animals
Now, you are certainly free to argue and believe that animals are entitled to food, water and shelter, but are not entitled to compassion or kindness. That is your right.
I have to wonder about the connections being drawn between the slaughter plants being closed and these horses. And the connection being drawn between the guy running this horse ranch and food producing ranchers, too.
There is zero indication that this guy was sending old, unwanted horses off to slaughter and now that the plants are closed, he was forced to let them starve (he claims they were poisoned, by the way). And how many true food producing ranchers do you know that distribute shirtless photos of themselves with their livestock?
Honest to goodness ranchers aren’t under attack here. Local authorities called in a rescue, who in turn called in the HSUS for help. So instead of the slippery slope, chicken little “OMG THEY’RE GOING TO BAN BEEF” nonsense, just call it like it is – an animal hoarding crackpot who just happens to wear wranglers and call himself a cowboy got busted for animal abuse. End of story.
Craig
First, I would like to correct my misinformation; No BLM horses can be harvested, or slaughtered as some of you prefer.
The rest of my comments are true.
In reply to some of YOUR comments;
1)I did not know this is the second time for “this moron”, maybe that’s where the name for the ranch comes? Anyone who abuses animals to this degree should never have the honor and priveledge of raising livestock.
2)Yes, HSUS is here, and both they and PETA are wanting the end of meat consumption.
3)Horse meat was not consumed in U.S. it was shipped abroad.
4)If these ragged old horses are your “American Icons of Freedom”, you need to get your head out of the sand. If I were to pick an Icon of Freedom, I think I’d choose a veteran.
5)If HSUS wanted to help these horses immedietly, why didn’t they get some feed to the ranch and get it to the animals. They could’ve gotten a better response from locals if HSUS wasn’t involved.
6) The BLM land is land that no one could make a living from when the land was homesteaded. There is no use for it other than grazing, in order to return a dollar.
7) Are some of you proposing birth control for the wild animals now?
I can send some REAL cowboys to help you round up for the birth control experiment, right after they finish up here with HSUS.
Chuck
Thank you Craig for taking the time to comment.
You’ve made one very good observation about these anti-animal ag folks that can’t be emphasized enough and that is how they like to find and observe isolated incidents like this one so they can sensationalize them instead of conducting immediate action to relieve the activity they claim to hate. I think it shows their lack of sincerity very clearly.
Some of the people commenting need to realize that while they have strong emotions about this issue, so do the responsible people in agriculture and the horse business who are being painted with a broad brush thanks to these wacko groups who we see taking advantage of this situation.
I’m glad I live in a country where we have the freedom to speak freely and the tools that allow this “conversation.” There are many that don’t. I applaud Amanda for the courage to post this and her comment. We’re proud of her.
I’ll pick a veteran as an American Icon of Freedom any day too.
Reyna
Craig,
You’re still making zero sense with your “HSUS is here, the sky is falling” commentary.
Can you please draw a connection between the closure of the three horse slaughter plants and these starved horses? Seems this guy Jason has had this many horses for some time. Now it’s your opinion that people were dumping unwanted horses on the guy in such large numbers because of the slaughter plant closures that he had to let them all starve. Jason himself isn’t even making this claim – he says their poor condition is due to being poisoned. So is it that PETA and the HSUS are responsible for poisoning these horses just so they can get press?
Instead of circling the wagons and letting the paranoia set in about the animal rights folks coming to take your livelihood away, you’d do a lot better to out the guy as an animal abuser, do what you can to help (you know, since you’re a good, caring rancher kinda guy) and publicize the fact that ranchers will not tolerate abuse in their community because they are good people. If y’all did this sort of thing within YOUR community, HSUS would get no support from anyone ever.
I eat meat, wear leather and am A-OK with horse slaughter. What I have little tolerance for is this “humane harvesting” euphemism nonsense, the lie that only old, lame, unwanted horses go to slaughter and the ridiculous paranoia that the USA is going to be 100% vegan by 2012 if PETA has their way.
And frankly, if PETA/HSUS does get their way, big Ag and the ranchers who support the “anything goes for almighty dollar” mentality will be to blame.
Wanna win the fight with PETA/HSUS? Next time you have a downed cow with a broken leg or pelvis, don’t drag her outta the trailer, beating and prodding her, dragging her to her ultimate death. Get a video camera and film yourself shooting the cow to put her out of her misery and send her off to be rendered. Post THAT on YouTube with an explanation that yes, these things happen, it ain’t pretty for a city slicker, but it’s a hard fact about the business. But see here, most ranchers do the right, humane thing with their stock. 99.9% of America will understand that and PETA/HSUS will wither and die.
Leah
Anyone remember the Pony Express that brought this country together through hours and miles with the mail that connected this nation? I doubt any of you do. If we were to have an icon of this nation it should have been the horse, not the Bald Eagle.
These horses are BLM mustangs and cannot be sent to slaughter.Harvesting is just another word to make a bad thing sound nice. It is all the nice little words the Ag and pro slaughter people want us to think about when we think of horses for food production, but these animals are not a food source and never will be. America does not eat its horses and should not send them to Mexico or Canada for slaughter.
From my sources no one knew about what was going on until three days ago and HSUS just got envolved today. The people that have been there has been Jerry Finch with Habitat for Horses and the volunteers that have been working day and night to save what is left.
These horses are in the condition they are in because one man did not do right by these horses and should be punished to the full extent of state and federal laws.
Sharon C
Here we go yet again!!!!
Craig, you are very ill informed and obviously have not followed this story close.
Habitat for horses went out there after confirmation of a problem and ended up in the position to round up hundreds of horses.
Are you aware these are wild horses who need medical attention? Do you know what it takes to get these horses in chutes and get them out of there?
Are you aware that HSUS has gone to LA (hurricane Katrina) and to CA (wildfires) to help get the horses there out of harms way and to safety? Mind you, those horses were owned by several different people.
Here we have a situation of one man, who received funds for these horses, who, for whatever reason, did not care for them. Of course HSUS has every right to be there and should be there for these horses.
This is an awful situation, we have the BLM rounding these horses up, expressing that they need to round them up because the grazing situation and lack of grazing on free roaming land. They then place them with Jason to train them and make them available for adoption. It is a tragedy that these horses were rounded up in the first place and if BLM is sincere in their “concern” then they just sentenced these horses to being starved to death. Personally, they would have had a better chance of survival if they were left alone to begin with. But then, that would take away land for the precious cattle. BTW, horses grazed for centuries on our land without a problem, now cattle has created the problem. Do some homework, see how cattle destroys the grass from the roots, not the horses. Yet, the horses get rounded up, go figure!
Also, I want horse slaughter stopped, I am not a member of HSUS or PETA, I am an American who simply wants this stopped!
BTW, these are NOT old and unwanted horses, did you see how many wild mustangs have been trained for border patrol by inmates? Do you homework and stop with the misinformed rant!
Craig
Apparently some of you need me to type a little slower so you can understand.
HSUS wants all animals liberated from their human captors. Just like the Star Trek and Planet of the Apes movies you watched as a kid, while I was out learning how to care for the Good Lord’s creatures.
You see the Lord above gave me a brain and a heart to use for the betterment of mankind, with care and kindness I have the ability to feed many people around this entire world. I take the best care I can of his creatures, and they provide for you and I.
I’m gonna come back here and post some links to more truth about HSUS, I can’t believe you guys think they are Ag’s friend. Maybe this crack problem has gotten out of control !!!!!
How come HSUS sat on that video of animal abuse at the Chino California plant until it was more politically opportune for them to bring the case to light?
If HSUS has been on this horse rescue story for “a month or so ago”, how come it just came to public notification two days ago?
There is plentiful hay supplies in the very near vicinity, I would’ve gladly donated some, if HSUS wasn’t involved. Maybe they had to drag their feet until they were ready to handle the situation politically? I don’t know, why don’t you HSUS experts tell me?
If anyone were to mishandle my livestock, I’d take action immediately and correct them and get them off the property. There is no room for politics when it comes to proper care of livestock.
One of you above said “these horses were not old & sick & thin”, THEN WHAT IS THE RESCUE EFFORT FOR? How come there are piles of dead carcasses on the ranch?
Slaughter houses want fat, healthy and young horses? Yes, there probably was a premium for them, but a thin old nag doesn’t have many other uses than Elmers glue either.
And if a horse were to go to slaughter today, it would HAVE to be in darn good condition in order to make it across the border for a very very abusive(Mexico) end to their existence. To bad they can’t get a quick and humane end here in the U.S. anymore.
Cattlemen didn’t pay me a thing to write what I did, THE TRUTH IS FREE !!!
“Honest to goodness ranchers are not under attack here”, Give me a break. You guys (HSUS & PETA) are so good at lying. Have you ever considered a career in used car sales? I suppose you couldn’t sell something with leather seats though.
“So is it that PETA & HSUS are responsible for poisoning these horses just so they can get press?” I wouldn’t doubt it. They’ve killed 90+% of the animals they “rescued” in ’08. But usually they don’t resort to such cruel methods of euthanizing the animals they “take in”. Maybe this way they have a scapegoat.
“Anything goes for the almighty dollar”. That’s absurd. Ranchers have the responsibility of providing a safe, nutritious and affordable meal to the consumer. We don’t get that result by mistreating or abusing animals, period.
How dare anyone put words in my mouth about how I would treat a down animal.
I treat all animals with respect, under the watchful eye of the Lord above. He knows what’s in my heart at all times, and he gives me the strength and courage to give those animals the best I can to provide the best for the consumers. Even Jesus was a fisherman you know.
How would I tie these horses to lack of harvesting facilities? Well, these horses were through the process of BLM adoption programs, and these particular horses were the ones that could not be adopted. Not adoptable because of bad attitude, disposition etc. So the BLM marked these horses with a “U”, as in UNFIT. They had to sell very cheap or give them away to ranches like the one in trouble now. HSUS has a contract with BLM for some part of these chain of events. I don’t remember where this link is, but it’s there.
So now you have unfit horses roaming ranchland just existing until they get bad hooves and go lame to die and feed the coyotes, or they lose some teeth or wear the teeth off unevenly or completely wear the teeth off and can no longer eat properly and then they starve to death. An Icon of Freedom? Sounds like an inhumane death to me.
Did you think their heart just gives out quietly at some ripe old age? You’re confusing animals with humans again.
Best of luck.
Joyce
I can not believe the stupidity of Mr. Henkel’s opinion.
According to the USDA over 92% of the horses sent to slaughter were young and in good condition – not old, sick and crippled. How can you possibly claim that it would ever be considered humane to ship crippled horses hundreds to thousands of miles to a slaughter plant while being packed into a trailer with 40 other equines? How could you believe it’s perfectly fine to introduce sick animals into the food supply? Not to mention the fact that horses are often given substances such as dewormers, steriods, bute and others that are banned from use in food producing animals.
The situation with 3Strikes has absolutely nothing to do with the closure of the last three US horse slaughter facilities. This is evidenced by the fact that horses can still be sent to slaughter plants in Canada and Mexico. Meduna chose to starve these horses just as people choose to abandon and starve dogs and cats.
Meduna was not capable or competent enough to care for hundreds of horses. One has to place at least some of the blame on the BLM. Why did they continue to send horses to 3Strikes without verifying the conditions of the existing horses?
Ending the slaughter of American horses has absolutely nothing to do with consumption of cattle. Beef is, and always has been, the preferred meat choice of Americans. We’ve been fighting to end horse slaughter for decades and still haven’t accomplished this yet. It would take a centuries long effort to even begin to convince Americans to give up beef. It simply isn’t going to happen.
With regard to the HSUS being in your ‘backyard’, the HSUS is a national organization, they’ve alway been in your backyard. Are you really so paranoid that you think that the 10+ NDART volunteers that are helping with the 3Strikes horses have such power that they will eliminate the consumption of beef in Nebraska before they leave? I believe they have enough to do with helping the horses.
No Mr. Henkel, the sky is not falling although your illogical assumptions does make one question what exactly is in the air in Nebraska….
Amanda
I think we can agree on one thing. The mistreatment of these animals is a sad, unfortunate event. With charges against the owner, I believe this situation should not go unpunished. The horse slaughter issue is definitely a multi-faceted issue that ignites passionate discussion amongst the readers.
I want to applaud Mr. Henkel for his efforts to educate everyone about the secret agenda of the HSUS. Without a doubt, they are doing a good job at the ranch in helping to alleviate the situation, although I believe it is wrong that they are shipping the animals away. Why not give them the immediate care and attention they need right at the facilities? Why put them through more stress with shipment? My point is, HSUS may be there to save the day today, but the truth of the matter is, they are no friends to good, honest farmers and ranchers either. They want to abolish animal agriculture in this country, and I believe that is why Mr. Henkel so passionately distrusts the HSUS.
Please remember to keep the comments respectful to ensure a quality debate. Mr. Henkel is a real person, and I don’t want anyone to forget that the words we type online are as hurtful as saying them to someone’s face. Thanks for the dialogue everyone. I will keep posting updates as the story unfolds. I’m praying these horses are getting the adequate care and medical attention they need and deserve.
Respectfully,
Amanda Nolz
Responsible Horse Lover
Bravo Amanda and Craig! Here’s a fact that isn’t mentioned… this guy that’s being hung has actually been rescuing horses since early 2005 AND actually had taken on animals from 3+ other rescues that went under – I’m not sure what happened (hard times and too proud?? Sad if that’s the case and not excusable)…. AND as for HSUS – they knew about this a month ago?? Didn’t do a damn thing… waited for Habitat for Horses to take on the unwanted horses and now are screaming they are the heros?? I’m sure their donations are rolling in once again!! Also note: the BLM immediately took the animal that they are legally responsible for AND THEY were the ones that started the investigation – without them, there would have been many more animals dead!
Patricia A. Cornell
Dear AG. Friends, I have absolutely no agenda for stopping the eating of a good steak and shudder when I see PETA involvement in anything. Their radical beliefs overshadow any of the good they have done.I do NOT believe horse slaughter is humane. Just a few questions to show the difference between horses and cattle–when was the last time you taught your child to ride on a steer?? When was the last time you went to see cows Run for the Roses?? When was the last time you went on a trail ride on a bull??? Have you run the barrels lately on a cow??? Horses are plain and simply different from cattle. Please quit confusing the two. I do put my money where my mouth is—-own 12 horses, 10 elderly, which according to you should have been sent to be “harvested”. Sincerely, “MissPat”
AgWired » Blog Archives » Watching Washinton With NAFB
[...] one situation these folks have gotten involved in you might want to check out Amanda’s post, “HSUS In Nebraska” and the comments posted so far. Feel free to weigh in [...]
Mrs. T
This hysterical and emotion based piece shows that the writer has little factual information about horse slaughter. There are livestock auctions all over the U.S. where an irresponsible horse owner can sell their animal to slaughter so slaughter is still an option.
According to USDA documents, however, over 90% of the American horses slaughtered are young, healthy, not lame, and in good weight. The foreign owned horse slaughter industry is not a public service for ill and starved horses. Think about it people–they are butchers who pay by the pound!
The supporters of horse slaughter claim that everyone who wants a ban on horse slaughter must be a wild-eyed animal activist, a vegetarian, and a member of PETA. News Alert: The majority of Americans, in every poll taken, oppose horse slaughter and are not crazy activists, vegetarians, or members of PETA. Mr. Henkel and his defenders might consider lying down with a cool cloth on their foreheads until their feverish, misinformed conclusions have dissipated.
TENNESSEE
HSUS is bad news anywhere anytime. If they are for it you can bet that any sane American will be against it. If they would spent just 10 percent of the funds they collect from people who don’t know or won’t believe the truth, for animal relief then these horses would not be a problem. hsus and peta kill thousands of animals annually. This is their agenda. No animal use period.
Steve
Craig, I think that you have a very valid concern here, but the subject is one that invokes strong emotions. You are using rational, and the other perspective, being emotional, will not be swayed by your arguments.
I’d like to know who has actually contributed money to feed these animals? I’m just guessing that the HSUS will be using this as propaganda to fund raise, but how much money have they actually contributed to this issue? How much do you suppose it costs to keep these animals alive? There is an animal rights group out there that bears full responsibility for those horses dying. Which one of you wants to take that responsibility?
Horse friend
Truth is HSUS didnt help with the care because that is not part of their Program! They are about telling others what to do and how to do it.While sitting back and collecting money from people who have been fooled to think that money does go to feed animals like this.
Check out the tax returns is all I can say.Truth can be seen.
Lynn
Craig, Seeing as how you can correct your miss information and feel that makes up for all the other untruths, I guess I can try to correct my misspoken words. What I meant to say was the wild horse is the Icon of the American Free Spirit, just look at all the car commercials and see how they show the horse running free on the range not hanging in a cold locker. I’m sure you will still find something wrong with that too but hay you think its OK to send horses to a torturous, suffering death. I do agree with you on one point, a Veteran should be the Icon of American Freedom. My Dad would have been proud to see that happen. But then if one is against war, they have their own ideas, as you have about horse slaughter being good for horses and that only the old, dangerous and sick horses are slaughtered. Maybe you should not be sitting at your computer and you should go out there and try to help instead of creating all this friction here. Go see for yourself how everyday people are helping these poor horses not just HSUS. Go out in the sun and see the light of day!
Reyna
Actually, Steve, Craig seems to be the one ranting emotionally at the moment. We all know HSUS has a political arm that has some wacky ideas, we are not idiots and most of us don’t agree with them at all. I’m not a member of PETA or HSUS and never will be. Again, I eat meat, wear leather and come from families that raised beef, meat birds, have laying hens and hunts, so your assumptions are just that, baseless ASSumptions. But that isn’t the point.
Still, there is zero connection between these animals and the plant closures. The man is a hoarder and had no intention of sending those horses to slaughter even if there were a slaughter house in every county of the USA. He was “training” them with his own “method” and busy taking sexy pictures of himself on horseback and posting them online. Your point is not valid, sorry.
And Craig, I didn’t say how you personally deal with your livestock. What I suggested was that if you don’t want to be put out of business by PETA/HSUS, that you, as in ALL ranchers, deal with animal processing (and abuse in the industry) out in the open. Show city slicker Americans that you work hard to bring food to their table efficiently, but with general respect for the animals. If ranchers in this area came together to expose this guy and to care for these horses, HSUS would never have the opportunity to step foot in that town. They’d have no pathetic video or photos to use for a fund raising campaign and press and the hardworking ranching folks would be the white hats.
The more you pretend abuse doesn’t exist or the longer you spend pointing your fingers back at the people stepping up to care for animals in these situations, the stronger HSUS/PETA becomes. It’s not rocket science.
And to Responsible Horse Lover, too proud? The guy has been begging for donations across the internet for ages. And he was getting loads of them. Without non-profit status. Lord only knows where the money went. In over his head or just an egotistical scam artist, hard to say.
But as is often the case, using logic here is like screaming into the wind.
KM
Steve, I am like you. I wonder how much money HSUS will contribute to get these horses back to being healthy and how much BLM is willing to pay also. Was Jason paid monthly for the care of these BLM horses? If so why was it not enough to keep them in hay / feed? I would like to hear the media report on why HSUS didn’t do anything a month ago if they did indeed know. How many of those 60 dead horses where still alive then? Maybe the fatality count would not have been so high. People like Jason are afraid to call the authorities for help knowing that these animal rights groups only want to make them martyrs. Maybe he had no resources to feed the horses and had asked for help. That part of the story has not been told. I am not a supporter of Jason and do not know him. I just wonder where things went wrong. He obviously loves horses or he would never taken on this many horses. If you look at the numbers of horses slaughtered a year before the band and closure of slaughter plants in the U.S. it is well over that 60,000 mark and had been close to that for many years. It is those unwanted horses that are now in rescue facilities across the country or are being abandoned by owners because they are told that the rescue facility has a waiting list and it is either food on the table for their children or hay for the horse. Has congress made any financial commitment to help expand these rescue facilities and help pay for the expenses of these horses? I would guess that answer is no. I do not even know if there has even been viable discussion to provide financial help. Oh I forgot we bailed out the fat fanny’s and frank’s and so we have no money for horses. But truly, I wonder how much of the expense of this is going to come back to the county in Nebraska where this is happening. I am sure that as in most situations it will come back to the expense of the law enforcement that initially got permission from the county judge to remove these horses from the owner. In other words it will be the tax payer that pays for this one too…..
Maybe providing Europe with a safe edible meat ( Cattle having MCD) isn’t so bad for the horse after all. It surely could not be any worse that being starved to death.
Steve
Read this.
http://is.gd/s5Kp
Still trust HSUS? They’re just in it for money and power.
Joie
Everyone has already thoroughly exhausted every possible topic for discussion and debate in the comments of this thread, but I’d just like to make one point: HSUS and PETA are *not* the same organization and have very different methods and goals. I’m not a part of either of these organizations so I can’t speak for them, but I daresay neither one wants to be confused with the other. The HSUS has no interest in preventing people from owning pets–rather, they encourage you to adopt and care for pets–and they’re not trying to destroy agriculture, they’re only trying to secure humane treatment for the animals on whom so many lives and livelihoods depend.
I think treating animals with kindness is a goal everyone commenting here shares–as Amanda pointed out, the mistreatment of these animals is the crime and the tragedy here. Let’s just be thankful for any groups that are putting forth an effort to help–ranchers or animal welfare groups–regardless of whatever anyone may perceive as their motives for helping.
Steve
Lynn, with all do respect, I think it has come across that Craig is involved with agriculture, probably quite deeply, and probably has more at stake in this than you.
I am involved with ag too, and as I see it, now more than ever it is important to us, ag, to stand up for our beliefs and positions. Your views are not held exclusively by yourself, and knowingly or not, the policies and programs that you and others support have consequences that you may have no idea of. Without Craig speaking out, would you have known that there where even two sides to this issue? Craig has probably taken time to sit at his computer and stand up for what he believes, at the cost of time that he could be working on something profitable.
I admire his standing up to what he, and others like him, believe is a threat to ag.
I wonder if you may be best served by your own advice “Go out in the sun and see the light of day”. There is far more going on in this situation than meets the casual observer’s eye. Loose the bias, and dig a little for yourself
Mr.Ed
Who can I call when I can’t afford to feed my horses because I have come upon hard times? Will HSUS, or Habitat for Horses, or at worst PETA send me some money to keep my horses fed until I get back on my feet financially so I dont have to choose between my horses or kids. I can go get some welfare for my family and become a tax burden just like these wild horses are becoming. I would haul my horses to a sale barn but some are no value and they want a deposit before unloading the horses. They will give me back the deposit if someone buys them. They say they need a deposit because if no one buys them they have to pay for removal of the no value horse from their sale facilities. I also have a 6yr old gelding that has become lame that I would like to let somebody have for the $3000 that he cost. This is a good looking registered quarter horse and broke to ride. If someone were willing to rescue this horse and give him a good home until he dies I would probably take $1500. I sure hope somebody will take me up on this offer as it makes me sick to have to put him down with a gun. The reason I want the money is so I can give another USEABLE horse a good home as long as you good people are willing to help me buy hay. If only there was a local slaughter plant I could haul him myself, and that way I know for sure that he wont have to endure someone buying him to ride or being hauled around the US until he finally meets the same gun I will have to use. Mr. Ed says 1100 miles to the end, loaded and unloaded, coggins tested and standing next to a back biter, OH thats right these are all nice horses I will be riding with on the trailer. Hey I will probably get to ride with a horse or two wearing a US freeze brand, as long as their owner had them long enough to get title. Sure hope I end up in Canada and not Mexico. Maybe they will turn me out in the road ditch were I can dodge cars or maybe dump me in a pasture, sure hope if the water freezes in the winter there is snow on the ground. Dont know where the end is but I hope it is quick. Some of you will say they cant haul a lame horse, but Im not that lame. I will get past any vet inspection for transportation. I just can’t do my owners work anymore but maybe one of you horse huggers will give me shelter for the next 18 or so yrs.
BigJim
Well, if this bunch of imbeciles doesn’t take the cake! They invite Wayne Pacelle to speak and then they start acting like the idiots they are before his speech. My Dad was a farmer and a damn good one. He taught me over 60 years ago to never comment on something in which you know nothing about. You troublemakers would do well to do the same! Mr. Pacelle is a very well educated man who successfully operates an extremely well-respected organization. Just ask the millions and millions of HSUS members. How many members do you folks have? Do the whole world a favor: Get on your John Deere tractors attach a microphone and ride off into the sunset…never to be seen nor heard from again!
Chuck
LOL BigJim and the same back at ya. We know all the true facts about HSUS we need to.
tracy
wow anyone thinking the HSUS cares about helping animals would ask why they didnt take there millions to help feed the animals .
the hsus is the biggest lie in the animal movement.
if they cared they would set up ranches of there own to take in the unwanted horses the laws the forced threw created .
the HSUS IS A TERRORIST GROUP AGAINST HUMANS.
Pete
It never ceases to amaze me that people cannot participate in a civil discourse but can only respond by making ad hominem attacks on the person they disagree with. I speak directly to Sharon, Joyce and Nona.
I’m sure you are all left-leaning; is that your idea of tolerance? Call people stupid or disgusting because they disagree with you?
Several people have said that the BLM doesn’t need to get rid of any of the horses on public land. I don’t know where that misinformation comes from. but it is wrong. The public lands out west provide poor quality vegetation and are horribly overgrazed. The only way to manage the range is to limit the number of livestock.
This particular incident doesn’t have anything to do with the ban on horse slaughter since the owner was buying these horses to try to resell them. That does not change the fact that the ban will have serious repercussions and will result in this sort of thing happening again.
mcgrewfarmer
The same day this story broke in the local press, there was also a story about a 3 month old child murdered by her own father. When you animal right wackos exhibit the same distain for the loss of human life, especially the most vulnerable among us, the unborn, as you show for these horses, then we can have an intelligent conversation. You pick and choose what form of life you will protect, which shows your bias. Most animal rights groups are also mostly pro-abortion. When you examine your values on the whole, you are found wanting.
D. Masters
Boy, some of you folks are absolutely paranoid and or misinformed or intentionally putting some of the most moronic trash in print I have ever seen.
Seems people with many different backgrounds and mindsets found a way to come together to help out with this disgusting situation. Others seem to take the opportunity to bash HSUS and whine about no domestic horse slaughter plants (sorry, we still have them here…you don’t get paid for it and it isn’t sold for human consumption). Disjointed, feeble attempt at some type of “protect all aspects of ag at all costs” mentality. Clean up our traditional meat biz first before you get off on some tangent that human consumption horse slaughter is a lynchpin in your ag operation. Of course that doesn’t hold for the horse slaughter auction (New Holland, Sugarcreek, etc), the transporters or the KBs…it is their business. They don’t provide a service. They provide a few cruddy bucks and convenience for the seller with a decent payout. If it didn’t, they wouldn’t do it.
BLM needs to stop rounding up Mustangs until they have a complete, verifiable, humane program in place. But you know what…they still are doing round ups with no place for the horse/burros to go. And sorry, mustangs/burros do go to slaughter for human consumption….go check out the feedlot at Shelby, Montana and see the freeze brands. While you are at it, take a look at the collection pits.
Some of you people are hopeless and that is why the bills in Congress will steamroll you thick headed into compliance. You don’t want to pay for vet/knacker/rendering…then don’t own a horse. While you are at it, take the time to contact your local extension service. They’ll teach you proper care and the possible longevity of that horses you breed or buy. You breed it, break it, you’ve bought it. No payout to cut the cord.
Chuck
Pete and mcgrewfarmer, I really appreciate your comments. I’d also like to add that comments need to address the issue and need to at least look like they are submitted by a human being. Submitting a comment pretending to be a horse talking to another horse won’t cut it. Yes, I did delete that one. Hopefully you will appreciate that we are willing to post dissenting points of view here. Let’s try to keep it civil.
mcgrewfarmer: until we respect all human life, from conception to natural death, we’re going to see an unbalanced viewpoint like some of what we’ve seen posted. I pray every day that this will change in America and the rest of the world.
Reyna
Pete, does your amazement extend to those like Craig insinuating multiple times that people who disagree with them are stupid (“Apparently some of you need me to type a little slower so you can understand”) or on drugs (“Maybe this crack problem has gotten out of control !!!!!”)? Or just to those you assume to be left-leaning? Just curious.
Glad to see that someone else understands that this case has nothing to do with slaughter plants.
And as for all you questioning why HSUS might have waited four weeks before going in on this rescue mission, don’t you think they’d best have their ducks in a row before embarking on something of this scale? Perhaps take the time to help assemble the rescue team? (They flew good horse rescue people in from across the country to help, by the way.) And to make sure there would be places to put the animals and resources to take care of them once they were seized? Or maybe even to make sure that there really was a crisis going on and not just say, some weird poisoning event as the joker running the ranch claims? Or hey – maybe they were notified and worked together with local law enforcement and they arrived when they were ASKED TO?
Good lord, no. It can’t be any of those logical things. It’s gotta be just the next step in their plot to outlaw bacon in every state in the union.
Reyna
HA HA HA. Like shooting fish in a bucket.
mcgrewfarmer, can you please show us a list of these animal welfare/rights organizations that have taken a position on human abortion? Remember now, you said “most,” that means more than half have not only taken a stand, but are PRO-abortion.
And is it that you will only have conversations with people who already agree with you? I don’t understand how agreeing on abortion or infanticide at all relates to animal abuse.Certainly no one here is arguing that killing children is OK, but abusing animals is not.
Back to the subject at hand – HSUS would have NO power if the ag community showed some transparency instead of cowering in paranoia about the animal rights boogymen. Every single one of you know upstanding ranchers, good horse trainers, honest dairymen and farmers who bust their butts to make ends meet. You probably also know one or two who don’t respect their animals, don’t keep a clean barn, steal water or dump where they ain’t supposed to.
Heck I grew up next to several small dairy and egg operations. There was a family down the road who kept a small herd in a nice dairy barn, clean as a whistle. But across the street, hidden by trees kept the REST of their herd along with a few starving horses in some of the filthiest conditions you can imagine. PETA/HSUS would have had a field day with that place. Don’t want PETA/HSUS in your backyard? Stop pretending that all farmers/ranchers/dairymen are irreproachable just by virtue of their profession. As an industry, do not tolerate abusive tactics on the farm, during transportation or during the slaughter process and stop making excuses for those who do.
Right now, all the outside sees is stories about illegal immigrants being paid next to nothing to work in dangerous slaughterhouses that are unnecessarily abusive to the animals, who of course, were factory farmed in horrible conditions. And meat is bad for you, so don’t eat it anyway. THIS is what more and more people believe, because you and I both know, they’ve never even seen a farm, let alone a real live cow/horse/pig and all they have to go on is their Sunday night 60 Minutes report.
Be open and honest about how that tasty $40 steak makes it to a city slicker’s plate and what all you do to get it there and HSUS/PETA will wither and die. Or don’t. Whatever.
Nick
I think the the government should step in with a bailout for the 3 strikes ranch and we should have a horse czar. Barry can fly out set up his teleprompters over top the buckin chutes at the fairgrounds, tell us how he will call for a full investigation.
I would venture to bet that most of the comments on this blog from people that think that hsus and peta are not a threat are probably flaming liberals and also believe that the current administration will somehow fix all the problems that one may have. Wake up! I get so sick and tired of hearing how we need to save these horses. what about a horse that is over 20 years old has bad teeth and you idiots are out there trying to save it? how much money will be wasted for these horses to get back into shape and maybe be adopted? unbelievable.! How can this be a good investment. I will be on someone to tell me in a year how much money and time and headache these 200 horses cost the tax payers of morrill co. and the state of ne. Buthcher, kill, slaughter, I don’t care what you have to call it to make your self sleep at night!
Nona
Craig:
Your question is pretty ignorant dont you think?
Why Is The HSUS moving the horses?
Well, first there is an investigation and on that note, if you know much at
all, the safest thing for the equine is to get them far from Jason.
ON that note, why dont you call them and ask.
That would work wonders to leave them there and do an investigation on Jason’s property, dont you think?
At any time he could kick everyone off the property.
But we know that you just seem to like to create issues
for the HSUS.
They did not ask for this situation.Jason had time to ask for help, as he says
GEE THINGS STARTED CHANGING BACK IN NOVEMBER.
Jason created the problem, now others have to do the work.
Craig
Hey Little Jimmy,
Since I should only comment on things I know about:
HSUS sucks Nebraska blow sand.
Craig
Pete
D. Masters,
Thanks for making my point about the vitriol being spewed here. It seems that there is a profound inability for rational discourse.
Craig
Actually the safest thing for the horses would’ve been to keep their previous owner locked up, then get feed to them asap, onsight.
The law has to move the horses because they can confiscate the horses, but not the land, which is unfortunant in this situation.
Reyna, I don’t think you’re stupid, but maybe a little naive. My comments were to cool tempers a little with humor. Humor is like beauty, in the eye of the beholder. Sorry if my humor doesn’t fit your bill as humor.
It’s a huge responsibility to know when the end has come to an animals life. Animals that we are responsible for bringing into this world to do good things for mankind, but life ends at sometime for all living beings.
I don’t care to create issues for HSUS, but they seem to think that livestock producers are all bad and HSUS is in the business of putting all livestock producers/care takers out of business.
Since you know much about HSUS, and I don’t, maybe you can tell me how many animal shelters HSUS runs around the country? How many acres does HSUS own/control to provide for these horses? I understand the man recieving the majority of these horses owns a total of 27 acres in Texas, that is poor land, prone to flooding.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF HSUS ANNUAL BUDGET DO THEY SPEND ON PROVIDING SHELTER FOR ABUSED ANIMALS?
I know that HSUS had a negative effect on this particular situation, because their name was/is involved. Locals were asked to help with the round-up, but refused because of HSUS involvement.
How come hay is in short supply for these horses? They were down to one bale yesterday. If HSUS has millions in the war-chest, how come they’re not out buying hay as we sit here and argue? I donated time, money, hay and my back to this situation already, and was told the horses will be here another 2 weeks. TELL YOUR HSUS FRIENDS TO GET OFF THEIR DUFF AND SEND MONEY FOR HAY. There is hay available locally. Just needs to be paid for.
HSUS didn’t do a very good job of “getting their ducks in a row”, THE VERY FIRST THING A STARVING ANIMAL NEEDS IS FEED !!!!!!!!!!
HSUS has millions in annual budgets, and they’re depending on locals to donate hay in probably one of the biggest rescue situations in some time, if ever. Now what do you have to say?
Lack of slaughter IS behind this situation, indirectly.
This horse owner bought many of these horses for $10-50/head. If there were a market for them, they would have brought hundred’s of dollars per head and went to kill plants.
Local salebarns are having horses dropped off and abandoned at their yards. If you try to honestly sell one at auction yards, you are required to put a deposit down, so that if the horse doesn’t sell, the salebarn won’t be stuck with the animal.
Reyna, do you really participate in “shooting fish in a bucket”? Not only is that illegal, that is non-sporting. I don’t think your friends at HSUS and PETA would like you using that phrase. It implies immorality (in their opinion).
Illegal aliens, and legal workers are actually paid quite well compared to other jobs they would qualify for. The only reason illegals do this work, other that the good (comparatively speaking) money, is that most citizens wouldn’t/couldn’t do it.
Send hay, or money for hay.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Heading To Washington Watch
[...] for why this animal rights terrorist organization is so inflammatory check out the comments on Amanda’s post about them being in Nebraska. I just got caught up on the latest [...]
Reyna
Um Craig, implying people are stupid is just that, implying they are stupid. I guess it’s funny to you. We can agree to disagree on that.
I still don’t understand why you’re going on and on about the HSUS. Have you read their mission statement? No, they aren’t involved in local animal shelters, but they NEVER CLAIM TO BE. They educate, they lobby and fund some sanctuaries to the tune of several million dollars a year and disaster relief. You seem to think you’re exposing some big scam, but most thinking people knew all this already. I wouldn’t give them a dime because like most big charities, their operating expenses are far too high, no matter what their mission statement.
And again, there’s no slaughterhouse connection. The guy wasn’t going to sell to slaughter ever! He was the shirtless cowboy, saving those little ponies his own sexy self. Fact of the matter is, there were slaughter plants open when he started this operation and he wasn’t selling then either.
Now, you’d better hurry because I heard Wal*Mart is having a huge sale on anti-HSUS tinfoil hats. They won’t last long!
This dead horse has been beaten.
Craig
Chuck, you pose a good thought, “kind of tempting to boycott it”.
Maybe something like Carrie Underwood’s performance at the National FFA convention could/should happen?
But it would have to be at least a majority of you in the audience participating in the walkout.
He gets up to speak, to polite applause, starts speaking, and the first lie he tells, calmly and quietly get up and leave, in mass. I’d pay to see it.
Hey, and don’t forget to take video to be posted on YouTube.
Then again, maybe you ag broadcasters could use a good laugh? Maybe Wayne’s contribution would be to the “entertainment” portion of your conference?
Personally, I don’t think I could hold my lunch down being in the same vicinity as animal liberation wacko’s.
Best of luck.
D. Masters
Pete: Thank you for proving my point that the point of your posts aren’t “really” about right/wrong or the slightest bit of logic.
And again, thank you. I must have expressed myself in some way that got your hackles up (threatened you/your position)…ergo, they must have been reasonable and thought provoking and hack at your proslaughter stance. Thank you.
Yes, I clearly understood the distracting “prolife/abortion” reference in the post. Didn’t think it worthy of response and basically an attempt to change the debate here. It’s horse slaughter for human consumption (really) with a poster child like 3 Strikes Ranch and being infuriated that HSUS is in NE doing something, anything as some here are using as a rally cry. Fairly weak and disconnected logic if you take the time to understand 3 Strikes and the US horse slaughter situation.
D. Masters
Craig:
Honestly, so much of what you posted is just frankly incomplete/half-truths, distortion, spin and well, opinion. You know how I know? Slaughter of US Horses still exists. Check the USDA numbers. Enough said.
And I told you, US Horses are STILL being slaughtered in the US. I said you have to pay for it and it can’t be consumed by humans. What reeally is your agenda here? Reyna makes some excellent points, not that I completely agree, but I did say clean up yourselves first and then tackle human consumption horse slaughter.
Chuck
I will certainly propose the idea and see what happens.
pete
Reyna wrote:
“And as for all you questioning why HSUS might have waited four weeks before going in on this rescue mission, don’t you think they’d best have their ducks in a row before embarking on something of this scale?” What did I miss? I thought HSUS wasn’t involved here!
Reyna, why don’t you define what a “factory farm” is for those of us who are less enlightened than our city cousins. I’ve never seen one myself. I’m sure they’re out there because I hear about them all the time.
D Masters, you completely missed the point Craig made about horse slaughter. The difference is that if the meat was for human consumption the horses would have a floor on their value, if you have to pay to have them slaughtered then they have a negative value. (math101.com)
We out here in fly over country get incredibly weary of being told how to live our lives by the folks who have destroyed their environment, paved over everything in sight, and wrecked the economy. If you want to preserve, then buy the land and the poor animals and preserve them, otherwise butt out.
As for USUS not being anti farming and anti meat go here.
D. Masters
Pete: You need to learn the basics of Econ 101. Pay particular attention to the chapter regarding “supply and demand”. And sorry, but your rights do not out trump morality and a simple thing called ethics. There are many people living on the land and in the city that think human consumption horse slaughter is unethical horse management peddling a contaminated meat product to humans. Horse slaughter serves less than 2% of the US Horse population.
And just an FYI, KBs/SHs never buy ALL the unwanted horses in the US. They buy only what the need to fill an order and meet consumer demand. 3 Strikes has nothing to do with horse slaughter. There were people and organizations that do and do not believe in horse slaughter that came to help these horses because of serious abuse via neglect. That sir, has nothing to do with HSUS OR horse slaughter
pete
D. Masters,
So I understand that you are the arbiter of morality and ethics. I wondered who was responsible for that. It’s good to know that someone in your lofty position would take the time to enlighten the Dalit.
By the way, you pompous #$%, I’ll put my educational background and economic/business experience up against yours any day. Bring it on!
pete
According to horseslaughter.com there were 90,000 horses slaughtered in the US for human consumption in 2005. Is that your 2%?
Where do you get the idea that the meat is contaminated? Oh, that’s right, from your PETA and HSUS marching orders.
Your facts and assumptions are baseless and tiring. I weary of corresponding with someone who knows nothing and insists on proving it over and over.
Chuck
I appreciate everyone’s comments. At this point I’m only going to post any that have something new to say or I think would make a positive contribution to the discussion.
Craig
My apologies to everyone involved. I think we’re ALL a bunch of stupid humans.
I have come to the conclusion, that both sides of the story here are correct.
The problem is that both sides are looking at the situation from different angles.
I am looking from my point of view, as if I were in Mr. Meduna’s position. You are looking at this particular situation, from Mr. Meduna’s true and actual position, and in THIS PARTICULAR SITUATION, you are correct in the statement that in THIS PARTICULAR SITUATION, horse slaughter is irrelevant.
What I mean is: If I were the owner of a horse operation that didn’t have funds to care for the animals adequately and humanely, and I was wacked enough to do anything to keep them from dying, in my view, I would’ve:(in order of priority)
1)passed them on to another horse rescue operation.
2)GIVEN them to “good homes”
3)open the gates, or take down the fences and letting them roam “free”.
4)Sold them to someone who promised not to slaughter them
5)last resort: sold to the first cash I came across.
If I were not against horse slaughter, I think the rational thing to do would’ve been to sell a portion of the herd (cull), into the commercial channels. The commercial channels would have more dollars available if the horse slaughter plants were running. Therefore slaughter would’ve made it possible for me to sell say 10 horses at $400/head, rather than having to sell 100 horses at $40/head in order to raise the same amount of money for feed for the remaining herd.
You folks are looking at the situation from Mr. Meduna’s position, which IN THIS PARTICULAR SITUATION, is correct.
His apparent position is/was:
1)I wanted to save these beautiful creatures, I can’t now, but I’m not going to admit failure??????????????????????????????????????
2)see plan #1
I can’t imagine what was going through his mind. I’ve been trying to put myself in his frame of mind to see what his objective was, and I just come up with insanity and animal abuse.
My point of argument was as if we were dealing with a sane, rational human being, which in this case does not apply.
I can’t even come up with a half ways sane thought process, from his side of view. I haven’t seen the interviews of him, so it’s hard to judge. But from what I know of the case, he needs mental evaluation.
Whomever stated above that HSUS knew about this case “a month or so”, isn’t up on their facts either, according to HSUS employees, they had 12 hours notice.
I stand by all my statements about HSUS. They’re bad news, and they promote vegetarianism.
What my original post has to do with HSUS is I DON’T LIKE THEM MEDDLING IN MY BACKYARD, MAKING THEMSELVES LOOK LIKE THEY CARE ABOUT THE AMERICAN FARMER/RANCHER, when in fact they want us out of business. They’re liars.
D.Masters, yes rendering of horses exists, but at negative value, there is no incentive to take unwanted horses by general public there, for a humane end, rather they just turn the horses loose to roam road ditches, countryside, or drop off at the auction barn.
I bet this last year, if you add the abandoned horse numbers, and add the huge increase to those “rescued”, into the stats of slaughtered horses, you would see a large increase over your 2% of total numbers.
I don’t care how much notice HSUS and the other rescuers had of this situation, I personally haven’t heard any public outcry for feed to be donated to these particular horses. It’s being donated now because of our locals concern for the animals. I HAVEN’T HEARD OF HSUS OFFERING TO PAY FOR THE FEED.
There you have it. I’d be happy to continue this blog if you guys want to. You won some points and I did also.
It’s time to get to work here in Nebraska. It’s getting late and I haven’t even had breakfast yet!!
I’m getting so hungry I could eat a —— NEVERMIND.
Amanda
Wow! This blog entry has really taken off. I think there have been some great discussions on this topic. While tempers flare on the topics of animal welfare vs. animal rights, the real agenda of HSUS, the tragedy of the mistreatment of horses and the loss of horse slaughter, I believe we have discovered one thing on AgWired: We all have differing view points. We come from different backgrounds and experiences. I’m glad this is a place where we can discuss our differences, and I hope that the comments will help to encourage a healthy dialogue, not a mud throwing spectacle. Thanks again for all of your input. This has been an interesting forum as of late.
I Am Biotech: Discover. Share. Discuss.
[...] more info, AgWired has pulled together some helpful links to track news from CDC and [...]
Reyna
Craig,
Animal hoarding is a weird thing and can be a full on mental illness. Meduna probably thought that no matter what state those horses were in, he was still the best–maybe the ONLY–person in the world able to take care of them. Only knowing the guy through his website and online words, it appears to me he is narcissistic enough to firmly believe that.
I have the utmost respect for farmers and ranchers. You do hard, honest work to put food on our tables. My main regret in life so far is not having spent enough time with older generations of my family before they passed. There’s no one more knowledgeable, more practical, more useful and resourceful than an old farmer. To know just 1/10 of what they knew…
You are totally right to suspect that the HSUS would use this incident to paint an entire group of hardworking people as being bad. My main point was that by defending bad apples like Meduna only makes the HSUS’s job easier. There has to be a bigger effort on the part of farming/ranching organizations to educate the public in an honest way on how meat makes it on their plate. You could so easily take the wind right out of the sails of HSUS and PETA on the farming/ranching issues.
And with regards to promoting vegetarianism, you’ve got the secret weapon the other side has no counter for: bacon.
Thanks for the debate. I have to get going and find a 2 x 4 with which to beat a dog who won’t leave the chickens alone.
Take care and be well!
Craig
Reyna;
I would never, and never meant to, appear that I was standing up for Meduna. I don’t condone any type of animal abuse.
But our definition of animal abuse differs from PETA and HSUS.
By the way, “MA’AM, PUT THE 2X4 DOWN AND STEP BACK FROM THE DOG, YOU’RE BUSTED!!!!”
I’m having ham and Great Northern beans as we speak (type)!!
I can send some beans your way if you need.
Craig
Celeste Laurent
Truly humbling to see myself on one of my RSS feeds!
Thanks for telling my Cinderella story and keep up the great work!
-Celeste
T
Please visit my blog to discuss anything relating to agriculture. Equipment, crops, markets, input prices, etc. etc.
www.harvest-pr.com » Blog Archive » Seed to Succeed Growing on Editors
[...] non-profit grant offering, is sprouting up all around the agriculture community. AgriMarketing, AgWired and the American Agricultural Editors’ Association have all published information on this $20,000 [...]
Horse friend
Was any of this recorded ? America needs to hear the truth ! From the Horses mouth.
Craig
Sign me up, I want to be on the air.
Craig
Craig
Sign me up, I want to be on the air.
I’m a fourth generation farmer/rancher in Nebraska.
I have friends in the media. I want to be on the air.
Craig
Cathy Atkinson
You can thank HSUS for supplying some of the manpower needed to safely move 210 equines off the property where they were starving to death. (Many locals helped out as well and should be applauded) Then you can thank Habitat for Horses and Front Range Equine Rescue who will be coordinating the placement of those horses. Many already have eager adopters stepping up. All have been provided with immediate feed and attention. To say otherwise is a flat-out lie. I was there.
Jason Meduna doesn’t make ranchers look bad. He doesn’t make horsemen look bad. He’s NEITHER of those things and anybody with two IQ points to rub together knows it. This incident will not be used to make ranching or horse trainers or rescues look bad. It only makes this individual look bad and shows the need for the BLM to do better follow-up if they are going to hand out horses like candy for $10 a pop.
Craig
HSUS, Thank-you for providing some of the manpower needed to move 208 starving horses!!!
Now please send hay, or money for the hay.
HSUS, Thanks for restricting local participation, through your association with this disaster. We know exactly who/what you are.
I was there also, no lie.
Lisa
Hi Chuck-
Would it be possible for you to post a transcript of Wayne’s comment, or maybe a short summary of his key points? I don’t know if it’s just me, but I can’t get the audio loud enough to hear what he says.
Thanks!
C. Kinnison
Mr. Pacelle should understand that indeed, we do not live in a static world – that livestock practices HAVE CHANGED – and care for food animals is many times better now than it was 50-years ago!!
The animals are now protected from weather, disease, from harm to
one-another; a whole host of things are better now than years ago!!
He states that we have always debated issues in our country and that’s how our democracy works…… This is true, however, you, Mr. Pacelle, do not have the right to IMPOSE YOUR BELIEFS OF A VEGAN
LIFESTYLE ON ME, OR ANYONE ELSE!! This is what you are doing and this is not the American way. You desire to take away my choice to eat meat, eggs and drink milk – this is YOUR GOAL. You do not have that right sir…………….
Brian
Wayne says that farmers are outstanding Americans that know how to do their jobs.So why is this not good enough for him? Mr. Pacelle’s ultimate goal is to rid this country of animal agriculture. period.
Kurt Lawton
I would suggest, first off, that we don’t call them the ‘enemy.’ And why should we think and act like we are threatened by them? In fact, why are we even promoting their views of how they view a few livestock producers or livestock rearing practices?
What if, instead, we tell our story of the passions our producers have for animals…that is not directed at HSUS. Let’s prove there is sound science that shows it’s okay that animals raised for meat can be safely accomplished in many ways–from confinements to pasture. Marketing will give consumers a choice. And neither choice is better or worse than another.
Getting in a pissing match directly with HSUS only helps promote them as being a legitimate voice in animal behavior.
Just my two cents worth.
Kurt Lawton
Pacelle Speaks to Farm Broadcasters « Beefbites’s Weblog
[...] with it, in his opinion in conjunction with the HSUS. You can listen to his entire presentation at AgWired, including how he responded to the following question from a farm wife in [...]
Cheryl
Had same problem with audio
Chuck
Are you still having trouble. Works fine here. The actual download link is: http://www.zimmcomm.biz/nafb/ww-09-hsus-remarks.mp3
Chuck
I wish it was that easy Kurt. Unfortunately we don’t live in a paradise kind of world. People like this do not care at all about science and truth. Sad but true. Additionally, there is a lot of evidence that these groups have a significant impact with the consumer. Listen to the comments because I would say there was a fair amount of bragging in there. We do need to tell positive stories but we also need to know what those who oppose the industry are doing and saying.
Kim
There is never an excuse for starving an animal. Neglect is neglect plain and simple. My partner and I own over 20 horses, all are fat and glossy. But the reality of the market is that if the horse slaughter market had not been closed down, the price of horses would be up and we would not own over 20 horses that we cannot sell. Right now it is more economical for slaughter horse buyers to buy animals at the local auction than ever before. They can purchase these animals for pennies on the dollar and transport them to Canada where they are slaughtered and those people make money doing it. Would it not be more humane to have the ability to dispose of these unwanted animals locally so that they are not transported thousands of miles, exposing them to injury and more stress? Face it – people are abandoning their horses at an alarming rate because they do not have the money to feed the horses, let alone themselves. If we were to create an outlet for these animals (unless you call abandoning the former cared for pets on public lands an outlet) we would also boost the horse market at the same time and horses would once again be worth something. This is not a 20 lb. dog we are talking about here. Try researching the cost of owning a horse once. Meduna may be charged with multiple felonies, but really, what avenues were left to him if he was out of money and out of feed? Shame on him for taking in that many animals without full knowledge of how many acres he needed to sustain them. But that is only a small part of a larger problem.
D. Masters
craig:
Forgot to ask…you talk to the sheriff or DA? BTW..we seem to have a boat load of foals on the way because BLM didn’t castrate upon transfer/lease of ownership, didn’t do background check on Meduna and the horse rescues involved did have some issues with handling and disposition. No one against horse slaughter is thrilled about this situation.
Who precisely turned you away, since you were there?
Karen Davies
A very dangerous man.
I didn’t hear any mention that the release of the Hallmark tapes happened just a few weeks before the deadline for signatures to get Prop 2 on the ballot in California. http://tinyurl.com/dffsaa
Lauren
It sounded to me like he said that farmers are being bombarded by ethanol, the weather, and environmental threats, but people have “caloric needs,” so we will always need food from farmers. “I grew up on a farm” so I understand farming needs. HSUS has been criticized by many people, including our own members. Criticism goes with the territory. The world is changing and we need to change our ways of doing things to protect the environment and farmers need to change the way they treat animals. Farmers cannot exempt themselves from change.
It does not appear that Pacelle gave any reason for why he should dictate changes in farming, it seems like he is putting himself on the same plain as weather and the environment. Weather and the environment change what farmers do, so farmers should change because HSUS says so.
Kurt Lawton
Chuck…I’m not talking any kind of paradise. I’m talking a different mode of communications. If we are attack dogs, we are no different than the tactics used by HSUS. Our goal is not to attack or convince the activists, for their minds are closed. Our objective is to talk to consumers, not to HSUS. Am I just not being clear here? You want us to brag like they do, too? Obviously we need to know exactly what they are saying and address the issues they are attacking, but we do it in a professional way, not stooping to their tactical level or directly attacking them, because that adds to their credibility as a source in the animal debate.
TOM FELTES
THE WORLD WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE IF SOMEONE ATE THIS SUB HUMAN JACKASS FOR DINNER.
Cindy
Is it just me or does he look like a Ken doll?
Hear What HSUS is Really About-Get Ready to Get Rid of Your Dog, Hog and Horse « National Institute of Canine Experts
[...] HSUS Challenges American Agriculture [...]
Mike
As a beef producer, I don’t condone the abuse of animals. I provide the best care that I can of my animals. When one is ill, I provide the best care to resort them to health and when one dies, I grieve the loss. Not just as a finacial loss, but that it died under my care. But I understand the circle of life- that being that all living things will eventually die. However, I have been around animals enough to know that bulk of abuse they will see in their lives will come from their own speices. Most of “society” is so far removed from is reality that they don’t know or understand this. HSUS likes to show human abuse of animals, because it puts money in their bank account. Maybe we, as food producers, need to show what happens when hog gestation crates are not used and when chickens are not caged, etc… Then “society” may not be so likely to support the efforts of the HSUS’s and PETA’s of the world.
Susan
Cool, yes, but I’ve also heard many who received it talking about a colossal waste of money.
Lynn Cope
Basically I feel that Mr. Pacelle has NO understanding of farming and the advances made over the years for the better care of the the animals. Somewhere in all of this we have to have people rights and welfare also. The problem with HSUS is that they are of the opinion that animals have more rights than people. They do not want them owned as property. They would like for us to be guardians of our animals, not OWNERS of our property.
He never answered the question ask of him. He just talked. He has no knowledge of farming or of the care needed for the animals. HSUS would like for all animals to cease to exist as we know them today. Their motto has been “one generation and out”.
D. Masters
Kim:
What you fail to clarify is that “you” want to get paid to dispose of a horse of yours, rather than pay for humane disposal. At some auctions, horse slaughter buy prices are actually rising (depends on condition and location). Don’t know why you have 20 horses you don’t want. The auctions still exsist for KBs…better yet, do a Craig’s List thing and say horse for $100 or even free…the KBs will beat a path to your door. Base price for a healthy, trained and well bred horse is not related to the kill price…but it is related to the economy and what people are willing to pay for what is basically a luxury item.
Nate
I listened to the entire hour long comment and recommend that everyone take the time to listen to the entire session. I took particular interest in the comment that he made in response about science based policy decision making. “In terms of our policy I can’t think of a time we’ve done research”.
Folks, I honestly believe that he’s not out to get us (animal ag). Stick with me now, I think that he is marketing a social reform product and animal ag is collateral damage. It’s about the money folks, time and time again, he mentions that they are just out to correct the “worst of offenses”, egregious acts that “mainstream America” agrees with. A powerful business model, that he has masterfully manipulated. HSUS raises money and they do it by marketing this social reform product. He focuses on the public, where we tend to focus on ourselves. In short, if Pacelle was passionate about something like public transportation, let say, he would use the same tactics and methods to achieve his social reform goal and he’d be battling the auto industry rather than animal ag.
HSUS may not use scientific data to develop policy but their social science is winning the battle, even if it is under the guise that it is legitimate animal food science. Are my comments legitimate? If so, what does this teach us?
John E.
He plays to his “base”, as politicians play to their “base”.
He can continue to earn a generous salary as long as he can convince enough rich widows to keep the cash flowing. The guy is a charlatan.
Jogn Torres
It was interesting to hear Pacelle’s answer to the question – do you ever use science based research when formulating HSUS policy.
His response, “like any kind of sophisticated political operation, you use the best research tools to drive your message.” Then added, “in terms of our policy formulations, I can’t think of a time where we did research.”
He admits to two very important things here. First that the HSUS is a political operation contrary to trying to reference themselves as an animal welfare organization. Secondly that HSUS policy is purely based on public sentiment and polling. The ladder suggests that HSUS is fueled by the emotional exploitation of the American public for the political and financial gain of the organization.
dr.rosset
Animal right activist have a clear 12 step goal and it does not brook any compromise thus Wayne Pacelles lust for money. What are the 12 steps of the the animal rights agenda?
1. Abolish by law all animal research. (There would be no cures for AIDS, cancer, heart disease, etc., and testing of new drugs would be done on humans, or not at all.)
2. Outlaw the use of animals for cosmetic and product testing, and classroom demonstration (physicians would perform their first surgeries and procedures on humans without any previous experience).
3. Vegetarian meals should be at all public institutions, including schools.
4. Eliminate all animal agriculture (resulting in no milk, eggs, chicken, fish, or meat for food, no leather for shoes or clothing). (How many foods do you eat that contain eggs or dairy products, or a derivative of the same? Did you know your keyboard and mouse may have been made with animal products?)
5. Eliminate all herbicides, pesticides or other agricultural chemicals. Outlaw predator control.(Farmers would not be able to produce as much food as they do now, driving the cost of living up, and eliminating the export of food to hungry nations. Animals such as coyotes are already a problem in some areas, coming into yards to eat garbage and prey upon outdoor pets.)
6. Transfer enforcement of animal welfare legislation away from the Department of Agriculture. (Animal issues would be controlled by people with little or no experience in customary animal husbandry.
7. Eliminate fur ranching and the use of furs.
8. Prohibit hunting, trapping and fishing.
9. End the international trade in wildlife goods.
10. Stop any further breeding of companion animals, including purebred dogs and cats. Spaying and neutering should be subsidized by state and municipal governments until all companion animals are extinct. Abolish commerce in animals for the pet trade. Eliminate pet ownership.
11. End the use of animals in entertainment and sports (resulting in no horse shows, cat or dog shows, animal actors, rodeos, animal movie stars).
12. Prohibit the genetic manipulation of the species (resulting in the elimination of critical medical research relating to Cancer, AIDS and other life threatening diseases, as well as crop production improvements such as the difference between the Holstein and the Angus, and eliminate all pedigreed animals, etc… ).
You may sympathize with one of the points above… however, do you agree with all of them? If you disagree with only some, you cannot, in good conscience, continue to support the animal rights agenda with donations or support of their legislation. For example, I happen to agree with item 9, above, but if I send money to the animal rights groups, it may be used to support items with which I disagree.
This is a religious cult based upon a philosophy that animals should have human rights and that we make slaves of them. Every law they push about companion animals has been to make it more expensive and difficult to own or keep an animal. Every time they get a community to pass a mandatory spay and neuter law the deaths of pets who had homes increases and licensing compliance drops below effective levels. This has happend in Los Angeles and in other cities. Some cities repealed these laws because they were so devastaing to the community. If they can change our relationship to animals and make our food more expensive this will hurt the poor even more and the USA even more. It will make us vunerable to attack. It will in effect make Wayne Pacelle the new god over America. Wake up people this is not about the few abused animals they keep showing pictures of it is about your ability to have a companion animal, scientific research to prevent life threatening diseases and healthy available food supply. We already have laws on the books to protect animals. The question is getting the police to enforce such laws. HSUS and PETA are clear threats to the American way of life. This is a false god just as Jim Jones convinced people to posion their children. This man is a threat to the safety of our country and our food supplies. This is not about treating animals better it is about killing them all which HSUS is noted for doing and so is PETA. They support no shelters and they recommend killing all dogs. They killed 127 dogs in North Carolina. Healthy dogs of which 67 were puppies. From Wayne’s own mouth: ” We have no ethical obligation to preserve the different breeds of livestock produced through selective breeding. …One generation and out. We have no problems with the extinction of domestic animals. They are creations of human selective breeding ** Wayne Pacelle * Director of HSUS. This is an evil man who lies to the public and makes up stastics to raise money. Do not believe him and do not compromise with him.
we farm illinois
As a 5th generation farmer I believe this person is more dangerous to ag than any person I have heard of in my 50 years. He not only does not eat meat, he doesn’t want you to either. He doesn’t care whether you make a living or not. He cares more about animals feelings than any human feelings. Like any politician he knows how to talk to his base and get them to follow along behind him. We must realize these people will not compromise. They believe that no matter how much care we take in raising our livestock, we are as evil as Hitler because we confine them, butcher them, and consume them. They believe as strongly as we do, that they are right. With that in mind, we have to convince his followers- the average American consumer- that we are in the right. We can counter their high-dollar publicity campaign by using any opportunity to tell our story. Talk to your local civic group, call your congressmen. If we sit back and do nothing, we will all be Wal-Mart greeters
Jen
I’m a production person/graphic artist. I do ads for The Prairie Star, Farm and Ranch Guide and the Minnesota Farm Guide. We received 3 of those paper tractors at our office, you would think they would go to the production staff, becuz of the photos we can use for our implement dealer ads… but nooooo…. management all got them. I would like one for my Dad’s 70th bday next week. He’s been collecting toy JD tractors all his life. A farm kid himself from North Dakota. The youngest son, so he didn’t get the farm. Can anyone help me? Thank you so much from Bismarck, ND.
Lynn
Steve,
Sorry I haven’t answered but I’ve been out in the little sun we have had, to take care of my horse and go for a ride on him. Anyway, yes, I’m sure Craig and a lot of others do have a BIG stake in the tortuous death of horses since they seem to feel that the end of horse slaughter will end all animal slaughter. But I feel that most people fighting to save horses realize that is very unlikely because a lot of people like their burgers even if they aren’t good for them. Kind of like cigarettes. Personally, stopping all slaughter is not my agenda for fighting to stop horse slaughter. I feel horse slaughter is both physical and mental torture for horses and I will never understand how anyone who says they love their horse would want them to suffer so. I guess I’ve just read or seen too much about their suffering over these years I’ve been fighting. I have not had my head in the sand about this issue and understand that a lot of people make money off horses. But horse breeders must look to the future and realize that the Yuppies of the 80′s and 90′s are gone and will never be again. Horses as lawn ornaments and babysitters are not going to happen anymore and breeders had better start looking for a new way to pay their bills as horses will be a luxury to own. Horses are very expensive to keep and it is only going to get worse and land is going to be at a premium for raising food crops or food animals, which does not include horses. I feel that it takes way too much to raise a horse for food and it will never be profitable. But its not that groups like the AQHA aren’t trying to make it so. Talk about agendas! The AQHA wants to raise horses for slaughter to keep those registration fees coming in. And in order to do that they need to make horse slaughter acceptable to the American people since most think eating a horse is disgusting. Horse, the New Red Meat, is not something that will be accepted by many here. So lay off the HSUS on their supposed agenda and look at the agenda of other groups too.
And by the way, I do want to thank those who raise or grow our food here in the United States. I wish we would stop importing so much and let our own farmers supply our food. It takes a special kind of human to do that job as it seems so thankless. A lot of people think their food only comes from the grocery store and don’t know or care how it gets there. But horses are not a food source for Americans and horses do not deserve the pain and suffering of a slaughter house or the trip to it. Horse slaughter is cruel and inhumane and there is NO excuse for it! Not even greed!
Kim
Oh I want all of my horses. They are all extremely well bred and trained and I have paid to have a sick horse humanely put down when there was no other recourse. I am talking about the economics of the horse industry. These are not just large pets. If you put a horse on Craig’s list for $100 or for free you can bet it would be the order buyer’s purchasing it to take to slaughter in Canada or Mexico. No way would I send one of my high dollar animals out the door that way. This is not a luxury. These horses are working animals in a ranching area who are highly trained and valuable. The economics of the industry are what dictate horse prices. What if we could no longer slaughter cattle or chickens? What would that do to the value of the animals?
Jacquelin E.
So he doesn’t want to hurt farmers? Hmm, let’s think about this…one of the major agronomic products in the U.S. is corn/silage/etc. meant for animal feed. Take out animal ag and there’s a lot of the market gone. I also noticed that the dolt never mentioned how exactly he would help the very citizens he aims to put out of house and home. Like any other person with a subversive agenda, he’s talking out of both sides of his mouth.
vicki
Kim, the reality is that if the economy wasn’t in the tank, horses would be more valuable. Everything we own has decreased in value so why would horses be impervious to the economy? Over 100,000 horses were slaughtered last year so how did closing the plants have an impact? Horse slaughter is still thriving and filling the Belgian pockets. Neglect, abuse and hoarding, as was the case with 3 Strikes, has no correlation to the availability of slaughter. Horses were abused and neglected when the plants were open, it’s happening now with slaughter still available and it will happen when slaughter ends. The owners always feel they are taking good care of their animals and don’t have too many. They can always take in one more.
Closing the plants has also not had an impact on the over breeding. Legislation has been pending for years and instead of preparing for the end of slaughter, they continue to breed and dump. And they will continue to do so until they no longer can. As long as they have a dumping ground for their excess, the status quo will continue. Organizations like the AQHA whine about unwanted horses and then bring over 130,000 foals into the population every year. Wouldn’t be so bad but they also have the leading breed going to slaughter. They spend millions trying to continue slaughter instead of helping their members keep their horses. Why not take that money to establish hay funds, euthanasia funds and educating owners on responsible ownership…
AgWired » Blog Archives » Update at 3 Strikes Ranch
[...] a doubt, my past post on the 3 Strikes Ranch incident created an incredibly heated discussion from both animal rights supporters and animal welfare [...]
More productivity per acre means we produce more corn on the same acres. There is no land use effect because we are simply not using more land « AgBiotech@Bio Blog
[...] 30, 2009 · Filed under News Stories AgNewsWire provides some great facts from a Thursday teleconference with reporters and Corn Farmers Coalition [...]
Cheryl Stubbendieck
Just wanted folks to know that Lincoln County Farm Bureau (North Platte NE is the county seat) delivered 17 tons of hay Tuesday (April 28) to assist the rescued horses.
Bill
You folks had better believe that these well heeled fanatics intend to put you out of business…PERIOD! There is no compromising with them at all. They will isolate the veal farmers (already have to some extent) villify them as inhumane monsters to the point that NOBODY will have nerve enough to speak up in support. Then they will isolate another group and repeat the same. Either you will unite or lose your livelihood.
Swine Flu Maps - H1N1 Flu Maps » 5/1/09 H1N1 Swine Flu Headlines
[...] [...]
Dawn Butler
Many thanks to all those responsible for helping Habitat for Horses and the HSUS with the Nevada horses. Without your donations it would be very hard for them to be cared for! Although they have a long way to go you are making their path easier! Thank you again!
Celeste Laurent » Blog Archive » When I Grow Up…
[...] [...]
Ronnie
Good piece on H$U$ at http://www.furcommission.com/resource/perspect999cl.htm
Just because we’re AGAINST animal cruelty doesn’t mean we have to be FOR H$U$.
And we can be solidly AGAINST H$U$ and 100% FOR animal welfare.
There are plenty of great groups and vets out there to work with.
Wendy
The Internet lets you connect with the public directly every day. Set up a website with great pictures of your beautiful animals so everyone can see. Put a webcam in the barn!
Go direct to the consumer. Right past HSUS.
Go beyond just talking about the products we produce (advertising). Talk about the producer and the process. Take a small percentage of your marketing/advertising dollars and explain and show how it’s done. We need cowboys and farmers for the future and many will come out of the cities seeking an “exotic” and unique lifestyle.
Cam
Hey there. I gotta say the UCLA post seems pretty reasonable to me. What do you see as “misinformation” specifically?
Emily
I don’t think there’s much dispute over the fact that the production of meat has negative effects on the environment. The school’s not cutting out meat, its opening students to more sustainable ways of eating, once a week. How is that a bad thing?
Chuck
Oh but there is a huge amount of dispute over it. The GHG emissions from cows is so insignificant that you can only conclude that people who want to control other people’s diets are behind the misinformation.
Beef is a wonderfully nutritious product and there is a lot of research to document that fact. UCLA’s misguided decision is actually putting students at risk of not getting beneficial dietary requirements.
I think it’s a bad thing to take away a student’s right to choose the food they eat too. This is very divisive and just shows a complete lack of care for their students by people with an agenda who want to exert control.
Mark Van Baale
You preach it, Chuck! I am with you on this belief. It is all about community with our customers and learning what they need so we can help them. Marketing to them through traditional ways has its place at times, but we are starting to see that farmers want that direct interaction with companies. I am one of the select few in the corporate world who believes in the new way of interacting with our customers. I continue to press on hoping others will join me someday.
PN
I agree with Cam and Emily’s comments.
The chart Good Magazine put together that visually represents how much water is used in the process of producing beef is remarkable. http://awesome.goodmagazine.com/transparency/web/trans0309walkthisway.html
I definitely eat meat, but think it’s a good thing to better understand what it takes to grow all the food we eat. This UCLA program is trying to create awareness. Sounds like a great idea. One day without beef is unlikely to put students at risk of not getting daily dietary requirements.
Sarah
Wow, Chuck,
I’d venture to say you’re the one missing information. GHG emissions are hardly the only factor to consider when examining the beef industry’s impact on the environment and public health. Global deforestation, ground water contamination, and air pollution are all serious issues given the scale of industrial meat production. Beyond that, to suggest that people are going to have their nutrition compromised by not eating meat one day a week (the fact that they could get it anywhere outside the dining hall not withstanding) is flat ignorant. Ask almost any physician or nutritionist in the country and they’ll say they recommend cutting down on red meat intake as a general method for disease prevention and overall wellness. The typical meat-eating American university student is not lacking for protein or iron, and one day without beef is only going to improve personal health, drive environmental improvement, and raise awareness in a public education facility about the connection between our consumption and the state of the world.
warwak
Here is my picture:
Editors Note: the picture does not qualify, sorry Dave.
Chuck
You can find some good information on beef cows impact on GHG emissions here: Fact Sheet: Critical Analysis of Livestock’s Long Shadow.
When it comes to water use :
Myth: Amount of water needed to produce 1 pound of wheat: 25 gallons.
Myth: Amount of water needed to produce 1 pound of beef: 2,500 gallons.
According to statistics compiled by the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Kansas State University, the yield of wheat from irrigated land averages about 3 bushels per acre inch of water (27,168 gallons). So it actually takes 151 gallons of water to produce one pound of wheat – six times more than the amount this claim suggests.
Considering all factors in beef cattle production including direct consumption, irrigation of pastures and crops, and carcass processing, it takes 435 gallons of water to produce a pound of boneless beef, according to the CAST 1999 Animal Agriculture and Global Food Supply Report.
warwak
Libbi looks like she would rather be eating veggies and wearing cool clothesinstead of stupid, “Got Beef” t-shirts. Who dressed poor Libbi?
Camille Marino
Mr. Loos, I understand that you make your blood money by harvesting flesh from mutilitated pig parts, but I think we can agree that language is important. If it were not, you would not be so concerned about the public connecting the swine flu to swine. Yours is a business drenched in blood and violence and using your children to flesh-eating poster children is child abuse. One day they will realize what an incomprehensibly cruel society their father perpetuates. Camille Marino
Chuck
Just as a little fyi. I’ll only be allowing comments that offer something constructive. Personal attacks and profanity are not allowed. I realize that Camille’s really doesn’t fit but it does show how people like her apparently aren’t capable of a reasonable comment.
Linda Robertson
Yes, the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. Which is exactly why eating pork is a proven medical cause of heart attacks and cancer. A google search will produce several articles of research supporting this theory. And, ironically, the way in which animals are bred, treated and killed in the agricultural business is quite heartless, done with no love or compassion. It’s a shame that you’re a part of a culture that believes it’s ok for selfish human beings to do whatever they want, however they want, to the defenseless pig and cow. If you want a real match for your money, why not breed tigers and bears for food? Or would that be too much hassle for you “tough guys?’ Lastly, when you start showing some “reasonable” compassionate behavior, maybe you’ll start getting reasonable responses.
Chuck
Hey Linda: Have you ever been out on a modern day hog farm? Met with the farmers? I’ve been on a lot of them and they are very kind and compassionate with their animals. My guess is you’re buying into rhetoric from people who really have no idea what they’re talking about including wherever you got your information about heart attacks and cancer. Farmers don’t do “whatever they want.” In fact, their animals are often treated much better than many people treat their pets. They have to in order to stay in business. They employ best management practices that have proven to be effective while providing humane treatment to the animals.
Celeste Laurent
What a great idea! I can’t wait to spread the word about this effort!
I was blogging today about how agriculture can’t expect the National Pork Producers Council to handle this situation alone. Great to see that people like Trent Loos are helping out!
Keep up the good work!
And by the way, on our farm, we always joke that we take better care of our livestock’s health than our own.
They always take their vitamins, they get doctored at the first sign of illness, they always eat a healthy diet on schedule, and they live in the most stress free environment possible.
Do you do that for yourself everyday?
Mandy
If making your child where something they didn’t want to wear (not saying Libby didn’t choose her own shirt) and taking a photo of them is child abuse than every parent who ever made their kids dress up for family photos is a child abuser. I don’t know many children who liked getting dressed up for family photos! Maybe Camille should redirect her concerns about child abuse to children who really are in dire straights and focus her energy on helping a person in need, not calling millions of people who consume meat perpetually cruel and judging those she does not know.
Craig
Boy, I guess I’m a little ole’ school. Chuck can you give me links or explain what Twitter, FriendFeed, Flickr, YouTube, LinkedIn, and facebook are?
I dunno.
Craig
Craig
Good job Chuck !!
Keep the facts a-comin. The nay-sayers just can’t stand the facts.
What’s “fashionable” today, will not be tomorrow. Good sound science will always be in demand. Maybe we should alert UCLA to this fact?
Chuck
Hi Craig:
I do a lot of public speaking and consulting on this subject. So here’s some feedback. You can find all of these services by just adding www. before the name and .com after it when you type it into your browser.
YouTube is a video sharing service. People upload video clips and they become very easy to find. The service has a built in function for visitors/viewers to send messages back and forth with the person who uploaded the video and others.
Flickr is mostly a photo sharing service which also now has a video sharing function. Very similar in some ways to YouTube with interactive components built in.
LinkedIn is even more of social networking service where you can create an account and become connected with others and share information. Very easy to use and seems to have been embraced more for “business” purposes than personal.
Facebook, like LinkedIn, is a social networking service. I think it’s easier to use than LinkedIn and has a lot more features.
FriendFeed allows you aggregate all your various accounts into one location (Twitter, Flickr, Facebook, etc.). People can subscribe to your feed and follow you more easily.
Twitter is a micro blogging service. You get an account and can post text messages that may contain links to documents, photos and web pages. You can follow other people and interact with them.
Most of these service can interact with each other. I recommend you pick one and give it a try. Learn how to use it and when comfortable, expand to the next one.
Amanda
Undoubtedly, Libbi and Lindsi are thoroughly enjoying their pork meal, and I don’t think it is considered child abuse to take a photo of a relaxing family meal. How many families even gather around the table for supper at night? How many children are actually abused by their parents on a daily basis? How many children die from that abuse? Why is this nation so focused on saving animals that are being respectfully harvested to nourish the world. These animals are treated with the best care possible, and most farmers are losing money doing it right now. Why are farmers unfairly framed as greedy barbarians?
I love livestock, and I love being a part of agriculture. But, I never forget the circle of life. There are hungry mouths to feed in this world, and farmers and ranchers are dedicated to doing just that. And, by the way, Libbi looks awesome in her “Got Beef” shirt, and I bet she dressed herself…That’s free will, not child abuse.
James
Nobody, journalists or SEO experts, should stuff keywords in their articles. Stuffing keywords is itself unprofessional and can turn readers away. And search engines can penalize a web site for keywords stuffing.
The key to any successful online public relations and marketing campaign is providing credible content. Keywords, as important as they’re, should be used sparingly and cautiously so as not to dilute the overall meaning of content may it be a blog post, press release, or news article.
As for journalists, I would say they can’t afford not to pay attention to keywords. Why? Keywords in themselves give us an insight into the search behavior of online communities. They answer the question: what kind of language do online users use to look for all sort of information, including current affairs? If journalists don’t know what online readers are interested in, then it goes without saying they’ll continue feeding the web with irrelevant content that their intended audience will never locate. And the effects of this can be devastating. There will be no advertisement revenue because no company would be willing to advertise on a low-trafficked web site.
A deep understanding by a journalist of the language online communities use can provide a very clear pointer to the kind of content online communities are interested in. Let’s say a language analysis reveals “education reforms” to be the most popular popular keywords among online communities countrywide. It would serve a journalist working for news web sites better if he/she can increase the coverage of education reform-related events because this is what readers are interested in.
Jay Byrne, a highly respected expert in online communication, has written a fabulous article on how online newspapers can benefit from the web. The article is available here:http://www.v-fluence.com/blog/453/the-death-of-print. You can also read my blog on the same here:http://vsuade.wordpress.com/2009/04/13/newspapers-must-change-to-be-viable-online/
Craig
Boy, I don’t think I could stand the pressure. Imagine, the masses’ every action, hinging on my very thoughts. Looking to me for wisdom and guidance. I’m a man, don’t need to be someone’s “mommy”?
I’ve got enough stress already.
Just joking. I’ll check it out when I get a free minute.
Thanks for the explanations.
I actually knew about YouTube already, but the others, no clue.
Craig
Yep, that’s the sad part of production agriculture. We even feed the poor souls that don’t appreciate us, and they complain with a mouth-full.
If every single individual had to produce their own food, we’d have quite a few hungry people.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Twitter Farming
[...] written about our weekly #AgChat session a couple of times where people interested in agriculture are participating in a live Twitter [...]
Sarah
Forgive me but I find this statement a bit odd: “The world of journalism is certainly evolving, and those not willing to change might be left in the dust.”
According to Wikipedia, “Journalism is the production of news reports and editorials through media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television and the Internet…Journalists serve as the main purveyors of information and opinion in contemporary society.”
Looking at that definition I do not see how it can then be said that “journalism” is evolving and those of us in the business have to change or be “left in the dust.”
Yes, there are certainly new ways available in which to distribute information and a lot of traditional media are playing in those channels (check out top 100 Twitter sites for instance), but that should not be misconveyed as having anything to do with changes necessary in the profession of journalism itself in order to ensure continued existence.
In fact, it is the work of journalists and reporters that often spurs the content of many of today’s blogs and tweets and actually add much credibility to those posts. It is the work of major media journalists that even populates a number of ag media websites for those companies unwilling to do the work themselves – but that is another topic in and of itself.
Personally, I can’t image where we would be without those that spend their days “getting the real story”, talking with the experts, uncovering the dirt and providing unbiased reports instead of zipping off an opinion and posting it online as a so-called “fact.”
Society simply cannot be truly informed on the basis of blogs and microblogs and online chat discussions.
So, let the communications channels continue to evolve as they have throughout history (that is nothing new) and be assured that journalism, in its traditional role, is indeed alive and well and will continue to serve an important role in society.
Michele Payn-Knoper
Thanks, Chuck, for your support of #agchat and participation in our community. Like all communities, there are some neighbors that are more difficult to get along with than others. As you pointed out, we can at least know we’re making a difference by talking about what we believe in – agriculture and feeding the world.
Richard
Pacelle, with his slicked back hair, suit and tie, doesn’t look like he has ever actually worked with animals in his life -or ever actually worked at any other real job either. Yet he presumes to tell you folks, farmers in dusty overalls, men and women of the soil who actually work with animals, how to do your work “ethically.”
Look at that tie. It’s either made of silk, or from some chemical derived from petroleum. If it’s made of silk, it’s based on “cruel” exploitation of the cute little silk worms violating their “rights.” But if it’s made from some petroleum derivative that’s alright, no matter how many animals die slow, painful deaths from oil spills, no matter how much natural animal habitat is destroyed by air pollution or global warming. All that’s o.k. because it’s not based on “cruel” treatment of any individual animals.
I’m a lawyer who has worked with my hands, maintaining public parklands, and I say animal “rights” is nothing more than “pernicious nonsense.” You farmers don’t need to pay attention to phonies like Pacelle. Instead you should form alliances with other interest groups, involved in medical research, product testing, environmentalism, wildlife management, hunting, fishing and trapping, etc., to provide a unified front against the animal rights zanies.
If PETA starts a protest in a nearby city against women buying fur coats, get out there in counter protest, riding on your tractors in overalls to support the furriers. Take the steam out of PETA’s dishonest publicity stunts and get your message across that humans necessarily depend on a wide variety of animal products, including both yours and the furriers.
Cyndi
Beautiful!
Janice
WIC families cannot buy specialty eggs – including cage free or organic:
http://tinyurl.com/q83lsq
http://tinyurl.com/qrpsv7
Cheryl
Amanda, thank you so much for telling us about this lady. Al Gore was chosen over her? Politics and propaganda at its best.
Precision Pays
[...] The Hand That Feeds U.S. [...]
don corpier
i am disgusted beyond imagination at this situation. this is nothing more than an outright violation of conflict of interest. my god, monsanto is nothing more than a predatory monster. they are trying to control the worlds food supply from seed to final product. how the state of s.dakota has allowed the president of s.d.u. to enter into a contract with the devil is beyond me. fox in the hen house situation. this guy is over paid to begin with never less several several hundred thousand dollars a year to rubber stamp the criminal behavior of monsanto. what do you expect from a state that has a smaller population than most large cities in this country. i think that the gov. all the way down to your legislature is being payed off by monsanto.
Ken
Love the hyena shot. Looks like someone was filming a live-action version of The Lion King.
Ann
Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!
Manuel Castillo
Beautifully done Julie!!! Go Wild Cats!!!
Leah
Illinois hates to lose Mark but NCGA will gain. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, Congratulations Mark! Best of Luck.
The Field Position » Blog Archive » A whole new use of GPS
[...] [...]
Deb Hildreth
It was a such a pleasure meeting you and talking with you about blogging. My best to you in all of your endeavors, Chuck! ~ Debbie
Importance of Food Production « WorldAgForum’s Blog
[...] Brownfield Network also reported on this main topic at the World Congress. In an interview, Leonard Guarraia, Chairman of the Board for the World Agricultural Forum, posed several important questions, such as, “How are we going to (create enough food), can we do it with existing technology, do we need better inputs? What policies are needed for trade? What policies are needed in production and in technology?” Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jim Bolger was able to provide a partial answer to Guarraia’s questions. Bolger stated that a healthy global economy is vital and that plentiful production will depend on both developed and developing nations. [...]
Chelsea Zimmerman
Surely you know that your blog host here is a “Mac Master.” I’m sure he can tell you everything you need to know.
Precision Pays
[...] group (farmers, industry folks, foodies and more) held every Tuesday night from 8-10 EDT. You can check out a recent chat here. And AgChat has a Facebook page, too. related topics: Education, Farmers, GPS, Resources, [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Brewing Kentucky Ale
[...] fund raising efforts for lobbying against animal agriculture. I also got an update on Trent’s Pork On A Fork contest. The entry deadline for this contest to win an all expense paid trip to World Pork Expo is [...]
Trent Loos
Notice Chuck’s fast paced move to the Brewery. Once he heard about it he was “Johnny on the Spot”. Yes he was indeed first.
Joel Jaeger
Glad you got your Mac picked up. Remember my comment from way back when you polled the readers about what to get? I owe you some money. How much? Did others contribute to so my extra match is in play.
Email me and I’ll shoot you a check.
Joel Jaeger
joel@commodityupdate.com
Amanda
Yes, I will be calling on Chuck to help me with much needed tutorials.
Joel, I look forward to meeting you in the future. Thanks again for your kind donation to help me get my start in this industry. Both you and Chuck are generous souls, and I can’t thank you enough for this wonderful opportunity!
Amanda
Jon J Latzer
Chuck-
Thanks for the blog on this product. I’m considering purchasing an Internet radio but there are a number of products on the market and I’m not sure which is the one to go with.
Would love to see a review or a ranking of these products if you are so inclined.
Thanks
jon
AgWired » Blog Archives » Many Tanks Make A Good Beer
[...] in it. Why? Because it’s the end of the week and it’s all I’ve got. After I had my chance to interview Alltech Lexington Brewing Company Master Brewer Ken Lee, Trent and Sarah did a video interview with [...]
Nieuws van Twitter « Guus
[...] Landbouw chat in VS In de VS hebben boeren, experts, toeleveranciers en geinteresseerden afgesproken om op een vaste tijd met zijn allen tegelijk over bepaalde vragen te twitteren. Ze noemen het naar de tag die ze gebruiken #agchat. Een moderator laat van tevoren de vragen weten en een debat met vele ’sprekers’ ontvouwt zich rond die vragen. De meerwaarde tot nog toe lijkt vooral te zitten in de inclusiviteit van het medium: er praten mensen mee, en er lezen mensen mee, die voorheen niet zozeer deelnamen aan het debat. Hier lees je agriblogger’s verslag van de laatste sessie. [...]
AgWired Blog Archives New Media Opportunities for Beef Industry | Cast Iron Cookware
[...] AgWired Blog Archives New Media Opportunities for Beef Industry Posted by root 20 hours ago (http://agwired.com) The missouri beef industry council was the first state agricultural organization to use new leave a comment name required 1600 skyview dr holts summit mo 65043 573 896 5842 office amp fax powered by wordpress Discuss | Bury | News | agwired blog archives new media opportunities for beef industry [...]
RichardOn
Interesting site, but much advertisments on him. Shall read as subscription, rss.
AgWired Blog Archives You 39 ll Like Lane Home Cooking | Cast Iron Cookware
[...] AgWired Blog Archives You 39 ll Like Lane Home Cooking Posted by root 18 hours ago (http://agwired.com) Dec 28 2006 1 comment june 29 2007 3 38 pm agwired blog archives farmers 39 markets blogging the home cooking blogger is now doing a little farmers 39 market mo 65043 573 896 5842 office amp fax powered by wordpress Discuss | Bury | News | agwired blog archives you 39 ll like lane home cooking [...]
Josh Fleming
Hey Chuck,
I too have been caught by the craze. Over 7,000,000 people have downloaded the application. Would be interesting to know, of that 7,000,000 how many actually farm.
I recently asked Facebook if they knew the specific demos of the game and they politely pointed me to the Facebook advertising page, which is good info but doesn’t tell the whole story.
I personally would like to see integration of some real brands into the game, would certainly take ag + social media to a higher level. Can you imagine buying a real ag product or seed that produces better. I believe its coming.
America's Best Zoos author
This is truly a great zoo — one of the nation’s best! The penguins shown in this article are a part of the Zoo’s “Penguin & Puffin Coast”, the best exhibit of its kind in America. This very complete zoo also features The River’s Edge, among the best zoo exhibits in the USA! St. Louis residents should be proud of, and grateful for, their zoo.
Billy
I voted for him. I sure hope he won. This is the best blog ever! Thanks Chuck.
Pam Fretwell
Chuck,
Thanks for sharing “Shall we gather at the river” video. I often wonder how many of these as you call it professionally done video’s hit the waves without us even knowing it.
I have been one of the ones who didn’t understand agriculture as I grew up in the city. I learned about agriculture and food production from literally the ground up and am still constantly amazed at the stamina and determination of farmers to survive no matter what the circumstances. Farmers have been forced to create larger and larger operations many times due to economics and are usually very good at thinking about the impact their decisions have upon their lives and the environment.
Blogging and the social media revolution give a huge opportunity for farmers to tell their story along with the activists, the only difference is many of the farmers are out there doing their job, with very little time to set in front of a computer or phone to send posts. That’s why it is so important for you, I and others who are proponents of agriculture to speak for them.
As always, appreciate your hard work in all that you do ….to tell the story.
Pam
Jill Spiekerman
Don’t leave out the beginning step – to take the test in StrengsFinders 2.0 by Tom Rath and to read the book. It identifies your top five strengths and helps you understand how to use them. I’ve found this book invaluable in building teams and helping members understand how to work together.
Susan C. Kincaid
I totally agree with Josh. What a great way to brand our ag products. Even though most of the ‘farmers’ might not be real farmers – I’ll bet some are. I would like them to have a “precision farming” tool – my fields are really crooked. It would be much more efficient if they were straight! Chuck – I’d love to be your neighbor! There are a few ‘agrimarketers’ that are currently farming!
Sarah
I voted for Billy too! And he won. Hooray!!!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Billy Frey Wins Pork On A Fork Contest
[...] touring the World Pork Expo in Des Moines next Wednesday. Besides Billy’s picture which was posted earlier this week I really liked this one with the kids. One has a t-shirt that says “I Love My Pig” and [...]
Dale Ann
Hey Julie!
You sound as wonderful as always! I received this email of you singing from a good friend who is a close friend of your professor, Everett. The world is small, and in my life it is not “6 degrees” of separation, but 2.
I pray you are doing well up there. Hope you are still honeymooning.
Love, dale ann
Dale Ann
Julie,
I forgot to tell you who my friend is – Melanie Jonas, married to Jim, and I do not know her maiden name. Nonetheless, Everett knows her very well and I might be wrong but I think they were Voice majors in the same college. You can ask Everett.
God bless you,
Dale Ann
I received a very sweet note from your mom. I need to get in touch with her.
I Am Biotech: Discover. Share. Discuss.
[...] THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE – AgWired has a post today about a new awareness campaign called “The Hand That Feeds U.S.” The campaign, [...]
Matt Weeks
At first glance, seemed a little light, but after playing with it for a day or two, I think Microsoft might still have a little fight left in them to give the market leaders a go. At the very least, it is a case study in how to launch and market a new product with aggresive PR and new media tactics.
Mandy
I play Farm Town on a pretty regular basis. I like some features, but others are definitely just there to round out aesthetics. Adding in educational features would take some time and I’m not sure that the people who created the game would be all that interested in doing it if it wasn’t sponsored by someone – but I think it’s a good avenue for companies to place educational ads on the game page and try to increase that education component, at least it’d make a good testing to see if it would be worth creating an application that’s more accurate as a communications tactic for a larger company. I mentioned this idea to Monsanto when they were speaking to Gateway NAMA about their social media work – they were planning on developing a Facebook page, but I asked them to consider building an application, those get shared much more frequently than a page does and would have repeat visitors and additional points of contact could easily be built in.
Leah
I can’t wait to see all your fun pictures! Have fun and I’ll see you guys in a few weeks.
I Am Biotech: Discover. Share. Discuss.
[...] MEDIA AT USDA – Chuck at AgWired had a great podcast the other day, featuring an interview with the Department of Agriculture’s Acting Director of [...]
Diane
Carly is a doll! See you here in Fort Worth– anxious to meet her~ Good luck in Des Moines.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Novus Goes Platinum
[...] Platinum LEED certified headquarters building was the star of today’s show. Energy for the building was purchased with renewable energy [...]
Precision Pays
[...] [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Blogs and Podcasts are Relevant
[...] first since there are so many surveys and studies showing how these new communication platforms are growing. Then I realized that what we’ve been calling “new media” is really no longer [...]
Janice Person
Its so odd you have this up right now cause I’ve been thinking I need an upgrade. Love the size & customizable nature of the Mino HD but would like the Ultra HDs drive size. Obviously I’ve decide I need to upgrade it seems, only question is which one to go for! I’ve just turned my flip over to an intern to play with for a bit.
Chuck
There are no coincidences. It’s just a sign for you that the HD is calling!
Dana Harville
I love our HD Flip Mino! I took it out to visit farms in Iowa and it was fantastic.
Jack
That is a feel-good story, indeed. I think you might find this story inspiring, too — it’s about the “aha moment” experienced by a caring woman who is also helping students understand where the food on their plate comes from. Check it out at http://www.ahamoment.com/pg/moments/view/2261.
Thanks,
jack@ahamoment.com
Ken Wurdeman
Great demo on how to use the Flip and YouTube. I love my Flip and it beats an expensively produced video any day. Once again, Chuck, you are blazing the trail.
Global Debate on Biofuels at World Ag Forum « The Sugarcane Blog
[...] it turns out, for the spike in food prices last year. The issue was one that came up at the recent World Ag Forum in St. Louis that saw delegates from around the world gather with some varying opinions… especially when it [...]
Kim
Very cool wish I could have been there
Gene
Chuck improves high tech every year.
I agree with Kim in first comment above. I agree that I wish she could have been here, too. To anyone that knows me as Gene, make a comment and give Kim a “Howdy”. She really did want to meet lots of people here at Music Festival, but illness got in way.
Dave Anderson
Chuck,
I’m not getting the biodiesel video to work. It says it’s a private video and I need some form of authorization. Any ideas?
I hope all is well.
Dave Anderson
Chuck
Thanks for the heads up Dave. It’s public now. Somehow the private box got checked when I uploaded it.
tmrpro
This is a very cool article about the world’s largest country music festival… Nothing about Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood… Flying Dog and the Naked Cowboy!!!
Now that’s Country, baby!!!
Michael Frybarger
I’m a trucker and avid supporter of Biodiesel. I am also a devoted listener of the Dave Nemo show. The Dave Nemo show airs on these channels XM 171 and Sirius 147 it is a very informative show for both non truckers and truck drivers. He always has guest that are interesting and from a vast array of subject matter. I would recommend listening to his show to anyone. His show airs on the above channels between 7-11 am est……………….GO Biodiesel !!
field assignment » “Millennial” Generation Looking Good: #Ag Tweet of the Week
[...] show a definite need for youth in ag-related careers. You can read more about that in today’s AgWired blog post “Who Are the Next Generation of Food Producers?”. We’d love to hear [...]
theedcarol
The panel also allowed that newspapers missed the mark several years when they started offering online versions of their publications for free. Howver, they caused an number of incredulous faces to appear among audience members when they suggested that there was still time for newspapers to begin charging for online access. When an audience member reminded them that the NY Times had been there, done that and found it didn’t work, the revelation seemed to go over the panelists’ heads. The panelist seemed oblivious to any kind of advocacy journalism being present in the mainstream media. Interesting panel. And the TV guy looked like Frasier to boot.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Ethanol From Sorghum
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 06.17.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
The Endangered Owner
As we all know, the definition of “abuse” means something completely different when it comes to the animal radicals, PeTA and HSUS.
To them, the mere act of “exhibiting” livestock is cruelty.
It’s time to stop the madness. Stand up proud and tall and yell, “We’re NOT Gonna Take It Anymore!”
Go AG!
Russell Graves
As a former ag teacher and FFA advisor (15 years) I can tell you – that at least in Texas – the livestock shows and the 4h and FFA programs do a stellar job of policing themselves and manage to get along fine without the help of disingenuous groups lke PETA.
Patty Nielson
Show cattle are some of the most pampered animals. They lay in the shade under cool fans in the hot summer months, and get special feed. Someone washes and cleans up after them everyday and provides clean bedding. Kids work hard each and every day on those show calves. PETA is stooping pretty low to resorting to picking kids. Shame on them!!!
Carol Drew
The current protesting of PETA’s suggestions seems to indicate that those who protest have something to hide. If the exhibitors are, as one person suggests, looking after their animals correctly, then the ‘children’ and their parents should not be worried about inspections. Drivers have licenses and we are all subjected to inspections on the roads at various times. Our licenses require we follow certain regulations on the road and if we don’t (like drink driving) then we lose our license. Teaching the children who exhibit livestock that they will be inspected is teaching them to be responsible adults by ensuring they follow the rules of animal welfare. It is not, as another suggested, an attack on the ‘children’.
Bryce Handson
Sorry folks but I can’t agree with ya’ll… I teach my kids and their friends to go above and beyond what we do on the ranch because, well, they’re the future and I have to say, if my children can’t get through life better than I did, then I failed. These peta guys are pretty out there and I’m not saying they’re right. But rather than leaving the kids out of it maybe we should be making sure the kids are right in the middle of treating animals they way the Lord intended… not as our slaves but as our dominions – it’s just my opinion and I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure my father didn’t raise a fool.
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.
John 10:14
maggie b
Welcome 4-H, FFA Youth to the fight. Your invitation has been officially issued by HSUS & PETA. You will be in good company. Join hands with others fighting the good fight. Unite against animal rights agendas.
Animal Rights individuals wish to take away our rights to have, raise, or use animals for any purpose. They wish to eliminate all animals created by selective breeding taking us back to Neanderthal times. They are willing to lie, cheat and/or steal to achieve their objectives.
Kathy
Chuck,
What did you have before? I’ve been happy with my Blackberry. What does the iphone have that a Blackberry doesn’t? Are you having any “outages” issues?
dr.rosset
I would urge you all to read and have your children read the book Animal Rights: The Inhumane Crusade by Daniel T. Oliver. Also check the link http://www.vidoosh.tv/play.php?vid=4360
to get the truth about HSUS. As for PETA and HSUS check the Homeland Security memo dhs-ecoterrorism-in-us-2008.pdf which can be downloaded at
http://www.scribd.com/doc/12251436/DHS-Eco-Terrorism-in-US-2008
This is a cult taking over our country don’t let them infect your children. Educate them to the real goals of PETA, HSUS, and the Animal Liberation Front.
Chuck
I have the previous version of the iPhone. My new one is due in this week. The iPhone has way more applications to do things I want to do like record audio. The new one shoots video and directly uploads to YouTube. The browser is a “full” one that works just like on your computer. There are a lot of advantages over a Blackberry, not to say Blackberrys are bad.
I really haven’t had too many issues with service around the country that wouldn’t also be experienced by other carriers.
Lefty Gonzales
Good for PeTA and HSUS. It’s about time people in ALL of the United States started respecting animals.
Just because someone is FFA or 4H, doesn’t mean that they should treat animals poorly and get a free pass. It doesn’t work that way.
Patty Nielson
Some people just dont’ get it. Farmers and Ranchers take great care of their animals. Animals would not survive roaming free on their own.
All animals that are brought to a state fair ARE INSPECTED and given a health certificate by a vet. Those papers AND the animals are inspected again very carefully by another impartial vet BEFORE ever entering the fair grounds.
We are not asking people to give up being vegetarians or a vegan lifestyle, so don’t ask us to give up our lifestyle of taking care of livestock. They are better taken care of then some kids in the United State. Let’s join together to for a better cause of helping young children lead a better life.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Teaching Ag In New York City
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 06.22.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Jeremy
Chuck,
Please post a review of the 3G S after you have used the video, audio and editing applications. I am curious to know your thoughts.
Chuck
I will definitely be posting about the new “tool” after it gets here. Really looking forward to it.
Elizabeth
7 Things You Didn’t Know About PETA
(People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
1) According to government documents, PETA employees have killed more than 19,200 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens since 1998. This behavior continues despite PETA’s moralizing about the “unethical” treatment of animals by farmers, scientists, restaurant owners, circuses, hunters, fishermen, zookeepers, and countless other Americans. PETA puts to death over 90 percent of the animals it accepts from members of the public who expect the group to make a reasonable attempt to find them adoptive homes. PETA holds absolutely no open-adoption shelter hours at its Norfolk, VA headquarters, choosing instead to spend part of its $32 million annual income on a contract with a crematory service to periodically empty hundreds of animal bodies from its large walk-in freezer.
2) PETA president and co-founder Ingrid Newkirk has described her group’s overall goal as “total animal liberation.” This means the complete abolition of meat, milk, cheese, eggs, honey, zoos, aquariums, circuses, wool, leather, fur, silk, hunting, fishing, and pet ownership. In a 2003 profile of Newkirk in The New Yorker, author Michael Specter wrote that Newkirk has had at least one seeing-eye dog taken away from its blind owner. PETA is also against all medical research that requires the use of animals, including research aimed at curing AIDS and cancer.
3) PETA has given tens of thousands of dollars to convicted arsonists and other violent criminals. This includes a 2001 donation of $1,500 to the North American Earth Liberation Front (ELF), an FBI-certified “domestic terrorist” group responsible for dozens of firebombs and death threats. During the 1990s, PETA paid $70,200 to Rodney Coronado, an Animal Liberation Front (ALF) serial arsonist convicted of burning down a Michigan State University research laboratory. In his sentencing memorandum, a federal prosecutor implicated PETA president Ingrid Newkirk in that crime. PETA vegetarian campaign coordinator Bruce Friedrich has also told an animal rights convention that “blowing stuff up and smashing windows” is “a great way to bring about animal liberation,” adding, “Hallelujah to the people who are willing to do it.”
4) PETA activists regularly target children as young as six years old with anti-meat and anti-milk propaganda, even waiting outside their schools to intercept them without notifying their parents. One piece of kid-targeted PETA literature tells small children: “Your Mommy Kills Animals!” PETA brags that its messages reach over 1.2 million minor children, including 30,000 kids between the ages of 6 and 12, all contacted by e-mail without parental supervision. One PETA vice president told the Fox News Channel’s audience: “Our campaigns are always geared towards children, and they always will be.”
5) PETA’s president has said that “even if animal research resulted in a cure for AIDS, we would be against it.” And PETA has repeatedly attacked research foundations like the March of Dimes, the Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and the American Cancer Society, solely because they support animal-based research aimed at curing life-threatening diseases and birth defects. And PETA helped to start and manage a quasi-medical front group, the misnamed Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, to attack medical research head-on.
6) PETA has compared Jewish victims of the Nazi Holocaust to farm animals and Jesus Christ to pigs. PETA’s religious campaigns include a website that claims—despite ample evidence to the contrary—that Jesus Christ was a vegetarian. PETA holds protests at houses of worship, even suing one church that tried to protect its members from Sunday-morning harassment. Its billboards taunt Christians with the message that hogs “died for their sins.” PETA insists, contrary to centuries of rabbinical teaching, that the Jewish ritual of kosher slaughter shouldn’t be allowed. And its infamous “Holocaust on Your Plate” campaign crassly compared the Jewish victims of Nazi genocide to farm animals.
7) PETA frequently looks the other way when its celebrity spokespersons don’t practice what it preaches. As gossip bloggers and Hollywood journalists have noted, Pamela Anderson’s Dodge Viper (auctioned to benefit PETA) had a “luxurious leather interior”; Jenna Jameson was photographed fishing, slurping oysters, and wearing a leather jacket just weeks after launching an anti-leather campaign for PETA; Morrissey got an official “okay” from PETA after eating at a steakhouse; Dita von Teese has written about her love of furs and foie gras; Steve-O built a career out of abusing small animals on film; the officially “anti-fur” Eva Mendes often wears fur anyway; and Charlize Theron’s celebrated October 2007 Vogue cover shoot featured several suede garments. In 2008, “Baby Phat” designer Kimora Lee Simmons became a PETA spokesmodel despite working with fur and leather, after making a $20,000 donation to the animal rights group.
Want evidence? Visit
http://www.AnimalScam.com • http://www.ActivistCash.com • http://www.PetaKillsAnimals.com
Tom
We must take the understanding that this is an evolving process and will continue to be modified. The fact is something is going to be passed and we want to make sure Agriculture is at the table, has a voice and is doing what we can to keep all aspects front and center in this national and international policy development. To keep up to date on all the policy and issues around carbon and Agriculture, i follow http://www.agcarboncredits.com blog.
Amanda Nolz
The point of this post wasn’t to say that kids couldn’t handle an inspection by PETA before bringing their 4-H and FFA projects to the fair, it’s saying that I don’t think they should have to. A veterinarian inspects my animals prior to attending a show, everytime they leave the grounds. They look for signs of illness that could be transferred to other animals. In addition, 4-H, FFA and Open Class shows all have their own requirement of livestock before they bring them to shows. I don’t believe a radical organization like PETA should do further inspections.
More importantly, show cattle are treated with great respect. As others have stated, livestock projects are kept in the cool barn, under the grace of fans, misters, etc. to keep them cool during the summer months. In the winter, they are kept in the barn to stay out of the cold, snowy weather. While I don’t believe all livestock need these kind of measures to take care of them, my show cattle are loved and well cared for under a watchful eye. However, we also take great care in protecting our entire cowherd, providing them with optimal nutrition, shelter, water and the necessary vaccines to keep them healthy. It’s a 24/7 job, that is often thankless, but it’s important to follow best animal handling practices around livestock.
For the record, I don’t stand behind any of the bad apples in the industry that treat livestock with disrespect. However, don’t punish the entire sector for a few rotten apples.
Amanda Nolz
Jeremy
We have several hundred people forwarding this message and taking action around the U.S.
Chuck, we all thank you for taking action.
collin
im a member of ffa and 4-h. I dont own cattle but i do own horses. and i know i take take of my horses better than i take care of myself. Ok, say if they do what they want to do- just for me- i wouldnt be able to rodeo, theyd probly take my horses away so no riding, theyd probly take my dogs and cat away and i also take care of them better than myself. then id probly have to move to town cause i just might shoot a wild animal tthat has rabies. really both organizations are mostly trying to take away ag. just like some senitors wanted to pass the cow gas bill mostly were farmers are taxed for the farts of thier cows. and thats whats causeing global warming. and really people we all know global warming is a load of crap. it was probly thought up of by some one who was sitting in the sun too long. the only reason the goverments going along with it is so it can take over some other part of our lives. but they need to be stopped cause pretty soon there will be no agriculture left
Cannon
Our farm has banked with BofA for a long time and I was disappointed to see the card supporting HSUS. I contacted our rep (he had been out this week to visit our operation) and he responded. He is a senior v.p. with BofA and here is his response:
“Believe me—We know all about the HSUS and how they haven’t saved a single pet. They disgust us enough that we used our Ag ties with UC Davis and funded the study to defeat Prop 2 last year. Unfortunately the Bay Area and So Cal voters had their way with Ag as usual and the study was not enough to bring voters to see the light of day.
With respect to the credit card program—This was not a historical BofA card. We inherited that card program when we acquired MBNA. It was a long term program they have with the HSUS and even though we brought to light the fact that these guys are boarder line crooks we most likely would have lost a legal battle trying to break it. So sorry to say we must live it with for the time being. We know the roots of BofA are in Ag and these guys are the arch enemy of ag. Yes, were in a awkward situation and Yes no one likes it.
Sometimes the world is just too small a place. ”
Gives me some hope for the company.
Carol
First of all, this card is not new. It’s a long standing partnership.
Second, yea, that reply sounds real “professional”.
Darren
Much needed! Thank you HorseTV for bringing us the latest in industry issues, you are proving a very valuable service, keep up the great work!
Chuck
Thanks for your comment Carol. Before you dismiss the previous comment you might want to read a response letter from BOA: http://cattlenetwork.com/top40_Content.asp?ContentID=326056.
Albert
Hello there folks,
This is a great piece of information. Thanks! I’ll be blogging about this later.
Regards,
Albert
PeTA: Cruel to Children
Where do Donations to the HSUS Go?.
HSUS University
ETCattleWoman
Following is my note to BOA yesterday – I am a current customer of BOA and Merrill Lynch. I would like to continue to be a customer in the future. However, the BOA/HSUS credit card is a direct insult to my occupation as a farmer/rancher. HSUS has stated several hundred times that they are going to destroy my industry using any tactics possible, I guess BOA is now one of their tactics? Please review this decision and reverse it as I know thousands of farmers and ranchers will be withdrawing BOA funds and canceling BOA credit cards as a result of this action.
Thank you,
Mark Van Baale
I enjoy following Ray’s tweets on Twitter and learning more about the Ray-Lin Dairy. You have it right. The web and social media tools are great for spreading the story of so many farmers!
Dave Anderson
Clearly we’ll need to awaken Martin Luther as well and get his input. I think the Lutheran World Relief would concur that GM foods are fine… Feed the hungry. Feed the world.
Dixie Bitch
This is just about the lowest of the low. We as adults should be training our children and not subjecting them to cult views. PeTA grow up and understand that these children are very much taking care of their animals and do not need to be harrassed by you or any other animal rights organization. If you had your way, there would be “no animals owned nor exploited” Under PeTA definitions exploitation is ANYTHING that can be done with an animal,
WE southerners and rednecks do not like the AR wackos trying to push their beleifs down our children. I am a grandmother and I will NOT see my grand-children DEPRIVED of animal companionship because it does not suit your (PeTA) wishes. This is still a free country and if you do not like the fact that we do take care of our animals and treat them well, then my advice to you is to LEAVE the US and find yourself an island wehre you can FORCE your beleifs on the poor idiots that wish to listen to your drivel. Oh, and “have a nice day”
sharon
I work for bofa… mentioned this to my boss and he said they wont do anything about it. minimum 6 mths to get rid of the card if they do.
DennisA
http://greenhellblog.com/2009/06/26/ignominious-eight-republicans-voting-for-waxman-markey/
The following eight Republicans voted FOR Waxman-Markey and were instrumental in helping the bill to pass today. They should be targeted for defeat in the 2010 election.
The Ignominious Eight are:
Mary Bono Mack (R-CA)
Mike Castle (R-DE)
Mark Steven Kirk (R-IL)
Leonard Lance (R-NJ)
Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ)
John McHugh (R-NY)
Dave Reichert (R-WA)
Chris Smith (R-NJ)
Follow the science at junkscience.com and Wattsupwiththat.com
Laura McNamara
Thanks for the shout Chuck! Greatly appreciated! Of course I would be eager to provide info and content from Central America should anyone need it. Please feel free to email me at: lcmcnamara16@gmail.com
Ken
FYI: (I posted this on the wrong blog entry!)
To accommodate farmers who had to deal with late planting challenges, the National Corn Growers Association has extended the deadline for early entries to the National Corn Yield Contest. To be eligible for the $75 entry fee rate, mailed entries must be postmarked or submitted online no later than July 10.
The previous early-entry deadline was July 1. This change does not extend the final deadline of Aug. 1. NCGA will review the national planting progress reports July 20 to determine if there is a need to extend the Aug. 1 final deadline.
Cyndi
You gave me a jar of this for my birthday about ten years ago and I have loved it since!
Chuck
I thought I had done a post about it on AgWired but guess I never did. After having some with supper last night though I thought I needed to spread the word!
Sarah
I don’t think the problem is with the bank but with the idiots that would sign up for the card thinking they are helping save some pets. It wouldn’t matter if it was Wells Fargo or US Bank. If people are dumb enough to support the HSUS than they get what they deserve.
Its on all of us to educate and inform the public about the truth of what the HSUS is actually about and hope that the truth prevails.
Kathy
For anyone interested in agriculture, #agchat on Twitter is a great way to connect with fellow ag enthusiasts and learn what the non-ag people are thinking. It is something I try to do on Tuesday nights when I can.
The Council for Biotechnology Information » More Productivity Per Acre Means We Produce More Corn on the Same Acres
[...] AgNewsWire provides some great facts from a Thursday teleconference with reporters and Corn Farmers Coalition Director Mark Lambert and Ross Korves, economic-policy analyst and expert on farm and trade policy for the research firm ProExporter Network: “It’s a little known fact that we are growing five times as much corn as our grandfathers did in the 1930s on 20 percent less land,” said CFC during with reporters. [...]
‘Car of the Heartland’ Unveiled in Denver « The Pulse- A Blog of Colorado Farm Bureau
[...] Chuck Zimmerman did a short interview with Pat about the concept. You can also view more pictures of the car on the Colorado Farm Bureau [...]
Diane
Leah — Welcome to the fray! You’ll enjoy AMS and we’ll try not to work you too hard! You’ve got a great teacher too with JoAnn!
See you in a few weeks.
Jeri Omernik
Congrats to Colleen!
Nicole
I have to say, this is one of the funniest things I’ve seen in the industry so far. Why have we not taken this approach to combat other extremest groups? Check out the sponsors – this is who we need to spread our message about animal agriculture. Not the good ol’ boy farm system, which is exactly that, and therefore considered biased by general consumers. The events where Meatwater is featured are global, in large cities and diverse. All areas we lack in spreading our message. I’m all for it, thank you for pointing it out!
‘Car of the Heartland’ Unveiled in Denver « The Pulse- of Colorado Farm Bureau
[...] Chuck Zimmerman did a short interview with Pat about the concept. You can also view more pictures of the car on the Colorado Farm Bureau [...]
Janice Person
Chuck! YOU ROCK capturing this for us! Thanks so much!
Tucker
That was fun! Glad it worked out. The producer from CNN called my cell phone and said we are going live if we can make the connection in 10 minutes. Took me 9 to make it work. I was trying to do it outside with a laptop to the field behind me but not enough bandwidth. So, inside I went.
The twitter response has been amazing!!!! So far, the people that have followed it have been very thankful and respectful. It just goes to show, people love to eat!
My only question…..What’s Next?
Chuck
What’s next is me wanting to do an interview with you via Skype. Like to use it for my weekly podcast which I’m behind on this week.
Nathan Schock
Great article, Chuck! I added those twitterers to my list to follow.
@nathanschock
smays.com
That is some mighty fine ink (the wet kind). Well done Chuck Z.
Luke
Awesome work! I think it’s great that farmers are embracing technology like this. The CNN article pointed out the willingness of farmers to adopt new technology, and how these new tools can help famers remain competitive and up to date in today’s world. My dad is a farmer, and he continues to defy the stereotype and embrace new technologies as well. Keep up the good work.
James McWhorter
I’m glad to see that everyone is finding a use for Twitter!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Talking With The Twittering Farmer
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 07.03.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Pamela
Great article! The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is hosting regional workshops on Social Media for farmers in agritoursim. Glad to see farmers using twitter, facebook, ect. To learn more about Tennessee’s Social Media workshops go to http://www.PickTnProducts.org
Ken Wurdeman
As usual, great work AgWired!
Jeff Ruby
I’m planning to take 1 week vacation during the month of August in Guatemala. Do you think this is a safe country to visit ?
maggie b
I love it! Thanks!!
VIJAY KHONDE
It’s good for agriculture growth & safty of environment
Kathy
This is great news for agriculture! It’s exciting to know one of our advocates has achieved this feat!
Janice Person
Is it the LA County Fair ads? It said invalid video when I tried to play it.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Ice Cream Burger
[...] is fair play, as they say. Some of you may remember the Steak Sundae post here on Agwired about three years ago that generated lots of comments from anti-meat eaters who [...]
Kristi Burmeister
Jack’s hearty laugh, big smile and leadership to the agricultural community will be greatly missed. His sincere love of ag and zeal that he put into a project was contagious to all who had the privilege to work with him. May his talent in getting a variety of agricultural groups and interests to work together for the betterment of ag’s future live on with his memories.
Shari Holloway
Thanks so much for sharing this information, because otherwise my family and I wouldn’t have known. Jack was a longtime friend and always an incredible person. Our heartfelt prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.
Global Voices Online » Ghana: Chocolate for Obama
[...] Obama like chocolate? The folks at Divine Chocolate are inviting Pres. Obama to visit and learn more about cocoa farmers in Ghana Cancel this [...]
Bob Trogele
DearFriends and Family,
Jack’s passing saddens us all. We just had dinner together in February after Jack spoke to our retail customers. What a presentation he gave!
Our sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends Jack left. He was a family man, dedicated father and husband, a humble dedicated professional with an attitude of servitude, and mostly his character was second to none. Jack we will miss you. may God recieve your soul with open arms. Our prayers go with you!
Sincerely, in sorrow, your
Bob Trogele
#AgChat - Revolutionizing the Way AG Communicates | John Deere MachineFinder
[...] #agchat Session on Twitter via Agwired [...]
Tennessee Farm Wife Questions Pacelle « The Pulse- of Colorado Farm Bureau
[...] posted Pacelle’s response on the AgWired blog, noting that the animal rights activist appeared defensive and avoided a direct answer. Zimmerman [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » 5 Years After Global PR Blog Week
[...] was in January of 2005 that I mentioned Global PR Week 1.0 here on AgWired. The conference was over at that point of course but it was one of those learning tools for me that [...]
Bastien Beauchamp
My post was very long. I’m amazed that you chose the best part for me. Thank you!
David Mehlhaff
Go Team AGROTAIN. Good luck guys!
Lisa Adams
AdFarm/Agrotain relay team has been preparing for months via this joint agency/client event. The spirit between organizations has been fantastic. Congratulations to all.
Suzanne Ihde
The day is finally here!!! You all have trained so hard for this and although it took time out of work and your home, you stayed committed to the cause. I can’t wait to hear how it all goes! All the best! Suz
M. Davis
….and how far is far enought? Pollen can blow for hundreds and even thousands of miles. GMOs are not sustainable without taking over our whole agricultural system. We don’t want that, for to control the worlds food supply is to control the world. Do you want a known dangerous chemical company like Monsanto ruling you? All who grow GMOs are now surfs of Monsanto and the 5 or 6 companies what produce GMOs. Once they start, there is no turning back.
NO to GMOs!
pcohen
Comeon this is propaganda.
India, US, IRAQ CPA 81 GM crops causes cancer, fertility issues.
Chris
If you outlaw modified genetic independent safety reviews, only outlaws will have modified genetics.
AgWired » Blog Archives » AdFarm/AGROTAIN Relay Team Wins Division
[...] might remember last week’s post about the Mt. Ranier Relay Race that AdFarm and their client AGROTAIN were participating in. I [...]
Cindy
I actually had a hot dog for lunch at the Phoenix airport yesterday and didn’t even know it was their special day! How about that?
Big Blog » That “Best of Show” Buzz!
[...] what happened next totally floored us. When the Best of Show – Advertising announcement was made, Rick and I could just look at each other with that “did I just hear [...]
Cindy
Thanks, Amanda! Those are really great tips for any reporter – especially the farm broadcasters who are now armed with cameras and the print journalists who are doing video and audio as well now.
Amanda, by the way, was a top-notch professional all the way covering this event. She has an experience and skill set well beyond her young age as a recent college grad. We sincerely appreciate her contribution as part of the ZimmComm team!
Gardner Hatch
Chuck,
Get the rest that you need and get well soon! GH
Diane
Well, I noticed. Chuck — you must go from hospital to house arrest. Then you may come to Fort Worth. We’ll be easy on you. My goodness take care of yourself!
Diane
Way to go Amanda — great comments too Cindy!
Diane
OK– so I guess no Cowtown for you. Cindy gave the the details –goodness what a deal but now it’s time to take care of yourself. You need the rest!
Gene Hemphill
Another GH here thinking of you. You’re in our prayers, good friend.
GH
Gene Hemphill
BTW Chuck, I remember that dinner foto.
Mica
Chuck – Please take care of yourself. We’ll touch base when you feel up to it. Still planning on working with you at the show.
All my best!
Mica
Cheryl Stubbendieck
Chuck, I had noticed you’d been a little quiet. For God’s sake and your own, take it easy. You don’t have to kill yourself 24/7! I do very much appreciate all of the information you share with the community.
Kim
Hope you are feeling well soon and back doing what you love. Our prayers are with you.
Chuck L.
Yow….so sorry to hear about your “slow down”…Gene told me about it, and I just want to send my best wishes for a fast and full recovery, Chuck. You and Cindy are The Greatest, and I’m sure thinking about you guys. All the best, and I’ll look forward to hearing good news from you. Take care, Chuck
Expert Writer
Hi,
It’s a good sign that students are actually working with interest. Keep sharing their work.
Charlotte Smith
Where can we find these results now? I am specifically intersted in Whiteside County and Sandwich area (not sure if that is Dekalb County, but I don’t think so). If you can send me any info on those areas it would be appreciated.
Lou Jewell ALC
This seems to be the pattern around the country. I am running for National V.P. for the Realtors Land Institute http://www.rliland.com and keeping up with Land trends for years the word on the street is pretty consistent.
Southwest Texas has been holding so far better than most places around the country, except for the severe drought and the “Skinny Cows”.
Resort property is dead in the water…not discretionary income to invest. We are seeing pad locks and foreclosures. Rural Land has been holding it’s on except 50+ acre tracts are few and far in between. Forested Land is still showing some investments I believe with respect to the “Cap and Trade” Bill that will address “Carbon Credits”. Land for Solar near power grids inquires have also increased.
Land is the oldest and most secure investment there is. I just wish that more people would write and promote the benefits of Land ownership.
Lou Jewell ALC
Hugh Whaley
Glad to see you are bouncing back. You had a lot of us worried.
Joan (Ensminger) Schneider
Kelly,
Congratulations on your new adventure! It is always good to hear about successful BEARCATS … it is even more fun when I know them!
Always, Joan
Joan M. Schneider
Director, Career Services
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO 64468
(660)562-1251
Leah
We are honored to have toured ZimmComm World HQ and meet the lovely ladies and prized pets we’ve heard so much about over the years. We WILL be back and hope you can make a trip to Illinois again and enjoy it more this time.
Thanks for our wonderful presents too!
Get well Chuck, you and Tom have yet another thing in common.
Amanda
Thanks for the kind words, Cindy. That means a lot to me! I’m happy to work with Zimmcomm New Media!
Michael Peterson
Chuck!
Thinking of you today as I am here in Italy.
Hope you are feeling better. You are deeply appreciated.
Peace,
Michael Peterson
AgWired » Blog Archives » ZimmComm ZimmCast
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 07.28.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Top 10 Most Unusual Fair Foods
[...] that? This is just one of the top ten most unusual fair foods, according to MSN Delish. Chuck posted about these bad boys way back in 2006, and it seems their popularity hasn’t faded away yet. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Cattlemen Using Social Media for Outreach « cattlefarming
[...] Link: AgWired » Blog Archives » Cattlemen Using Social Media for Outreach [...]
George Calhoun
Is a copy of this report available?
Katie
After nearly half a century of working closely with animals in a resarch setting at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School, Dr. Adrian Morrison takes some time to reflect over the scientific advances made possible by his research subjects. With tender reflection, Dr. Morrison traces the changing attitutes to animal use, be it research or farming. The book is a summary of a lifetime of thoughts on the subject of animal welfare, and moves from his childhood in the country during a time when many Americans grew up on farms, to the drastic changes we have seen recently where most Americans are so far removed from their food sources, agriculture and basic animal husbandry. Animal welfare is often confused with Animal Rights, and Dr. Morrison shows his readers the important difference between the two concepts, while upholding principles for using animals for research, food, clothing, and companions.
NucEngineer
When the DOT-COM bust happened 11 years ago, a lot of people lost their shirts. Investments in junk stocks like walk-my-dog.com lost everything. Those stocks were worthless. But there were still some stocks that were based on real value, google, bestbuy, yahoo, etc., dropped in value but did not die. Smart investors survived.
Last year, the mortgage backed securities crashed because of the government required percentage of sub-prime mortgages, they crashed but not to zero. They were still based on real estate that physically exists. There is still value remaining.
When the carbon credit scheme goes bust, because mommy earth decides to prove CO2 does not control climate, ALL carbon credits will be worthless. There will be no good carbon credits vs. bad carbon credits. And who will be holding these worthless credits after investing hundreds of billions of dollars? Power companies, manufacturers, bakeries, farmers, delivery companies, you name it. They will ALL go bankrupt.
So, if you liked the way sub-prime mortgage debacle turned out, or if you enjoyed the dotcom bust, you will love what happens if we institute cap&trade and that system busts.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Economist Barry Flinchbaugh Talks Ag
[...] the great debate this morning, I had the opportunity, along with Kansas Ag Network reporter Greg Akagi, to spend [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Touring Ft. Worth Part 2
[...] I mentioned in the first part of my post, I had the opportunity to tour around Ft. Worth with journalists from around the world during the IFAJ conference. After leaving the Rocky Top [...]
Nigelshea
We don’t have to “whip” the world only the nonsense here in America. The rest of the world will make their own decision.
AgWired » Blog Archives » IFAJ Congress/Ag Media Summit Update
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 08.04.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Pioneer
[...] waiting for approval on cadre of new technologies. One is Optimum GAT in corn which is broad spectrum herbicide resistance…and we expect regulatory approval this [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Pioneer Promotes Its New Products
[...] we expect regulatory approval this year with eventual product introduction. There’s also Optimum Acre Max 1 which is our new in the bag refuge program which makes setting up refuge easier for farmers in [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Fungicides in Ft. Worth
[...] addition to Caramba, BASF also launched Twinline fungicide which uses the same active ingredient in Headline which is designed to control aggressive wheat [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Kickin it up with Kixor
[...] week during the IFAJ Congress and Ag Media Summit. And one company that is really kicking it up is BASF with their new product Kixor. Kixor is currently under development and is being designed for broadleaf weed control. Once it is [...]
pete
You get what you pay for, cheaper food = lower quality
Chuck
Remember, it’s all about the brand. I think you should promote you and whatever mechanisms you use should all be directed to that. With a good blog you don’t need any other kind of website. But you can build your online community around that by employing social networking elements like Twitter, Facebook, etc.
Your blog should be updated every day. You will find things to write about and it gets easier if you’re persistent.
These are just a couple of thoughts but they’ve been effective in building our company.
Jeri Omernik
What a great event! We missed you, but understand the need to rest and recuperate. I really appreciated the global flavor provided by our IFAJ colleagues. It was great to hear the non-U.S. point of view on agricultural topics. Personally, I felt I was able to make good contacts with colleagues that will hopefully become fruitful over time.
Jack
Great post. Places like Rocky Top are making a real impact on people’s lives. For some added inspiration, check out this video — ahamoment.com/pg/moments/view/5994 — about the “aha moment” of one young man with cerebral palsy and how riding, through the help of an organization called Miracles in Motion, literally changed his life. I know you’ll enjoy it.
Thanks,
jack@ahamoment.com
Stacy
Thanks for your post about Smokey’s birthday! I thought you might be interested in sharing this e-card with your readers where they can encourage their family and friends to “get their smokey on” with tips to prevent wildfires: http://happybirthdaysmokeybear.com/
Here’s a widget you can embed on your blog that celebrates Smokey’s 65 years of hard work with a quiz on pop culture facts. It includes a link to the e-card at the end:
http://widgets.clearspring.com/c/widget.bs?wid=4a7c7ac1c671a975
We’re also celebrating Smokey on Facebook and polling people on their favorite Smokey PSA. To see all of Smokey’s work and cast your vote, go here: http://apps.facebook.com/favorite_smokey/?ref=nf
Thanks so much for your help in celebrating this great milestone!
Best,
Stacy Cohen
Freelancer
Home Front Communications for the Ad Council
~Follow @Smokey_Bear on Twitter!
Amanda
Thanks for the advice, Chuck. Good thoughts for me when considering my next step…
AgWired » Blog Archives » Gibbs & Soell Take Pulse of Ag Comm on Social Media
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 08.11.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Tom Flynn
Thanks Chuck! We’re finding that social media – especially in agriculture – is where the industry influencers are. It takes time and commitment to build relationships and credibility with these people, but well worth the investment in time and effort. Keep up the good work!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Ag Economist Flinchbaugh to Chair Farm Foundation
[...] International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress/Ag Media Summit on Domestic Fuel and AgWired.com, Flinchbaugh was involved in the “Great Debate” with former Texas congressman Charlie [...]
craig
more photos please, for those of us who couldn’t make it, maybe even program materials.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Air Filtration Provides Promise for PRRS Control
[...] have chatted with Dr. Dee before here on Agwired – most recently at World Pork Expo – and his main message is one of optimism for ultimately eradicating PRRS. “I’ve [...]
craig
the photos are great, too bad we can’t have a live feed of seminar. we just couldn’t attend.
donna jensen
I thought I had something really weird when our crop of potatoes on the coast of Oregon turned oout Purple! We are trying them and liking them. Can we get a second crop next year from these potato seeds?
We have NO IDEA how we got these seed potatoes…just went to the store (feed store in Tillamook) and bought. We thought they were red potatoes when we got them.
Douglas HUNG
May I be received the proceeding and all speakers’ presentation contents ? It’s a great & interesting event, I really appreciated it , though I can not attend due to location in Taiwan.
Thank you very much
Douglas HUNG
Curt Blades
This new USDA/NASS study tracks closely to Successful Farming’s Farmers Use of Media Study when examining high-speed internet access among farmers. Although about 56% of the total farm population accesses the internet through some sort of non-dialup service, the Successful Farming research shows a significant spike in high speed access among larger and younger farmers.
Roughly 72% of the farmers under the age of 40 and roughly 68% of farmers over 1000 acres of row-crop are likely to have high speed internet access. In contrast less than 45% of farmers over the age of 60 and under 500 acres have high speed access.
There are noticeable differences in media consumption habits of farmers based on their age and size of operation.
Corey Kostman
Wow, crazy stats Chuck. I enjoyed the article – and it looks like you guys have definitely embraced the changes. It’s hard to keep up these days….you go to bed educated and then wake up behind the times : )
Take Care,
Corey Kostman
PeteandOrville.com
Chuck
Thanks Sebastian.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Nicholson Kovac Agriculture New Media Usage Study
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 08.19.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Baxter Black Wades into Pinon Canyon Fight « The Pulse- of Colorado Farm Bureau
[...] Shawn Martini in Industry, Private Property, Rural Life. Leave a Comment Chuck Zimmerman over at AgWired found this story out of the Ag Journal [...]
Dan Mandle
I’m not a scientist or a grower so I have to rely on media coverage to learn about the benefits and pitfalls of climate legislation. Like this linked post about a USDA report.
http://climateprogress.org/2009/07/22/usda-benefits-climate-bill-for-farmers-agriculture/
The Marshall Fund of the US also published a report on what the EU learned from their cap-and-trade experience. (Sorry, you’ll need to Google search it.)
Willie Vogt
By the way, whales are not vegetarians.
Chuck
I’m glad you pointed that out! PETA is trying to save carnivores!
Wyatt Cox/KELY Radio
Hey Chuck, what app are you using to record from Skype? I bought Pamela a long time ago but frankly haven’t been totally happy with it…
Diane
Chuck– I tried to follow it for a while last night. Wow, it was rather interesting. I felt like I was at the end of a diving board and too scared to jump in the pool though. I hope others watch from the sidelines to see how this works — maybe they’ll have more courage than me though!
Chuck
So you were one of those people “lurking” online. It does take a little getting used to since we try to have some guidelines about staying on topic, etc. But feel free to join in and let us know what you think anytime.
Cyndi
Good to see you are up and about and getting back in the swing, Chuck!
Fred Potter
Hi Chuck!
I just wanted to point out another option to you and your readers: http://www.HearItAgain.com. Hear It Again is a site that lets you start a recorded call right from the web. It calls you, then connects you to the number you want to dial. Right after you hang up, your recording will already be in your email box waiting for download or posting wherever. The format is standard MP3, so it’s going to work with any media player out there.
The really nice thing about HearItAgain is that it works with any phone (cell or land-line), and the rates are very reasonable. The Recorder app on the iPhone is well done for sure, but maybe our site can help some folks out that don’t have iPhones yet
Best,
Fred
AgWired » Blog Archives » New & Improved AgWired Mobile Launches
[...] making a major change to our AgWired Mobile service starting today. As many of you who have subscribed know, we’ve been sending custom [...]
Chuck
Thanks.
I wouldn’t say I’m 100% yet. By the end of the day Tues. I was worn out. So I’ll be pacing myself kind of slow for a couple months but there’s so much on the schedule!
You going to be at FPS?
Monica
Craig – your assertion that liberal groups are the only ones trying to dictate how others should live their lives is laughable.
I think I speak for the majority of liberals out there when I say that PETA is an extremist group whose views are hardly a fair reflection our values. I’m sure you wouldn’t care to be bundled in with Fred Phelps just because he falls under the category of “conservative.”
As for the billboard — it’s not the worst PETA has come up with, but it’s just as crass and obnoxious as the rest.
Frank
Thanks Chuck.
I just ordered one. I’ll let you know how it works. There are a bunch of camera tests for it posted on Youtube. Search Kodak Zi8.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Discussing Value of Social Media
[...] we made the change in our AgWired Mobile service this week by working with Joel Jaeger at Commodity Update I thought I’d get him on [...]
Cyndi
Oh, yes. Tom, Dave and I will be heading over on Monday. It should be a great show!
CY
Karen Yeager
That’s okay. Guess I always wanted to be a vegetarian anyway.
Nathan Schock
I’ll be there Tuesday and hope to bump into the Zimmcomm crew!
ALG Mounts Campaign Against Regulatory ‘Czar’ « The Pulse- of Colorado Farm Bureau
[...] H/T: Ag Wired [...]
Herb McClosky
Life must take life, to sustain life.
It’s called the food chain. Deal with it.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Bird’s Eye View of Farm Progress Show
[...] site after walking ground level up and down the streets on foot or riding in a golf cart – or the New Holland Rustler! I was very impressed with the effort put forth by the exhibitors, the beautiful landscaping and how [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » AgWired Mobile Browser Version Now Live
[...] AgWired now loads fast on your phone! It’s one more reason you might want to subscribe to Agwired Mobile, our text message service that delivers you a text message each time we do a post on AgWired [...]
Kurt Lawton
Nice work Chuck, and crew.
Marri Carrow
This is great Chuck! Thanks for sharing.
Kathy
Looks like I missed a great time! Thanks for posting the pics!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Agriculture on the eTeam
[...] Energy also introduced a new initiative at Farm Progress called labelmyfuel.com, which we reported on live from the show as it happened. Organization co-chairman retired Gen. Wesley Clark says the concept of country of origin labeling [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » The Sustainable Novus
[...] we’re here we’ll get to tour this new company headquarters facility which was built with sustainability in mind. Sustainability is a key work here at Novus. We’ll probably use it a lot in our coverage of [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Novus Building Builds Teamwork
[...] , pictured on the left here speaking to attendees. As I’ve reported before when covering the facility grand opening, this is a LEED Platinum certified building and very unique. Don took us around and show how [...]
World Dairy Diary » Blog Archives » Getting to Know Novus International
[...] we’re here we’ll get to tour this new company headquarters facility which was built with sustainability in mind. Sustainability is a key work here at [...]
Nathan Schock
And I just bought a new Nano a few months ago! Darn!
AgWired » Blog Archives » NAFB To Study Farmer Internet Usage
[...] and what types of information they get from it and how. Most recently we saw results of a similar study by Nicholson Kovac and of course there’s lots of data in the USDA NASS survey. And if you contact your [...]
“RIP Dr. Norman Borlaug” and related posts | One Syndicate: News That Matters
[...] [...]
Lee Smith
I first met Dr. Borlaug at a research institute outside of Mexico City. Unstereotypically, his years lead him to be more visionary and future minded. He embodied progress in American Agriculture. We have lost an icon for our proud past but his legacy and spirit will pace American agriculture to stay on the leading edge in the world; and, part of that spirit is diplomatic in nature because of that willingness to help fellow man.
Sonia Borlaug
what was the cause of his death
Kathy
Thanks for sharing this link Chuck. It is a great tribute to Dr. Borlaug.
Dr. David Hill
Norman Borlaug was the greatest change-master in the ‘green’ revolution, but where Norman would have been the first to have said that this is only just one of the pieces in the jigsaw of human survival. For the realisation of a world without starvation, great wars et al, we have to look elsewhere and fast, as time is simply running out.
In this respect the pace of economic recovery throughout the world should not be the prime consideration of industrialists (World Economic Forum, Dalian, China – 12th September 2009) or governments, but what the future holds for all who live and breathe on this planet. For the way that our politicians are working and addressing mounting global problems is like Nero fiddling whilst Rome burns. They are oblivious to the strains on humankind’s constant growth and are impotent in preventing global Agamemnon coming in this present century with their present thinking and mindsets. Whilst they try and fix the financial system through the people’s wealth, they impoverish tens of millions yearly. The system is a destructive force and where they are the conductors, forever adding fuel to the burning mass that goes on underneath. Over the next 20 years the world will increasingly witness a far more destabilised world, where emerging wars become a common event. By then there will be over 8 billion humans living on planet Earth (and that will be 2 billion less than peak population by 2075 at 10 billion humans according to the latest UN predictions), a significant number unable to sustain themselves. Indeed, the vast dwindling resources problem will create the base and start-line for global conflict, the size and ferocity never seen before. Therefore as Rome did indeed burn, so will humankind eventually with the present political mindsets. This is not pie-in-the-sky scare mongering, but sheer fact and is conditioned by common sense and what will eventually come to pass. That is why armaments throughout the world are increasing every year and where by 2030 through this vast expenditure by governments worldwide, could very well become the largest industry in the world turning over in excess of $5 trillion annually. Indeed in the case of the USA alone, the Friends Committee on National Legislation calculates for Fiscal Year 2009 that the majority of US tax payer’s money goes towards war – some 44.4% of all taxes. Therefore whilst our politicians continue to place their faith in that the strongest will prevail, they lose sight of any possibility of a peaceful future world. Indeed again, they fuel the whole process of human destruction and where their combined interests of relying upon weapons of mass destruction to protect themselves and the preservation of the capitalist system that supports such an unholy mechanism, is absolutely flawed. In time and when things are too late, politicians (and industrialists) will realise the folly of their mismanagement of the world order, for by then all that they once held so dear will have disappeared completely – and the rest of humankind with it.
For having the insight gained from the thinking of many of the world’s foremost scientists and engineers, technology will not come to the rescue this time, as there are not any significant breakthroughs on the horizon in science today. Indeed, if a scientific miracle were discovered tomorrow to solve just one of humankind’s huge problems, it would take around 4 decades for this to have any significant global effect, as all other revolutionary technologies have shown us in the past – R&D development, technological prototypes, final technology product, mass manufacture, global distribution logistics etc, etc. Therefore any solution would come too late according to the dictates of common sense and where the resources necessary to support 8-10 billion humans, would not be there.
And where all the above future problems are determined by a vastly overpopulated world, unimaginable depletion of natural resources over the next 25-years that will not be able to support all human life (it only takes 15% of the global population to be affected to cause an irreversible situation), lack of energy and food, the destruction of arable land by continual erosion (both the hot climate effect and rise in sea levels) and the decimation of the oceans through industrial pollution and energy resources extraction on a momentous scale.
Dr. David Hill, DSc(Hon)
World Innovation Foundation Charity
Bern, Switzerland
Cindy
According to media reports, Dr. Borlaug died of lymphoma.
MOSES Helping Organic Farmers « Organic and Alternative Livestock Production
[...] More Information Here [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Tom Dorr New President/CEO of USGC
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 09.15.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
MikeB
It may be significant that your search for eminent domain experiences is on the same web page as a discussion of social media. The two are certainly related nowadays.
My wife and I are among a group of property owners who have endured a transformative two-year eminent domain fight with Houston-based Spectra Energy, backed by the power of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
This was a project located in Bedford County, PA (about 2 hours from Washington), that involved a 12 billion cubic feet underground natural gas storage facility — dubbed the Steckman Ridge Project.
Among many lessons, we learned that the energy industry has sweetheart lease deals with government entities that are very different from what it offers private property owners next door. (Just try to get copies of these lease agreements.)
To the energy companies, as one right-of-way agent admitted, state governments are big and scary — property owners are not. So it is good politics to give the government a better payment deal than property owners. As our attorney said, there is a lot of play in the “just” of “just compensation.”
For example, in lease agreements for underground gas storage fields, private property owners typically receive a one-time payment driven in part by the number of acres. But similar lease agreements with state governments (Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, West Virginia) are significantly different
These leases include a 25-year annuity stream back to the state — in other words, a royalty for the amount of gas withdrawn and/or injected into the underground field.
So “just compensation” for the state is very different than “just compensation” for private property owners — even when the acreage is next door (e.g., state game lands).
As you might suspect, it is not a level playing field legally, economically or ethically for private property owners.
Property owners cannot depend on the kindness of strangers in government or at the energy companies.
Our fight led to the development of a website which focuses specifically on property rights that come under pressure from energy and utility companies. We are now helping and responding to inquiries from property owners in Pennsylvania, Texas, Oklahoma and elsewhere.
We have the distinction of being told by a Spectra Energy VP that he has never seen this level of property owner resistance in 26 years with the gas industry.
In addition to working with property owners in other counties in Pennsylvania and in other states, we are talking to legislators at the state and federal level; and I recently collaborated with an attorney in Pittsburgh (who counsels energy companies) to develop advice and expectations for property owners who are facing eminent domain and property rights issues. It is under “Recent Posts” on our website with the titles “Lawyers, Guns & Money — Parts 1 & 2.
Excellent organizations fighting eminent domain, like the Institute for Justice/Castle Coalition, do not deal with the “taking” power of government where public utilities and energy companies are concerned (because of the “public good” argument). We are trying to fill the gap.
Property owners can check out our website with landowner video and blog posts here:
http://www.spectraenergywatch.com/blog/
We get into issues like the 2004 Moss Bluff incident which was a catastrophic failure at Spectra Energy’s Texas storage field. The fire burned for 6 1/2 days and consumed 6 billion cubic feet of gas in an uncontrolled release. We researched and wrote it up because the company did not want to respond to questions — said our blog was not an appropriate forum.
In the meantime, we are looking for more examples of lease agreements utilities have with government entities that are better and richer than the agreements they provide to private property owners.
Good luck to your report on eminent domain and your website. As a wise farmer in our part of the country told a group of landowners: “The biggest fear of the natural gas companies is that you will educate yourselves and talk to your neighbors.”
All the best,
MikeB
Hugh Whaley
If you need to develop a branding strategy, including website development assistance, perhaps Broadhead + Co could help.
Hugh
Khem Raj Dahal
I have only heard and read about Norman but I have a deep respect to him a father of Green Revolution. I as a University teacher of Agronomy is deeply shocked by the demise of Dr. Norman. But a bitter fact is that man is a mortal creature. One has to go sooner or later. In this time of deep sorrow I wish an eternal peace for the departed soul express heartfelt condolenece to the bereaved family. The hungry world will always be waiting for his dream of feeding them to come true.
Dave Anderson
Looks like fun Chuck.
DA
lea
absolutely disgusting….seed monopolies and GMOs w state approval? you make me sick.
Cindy
What makes me sick is starving people – and thanks to biotechnology, millions more people around the world have enough to eat today. Don’t complain about GMOs with a full stomach.
Crystal Young
Chuck, thanks for posting this. I think more and more people will be demanding video as a quick way to get their information.
Just an fyi… The link to our YouTube channel on your post isn’t working, but you can’t get there through http://www.youtube.com/apicreativemedia
Crystal Young
This is an awesome idea for a promotion. Bring our message into a setting that the consumer is comfortable with.
http://www.cdycattle.blospot.com
AgWired » Blog Archives » More Peanut Butter for Hungry Georgians
[...] This donation was made to the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank – add it to the 28,224 jars donated earlier this month to the Food Bank of Southwest Georgia and that’s enough peanut butter to make 525,000 peanut [...]
JB
I think that social media marketing can be intimidating for tradional businesses and brands. Do you advertise? Do you start a blog? Do you create a fan page on Facebook? Marketers should enter this marketing medium in the way they enter any other for the first time. Figure out who you want to reach and what you want to say to them. You must be prepared to connect to people on their own terms and in the theme of their dialogue. For example, if you know that 10% of the conversation is going to be about what their doing with new iPhone then figure out if your brand or product has any related attributes. For example Peerset(my company), shows that people who like iPhones disproportionately also like burritos. If you are a mexican restaurant or a grocery chain then marketing to an iPhone owner or fan is smart money. So figure out what things are popular and see how relevant you can be. There is a free tool on our website if you want to discover some of this for yourself.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Getting Renewed With RFA
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 09.28.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Eric
It doesn’t have to be that your animal is vegetarian for a “cause”, it can be simply because you have compassion for animals in general. By feeding our pets meat, we are forcibly taking hundreds if not thousands of other animals into awful conditions for the entirety of their lives at the early end of which they are violently killed. What exactly is wrong with avoiding that? If we are true animal lovers and compassionate people, doesn’t it make more sense to feed them a vegetarian diet? Especially when, as I have learned from many owners who practice it, that the animals love the vegetarian food and don’t seem to care less?
It can be very hard to allow ourselves to look at and acknowledge how meat gets onto our plates and into our petfood cans. I know it was for me. But if you’re interested in connecting more with what goes on, this 2 minute trailer is a good place to acquaint yourself. Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix.
http://www.earthlings.com
Chuck
Sorry Eric but that doesn’t make sense. We’re carnivores and meat is nutritious and good for us and our pets too. ‘Nuff said.
I don’t mind if you choose to be vegetarian though.
Alex
Chuck,
We’re carnivores? I think you might want to look into that a bit.
Eric
Thanks Chuck. And I don’t mind if you choose to eat meat either. And I agree that meat is nutritious. And so are vegetables. And I agree that eating meat is good for us (at least in moderation). And so is eating vegetables (which have been shown to prevent disease). Eating meat is not so good for the animals however. They are confined to tiny spaces, neutered without anesthesia, and forcibly impregnated and then suffer a violent death. There is a being that can feel pain, fear and love behind those eyes. I know its hard to connect with that fact. I certainly had trouble with it. Its so easy to gloss over it and say its ok because it tastes so good and they’re too dumb to really know what’s going on. And because our culture and families have ingrained it into us for so long. And we don’t like change and we don’t want to believe we are hurting anything. Its so easy to gloss over. I did it for many years. But when we suppress our compassion it goes a lot further than just causing animals to suffer. When we allow our compassion to atrophy is it really a surprise that we live in a world so filled with war and violence? Like Tolstoy said, “so long as there are slaughterhouses, there will be battlefields”. We are omnivores which means we can survive on vegetables or meat or any combination. So knowing all this we can make our own choice, and I support you in making whatever choice makes the most sense to you.
Best to you
Michelle
I have had a Belgium Shepard… Magnificent Girl too and totally vegetarian. I know that dogs can be meat free as I have seen it with my own eyes and the coats of these dogs just shines. I never had any health problems with her and she never had bad breath. Many animals can convert to vegetarian meals with little problems but it has to be gradual or what they are brought up with from babyhood. smiles Michelle
steve cunningham
I’ve read the book, and the best part about it is the fact that it is truly written in a business language. Although Mitch runs a digital marketing agency, he knows how to grow a business through social media. Most other “social media experts” don’t know how to turn these channels into a profitable business. Mitch is the real deal. If you want to learn this space, get this book.
PS – we are giving away copies of Mitch’s book this week (and this week only) on our site, which might be a great way for you to get your copy.
gordon
I guess cat’s can’t be vegan. To bad; we have cat’s. It’s weird buying food for your cats that you are morally opposed to eating yourself.
Amanda Nolz
I think it’s safe to say that our personal eating habits and our pets are two points that hit pretty close to home with folks. I’m glad this blog post generated some discussions. To Eric, I’m sorry you feel that animal agriculturalists lack in compassion. I care for hundreds of cattle each and every day, and I assure you that their general well-being is in my first priority. With the millions of people that go hungry everyday, I think of the people I can help through my work as a food producer. I don’t equal the life of an animal to a human, and neither did the Bible. I think that’s where our differences lie. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
God Bless the American Farmer and Rancher!
Amanda
field assignment » Our CEO Speaks Out At World Dairy Expo
[...] [...]
Peggy Deras
I live in South San Francisco and I’ve NEVER seen a jackrabbit around here.
Patricia Mumme
This campaign is a wolf in sheeps clothing! It will do nothing to advance animal care, just make sure that big agribusiness gets carte blanche to continue to do business as usual–cruel animal confine systems, etc. It’s a completely inappropriate use of a state constitutional amendment, too. Gives way too much power to government appointed bureaucrats! VOTE NOT ON ISSUE TWO Ohioans!! Wake up! YOU ARE BEING FOOLED if you are a small farmer who thinks this is going to do anything for you. Follow the money.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Tour Guides To Agribusiness For Fluidigm
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 10.05.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Larry Cooper
Congratulations to Evan, a deserving choice indeed. Evan is an institution in Colorado – When I was still a child my Mother was interviewed by him -I am now in my late 60s. You can imagine how long ago that was. I was active in NAFB for a few years having been a farm broadcaster in Nebraska, Colorado and California. I am presently with USDA NRCS in Montana. It’s good to see successful lifetime farm broadcasters get the recognition they deserve.
Alan Burge
I would agree with a NO vote on this issue, it would appear to just create another layer of government bureaucracy which will hurt samll farm operations and raise food costs for all. The real question is who is behind this bill, anyone know?
Chuck
Did you look at the website to see who is involved? It states:
The Board will be chaired by the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture and will be made up of 13 Ohioans, including:
* The Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture
* Three family farmers
* Two veterinarians (one of whom is the state veterinarian),
* A food safety expert
* A representative of a local humane society
* Two members representing statewide farm organizations
* The dean of an Ohio agriculture college
* Two members representing Ohio consumers
tmongan
This is a wonderful program. Passing down information to our children is a must, especially in the agricultural department. I know ATTRA does a wonderful job at this and I even have younger family members signing up for their apprenticeship program. I will pass this learning resource along to them as well! Thnx!
Leeds pest control
very interesting interview
Alex Hawkinson
I really enjoyed this article and your post. We have seen similar trends in other local, independent businesses who are using social media to connect with and service their customers http://bit.ly/DOf3z.
cyberdoyle
Farmers in the UK would love to be able to use social media to communicate in this way too, but unfortunately most of the UK rural land mass only has dial up connections due to the inability of the incumbent telcos to think further than supplying the cities. We still rely on the obsolete copper phone lines for our internet, and they can only deliver a limited service. We also have very poor mobile coverage away from densely populated areas. Sad old digitalbritain. The farmers who can get a connection are moving with the times and find it much easier to comply with government legislation and regulations. They are also diversifying into compatible enterprises to stay economic. Ecommerce sites selling produce are starting to appear when farms close to cities can get a connection. Local JFDI initiatives are springing up to lay fibre and bring connectivity to small communities. Power to the People.
chris
AgWired » Blog Archives » NAFB Executive Director Stepping Down
[...] to enjoy another 65 years of success.” It’s hard to believe that I posted the announcement of Bill’s start with NAFB back in 2005. Been doing this a while! 0 Posted by Chuck • October 13, 2009 [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Talking NAFB With Bill O’Neill
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 10.14.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
FFcommunicator
Enjoyed your post. Check out “The No Duhs of Social Media” for more insight on your topic. http://www.famefoundry.com/646/the-no-duhs-of-social-media
Michael Wenzl (micha) 's status on Thursday, 15-Oct-09 11:52:32 UTC - Identi.ca
[...] http://agwired.com/2009/10/14/climate-change-is-bad-topic/ a few seconds ago from Gwibber [...]
G. Keller
Ms. Zablith may be a translator, but here she is working as an interpreter. Although the interpretation fields and translation fields are very closely linked and can overlap, they are two distinct job types.
A translator ‘translates’ one language into another in the WRITTEN form and usually works from their second language into their first or native language. An interpreter ‘translates’ one language into another or vice-versa in SPOKEN/ORAL form.
Simultaneous mode is only one of three modes that interpreters work in and conference interpretation is only one of many types that interpreters specialize in.
Great job on the interview.
Rental Property Chicago
Two storms hit us two weeks ago, the effect to us was devastating. Until now, we’re sweeping the streets from mud and the tons of ruined appliances destroyed by the twin-storm. Some are still flooded, many are left homeless and some lost their loved ones. They are seeing four more storms coming this year. This is not usual. News said its all because of global warming/climate change. I use to be blithely about the issue, but after these storms, I thought to myself I need to do something too. I think to solve the global warming problem, it must be stormed at the national and international levels.But the total success is built upon the action of every individual, regardless of nationality, to conserve energy and focused on living in a greener, cleaner community. Thank you for this post. Happy BLog AcTioN Day!
Its still October 15 here, 7:17pm
Dan Mandle
The real news will be what transpires at the panel. Hope you will cover that.
David Blomstrom
Bill Gates is a sham! From the corrupt corporation Microsoft to his father’s legal colossus to the Gates Foundation – an investment firm masquerading as a philanthropy – this man is more dangerous than any terrorist.
Read my comments on Gates’ war against environmentalists at http://blog.billysoft.org/2009/10/bill-gates-wins-nobel-peace-prize.html
Interesting Social Media Links Of The Week | Link Love
[...] Why Farmers Are Using Social Media – AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Larry Quinn Retired
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 10.19.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Donating Georgia Peanut Butter
[...] Georgia Peanut Commission has helped feed hungry people by donating lots of peanut butter this summer. To tell us all about it at Sunbelt Ag Expo, Executive Director, Don Koehler, spoke at [...]
Myke Morris
Congratulations Cary. Very much deserved.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Swisher Sweets Sponsors Sunbelt Award
[...] main sponsor of the Southeastern Farmer of the Year program is Swisher Sweets. Representing them here at Sunbelt Ag Expo is Mr. J. Thomas Ryan, Swisher [...]
caheidelberger
“Know your enemy”? As I understand it, Michael Pollan is no enemy of farmers. His arguments against massive ag corporations actually support more autonomy and broader markets for individual farmers, not to mention a stronger, more diverse economy for rural America and healthier eating for everyone? Might we turn down the rhetoric and focus on our shared values here?
Jack Greene
Funny how these projects won’t be economically feasible with huge taxpayer funding in the form of subsidies and grants.
Jack Greene
meant to say WITHOUT….WITHOUT huge taxpayer funding in the form of subsidies and grants.
The forestry aspects are unsustainable too.
AgWired » Blog Archives » State of the Blogosphere 2009
[...] a couple of tidbits from the report and you can listen to my interview with Richard Jalichandra discuss the report here. The rise of the professional blogger continues. 70% of Part-Timers, Pros, and Self-Employeds are [...]
ZimmComm – New Media, LLC » Blog Archives » 2009 State of the Blogosphere Available
[...] a couple of tidbits from the report and you can listen to my interview with Richard Jalichandra discuss the report here. The rise of the professional blogger continues. 70% of Part-Timers, Pros, and Self-Employeds are [...]
Scott Vernon
Hi Chuck:
Thanks for the shout out for “I Love Farmers…They Feed My Soul.” The students and I continue to work hard to connect with young people about the value of American family farmers and ranchers. The Facebook group is still growing and there is an excitement out there for our effort! http://www.ilovefarmers.org gets a lot of hits. Of course we can ALWAYS use the support of the industry! We would love to visit with folks if they have any questions!
Keep up the good work.
Scott
Kelliann Blazek
It is great to see a farmer using social media so successfully, but you’re right: agricultural companies have yet to fully embrace social media. It may be that a lot of companies are listening rather than participating in these outlets. Considering the visibility that agricultural customers like Ryan Weeks have already gained in social media, it seems the marketing potential alone would drive companies to strategize and develop ways to capture a niche market.
Chuck
I’d love to see a company take the proactive approach of developing relationships with customer/farmer bloggers and support their efforts. Perhaps even with cash! Is the traditional model of advertising valid today? How much of it is spent on “waste”?
AgWired » Blog Archives » Meet US Farm Data
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 10.26.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Dave E. Anderson
Clearly a case of food being a strategic resource in the U.S…. We need milk, and close to the metro areas…
It always brings up the cross commodity frictions. But again, we (as a society) need food, and we need agriculture not only as an industry, but as a nation…. And we also clearly need all the hungry, corn-eating mouths/cows we can find.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Blogger Buzz
[...] this week, I wrote about Obama signing HR 2997 into law, another emergency stimulus package that, this time, could assist dairy producers. I was checking [...]
caheidelberger
Thanks for the link back, Amanda! Always good to hear from another South Dakota Web-citizen.
Now, let’s get those cattle out of the feedlots and back to the open range, where they belong!
Translation Chicago
Thanks for this post. I used to eat red meat many times a week. Not only do I get tired easily and feel depressed, I also feel very heavy. I hate stairs, I don’t like long walk and most especially I don’t run. Somebody advised me to change my eating habit. It was not easy, but I did it anyways. I now eat white meat, more veggies and fruits and lots of drinking water. And then, there was a change, I’m happy, I’m smaller, I can go through the stairs, though I still prefer the elevator if there’s any, I can run and I can do long walk. Most of all, I’m healthier. I’m doing this for my health and not for global warming. However if I am contributing to save the earth, then the more I should eat veggies.
Hannah
How could pigs get it cause it has mutated so much to where now they cant get it and if they can then why don’t you explain to all the people that you cannot get swine flu from pigs because of your lack of explaining the swine industry has went down and we have no way to explain to people and tell them not to worry
AgWired » Blog Archives » The Horse Radio Network
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 11.02.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Nathan Schock
Will I see you there, Chuck?
AgWired » Blog Archives » BASF Headline Harvest Report – Purdy, MO
[...] with a couple of farmers in Purdy about their harvest. I told you last week about world famous Kip Cullers’ harvest, today we hear from his neighbor, Curtis Schallert – who also uses Headline fungicide. [...]
Chuck
You bet. Cindy and I will both be in the house. I’ll be leaving right after Trade Talk. Time for my annual deer hunt!!
AgWired » Blog Archives » R&D At Fluidigm
[...] for new ways and improved methods for introducing samples into those instruments. Like the whole Fluidigm System, these products help streamline the work flow and in fact are more production devices than just [...]
Andy Vance
I note that the Times, ever the guidepost for ethical and upright journalism, referred to Liz Wagstrom as *Ms.* Wagstrom rather than *Dr.* Wagstrom… perhaps a subliminal effort to undermine her credibility?
AgWired » Blog Archives » AgriMarketers Building New Community Ties
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 11.11.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Don’t CAP Our Future Update « The Pulse- of Colorado Farm Bureau
[...] groups across the country are lining up to oppose (with a few notable exceptions) the Cap and Trade plans before congress. Please help CFB do its [...]
Trends in Social Media and Agriculture | A Bradshaw Vineyards Case Study
[...] http://www.WorldDairyDiary.com, http://www.PrecisionPays.com and http://www.AgNewsWire.com). We were able to get a podcast interview in; he also did some great tweeting and TwitPic’ing of / for me during my presentation (see [...]
Ken Root
Cyndi and Chuck,
thanks for covering NAFB. The photos and commentary are great.
I love the photo. Megan was quite deserving. The other guy is still in question. Ken
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farmers and Farm Media Use of Internet Tools
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 11.16.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » A Year of Growth Energy
[...] was a year ago this month that ethanol advocacy group Growth Energy was formed, absorbing the Ethanol Promotion and [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Pfizer Animal Health Awards U.S. Cattle Business to Bader Rutter
[...] other recent news, Pfizer Animal Health unveiled a new look in October after its acquisition of Wyeth, including its subsidiary Fort Dodge [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farm Credit Takes Ownership of Superior Livestock Auction
[...] Superior Livestock Auction, Inc., the largest livestock auction company in the U.S. and the number one in the livestock marketing industry, is now owned by SLAI, LLC, a wholly owned entity of Farm Credit West, ACA. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Nicholson Kovac Veterinarian New Media Usage Study
[...] Kovac has once again documented what agrimarketers know intuitively. This time it’s about veterinarians. The [...]
Buddy Collins
Unbelievers? Inventing words now days Mr. Blogger? It seems that Social Media has a total disregard for the English language.
Chuck
Are you sure you know what you’re talking about? http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unbelievers
Dan Mandle
Love it! Any idea how to access the case study for those who didn’t attend the M2Moms Annual Conference?
AgWired » Blog Archives » Genotyping With Fluidigm
[...] the interview and learn. Ramesh says his team is responsible for developing applications where the Fluidigm System can be used and one of those areas is genotyping. You can learn more about genotyping in this [...]
Meredith Myers
Hi Dan,
Because it was a Q&A panel, there really wasn’t a set script. However, if you are interested in discussing certain aspects of our experiences, I’d be glad to share. You can e-mail me at meredithm@uspotatoes.com.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Meet Paulsen Marketing
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 11.24.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Todd Martinsky
Fluidigm has a nice platform, but the expense of the micro-fluidic makes the platform too expensive and the throughput too low. Microarray technology is much higher throughput and costs much less.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Happy Thanksgiving From South Dakota!
[...] echoing the sentiments of Cindy’s Thanksgiving post, today is a day to be thankful and count our many blessings. While most of us have a family to [...]
phil
Like in Canada, US farmers receive a huge subsidy from the rest of society. It is time farmers showed some gratitude for that.
Chuck
You sound kind of bitter Phil. Have you ever met a farmer who didn’t show his/her gratitude? Do you doubt the economics necessary to supply you with the quality and quantity of safe food you have?
phil
Bitter? No. Tired of the double standard? You bet.
Have you ever met a farmer who didn’t show his/her gratitude?
I have never met or heard of one who has, or feels a need to.
Do you doubt the economics necessary to supply you with the quality and quantity of safe food you have?
Yes I do, unequivocally.
phil
Frankly, Chuck, in this neck of the woods, I have yet to hear a farmer express anything but a sense of entitlement to the fruits of someone else’s paycheck.
Chuck
I guess you don’t really understand the complexity of international agribusiness. I wish is was as simple as you would like it to be.
Same for all the demanding dependents on govt. welfare programs. I’m sure you know that the biggest part of the USDA budget is for food assistance. None of which goes to farmers.
All farmers I know would gladly give up subsidies if we played on a level field. Now if you could convince the EU, South American countries, etc. to get rid of them . . .
AgWired » Blog Archives » Speaking For Agriculture
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 11.30.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Andy
From an impact standpoint, advertising standpoint, and readership standpoint I believe blogs remain the kingping. I can’t sell ads on twitter, but I can on a blog. Also, I can track readership metrics on my blog much better than on twitter. I can see if I am having a 1,500+ viewer day or a 500 viewer day on my ag blog. I cannot do that (yet) on twitter, other than count my followers.
Andy Kleinschmidt
New World Agricultural Forum CEO from Monsanto | International Peace Movement
[...] New CEO Introduced for World Agricultural Forum [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Book Review – Out at Night
[...] largest agricultural convention in Palm Springs, California, a man is murdered and set on fire in a genetically modified soy field that is to be unveiled during the conference. As the story unfolds, there is a crazy environmental [...]
Jill Spiekerman
I can’t believe it! Wow! Wish Ken all the best!
Dave E. Anderson
Best of luck and best wishes Ken…
Dave Anderson
Book Review – Out at Night
[...] largest agricultural convention in Palm Springs, California, a man is murdered and set on fire in a genetically modified soy field that is to be unveiled during the conference. As the story unfolds, there is a crazy environmental [...]
Steve
We appreciate the work done by Dr. Ahmed and his colleagues in USDA/FAS! These talented individuals commit their time, talent, and energy, often under difficult circumstances, on behalf of U.S. farmers in their posts around the world…and in Washington, DC. On behalf of U.S. Wheat Associates…thanks for sharing this interview!
john blue
Hi Chuck/Cindy,
fyi the link to the Veterinarian New Media Usage Study above is not correct. It is
* http://agwired.com/2009/11/23/nicholson-kovac-veterinarian-new-media-usage-study/www.vetnewmediastudy.com
And, interestingly, this link shows blog posts from the way back machine to March 17, 2005!
Hope all is well,
John Blue
Dan
I wonder, how many readers of AgWired have family-owned farms worth in excess of $7 million? And for those who do, how many have “poor succession planning [which] can result in the end of a long-standing family tradition”?
My guess would be zero.
To my knowledge, no family has ever had to sell their farm to pay the estate tax, even when the taxable threshold was much lower than it is now.
Kathy
Glad to see this pass. I think it will ease farmers’ minds a bit. Now onto higher milk prices…..
AgWired » Blog Archives » PRRS Control Progress
[...] year when we interviewed Dr. Bob Morrison with the University of Minnesota at the first PRRS control seminar sponsored by Boehringer [...]
Cindy
That is such a cute picture!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Fluidigm System Work Flow
[...] In this latest edition of the stories about Fluidigm Corporation you’ll get to meet Amy Hamilton. Amy works in the lab at Fluidigm headquarters. She walks us through a workflow of the Fluidigm System. [...]
Adam
Yes – Vets are using new tools to “communicate” with their customers. No doubt. We have all seen the birthday cards for your dog and pet portals. But is this really marketing? Seems more like customer retention. While a good thing – certainly – I don’t know that I consider that marketing as much as good customer care…
What are the vets really using for marketing in the Internet age?
Amanda
Thanks, Cindy. It’s one of my favorite photos!
Jay
Dan,
It is not just the agricultural community that would benefit from a repeal of Death Tax, it is our country as a whole. And that is why every Republican and a small handful of courageous Democrats voted against this bill.
Remember, this bill is NOT inflation indexed.
Many of the ranches in my neck of the woods are worth more than 3.5 million right now, not to mention what they will be worth 15 years from now when current owners who may be 65 would be near life expectancy.
According to a study by Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former Director of Congressional Budget Office (CBO), eliminating the death tax could have dramatic positive effects on the economy and spur job creation. According to the analysis, a repeal of the tax could have the following results:
• Increase small business capital by over $1.6 trillion.
• Increase the probability of hiring by 8.6 percent.
• Increase payrolls by 2.6 percent.
• Expand investment by 3 percent.
• Create 1.5 million additional small business jobs
• Reduce the current jobless rate by .9 percent.
Eliminating the tax would increase the incentive to raise and expend capital because it directly punishes wealth accumulation and transfer. Thus, repealing the tax would have an impact on both existing small businesses and farms that generate wealth and those who receive wealth in a transaction after death. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses and firms employ more than half of all U.S. workers.
Brian
This man should have been President. Theres even a new book about what it would have been like.
http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Years-Presidency-Al-Gore/dp/1448675634/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259516248&sr=8-1
farmland3
I don’t know if I see land values decreasing by 10%. Fed banks have reported that in almost all Midwest states, land values have already increased during the 2009 3Q.
Farmland should be a good long-term investment. Typically, people don’t know a lot about erosion and how it affects farmland quality.
This blog does a nice job explaining the concerns of erosion: http://farmlandforecast.colvin-co.com/2009/12/08/soil-erosion-the-silent-killer.aspx.
WAYNE BACON
I find it very interesting that all the articles covering the Morocco/Egypt “CORN” Mission are only about DDGS. Egypt has been a major importer of USA corn for a very long time and will continue to import 10 times as much corn as DDGS.
While DDGS is the hot product of today, in the Egypt market, every ton pf DDGS shipped will probably replace a ton of USA corn, so why all the excitement.
I can get much more excited about the future of USA corn gluten meal in Egypt and the region as this product is replacing animal protein in feed rations and has shown great growth in recent months.
Wayne Bacon
AgWired » Blog Archives » Get Away From Winter to AG Connect
[...] out more about what AG Connect offers from previous posts here on Agwired – including this interview with AEM’s Charlie O’Brien, and one with expo director Sara Mooney about the [...]
Hannah
As a progressive tax, the estate tax serves an important purpose in our economy. The preservation of the estate tax is essential to the government’s ability to finance important policies and projects, as well as promote the democratic ideals that serve as the foundation of our government. Some believe that an extension of the 2009 estate tax policy serves as a tax break for the ultra-wealthy, and is ultimately inadequate for the needs of the American people. For more information visit:http://www.faireconomy.org/news/estate_tax_action_alert_12-7-09
Jim Seitz
I was floored to be listening to Ken on WHO one day and have him gone the next, within only a few weeks of gaining more well-deserved recognition as Farm Broadcaster of the Year. Unbelievable! Too bad the days of local radio ownership are gone. This was a mistake only an out of touch (and out of state) corporation could make. His departure is a great loss for WHO’s Big Show broadcast and its loyal listeners. I heard Mark Pearson give his thanks to Ken on air which I’m glad he did – probably without management’s blessing.
All the best Ken – everyone knows Clear Channel has committed an egregious blunder.
Chuck
Not sure what you’re talking about Wayne. The articles have not only been about ddgs. Besides, in case you weren’t aware of it, ddgs are a by product of ethanol production that uses corn as a feedstock so essentially ddgs are “corn.”
There is no evidence that ddgs will displace corn. In fact, quite the opposite is what we’ve found and heard from producers and importers here.
You have every reason to be excited about these countries as growth markets for U.S. corn (yellow corn, gluten and ddgs).
Matt Mullen
“Gore writes, ‘The production of ethanol in first generation biorefineries has been a disappointment. However, it has had the benefit of increasing income for farmers and has led to the emergence of an infrastructure that will prove highly valuable when second generation technologies are available to produce ethanol from nonfood crops.’”
This sounds more like like praise for the ethanol movement, a bit lukewarm, but praise nonetheless.
V. Kettlewell
But, if you ranch or farm in Minnesota you are subject to a state estate tax for anything over $1 million and that does leave a lot of ranches and farms within reach of government taxation and a heavy tax burden for the next generation. I know few operations not worth that amount in Minnesota. So the Federal estate tax lock does little for relief on our state level.
Ken Wurdeman
Interesting, great reports!
Raj Sethi
Trust these xxxxxx yanks to commercialise everything and never look beyond their big bellies. All they are concerned about is who will buy their corn, next. The whole tribe (yanks) make one sick for exhibiting their utter shelfishness at every given opportunity.
Raj
Chuck
You sound like a very bitter and jealous person Raj. Sorry you feel that way. We would appreciate positive comments posted here rather than a personal rant. Your generalizations are very off the mark and simply not true. Next time you post a comment please try to keep it on the subject matter or it won’t be posted.
Thanks.
Chuck
BTW Raj. By positive I mean on subject and constructive even if you disagree with something. We also don’t allow profanity.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farmland Investment With Chicago Farmers
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 12.15.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
jimfarms
Looks like the view of the ocean from Morroco
tony
good wishes to Iraq
tony
happy holiday season！
Chuck
But it’s an “English speaking” beach and I can drink the water! I hope you have a great holiday!
AgWired » Blog Archives » John Walter is Social Media Superstar
[...] are John (left) and Successful Farming’s Jeff Caldwell, Multimedia Editor with their recent MIN Integrated Marketing Awards. 0 Posted by Chuck • December 18, 2009 • 4:26 pmCategories: Media, Successful [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Stream Live From Your iPhone
[...] is the power behind Agwired Live TV. I’m thinking we may be doing even more of this in 2010. 0 Posted by Chuck • [...]
Amanda
Enjoy your time on the beach, and Merry Christmas!
Vicki Henrickson
Great to see a greeting in the native language – from one Croatian to another!! Thanks, Chuck!
AgWired » Blog Archives » What’s New With Trimble and Pioneer
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 12.21.2009 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » GMO Detection With The Fluidigm System
[...] learn about using the Fluidigm System for GMO detection I spoke with Ramesh Ramakrishna, Director of Molecular Biology. He makes a point [...]
Mark Van Baale
Chuck, For a great example of this new Ustream.tv app, check out a video that Mark Horvath used to broadcast a live stream when he was helping out a family in need to get clothes recently. I was watching the live stream as it was happening and it was so cool!
Miracle at Wal-Mart:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE_yWjRX9z4
Kathy
Most definitely Chuck! I don’t think you and I would have met otherwise.
AgWired » Blog Archives » NAFB Internet Usage Study
[...] of Farm Broadcasting recently released its latest Internet Usage Study. Cindy spoke with Ted Haller at their convention and I thought I’d have a chat with him about it too since the organization sent our a release [...]
Michele Payn-Knoper
Thanks for guest moderating, Chuck! You did a great job and it was a stimulating discussion with many viewpoints. Glad to see consumers, scientists, farmers, agribusinesses and lawyers discussing this issue.
Mike Murphy
Chuck and Michele, and everyone,
Wanted to let you know about a new social networking site called FarmConnect.net (just launched by farmers for farmers and beginning to spread the word)
http://www.FarmConnect.net allows you the option of signing up for your own blog, creating your own groups and discussion forums (either public, private, or hidden) to help spread the word about agriculture to your families, friends, and communities.
If you use Twitter, you will love FarmConnect.net, because it gives you so much more room to say what you want to say than that little box!
Look forward to seeing you on FarmConnect.net
AgWired » Blog Archives » What’s New With Syngenta Seeds
[...] more rapid. According to Wayne, they’re in the final stages of regulatory approval of their Agrisure Viptera for corn which they hope to have available for planting in 2010. Following that they’ll have [...]
Robin Heckman
I think it would be interesting to know the name of the FFA members repersenting each state on the float. I would really like to know the ones from Pa.
Thank you
Joyce Striclyn
Hooray for FFA and the farmers of our country!
Many people underestimate the complexity of farming and the expertise farmers have in many areas.
AgWired » Blog Archives » ZimmComm Had a Busy 2009
[...] 4557 and the tractor pull at National Farm Machinery Show 2872. Top stories on Agwired included: John Deere Unveils Largest Planter HSUS Challenges American Agriculture HSUS in Nebraska (tops in comments) Record Phone Calls on [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » ZimmComm Had a Busy 2009
[...] Farm Machinery Show 2872. Top stories on Agwired included: John Deere Unveils Largest Planter HSUS Challenges American Agriculture HSUS in Nebraska (tops in comments) Record Phone Calls on iPhone Get a Rustler from New [...]
Deb Branson
I’ve always watched Home and Garden TV for the parade but this year RFD did a better job. More detail, better hosting and of course I had to watch RFD while horses and the FFA came through! Thanks for your wonderful coverage!
ZimmComm – New Media, LLC » Blog Archives » ZimmComm Year In Review
[...] 4557 and the tractor pull at National Farm Machinery Show 2872. Top stories on Agwired included: John Deere Unveils Largest Planter HSUS Challenges American Agriculture HSUS in Nebraska (tops in comments) Record Phone Calls on [...]
Angelo Quadarella
Just finished watching the parade and it was the best ever with few interuption’s, great job, wanted to vote for the FFA float but was unable to find out how to vote, I tried several ways, sorry, Angelo
uvon perkins
RFDTV did a great job of covering the parade this year. The special
coverage of all the horses was wonderful!! I am a transplant in ky
from okla. and points west. I truly miss all the rodeos. The cowgirls
really took me back home. Well sometimes RFDTV does that for. I do get home sick, even after 31 years.
Thank You,
Uvon Perkins
Latest business news – When People and Business Collide | Brand Elevation Through Social …
[...] AgWired » Blog Archives » Social Media Use In Business Up … [...]
Dave E. Anderson
Great job in 2009! Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Jocele Fahnestock
Enjoyed your coverage of the parade but are VERY DISAPPOINTED TO SEE YOU DIDN’T COVER THE BLIND BAND FROM COLUMBUS, OHIO. I certainly feel they deserved review as much as any other unit in the parade. Your coverage disappointed us by this missed unit.
devin
i think the float was a good idea this year for ffa, because ffa is a big part of our world. thank you for recognizing our farmers and many others of our world.
devin
AgWired » Blog Archives » ZimmComm Had a Busy 2009
[...] on Agwired included: John Deere Unveils Largest Planter HSUS Challenges American Agriculture HSUS in Nebraska (tops in comments) Record Phone Calls on iPhone Get a Rustler from New [...]
Bill Bush
I knew that RFD would give great coverage of the FFA float.
So I watched to see the NBC coverage.
I found it interesting that all the parade units and bands were
oohed and awed but all Mr Roker could mamage for the FFA float was a flat “Here is the FFA float” Did anyone else have this feeling of neglect of the industry that makes all others possible.
Crystal Young
Amanda, thanks for the compliments! If you would like to watch the program online you can visit http://www.angus.org and click on the video link on the left hand navigation bar or search “I am Angus” on YouTube.com. My favorite segments are on the history of the National Western Stock Show and what Oregon ranchers are doing to create sustainable environments for the Columbia Whitetail Deer that were once close to extinction.
Hugh Whaley
Has NAFB been approached to join IFAJ?
Chuck
Unfortunately the current IFAJ rules (by-laws?) only allow one farm journalism guild per country. I know they’ve been discussing changing this and I believe they could create an exception if they wanted to.
I have spoken with the leadership of both groups and AAEA about this and encouraged them to “get together.” I’ve written letters to them on the subject as well. Cindy and I firmly believe NAFB members and the organization would benefit from being part of IFAJ. IFAJ is an inclusive membership unlike NAFB or AAEA. IFAJ members are publication editors as well as broadcasters and web editors, photographers, etc. It all depends on how the country member organization defines their member requirements.
Unfortunately, like with efforts to bring NAFB into the Ag Media Summit, there are people on all sides who just don’t want to change. I’m not sure that this can ever be accomplished although I sure wish it could.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Final Preview of AG CONNECT Expo
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 01.08.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Amanda Nolz
You work fast, Cindy! Great to see you this week! Always enjoy catching up!
Rebecca
Maybe you can retag the names. Everybody is coming up as Bob Stallman. Thanks.
Chuck
That is actually the title of the photo which is sort of like a tag. I changed it. Thanks.
Alicia
COLLE McVOY is a great agency…congratulations to Land O’Lakes!
AgWired » Blog Archives » AG CONNECT EXPO Kicks off with a Bang
[...] thousand people convened in Orlando, Florida this week for the inaugural AG CONNECT Expo. The show kicked off for the general public this morning and so far attendees and exhibitors alike [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Fifth US-Mongolian Business Forum at AG CONNECT a Success
[...] Fifth U.S.-Mongolia Business Forum took place simultaneously with the AG CONNECT Expo yesterday with several dozen delegates from Mongolia meeting with delegates from the United States [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Fifth US-Mongolia Business Forum at AG CONNECT a Success
[...] to meet with various companies to dicusss agricultural opportunities and investments during the AG CONNECT Expo. The group has prioritized its greatest needs and prepared a detailed list of projects in which [...]
Chris
This is good to see, one of the most overlooked areas of pollution is in agriculture.
Successful Farming Magazine Eliminates Time and Distance | Farm Succession Planning
[...] John Walter is Social Media Superstar – He’s John Walter, Successful Farming Executive Editor. John knows where we’ve been when it comes to convincing agrimarketers that farmers are like “regular people” when it comes to new and social media. Congratulations to him for this … [...]
Andy Vance
Thanks for the shout-out Cindy! Lindsay and I had a great time at Convention, especially enjoyed catching up with you, and very much enjoyed representing Ohio in the Excellence in Agriculture program.
AgWired » Blog Archives » TeeJet Announces New Guidance Technologies At Ag Connect Expo
[...] news about the Matrix Guidance System with RealView Guidance Over Video was announced during the AG CONNECT Expo in Orlando, Fla. and comes in two screen sizes: 570G Model and 840G model with options for four or [...]
Precision Pays
[...] news about the Matrix Guidance System with RealView Guidance Over Video was announced during the AG CONNECT Expo in Orlando, Fla. and comes in two screen sizes: 570G Model and 840G model with options for four or [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Social AGCO
[...] didn’t think so. But AGCO is connecting socially with their customers as we found out at Tuesday evening’s Tweetup. So how about your company? Are you getting your social network in [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » AG CONNECT Expo Attendees Learn How to Harvest the Wind
[...] topic during the educational session, “Harvesting the Wind,” held yesterday during the AG CONNECT Expo. The session provided an outlook for the wind energy industry in the states as well as offered [...]
Susan Williams Sloan
Just a clarification – this report was released by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2008, not the wind industry.
Joanna
Susan,
Thanks for the catch and I’ve fixed it in the story.
Joanna
AgWired » Blog Archives » Canadian Ag Minister Talks COOL During AG CONNECT
[...] and Rural Leaders’ Annual Legislative Agriculture Chairs Summit Luncheon during the AG CONNECT Expo. While Ritz focused on ag initiatives in Canada and the agricultural and trade relationships and [...]
Bob McCarty
Congrats, Chuck! You’re doing everything right!
Insight on Business - Sunday Morning Coffee | Des Moines Local Live!
[...] [...]
Chuck
Hey Bob:
Thanks for the heads up on this. Really appreciated.
AgWired » Blog Archives
[...] crop growers were introduced to some new technology from Kinze Manufacturing during the AG CONNECT Expo: the 3800 Forward Folding and 3660 Twin-Line® planters with Air Seed Delivery (ASD). The ASD is [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Brazil Shows Strong Presence During AG CONNECT Expo
[...] for the Brazilian Association of Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers (ABIMAQ) during the AG CONNECT Expo. Bellandi’s organization was here to participate in the AgriEvolution Forum, a forum that is [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Satshot Offers AG CONNECT Attendees Online GIS System
[...] the AG CONNECT Expo last week, I spoke with Nathan Faleide, sales and marketing for Satshot. The company offers a GIS [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Best Bioenegy Feedstocks Highlighted at AG CONNECT
[...] Bioenergy Feedstocks session was a good value during the AG CONNECT Expo last week in Orlando, Fla. There were three main topics: winter and double crops, perennial energy [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » McCormick Deems AG CONNECT Expo a Huge Success
[...] were many tractors and loaders filling the McCormick booth during AG CONNECT Expo, and each year about 80 percent of the company’s sales are international. Yet the success of [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » NAEDA: an AG CONNECT Association to Know
[...] were several international manufacturing equipment associations on hand at the AG CONNECT Expo including the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA), [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Hemisphere GPS Launches G100 During AG CONNECT
[...] week during the AG CONNECT Expo in Orlando, Florida, Hemisphere GPS launched the G100 all-in-one steering and guidance system for [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Case IH Features “Efficiency” During AG CONNECT
[...] spent quite a bit of time in the Case IH booth during AG CONNECT Expo last week – AgriTalk broadcast live one day and the next AgDay TV taped its show. However, my education didn’t end there. I spent [...]
TM
Thanks for the coverage, one correction, though: It’s John “Bohnker”
AgWired » Blog Archives » Case IH Features “Efficiency” During AG CONNECT
[...] Case IH booth during AG CONNECT Expo last week – AgriTalk broadcast live one day and the next AgDay TV taped its show. However, my education didn’t end there. I spent a few minutes learning about Case IH’s [...]
Chuck
Thanks for correcting us and it is corrected.
AgWired » Blog Archives » U.S. Ag Associates Conference and StollerUSA
[...] university professors, growers and Stoller Group representatives. I had the opportunity for a short visit there last year and next week our Joanna Schroeder will be on location for full coverage. Some of the leading [...]
Precision Pays
[...] the AG CONNECT Expo last week, I spoke with Nathan Faleide, sales and marketing for Satshot. The company offers a GIS [...]
Strawberry Recipe iPhone App — Wasabimon!
[...] Do you love strawberries? Then I’ve got news for you – the California Strawberry Commission just released a free iPhone app with 50 strawberry-related recipes, and they’re featured my Thai Black Rice Pudding with Strawberries dish. Here’s a little more information on the app. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Challenger’s E3 Technology & Big Biomass Baler Draw Crowds
[...] a lifestyle decision. This year, Challenger had two new pieces of equipment on display during the AG CONNECT Expo including the MT600C and the MT595B. Both of these are prototypical equipment of what’s to [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Heading South for U.S. Ag Associates Conference
[...] packing my bags for Houston as I get ready to head to the U.S. Ag Associates Conference. I’m a kind of a self-proclaimed geek so I’m really excited to hear the research [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Hob Nobbin in Houston
[...] a preview of the research that is going to be presented tomorrow in Houston during the 17th annual Ag Associates Conference. I chatted with people from all over the world including Canada, Australia, Jamaica, Trinidad, [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » AGCO Shows How To Go Social
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 01.25.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Epigenetics: The Next Generation of Ag
[...] haven’t been trained to listen to their plants. But for Jerry Stoller, CEO of StollerUSA, that is what his company does best. In some circles, you could even call him the “plant [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Texas A&M Acheives Record Breaking Soybean Yield
[...] This morning during the AG Associates Conference in Houston, Texas A&M released record breaking soybean yield research using StollerUSA’s STO-01. When the STO-1 was applied during the R2 stage, yield jumped by 80 percent to 166.8 bu/acre. “We believe this is a record breaking crop,” said Jerry Stoller, CEO and Founder of StollerUSA, during the kick-off conference presentation. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Texas A&M Achieves Record Breaking Soybean Yield
[...] by 80 percent to 166.8 bu/acre. “We believe this is a record breaking crop,” said Jerry Stoller, CEO and Founder of StollerUSA, during the kick-off conference [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Lynn Balinas Celebrates B-Day at Ag Associates Conference
[...] having a great time here in Houston at the Ag Associates Conference. So much so that it was hard to get everyone to take a break and have lunch! Last night, Lynn [...]
Todd Lohenry
Thanks! When does this get posted to your podcast in iTunes?
Chuck
I’ll have it updated by this evening. Just got into San Antonio after long day of travel.
Free Listing Trade Directory
INSBO is an export import consultancy and International Trade promotional firm organized, http://www.insbo.in , as a World trade directory World wide Company profiles are enlisted here Free of cost..
HB 1116: Legislature to Debate Chicoine-Monsanto Deal « KELOLAND.com | Issues Blogs
[...] President David Chicoine caused a fuss last spring when he accepted a high-paying position on Monsanto’s corporate board. Senator Frank Kloucek [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Lynn Balinas Celebrates B-Day at Ag Associates Conference
[...] Don’t forget to follow the conference right here on AgWired.com. Dozens of people are sharing their research about the success they are having with all the Stoller products. I also had the chance, along with several other reporters, to spend some time alone with Stoller CEO and Founder, Jerry Stoller. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Want Yield Increases? Then You Need Healthier Roots.
[...] and growers from all over the world that most farmers concentrate on plant health above the ground but don’t spend enough time learning about the plant under the ground. For StollerUSA, root health is one of their biggest areas of [...]
John Herath
You always get all the fun new toys!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Techniques for Increasing Corn Yield
[...] Dr. Ron Heiniger with North Carolina State University is an expert in corn. For many years, he has been researching how to increase corn yields and some of the research he has done in his test plots are showing promising results – 300+ bushels per acre results. To put this number in perspective, the average bushel per acre yield for his area is between 120-125. “Our goal is to try to explore yield levels. The idea is yield equals profit,” said Dr. Heiniger. These results were unveiled during his presentation as part of StollerUSA’s Ag Associates Conference. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Techniques for Increasing Corn Yield
[...] asked him why root growth was so important and he told me that a stronger, larger root mass helps the plant combat stress as well as absorb [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » How to Grow Scrumptous Blueberries
[...] the Ag Associates Conference in Houston this week, Dr. Orzolek shared his results to a crowd of more than 100 people from all [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Novus Welcomes Baseball Great to Poultry Expo
[...] is the second year that Novus brought a baseball theme to the expo. Last year, it was the legendary Lou Brock, also a St. Louis Cardinal – a tribute to Novus’ hometown. 0 Posted by Cindy [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Quality Forage Leads to More Profitable Dairy Cows
[...] value of dairy feed, but also works on crop and soil nutrition. I spoke with him during the Ag Associates Conference to learn more about the benefits of good feed [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » The Quest for Higher Yields Starts with the Root Tips
[...] the Director of Research and Development with StollerUSA, during an interview with me at the Ag Associates Conference this week. “We’re trying to understand what in the system of productivity will enhance [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Using Bio-Forge to Increase Soybean Yields
[...] week, during the Ag Associates Conference hosted by StollerUSA, I had the opportunity to talk with Mike Molnar, with Town and Country Ag. His [...]
Michael Thimmesch
That’s got to be the most creative way to get attendees into the trade show exhibit floor that I’ve ever seen!
I’ve been to shows where they wheeled fully loaded bars (wine, beer, liquor) onto the trade show floor right at noon, just to get the attendees in the aisles to interact with exhibitors.
The dogs much cuter!
Michael Thimmesch
Skyline Exhibits
AgWired » Blog Archives » Studying Soil to Improve Plant Growth
[...] where he is at using his product history and goals. I spent some time with Alexander during the Ag Associates Conference sponsored by [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Drought Biggest Challenge for Stoller Australia
[...] for Australian growers. I caught up with Richard Emery, who runs this division during the Ag Associates Conference. He began by telling me that the country has a diverse range of crops including wheat and cotton, [...]
thepoultry
good news
thepoultry
thanks it is verey intersting
thepoultry
yes but this is very complex if youconsider the poultry around the world
AgWired » Blog Archives » New NAFB Leadership
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 02.01.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Rooster Shamblin
http://roostershamblin.wordpress.com/ would you please spend a few minutes of your time and read my chicken blog. I have been raising more than 50 breeds of chickens for forty years.
Trade Show Booths
Very creative way of getting attention, and they do look very cute!
That was a lot of space they were given by the trade show organizers, they really got lucky there!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Things We Learned During the Ag Associates Conference
[...] Ag Associates Conference has come to a close. The attendees were pumped up by all that they learned and they are looking [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Epigenetics: The Next Generation of Ag
[...] That is why the Ag Associates Conference is so important to the company. This is the meeting that helps to focus their research based on what is happening in farmers’ fields around the world. [...]
Allen
Hey Chuck,
Just letting you know that the correct URL is:
http://www.zazzle.com/americanfarmland*
You’ve got the correct one in the hyperlink, but the one that is written out has an extra “trust” in it.
Thanks a lot for running this!
Corey
I certainly question Yellow Tail’s move as well and am very disappointed in their support of self-serving HSUS; however, every post I see online sending me to their Facebook page is a broken link and even then, when I individually search for their Facebook page it shows the last update being from 2008. We have done a good job raising awareness, especially through Twitter, but we need to make sure Yellowtail actually hears the volume of our concerns.
Best,
cpr.
Chuck
Not sure what you link problem is Corey. The one in this post to their Facebook page works fine. Lots of comments on there. Do you have a Facebook account?
Chuck
Thanks Allen. That was a typo in their press release. I didn’t notice it. Corrected now though.
DJS
you could also follow this link; http://www.ussportsmen.org/Page.aspx?pid=2292 and get the even more vital information. Get in touch directly with the American distributor of the wine. It’s more effective if you place a phone call or send a fax…they can’t avoid those methods as easily as pushing the delete button for emails.
Scott Vernon
Hi Chuck -
And a shirt for the less politically correct crowd…
WTF?
Where’s the Food
Without the Farmer
Available at http://www.ilovefarmers.org
Thanks for all you do!
Safe travels.
Scott
RFS 2.0: Surveying Biofuel Industry Reaction | BIOMASS INTEL
[...] reaction to the EPA’s release of its final rules is favorable, but all organizations are expressing concern about the EPA’s continued reliance on the unproven theory of indirect land … [...]
vickie
contributing to hsus is a certain blow to the sportsmen! they, surely don’t know what they are contributing to…hsus would, in fact, like to see ALL HUNTING STOPPED…OUTLAWED…ENDED !!! i am sending a letter to anheuser-busch, also…they must not know of this…
yellow tail is distributed by deutsch and son, ltd, is also a distributor of busch and budweiser beers…THE ONES YOU DRANK DURING HUNTING SEASON, THAT WERE IN THE “CAMO” CANS.
YES, THEY KNOW IT’S DEER SEASON, AND THEY ARE TARGETING THE HUNTERS WHEN THEY PUT BEER IN CAMO CANS…why would deutsch and sons distribute beer in cans in “camo”, and contribute to an anti hunting organization, such as hsus?
i’m a member of the central florida dog hunters association…we are fighting anti-hunters, as well as us forestry, for closing roads in our forests…if anyone would like more info, give us some suggestions, or give some input, please check out our website http://www.cfldoghunters.org ,(we’ll even take donations).
Mike Haley
Thanks Chuck for the shout-out! Its very important that we come together as an industry and share our story. Social media is creating a great networks for agvocates to do this!
medora
I support Yellow Tail’s decision to donate to the Humane Society of the United States.
craig
I would never support a domestic terrorist group. I would never support a group who aligns the U.S. meat production industry with the Holocaust.
I would never support anyone who thinks animal agriculture is evil. I would never support a group who lies to the public in order to swindle them out of their hard earned money for reasons and purposes other than what was expressed in their plea for the money in the first place. I would never buy a bottle of Yellow Tail wine.
I have written letters to the editors of every media I can find, and when I get back from taking care of hundreds of animals, like my family has done for 4 generations, and helping my son (9 year old 5th generation) doing his chores, I will find more media addresses to send more letters in protest of Yellow Tail decisions to end U.S. agriculture. My letters will also contain facts about HSUS and their lies and deceipt.
Have a great day.
Woodbrry
thanks for the heads up. The yellow-tail blokes have blown it. Amazing to think a biz based in AG would donate to a group with a radical agenda that harms the very industry they are in.
Pam Fretwell
Will be launching “Consumer Ag Connection” radio show in the near future at WTAD/WKAN radio in Quincy/Kankakee Illinois.
Also owner of Fretwell Communications located at Quincy,Illinois.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Yellow Tail is Now Yellow Fail
[...] Advocates for Agriculture spokesperson. If this story is news to you, check out Chuck’s earlier post on this [...]
JoDee
There has been a lot of great talk about this issue among the agricultural industry but is someone pitching the story to mainstream media? It seems like a great story of how agriculture is using social media to give immediate feedback to Yellow Tail…I would hate for the story to end inside ag’s walls and not reach a larger group of consumers, thereby actually affecting Yellow Tail sales.
Cindy
How about the Tim Tebow/Focus on the Family spot? Sure seemed out of place, but God love them! Definitely not worth all the pre-game controversy, but that gave them way more for their $2.6 million than they would have had otherwise.
Going Green Can Save You Green
[...] Last week, I wrote a story regarding President Obama’s executive order for the federal government to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 28 percent by 2020. One goal of this program is to get other companies to follow suit, but many companies don’t know where to start. Enter the Hondo Green Assessment Tool (HGAT). To learn more about how companies can become more sustainable, I spoke with the Hondo Group’s CEO Lynn Balinas. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Improvement in the Poultry Industry
[...] International Vice President of the Americas Dan Meagher about poultry before he headed out to the Cattle Industry Conference in San Antonio to talk about their commitment to the beef industry. Dan says the outlook for the poultry industry [...]
Cindy
Cool! Let’s see more of those videos out there, American ag! Yellow Fail doesn’t get the point. They think they are saving puppies and kitties, but they are really supporting a group that wants to see the end of steak with a good bottle of wine!
Daily News—02/11/10 - Blog - Site Root - BioDieselNow - Renewable biodiesel fuel
[...] Singing about biodiesel fuel at the National Biodiesel Conference [...]
Ford
I suggested the look into how many animals H$U$ “rescued” after Hurricane Katrina. They sent me a form letter about how they are concerned about animals, as though they actually believe H$U$ will use this money for the benefit of animals. I can’t buy their wine any more. Anyone who supports an organization as demonstrably dishonest as H$U$ doesn’t deserve my hard earned money. How could they be so ill informed?
AgWired » Blog Archives » A Message From NFMS For HSUS
[...] check out the posts from yesterday to learn about some of what they have on display and especially what’s NUE. The rest of the show our coverage this week is sponsored by New Holland. Green and blue go well [...]
Ray Bowman
Thanks, Cindy – an honor to meet you and have the chance to visit.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Social Media Future
[...] online and on their phone and includes farmers as well as consumers. New technology like the iPad and increased broadband capability will continue to drive a move towards communications that [...]
Robin Ong
How true, so called consultants.
Michael J Lis
Chuck – I totally agree with your statement “First of all I highly recommend working with someone who not only says they understand social media but is actively engaged with it.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself. There’s too many marketing firms, PR agencies and other social media companies that say – “we get social media,” but when you go to their blog or Facebook page it’s empty and has no real value.
I believe that’s the greatest thing about social media – is that you have to participate in it, it is not a passive for of media.
Great post! Keep the conversation going.
AgWired » Blog Archives » A Biodiesel Family
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 02.12.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
YourNetBiz
I agree – if you can’t or don’t want to do social media marketing yourself, it’s no excuse not to use it as a marketing strategy. Outsourcing it works great.
Ana/YourNetBiz Mentor
Oct. 19 – 26 - Marketing and News Services
[...] Web site AgWired.com noted that Ferry County Extension director Dan Fagerlie has received the award for Excellence in [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Getting To Know Leica Geosystems
[...] ours, I thought it would be helpful to post a little background for you. You can also listen to an interview I did with Rob Kiernan at the recent AG CONNECT Expo. In it he said: “Being a late entrant in the precision ag [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » EZ-Sync from Trimble to Keep Producers & Offices Connected
[...] management for growers and agribusinesses. While I was at the Trimble booth checking out the newly announced EZ Surface Software that provides surface drainage analysis and design for farmers and drainage contractors, I also [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » USGC 50th Membership Meeting
[...] Marketing Conference and 50th Annual Membership Meeting. Tomorrow morning I’ll be going AgWired Live TV with the opening general session starting at 8am, central. So tune if you’d like. I’ll [...]
Duda
I think climate / CO2 emissions are the least of our worries. When the fossil fuels run out, so will the pollutions that induce this “global warming.” The CO2 will be reabsorbed back into plants to make new fuels and so the cycle begins again. We may be preventing an ice-age if we are even inducing any sort of climate change. I say: worry about efficiency of combusting fuels, not reducing emissions.
Celeste
Thanks for the kind words Amanda. It was such a privilege being on a student panel with outstanding people like Bailey and Greg and working with you throughout the week.
Personal Marketing Specialist
I specialize in Social Media Marketing and Training for professionals. I specialize in Real Estate but have worked with professionals in several other industries as well. I agree with the idea of working with someone who actually engages in social media. As a young professional I have grown up using these sites and understand that teaching professionals to use the social media is what really needs to be done. Check out my facebook page if you’re interested, I’m based in NY but often work virtually: http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Personal-Marketing-Specialist/115444096583?ref=ts
A Note to HSUS: Genuinely Grassroots « Gate to Plate Blog by Michele Payn-Knoper
[...] Feb 8 – Mentioned on agwired [...]
Amy McDonald
I love the new ARC logo! And thanks, Chuck, for being first to report the unveiling. You are super!
Cheryl Stubbendieck/NeFarmBureau
JPlovesCOTTON?
Kevin Hoyer
Ed Hegland needs to do his own boot shopping from now on.
janice person
That’s our lovely tour guide from Ducks Unlimited! And to help people get “the rest of the picture,” I have posted a picture on twitpic.
http://twitpic.com/14cq4e — too bad I couldn’t zoom in out her name tag without it pixelating!
janice person
okay… checked out your album… Her name is Norma DeSalvo!
skippy
HSUS is on the run trying to raish money to shut down Consumer Freedom. You know when you are a not for profit 58% of money raised has to be spent for what they advertised it would be used for. HSUS wouldn’t help on old dog across the street unless someone paid them. Then they would just kill the old dog.
Debra
My best guess would be, the boots belong to the person in photo arc-10-64.JPG http://bit.ly/b3sokE
The person in the foreground is also wearing a green vest with numerous patches on it and bluejeans.
AgWired » Blog Archives » 2009 FinOvation Awards
[...] the award winners this year was New Holland’s BB9000 Series large square balers. New Holland’s Bob Hatz picked up the baler category award on behalf of the company, [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » 2009 FinOvation Awards
[...] also saw John Deere get two awards – for the DB120 planter and AutoTrac RowSense. Syngenta was honored with two awards for the Viptera corn seed trait and Avicta seed treatment. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Public Relations Ducks Unlimited Style
[...] I can’t believe I’ve done 250 of these. The first posted version of the ZimmCast was January 31, 2005! I wish I could say it seems like only yesterday but it really [...]
Biofuels Brazil » Corn Growers Try to Understand Indirect Land Use Change
[...] highlighted the confusion the issue of indirect land use change has engendered for farmers. Chuck Zimmerman of AgWired summed it up in a report from the conference: Do you understand things like indirect land use when [...]
Chuck
I guess Janice wins this one. I’ll have to see what we’ve got to reward her with. Always something interesting floating around the ZimmComm office!
Kimberlie Gilpin
It doesn’t surprise me at all, considering all of the “free items” I used to receive for my previous donations. They play on the emotions to better their greedy pockets. It makes me sick just thinking about the “fingers twiddling” as the money rolls in from unsuspecting, generous and caring people. Answer, give to your local shelters!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Plant and Animal Genome Conference Success For Fluidigm
[...] sequencing. He feels very optimistic for the future after Fluidigm acquired recent new customers, USDA-ARS and Bayer [...]
Dr. Bob Sammis
Congratulations. This is one of the most importaant positions in the company and industry. They together will be the foundation of feeding the developed and underdeveloped communities.
Good Show.
Ron Wulfkuhle
Congrats Tracy! We really look forward to growing the Agrisure Traits business and not only providing Choice, but a Better Choice.
AgWired » Blog Archives » More AgriBlogging Tools
[...] about some gadgets a number of times lately and am getting ready to do an updated version of my mobile ag journalism kit post from May of 2008. It’s going to be interesting to see the changes (and there are changes). [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » New Holland’s Rustler is a Workhorse
[...] Holland debuted the new Rustler utility vehicle at the 2009 Farm Progress Show, but the 2010 National Farm Machinery Show was [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Exposing HSUS
[...] even let him in the door) and in my opinion issued a challenge to American farmers. You can still read that post or listen to his remarks [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Exposing HSUS
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 03.01.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Sharon Hiebert from Canada
I’ve recently become a fan/member of HumaneWatch.org. Can’t say enough positive about what I’m seeing from the Ag, Trucking, and Pet people out there. I’m talking about the responsible, caring, ethical people who practice animal husbandry or at minimum, have a common link to the business side of animal husbandry and animal welfare.
Here in Canada, we’ve not been hit as hard by the AR activists as the USA has – yet. But, there is no doubt in my mind that the insidious seeds of planned domestic animal extinction have been planted up here and it is only a matter of time before a sister to H$U$ becomes well established in Canada. They just need to get the right politicians elected so they can push their causes through the system. I want to take a proactive approach to helping stymie the AR Crazies’ efforts in Canada but am just beginning to arm myself with knowledge. It is a very long row to hoe without the resources of HumaneWatch, CCF, etc…
The greater success and noteriety that H$U$ experiences in its attempt to undermine laws designed to protect individuals and business, deceive ill informed and/or ill intentioned politicians into doing its bidding, convince celebs to be spokespeople for its twisted agenda, and dupe the general public into donating to their general coffers, the higher the impact in Canada will be. It is not that I only care about Canada – I care about the entire globe. However, at this point, my immediate concern is to affect my circle of contacts by disemminating information that is contrary to what H$U$, PETA, and the like purport.
Thank you for having Mr. Martosko as a guest. His polite and fair approach opposing the legitimacy of H$U$ was both inspiring and refreshing.
Kind regards,
Sharon
AgWired » Blog Archives » My MOJO
[...] posting what’s in my MOJO. I haven’t done this for a couple of years. You read the last post and compare what’s different. So here’s what’s in my MOJO (mobile journalism [...]
Tom
Hi Chuck,
As someone in a similar line of work, it’s quite interesting to see a breakdown of your kit. One thing that’s piqued my interest, though; why three audio recorders and three video cameras? Have you thought about upgrading to the D300s and using the video on that?
I’d also be interested to hear about your video editing workflow.
On a side note and speaking with the voice of experience, I feel for your spine!
Cheers,
Tom
Nancy
Thank you so much for allowing yet another venue to point to humanewatch.org and factual documents they provide to spread the word about HSUS. Wayne Pacelle does his best to try to undermine the effort to show the Animal Rights agenda for what it is by saying CCF and humane watch are radical front groups for tabacco and restaurants, etc. The fact is, it really doesn’t matter what you think of CCF or if you agree or disagree with what they do because it won’t change documented facts they provide. Just as the ‘horror’ videos the AR groups get publicized of bad ag animal practice and try to convince the public ALL ag animals are abused, they do the same with pet breeders. Pet breeders are fighting along with ag producers to defeat the lies with facts (many pet breeders are also ag producers) we hope the ag communnity will also help the pet breeding community, who also take good care of their animals. We all have a few in our chose animal fields who are bad apples and those are the ones the AR groups use against us to get public support. The animal industry if the US can be a formidable opponent to these radicals if we unite and work together to stop the deception. Thanks again for helping spread the word!
Affiliate Internet Marketing – What’s so good about it? | Go Over Internet Marketing
[...] AgWired » Blog Archives » NAMA Marketer & Agribusiness Leader … [...]
Hugh Whaley
And how often do you get that extra special treatment from TSA airport security?
Cassandra Schlef
I found out that nearly 120 media are registered now, but we expect more to register on site.
jim mccullough
great job….Mississippi is fighting similar attacks…..how do we reach the folks in Mo. about their organization……..
Mississippi now has a clone of HSUS in tsheform of MS-FACTS a animal rights political action committee
our group MIssissippi Animal Legislation League is made up of animal owners, farmers, and actual shelters and rescue people….
would appreciate any information you cangive me….preparing to launch a campaign on the diffrence between animal welfare and animal rights………working with Ms. FArm Bureau…..
AgWired » Blog Archives » AgWired at BIVI Event in Omaha
[...] way, I’m not quite as tech savvy as Chuck – who REALLY has his MOJO going. But we’ll be able to show you and let you hear from some of the good folks from BIVI who are [...]
Automotive » Vilsack Anticipates Approval of E15
[...] in the right direction. I’m anticipating we’ll see some increase in the blend rate,” said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack during a press conference at Commodity Classic when asked about EPA’s delaying the decision to increase the blend rate to [...]
Sukamadek
The tax credit was meant to help a fledgling industry get on it’s feet and stand on it’s own. Needing the tax credit to exist means it is not viable but simply a farm welfare program.
Vilsack Anticipates Approval of E15
[...] right direction. I’m anticipating we’ll see some increase in the blend rate,” said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack during a press conference at Commodity Classic when asked about EPA’s delaying the decision to increase the blend rate to [...]
paul neenan
I believe we are overlooking a couple crucial points in the ethanol debate. While every possible cost of producing corn is included when figuring the cost of ethanol no one is figuring the true cost of oil and gas such as the military cost of securing the region from which a huge portion of our oil orignates.During the 2008 presidental debate sen. gravel estimated the military cost alone to secure gas to be thee dollars per gallon.Secondly the envoirmental cost of cleaning up oil and gas spills in this country and the oceans is huge.US citizens are paying far more for oil and gas than the pump price but no one is reminding them of that.
BiodieselFacts
Big oil gets $2 in “government subsidies” for every $1 the entire alt fuels industry gets.
That doesn’t count expenses like $50BB a year just to protect the Straits of Hemus fpr Big Oil to get their tankers through and on and on. Heard of “war for oil”. Who pays for that?
What about solar? It can’t exist without subsidies because coal plants can make electricity much cheaper. Should we shut that industry down too?
You need to see the bigger picture. At some point we have to cleanup our act and somethings are going to cost a little more to do that.
Heard of “cancer alley” in Louisiana? 150 fuel refineries in 100 miles. The highest cancer rates in the country. What does that cost? Of course it has nothing to do with the refineries.
Let alone THEIR KILLING PEOPLE!!!
Also, biodiesel supports over 100,000 American jobs for about $650mm in subsidies.
Beats any jobs bill I’ve seen.
That cost doesn’t include the offset from US revenues generated by the
billions of dollars of American Made clean burning fuel. 16 lbs of CO2 removed for every gallon of biodiesel.
60,000 deaths a year can be directly attributed to the breathing of diesel exhaust.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Boots and Jeans at Commodity Classic
[...] has made a guess yet on the last “Guess Whose Boots” from Commodity Classic, but here is another pair that was spotted on the trade show floor. These “boots with [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » U.S. Grains Council Announces Global Food Security Symposium
[...] Security Symposium, which is sponsored by the organization. USGC Chairman Rick Fruth confirmed that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is expected to deliver the keynote address at the symposium, scheduled for April 7, 2010, in Tokyo, [...]
Precision Pays
[...] capability that provides enhanced information management for growers and agribusinesses, and the EZ Surface Software provides surface drainage analysis and design for farmers and drainage [...]
Precision Pays
[...] to an interview with TeeJet technology specialist Jon Reinecker conducted at the National Farm Machinery Show by Agwired reporter John Davis: pp_flashembed( [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » NCGA to Focus on Image and Activisim Campaign
[...] will launch an image and activism campaign to reinforce the importance of agriculture, according to NCGA President, Darrin Ihnen during a press conference at Commodity Classic. While many people are still confused about food versus fuel, an issue perpetuated by media around [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » ASA Celebrates 90th Anniversary by Highlighting Soybean Successes
[...] on behalf of ASA, expressed continued hopefulness for 2010 for soybean farmers across the country and reiterated [...]
DeereMan
I have always admired Chip’s creative work with cars and trucks, and his talent is unquestionable. However, as a life-long Deere collector, I was horribly disappointed in this project. Chip took a classic 4020 nad made it into a freakin lawn tractor/model. Sorry Chip, no more tractors please.
Rob Peterson
I think it’s great that Deere went out on a limb and did something different. Great job Chip on making a great old tractor look like a completely different new, exciting, and unique machine. Why wouldn’t you try to bring new customers into Deere’s customer base? I’m looking forward to the Foose Gator next!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Dow AgroSciences Develops Smart Stacks for Corn
[...] Leader, Insect Management Traits & Seeds Treatments for Dow AgroSciences, is developing the new smart stack technology for corn with Monsanto. I spoke with Hendrix about the new smart stack traits in more detail during [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » BASF Supports Future of Agriculture
[...] NCGA program awards five $1,000 scholarships to college students studying agriculture, while the ASA program chooses one student to award [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » BASF Supports Future of Agriculture
[...] NCGA program awards five $1,000 scholarships to college students studying agriculture, while the ASA program chooses one student to award $5,000. So, each year for the past three years, BASF has helped six students pay for their [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » ASA Vice President Works for Agriculture
[...] I was able to do a quick interview with him while he was in the BASF exhibit presenting the annual BASF/ASA Scholarship award. He talked about the scholarship program, the attendance at Classic, his thoughts on Secretary [...]
Automotive » Big Oil Behind Yet Another Biofuels Research Paper
[...] rainforest. Only then is the land converted to pasture and then to land for crops like soybeans. Sugarcane is rarely grown in the rainforest and Brazil doesn’t produce biofuels from corn. So what I just can’t seem to wrap my head around [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Happy Ag Week
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 03.15.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Growers Give Stoller a “Green” Thumb of Approval
[...] wheat yields. One of the benefits he noted was that the Bio-Forge helped the plant to make a “massive root system” that enabled it to take up the nutrients from the [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Taking the SOY Challenge
[...] already met first place winners David and Sue Roehm in an earlier post. Today we meet Dave and Mary Jonas of Pinnconning, Michigan, one of two runners [...]
Nothing like hearing it from the farmer first hand! « StollerUSA Blog
[...] [...]
Krissa Thom
I became a fan of her facebook fan page just long enough to leave her a very pointed message. We are also thinking about eating burgers and brats at the Capitol on her Meatout Day which is also National Ag Day. If anyone is interested, please e-mail me at krissa.g.thom@gmail.com. If we are going to do this, we need the gathering to be big enough to make a point. We need to stand up for ag!
Chuck
I really found this one hard to believe. Wish I could be there. Feel free to send me a photo if you’d like for a follow up on this story. I’m going to try her office tomorrow to see if I can get some kind of statement on why. It sure isn’t a way to say thank you to the people who are feeding the world!
Carneevor
Hmm… Michigan Meatout Day, huh? I think I shall celebrate by ordering a very large helping of steak, or burger, or ANYTHING meat on Saturday. We have plans to visit New Holland Brewing Company, and I’m pretty sure they list meat items on the menu.
Wait, when is Michigan Beer Day??
Hugh Whaley
What is the world coming to? Maybe she wants a job with HSUS after she gets voted out of office.
Tom
Fruits and vegetables are better for us and most people don’t eat enough of them, why is she being demonized for promoting a healthy diet?
Plus the cruelty farm animals must endure for our burgers and pizza – calves being stolen from their mother at birth, de-horning, de-beaking, crammed cages, and most animals never go outside and are hardly allowed to move. Is there any way in the world God is happy with this system? Also, modern animal agriculture is polluting the planet more than transportation.
Chuck
Tom, you obviously have no idea what you’re talking about when it comes to farm raised animals for meat consumption. There are plenty of studies to show that the bogus idea of animal agriculture “polluting” the planet is a myth. Feel free to eat vegan if you want.
We don’t need government telling us what to eat or not eat. None of its business.
I personally love eating fruits and vegetables along with a good steak or any type of meat. Every individual should take personal responsibility for their own eating habits.
You can find some great nutritional information about beef for example here: http://www.beefnutrition.org/
Megan
Tom,
This is the problem agriculture is having in the state of Michigan and all around the country. Agriculture is being criticized and blamed for everything and many of the people pointing fingers have no idea what they are talking about. First of all, livestock are just that live…stock…they were put on this earth to produce and work for us. That includes being used as a food animal. They have been for years and they WILL for years to come. Yes calves are seperated from their mothers, here again, this is what they are for. Have you visited a large scale operation before? They have done as much research as possible to make this necessary component as stress-free as possible. Livestock need to be de-horned for the safety of themselves, the other livestock, and the humans working around them. Obviously, you’ve never been around one with horns before. One of the reasons they de-beak birds is, again, for their own safety. Chickens will peck each other to death, it is their nature, again probably something you’ve never seen before, because had you seen it, you would understand why it is so necessary. I could go on and on as to why these practices are necessary from many standpoints including medical.
I suggest you do your research before commenting on such a sensitive subject next time and you really need to visit a farm.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Michigan Governor Response To Meatout Day Interview Request
[...] to obtain a short audio interview regarding the Governor’s decision to declare March 20, Michigan Meatout Day. I sincerely appreciate her calling me back so that we can better understand what in the world [...]
Lisa
According to the Detroit Free Press, Spokeswoman Liz Boyd tried to restore calm this evening by saying the governor herself is not a vegetarian and is as likely to eat meat on Saturday as any other day (maybe a little more likely if her family ends up in front of the television watching NCAA basketball).
Sounds to me like a bit of a back tracking. I wonder how much money was promised or favors given for this proclamation.
I for one, am appalled. Not only as a supporter of all agriculture systems, but also as a tax paying American. Where does the government get off telling me what to eat? With the current state of economical affairs in Michigan today, seems like Jennifer might put her time to much better use than proclaiming this type of rhetoric at the “encouragement” of vegetarian and vegan activists.
Jason
First of all why is everyone getting so upset. It is about time someone stood up and spoke the truth about nutrition. Do you know that the meat and dairy industries have been confusing our kids and teachers for decades on this subject. please read the book the China Study and you will see how a plant based diet can reverse and cure heart disease. what could be wrong about that. you get so angry because the meat and dairy industries have brainwashed you to believe that meat is necessary when it is not true. And whoever made that statement about birds being debeaked and animals being dehorned for their own good. wow that is horrible. First every animal has a mother just like you and has a will to live. They exsist for their own reasons not for us. If the animals were not crammed so close together they would not have to mutilate them. . Milk from a cow is meant for a baby calve thats why she can grow so fast because it has lots of fat and is suited for her not for humans. read up on the studies and I encourage you to read that book or other books on the subject.
Tim Vainner
Just another normal day for our governor and our goverment.
Make decisions without thinking, really don’t understand what they are doing or saying.
She has promised us one thing, that she would blow us away.
She did, comments like no meat day, unemployement, companies and people moving out.
Great job
Governor Proclaims Michigan Meatout Day « Kansas Grains
[...] read: Michigan Governor Supports Anti-Meat Day, Michigan Meatout Day?, Meatout Day Leaves Bad Taste, Governor Proclaims Saturday Meatout Day Possibly related posts: [...]
Governadora do Michigan recomenda um dieta sem carne « Vanguarda Abolicionista
[...] Fonte: http://agwired.com/2010/03/16/michigan-meatout-day/ [...]
Megan
Jason,
I am an animal science major at Michigan State University in my third year, so I assure you I have read plenty on livestock practices and how to protect the animals from each other. I also have worked under a large animal(food animal) veterinarian for the last six years and gone on countless calls with him so again I assure you I at least am educated on what I am saying when I say that the animals are dehorned and debeaked for their own good, and for the safety of the people around them.
Eating meat has worked for thousands of years, so yes that is why they are here. Some people just cannot get enough nutrients out of being a vegetarian. It may work for some people but I guarantee you with my fast metabolism, I literally would not survive without consuming meat.
Also, just a sidenote…”Milk from a cow is meant for a baby calve thats why she can grow so fast because it has lots of fat and is suited for her not for humans”…The proper thing to say would have been the milk from a cow is meant for a baby CALF…and the rest doesn’t even make sense, and just to let you know cows don’t drink milk their whole lives, humans are actually one of the only species that drink milk even in their adulthood.
Billy
I think the Governor should change it to “Michigan Meatout Day (except for Conservatives who should eat lots of Fatty Meat for every meal)”
Ioan Marcos
I send my congratulation to such a visionary Governor.
The comments against the project are so poor and reveal the point of view of people who didn’t spend enough time on researching the question. First of all Idon’t believe animals were made to be explored by man with so much cruelty- from birth to death. Furthermore, I know people who don’t protein from animal food for years (including myself and some athletes) and have a good health.
Susan
It all started with “National Smoke Out Day.” Now cigarettes are taxed to the hilt(to pay for the obese health care) in Michigan and that led to a state wide smoking ban in public places. Ask yourselves is meat headed down the same road? Why don’t we have a “Sweet Out Day” or a “Fast Food Out Day” In this overly governed country anything is possible. Why we as tax payers don’t designate a “Tax Out Day” Where any one who still has a job left in Michigan, doesn’t go to work that day (Mi would loose income tax), and also on the same day, NO ONE should buy any goods that would lead to the State of Michigan receiving any kind of sales tax revenue. This country gets more and more communist everyday, trying to dictate to us what we can eat? I don’t see why anybody would want to come and live in this country. Disgusting!
Bryan
I thought humans were at the top of the food chain. But I guess the governor knows best.
I’m thinking a LotteryOut day in retaliation would be good.
Cindy
Just wondering .. did Kelly and Barry have those cool Men in Black Memory Eraser thingees just in case somebody got an early peek?
Megan
Ioan,
Are you 5’0″ and weigh 100 lbs. even while eating meat and vegetables and fruit and junk food? I eat 3 meals a day and in between and I do not excercise or run. I have been tested for thyroid problems and all come back negative. So, no I guarantee you I would not survive without meat.
And I just do not understand where you all are coming from when you say that I need to do more research on the topics. That’s all I do. I go to school 9 months out of the year and exclusively study livestock. Can you say the same for yourself?
And you provided no counter argument against anything I said.
Do you also “send my congratulation to such a visionary Governor.” for taking away the Michigan Promise Scholarship. Yeah, do great on your MEAPs kids, we’ll give you a scholarship because you are the hope of our state. HAHAHAHA I guess that was a slap in the face for all of us college students and past high school students who worked our butts off to do well because we had some incentive, and what happened to our scholarship…ripped out from under us, yeah great governor and person.
Megan
“explored by man with so much cruelty”…just a sidenote I think you meant exploited by man not “explored”…maybe you should proofread (kind of like you said I should research)
AgWired » Blog Archives » Michigan Meat Day
[...] a Governor sticks her foot in her mouth it’s a really public [...]
Jean
Also worth noting, per the third “Whereas” — the last major outbreak of E-coli in this country was caused by fresh spinach — not meat!! Ergo, avoiding meat does NOT reduce the exposure to e-coli risks!
Sara Montes
It is wise for the entrepreneur and commercial sector to get involved in the agriculture area, in an innovative and low-environment –impact way. I leave you here a Costa Rican’s company site, which is dedicated in that way to the agriculture area: http://www.primocompany.net. Please leave comments!
Donald
When can we send this woman and her Canadian trash back across the border?? She has done so much more damage to Michigan than any Hispanic ever has!
Thirdstone
This is a hilariously convoluted (and, in many cases hugely ignorant) argument but, the facts are, humans subsisted for eons without animal flesh in their diets because our bodies simply aren’t designed for it.
It never occurred to early Homo Sapiens to eat flesh; their bodies (and ours) were never designed for it. Then (as now) we have no teeth designed for tearing flesh like ALL other carnivorous/omnivorous animals do. They didn’t even have fire to cook it with or the “tools” to deal with it.
Even better evidence is our long and convoluted digestive tract. In true carnivores like cats, it is as short as possible and designed to extract nutrition quickly and expel flesh byproducts as quickly as possible to protect the system. Dogs which are more omnivorous, have somewhat longer paths to help them deal with both flesh and other food substances. Herbivores (cows, humans, pigs etc) have long and complex digestive tracts to process foods other than flesh, the longer pathway being needed to breakdown other nutritive substances and conversely suffers from the prolonged exposure to toxic flesh byproducts.
Our basic physiology is clearly not designed to consume flesh in any form – it merely tolerates it to varying degrees. As humans evolved over time, a small degree of flesh eating became an adaptation over time as a survival means as humans moved to spread across the continents and had to deal with climate & environmental changes (moving close to desert areas, the ice ages, etc).
Look at most of the world’s cultures and nearly all cultures have consumed flesh in very small amounts and never until recent times, in today’s larger quantities. The good old USA really cranked up the flesh eating quota in the last century to absurd (and dangerous) levels and our modern health crisis does reflect that in all sorts of pathologies beyond just the “major” ones such as heart disease, diabetes,obesity, colon cancer); there’s no denying it.
Go ahead and eat flesh if you like it but then be willing to accept the health consequences too -just quit all the sniping; eating flesh is bad for our health and our bodies were NOT designed to ingest it.
The other issues of animal cruelty, the environmental and climate change consequences of large scale animal ag, transport, processing etc. are real and undeniable concerns too of course, so let’s stop denying them please.
But let us also recognize the facts of our own physiology; that IS the main issue. Nature has always done a good job of designing ALL its creatures efficiently and correctly. Like it or not, that includes us humans.
Silly arguments about “needing” to eat flesh to survive are just rationale. It’s simply not true. Our species would NOT have survived were that the case.
If nature intended us to eat flesh, our bodies would be designed to thrive on it. Argue all you want but, they’re simply NOT. We “choose” to do so in spite of that. And, we pay the health consequences accordingly.
Scott
This is one of the wisest decision by Governor Granholm, I totally support the meat out day, kudos to you!
Don
Meatout day is not enough, we need Meatout month.
Chuck
Hey Thirdstone, which I assume is not your real name. You must live in another universe. I completely disagree with everything you’ve said because it’s so wrong. But thanks for registering your comment.
Kathy
Yes! We’re having steak tonight as well to celebrate.
Megan
Thank you Chuck!
I feel like I’m alone in my arguments with these imbeciles.
I believe that diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are more likely caused by the donuts, ice cream, potato chips, etc. that people consume in much larger quantities than meat. And I hate to tell you that heart disease and diabetes are also caused for many other reasons than diet. Genetics, environment, amount of excercise, smoking, and overall lifestyle behaviors are more likely to cause these diseases.
Chuck
You are not alone Megan. In fact, these folks are just a loud mouth minority. They have to make outlandish claims in the hopes someone will be stupid enough to buy into their emotionalism. I could care less if someone wants to be a vegetarian. I feel sorry for and resent the militant vegans who want to impose their views on others. They have a totally selfish outlook and don’t care about other people’s views. You are absolutely right in what you commented. Let’s hope more and more people will take responsibility for their own decisions and that includes choice of diet. Meat is part of a healthy diet. These folks are just trying to use it as as scapegoat and to further their own agenda.
AgWired » Blog Archives » ZimmComm Crew At Commodity Classic
[...] Hopefully it will be warmer than the midwest. I’ll be working with AGROTAIN and covering the International Conference on Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers. See you from there. 0 Posted by Chuck • March 22, 2010 • 8:22 amCategories: [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Representing Global Fertilizer Industry
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 03.26.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » New Farm Podcasting Tool
[...] a new piece of gear to add to your MOJO. Roland has just introduced the new R-05. The compact R-05 is easy to use, affordable, and packed [...]
Rachel Levy
I thought you might be interested to post this on my website http://www.webinarlistings.com for free (or upgrade for a fee for more visibility)
-Rachel Levy-
The Cowgate Warming Error « The Pulse- of Colorado Farm Bureau
[...] heart of the issue when he criticizes highly publicized campaigns such as “Meatless Mondays” or the recent proclamation by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to create “Michigan Meatout Day” in the state, on the [...]
Shari Holloway
So true Cindy, it is definitely not paranoid when they are out to get you! And they ARE out there to put us out of business! I invite Facebook users to join a group named exPOSE HSUS and help to spread the TRUE STORY about HSUS.
Pam Fretwell
Thanks Cindy for sharing. I guess I’m always a little paranoid when it comes to dealing with people who lie and will do anything to achieve an agenda. Agriculture guys are the good guys….HSUS is the bad guys, make no mistake about it!
Billy
Plenty more steaks and Kentucky Ale at the Symposium. Looking forward to seeing you, and whomever would like to join in Lexington, May 16-19.
fedupalready
Editors at The Onion are kicking themselves in the real for not coming up with this first…
dm
Please go to wwwhumanewatch.org ,,,,please check this site thank you!
AgWired » Blog Archives » BASF LEGOs Donated to FFA
[...] the LEGO sculpture at BASF’s Commodity Classic booth in Anaheim? Ever wonder what they did with that? Turns out [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Spring Planting Advice
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 04.01.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Dave E. Anderson
Chuck,
I thought you had done it all… I typically can’t find stuff you aren’t topping!
I have my 4-H Key Award. and a long time 4-Her… Mom and Dad met related to 4-H. Mom was involved with 4-H for 65 years… We all should be outraged with 4-H providing any platform for HSUS…
Either a massive oversight, or a massive mistake… Keep digging and keep us posted.
Dave
USDA April Sense of Humor « It's Funny
[...] AgWired [...]
Brent Pohlman
Chuck
Great review…I thought your quote, “One of the accessories I ordered is a VGA adapter so I can plug it into a projector. I’m intending to use the iPad for some of my presentations in coming months. ” about the accessories was really interesting. How much is that accessory?
Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us. Look forward to hearing more in the future.
Chuck
It’s $29 from the Apple Store: http://store.apple.com/us/product/IPAD_VGA_ADP?mco=MTc0MjU1OTU
Scott
I hope this wasn’t a paid author that typed this review. This is a sample of the worst writing on the web. The grammar and sentence structure are on a sixth grade level. Is this a blog? I hope so …
Chuck
No Scott, unfortunately I didn’t get paid to write this. Thanks for your literary criticism. If you’re not sure about AgWired being a blog then you must not be very web savvy. Keep reading and you’ll get up to speed.
gregory griffin
I’m traveling to Australia soon, will my Ipad work there? Can I use the U.S. store instead of the Australia store?
Sergey
My question is how does it fare against a netbook? After all, the base device costs around $500 and you’ve ended up purchasing an external keyboard and VGA adapter. Why should I spend the money for all that when I can get a netbook with more features for nearly half the price?
Greg Lamp
Man, you truly are a techno geek, aren’t you!
Cody
I really want the ipad and I would like to know how much space ebooks take up. That would help influence how big of a hard-drive I would need.
Claire
Have you purchased e-books on it yet? I’m eager to hear how the reading experience is. After reading a lot of reviews here: http://bit.ly/a7GWvU I heard the backlighting is hard on the eyes.
AgWired » Blog Archives » AgChat Nation
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 04.05.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Chuck
Thanks for all the comments. Yes, I am a techno geek. I’m all about using them to earn a living!
The iPad will work anywhere as long as you can keep it charged. I’ve never used any store outside of US but would recommend you make purchases before an international trip so you’ve got content to watch/read/listen to on the way. I’ll be taking mine to Belgium next week.
I think the iPad is a good alternative to a netbook (I have an HP Mini 311) but one of the main limitations is inability to connect other devices via usb (card reader, printer, etc.). This is why I don’t think it really can replace a notebook or netbook. It really depends on how many and what type of applications you need to use.
ebooks don’t take up much memory. They’re small files since they’re just text. Now if they start making books with a lot graphics and internal functions, etc. it might be different.
I’ve only got one ebook so far but reading it is a great experience. The screen is beautiful to read on.
Colin
“work or your favorite coffee shop, which is where I’m tryping this (Coffee Zone).”
I’m guessing typing out messages still sucks like on the iphone if you are “tryping” out messages.
Arthur
$500? I don’t know. I like the concept but for what it does it is over priced. I think e-readers are over priced to. When a tablet comes out in the $100 – $200 range I am sure I will buy one. Since I do not care if it is apple or palm or google I am sure I will not have to wait long. Battery life +, weight +, No flash – Price – -, Limited Ports I don’t know I guess I just don’t care much about that.
I would like something like this for a media center remote.
Chuck
Typing on the iPad is a much improved experience over the iPhone. I’ve already typed longer messages and emails but it’s still a touch pad and therefore you can’t rest your fingers on the screen. In landscape mode, propped up, it’s not too bad.
However, knowing I want to type long message I like being able to turn on my bluetooth keyboard and type “normal.” I’m getting a stand to hold the iPad up in front of me while I use the keyboard in front of it or in my lap. It works very nicely.
gardner
Chuck, informative review comments. Question: how’s the battery life on it? I may get one for my commute (train/bus) and travel.
Chuck
I have used the iPad from fully charged for about 6+ hours which included open browser (watching some tv), email, reading, downloading/installing apps/books and reading. At that point it got down to about 65%. I have since recharged. That’s my best take on the battery life. Looks pretty good to me!
AgWired » Blog Archives » NAMA Drawings At Booth 412
[...] announcements from SF for you so keep watching your AgWired feed wherever you get it (RSS, Text, Twitter, Facebook, FriendFeed, Widget, or just plain old visiting the website). Remember that [...]
Dean Sparks
Jeff,
Great job….love the hat!
Dean Sparks
OrganicNYmilk1
AgWired » Blog Archives » Do You Have AgWired Mobile?
[...] you of a great way to keep up with AgWired via your mobile phone. Besides the fact that AgWired is mobile phone browser friendly (it knows what kind of phone you use!) you can put that unlimited text plan to good use with [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » AgChat On An iPad
[...] iPad got a great workout tonight with AgChat. My case arrived today which allows me to prop it up in [...]
Sally Behringer
Reporting from Tokyo with Marri, Chuck! The Global Food Security Symposium, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, is drawing a standing-room only crowd today! We have heard great panel discussions and a very compelling presentation from Dr. Robert Thompson with the University of Illinois. I’m sure Marri will be sharing more soon!
Sally
AgWired » Blog Archives » Developing Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers In France
[...] works for GPN Agriculture in France, pictured here with Andrew Semple, VP International Sales, AGROTAIN. She says there’s a lot of pressure in France and other EU countries on the development of [...]
Nancy
http://www.mikeroweworks.com/2010/02/mike-rowe-egg-farming-its-a-tough-job/
Hope this link goes through with my comment. This is the type of video HSUS does NOT want the public to see. It’s an entirely different world than what is portrayed in an animal rights video. It shows what a large farm is like when following the laws we already have in place. Healthy chickens, clean facilities, and no one treating the birds the way it’s shown by HSUS. What proof does HSUS offer in their videos that they were taken at the facilities they claim they were? What proof do they offer that it isn’t their own paid staff abusing the animals for the purpose of the videos? What scientific evidence do they provide the way Mike Rowe did by talking to professionals in animal care standards to back up their claims? What proof do they have that they spoke to and toured the facilities with as Mike did when walked through by the owenr himself?
clyde nelson
Gassing the uused up hens, is the same method the hsus used when killing thousands of game fowl across the nation, and thousands of dogs by the hsus and peta. so what is wrong with the farmer useing this gassing method that they (the hsus)use the difference is when the farmer does it it is called crulty, when they (the hsus) does it is called saving the birds fron an inhumane death. BULL S—.
Evan Slack
Good Morning Chuck,
Tho’t your observations were right on. At my Apple Store the other day, looked at the iPad. It’s terrific on some of the features you highlighted.
Will take another look when 3G is available on the iPad.
Chuck, a free update is in the making for the 3GS iPhone this summer that will permit
multi-paging without going back to square one each time.
All the best,
See you two at NAMA.
Evan
Walter G.
Annual U.S. corn ethanol production is currently about 12 billion gallons and is projected to increase to 15 billion gallons. Ethanol produces about two-thirds as many miles-per gallon as gasoline; therefore, 15 billion gallons of ethanol can effectively replace only 10 billion gallons of gasoline.
Ethanol production consumes significant amounts of energy. This includes the fossil fuels used to produce fertilizer, power farm equipment, and process corn into ethanol. Estimates of the actual amount of energy contained in corn ethanol compared to the energy used to produce it generally range from less than 1 to 1 to as high as 1.67 to 1. Even at the higher 1.67 to 1 ratio, 9 billion gallons of the 15 billion gallons of ethanol to be produced would be required to replace the energy used in production. The remaining 6 billion gallons of ethanol could effectively replace about 4 billion gallons of gasoline or about 3.3% of the estimated 120 billion gallons of gasoline used annually in the U.S.
The oil reserves in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) are estimated at 4.3 billion barrels or more. While this amount of oil is insignificant in comparison to our overall energy consumption, it dwarfs the amount of energy gained by converting massive amounts of food into ethanol. Each barrel of oil yields about 19 gallons of gasoline, 9 gallons of diesel fuel and several gallons of heating oil, jet fuel and other petroleum products. The 81 billion gallons of gasoline produced from 4.3 billion barrels of oil would replace the energy gained from producing 15 billion gallons of corn ethanol per year for 20 years. Some estimates of the ANWR oil reserves are as high as 16 billion barrels or enough gasoline to replace the energy gained from ethanol production for almost 75 years.
The wholesale price of ethanol is currently around $1.55 per gallon compared to $2.20 per gallon for wholesale gasoline. However, since ethanol achieves only two-thirds the mileage of gasoline, it should sell for two-thirds the price of gasoline or only about $1.47 per gallon. To replace a gallon of gasoline with ethanol, consumers pay for 1.5 gallons of wholesale ethanol, 25 to 50 cents per gallon retail markup on 1.5 gallons, and taxes to offset the 45 cents per gallon blender tax credit on 1.5 gallons of ethanol for a minimum total of about $3.40. Is that holding down the retail price of gasoline which is around $2.60?
Ethanol advocates claim that using corn to produce ethanol does not cause significant increases in food prices. They especially like to remind us of how little of the cost of a box of corn flakes is attributable to the corn content. Pilgrim’s Pride, a large U.S. chicken producer, filed for bankruptcy protection in late 2008. A major contributing factor was an increase of almost $1 billion per year in its feed costs. Producers of other animal proteins such as pork, beef, milk, and eggs have also suffered from increases in feed costs. These producers, out of absolute financial necessity, have significantly reduced production in an effort to force food prices high enough to offset their increased feed costs.
World fertilizer prices have shown wide fluctuations since 2005 when the Government mandated the increased use of corn ethanol. The production of nitrogen fertilizer requires large amounts of natural gas. Phosphorus is produced by mining phosphate rock, and potash is produced from mineral salts obtained primarily from deep mines. The U.S. has limited quantities of high quality phosphate rock and imports about 85% of its potash needs from Canada. How can we assume that we have the resources needed to indefinitely produce great amounts of crops for ethanol production while preserving the resources that will be needed by future generations to produce food?
The ethanol industry warns that 112,000 jobs could be lost if tax credits are discontinued. Ethanol production is not labor intensive. The typical 100 million gallon per year ethanol plant hires fewer than 50 people. The current production of 12 billion gallons of ethanol could be accomplished by 120 plants hiring fewer than 6,000 people. The 38% reduction in production projected by the industry would eliminate about 2,300 production jobs. Pilgrim’s Pride has reduced its workforce from about 55,000 to 41,000 since it began struggling with higher feed costs. Did those 14,000 job cuts result in the elimination of 672,000 other jobs?
The $5.4 billion tax credit represents $900,000 for each of the 6,000 people needed to produce 12 billion gallons of ethanol. It represents $48,000 per person for each of the total 112,000 people who would lose their jobs according to the claims of the ethanol industry. That is not a one-time credit that creates a lasting job but is given each and every year. This seems to be a terribly expensive way to create jobs. The elimination of the tax credit would mean that big oil companies would be paying $5.4 billion more in taxes every year that could replace an equal amount of the tax burden now shouldered by low and middle income taxpayers. The additional spending by those taxpayers is likely to provide a greater economic contribution than would additional profits for big oil companies and dividends for their stockholders.
Even with Government subsidies since 1978, the ethanol industry has not significantly increased the U.S. fuel supply nor has it achieved economic viability without subsidies and protective tariffs. While ethanol producers should have the freedom to produce and sell their product, the U.S. Government should not dictate the diversion of massive quantities of food to the production of expensive low-quality fuel. Let’s stop the mandates and subsidies and let the fate of ethanol be decided by the marketplace. Consumers should have the opportunity to make their own buying decisions rather than having those decisions made for them by the U.S. Government and the ethanol lobby that seems to exert such great influence on that Government.
Ron
You consider the Environmental Working Group, National Resources Defense Council and Friends of the Earth extremist groups?!! I know people in all three of these groups, and they are very level-headed, pragmatic and with a strong social conscience. Perhaps they are naiive at times as to what can be accomplished politically, but the last time I looked that wasn’t something that qualified somebody as extremist. If these groups are extremist, what do you call Al Qaida and the Klu Klux Klan?
Chuck
Hey Walter. I almost deleted your comments since they don’t address the topic of the post at all. I wasn’t inviting a diatribe about ethanol policy. I was asking for ideas for how we can bring together agricultural interests that are divided on this issue. And I’d like to know why a group like AMI would side with organizations that don’t seem to have their best interests at heart. I went ahead and posted your comment to show how blind antagonists against developing biofuels like ethanol are. I guess your mantra is “don’t address the issue, just hammer out your policy points.”
Ron, are you trying to compare these groups to terrorists and racists? Some of groups that these associate with do come pretty close IMO. These groups practice the art of misleading information. They also make outrageous claims that directly contradict established research. If you look into the information provided by organizations like the NCGA you’ll find lots of resources that counter their claims.
JIm_E85
Good ol’ Walter G is incorrect on nearly every point. I get about 12% fewer MPG on E85 than I do on gasoline- not 30% less. But I won’t belabor the point.
This much is true- there is a finite amount of oil out there. Whether we replace it with renewable fuels now, or 25 years from now, is really the only debate there is. Farmers in this nation will be dedicated to providing not only the food to feed us, but also the fuel we will need to get around in future years.
I don’t use gasoline- haven’t in three years- as I am a retired Army Officer, and I know how much oil actually costs, in terms of the blood of our nation’s soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. We NEED ethanol, and biodiesel, to provide a way to break our addiction to foreign oil.
Now- to the subject at hand- How do we provide BOTH food and fuel for the future? We learn that everything is a balance- it’s not one or the other. Farmers are doing incredible things with corn production- without expanding the amount of land, we are producing more and more corn crop each year. We can, and we will, produce both food and fuel in the future.
The truth is there are more than 4 billion bushels of corn sitting today in storage – we are producing more than we need to meet both needs. And we have the capability to do even more in the future. Besides- ethanol production also makes a heck of a lot of Dried Distiller’s Grain (DDG) which can be added to feed.
So it shouldn’t be a war between the two interests- both gain when DDG is produced. Both gain when there is a market for ethanol and for meat production. And we all gain when we are able to help break the addiction to foreign oil that is crippling our nation.
Walter G.
Chuck,
Feel free to delete the previous comments and I will try to be a little more constructive this time.
It is going to be difficult to get many dairy, poultry, and livestock producers to support the production of ethanol and especially government mandated and subsidized production of ethanol until they are able to recover from the financial disaster they have recently suffered. The severe economic recession of the past couple of years destroyed a significant amount of demand for their products. Even as they tried to cut production to match demand, that demand seemed to just keep shrinking. Their feed costs, while moderating from the extreme highs of 2008 have still remained well above the historical level established over many years.
While the government mandates that a certain amount of ethanol is consumed in the U.S. and rewards blenders for using the specified amounts, it does not mandate that certain amounts of chicken, beef, pork, etc. are consumed and gives little or no support to those producers when feed costs rise.
A good way to get more support for ethanol from meat producers would be to level the playing field at least a little. The ethanol industry could advocate some degree of government assistance to other corn users when corn prices spike. Is the ethanol industry willing to set some lower limits on its production if we have a severe crop failure? It must appear to many producers that the government is willing to do whatever it takes to make the ethanol industry viable while seeming to care little about the other industries that depend on an affordable supply of corn. I think meat producers would like to see a little more understanding of the challenges they face and some safeguards against possible extreme increases in the cost of corn.
Mike Massey
US tax payers pay well over $2.00 a gallon in direct and indirect taxes for the high priced gasoline sourced from Persian Gulf crude oil. Do we pave the streets of the Middle East with our blood and hard earned income or do we invest in ourselves? The solution is to pay those corn farmers for producing FUEL, food, and fiber. Competition from farmers throws the oil industry from an oligopolistic market player to one of perfect competition; thus, reducing overall fuel prices. Farmers should not have to bend down to the huge US food processors and grocery chains. By preventing the growing ethanol market, the food processors make greater profits for themselves off the backs of farmers.
Ron
“These groups practice the art of misleading information. They also make outrageous claims that directly contradict established research. If you look into the information provided by organizations like the NCGA you’ll find lots of resources that counter their claims.”
I assume that you are being ironic. Because that is exactly the view of that those who are skeptical about biofuels have in respect of the organizations that represent that industry.
Susan Crowell
This post by Kent State University p.r. professor Bill Sledzik addresses same topic: “Are PR pros tomorrow’s journalists?” http://bit.ly/bHB4Rn
But my concern, as voiced by Sledzik, is this: “Can the watchdog function of media operate in such a system?” No, of course, not. And the general public will also see the source of this “news” for what it is: p.r. Will that create larger distrust of agriculture if the slick p.r. message is louder than the objective message?
It’s a great opportunity for corporate communications and organization public relations, no doubt, but we cannot pretend it is something it’s not: news.
Sledzik said it better than I could: “It’s the fox guarding the hen house. It can work, but first you gotta convert the fox into a vegetarian — and that’s not in his DNA.”
Chuck
Thanks Susan. I hope others will chime in.
I would disagree about media not being able to operate in this system. It is operating in the system. Some companies better than others. It’s not like we have never seen the watchdogs letting their political views and advertisers influence their supposedly unbiased reporting either. We’ve also seen corporate pr efforts fail miserably when outed (if they tried to hide it), mostly by consumers themselves!
Bottom line is we have no choice in the matter. Consumers decide today how/when/where they get their “news.”
I believe technology is providing great information flow opportunities. Call them whatever you will. Unless big brother clamps down we’ll never see things be the way they were.
Not everyone distrusts agriculture and I don’t know if we’ve seen a slick pr message that’s louder than an objective one. Of course I don’t know how you define objective or louder. I’m sure you’ve been called a mouthpiece for big ag by certain critics just because you work for an ag news company. Ag’s critics don’t really care to look beyond the superficial.
I think transparency is the key.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Passionate Pressure At IFAJ Congress
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 04.12.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
The Perfect Week to Thank a Farmer, National Agriculture Week – Beyond The Rows
[...] Happy Ag Week! – AgWired [...]
Holy Moly
Farmer and dog owner….while this has been happening do dog owners for years, take a lesson, Wayne will start driving up in the “swat van” for a “deployment” equipted with legal looking badges and jackets that look authorative – yet they have no authority to do anything. A couple of states have started rewarding them with property of the owner of the animals confiscated, and in one case the owner was found innocent but his property was confiscated and would you believe awarded to HSUS? Gosh that gives them an incentive to take more animals and their animal rights swayed vets to say abuse, deplorable conditions etc. when there was none. Gosh if every state did this, HSUS will be much less in debt than the US Government and couls start targeting those with large acreage. Beware to all fellow farmers, HSUS is a real threat to every animal that is “used” or comes in contact with “humans”. I take care of my cattle but I know I am raising them to die to feed americans, and I can not wrap my mind around becoming vegan in order to show compassion for animals. Yes sometimes I hate to see some go, am not hard harted it is just the realization that they are raised for food. But then again I guess Wayne will show us the way to veganism once we all surrender to his perpetual laws to end animal ownership. Josh I want to see another video……
Eric Grant
Thanks for posting our video.
The reality is that we’re both competing for a slice of someone’s time — whether we’re journalists or PR people. I hear a lot of journalists worrying about the future of journalism, but a lot of times I think they’re actually confusing self-righteousness with resistance to change.
The reality is that people prefer to get their information these days (whether it’s “pure news” or pr) from a multitude of sources — blogs, news sites, chat boards, videos, etc., etc. — and the sooner journalists stop fussing about these sweeping changes and start finding ways to embrace and shape these opportunities, the better off they’ll be.
The days of the paperboy tossing the morning news onto our front porch are long gone.
On more thing: The American Angus Association belongs to most of the organizations that you listed above. I wonder if in 10 years we won’t see a convergence of these organizations to reflect the multi-media approach that many of its members are currently undergoing.
Chuck
Thanks Eric. You get it.
I’m not sure I can even add anything to what you said. I’ve been planting the seed of ag comm organization convergence for a while now. We’re members of all them too and have many friends within all of them. But if we’re all doing essentially the same thing then will our budgets continue to allow us to actively participate in all of them? How about the sponsoring organizations too?
AgWired » Blog Archives » Celebrating 50 Years of Schwalbe
[...] work load to just relax a little bit. Of course not everyone was relaxing. There was the team of Bob Brunker and Jeff Jackson working the new grill and cranking out the burgers. I had mine with crumbled blue [...]
smilinggreenmom
As the mom of a child who has food allergies this seems great! I don’t know that I would use it all that much though bc I would still need to physically read the actual label to feel good about it. Thankfully our son is so much better since we started giving him Belly Boost probiotic though. He had such severe Eczema due to food intolerance and now looks and feels great! We do still avoid some major allergens though.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Catching up with Laura
[...] Agwired readers may remember the lovely and talented Laura McNamara who did quite a bit of work for us back a couple of years ago. Among many of her assignments was [...]
caribousteaks
Just a correction on the ANWR figures listed in the first comment by Walter G. Sorry to nitpick but…
The USGS 1998 report on ANWR “in-place” reserve estimates were 16-42 bbls (high / low estimate), of that amount using a mid 1990s average of 37% technical recovery rate (today recovery rates are above 60%), the USGS estimated 95% probability of 5.6bbls, a mean average (50% probability) of 10.4bbls, and a 5% probability of 16bbls. Those figures, again, based on a 37% recovery rate, making them completely out of date with todays technological capabilities. The “4.3″bbls number quoted by Walter G. was taken from the USGS estimates of “Federal Land Only”, within the 10-02. The 10-02 contains Federal, Native and State lands, thus his figure quoted is incorrect as stated as an ANWR total reserve.
Laura McNamara
Wow. I’m most humbled Cindy. Thank you for your support and touching words.
Please know that I credit you and Chuck with offering my first true opportunity to begin living the life I’ve always dreamed of… working with you both was a crucial step into achieving all that I’ve come to achieve so far. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
Mind Scraps: Morning Surprise | Giramonda.com
[...] the entire post by clicking here. AKPC_IDS += "1625,";Popularity: unranked [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Do You Know What Successful Farming Knows
[...] Walter, Agriculture.com, about trends in ag media today and what he sees in the future. John is a social media superstar and very proud of the company’s young farmer social networking site, Farmers for the Future. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Do You Know What Successful Farming Knows
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 04.19.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » USDA Deregulates Syngenta Seeds Corn Trait
[...] interviewed Agrisure Marketing Manager Tracy Mader last fall about the trait prior to the regulatory approval. You can also find out more on the [...]
Nat
This intern PAYS tuition for the privilege to work at EPA and receives no compensation.
Stop blathering hysterical misinformation
Chuck
Sorry Nat but you miss the point. Although everyone is entitled to their opinion this is a government agency website and by allowing an intern to voice their opinion in this manner it gives the impression that it is approved by and reflective of the agency’s regard for American farmers and ranchers. That is wrong and needs to be pointed out as we done. Please look through the comments left on that blog post and you’ll see quite a bit of agreement with our opinion.
No one here is hysterical btw.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Student Marketing Competition Underway
[...] Last night while the judges were relaxing in preparation for today’s Student Marketing Competition, the students were doing a little prepping themselves. All around the Hyatt, you could see members of the 31 competing teams practicing their presentations, Q&A’s and making final tweaks. [...]
David Meerman Scott
Good to speak with you today Chuck. FYI my keynote tomorrow is completely different material than today’s. David
Deborah
Laura’s work is wonderful–mature but vibrantly fresh.
Stay tuned to progress of her creative evolution!
Mack’s Post, First Corn Is Up!
[...] [...]
Reflections of a Paralytic » Happy Earth Day!
[...] don’t forget to thank our farmers and ranchers for all they do to help our planet. April 22nd, 2010 at 9:14 [...]
Michael L
The link to the photo album does not work. Would like to download pics of our team. Thanks for taking them.
Chuck
Thank Michael. The link is fixed.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Cindy Gives John The Bird
[...] all know that John Walter is a social media superstar. Now he has his very own Twitter Bird. Cindy presented John with Ollie the Twitterbird at the end [...]
Sue Otten
Thx for the shout out Chuck! We *ARE* thrilled & want to hear from our customers!
AgWired » AGCO Blog « Todd Lohenry
[...] AgWired » AGCO Blog In Uncategorized on April 25, 2010 at 05:53 via agwired.com [...]
N1NJA
im Dying to get my hands on a ipad its been delayed all i can do is watch some unboxing videos
i hope it out soon found a really cool ipad video at http://mac-gear.co.uk/ipad-review/ cant wait to get one soon 
What makes PLURK , the new microblogging site interesting ?
[...] AgWired » Blog Archives » Blogging From iPad [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Blogging From iPad | Ipad | Ipad malaysia
[...] more: AgWired » Blog Archives » Blogging From iPad Posted in Ipad | Tags: and-edit, and-then, app-though-, download-pics, flickr, Ipad, nikon, [...]
Greg
I was wondering about CF cards. Thanks!
Have you tried a USB keyboard with the cam connector?
Marcia Dudden
Very good interview with Stephanie. She is a very hard worker and well deserving of this award. She will always be a credit to agriculture and leadership in the ag community.
Jon-Marc
What make/model of card reader are you using? I tried with mine (a Belkin multi-format card reader) and got a message saying that it uses too much juice.
Thanks.
Chuck
I use a Lexar Professional CF/SD reader. I have used an Apple wireless keyboard with it but not at same time the cam connector was attached. Had no problem with it then.
Rolv Heggenhougen
Email Marketing does not have to mean only mass emails.
Companies invest a great deal in their website which is often the only “store” where they showcase products and services. The challenge is to drive people to the website but as we all know, more people in the store will lead to more sales. Corporate employees send emails every day to clients, prospects, friends and others but these are plain emails that do not generate any traffic to the website.
WrapMail offers a solution that does not require any installation but that seamlessly adds interactive letterheads (designed by the client) to every outgoing email so that each and every one becomes a promotional piece for the company and when clicked delivers the reader to the website. Furthermore the solution tracks the clicks and reports who is clicking on what and when (also in real time), turning the system into a research tool.
This “hidden” advertising medium is probably the most viral available and the least costly, WrapMail only charges $5 per user per month.
AgWired » Blog Archives » We Hate Sheep-Like Marketing
[...] He started right out making sure that I knew that the “We Hate Sheep” theme is metaphorical. As he puts it, “We hate sheep-like marketing.” John says the company has been growing their ag business. They work for clients like Merial Animal Health, Dairy Farmers of America, Cargill Meat Solutions and others. He says they work from farm to plate. To producers on behalf of producers. SHS was very successful in the Best of NAMA competition with a Best of Show – Advertising [...]
Sandy Barris
Thanks for pointing out email is the “backbone” of the ongoing strategy for keeping customers connected to the brand.
And you are so right on about email performs best when married to other forms of digital communication (mobile, social). It is vital in helping create “brand fans” who will help spread the message.
In fact it leads into the following that relates to plans and planning.
No marketing plan or calendar should be set in stone! No matter how effective your plan may be, chances are, it will have to be altered at a given time; due to what your competitor(s) is doing.
We have all been in a situation in which, we feel heavy frustration from the fact that we have to change the plan – that we once considered our ‘baby’ – in order to counter what it was that another company was coming to battle with.
Even the actions of your clients, future clients or suppliers can take you by surprise – to the point of startling you – and force you to change the way in which you had set out to do things. In other words, you must be ready for anything. You must have flexibility. You must expect the unexpected!
Now, don’t feel as if you have to be a psychic. Don’t feel overwhelmed at the thought of needing a business and marketing plan so flexible that it takes away from the overall aim and goals that made you ‘hungry’ to run your particular business in the first place!
There is an easy way to be sure that you can continue to have success in the future – if you just start off with flexibility in mind! The best way to do so is to have a marketing calendar that is flexible and built to adjust itself when the time comes to do so.
Sandy Barris
VP Marketing
Fast Marketing Plan.com
http://www.FastMarketingPlan.com
P.S. Who else would love getting Monday Morning E-Mail Reminders with all your marketing strategies and tactics you’ve planned for the week.
P.P.S. While in the Fast Marketing Plan site, click the link in the lower right and you’ll start making 50% ongoing monthly income from everyone you refer.
AgWired » Blog Archives » 2nd Ag Connect Expo Set for Atlanta, Georgia
[...] the Show Director for the American Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). This past January, AEM held its first agricultural trade show, the Ag Connect Expo. Sara told me that it was a great first show. “We are very pleased with the results and it [...]
American Agriculture’s Environmental Success
[...] source: http://agwired.com [...]
Anthony Cohen
Yes that is good news but does this mean that industrializing the farming process has improved efficiency or other factors are overlooked. GMO crops produce more for less with less fertilizer but are horrendously bad for the environment and are directly responsible for the BEE death syndrome. See Dan Winters report. Being more efficient is not the answer. The quality of products produced and the ability for the farms to continue production with great quality soil not needing artificial fertilizers is the way to go , what are the stats in this regard. By saying cows consume less food, what food are they now consuming is it as good as prior or just going to add to further mad cow disease? The above information is vague at best and misleading at worst.
Chuck
Looks like a bunch of BS to me Anthony. Bee die off? Lots of ‘em around here. GMO’s bad for the environment? No data to back that up. Lots to the contrary though. Efficiency not important? Tell that to starving people. Further mad cow disease? What in the world are you talking about? Very specific information in the above. Not vague at all.
Precision Pays
[...] is AEM’s Show Director and she says they were happy with the very first AG CONNECT expo held this past January in Orlando. “We are very pleased with the results and it really [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Buy Triscuits, Grow Your Own Garden
[...] What upset me is that there are so many companies and organizations engaging in campaigns against production farming. Ironically, at the same time, there are companies and organizations trying to end organic farming [...]
Dan Mandle
Sorry. I didn’t see the Triscuits campaign as smearing anyone, but instead as an opportunity to get more Americans outside connecting with food, one another, their past (if I wanted to be poetic about it) and, frankly, those in agribusiness who put the food on our plates en masse. I don’t remember if you posted on it but based on this one you probably were also not a fan of last year’s Campbell’s Grow Your Soup effort.
I’ll keep reading your blog, though. You bring a lot of insights and travel coverage which I appreciate and, frankly, which make me a better agrimarketer.
DamnFineEating » Archive » Wednesday Amuse Bouche
[...] iPhone App For Humane Foodies AgWired I’m pretty sure most AgWired fans like a good steak or hamburger and some, myself included, like a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Right? [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » EPA Approves First ‘Refuge-in-the-Bag’ Seed Product
[...] Joanna Schroeder interviewed Pioneer’s Bill Belzer about the product last year as they were awaiting approval. “What this technology does is allow [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Seed Company Loyalty Drops According to New Seed Study
[...] to encourage farmers to buy their seed. This year, Successful Farming (SF) conducted a seed study, (and they also do a Farmer Insight Study each year) one that they have done every two years for the past 12 years. This year, there was a pretty big [...]
MJD
But wait, if you have 60% of your customers who think the price for your product isn’t justified – how is that good news?
Scott
It’s actually not the adapters fault that you can’t use a projector. It’s just that 99.9% of apps don’t have video-out support. It’s something the app developers are responsible for adding. So far there is literally only 1 app that has video-out programmed in. iPhone/Touch owners have to jailbreak their phone to get all their apps to have video out. I don’t know of a way to break an iPad in the same way yet. I bought this projector ( http://www.aaxatech.com/products/m1_micro_projector.htm ) to go with my iPhone, jailbroke it, and installed an app that lets all of my programs run through the video out. Until the same thing comes out for the iPad users are out of luck. Hope that helps!
Chuck
I am most interested in a video out capability of the Safari browser. Hope they come up with that functionality!
Mike
Hi!
I like your ipad site!
I wanted to share this item that is on Amazon.com right now. Its a Leather iPad case that comes with a free $5 Best Buy Gift Card.
http://www.amazon.com/Ipad-Leather-Case-Folio-Stand/dp/B003KKT9PO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1273190763&sr=8-5
Best,
Mike
AgWired » Blog Archives » Why Is Everyone Hating on Meat?
[...] of us still have the sting of “Michigan’s Meat Out Day” on our mind. Among the purported reasons for reducing (or eliminating) meat from your diet [...]
ananta
agree with you!
Maria Howard
i am planning to buy an iPad since it looks lighter than a regular desknote and i don not use much of the features of a laptop.’.,
Nate
Chuck,
This is a simple gadget, nothing fancy but I used it all the time when I was giving lots of presentations. A wireless presenter that stores in your PCMCIA slot. Of course if you have a mac it is probably not as useful!
Here is an example. Mine is similar and I got it at Radio Shack for about $20.
http://www.techstyleuk.co.uk/index_files/mwp.htm
AgWired » Blog Archives » Can the Local Food Movement Feed the World?
[...] that they are labeling all of their fruit and produce by country, and sometimes, city of origin (also known as food labeling a separate topic for discussion). The idea is to support local farmers first, and then to support [...]
Debra
Like most who argue this debate you forgot about the water. How much water will future crops suck up to feed mankind? We’re already overusing our blue water–the underground supplies–and as we export grain, we’re also exporting our own water supplies.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Sanani Coffee
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 05.17.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » First Annual NAFB Lake Girls Retreat
[...] gals who are NAFB old-timers got together and bought the weekend at Al and Sara’s up for bid at the NAFB Foundation auction last fall. That included myself, Cyndi Young and Anita Vanderwer (both with Brownfield), Cindy [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Alltech Symposium Concludes
[...] The Alltech International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium has concluded. For our closing we heard some final words from Dr. Pearse Lyons who was then joined on stage by some of the great voices we heard at the opening International Dinner. [...]
Nathan Schock
I agree with Cindy. Having ZimmComm at your event gives it a big boost online!
Jennifer Saylor
I love it!
Mary Verbeck Pomeroy
Does Alltech who are sponsoring horse events in Kentucky aware that HSUS has squirmed it’s way into the Us Equine Federation??????
If so..do you suppose they could get HSUS out? The ASPCA is also involved…both groups are going to be proscuted under the RICO laws….HSUS and the ASPCA are both to be avoided like the plague.
Sincerely
Mary Verbeck Pomeroy – South New Berlin, NY – I may live in a town with 4 streets BUT I read and I vote.
Chuck
Hi Mary:
Yes Alltech is aware of HSUS having a booth at the the games. I don’t think they’re too happy about it since they are the sponsor. They have been encouraging farm groups to participate but I don’t think they’ve had much luck with that. They brought this up openly at their closing session this week.
I’ll be doing a post on this very subject in the next couple days. Thanks for your comment!
Alicia Matthews
Broadband internet these days are getting much faster and cheaper too. .:*
AgWired » Blog Archives » Novus International in a Growth Phase
[...] International executive vice president Giovanni Gasperoni is excited about the company’s new acquisitions announced this week, IQF Group in Spain and IQF-ENAMEX in [...]
Hugh Whaley
Contrary to Mr. George’s opinion above, I would think that USDA believes that the “firewall” between policy activities and checkoff-funded activities would constitute more than a simple (or even complex) accounting firewall. I believe they would prefer some separation of staff duties and assignments.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Syngenta Donating To Weeding Out Hunger Via Halex GT Sales
[...] Cindy has reported on earlier this year, Syngenta has started a program called Weeding Out Hunger. They just announced [...]
Nathan Schock
I’d like to. We’ll see.
Chuck
I’ve been going since it was two different conferences. They keep getting better! Hope you can make it!
Alicia
Actually, it does have everything to do with dairy farms in general! This is NOT isolated abuse, especially in Ohio and even across the entire country. The ag industry is not run properly or even kept a close eye on. That is how this abuse can happen and how it happens all over the entire U.S. I am not a vegan activist, however I have educated myself enough to know that the entire ag industry is not even kept in proper order and many of these farms run on their own. The people hired are after money, have major psychological issues and have never been shown that animals do indeed have feelings. Not to mention how unsanitary it is for these men to be beating these animals and all over them and talking about downed cows, hurting them and then sending them to slaughter. That is what you are eating and what happens in farms ALL over the U.S. To say this has nothing to do with the dairy industry is an absolute excuse and completely ridiculous. Support caring farmers or kill this animals yourself for meat. Until you stop paying for someone else to do YOUR dirty work, then this abuse will stop.
Chuck
Alicia I understand how this video can create intense emotions. However, your claims are unsubstantiated. You’re making statements as if they’re facts when the facts of this completely isolated event haven’t even been found out yet. This does not happen at farms all over the country or even in Ohio. If you would take a little bit of time to look into this further you’ll find plenty of information that has been published on the subject by legitimate organizations and individuals in response to this incident.
Cindy
Alicia – how many dairy farmers do you know? How many dairy farms have you personally visited, not just “educated” yourself about? Just curious…
Marcelo
The rEVOLution is alive and well in Alabama!!!
Campaign for Liberty member Dale Peterson is on the verge of winning the second most important position in Alabama – this would be great for the liberty movement.
We have volunteers driving in from all over to help out. If you can’t come to Alabama, visit http://www.dalepeterson2010.com – we sure could use donations to keep his ad on the air.
Ciarrai
“Tired of the whole Ohio dairy animal abuse story.” Really? It’s that very attitude that guarantees the mistreatment of animals will continue. The need to get on to the next news assures that the horrible treatment of the the cows in Ohio will be swept under the carpet in no time. The torturers thank you.
Glenn
How about thanking the cows by letting them keep their babies and live out their natural lives?
Ginny
Thank the cows? Forcing them to give up their babies isn’t much of a display of gratitude. Neither is shipping them off to the slaughterhouse once they are no longer producing enough milk.
Pam
Ciarrai and Glenn — I couldn’t have said it much better. Thanks.
richard mcmahan
I’m sure a hardy “Thank you to the cows”, will end the abuse. Nothing more is needed….right?
randy troup
I want to vote for the cool horse! What’s it’s name? What does Dale do (or would he do) with the rifle?
C
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”
Mahatma Gandhi
AgWired » Blog Archives » Wisconsin Is All About Dairy In June
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 06.01.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » BASF Looks to Register Three New Products
[...] did interviews with Paul Rea, Director of BASF US Crop Protection Division, and BASF Technical Service Manager [...]
ZimmComm – New Media, LLC
[...] Corn Growers Association. From there he’ll head to the Carolinas to ride and drive new Gator Utility Vehicles with John Deere. Make sure you follow @AgriBlogger and AgWired to keep up with all the [...]
andrew
comming from a dairy farm.. i can say that you are clearly not educated about anything that has to do with the ag industry and your just another ignorant person who has no clue. watching this video makes me sick. but its no different then someone who beats on their pet. or even their child. so i guess that we should just kill all the cats, dogs, horses and any other pet in the world and kill all the children also.. that would solve all the problems yes?
New Stadium in Normal | Venue Insider
[...] Read more about corn in the stadium at agwired.com [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Corn Crib Baseball Makes Frontier League Commish Happy
[...] Bill making some opening remarks prior to the first home game of the Normal CornBelters in the Corn Crib. I spoke to him about this new franchise and what he thinks about the support of Illinois Corn [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Fluidigm Introduces First Reusable Bio-Chip
[...] spoke to Fluidigm President/CEO Gajus Worthington to learn more about the announcement and what it means to consumers [...]
Why Social Media and Local Food Go Together Like Butter & Fresh Sweet Corn « MarketMaker
[...] But, the change is a lot more than just a way of getting the word out, the internet also allows local food providers to be able to build a community around their food. Facebook, Twitter, and email newsletters all can help local producers build a following. The good news is that local food purchasers seem to want to connect in virtual and real communities. These people like to get to know each other and their local food producers. For more info on social media and where it fits into farming, see my interview with Chuck Zimmerman at http://agwired.com/2009/12/30/chicago-f … ial-media/. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » World Pork Expo Attendees Entertained by Local Marching Band
[...] an earlier post, John wrote about the National Pork Board’s (NPB) celebration of its Pork Quality Assurance Plus program and the milestone of having nearly 60 percent of all hogs in the U.S. and nearly 50,000 producers [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » John Deere Gator XUV Adventure Begins
[...] the meantime you can see and hear the launch in my post from last night. So I hope you enjoy. 0 Posted by Chuck • June 10, 2010 • 7:56 amCategories: John [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Improved Feed Quality = Improved Pig Health
[...] There are many elements of a pig producer’s operations that could affect both pig health and his bottom line. One such factor is the quality of animal feed. Poor quality can spell trouble for the pigs….illness, depressed growth and lower birth rates just to name a few. To learn more about how to address problems with feed and some options for improving feed quality, I spoke with Scott Moore, Regional Sales Manager for Novus International. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Mexican Fiesta Iowa Style
[...] torrential rains cleared out just in time for Novus’ annual pig roast. Automated Production Systems (AP) were [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Mexican Fiesta Iowa Style
[...] outside the Novus International tent was served up without decoration, but was just as tasty. After the crew at Novus carved the pig, the lines were long but it was worth the wait. The pork literally melted in your [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » World Pork Expo GM Thrilled with Crowds - News In Shanghai
[...] roasted pigs were carved for the crowds. novus at 2010 world pork expo … Continued here: AgWired » Blog Archives » World Pork Expo GM Thrilled with Crowds World china, crazy, crowds, expo, hour, midday, pigs, pork, time, torrential, [...]
The Council for Biotechnology Information » Weekly News Round-Up: June 11, 2010
[...] its latest report on improving sustainability efforts with agricultural biotechnology, according to AgWired. The report, released at the end of May, stresses the importance of environmental and economic [...]
Bill Casey
Sounds great. Will it walk the dog? Bring in the newspaper?
AgWired » Blog Archives » BASF and One Hungry Planet
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 06.13.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Novus Introduces Sow Program at World Pork Expo
[...] also talked to me about Novus’ recent acquisitions of Albion and IQF-ENAMEX and how they have helped strengthen the company’s product lines and offerings [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » WATT Online Feed Forum is Just Around the Corner
[...] Mycotoxin Control (currently mycotoxins are a huge problem for swine farmers) [...]
Christine Taylor
I would love to get more information on the behalf of Alliance Tire Americas,Inc.
I posted this to Twitter and facebook. Facebook | Alliance Tire Americas, Inc. http://ow.ly/1YLPW
Christine
AgWired » Blog Archives » Off to the Pig Races
[...] I’m the last to know about the sport of pig racing. While I was at the World Pork Expo (WPX) last week, I watched a few of these cute little pigs race to the finish line. The motivation to race? A Fig [...]
Ellenjc
The social media guru at the ACE#2010 recommends that we actually post relevant content to our blogs, Twitter, etc. Good thing that we have a lot of information to share.
T77077
“Corn growers have been the hardest hit by those who criticize the sustainability of production agriculture, despite the fact that we are growing more on less acres using less inputs than ever before. ”
Probably true – But the corn growers are also beat up by companies like ADM that underpay for the feed to their ethanol empire and “manipulate?” futures contracts to make sure they do not pay too much for what they need.
Jeff Miller
I, too, witnessed the piglet races – a fine example of Americana for sure. On another note, it was very nice to NOT have to talk about H1N1 at this year’s event and to see some optimism in the global pig market.
Thanks for sharing.
Jeff Miller
WATT
Rockford, IL
Jeff Miller
Great post Chuck…nice to see you following your own advice!
Continued success and keep up the great work,
Best regards,
Jeff Miller
WATT
AgWired » Blog Archives » Organic Acids Benefiting Swine Production & Welfare
[...] Swine health is of the utmost importance for producers and the use of antibiotics has often been used to keep the pigs healthy. Yet a few years ago, the European Union passed legislation that limited the use of antibiotics for animal health. Since then, many of these producers have been using organic acids to help improve pig health with great success. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Novus International Welcomes Pork Producers to World Pork Expo
[...] these issues are so important, I sat down with Helen Stebbens, Ph.D. in Pig Nutrition for Novus Europe to discuss organic acids, an alternative to antibiotics that have been used with much success [...]
AgChat » Blog Archive » Foundation receives needed support through ‘Seed to Succeed’ grant
[...] ZimmComm also committed to assisting the foundation by committing an in-kind contribution of nearly $10,000 [...]
Machinery Pete: Treasure Hunt
[...] AgWired » Blog Archives » The Antique Tractor Show [...]
RODOLFO VILLARREAL
WHAT IS THE PRICE RANGE?
Shirley Walters
Is it raining there at this time – 11:00 am Sunday?
Chuck
No rain here. Just racing.
AgWired » Blog Archives » BASF Eco-Efficiency Model Shows Headline Benefits
[...] The biggest news out of the recent BASF Agricultural Solutions Media Summit was the first Eco-Efficiency Analysis for corn in the Midwest, both with and without the fungicide Headline. The reason it was relevant is that it shows the potential for measuring sustainability. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Cooperative Communicators Seeking Members
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 06.22.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Leah
I truly miss Paul Dana and working with him. I’ll never forget hearing the news to of the wreck that ended his short life after just interviewing him about ethanol. The work continues on…
Mark Jewell
Chuck,
Great post! I concur 100%. Perhaps for the larger companies, it is best to have an external training consultant with someone like yourself. That way they can look at all the options, before scuffling about addressing the issue internally. Small companies on the other hand have the ability to adapt more quickly, which is to their advantage. Small organizations benefit from the transparency enormously. Big companies can too, but they seem to be more reluctant in many cases because top management doesn’t want to relinquish control. My question is – what are they hiding if they are afraid to embrace transparency. Nobody is saying they have to share their secret sauce! We’re just asking to engage in conversation. We wonder if they are listening.
Meg McCormick
Thanks for bringing that article to our attention. I think that most companies and businesses are having a hard time grasping the Web 2.0 culture of social media and word of mouth marketing (WOM). What I mean is that content, comments, conversations, the messages are not in control of the business or company or individual. Social media is participatory and a good social media strategy should embrace allowing the consumers to shape the conversation about them. Rapid response with a real conversation is the best way to deal with a naysayer or disgruntled client/customer. So reputation management is also a huge part of a good social media strategy too.
Wayne Bacon
You are not making “less mistakes” you should be making “fewer mistakes” — but your iPhone 4 cant help your grammar.
Youngtimers TV
Youngtimer Poznan Speedway Poland…
I found your entry interesting thus I’ve added a Trackback to it on my weblog
…
AgWired » Blog Archives » Sanani Coffee Gets Thumbs Up
[...] introduced you to Sanani Coffee recently after interviewing company President, Tarif Ausaf. Since then I was sent a box to sample [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » ACE Provides Communications Opportunities
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 06.28.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Dave Kock
Your Video was very good.
Thanks for being a leader in the positive pork industry!!
Eileen Easterday
Chris,
Thank you for creating this video for the public to learn about our industry ! You did an awesome job, too !
I am also a pork producer, and I thoroughly enjoy what I do each day with the sows and their litters . Our sows receive attention and lots of petting, and they are able to stay in our herd for quite a long time, because of our biosecurity and health.
We wish you and your family well ! Take care,
Eileen
Eileen Easterday
Chris,
Thank you for creating this video for the public to learn about our industry ! You have done an awesome job, too !
The sows at our farm receive attention, and lots of petting. We are able to keep our sows as long as we want, due to biosecurity and herd health.
We wish the best for you,and your family. Take care,
Eileen
Rod Hamilton
Chris, you do an excellent job representing the pork industry! We need more producers to follow your lead. Thank you
Minnesota State Representative
Rod Hamilton
JanA
….and I thought the animal care board was going to use logic and science……we will all see prices rise out of sight and that is just what HSUS in in hopes of….pushing that meat and eggs farther away from the table. I just hope that Ohio farmers will not be the loosers but the agenda of HSUS is to end all animal use….eventually.
bestuvall
Suckered in again by animal rights .. when will people ever learn that there is NO benefit to negotiating with terrorists.. and that is exactly what happened.. CAVED IN . of course the HSUS had a press release.. they knew they would find NO resistance when push came to shove.. people are AFRAID of them.. why?/ I have no idea…there is NO “common ground” with animal rights people .. NONE.. OHIO BIG MISTAKE.. you can kiss your farmers goodbye.. if that is the “best” they could do.. then it is a sorry state of affairs in Ohio.. watch the HSUS crow about this.. and why.. MO’money.. Mo’ money..Mo’money.. the HSUS ultimate goal .. is NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS and NO PETS.. and Ohio walked right into the trap..
as Churchill said:
An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.
bestuvall
How does the Governor make a “deal’ with an organization that is a private one .. and a “charity” to boot.. located out of his state? Do you not have a constitution? don’t these measures need to pass in your legislature? Since when does the Governor have the ability to cut deals to keep measures off of the state ballot.. ?? Is your Governor a KING?? sounds like someone who does not need reelecting.. ( you do still have elections in Ohio right?)
alice
all of you do realize.. the HSUS is NOT a government organization no matter what Pacelle tells you..your Gov is now a puppet of the HSUS..listen to this and listen to Wayne pull the strings.. remember that song “I’m Your Puppet”.. well sing it long and loud Ohio.. you have become the newest puppet state of the HSUS…as they work to remove animal husbandry from your state.. and your pets from your homes.. a sad sad day for Ohio..
Marty
How disgusting that Ohio caved to the “animal rights” industry leader. I PREDICT–H$U$ will be back again *demanding more concessions* and wanting an even bigger role. H$U$ wants to control and destroy over time the human/animal bond, and our weak-spined legislators are bending over with heads in the sand saying, “kick me again”–and H$U$ will do that. You CANNOT compromise with the “animal rights” true believers–they will just incrementally peck you to death with legislation.
kathy
To JanA: Animals are living, breathing creatures, with various I.Q levels. When you step on your dog’s toe, it feels pain, just as your baby would feel pain. I came to Ohio to help collect signatures for the HSUS ballot. I talked to quite a few farmers. I was disturbed by the fact that the farmers kept referring to their farm animals as the”PRODUCT.” When I would attempt to discuss the cruel confinement issues, the response was ,”they are confined in these ways because it’s most ECONOMICAL.” Farmers had very cold, sterile attitudes toward the animals. One farmer actually said,”I don’t believe in cruelty to animals, I’m a farmer.” So much for LOGIC and SCIENCE!
Tom
This could be the worst deal yet for animal owners yet unless we can either compel this “Livestock Care Standards Board” to renege on this diabolical deal or eliminate this board entirely. The HSUS won against Ohio’s state government by intimidation.
How could they yet fail to know that the HSUS is a lying, swindling animal rights organization? It has even been named as a supporter of terrorism. Ohio should be fighting these people tooth and nail. Compromise with these people means that they will be back for more.
And who is going to do what to “restrict” exotic animals and what business does the HSUS have trying to dictate this to anyone? Had to find someone to throw under the bus, did you? If you want to throw someone under the bus, throw that greasy pinstriped Chicago mobster under the bus and drive it back and forth over the nasty so and so.
Tom
This may turn out to be the worst thing that the agriculture industry in Ohio has ever done to itself. You do not appease people like the HSUS. The only right thing to do to them is to destroy them.
Elaine
I don’t think Ohio Ag caved. 1) U.S. veal producers’ association had already planned to phase out veal crates by 2017, so that was going to happen (by ag’s decision) anyway, and 2) the moratorium on new battery cage poultry operations is a decison by the governor, which OPA agreed to. If Ohio elects a new governor in Nov. that decision can be overturned immediately. There is no law saying defintely no more cages, etc. 3)This decision affects gestation crates for hogs (not farrowing crates) and fifteen years from now we may have come up with a better way to care for pregnant sows – a lot can happen in 15 years! As for the puppy mills and exotic animal stuff, its just that, stuffing. If you listened to the press conference or read the releases, there really isn’t any thing “hard and fast” there – just recommendations or supporting statements. Before everyone acusses Ohio Ag of selling out, think about those things. No HSUS is not a governmental organization, but they are a very strong (well-funded) lobbying organization. This agreement will prevent another hugely expensive ballot issue (which Ohio just had last year) and allow the OLCSB and the commodity organizations to focus on more important issues than whether or not HSUS is going to force another ballot issue. Ohio Ag will keep up their end of the bargain, lets just hope HSUS will, too (they seemed so happy with it, they should)
Tom
Someone had better be aware that doing this encourages the terrorists. The animal rights terrorists got worse in Iowa after they got their exotic animal bill passed, then they went after regulations that make things nearly impossible for dog breeders, and they are putting their own people in animal control and everywhere else they can cause trouble. Iowa has also had to go underground with animal testing, literally.
When you appease terrorists and bullies they get worse. People who appease terrorists and bullies do not deserve better than that, either.
Marty
Make a deal with the Devil and you change, the Devil doesn’t. H$U$ now has a foothold in Ohio that they should never have been given. They can crow and posture like the bullies they are. Insofar as those who compromised, wait for the other shoe to drop–Ohio animal owners won’t like it.
Insofar as animals being a PRODUCT, yes they are if raised commercially, and making a profit is NOT a bad thing–in fact, it’s necessary to stay in business. That doesn’t mean less care, and in fact, if you have a product to sell, are you going to damage it and thus dimiknish or destroy its value? No.
alice
Kathy says it all.. she “came to Ohio”.. Paid by ht HSUS?? probably.. many signature gatherers were paid.. and offered PRIZES for the most signatures.. Kathy.. a baby is NOT the same as a dog.. so much for logic and science is right..
sue ann
Elaine.. you are DREAMING.. HSUS has NEVER “held up their end of the bargain”.. they are incrementalists.. biting off a bit of the apple at a time.. they are in NO hurry.. each inch forward is another inch toward the goal of NO ANIMALS.. they do not care how long it takes.. they are a CULT..
as for throwing pet animal breeders under the bus.. yes they did…when the next ‘puppy mill” bill comes around the HSUS will be there.. whispering in the ear.. and lining the pockets.. of every legislator.. “remember what you promised… the only way to get rid of these cultists is to STOP SENDING THEM MONEY.. they thrive in the element of greed and lies.. and money greases the wheels….
Friends DON’T Let Friends Donate To the HSUS
Tom
Governor Strickland should have had the HSUS ushered out at gunpoint rather than caving to them.
Tom
Think about it. They swindled Ohio into trading almost everything that the HSUS wants for one thing that the HSUS wants, and none of that is anything that the HSUS is entitled to.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Fallout from Ohio HSUS Deal
[...] days after it was announced, the consensus in the animal agriculture world seems to be that Ohio farm groups made a deal with [...]
Tom
Every signatory to this agreement needs to lose their job, particularly Wayne Pacelle. This is actually so wrong that the HSUS should be disbanded for thinking of it, somehow coercing a state to sign an illegal and wrong contract.
http://www.humanewatch.org
Wine Wines @ everything! » Blog Archive » Wisconsin Cheese Cupid – AgWired
[...] Wisconsin Cheese CupidAgWiredPairs wine, beer, and liquor with appropriate cheeses. • Filters by beverage category (eg, Red Wine) and beverage style (eg, Merlot). …and more » [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Missourians For Animal Care Continues HSUS Battle
[...] For Animal Care continue to fight the HSUS battle by releasing another video to help create public awareness. Our mission is to promote and protect [...]
Belva Parr
I don’t understand why the animal rights groups don’t fund the local shelters so they can cover the laws that already exust. Maybe there isn’t enough abuse that really goes on to warrant the dollars and time. Why make new laws when the ones that exist cover any problem that arises? Keep up the fight. It is worth winning.
Mike
Well first off people have to realize that you are dealing with a criminal gang called HSUS. They dont care about you or your pets. Its all about the donation and creating strangle holds around all animal regulation, laws or private proterty issues.
The battle is more towards Urbanites verse Rural than anything and those that are not surrounded by farming or ranching communities who really have no business in discussing animal related issues. Personally I seen this play out before and seen the cockfighting bill pass with only support from 4 counties out of the 100 plus. Point is unless everyone that is involved in the any form of Animal Industries and get this out of the average Joe citizen hands we all will be wishing someone would have stood up at the beginning of this money grabbing power hungry group call HSUS.
Curtis Dyle
Maybe you better hang onto some of your grandfather’s equipment. With the way things are going in the oil business we may need them again. Did he use mules or did he have an early tractor?
Farmer Boy, Great Ways to Guarantee Your Agricultural Loan | No-Till Farmer Guidelines & Toolbox
[...] AgWired Blog Archives No-Till Farmers Love BASF Headline border: 1px solid ddf padding: 5px background: f2f2ff/ /AgWiredNews From the world of Agribusiness07.06.2010Subscribe to AgWired Follow Chuck on Twitter Female piglets do more tail biting: http://bit.ly/ctV88y Who knew… [...]
cheryl simpson
Sympathies to the family of Lyle..
Precision Ag Thoughts for Today
[...] [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farm American Chevrolet on Track
[...] may recall the unveiling of this concept car by Furniture Row Racing last year at the American Farm Bureau Federation public relations [...]
bob middendorf
would it be possible for the producer from Iowa or Minnesota to give me a call during the trip to do a phone interview?
Bob Middendorf-Farm Director at WGLR Radio in Lancaster
608-349-2028
Joy Carter
We look forward to seeing you this week at the conference and reading all of your blog posts and tweets about the peanut industry.
Frank
What are you shooting the video with?
Thanks
Frank
g c
LET’S DO IT AGAIN!!!!
AgWired » Blog Archives » New Paint Scheme for Farm American Car
[...] Farm Bureau informed us today that the Farm American Chevrolet that will debut at the Brickyard 400 Sprint Cup race in Indianapolis on Sunday has a different look than when it [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Book Review – Green Gone Wrong
[...] The crux of the food section studies what organic farming really means (or doesn’t mean) and the movement to “beyond organic“. [...]
Panama City Beach Welcomes Peanut Growers – AgWired | Costa Rica Casino Junkets Net
[...] Panama City Beach Welcomes Peanut GrowersAgWiredI don't know what I expected after all the horror stories in the news about the Gulf oil spill but it wasn't crowded immaculate white beach here in Panama … [...]
Jim Checkel
Hello Bob,
I would be willing to contact you. Can you send me information as to what times would work for you and see if we can line something up.
I am at work now, but if you can respond to my email, I can send you a list of our program and perhaps some more of a bio if you are interested.
Thanks!
Jim Checkel
(507)696-0933
Jeff Morgan
Come on Ford…do the right thing.
Will another truck cpompany step up and earn a new customer? Let Ford know your opinion.
(That Chevy was pretty nice.)
trish lawson
Mike is just like his truck …built Ford Tough!
And that is great for his customers…he is ALWAYS on the road to see some farmer…somewhere!
Lou Buice
Nice job Bill. Congratulations on obtaining intimacy with your customers!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Meet New AAEA and LPC Presidents
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 07.28.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Shari Holloway
Thanks Chuck for the great coverage of AMS, and especially for all the great photos!! Travel safe!
JoAnn Alumbaugh
Thanks for all the great photos from AMS, Chuck. It was good seeing you. I’m using one of your photos for my Facebook profile photo (Betsy, Karen and me), and plan to use the photo from the boat too (you know – kissing the mosquito…!)
Thanks again,
JoAnn
hoss
I Love John Deere. Go Deere Go.
Carrie Oliver
As a quirky kid and sister of an even quirkier one, thank you, Temple Grandin. To paraphrase Goethe: Treat a (wo)man as he is, he will stay as he is. Treat him as he can and should be, and he will become what he can and should be. Thank you to all of you out there who helped Temple Grandin be what she can and should be.
AgWired » Blog Archives » AgWired App Shows Up At Cattle Industry Conference
[...] AgWired iPhone App showed up during the board meetings at the Cattle Industry Summer Conference. I can’t tell [...]
Get Your MBA In Beef Agvocacy - AgWired | MBA Books
[...] AgWired [...]
Judith Rosas
Dr. Grandin is a true miracle. As an educator, I loved the insight to the world of an autistic person through HBO’s movie about Dr. Grandin’s life. I was overjoyed and amazed. It helped and allowed me to learn about the great potential for learning that children with special needs have. A movie for the whole family to watch, learn how to respect, and be considerate of others’ needs. Thank you to all involved with the making of this movie, especially Dr. Grandin.
Sandy Ankenman
We recently viewed the Temple Grandin moving and it is a MUST SEE for anyone who has ever worked cattle in a chute! My husband, father-in-law and I work all the cattle and the movie was not only enjoyable, but educational. Congratulations!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Cydectin Becomes Wounded Warrior Project Sponsor
[...] Cydectin, a pour-on cattle dewormer manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, has become the first industry sponsor of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). The WWP is a nonprofit, founded in 2003, whose mission is to enlist Americans’ aid to help meet the needs of injured service members. [...]
Roxanne Christensen
New farmers in the US and Canada are having success with SPIN-Farming, which is a small plot farming system that outlines how to make $50,000+ growing in backyards, front lawns and neighborhood lots. SPIN provides everything you’d expect from a good franchise: a business concept, marketing advice, financial benchmarks and a detailed day-to-day workflow. In standardizing the system and creating a reproducible process it really isn’t any different from McDonalds. By offering a non-technical, easy-to-understand and inexpensive-to-implement farming system, it allows many more people to farm commercially, wherever they live, as long as there are nearby markets to support them. A free calculator that shows how much farm income can be made from backyards and neighborhood lots is available at the SPIN website – http://www.spinfarming.com/free/
AgWired » Blog Archives » Conservation In Action Tour Wrap-up
[...] Technology Information Center Chairman Tim Healey, AGROTAIN, gave us a preview of the Conservation in Action Tour. Now you get to hear his wrap-up following the CTIC board [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » AgWeb.com Re-Done
[...] has a new look. I haven’t received any official notice on it but the effort was announced at this year’s NAMA convention where I spoke with Mitch Rouda, President of Farm Journal’s e-Media [...]
Chuck
it’s happened to me too often to count. In San Antonio, though, justice was served. I was in the middle of an interview when a ‘gentleman’ holding a cell phone as a recording deviced stepped between me and my subject and started asking questions. The man I was interviewing looked startled for a second and then said, “Kindly get the hell away from me. I’m talking with Chuck.”
It was cell phone man’s turn to look startled.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Novus in the Beef Market
[...] itself to the beef industry during the Cattle Industry Conference in January, with the help of a mechanical steer named Wally that was on display at their [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » There Is Truth In Food
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 08.11.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Nate
Great site that I’ve been enjoying for a while now. Glad you did a spotlight on them to help spread their message.
Mike Opperman
I remember you talking to me about this and, gladly, can say that none of the folks you mention in the article are on our team. Unfortunately there are a few over aggressive PR professionals that spoil the pot for the rest of us. In general I would hope that other PR professionals practice the sort of etiquette that you and others in your profession would assume to be common sense practices. At our agency, common sense tells us that getting an interview is important, but not at the expense of ruining a relationship with the media. Perhaps this sort of topic would be a good one for an Ag Relations Council meeting?
Chuck
After talking with several people about this I just thought it needed to be said. It really is the exception to the rule but happens often enough to get you riled up. It is one thing when you’re in a live news situation and competing with other reporters for an interview. That’s another situation when you just come to realize that there is no “respect” for others. But in a relaxed atmosphere of a trade show or a media room it’s just uncalled for to be as aggressive as some of these PR professionals have become. I think it’s an excellent topic for an ARC meeting. Good idea.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Busy BASF
[...] new herbicide product launch in two decades, applied to more than 10 million acres in first year. Launched almost a year ago in September 2009, the Kixor chemistry powers a family of four products – Sharpen™ [...]
ZimmComm – New Media, LLC
[...] AgWired iPhone App has been getting rave reviews. In the first two weeks since its release at the Ag Media Summit [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Camelina Gaining Favor with Farmers for Biodiesel
[...] in several regions of the U.S. are discovering a new potential cash crop – camelina. Camelina is beginning to find favor with both the biofuels industry as a strong potential feedstock for biodiesel, as well as with [...]
Mary Beth Huffman
That is so unfortunate and sad to think that public relations professionals would interrupt another colleague while in the midst of interviewing! That is anything but professional.
Daily News—08/13/10 - Blog - Site Root - BioDieselNow - Renewable biodiesel fuel
[...] Farmers look at camelina as a promising biodiesel feedstock—here’s why [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Train Your Pig To Test Orally
[...] about the oral testing of hogs for disease from Jeff Zimmerman, DVM, Iowa State University, before, here and here. But a guy with a last name of Zimmerman is worth hearing again! And that’s what we [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Awards Handed Out at Int’l Conf. on Precision Agriculture
[...] Harold continues his champion role, especially in the use of precision technology for conservation. Chuck just did an interview with him last week at the Conservation in Action [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Wyffels Attendees Hear About Great Potential in Ag
[...] we look at the negatives. But the successful farmer focuses on the controllables,” echoing the sentiments of fellow presenter Steve Johnson, a farm and ag business specialist with Iowa State [...]
Marsha Dodson
Ms Devine continues to mislead cattle producers after all of the MBNA’s claims have been debunked by the USDA and other cattle groups. The MBNA has misused beef checkoff funds at the federal and state level for their own agenda. Cattle producers do not need a lobbyist for the packers because we are in the cattle business and not the beef business.
The GIPSA Competition Rule is necessary to prevent packers from exploiting their dominant market positions that already enable them to create market access risk for cattle feeders, entice cattle feeders to abandon the competitive cash market to avoid market access risk, and establish pricing strategies that effectively lower the aggregate price for all cattle. It accomplishes this by addressing four factors that are known to reduce, if not eliminate, competition: First, it addresses the lack of packer accountability by clarifying that packers are prohibited from engaging in unfair, unjustly discriminatory, and deceptive practices against cattle feeders even if such practices are directed at a single cattle feeder. Second, it addresses the lack of documentation needed to evaluate disparities in prices and terms offered for cattle of similar quality. Third, it addresses the lack of transparency in the marketplace by requiring packers to submit sample contracts for cattle feeders to review. And, fourth, it prohibits known practices that, by their nature, are anticompetitive: packer-to-packer sales and multiple packers colluding to use a single cattle buyer. In short, the GIPSA Competition Rule is the first comprehensive effort in nearly 90 years to both protect and preserve an open, fair, and transparent competitive marketplace for independent U.S. cattle producers.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Digital Media Impact On Farmers and Ranchers
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 08.18.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Chuck
Hi Marsha:
Just to clarify, do you mean NCBA when you refer to MBNA?
David Cross
As a rancher from Lewis, Kansas, I’m very concerned about the recent USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) proposal on livestock marketing. No matter what business you’re in, everyone should be concerned about what’s really going on here. This rule would have serious impacts on both producers and consumers, and represents a precedent of big government interference in the private marketplace.
The scope of the proposed rule goes well beyond the intent of Congress in the 2008 Farm Bill and even contradicts previous court decisions. The bottom line is this. “Big Brother” is trying to interfere in the private market by telling producers when and how they can market their cattle. This rule has the potential to take the beef industry back 30 years by stifling the innovative efforts of U.S. cattle producers to add value, and enhance the quality and safety of their product for consumers in the U.S. and abroad.
It is interesting to me that people who support this rule will claim it restores fairness and helps the “little guy”, when in fact this couldn’t be farther from the truth. The truth is those who will be hit hardest are small- to mid-sized operations. The proposed rule, which could potentially eliminate alternative marketing arrangements (AMAs) is more likely to encourage consolidation rather than to provide more opportunities for cattlemen. Thousands of ranchers have spent years upgrading their herds through careful genetic selection and utilizing best management practices to produce high quality, uniform livestock. When cattlemen enter into AMAs with feedlots and processors, they are rewarded for their efforts. All of this is on the line because of this proposal based on unsubstantiated concerns.
I am an average-sized cow-calf rancher, and U.S. Premium Beef (USPB) member and unit holder. I sell my raised calves as finished cattle on an AMA to National Beef, whose majority stockholder is USPB. My calves are source- and age-verified and I sell the calves on the USPB grid. This returns a very nice premium that in turn produces the incentive for me to produce better beef.
This rule would mean the end to AMAs, as we know them. If alternative arrangements are seriously restricted, or prohibited altogether, cattlemen will have no choice but to revert back to a commodity beef business where they get paid on the averages for a pen of cattle and not the individual merits of their own cattle. The end result will be less money paid to individual cow-calf producers, which is absolutely not in the best interest of the cattle industry or our consumers.
David R. Cross
Lewis, KS
Marsha Dodson
David Cross,
You are wrong! I guess we will hammer this out at Ft. Collins, Colorado.
I’m also aware of NCBA’s plan to tax producers one dollar per head for traceability. Furthermore, the NCBA also testified that without NAIS the QSA could not exist. Is this the best the NCBA can negotiate with the meat packers?
The NCBA should take a bow for helping to eliminate competition and driving our cattle prices down and even worse…out of business.
See you in Colorado.
Digital Downloads
Parental Control – How To Check Your Kids!…
I found your entry interesting thus I’ve added a Trackback to it on my weblog
…
Mike Deering
In my eight years working in agricultural communications,Bethany is one of the most talented go-getters I’ve met. NCBA was lucky to have her. She kept the DC office moving. A big congrats to Bethany!
Mike Deering
NCBA
Bethany
Thanks, Chuck!
Sunraynews | Top US news
[...] AgWired [...]
Ruth Urquizu
I watched all 20 videos, and Kari Underly is fun to watch. You have to check her out. She is the best!
Michaele Musel
Thanks for the post-I’ve known and worked with Kari for many years-she is an amazing butcher and really deserves to win! VOTE for KARI!!
Ken McCauley
Thanks Joanna, Its good to know how the Iowa corn crop is doing. BTW I have one of those shirts and it always gets someones attention (at first I thought it was just me!). Ken
bill barnett
Thank you. Excellent website. Interview of Katie was excellent.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Why NAMA Trends In Ag Is In Minneapolis
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 08.23.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
John
Steve,
Why don’t we just call it the National Beef Association since the NCBA is not representing the cattle producers. The beef industry has been manipulating the cash market with there packer to packer captive supply for years and NCBA has done nothing to protect the market. The NCBA has promoted the export of beef but yet for every cow that is export almost 2.5 must be imported. Also, the NCBA has stood by while cattle prices are manipulated through futures market by the packers. Furthermore, NCBA and Farm Bureau supported NAIS through cooperative agreement which will only lead the cattle industry into the integrated market and close the open free market.
Yes, the NCBA has allowed the unsafe, unfair trade and supports this non-competitive market and how much of our checkoff dollars were used to do so?
HANDS OFF of our money!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Advertise On AgWired
[...] in new mechanisms to increase the AgWired community with channels like our text delivered service, AgWired Mobile, and now the AgWired iPhone [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Advertise On AgWired
[...] [...]
Soybean Board Sponsors Jeff City, MO Tractor Pull – AgWired by Wedding Photographer USA
[...] Soybean Board Sponsors Jeff City, MO Tractor PullAgWiredThe video below is from last year's event in Jeff City. NOTE: This version of the story corrects an error that said the tractors will be running on … [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Iowa Farmers Participate in Biomass Harvest
[...] the next year, nearly 60,000 tons of bone-dry light corn stover and corn cobs will be delivered to Project Liberty in an effort to refine biomass harvesting, storage and transportation techniques in time for the [...]
John Herath
But Chuck…the bright spot is that some in agriculture obviously see the opportunity in videos like this. Here is the link that popped up in the Google ad while I was watching:
http://www.realcaliforniamilk.com/people?gclid=CLv76drH16MCFZQz5wodfDggwA
Seems the California Dairy folks recognize this is the audience they need to catch. I’d be curious to see how many click-throughs they get.
AgWired » Blog Archives » New BASF Top Plots Video
[...] My good buddy Kip Cullers of Purdy, MO is the latest star of the BASF Top Plots video series. [...]
Stephen Colbert in the Zeitgeist – August 26, 2010 | No Fact Zone
[...] has a brief article about J. Patrick Boyle’s appearance on the Report in the Better Know a Lobby segment featuring the American Meat Institute: [...]
Sue
Also blogging live from the hearing is Beef Today editor emeritus Steve Cornett. Link is: http://www.agweb.com/livestock/beef/live_coverage_of_the_dept._of_justice_hearing_/
AgWired » Blog Archives » Media Takes Early Look at Farm Progress 2010
[...] The media day is an opportunity for reporters to get a feel for the show site ahead of the big event. Riding in a tram pulled by (what else?) a New Holland tractor, the media checked out several highlights around the site including the field demonstration plots, the locations of the web cams, the cattle handling location, the hospitality tent, the Iowa State University exhibit, and Big Bud. [...]
D. Anderson
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. America can also be described as life, liberty and the pursuit of prosperity.
What is being requested and proposed by the GISPA Rule does not result in liberty, the freedom to puruse prosperity, or the American way.
There are a number of programs created by producers for the benefit of producers. These programs allow producers to grow high quality products, and allows them also to get paid for staying within the desired quality standards.
Those who chose or choose not to participate in value added programs, or those who are unable to meet the standards are not rewarded. That is the American way.
Soliciting theoretically unbiased public officials to shut down such performance-based programs smells of something that should be more likely considered in countries that do not believe in the American way.
Marsha
The fact: The proposed rule will NOT affect value-added!!!
FACT: Close the cash market and WHAT? will the value-added base be?
Chuck
Hi Marsha:
Where is the source of your fact? Can you point us to it? I’m sure a lot of people would be interested to know.
Also, just thought I’d point out that questions are not facts.
Thanks.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farm Progress Show Expected to Draw the Crowds
[...] 2010 Farm Progress is hours away from kickoff and Matt Jungmann, the National Events Manager for the show, is expecting huge crowds. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Hagie Unveils New Self Propelled Sprayer
[...] an earlier post, Matt Jungmann, the director for the Farm Progress Show, noted that one of the reasons Farm Progress is one of the largest ag shows in the world is because [...]
htomfields
The metabolic versatility of this enzyme (xtreme xylanase) will enable economic enzyme production, biomass pretreatment process versatility, and significant equipment and operational cost savings that could make affordable cellulosic ethanol a reality.
http://www.inl.gov/research/xtreme-xlanase/
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farmers Only Going Strong After 5 Years
[...] told you about FarmersOnly.com when it launched in August of 2005. According to founder Jerry Miller, it quickly became THE place [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » R-CALF President Says Livestock Pub Editors Should be Fired
[...] were way more fair than some of the GIPSA stories that we did here on Agwired. Sure, we did an interview with R-CALF to let them explain their position regarding the GIPSA rule, we did have live coverage of the [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » R-CALF President Says Livestock Pub Editors Should be Fired
[...] we did an interview with R-CALF to let them explain their position regarding the GIPSA rule, we did have live coverage of the R-CALF rally the night before the hearing, and we did live webcast the entire event so that anyone who wanted to [...]
Crystal Young
Thanks to the entire AgWired crew for bringing us all that coverage. It was greatly appreciated, and I couldn’t agree with you comments more.
AgWired » Blog Archives » PB&J Your Way Helps Feed the Hungry
[...] the ten winning recipes in the Southern Peanut Growers “PB&J My Way” contest. The contest kicked off during March Peanut Month, pledging to donate one jar of peanut butter to Feeding America for each [...]
Jim
no audio
Wonk Room » Grassley ‘Absolutely’ Agrees That The Estate Tax Will Destroy ‘Our Farmers Of The Future’
[...] agreed with an Agwired interviewer’s assertion that the estate tax will decimate “our farmers of the future”: Q: I mean, I think that probably, maybe we’ll see your opinion, it just has a huge impact [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » I Scream for Ice Cream
[...] scream, I scream we all screamed for ice cream during this year’s Farm Progress Show. The weather may have been damp and somewhat dreary, but it didn’t stop the crowds from [...]
Chuck
Thanks Jim. File is fixed now.
D. Anderson
This guy is a self destructive force for agriculture and the livestock industry. He is perfecting the art of giving himself a black eye, and thoroughly confusing those who don’t understand the beef industry.
Contrary to his unpopular belief, we (yes even “small” producers support those who he is throwing rocks at.)
Precision Pays
[...] Bud is the world’s largest tractor so the Farm Progress Show is one of the best places to put this piece of history on [...]
James Thurber
I congratulate Bill Northey for his honesty. It’s nice to hear a politician finally state the objective of corn ethanol subsidies and mandates. They’re not about producing energy, saving money, or environmental protection. They’re about confiscating money from consumers and taxpapers.
D. Anderson
P.S. Why do people think that if they try to tear others down, it will make them look big? I fact the opposite is true. That is not the way to grow a “calf”…
Paul Handsaker
This is not anything new. LG Seeds and AgReliant have been doing this for years. Pioneer is so far behind on this it will take the 20 years to catch up. If you want a true version of what is going on in this type of reasearch you should go where it was started not where it is politcal correct.
AgWired » Blog Archives » New Holland Social Media Cow
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 09.06.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Precision Pays
[...] the Farm Progress Show held last week in Boone, Iowa, Raven introduced several new products including OmniRow, Envizio Pro II and SmartYield. I caught [...]
Labor Day Links | Food and Agriculture Law Blog
[...] [...]
Drew
Great information on what is happening in the agricultural digital realm with social media. Way to go New Holland!
Precision Pays
[...] many wet areas of the Midwest. When growers have to apply nitrogen, once such product they use is Agrotain Plus, a nitrogen stabilizer which controls nitrogen loss by blocking the enzyme urease. Agrotain Plus can be added in liquid [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » New Holland T8 and T9 Details
[...] week New Holland unveiled their new T8 and T9 tractors at the Farm Progress Show. I sat down with two of their marketing managers to learn more about [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Pork and Beef Panels On GIPSA
[...] by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the National Pork Producers Council. I streamed it live at the time but also recorded it for [...]
Precision Pays
[...] Deere has released the next generation of it’s 8R Tractors. These new tractors integrate the “smart-tractor” concept into the row-crop tractors, and by [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Iowa Based Kum & Go Supports Iowa Corn Farmers
[...] promotion. As part of this initiative, this past Tuesday, the organizations jointly hosted three pump rallies around Iowa City, Iowa. I spoke with Matt Chase to learn [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Wyffels’ Corn Hybrids Performing Well in the Fields
[...] as a researcher this actually excites him because he is able to learn how his company’s corn hybrids will perform. He noted that with all the rain, a lot of corn had a problem with denitrification and [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Hammin’ It Up for Iowa’s Corn Farmers
[...] Iowa is the number one producing state of both ethanol and corn. This has been highlighted all week during several promotions in conjunction with Kum & Go as part of the Iowa Corn Fed Game Day sponsorship and on Tuesday, [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » John Deere Launches 3 New Gator XUVs
[...] [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Iowa Corn Growers Excited for Game Day
[...] Corn Fed Game Day, a promotion designed to educate consumers about the role Iowa corn farmers play in producing our food and fuel, is actually a sponsorship of the Iowa versus Iowa State football [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Iowa Corn Growers Excited for Game Day
[...] the Iowa versus Iowa State football game, basketball game and wrestling matches. Iowa Corn has been traveling around the state holding events and telling consumers about the more than 4,000 products that contain corn. My favorite product so [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » It’s Game Day in Iowa!
[...] Last night, the Iowa Corn Growers were treated to an inside look at football. As part of that experience, the University of Iowa cheerleaders stormed into the room leading cheers to pep everyone up. Herky was also there, dressed for game day and hammin’ it up once again for Iowa football and Iowa grown corn. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Kickoff!
[...] in Iowa City last night to some wet and dreary conditions. But new Iowa Corn Growers President, Dean Taylor, promised that not only are Iowa corn farmers experts at growing our food, they are also experts at moving [...]
Corn growers seek change in ACRE subsidy – DesMoinesRegister.com
[...] AgWired [...]
gazza
Great post, my favorite ice cream is rum and raisen.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Soybean Growers Can Expect Plenish From Pioneer Hi-Bred
[...] soy oil on your local supermarket shelf just yet but that doesn’t mean there isn’t some taste testing going on. At the Farm Progress Show Pioneer Hi-Bred conducted a cooking demonstration and had samples of [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Corn, Corn Everywhere
[...] Iowa won the football game in a landslide but that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. In conclusion, Taylor said, [...]
Marsha
Producers are not stupid and can read the stats, the proposed rule and between the lines of this hogwash.
The same group that blames the producers are the same ones that blames the producers for bone fragments in meat exported to Japan, the same group that opposed country-of-origin-labeling and breached contracts resulting in bankrupted farmers. The same group that misused checkoff funds and refused to support producers even when there was absolute proof of market price manipulation. This is the same group that bankrupts producers by flooding the cash market with meatpacker owned or foreign imports to suppress producers prices. This group encouraged higher risk diseased import policies and HACCP that monopolized the meatpacking industry. The same group that is leading the cattle industry down the same broken path of vertical integration that will destroy the open free cash market.
NO WHERE are the producers asking for anything more than a FAIR market, based on supply and demand. The producers are asking government to do their job and enforce the Packers & Stockyard Act of 1921 as was reiterated in the 2008 Farm Bill and which USDA already has authority to act.
There are absolutely no prevision in the proposed rule that will affect added or premium value to producers. What is certain is the U.S. cattle industry cannot survive in a noncompetitive market.
There is a good reason why the Packers & Stockyard Act was needed and Abraham Lincoln warned us…
“I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country….corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.”
Abraham Lincoln
Tom
So what does he say about the share of the consumer dollar being taken away from the producer and given to the retailers and middlemen?
Silence, I suppose.
Fear that the consumer will pay more. At my grocery store they already are. Food prices are going up at the retail level but not the producer level.
I suppose Dr. Stephen Koonntz has no solutions other than fear of what is already happening under the current system. If the middlemen are playing price games to reduce the overall price to producers, they should have to face a judge and a jury in court. What does Koontz want, market manipulation to continue? Legal trouble should be a deterrent to price discrimination. Let the packers lose a few big ones and the legal system won’t need to be used.
Some people will believe ANYTHING!!!!
AgWired » Blog Archives » AgChat On Farm Safety
[...] on Twitter. I hope you’ll tune in and participate. Our topic is farm safety. Next week is National Farm Safety & Health Week so we thought it would be timely, especially with harvest underway in many [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Corn Farmers Will Reach New Heights
[...] Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is focused on reaching out to Iowans and consumers to tell them about the value of Iowa corn farmers. One avenue in which they do this, is through [...]
SD Farmers Fight Back Against Bankrupt VeraSun – KELOLAND TV
[...] received VeraSun lettersBusinessWeekVeraSun asks corn farmers for repaymentMason City Globe GazetteCorn, Corn EverywhereAgWiredThe Farmer -Domestic Fuel -KETV Omahaall 31 news [...]
Gary Blumenthal
Scale and economic well-being are inversely correlated.
Ethanol Industry E15 Vehicle Study Detailed – Domestic Fuel
[...] and Custom MagazineGroups Form to Delay E-15 FuelAftermarketNews.com (AMN)BNET (blog) -AgWired -Green Car Reports (blog)all 28 news [...]
Lilian
Hi Chuck – thanks for the promo of IFAJ 2011! We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in Canada…and lots more exciting news to come now that we’re under the 365-days countdown.
Cheers – Lilian
David Wildy
Will the app work on Iphones??
The Tractor Show
I saw this several weeks ago….a proclamation from the Governor, even! I just wish it wasn’t on a Thursday.
If you get a collection of stills or even some video from there, send it my way and I’ll try to incorporate it on ‘The Tractor Show.’
There’s A New Flip In Town – AgWired | MyGeist
[...] There's A New Flip In TownAgWiredLet's say you want some ultra HD video on the go, simple and very portable. Flip has updated their revolutionary video cameras, including the new Flip UltraHD. Smooth, crystal-clear HD video that looks incredible under any condition ? no complicated …Flip UltraHD (2010, 2 hour, white)CNETNew Flip Camcorders Add Smoother Video, Accessory PortWashington PostFlip Video's new lineup features slimmer UltraHD with image stabilization and …ZDNet (blog)Gadget Venue -Electronista -I4Uall 61 news articles » [...]
Atlantaguy
I have bought three Flip video devices since they first came out – all three wound up having defects of some sort or another. Two of the three had “spots” in the videos (spots/dust on the sensor?), and the replacement for one had the same problem. The last one I bought was the last one I’ll ever buy as a result. Quality control for a $200+ device is horrible it seems.
Sorry, Flip. You Flopped in my house.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farm Market iD Partners with Successful Farming
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 09.21.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
auntybelle
corporate farmers cannot care about quality, only quantity and profit margins–ergo our food “grows” worse yearly.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Harold Beaver Wins John Deere Chip Foose 4020 Tractor
[...] the winners of their Big Buck Sweepstakes. The big prize winner is Harold Beaver who receives the Chip Foose customized John Deere 4020 Tractor. As the grand prize winner of the John Deere Big Buck Sweepstakes, Beaver not only won the [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » New Holland Commitment To Tier IV
[...] it better I spoke with New Holland’s Sean Dorosz at the Farm Progress Show. Pictured is a New Holland T9 Series Tractor that will support the new technology. “We don’t simply consider Tier IV as a legal [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Big Truck Tacos Wins Great Food Truck Race
[...] Food Truck Race is Big Truck Tacos. This is a contest it would be fun to participate in, which I sort of did at Farm Progress Show. Of course lots of people did by voting [...]
Kansas cattlemen attend USDA Workshop | KS Farmers Union
[...] to all the panels (I would highly suggest it, for me it was an eye opening experience), visit agwired.com. This entry was posted in Government Information, KFU Releases. Bookmark the permalink. [...]
Cindy
Let the Games Begin!!!!!
What a thrilling evening it will be seeing the opening ceremonies! Wish I were there!
I will be following your comments on my iPhone!!!
Hugs!
Cindy
Peter Lee
That’s quite an insightful post, thanks. I never knew solar power is used at farms so it’s something I’ve learned today. I’ve been amazed at the importance of solar energy and I must say having devices being run by free energy is very interesting.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Enjoying The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 09.27.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
littleblackdogs
So, ‘Chuck’..
You slept through economics class didn’t you?
Which means that you actually believe that Purina and Monsanto and Tyson’s and McDonnell’s and Con-Agra and all the other MULTINATIONAL and MULTI-BILLION dollar GIANTS of the food industry will be driven out of town badda bing by the mighty Wayne Pacelle!!!!
Lunacy…
Sheer unadulterated madness..
You are either a food industry lobby-troll or just plain dirt-ignorant.
Les M
I have used this app before on my iPhone. It works pretty well and found me a good farmer’s market that I wasn’t aware of in my city.
Chuck
Nope. Excelled at economics. I don’t think Wayne is mighty but he is a good con-artist. You are a good name caller though. I actually am a believer in the good farmers who feed the world and am supporting my family with my own business. Thanks for your comment.
littleblackdogs
gotcha.
Cindy
Nice hat, Cowboy Barry!
Sarah
Thanks for stopping by our booth, Chuck! We are having a great time educating people about the good work of America’s farmers and ranchers.
Chuck
You are welcome. Have a great rest of the show!
Harold Reetz
Good point Chuck. The dialog should be open.,.or it isn’t very useful or credible.
Is Marketing Hijacking Social Media? « XML Press
[...] of Yes We Did – An Inside Look at How Social Media Built the Obama Brand, to a webcast about a Texas farmer using social media. But, by far the largest number of headlines read like this one: Social Media and CRM — The [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Outsourcing Social Media | Dr-Net
[...] more: AgWired » Blog Archives » Outsourcing Social Media [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Getting Ready For NAMA Trends In Agriculture
[...] why the conference is in Minneapolis instead of Kansas City you can get the full story from a recent ZimmCast with Jenny Pickett, NAMA [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » What’s New At Rhea + Kaiser
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 10.04.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Ajeva
I’m loving this concept. At least, it takes guts on your part to make a stand on this. The truth is stranger than fiction. For example, do you really think that Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook page is maintained by himself? Maybe. But big league players don’t simply have the time and to get a ‘ghost’ social media writer to keep things running smooth is like a betrayal of your fans/followers trust? Or, people knew it but wouldn’t care less anyway.
Sports Mascots with Farm Connections « ag – a colorful adventure for this city girl
[...] [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Reaction to USDA Crop Forecast
[...] a decrease in stocks, increase in feed use, decrease in exports and ethanol about the same. At a seminar in Chicago promoting exports of the ethanol by-product distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), U.S. [...]
threecollie
Being a northerner I had never seen one of these until my first trip south. We found one on the road side and had to spend quite a time perusing the field guide to trees before we figured out what it was.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Charleston|Orwig Gets Social At World Dairy Expo
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 10.11.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Bonnie Norby
If this will be broadcast on IPTV tomorrow, at what time would it be?
Thanks so much!!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Book Review – Farm Hands
[...] illegal immigration. In response to this issue, along with ramped unemployment in the country, the United Farm Workers launched a “Take Our Jobs” campaign. To my knowledge, Americans are not jumping off couches to “take their [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » MachineryLink Gives Soybean Champ Working Man’s Award
[...] Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and a crystal globe trophy from the Missouri Soybean Association for breaking the soybean yield record again. But, MachineryLink presented the “Crop King” with a more practical honor – an [...]
Gigi Cowell
Hi Cindy,
I am the editor of a weekly electronic newsletter that is produced by Conklin Company, the manufacturer and distributor of the AgroVantage System of crop management products. Kip Cullers has been featured many times in our publications because of his use of Conklin products. Would it be possible for us to use the wonderful photo you took of Kip standing next to Governor Nixon while receiving his trophy? Our weekly newsletter is e-blasted on Wednesday afternoons ( today!), so your speedy response would be appreciated! I would be happy to give you credit under the photo – and attach a link to your great story. If you would like to speak to me, you can contact me at (952)224-5118, and my name is Gigi Cowell. Thanks!!
Chuck
You most certainly may Gigi. Thanks.
Gigi Cowell
Thanks! It will really look great as our Top Story this week, and as promised, I will give you credit for the photo. It will read:
Photo courtesy of Cindy Zimmerman, Agwired.com.
Gigi
AgWired » Blog Archives » Kip Cullers Sets New World Record Soybean Yield
[...] added Stoller’s Bio-Forge to his seed treatment to establish early seedling vigor and enhance root growth. This ensured an [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Stoller Helps Kip Set Soybean Record
[...] Kip Cullers knows how to grow soybeans. As a matter of fact, he’s the best in the world, as Cindy already told you. Another product that helped Kip reach another record is Stoller’s [...]
Steve Drake
Great photo!
Actually, DrakeCo’s Brian Reuwee is the photographer not me!
Thanks for doing the interview with Rick. We were proud to be what many participants felt was a historical event for U.S. agriculture.
Steve
Chuck
But you posted it where we could find it! I would recommend adding it to the blog post.
Ron
I too remember WKRP and Les Nessman, and in 1985 I was one of those NAFB members. Now our company markets animal health and nutrition products to farmers, and my job includes recommending media buys to reach those farmers. The media choices are more segmented than ever and changing rapidly. Two observations:
1) Print media is too often cost-prohibitive anymore, but as magazines develop online, email and other avenues to reach readers, they can continue to provide value (some of them, anyway). It just consists of electrons rather than dead trees.
2) For the general public, farms are becoming a distant memory. The blogs (like Michele’s) and online discussion groups in a way have replaced weekend trips to grandpa’s farm. We need to maintain a dialogue with our consumers and give them agriculture’s side of the story, now more than ever. We can’t leave it to HSUS and similar groups to fill our customers’ heads with untruths and scare tactics.
My email signature concludes with: “Drink more milk! Each more beef and cheese!” That message gets delivered at least several times a day. I’d suggest everyone in the ag industry send a similar message to your stakeholders.
Ron
Sorry, that should be “EAT more beef and cheese!” Proofreading is becoming a distant memory too. Or maybe it’s age.
AgWired » Blog Archives » The Pulse of Agri-Pulse
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 10.18.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
World Dairy Diary » Blog Archives » Acquisitions Move Novus Ahead in Cattle Products
[...] February, we acquired the animal nutrition division of Albion, which brought us a second line of minerals that we can sell to the dairy and beef market,” [...]
World Dairy Diary » Blog Archives » Acquisitions Move Novus Ahead in Cattle Products
[...] Ruminant Sales Manager Gary Winter during an interview at World Dairy Expo. “More recently, we acquired IQF, which is primarily in Spain and Mexico, but it does have some products that will apply into the [...]
littleblackdogs
‘The Center for Food Integrity reports consumers are twice as likely to believe the Humane Society of the United States and PETA over farm organizations on issues relating to the well-being of animals. After the activist groups, veterinarians, USDA and university experts were next in the rankings. Large-scale livestock farmers were at the bottom of the list in animal welfare credibility’
Looks like good sense IS prevailing, Cindy….
Agricultora Portuguesa recebeu Prémio Kleckner Trade and Technology Advancement 2010 « Divulgação de Biotecnologia
[...] [...]
World Dairy Diary » Blog Archives » Rapping Dairy
[...] From Agwired.com. Here’s a little social media marketing for you. It’s Yeo Valley Group’s rap video to promote their products. How many of you agribusiness companies are brave enough to try it? Thanks to Lindsay at Corn Scoops for the heads up. [...]
Cindy
The reason for that is that the vast majority of the general public knows absolutely NOTHING about raising livestock, so they believe the garbage that HSUS and PETA tell them.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Missouri Prop B Video Captures Essence of Supporters
[...] so sad but so true. All the supporters of the HSUS sponsored ballot initiative can see is the word “puppy” and they assume it’s good. It doesn’t take much [...]
Gabriela Cruz, premiada por la defensa activa de los derechos de los agricultores europeos | Transgénicos
[...] “]Entrega del premio a Gabriela Cruz [Fotografía: AgwiredLa agricultora y empresaria portuguesa Gabriela Cruz ha recibido el prestigioso premio Kleckner de Comercio y Promoción Tecnológica. El galardón fue entregado en el marco de la mesa redonda anual de agricultores del TATT (The Truth About Trade & Technology) en la que participan agricultores de todo el mundo, según recoge la página web de Agwired. [...]
Guest
I found a place to easily submit comments in opposition to this rule if anyone is interested: http://nppc.org/ContactForm/default.aspx
Dave Drennan
Hello Littleblackdogs, just an FYI, the Missouri State Veterinarians Association also OPPOSES Prop B.
They take care of your little animals too. So what’s this tell you about Prop B?
Not good for anyone.
Also find out who funds The Center for Food Integrity.
Mark A Landers
@ lilblackdogs
What societal reasons would create a population that would believe HSUS and Peta over farm organizations and farmers?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-udsIV4Hmc
This is a link on youtube that your quote about people believing the animal rights industry over those who have knowledge and experience in animal husbandry brought to mind.
It’s about anagnorisis and peripeteia in relation to the castration of a lamb.
I thought you might enjoy watching this.
Thank you for watching
Mark A. Landers
Chuck
Thanks guys. It’s so hard for some people to get past their emotions and use common sense. I really appreciate it when we have readers speak up.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Quarry Integrated Communications Has A Sharpened Focus
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 10.21.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Teresa Kirwan
How are we able to get these? I am an agriculture education coordinator and will be going into classrooms and doing a turkey presentations. Thanks, Teresa
AgWired » Blog Archives » Vilsack Defends GIPSA on AgriTalk
[...] Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) during a segment on Agri-Talk yesterday, after an economic study was released showing that implementing the rule as proposed would cost 104,000 jobs and $14 billion to the [...]
Pol Espargaro
That Molly Dugan sounds like she knows what she is talking about.
Robert M
I always find it ironic that the same groups who cry out to stop animal cruelty are the same groups who want (in same cases wish to require) all animals spayed or neutered, and act which I consider the worst form of animal cruelty.
In most if not every developed country genital mutilation is considered abhorrent, even torture. If I started a group promoting female circumcision I would get blasted as a monster, but it’s humane to torture your pets?
It seems to me that a group so focused on “animal rights” would strive to protect their most basic right, the right to reproduce.
Probably the most telling trend among the “animal left” is a lack of any actual experience relating to the matter. How do people who’ve never set foot on a working farm tell farmers what’s best from them from behind their desks in the city?
Stop animal Cruelty, end Spaying/Neutering!!
Guest
Everyone needs to take the time to comment against this rule, until the USDA realizes they need to do an economic study. I found this site the other day that makes it easy to submit comments against the rule:
http://nppc.org/ContactForm/default.aspx
Reactions to ISU Town Hall | Biodiversity is an important global issue
[...] [...]
Illinois Farm Bureau applauds EPA ruling on E15 – Carmi Times | Farm Succession Planning
[...] of the Illinois Farm Bureau. …E15 for 2007 and Newer Vehicles Benefits AmericaFarm Bureau NewsLimited E15 Waiver Approval Fosters Mixed EmotionsAgWiredReaction swift to E15 fuel rulingThe State Journal-Registerall 1,145 news [...]
Angie G.
Is there a Twitter hashtag for NAFB yet? #NAFB10 perhaps?
AgWired » Blog Archives » AdFarm Has a Passion For Agriculture
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 10.26.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Sue Yarnell
I am an Ag in the Classroom coordinator. If you can get some copies to me of your Celebrate Agriculture Weekly Reader, I would appreciate it. I will pass them around to teachers who do not receive your publication.
I know another lady who will be teaching about turkeys in my county to grades K-4. I realize that your reader is for grades 3-6. I used to use it when I taught 6th grade.
I do have some funds if you need a payment.
Thank you!
Sue Yarnell
217-259-2550
This Week’s Hot Topics in Ag « The Fastline Blog
[...] [...]
Proposition B: Protecting Puppies or Robbing Us of Our Freedom? Part II « Blog « PlatteRepublicans.org
[...] full Apr. 27, 2009 speech to the National Association of Farm Broadcasting with Q&A is at http://agwired.com/2009/04/27/hsus-challenges-american-agriculture/ and direct at http://www.zimmcomm.biz/nafb/ww-09-hsus-remarks.mp3 In his speech, Pacelle discussed how [...]
Janice
Lots of fun being on a panel with Chuck as expected. Amazing trying to talk to social media without a working projection of the social media you are talking about.
Tom
Butler was put in the position because the former GIPSA heads were not doing their job. The OIG (Office of Investigator General) came out with a report on their investigation of GIPSA that was so damaging to the agency that the then head, JoAnn Waterfield, disappeared.
This agency has been a poster boy for the problems of a government full of incompetent and sell out politicians who have been using their political power to undermine the work of regulatory agencies. Butler had been fighting the corruption from the legal side and was one of the last men standing in this fight.
Far from needing some kind of blame for corruption the former (and current) legislators have engaged in on behalf of the industry, Butler is cleaning it up. It is too bad we can’t go after Goodlette or Saxby Chambliss in their incompetence or corruption when they had oversight authority.
Politicians will sell out their mother if they think they can get away with it. Phil Gramm did and it sparked the greatest financial crisis in my life time.
It is time the political parties started holding their own accountable for the incompetent and corrupt government that has plagued our nation. Where was the Republican party when Phil Gramm undid laws that protected us from profiteering in the financial industry? Where was the Republican Party when Goodlatte and others sold out family farmers and competent regulations of those who were bribing them? Where is the Democrat Party when it comes to Rep. Scott and Chairman Peterson and Senator Blanche Lincoln for selling out for meat packer interests instead of championing the principles of economic laws?
We have to stop running this democracy like a popularity contest and start running it competently. Until we do, we will have the best Congress money can buy and an electorate whose choices over right and wrong are confused with party affiliation. That is no help when both parties sell out their principles to the highest bidder.
Tom
Shawn Worden
I am very displeased that the Obama administration wants to add more regulations to the pork industry, that is already hanging by a thread.
adding more regulations to the farmers the packers in turn more costs and then the drive down a perilous slope of higher prices.
less jobs more layoffs.
You Washington beuracrats need to get your bovine fecal matter out of your mouths.
AgWired » Blog Archives » A Very Good Year For Bader Rutter
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 11.01.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Diane
Thanks Chuck for posting this. The best part is you have fun whether you want to or not! AND, we are raising great funds for a worthwhile cause. More news to come out of this event soon.
Boyan
I’m Serbian who lives in the US and am interested to go to Serbia as a volunteer. What are the qualifications?
Ken McCauley
I like the new logo and the thought behind it. NCGA is always looking forward and this is just another example of it’s good leadership.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Novus’ Green Acres is the Place to Be
[...] research farm, located about an hour or so from Novus global headquarters in St. Charles, has been under development for over a year. Novus purchased and renovated the 15 acre farm to serve as a multi-functional [...]
Jeff
Butler being put in charge of this agency does nothing to help GIPSA’s credibility.
Everyone needs to comment against this rule.
Jeff
Everyone needs to comment on this rule:
http://nppc.org/Consumer_Postcards/default.aspx
Ken Colombini
What he said!
AgWired » Blog Archives » House Ag Committee Dems Decimated
[...] will Prop B really “save the puppies?” Farm broadcaster Tom Brand of KFEQ in St. Joseph, Missouri had an interesting take on that [...]
World Dairy Diary » Blog Archives » Novus’ Green Acres is the Place to Be
[...] research farm, located about an hour or so from Novus global headquarters in St. Charles, has been under development for over a year. Novus purchased and renovated the 15 acre farm to serve as a multi-functional [...]
Jessica Bryand
Great victory Missouri! Just proves who can still read in Missouri. Yes us agriculture people and supporters! It’s not rural schools closing their doors by the masses! Now us rural people know why city schools are closing, it’s a lost cause! When you can’t read the BBB Report that the HSUS smeared all over the news, to do the math, to figure Missouri only had a 0.12% rate of reported health conditions in puppies and that the DNR Report of dead dumped dogs, with graphic pictures to take your focus off the content of the report that clearly showed NONE of the breeders or brokers would have been held liable under the puppy mill cruelty act! But, after my conversation with the lady in St. Louis who was in shock to learn that cage free eggs still came from hens and was appalled that I used an agricultural magazine for my reference, I think we came a long way! Breeders were dragged through the mud and agricultural professionals were doubted on their beliefs. Still all showed America how kind, caring, honest, and hard working they really are! They still have a voice, hope they use it!
Deb
I am sure other states would just love to have our dogs put off on them to take care of and pay for, or to have the responsibility of euthanization. This is a slap in the face to Missouri agriculture. Where are the sensible people in those cities you mentioned who say they are educated people. I dont think they are or they would have read the bill and see that nothing will change in care of dogs for the good. Unlicensed breeders will continue to do what they do best, stay hidden. Yeh, thanks HSUS for seeing that our dogs will be taken care of. You wont give nothing, tax payers and law abiding citizens will pay dearly though.
bestuvall
I do hope not one of those dogs ever sees the inside of a “shelter’.. shelters are just a place where dogs are sold.. for MONEY.. and what better way to make money than to get free product then sell it as “abused and sickly” so when the home fails you can blame it on the “nasty breeder”
if you look at a map of the votes. 99.9% of the state was a NO.. farms, ranches and rural areas.. when the big cities spoke.. the tide turned.. (but not by much.. it was no landslide.. 52-48
This bill has noting to do with dogs.. it has everything to do with the future as the vegan group at HSUS envisions it..)
“My goal is the total abolition of animal agriculture” John Goodwin.. employee at HSUS and convicted felon
Dogs are a good start…
Cory31
So, what’s next??? This ballot initiative is totally unconstitutional by limiting someone’s rights to private property and limiting income! Thousands of MO jobs are going to be lost over this and revenue for the State. What is the next step??? REPEAL!!!!!
taozen carpenter
I am afraid Monsanto and ADM will ruin the smaller farms and sell dangerous products
Paul
I think this election is a wake up call to the rural communities that they are NOT in control of rural/ag issues. But instead, the city dwellers are. Clearly when you look at the map of the counties that voted in support of Prop. B, they were all in, or near the larger population centers and the rest of the state was against this measure. What does that mean? It means city dwellers have not been properly educated! And the HSUS knew it and took advantage of it.
It’s time for the Ag community to do it’s part in educating city dwellers in the future. If we don’t, who will? The HSUS and other animal “welfare” groups, that’s who. Look what happened in MO. CA and OH. We can’t afford to let them have one more inch!
I also think the Ag community needs to pool their monies and hire the best lawyers and get Prop B repealed ASAP as it does smack of constitutional freedom grabbing. PLEASE Missourians, do something about this now. The HSUS is NOT going to stop at Missouri. Surely we don’t want them to have more “feathers under their cap” do we? Challenge the referendum with everything you have. After all, this is America. Don’t sit back and let this happen. If we do, we only have ourselves to blame for the down fall that will be before us.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Kip Cullers Share Record Soybean Techniques
[...] Kip Cullers recently set yet another world soybean yield record with 160.6 bushels per acre on his 2010 test fields. The question other growers have is “How does he do it?” [...]
Maxine Jones
Why are people allowed to make charges such as “Tom” does above, with NO verification from any source other than his own mind, and to do so anonymously????
Last time I checked what our Founding Fathers wrote, our government was a democratic republic, not a simple democracy, which is far to vulnerable to those who use tactics as “Tom” uses in order to fool our citizens into following charlatans to our detriment!
M.J.
Tom
Temple needs to address her comments to meat packers, not the Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration.
The new rules don’t require any animals to be shipped long distances for slaughter although that is how Temple Grandin portrayed it– certainly from a meatpacker view.
Meatpackers are prohibited from selling to each other but nothing is said about their livestock having to be shipped to other places for slaughter.
It would be nice if Grandin knew this about the new rules instead of assuming something that is said by meat packers to get her started.
Temple has been instrumental in helping keep the industry more humane from the livestock perspective and deserves everyone’s respect for that input. Interpreting GIPSA rules just may not be her forte’.
Tom
Jeff
Everyone needs to comment against this rule:
http://nppc.org/Consumer_Postcards/default.aspx
AgWired » Blog Archives » Woodruff-Sweitzer in a Growth Phase
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 11.09.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Treva
I hate you all
AgWired » Blog Archives » Informa Study Finds Economic Losses Under GIPSA Rule
[...] have more information about this study and the differences between its findings and the recent John Dunham study coming up shortly. 0 Posted by Cindy • November 10, 2010 • 10:35 amCategories: [...]
This Week’s Hot Topics « The Fastline Blog
[...] [...]
Jeff
Everyone needs to comment against this rule:
http://nppc.org/Consumer_Postcards/default.aspx
Jeff
Everyone needs to comment against this rule:
http://nppc.org/Consumer_Postcards/default.aspx
AgWired » Blog Archives » Sammy Kershaw Entertains NAFB
[...] of the NAFB Girls’ Weekend group posed with Sammy after the concert. I had already disappeared for the night after a very long [...]
Top Viral Marketing Campaigns of All time « "I press here", says Nawed Shahriar
[...] [...]
Nov. 8 – 14 - Marketing, News, and Educational Communications
[...] http://agwired.com/2010/08/12/camelina-gaining-favor-with-farmers-for-biodiesel/ [...]
Ken McCauley
Congrats to Pam on moving her show to a higher level in a very short time!
Karen
Thanks
AgWired » Blog Archives » Don’t Miss AG CONNECT Expo 2011
[...] hard to believe that the inaugural AG CONNECT Expo happened almost a year ago in Orlando, Florida back in January. A successful first-time event, AG [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Don’t Miss AG CONNECT Expo 2011
[...] attributes much of the show’s success to their industry supporters. “The show was 30 years in the making so there was a lot of interest and a lot of [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Don’t Miss AG CONNECT Expo 2011
[...] year, AG CONNECT Expo 2011 will be hosted along side the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting. The group [...]
Precision Pays
[...] been nearly a year since the inaugural AG CONNECT Expo happened in Orlando, Florida back in January. A successful first-time event, AG CONNECT Expo 2011 [...]
Precision Pays
[...] attributes much of the show’s success to their industry supporters. “The show was 30 years in the making so there was a lot of interest and a lot of [...]
Precision Pays
[...] year, AG CONNECT Expo 2011 will be hosted along side the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting. The group [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » NCBA Submits Comments on GIPSA Rule
[...] along with other producer organizations that will be affected by the rule, recently released a economic impact study by Informa Economics which found that rule would result in ongoing direct and indirect costs to the [...]
Harry
I love it the name “Healthy Harry” Since i had my quadruple bypass three years ago, I have been nothing but healthy.
AgWired » Blog Archives » StollerUSA Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary
[...] “The success of our Bio-Forge product continues to increase. Growers are beginning to understand how our products dovetail into their programs,” said Morgan. “They spend a lot of money on seed. There are a lot of genetic traits built into that seed that they need. The challenge becomes when they go out and stick it in the dirt, nature takes over and they need to find a way to extract all that potential. That’s where Stoller products like Bio-Forge come in. We help extract all that potential out of that seed so you can earn that ROI.” [...]
Farm Bureau: Republicans Not Bad for Agriculture – AgWired | Farm Succession Planning
[...] post by american farm bureau – Google News addthis_url = [...]
Gary Jackson
Chuck,
After getting back to Columbus I’ve had a chance to use the recorder…great quality and easy to use. Thanks again for drawing my business card!
Gary
AgWired » Blog Archives » Last Chance for GIPSA Comments
[...] also important that it really be YOUR voice, not a form letter. As Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently said about the comments on GIPSA, “There’s a difference between 16,000 unique comments and 16,000 [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Thanksgiving and Farmer Priorities
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 11.22.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Fresh Origins
Interesting, but who’s gonna kill and clean all those fish when they are ready for harvest? Sounds like a pretty icky job. Plus, they’ll have to be eaten quickly or frozen right away.
What are the USDA rules for a fish packing/processing facility? If it is anything like meat, you are looking at major inspections and sanitary requirements.
suka madek
Being bullish on corn ethanol today is like running into a burning building, just plain idiotic. Take ethanol and biodiesel off of government life support and let it die a natural death.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Death Tax And The White House
[...] the recent NAFB convention Trade Talk session this was one of the items that came up in my interview with Gregg Doud, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Chief Economist. Listen to Gregg [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Soybean Growers Appeal to Congress
[...] addition to uniting with other agriculture groups urging Congress to fix the “death tax,” American Soybean Association (ASA) [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Advocacy Starts With Weber Shandwick
[...] program. You can still listen to an interview about that from a recent World Dairy Expo that Cindy did that included Polly Ligon O’Grady, also part of the leadership team at Weber Shandwick. ZimmCast 283 – Weber Shandwick – Farm and [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Advocacy Starts With Weber Shandwick
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 11.30.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
David Mehlhaff
Chuck,
I am looking forward to seeing you and sharing some holiday cheer. The BCS crew is a great group of folks.
I’m proud of their accomplishments.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Golden ARC Awards Deadline Extended
[...] New Media was proud to pick up two of those awards this year on behalf of work we did for our clients – the Renewable Fuels Association [...]
Chuck
This is a bunch of crap……since when does it make good logic to use a corn product that the farmers rely on to feed their animals for consumers to feed their families and that same corn product that those same families use for their own consumption in other products. In both cases all the lobbies for “The National Corn Growers Association” accomplished was driving the prices for the consumer and the farmer up. There are many things that can be used to make ethanol that are not a food item and would not effect the farmers or the consumers.
Chuck
Actually it is not a bunch of “crap.” It makes very good logic if you do a little research on the subject. A great place to get good scientific information on the subject is http://www.ethanolfacts.com/.
You’re obviously being taken in by people who want to spread misinformation. We produce way more corn for example than is needed for feed or food. And the corn people eat is not the corn used for ethanol production. Common misconception though.
Any increase in feed and food costs caused by ethanol production is negligible. It is largely due to other factors like transportation costs. Again, another common misconception.
If you really want to help farmers and consumers convince your legislator to get rid of subsidies for oil companies! That the real culprit and talk about lobbyists. NCGA with all its efforts is not even a drop in the bucket of what the oil lobby spends.
Beverly Hall
As an educator, a consumer, and a passionate person for Agriculture, who too is concerned about the gap and lack of knowledge. I try to teach and engage my students of all ages about agriculture. With the help of many community helpers, the children work in a school garden to grow food. I think we need to begin teaching daily and often! Get the students involved so they understand.
Get them up and moving… might even help the health society of Obesity.
Everyone needs to understand where their food comes from.
Alan Anderson
Want to know what’s wrong with this? Corn Ethanol. And E-1 thru E85.
Want to make a real difference in America? Make cars that are tuned to run on ethanol and not gas. Use crops to produce ethanol that is better than corn and have better GHG lowering and are cheaper… Energy Beets….. Look those facts up….. All “Made in the USA”
National Agricultural Aviation Association Convention – AgWired
[...] AgWired [...]
Sean Dorosz
Thanks for the posting Chuck. Sounds like I need to work on my speech a bit more. Time for more Toastmasters work!!
Chuck
Sir or Mam, whom answered my first comment. You are part of our problems in this country. The link you referenced for “The Facts” on the subject just happens to be “The National Corn Growers Association”, fancy that. You are nothing more than the front for the lobbies that work Congress to get special favors for the Large Farmers that grow the corn that also just happen to be your members who pay dues which allows you to PAY the lobbyist to work Congress. Isn’t that special. The farmers that I was referring to are the small ones that really make this country run and have, by the way, pretty much been put out of business. But, thanks for your trying to set me straight.
Chuck
Thanks for you comment Chuck. My name too btw. It’s amazing that you can’t get beyond your emotion to look at facts. The information posted on the website comes from a variety of sources including those that do not work for or get paid by the organization posting it. Science is science and facts are facts.
How do you define Large Farmers? Most of the ones I know who are members of NCGA are family farmers who are working the same ground their ancestors did. What’s a small farmer? What do you base your statement that they are the ones making this country run on?
If it wasn’t for farmers large and small and the work their organization does we would have a lot more hungry and starving people around the world. Ever thought of that? How do you think America can ship so much food aid to poor countries? Where does it come from?
Fact is we meet all our domestic needs, the needs of foreign markets, our need for fuel and still have leftover.
Chuck
Thank You for your prompt reply. Your comment “If you really want to help farmers and consumers convince your legislator to get rid of subsidies for oil companies!” was very disingenuous. There are very large “Farmer Corporations” that are doing great because of the “Subsidies” they receive for growing just corn. One of the “Facts” that I failed to get was the one about how it takes a Petroleum product to make it in the first place and that it takes almost $2.00 to make a $1.00 worth of Ethanol. So if it weren’t for being “Subsidized” by the Government, to make the product in the first place, the mega farmers would not have gone into the business as growers. So my suggestion to you, for what is worth, is to keep thinking Corn and you will have a nice job for a while until the subsidies run out.
Chuck
Thanks again for your comment. Apparently you are privy to some very erroneous information since the “fact” you state is not true. Wonder where you got that from. Could you define farmer corporation for me? Or any of the other questions I posed? Feel free to post links to your information too.
Oh, and my comment about oil subsidies was very sincere. Have you ever looked into how much they are subsidized? Just wondering.
Cyndi Young
Hey, that is Brownfield’s Bob Meyer conducting the interview! Listen to the interview on the Brownfield website: http://brownfieldagnews.com/2010/11/17/hydrogen-powered-tractors/
AgWired » Blog Archives » Paulsen Marketing Asks Farmers Directly
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 12.07.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Reflections of a Paralytic » Cute Newborn Baby Blogging!
[...] baby bonus: check out some cute baby blogging, ag style over at my dad’s blog. December 8th, 2010 at 12:42 [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Status of Syngenta Seeds Product Launches
[...] the recent NAFB convention Trade Talk session because I interviewed Wayne Fithian, Syngenta Seeds, just like last year. However, since the topic is “what’s new” you’ll hear a new [...]
Cyndi Young
How cute!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farm Bureau Celebrates 50 Years of Membership Growth
[...] Reader’s Digest, Wilson Quarterly and the Wall Street Journal. One of those we highlighted here on Agwired last year, a clever piece he wrote for The American Enterprise titled “The Omnivore’s [...]
Farm Bureau Celebrates 50 Years of Membership Growth – AgWired | Farm Succession Planning
[...] post by american farm bureau – Google News addthis_url = [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » ABN Radio Ceases Operations
[...] Andy left the network just a couple of weeks ago for a new assignment with Ohio FFA. Lindsay is president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) and expected to officially take over the post at the end of this month. No official word yet from NAFB how the status of the network and her job will affect her position in the farm broadcast organization. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » ABN Radio Ceases Operations
[...] FFA. Lindsay is president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) and expected to officially take over the post at the end of this month. No official word yet from NAFB how the status of the network and her job [...]
Janice
Agreed. Its been a tumultuous time… I wish all involved in the ABN organization all of the best as they look for the next steps in their lives.
Mike Deering
Congratulations Andy! Feedstuffs made a wise decision.
Deering
John
Sounds like Ed Johnson’s son Bart, and Ed’s former “sidekick” and employee Dale Minyo, will be taking up the slack with the Ohio Ag Net.
Not sure what the future of the ABN trademark is, but Ed’s legacy is still alive and intact, and always will be.
Scott
It is sad what has happened to the ABN! Bart Johnson built a program that was so credible to the state of Ohio and it is a shame what happened to it. When Dale no longer worked for them, the quality of the show went southward. The worse thing now is that the “ABN’s” name could be tarnished…hopefully not. The Ohio Ag Net has become “THE” farm news for the state of Ohio and look forward to it moving forward even more!
Scott
That was supposed to be Ed…not Bart!
Free Range Internet Via Ayrstone AyrMesh Tek News - Not Just Another Tech Site - Tek News
[...] Free Range Internet Via Ayrstone AyrMesh [...]
Karl Guenther
I’m a freelance columnist for the Kalamazoo Gazette; Emeritus member NAFB, retired after nearly 30 years Farm Services Director, WKZO Radio-TV in Kalamazoo Michigan. I’d like hard copies of your electronic transmissions (position statements, etc . . . .
Ron Hays
Congrats Andy,
Feedstuffs has the best reporters in the meat trade media- and now they have added another class act.
AgWired » Blog Archives » BCS Communications Strategy For Growth
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 12.13.2010 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » BCS Communications Strategy For Growth
[...] found out what’s new at BCS Communications at their recent holiday open house party. This is an episode in my series with the leadership of agricultural marketing and communications [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Christmas Comes Early for Iowa City Woman
[...] year-long promotion, designed to highlight the many uses of corn and its importance to Iowa, traversed a year of Iowa State versus Iowa sporting events that included football, basketball and [...]
Dan Mandle
Great post about irrigation technique. I wrote about circular irrigation a few months ago: http://dmandle.wordpress.com/2010/09/16/hip-to-be-square/
Do you know why circular is better than square? No-one ever responded to my question there. (Disclosure: my readership is barely nil.)
AgWired » Blog Archives » Early Christmas on Capitol Hill
[...] to go back up to 55% with the expiration of the Bush-era tax cuts at the end of this year. At the end of last month, more than 30 agricultural organizations sent letters to Congress and the president and held a [...]
Early Christmas on Capitol Hill – AgWired | Farm Succession Planning
[...] post by american farm bureau – Google News addthis_url = [...]
Obama Signs Bill Giving Death Tax Relief – AgWired | Farm Succession Planning
[...] post by american farm bureau – Google News addthis_url = [...]
diana agee
so who all is getting this i her it was anyone with kids
David Mehlhaff
Great job Megs! Happy Holidays and thanks to your efforts, others will have a happier holiday as well.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Illinois Aerial Applicator Had Good Season
[...] representatives. I actually found him in the AgSync booth. He says that he converted his system to AgSync this year. He says the conversion was “a little tough” but by the end of the year he [...]
Mike Deering
Way to go Meghan! What a clever idea.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Get on Santa’s List by Taking our Survey
[...] survey the chance to win $250 cash money each month. We already sent a check to one lucky reader at the end of November – the next one will be pulled at the end of this [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Drake & Company Making Dreams Fly
[...] story. For example, we can point to the fact that they are the management firm for the newly formed U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance. In our conversation we talk about this and just what the company will be doing for the new effort. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » ZimmPoll Show Strong Participation In Social Media
[...] top of mind right now. In fact, it has given rise to new agricultural organization efforts like the USFRA and of course it is one of the goals of the AgChat Foundation to help consumers better understand [...]
World Dairy Diary » Blog Archives » Looks Like Good Participation in Social Media According to ZimmPoll
[...] top of mind right now. In fact, it has given rise to new agricultural organization efforts like the USFRA and of course it is one of the goals of the AgChat Foundation to help consumers better understand [...]
Precision Pays
[...] top of mind right now. In fact, it has given rise to new agricultural organization efforts like the USFRA and of course it is one of the goals of the AgChat Foundation to help consumers better understand [...]
ZimmComm – New Media, LLC
[...] top of mind right now. In fact, it has given rise to new agricultural organization efforts like the USFRA and of course it is one of the goals of the AgChat Foundation to help consumers better understand [...]
Nathan Schock
Nice work guys. Blog looks nice.
Gren Land Web – GrenLandWeb.com » New Website For Coalition To Support Iowa’s Farmers
[...] Nеw Website Fοr Coalition Tο Support Iowa’s Farmers [...]
dom lee
good to see justin get a full time sponsor. even tho i dont watch that much nns racing my favorite driver is justin
Sue Otten
Hi Chuck,
Interesting/sad results. Wondering what the total number of respondents were… how statistically valid the results are.
Happy New Year,
Sue
Steve Mays
NAFW?
Chuck
National Association of Farm Webcasters?
Hot Topics in Ag « The Fastline Blog
[...] Another week, another ZimmPoll. In answer to the question, “Do you participate in social media?” the majority say they do. According to the numbers, 53% say yes and they post regularly, 28% say yes but they rarely create their own posts, 27% say no and they never will and only 1% say no but plan to start participating soon… Read More [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Last Chance to Win in 2010
[...] them all in the hat to draw one winner for the month of December. Everyone, that is, except our lucky winner from last month Jamie Wilson with the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan. She already got her [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » The Best of 2010 on Agwired
[...] to page views, the most popular stories of the year on Agwired were: Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner New John Deere Gator XUV iPad Review part one and Part Two Chip Foose 4020 Unveiled Record Phone [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » The Best of 2010 on Agwired
[...] Gator XUV iPad Review part one and Part Two Chip Foose 4020 Unveiled Record Phone Calls on iPhone Missourians for Animal Care Launch William Shatner at Alltech FEI Games New Holland Unveils T8 & T9 [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » The Best of 2010 on Agwired
[...] to page views, the most popular stories of the year on Agwired were: Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner New John Deere Gator XUV iPad Review part one and Part Two Chip Foose 4020 Unveiled Record Phone Calls on iPhone Missourians [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » The Best of 2010 on Agwired
[...] According to page views, the most popular stories of the year on Agwired were: Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner New John Deere Gator XUV iPad Review part one and Part Two Chip Foose 4020 Unveiled Record Phone Calls on iPhone Missourians for Animal Care Launch William Shatner at Alltech FEI Games New Holland Unveils T8 & T9 Tractors [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » The Best of 2010 on Agwired
[...] popular ZimmCasts of the year were BASF and One Hungry Planet and Exposing HSUS with David [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » The Best of 2010 on Agwired
[...] Part Two Chip Foose 4020 Unveiled Record Phone Calls on iPhone Missourians for Animal Care Launch William Shatner at Alltech FEI Games New Holland Unveils T8 & T9 [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Ayrmesh Now Powering ZimmComm Internet
[...] have a working Ayrmesh hub now working at ZimmComm World Headquarters. As I posted recently this is a product that’s affectionately called “free range internet.” Made by [...]
Suka Madek
I think the key word for the new congress will be repeal, meaning everything is fair game. There is no way that ethanol and biodiesel government schemes are not on the chopping block.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Reviewing ZimmComm Activity in 2010
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 01.06.2011 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Trade Show Floor Open at AG CONNECT Expo
[...] I’ll have that posted on the top of AgWired this afternoon or you can find it on our AgWired Live TV [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » AEM Executive Pleased With AG CONNECT
[...] Vice President of Agricultural Services Charlie O’Brien about AG CONNECT Expo since it was first announced at Ag Media Summit in July [...]
Larry
Let’s hope we have better spokespeople for agriculture and ethanol than Kenny. How about a little education and training.
Lauren
Neil you rock! So excited for you!
Sarah
Thanks for posting this! Glad to hear such grounded, common-sense feedback from Mike Rowe.
Mike Rowe Speaks at AFBF Annual Meeting « The Pulse- of Colorado Farm Bureau
[...] If you would like to listed to the audio of the press conference Mike gave with ag reporters before his address, go here. [...]
Sec. Vilsack Adresses AFBF Members « The Pulse- of Colorado Farm Bureau
[...] You can listen to the address here. [...]
Mary Ellen Fricke
I second Sarah. Thanks for posting this!
Lyndit
I recently found the Seattle Farm Co-op and was super impressed on how active their community is on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=50710252506
Being lucky enough to live in a rural area I have great resources yet in Seattle the co-op has reached out through social media to be a resource for urban farming.
Alan
Funny that he’s all for land rights and letting farmers plant what they want where they want after he put out a report saying RR alfalfa should be banned on about 20% of the acreage to protect neighbors from “contamination” by trace amounts of perfectly safe hay! And he asked activists to say what else farmers should do to compensate them. If he said what he was really up to he would have been booed off ths stage.
Amanda
Just checked out the twitter accounts of those named – they do a good job of having conversations, but it seems to be with just other people in the ag industry and not “non farmers” as they call them.
Good luck to all on extending your social media programs
Terry Ward
Way to GO Big Ag’!!!
And you folks moan about the HSUS ‘wackos’ ‘poisoning’ the minds of young people?
How ’bout taking a video of some dufus biting off a lamb’s testicles and playing it for a classroom of average american 5th graders ?
That should go go REALLY well.
There is NOTHING Wayne could do or say to top this one..
Melissa
Dan, I’m not sure why circular is better than square, but I do know they have sprinklers that can get to those corner edges now. Maybe best to consult with a crop extension specialist in your area? Thanks for the comment!
Tweaking Animal Rights Activists Is a Dirty Job | One AG Voice
[...] Rowe is well-versed on (and, of course, has hands-on experience with) animal welfare issues, and he has become something of a champion to farmers whose way of life is routinely threatened by HSUS and other animal rights groups. [...]
Janice
I’m not sure about this whole “taking a day off” thing. Good luck with the move. LOL
David
Where can I find loadout for my iphone
Chuck
I would contact them directly David: http://www.loadouttechnologies.com/
Emily
@Amanda,
Indeed many of us talk to farmers, but we talk to many non farmers as well. Cindy forgot to mention my personal Twitter handle that is @ezweber. I talk with many moms, foodies and others of interest to me. I would say more than 75% of those I follow are non-farmers. If Cindy would have stayed and not run off to see Mike Rowe (don’t see why he was more exciting than me,j/k) I actually discuss this. I learn a lot from farmers and nonfarmers a like.
Janice
Thanks Amanda for the point of thought. I agree that we need to continue to work on is making connections with people who aren’t on the farm. That takes real time and effort. And to me, it takes people really helping others understand how to build those bridges. Not many farmers live in my Midtown Memphis neighborhood (esp since Alan returned to the farm).
At the same time, the analysis of SM is not easily tackled in a quick one off. First, considering a tiny point in time isn’t representative of any efforts on SM. It’s about relationships. Second, I’d also suggest that my social media connections go WAY beyond Twitter with Facebook, blogs, etc.
If you look more broadly at the efforts of some of the people mentioned, you will see positive influences and seeing how far we’ve come — I think Mace & Dan would clarify their SM efforts are largely directed to their organization’s farmer members too.
Personally, I can say I’m proud of agvocacy efforts on SM in the last couple of years and even hours. I think growth is tough and lots of us in agriculture are growing in ways we never expected. We are making a difference and things will continue to grow, of that I am sure of!
Mike Haley
Amanda,
I do talk to other farmers a lot using social media. They are my friends and I enjoy hearing updates about their farm’s. I have learned a lot about farms across the US and have even made some improvements to my farm after hearing some creative ideas by other farmers via twitter and Facebook.
Dont discount the fact that we talk to other farmers a lot though, we do talk to others outside of agriculture a lot. Just this morning I enjoyed a conversation with a young lady from New York City. I also get at least one email or direct message a week from somebody that found me from social media and has a specific question about agriculture that they want to learn more about.
Chuck
Great comments folks and much appreciated. As much as I believe in what we can accomplish with social media it is still difficult to measure the effect or impact or ROI or whatever you want to call it. There are lots of statistics but in the end advocates or agvocates all want to make an impact. In our case, we want non-farmers to better understand where their food comes from and to know that the food they eat is safe and nutritious.
As was stated above, I get lots of messages and interactions with people who are not in the farming business. They come at me from many sources – Twitter, Facebook, Blog, Podcast, YouTube, Flickr, etc. So I’m confident that I’m having an impact and hopefully showing information that they may not see otherwise.
I have a lot of followers on Twitter who are not in ag and who never interact with me but hopefully they see at least some of my tweets and that may tweak their curiosity and help inform them.
Breaking the Cycle «
[...] AgWired, a recent post about social media engagement had interesting feedback about whether or not farmers and ranchers [...]
Pam Stevens
Thank you Mike for showing some farmers just trying to feed America and the world. You are right that people who like to “chew and swallow” could be our best advocates, but first farmers need to show where that food comes from and how it is raised instead of the pieces some of the animal rights activists choose to show people. I raise beef cattle outside of Amarillo and I know we take as good of care of our animals as possible because they are our lives and livelihood. (at our place, if someone mistreats an animal, they get fired) The public is too distant from the food source these days.
Thank you for your show and your work.
Dan Toland
@Amanda – Thanks for your comment, and I appreciate you taking the time to check things out and spark a conversation.
Janice is correct in assuming that the efforts of myself and Mace are more directed through our organizations. My personal Twitter account is mostly used for my personal interactions with folks I know (and those of whom I’ve met through Twitter interaction both personally and professionally), to share social media links I find interesting and to bemoan the travesty that is known as my Cleveland Browns.
If you take a look at my professional Twitter account: @OhioFarmBureau, you will see much more in the way of interaction not only with ag folks, but sharing ag-related links, facts and information, as well as interacting with the non-farming public. The OhioFarmBureau account is also used keep track of our members, provide them service and help promote what they do. I also use it to connect nonfarmers to our farming members. I also use the account a lot to help our farming members get more involved in social media and to bring them the latest news and information.
It’s also hard to get a snapshot of one’s overall Twitter presence from a recent sample of ones tweets. I would guess that you looked at our accounts at a time when we were all together at one massive meeting and celebration of Farm Bureau’s grassroots nature. Because we were at a multi-day meeting where we were all sharing so many experiences in-person and together, it was bound to lead to a ton of tweets mentioning each other.
Overall, if you take a look at the accounts of these folks over time (and my business account), you’ll get a better picture of what we’re talking about when it comes to reaching beyond the ag community.
I also agree that ones total social media presence cannot be judged by just a brief look at a Twitter account. There’s so much more out there (blogs, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Quora, Foursquare, etc.).
And there are a ton of people who consume information without acting on it. My guess is the amount of people who have read this conversation, but haven’t said anything is overwhelmingly higher than those who are participating. And remember, there’s nothing wrong with preaching to the choir once in a while either…especially when it gets them singing the same tune!
Sorry for the long reply – my mind never shuts off!
Ray
Amanda,
I have to agree with everything that has been said. Social Media use in Agriculture is in it’s infancy and is growing by leaps and bounds. If each farmer reaches out to just a few outside farming amazing things will happen. I have spent quite a bit of time thinking of more than one way to reach out and not just through social media.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farmers Engaging Farmers and Non-Farmers
[...] reason for this post is the excellent response in comments to a recent story post Cindy did about Farm Bureau members engaging in social media. I really appreciate one AgWired reader who posted a comment with her observation after looking at [...]
Dan Mandle
I’ve long held the belief–and concern, given our line of work–that of all of new media outlets, Twitter has the most risk of serving as an echo chamber.
On a side note, why does your blog not publish submitted comments? Seeing the breadth of commanders with whom AgWired engages would likely help allay the concern of those who feel as though farmers only talk to farmers. (That belief is wrong, BTW, especially when we look at agvocates such as those within the AgChat Foundation.)
Chuck
Hi Dan:
Where did you get the idea I don’t publish submitted comments? There are thousands published on AgWired, including yours.
I’m also curious what you mean by the term, “commanders.” Could you explain?
TheTechChef
I agree that social media is an important tool for agvocacy today. Maybe you should think about adding Add This to your blog so that it can be shared on Fb, Tiwtter, Digg, StumbleUpon and other social media outlets.
Chuck
That’s a good idea TechChef! We’re about to do a theme change/upgrade on AgWired and I’m betting we’ll see something like that.
GoHumane
The issues of gestation crates and battery cages are completely unaddressed in this ridiculous video. Extreme confinement is what HSUS and the meat buying public want to end. Stop blaming Pacelle when your consumer has the same concerns. Stop ignoring the people that are buying your product. No other industry does that. It’s pure arrogance. Since you don’t like the word “factory farm”…how about “CAFO” did animal advocates invent that term too? And how come the same people that are pro horse slaughter are also pushing breeding of horses? hmmm $$$$$
realitycheck
I buy beef and I don’t feel ignored such as ‘gohumane’implies. Good video with a reality check on HSUS. Cattlemen and those that raise livestock know how to treat the cattle best. Unhappy livestock do not gain weight and do not produce. It is in the best interest of the rancher to treat them well. As for horse slaughter HSUS knew there would be problems with unwanted horses. They didn’t care that horses would starve and be in worse shape than before. they just wanted to blame people for ‘overbreeding’ rather than face the fact that some horses who are lame, old or downright dangerous should be humanely put down and the meat put to good use. They prefer the suffering so they can raise $$ on it and blame the good people who truly do care about animals. Shame on you HSUS.
GingerC
GoHumane (afraid to use your real name??) the ‘consumer’ wants affordable, safe product. That is their number one concern. To the extent some express the desire for “humane” grown food it is generally after being duped by the likes of H$U$ and the state run media whose primary goal is to end animal agriculture. There is no huge rush to buy “humane” raised (and much more expensive) food.
Reality Rules
Before you get up on your high horse… errr… broccoli stalk, “GoHumane”, how many pigs or chickens have you raised and cared for firsthand? Sows are dangerous. Just ask the organic farmer in Virginia whose “free range” sow crushed and broke both her arms when she went in to remove a dead piglet. The sow mistook her caring owner as a threat to her living babies. The organic farmer was in the hospital for months and to my knowledge, has never completely recovered. Chickens. Uggh. Unconfined chickens will drop eggs wherever they please. They don’t mind defecating on or eating them either. They will eat (cannibalize) each other too. Scientific research indicates that laying hens are less stressed when properly and humanely confined.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Western Farm Show Gearing Up
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 01.17.2011 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
KatieF
I have “cage-free” chickens and I often wish they were caged! Caging a large quantity of birds is the most humane thing to do. When cage-free, they are very susceptible to predator attacks (I had a fox break into my hen house and kill birds). That definitely would not have been an issue with cages. Chickens are animals, and pick on the weakest in the group until they die. In cages, there are fewer birds, and a “pecking order” is easily established. What
CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) is an acceptable term that has a definition. CAFO’s are required to have a nutrient management plan, which means they have extensive paperwork and limits on manure spreading. They are managing their resources responsibly!
Lynnes Honey
To GoHumane,
Why should gestation crate and/or battery crate issues be brought up in this video about cattle farming? I understand why the horse issue was brought up, since many western cattle farmers use horses in their work with cattle. Perhaps you were unaware of that little fact.
There is a very big disconnect from the largely urban population of this country and the people who raise the food they eat. So large that if you ask many lifelong urban dwellers, they really have no idea where their food comes from other than the store.
The fact is that the producers (farmers) do their best to keep their animals healthy and happy while they have them and it pays. If the producer was to mistreat his animals as HSUS often alleges, production goes down and money is lost. Everything HSUS does and proposes goes against this and makes it more difficult and expensive to raise food as it should be done. They go against the current proven science with false science of their own making. They present their case in emotional language using their own “facts” mostly falsehoods, to win the population over to their side.One can pretty mush assume that if he opens his mouth, Pacelle, like many politicians, is lying.
I thought the animation was pretty well done, and pretty much covered the topic well. Keep in mind that 97% of the cattle farms in this country are family owned farms, and, as stated in the animation, have been in th efamily for generations. If these guys do not know how to raise animals well, no one does.
GoHumane
Sounds like you all are going to continue ignoring the meat buying public. I just received an email from a friend who will be eating fish only from now on–that decision was made without the help of Wayne Pacelle. Good going guys! (Pigs cannibilizing each other? I guess Temple Grandin didn’t get that memo as she would like to see the end of gestation crates.)
GoHumane
….and what legislation is in the works that affects cattle farmers? None.
Laura Johnson
GoHumane’s comments indicate that he/she has no clue about animal husbandry and the real care that farmers and cattlemen and poultry producers provide to their animals on a daily basis. With livestock, you must work with them on a daily basis, providing appropriate nutrition and shelter and vetting as needed. When animals are abused, they lose weight, they are stressed, and the quality of the meat is reduced. So, if an animal producer is going to be successful, it is absolutely necessary that they treat the animals humanely and provide them with what they need. Since most modern animal producers have received excellent educations in ag colleges and are provided with the latest in scientifically determined care, it should be apparent that they are working towards providing the best for their animals. Animal producers are hard workers and are the individuals most knowledgeable about appropriate and humane care.
Certainly, Wayne Pacelle and the HSUS team are NOT interested in appropriate animal care but rather they are interested in ENDING all animal use! Read their statements…the reality is they don’t give a darn about humane care…they want us all to be VEGANS. UGH…No way Jose!
Chuck
GoHumane pretty much indicates that it (since we have no idea who this is) really doesn’t know anything related to what they made comments on. No legislation in the works that affect cattle farmers? Really? There’s too much to even try to list it here. You can certainly find some if you look to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association http://www.beefusa.org/goveFarmPolicy2.aspx
Annarose Hart
We need 1 voice in order to be taken seriously in the world we live in. Mainly we need to take away the Women in Agriculture groups because if we want to be a modern industry, we must stop segregating ourselves.
The Finance Cooler | Blog | China to Purchase $1.8 Billion in Soybeans From US - Bloomberg
[...] soyReutersDeals to boost Illinois soybean sales to ChinaChicago Breaking Business – TribuneBig US-Chinese Soybean Deal SignedAgWiredBusinessWeek -Agriculture Online -Yahoo! Newsall 33 news [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Smartphone Farming
[...] You know they’ve become part of farm life when you see educational sessions about them at a farm show. You also know that there are a lot choices. This is one gadget I get [...]
Ray
Chuck I would add the HTC EVO in if you have good Sprint coverage.
Chuck
I think that’s appropriate. As I mentioned in the post, Sprint burned the bridge with me. Worst experience I’ve ever had with any company. I still get these weird monthly mailings saying they owe me 44 cents! I gave up calling and asking them to stop. I haven’t had that account in years.
However, I know they are an option and the EVO would be on my list. Thanks for mentioning.
AgWired » Blog Archives » International Poultry Expo Guide App
[...] Poultry Expo makes it easy to navigate with their iPhone/iPad app. The show started this last year. It’s on my iPhone and iPad and I’ll be using it there next week! The IPE Guide App [...]
Todd C
How cool is that, having the whole Atlanta International Poultry Expo mapped out and in your hand for easy reference. A time saver, too.
I’m wondering if the realtime updates can be picked up via my iPad’s WiFi, or if it’s just by 3G.
When Verizon comes through with the iPhone, then there’s no worry at this end.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Get Up To Date With Padilla Speer Beardsley
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 01.24.2011 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Kristie Bell
Melissa, I just wanted to say that I always really enjoy your posts. I love your mix of whimsy and nostalgia, packaged with perfect little stories. Thanks for sharing with all of us!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Telling Your Story To Consumers
[...] at the International Poulty/Feed Expo is Scott Fleetwood, pictured (right) next to Charlie Arnot, Center For Food Integrity. Scott says that Novus has supported CFI’s efforts since the beginning. I asked him about [...]
AgWired: NCBA Sets Policy Priorities for Convention « Beef Industry News
[...] Read More at AgWired.com. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Preview of International Poultry/Feed Expo | Chicken Feeds Suppliers
[...] reading here: AgWired » Blog Archives » Preview of International Poultry/Feed Expo This entry was posted in Poultry and tagged board-meeting, coming-together, convention, [...]
Ken M
I just switced to an iphone4 from ip3 and really like it! The comments about the carrier are correct and very important when buying an phone. On another note, thanks for your recomendation to use the DTN app Chuck it is very good, fast and informative. I use it every day now. Ken
Tweets that mention AgWired » Blog Archives » State of the Union Talks Trade and Biofuels -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AgWired Team and Jordan Kucik, Spenser Villwock. Spenser Villwock said: State of the Union Talks Trade and Biofuels – AgWired http://ow.ly/1b2Rum [...]
4TimesAYear
“’I looked at this issue differently, until 9/11,’ Santorum said”
Why look at it any differently now? What country are we at war with that prevents us from trading as usual????
Biodiesel Now News—01/27/11 - Blog - Site Root - BioDieselNow
[...] State of the Union Talks Trade and Biofuels [...]
Ken
It’s good to see we have another news app, I’m sure it will be a good one.
Ken
Great news for not only alfalfa producers but all of us who grow biotec crops! This is also good news for consumers who depend on farmers to grow enough to feed and fuel a hungry world.
Nathan
Works on iPhone!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Big Turnout For International Poultry … | Chicken Feeds Suppliers
[...] more: AgWired » Blog Archives » Big Turnout For International Poultry … This entry was posted in Poultry and tagged annual, association, exhibit, industry, [...]
ZimmComm – New Media, LLC
[...] Besides the snow and ice, the highlights of the meetings included being part of a really great show for AG CONNECT with lots of content that we are still using on all of our on-line publications – and meeting Mike “Dirty Jobs” Rowe. He is really a great advocate for agriculture. [...]
John
Interesting that you’d feature a group that is so closely tied with the Humane Society of the United States, a lobbying organization bent on eliminating all animal agriculture. Certified Humane proudly proclaims that affiliation on their website. Unfortunately, exposure for groups like this do more damage to agriculture and further drives a wedge between farmers who may chose to use different management styles.
How many farmers in the program realize the group’s affiliation with HSUS?
Chuck
Thanks for the comment John.
In my conversation with Adele after our interview she told me that although HSUS says they support her organization the exact opposite is true. I’m guessing she’ll be taking that affiliation off her website shortly. She claims that HSUS is working very hard to put her out of business.
I did the interview mainly because I thought it would be interesting to hear why they’re doing what they are doing. I don’t think that exposure on my website “damages” agriculture. I made my thoughts known and encourage comments like yours.
I don’t know the answer to your question. Judging from many of the names of the farms signed on I’m guessing they wouldn’t care but that’s a personal judgment.
Advanced BioFuels USA » State of the Union Talks Trade and Biofuels
[...] [...]
Diane
You are missed here, Chuck and Cindy!!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Karl Rove at Cattle Industry Meeting
[...] to have a man with a ponytail coming in as your president,” said Karl Rove, referring to Montana cattleman Bill Donald, NCBA [...]
Tweets that mention AgWired » Blog Archives » NCBA President-Elect Stresses Working Together -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cindy Zimmerman, AgWired Team. AgWired Team said: NCBA President-Elect Stresses Working Together: The pony-tailed president-elect of the National Cattlemen’s Beef… http://bit.ly/hQCfDO [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » NCBA Stewardship Awards Celebrate 20 Years
[...] we did a post about the Couser Cattle Company last year when they hosted a tour of the operation as part of the TATT Global Farmer to Farmer [...]
Tweets that mention AgWired » Blog Archives » Zimfo Bytes -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AgWired Team, Jordan Kucik. Jordan Kucik said: Zimfo Bytes http://bit.ly/dJNnkF [...]
Tweets that mention AgWired » Blog Archives » NCBA Outlines Long Range Plan -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jordan Kucik, NE-MW Institute. NE-MW Institute said: Cattlemen’s Beef Assoc. new mission statement includes providing beef "in an environmentally . . . sustainable manner” http://bit.ly/hkoaD9 [...]
Tweets that mention AgWired » Blog Archives » CattleFax Outlook at Cattle Industry Convention -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AgWired Team, Jordan Kucik. Jordan Kucik said: CattleFax Outlook at Cattle Industry Convention http://bit.ly/i2lKCW [...]
Tweets that mention AgWired » Blog Archives » NCBA CEO Says Industry is Optimistic -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jordan Kucik, mark grip. mark grip said: NCBA CEO Says Industry is Optimistic: National Cattlemen's Beef Association CEO Forrest Roberts is thrilled at t… http://bit.ly/hHn6hh [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » NCBA PAC Auction Raises $50,000
[...] During his address just prior to the auction, the former White House advisor mentioned the importance of the political action committee for a policy organization like NCBA that is working daily for the interests of cattle producers in the nation’s capitol. “You want to have a role, you want to have a voice, you want to have an influence in making our country what you want it to be,” Rove said. “The first thing you ought to do is you ought to write a check to the PAC.” [...]
Tweets that mention AgWired » Blog Archives » NCBA Live Cattle Marketing Issues -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AgWired Team, Jenny. Jenny said: NCBA Live Cattle Marketing Issues: … Livestock bankruptcy case were the top issues on the agenda for the… http://tinyurl.com/4e873r9 [...]
NCBA Live Cattle Marketing Issues | How to Business
[...] NCBA Live Cattle Marketing Issues [...]
NCBA Live Cattle Marketing Issues – gpkendall.com
[...] NCBA Live Cattle Marketing Issues [...]
Mike Deering
A big thanks for your sponsorship!!!!!
Cyndi Young
What a great sponsorship Chuck and Cindy and Ron is the PERFECT recipient of the first Excellence in Ag Journalism award!!
Tweets that mention AgWired » Blog Archives » NCBA PAC Auction Raises $50,000 -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cindy Zimmerman, Jordan Kucik. Jordan Kucik said: NCBA PAC Auction Raises $50,000 http://bit.ly/gC1Qgf [...]
Tweets that mention AgWired » Blog Archives » State Beef Council Federation Charter Adopted -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cindy Zimmerman, Jordan Kucik. Jordan Kucik said: State Beef Council Federation Charter Adopted http://bit.ly/gRRSKx [...]
Tweets that mention AgWired » Blog Archives » First Ever NCBA Communications Awards -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Laura Nelson, Jennifer Ryan. Jennifer Ryan said: Congrats to Eric Grant from @AngusAssoc for his NCBA Communications Award http://bit.ly/f7021F #NCBA11 @AgriBlogger [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » New NCBA Officers Excited About Cattle Industry Future
[...] industry unanimously voted to approve the new Beef Industry Long Range Plan with a vision statement of “An industry united around a common goal of being the world’s most [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » New NCBA Officers Excited About Cattle Industry Future
[...] and beef producer from Wyoming was elected as the new vice president for NCBA, switching over from leadership within the Federation of State Beef Councils where he just finished a year as chairman. He is optimistic that a unified beef cattle industry can [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » NCBA Committees Address Tax and Environmental Issues
[...] NRCS chief was also at the convention Thursday night to honor the winners of the 20th annual national Environmental Stewardship Awards (ESA) program which recognizes that [...]
Tweets that mention AgWired » Blog Archives » NCBA Committees Address Tax and Environmental Issues -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sustainable Living, Sheryl Barnes. Sheryl Barnes said: NCBA Committees Address Tax and Environmental Issues: Cliff Polk, estate planning specialist and founder and pre… http://bit.ly/fL1VjW [...]
Tweets that mention AgWired » Blog Archives » New NCBA Officers Excited About Cattle Industry Future -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AgWired Team, mark grip. mark grip said: New NCBA Officers Excited About Cattle Industry Future: The 2011 Cattle Industry Convention and wrapped up on Sa… http://bit.ly/edJvYm [...]
AgWired: New NCBA Officers Excited About Cattle Industry Future « Beef Industry News
[...] slate of officers and a new vision for the future. The industry unanimously voted to approve the new Beef Industry Long Range Plan with a vision statement of “An industry united around a common goal of being the world’s most [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Blades Promoted at Successful Farming
[...] this under “Former intern does even [...]
Tweets that mention AgWired » Blog Archives » March 15 is National Ag Day -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Modern Agriculture , Jordan Kucik. Jordan Kucik said: March 15 is National Ag Day http://bit.ly/h2fqqH [...]
Arizona Farm Bureau Announces Food Check Out Week | Fill Your Plate Blog
[...] “American Farm Bureau Sets Policy” and related posts (agwired.com) [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Beltway Beef Improving Cattle Communications
[...] is also a darn good amateur auctioneer, as we found out at the convention when he worked the mic for the NCBA PAC auction during the second [...]
Tweets that mention AgWired » Blog Archives » Beltway Beef Improving Cattle Communications -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AgWired, AgWired Team and Led Lanterns, mvanbaale. mvanbaale said: RT @AgriBlogger: Learn about the NCBA social media guru in this week's ZimmCast: http://bit.ly/fwYxbl @BeltwayBeef [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Novozymes Completes Acquisition of EMD/Merck Crop BioScience
[...] official. Novozymes now owns EMD/Merck Crop BioScience. The acquisition was announced last December and completed this [...]
InvestAg Savills Report Released Prior to World Agriculture Investment … – AgWired by Mortgage With Poor Credit Score
[...] InvestAg Savills Report Released Prior to World Agriculture Investment …AgWiredInvestAg Savill's ?International Farmland Market Bulletin 2011? provides an interesting overview of international values and farmland as an asset class … [...]
James W. Chase
I agree DHA is very important for the brain and four your vision. But do not forget EPA for the rest of the body.
World Dairy Diary » Blog Archives » Milking Parlor: Dairy Man Becomes VP of NCBA
[...] his thoughts on the new structure for the federation he just left, as well as the NCBA’s new Beef Industry Long Range Plan that includes the vision statement of “An industry united around a common goal of being the [...]
Tweets that mention AgWired » Blog Archives » USDA Deregulates Corn Amylase -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AgWired Team, Ayesha . Ayesha said: "USDA Deregulates Corn Amylase" and related posts – AgWiredSyngenta Seeds announced today it has received full dereg… http://ow.ly/1biClD [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Being A Social Media Marketing Ag Leader
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 02.15.2011 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Maura Rosenfeld
Great piece!
Tweets that mention Feb is #HeartDisease Awareness Month. #AHA Heart-Check Logo on #Beef may help people make healthier decisions: -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by mvanbaale, LA Farm Bureau. LA Farm Bureau said: Feb is #HeartDisease Awareness Month. #AHA Heart-Check Logo on #Beef may help people make healthier decisions: http://bit.ly/gu7qFP [...]
Tweets that mention iPhone and Android Lead Smartphone Pack: When it comes to smartphone platforms our audience is using a mix with ... -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AgWired and AgWired Team, Brian Meunier. Brian Meunier said: iPhone and Android Lead Smartphone Pack http://bit.ly/eXaMZ2 [...]
Tweets that mention National Farm Machinery Show Underway via #NFMS11 -- Topsy.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by DOTIV B2BMarketplace and AKGEE Protections, Deere MachineFinder. Deere MachineFinder said: National Farm Machinery Show Underway http://t.co/7qgHifB via @agwired #NFMS11 [...]
HA Heart-Check Logo on Beef | Heart Center Of Nevada
[...] [...]
ZimmComm – New Media, LLC
[...] According to the survey, the largest percentage of our 14,000 visitors each month are in Advertising/Marketing/Sales or Communications/Public Relations – making up 20% in each category for a total of 4 out of 10 of our readers. Another 13% are with agribusiness associations or organizations and 7% are media. Over 20% are in crop or livestock production – including crop and livestock producers, dairy farmers, crop consultants, etc. There were some categories that applied to production agriculture but several also checked the “other” category. [...]
Sarah
Cindy,
This is great news!! Congrats.
Sarah
Feeding America
http://feedingamerica.org/
AgWired » Blog Archives » Novus Cheerleader
[...] Gasperoni who is also in charge of marketing and sales. In the photo he’s visiting with Dick Butkus at the recent International Poultry Expo. I thought I’d save the best for [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Touring New Holland
[...] The tour includes the new PowerStar tractors, hay and forage equipment, precision ag products as well as the new line of skid steer loaders. [...]
Rich Vlach
Looks like a winner to me. Being a product manager I can see an area to address which is storage of the implements that attach to the tractor. They can take up more space than the tractor itself. I really don’t have any thoughts other than custom shelving or overhead suspension.
Bill Lee
Gentlemen: Looks OK but with Horicon having the 700 series whats the
bleed-off of sales lost? Seems as Augusta and Horicon aren’t communicating!!!! Your new tractor has small diameter tires which with your background you should know even home owners don’t appreciate.
It appears the space is very limited between front and rear tires to get the mower in so tires will stay small. If your auto mower attaching system works you are to be commended. That was one we wanted for Horicon for years but did not find one that was foolproof for the consumer.
Good luck but for me I would much rather have the 700 series if I needed a tractor of that size.
Kindest regards Bill Lee ex. division marketing manager at Horicon
AgWired » Blog Archives » NAMA Announces Leadership Award Winners
[...] and honors outstanding accomplishments in the field of agri-marketing. You can listen to my ZimmCast with Roger here. 0 Posted by Chuck • February 23, 2011 • 11:39 amCategories: [...]
Ethanol Sunset in Arizona | ArizonaNewsPress.com | Arizona Breaking News Headlines | News Directory
[...] Ethanol Sunset in Arizona [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » McCormick Company Is Fully Integrated
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 02.24.2011 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired and Raven Industries iPod Touch Winner | 1pod Touch
[...] AgWired and Raven Industries iPod Touch Winner [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » ARC Meeting Highlights
[...] president Deron Johnson of Rhea and Kaiser. Mace and Deron are both pictured here during the Golden ARC award ceremony. That award program is also experiencing new interest after being revived last [...]
Janice
Great job catching the spirit & all around awesomeness that was the ARC annual meeting. Great seeing Cindy there!
ZimmComm – New Media, LLC
[...] enjoyed attending the ARC meeting – you can get a taste for the highlights here. Categories: Company [...]
ZimmComm – New Media, LLC
[...] City. But, three canceled flights later, we did arrive and only missed the first day. We saw former Senior White House Advisor Karl Rove give the keynote address during the second general session and Larry the Cable Guy at the Cowboy [...]
Daren Williams
Sorry I missed the ARC meeting this year. It’s great to see ARC’s resurgence. I attended every ARC meeting from 1988 to 1997 while working for Paul Weller at Agri/Washington and learned much of what I know about communications from professionals like Gary Myers, Tom Waldinger, Ron Phillips, Deb DeGraff, Marsha Mauzey, and others who were active at the time. ARC was and onece again is THE professional association for public relations in agriculture.
Sue from Wimberley, TX
If the Ag world can do this to conserve water and continue to develop for the future, why then can’t communities in Hays County and its surrounds see the benefit in reining in the waste of urban speculators??!!
Mroberts
It is interesting to see how far machinery has come since even 20 years ago. John Deere is becoming the Cadillac of agricultural and farming machinery.
Jill Mahoney
Nice! I can’t wait to get mine!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Measuring the Unmeasurable
[...] the Agricultural Relations Council annual meeting in Ft. Myers last week, we had a presentation from The Center for Public Issues Education – or simply the [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Measuring the Unmeasurable
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 03.01.2011 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Deron Johnson
Great coverage (as always), Cindy. This year’s meeting was a home-run on all fronts, thanks in large part to our newest board member, Rebecca Colnar, who planned speakers and content. It’s great to see ARC regain its stride!
AgWired » Blog Archives » BIVI Discusses Top Trends in Swine Industry
[...] a few days ago, Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) hosted its 2011 Swine Health Seminar in Phoenix. Before the first session began, I had a chance to speak with Tyler Holck, Director of Swine [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » BRIC – Emerging Markets for Pork
[...] Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) decided to mix it up a bit this year during their 2011 Swine Health Seminar held in Phoenix, Arizona this past week and one of the focal points was emerging markets for pork producers. The BI team brought Nick Giordano, Vice President and Council, International Affairs for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) to give the nearly 300 attendees an update on where the next big markets for pork will be. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Yellow Bird Indian Dancers Light Up BIVI’s After Party
[...] a great day of learning about key issues in the swine industry during the 2011 Swine Health Seminar sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Emerging Mycoplasma Diagnostics
[...] section leader for molecular and viral diagnostics at Iowa State University, to speak during their 2011 Swine Health Seminar. One of Strait’s area of expertise is mycoplasmas and she has been conducting extensive [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » What To Do If Your Pig Has the Flu
[...] Did you know that just like humans, pigs can get the flu too? To learn more about how to treat and prevent the flu in pigs, I spoke with Tom Gillespie, DVM, with Rensselaer Swine Services. Gillespie, a veterinarian who lives in northwest Indiana, participated in the Emerging PRDC Control Opportunities Panel as part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s 2011 Swine Health Seminar. [...]
H1N1 Virus : What To Do If Your Pig Has the Flu – AgWired
[...] AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Media Partnering With AgHaven
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 03.09.2011 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Emerging PRDC Control Opportunities
[...] very engaging session during the 2011 Swine Health Seminar hosted by Boehringer Ingelheim was the practitioner panel focusing on Emerging PRDC Control [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » BIVI Offers A Triple Threat for Pig Disease Control
[...] learned a lot during Boehringer Ingelheim’s (BIVI) 2011 Swine Health Seminar, but maybe my biggest take away was that there are three diseases that seem to be a problem for the [...]
Elizabeth
You don’t consider email to be part of the “social network”? It seems to me it is still a major transmitter of information, news and simply socializing.
Emerging PRDC Control Opportunities | SwineWeb.com - Latest Swine, Pork News and Information
[...] very engaging session during the 2011 Swine Health Seminar hosted by Boehringer Ingelheim was the practitioner panel focusing on Emerging PRDC Control [...]
Chuck
Hi Elizabeth and thanks for your comment. First of all, I never even thought of it as an option so I’m glad you posted it here. I wonder what others think. I fully agree with your thought on how important it is.
Although I believe email is still an important part of online networking I don’t think of it as a “network” like Facebook or Twitter. For one thing it is so private in that you can’t search emails on the web. They only become more than just a two way conversation when they’re forwarded or sent to a list of people. Additionally, you can’t generally “join” the email conversation like you can on social networks.
I hope this makes sense. I will use your thought in my summary next week and invite comments there too. If anyone else has one now, please share!
Sincerely,
It’s a Cuisinart | Kitchen Feed
[...] It’s a Cuisinart [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Remembering Derry Brownfield
[...] thought I’d add the last interview I did with Derry in 2009. I think it gives you a good sense of the Derry Brownfield spirit: Interview with [...]
Alan Kennedy
Derry’s son, Jon, and I were great friends in college. I remember Derry talking about how he had written his own obituary entitled “Bury Derry Day” and as of a few years ago he told me it was still sitting in his safe deposit box. I won’t be able to travel from California state to California the town for his funeral, but I’m guessing those attending to honor his life will receive a rare treat.
Tom Brand
I’m shocked to hear this news.
My first job in farm broadcasting came at The Brownfield Network. Derry was an unconventional teacher and expected things to be done the way he did them. I’ll admit it was tough to learn “the Brownfield method” for doing the markets, but after a near nervous breakdown and some great guidance from Dick Marshall, I was able to get Derry’s blessing. The Brownfield style of reporting markets is still the method I use today.
I have many memories of Derry; the best come from time at the cabin. My most notable, though, was when Beth stopped in one afternoon for a visit. She was about 8 months pregnant and Derry, as he introduced Beth as my wife to someone that had stopped by, proclaimed, “he knocked her up good, didn’t he?”
Wouldn’t you like to hear the discussion (or debate) that he and Saint Peter are having right now?
Pam Stauffer
Derry and Verna were regular customers at The Lucky Dog. They would come in for supper and say cook for us Pam, you know what we want. I will miss that…… I am sorry for your loss.
Chuck
Very good thoughts and thank you all.
Julie Kay Smithson, researcher
Derry was a voice of reason that was never out of season. He was a friend, one that also had a beloved dog named Wiggles. Derry appreciated a good horse, good cattle and good friends. Godspeed, Derry!
Rusty Lietz
Its very sad to loose Derry, our listners at kmaq listened intently Friday 3/11.
In my morning broad cast time I have for sometime looked forward to his show .On behalf of KMAQs listners Maquoketa Ia happy trails Derry,,,Rusty
Rick
Happy Trails Derry. You will be missed my friend!
Vincent F.
Derry Brownfield was a gentleman and a hero.
An American patriot by any measure.
His departure left a hole in America, that with my measure, compares to that of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Although via different means, the three men served America well.
Relentless, he served up the truth on a daily basis for year upon year – that was his creed. Fearless and unswerving was his pursuit of protecting America.
I shall miss my friend deeply.
He was to be the Keynote Speaker at http://www.USAprepares.com at the May, 14, 2011 Preparedness EXPO.
He was going to tell all that would listen the truth about American agriculture and the problems that lie ahead for all of us. Very serious problems. And he was going to do that for free.
Because he was Derry Brownfield.
It is with tears in my eyes that I write of this news – it is sad beyond compare.
I wish words could express the depth of our sadness at America’s loss.
Please take a moment to say a prayer for Derry Brownfield, Beth, Kay, and his family. They all need your prayers.
Thank you Derry – we miss you.
Vincent F.
http://www.USAPrepares.com
Terry Hale
Wow, We wil all miss that crusty ole fart. I loved to listen to his common sense views of America, and the world. There will never be anyone like him ever again. Rest in Peace Cowboy. Blessings and strength to his family. One rightous dude, God is proud.
Southeast AgNET » Archive » Legendary Farm Broadcaster Derry Brownfield Dead at 79
[...] enjoy learning more about this very unique individual and seeing and hearing some of his work, thanks to a website post by good friend, associate and hunting buddy Chuck Zimmerman at [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » The Derry Brownfield Show Tribute
[...] Chuck already noted, we’ve known Derry for over 20 years now, having moved from Florida to Missouri to work for [...]
t graham
Such a HUGE loss for us all!
I’ve listened every weekday for 12 years, probably longer, could never start my day without Derry’s intellect, wit and charm,
Now what are we all gonna do, this stinks for all of us still here now that Derry is back home!
GOD Bless Derry’s loved ones, and Beth, et al!
jim
I do not have the history that most of you did with Derry, I listened to his radio
program at 11am eastern each morning for a few years now. I can say that
I rarely disagreed with Derry and looked forward to his visit each morning.
He was missed this morning when I tuned in and found another program in his
time slot. I was concerned because there were repeat programs the past few
days. Happy Trails Derry Brownfield may you have following seas.
Mickey Snyder
May the Good Lord Bless and Keep YOU,Derry Brownfield. You will most certainly be missed by this old Veteran. I also feel very saddened by the great loss of Common Sense. Sincerely; Dale R.[Mickey] Snyder-Retired USCG.
Dennis and Gwen Zelfer
We will miss you! Listening to you on KBHB from Sturgis, SD, was the highlight of our day. Your information and knowledge gave us insight to many things. May the Good Lord Bless and Keep YOU. Happy trails to you, and we will meet again. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Tom Gillespie, DVM, with Rensselaer Swine ServicesWhat To Do If Your Pig Has the Flu | SwineWeb.com - Latest Swine, Pork News and Information
[...] Did you know that just like humans, pigs can get the flu too? To learn more about how to treat and prevent the flu in pigs, I spoke with Tom Gillespie, DVM, with Rensselaer Swine Services. Gillespie, a veterinarian who lives in northwest Indiana, participated in the Emerging PRDC Control Opportunities Panel as part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s 2011 Swine Health Seminar. [...]
Farm radio broadcaster who was removed for exposing Monsanto’s methods has died March 12th, 2011 | The Bovine
[...] Story on AgWired [...]
A Holiday worth the Hype: Happy National Ag Day | Ad Mavericks
[...] [...]
mike h toledo ohio
living in the city i found this man on shortwave and found myself listing at 4 in the morning when i had to get up and go. i have never met this man but loved to listen to a people person . i am grateful to have heard this man and his love for his country . i hope someone keeps his show on the air. i wll always remember how he tried to keep us city folk on line of what is true and right with this country. keep on keepin on . love ya man. mike huffman a true friend . see ya in heaven .
Cindy
Derry’s favorite tongue twister:
Betty Botter bought some butter,
“But,” she said, “this butter’s bitter;
If I put it in my batter,
It will make my batter bitter;
But a bit of better butter,
Better than the bitter butter
Will but make my bitter batter better.”
So she bought a bit of better butter,
Better than the bitter butter,
and made her bitter batter better.
Kelly in western NC
Like Mike H above, I never met Derry and didn’t get to hear him a lot but I liked how he put things into terms a normal, everyday person could wrap his/her mind around. It seems we are losing some of the GREAT ONES in a hurry. My prayers aare for God’s blessings to be with Derry’s family, Beth, and all of his extended family in this time. I have felt the sting of lose of a loved one more than once and I count Derry as one of that number.
God speed to you Derry Brownfield and “Happy Trails’.
Kelly
Jim Hixon
Around 5 years ago I started listening to The Derry Brownfield Show on WCER 900 in Canton, OH. I learned more from him in those 5 years than in my previous 47 years on this planet. Such valuable wisdom, wit & humor he imparted! I wish I could have had a grandfather like him while I was growing up. My heart goes out to the Brownfield family, friends & associates. Derry will always be remembered in our family as a true american hero and will always have a special place in our hearts.
Thank you Derry for having the courage to speak the truth and the faithfullness to acknowlege our Lord Jesus Christ during your broadcasts. Your warm, humorous ways brightened my mornings and you taught me what it means to be a truly great man.
May the Good Lord bless and keep you though for now you’re far away, may the good you wished for others shine on you today, may you be hearing music that will cheer your heart my friend, may the Good Lord bless and keep you until we meet again.
Byron (Ware fmly)
So sorry, sad for his family and friends (audience) that this man of ‘common sense’ has left us for just a little while! I just came across him (show) not long ago and really got to like him for his honesty and integrity. I’m sure w/o a doubt that his trail(s) will be happy from here on out!
My (our) prayers are with his wife and family, what a loss for us, what a gain for Heaven!
I thank Joyce R. (and others)for keeping ‘us’ informed, he will be missed.
God bless
David T.
Derry was great! I loved hearing him talk on shortwave. I will miss hearing a real cattle man talk about common sense topics. God be with you Derry.
Bill christensen
Yet another great voice has been silenced. Maybe GOD needed
someone with “horse-sense”. GOD Bless Derry, his family, and
his staff. I hope they can keep the show going.
Leo Lajs
Hi
Great post, question though,
I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking and need my recording in wav format to convert to text.
What the Hz quality of recodring
How huch space is 1 min recording
And can you convert to wav from itunes?
Using a digtaphone.. time to join the smartphone world, if it ready for us.
Leo
David from Michigan
A long time listener of Derry’s Common Sense Coalition, which we all need to take a good listen too, from the many days he has given us. Just go to http://www.gcnlive.com and listen to his archives for yourself.
Michael
Not surprised at all with the results. FB, Twitter, YouTube and Linkedin rule.. and will continue to in 2011.
AgWired » Blog Archives » TJ Masker Has AgWired App On His iPod
[...] have the app on your iPhone, Touch or iPad (Android version coming soon). TJ also did a great job introducing Ag Day speaker Jonathan Coppess [...]
PathToHoliness
[...] away. It was a shock to say the least. My life has been made better by knowing him. Here’s a link to my work blog post that I did when the call came in. I worked with Derry and traveled a lot of miles with him during [...]
Axel Schultze
Microsoft – Google – Facebook
They have one thing in common:
They do their thing without ever following anybody or anything – but lead. The rest is crumbling by following. LinkedIn is an unfortunate victim of the following cancer.
Followers make leaders not only unstoppable but widens the distance from their followers and turns them into insignificance. Twitter is a great example too – doing just their thing but they are not a leader yet – too much influence from too many people may be their biggest treat.
Axel
http://xeesm.com/AxelS
Tarra Marrz
We have lost a valiant soul who gave so much to help many people and our world. We are forever grateful!
How Facebook widens the distance to LinkedIn
[...] Image source AgWired [...]
Renee Dirr
May our Heavenly Father bless Derry and his family richly, now & forever! I love Derry and I loved his commonsense. I so agree with Sheriff Richard Mack, ” Derry was the most authentic Patriot I ever knew.” Yes, he was so Down-To-Earth! Let’s create a billion more people like him!
My favorite saying of Derry’s was “…a whole bunch and a gob!”. I had never heard anyone say that before. I got so tickled every time I heard Derry say that! I’ll never forget him. My husband & I were devoted listeners for over a decade. Thank you.
I think it’s a good idea to continue the radio show as “The Common Sense Coalition” Definitely have these great guests on: Mary Webster, The Appleseed Project, David Barton of Wallbuilders, Red Beckman, Craig Smith, Richard Mack & Bill Federer. If you do this, please let us know what network it’ll be on: GCN or RBN or? Thanks again,
Renee Dirr
(865) 984-3428
Farm Policy » Blog Archives » Farm Bill; Trade Issues; Climate Developments; and Biofuels
[...] Kirk ‘has made a very excellent case in Geneva on what the U.S. position is,’ Stallman said at a news conference at the group’s annual meeting. Stallman said he was pleased that Kirk has told World Trade Organization and trade officials from [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Precision Laboratories Helping Farmers Mix It Up
[...] has a mobile application that will be very helpful. It’s the Mix Tank App which was just recently announced. In this week’s program we’re going to learn more about it and the [...]
Thom B
Typing on an iPad is no excuse for bad spelling and grammar. It’s not cute or excusable. Go back to your laptop and spellcheck. Just because you can Blog from WordPress on the iPad doesn’t mean you should.
Oh, yes, this was typed on an iPad and includes (‘) apostrophes….
Chuck
Thanks Thom. I fixed those typos as soon as I got back to office (WP custom theme/WP app issue). Sorry you’re so sensitive. Enjoy the rest of your day.
National Ag Week in Review « A Brad Influence
[...] that about sums up my National Ag Day experience. Check out AgWired for further coverage, including interviews with me and some other attendees about why we were [...]
Nick & Loret
We had enjoyed listening to him for at least the last 4 years and only wish we would of been connected earlier so we could of had more prime time with his simplicity and honesty. We will cherish this precious soul that the good Lord blessed us with. To his family I hope and pray your heart is smiling every time his name is even wispered, I can fill the love.
Trandal
Loved Darry as everyone.
Where can I find a book ; listing” The Man who says” ???
Fred
Wow, smacked down by the random Internet Grammar Squad. I liked the review, but of course I read the edited version, who knows what rage might have been induced by the other one.
Shari Holloway
I’m sure you already know this about the 3G service on the iPad as you are the techiest guy I know, but I love my iPad 1, and ended up returning the first one to get one with the 3G service. You don’t have to commit to a contract to use the 3G. Just use it for a month and easily cancel. It’s been handy for me while traveling, but I don’t have to pay for it in the months that I don’t use it. I understand your situation in tethering to your phone, but didn’t want other readers to miss out on the advantages of having the 3G version!
Chuck
Good point Shari. I won’t deny that there have been some moments during travel when I wished I had built in 3G. In fact, if I wasn’t paying the $45/mo. iPhone tethering fee . . . But I need that tethering for my computer too much so it works for me. I think it’s great that Apple offers options along with the carriers.
Thanks for the comment Fred!
AgWired » Blog Archives » FMC Puts Authority XL on Display
[...] from FMC. At the Commodity Classic I spoke with Matt Foster, FMC, about Authority XL which was just recently launched. This is the fourth brand in the Authority portfolio which he says is a nice fit in the “I-70 [...]
Riding Academy » Blog Archive » Syngenta at Commodity Classic
[...] article source [...]
Happy National Teach Ag Day! « Agriculture's Promise | Blog
[...] From Ag Wired: [...]
Greg Vincent
Chuck: thanks for picking up the release. Let me address some of your questions here:
1. The release points out that the information is on the Web. To clarify, as of now it cannot be accessed via mobile devices–iPhone or Android.
2. We do say in the release that it will soon be available on mobile apps. And it will be for the iPhone and Android. “By broadcasting on the Web—and soon through mobile applications—we provide a new and more convenient way to access timely information.”
3. Don’t discount Android devices. Due to lack of coverage via iPhone providers in rural areas, we are seeing clear evidence that Android devices are the preferred choice of the rural audience. The iPhone isn’t far behind, but the broad reach of the several Android providers certainly is evident. (Being an avid iPhone and iPad user, I personally realize how easy it is to forget about the Android platform.)
Hope this helps and feel free to drop me an e-mail or give me a call (contact information is on the release) if you have any more questions.
Thanks again–
Greg
Chuck
Hi Greg:
Actually what I was getting at was the ability to subscribe to the audio reports as in a podcast. If they were put into an RSS feed then I could subscribe and pull them to my device to listen to when/where I want regardless of any mobile or web application. This allows me to be in control as opposed to having to access via going to the website or even opening an app on a mobile device.
I subscribe to all kinds of content that includes audio reports using iTunes for example. Then it just auto syncs to my computer or mobile device.
However, I just think that it’s interesting to see publication editors producing audio/video content while there are “broadcasters” who are now in the magazine business. Makes me wonder when the need for separate professional ag journalist organizations will change!
Greg Vincent
I get it now. No, it’s not a podcast for these two-minute reports. However, you can download them via Real Player and you can format it there for iPhone applications. Not exactly the same thing, I realize, but it’s close.
Podcasts are on the way when we get to longer format programming. Certainly a need, yes.
Chuck
I agree with your comment about podcasting being suited more to longer form programming. I would find it difficult to subscribe to something that’s published every day or multiple times per day. There is some of it being done though.
Looking forward to whatever technology we get next!!
AgWired » Blog Archives » Agricultural Impact of Disaster in Japan
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 03.29.2011 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Japan Disaster May Benefit U.S. Exports
[...] The earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan has repercussions in a variety of industries. Agriculture is no exception. Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How will Japan disaster affect US exports?” 61% said it will increase exports while 23% said decrease and 17% said no impact. So how has this disaster affected agriculture in Japan? You can learn more in this week’s ZimmCast. [...]
World Dairy Diary » Blog Archives » Exports May Benefit From Japan Disaster
[...] The earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan has repercussions in a variety of industries. Agriculture is no exception. Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How will Japan disaster affect US exports?” 61% said it will increase exports while 23% said decrease and 17% said no impact. So how has this disaster affected agriculture in Japan? You can learn more in in this interview with an agricultural journalist in Japan. [...]
Hot Topics in Ag « The Fastline Blog
[...] [...]
mark y
Nestle doesn’t have a problem at all paying 300 dollars to a grocery warehouse to unload a half of a trailer of ice cream! What does this do for the consumers prices?
Keeton
Thanks for the statistics. I know I’ve heard that a lot more are planting corn but hadn’t seen any projected numbers yet.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Happy Biofools Day!
[...] While we are disappointed that we were not chosen by Friends of the Earth (FOE) for this award, as they say in the Academy, it was an honor just to be nominated! [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » I Am Angus Spotlights Temple Grandin
[...] famous in the general population, thanks to the HBO movie starring Claire Danes, but she’s a hero in the cattle industry for her groundbreaking work in animal welfare and reforming livestock handling practices in beef [...]
Janice
It is hard to beleive we’ve been agchatting for two years and the Foundation’s already got a year under its belt! Thanks for all you have done to support it. You may enjoy stopping by my blog as I’ve got a photo of you up from January’s session in Atlanta in a post about the facts of AgChat. Good times!
Today’s Links | $aving$$hare
[...] a block grant, with a lump sum of federal …You put the load right on meThe Economist (blog)Republican Budget Would Cut Farm SpendingAgWiredThe Ryan Plan Is “Fundamentally Immoral”Wall Street PitAmerican Enterprise [...]
Bit Jordan
Right on! You people in Missouri rock! Let’s get the word out to the whole nation. HSUS needs to be stopped. All they care about is being in control.
Mr. Anderson
Chuck U. Schumer is a disgrace and an embarrassment to the people of New York. Perhaps even more embarrassing is how he manages to be re-elected to another term. It seems that, every time a border of common sense and responsibility arrises during a debate, we find him on the wrong side of it. Its almost like he has an unerring and infallible sense of how best to be a scoundrel and a monster. Here’s hoping that my fellow New Yorkers will find some sense and elect someone else, anyone else, to his job. I think a stuffed animal would be less compliant.
Stricter national school lunch guidelines challenge cash-strapped districts « Culture & Features « Peninsula Press
[...] can face significant challenges from stakeholders. The National Potato Council, for instance, is asking others in the agribusiness world to “stand up for potatoes in schools” by lobbying the USDA [...]
William Koysaki
I used to think Sen. Inouye (HI), had a least half a brian, no brain no vote from me next election, common sense is so uncommon!!!
Mark
So, either he never read the darn thing (or understood it) before proceeding to support it being shoved down our throats, or Obama himself had to wait until the bill was passed to see what was in it!!!
B.Nelson
And people keep voting the same morons in every year…unbelievable.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Midterm Grades for Ag Sec. Vilsack Mixed
[...] such as Food Inc.?” The results of this question will be published at the start of the 2011 Agri-Marketing Conference next week and I think the results will be of real interest to agrimarketers attending. If you have [...]
Precision Pays
[...] such as Food Inc.?” The results of this question will be published at the start of the 2011 Agri-Marketing Conference next week and I think the results will be of real interest to agrimarketers attending. If you have [...]
World Dairy Diary » Blog Archives » Here’s How Sec. Vilsack Did On His Mid Term
[...] such as Food Inc.?” The results of this question will be published at the start of the 2011 Agri-Marketing Conference next week and I think the results will be of real interest to agrimarketers attending. If you have [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Visit ZimmComm and Enjoy Some Google Juice
[...] you? Well it is a possibility if you are selected in our drawing next week at the conclusion of the 2011 Agri-Marketing Conference Connection Point. You have to stop by booth #412 and get your entry in but don’t have to be present to win [...]
John Herath
Looking forward to FINALLY getting some ZimmComm App action on my Fascinate.
John Deere Unlocks Augmented Reality | Six Interactive Media
[...] source Posted in Six Interactive News | Leave a comment [...]
THE NASCAR NEWS . INFO » Makeover gives Wallace results on, off track - SportingNews.com
[...] AgWired [...]
Richard Davis
I think food always works well for any animal!…..myself included:)
ZimmComm – New Media, LLC
[...] Senior White House Advisor Karl Rove give the keynote address during the second general session and Larry the Cable Guy at the Cowboy Comedy [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Introducing Meghan Grebner
[...] should have done this before her first post, but AgWired is proud to introduce Meghan Grebner as our newest [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Introducing Meghan Grebner
[...] is currently serving as regional vice president for the organization. In 2009, she was honored with NAFB’s Horizon Award. She is a great agricultural reporter and photographer and we are grateful to the management of [...]
Deron Johnson
What a great addition to the AgWired team! Congrats to all … and I look forward to keeping up with Meghan’s blog.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Farmers Speaking Out On Social Media
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 04.07.2011 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Precision Laboratories Mix Tank App iPod touch Giveaway
[...] Vice President of the agricultural chemistries business and Daniel Ori, Marketing Specialist in a recent ZimmCast with them. Improving crop protection strategies will most likely lead to more tank mixing. [...]
Precision Pays
[...] Vice President of the agricultural chemistries business and Daniel Ori, Marketing Specialist in a recent ZimmCast with them. Improving crop protection strategies will most likely lead to more tank mixing. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Harvesting Ideas at 2011 Agri-Marketing Conference
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 04.11.2011 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Precision Laboratories Mix Tank App iPod touch Giveaway – JailBake
[...] Laboratories Mix Tank App iPod touch Giveaway Apr122011 Leave a Comment Written by admin Precision Laboratories Mix Tank App iPod touch GiveawayHow would you like a chance to win one of the coolest apps on your very own iPod? All you have to do [...]
Precision Laboratories Mix Tank App iPod touch Giveaway – AgWired | New MP3 Zone
[...] Precision Laboratories Mix Tank App iPod touch GiveawayAgWiredHow would you like a chance to win one of the coolest apps on your very own iPod? All you have to do is enter the Precision Laboratories Mix Tank App iPod touch Giveaway Contest (entry form). The contest kicks off today and will end on midnight May 9 …and more » [...]
Precision Laboratories Mix Tank App iPod touch Giveaway - iPod
[...] Precision Laboratories Mix Tank App iPod touch Giveaway [...]
Deron Johnson
Thanks for the shout-out, Chuck. Excited to be the first one to download the new app.
Deron Johnson
All the Student NAMA judges rock!
Hugh Whaley
Thanks for sharing the photos since I can’t be there.
Agribusiness Leader Provides Plenty to Think About | Brazfood
[...] Agribusiness Leader Provides Plenty to Think About [...]
Tom Salrin
Tom,
Great job. You literally do touch almost every aspect of a member cooperative with some type of equipment. Enjoyed your comments.
Kai
This is the correct link to the Site: http://plentytothinkabout.org/
Cindy
Thanks! That’s what I get for multi-tasking and rushing to get a post done and not checking the links!
Novus Sponsors Student Science Day | Missouri News Press | Missouri Breaking News Headlines | MO News Directory
[...] Novus Sponsors Student Science Day [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Celebrating With Brownfield
[...] told me why they go to the Brownfield Party at the Agri-Marketing Conference. Now let’s hear why Brownfield puts [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Agri-Marketing Conference Wrapup
[...] about how upbeat people have been at the conference. She also wants to remind people to get the NAMA App on their smartphone. One of the key features is the directory of NAMA [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Cow Art And Social Media
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 04.18.2011 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
kai
congratulation from a fan and reader in Germany
Rhonda Smith
I was so proud to be a part of rural Mo tonight. I guess ag is still the main industry in Mo. Almost every speaker tonight pointed it out. I imagine it is high time the Gov tell the city folks. Because I have seen them lying on line about that as well. It is high time Nixon get off his duff and do his job. If not his state will be bankrupt like CA shortly. Politely put Nixon sign the bill and lets get on to some thing else. The economy would be good! If you veto SB113 our failing economy will not stand a chance.
Karey Marrs
Today almost 1200 people stood at the Capitol steps to show their support to agriculture. It was amazing to see youth, farmers, & kennel owners cheering together as legislators led the fight to keep property rights in Missouri. We applaud you and we send this message to Governor Nixon. “Sign that Bill”!! It will be the right thing to do.
Cheri Cason
YAY for a GREAT turnout for YES ON SB113. Let’s go, Governor Nixon- sign it! Please! Demonstrate your allegiance w/Missouri Agriculture!
Missouri lawmakers offer deal on dog-breeding limits – Kansas City Star | joplinnetnews
[...] dog-breeding compromiseColumbia MissourianCapital Hosts Dueling Prop. B ProtestsKansas City CitizenMissouri Farmers Rally to Support Changes To Prop BAgWiredPoliticMo -St. Louis Beacon -Bizjournals.comall 266 news [...]
Carolyn O'Donnell
Congratulations, Liza!!!
Mark Murai
Go Liza! Congratulations.
Chris Christian
Way to go Liza! Hope you are very successful in your new position.
Florence Alves
Congratulations on your new position!! It sounds very exciting. You will do great.
Horacio Oliveira
Great job? Watch out for the Frogs!
AgWired » Blog Archives » WillowTree Makes Mobile Beautiful
[...] kind of the theme of this week’s program. I’ve been asked many times who developed the AgWired App? The answer is WillowTree Apps. In this week’s program you can listen to my conversation with [...]
Jay Baer
Thanks guys. It was a great event, Roger is a great guy, and I’m delighted to work with AdFarm on an ongoing basis. We’re doing an AdFarm event for The NOW Revolution in Sacramento too in early June.
Katie Pinke
Thanks for posting, Chuck. We missed having you attend. Our event in Sacramento is June 1 and anyone interested can contact us @adfarmtweets or me @katpinke and I can send an invite. Thanks again.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Students See Science in Action
[...] Dr. Angela Bowzer, Westminster College and Dr. Katricia Pierson, William Woods University. We already met the FFA representatives Christopher Bell, FFA Regional Director and National Officers Shannon Norris [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Students See Science in Action
[...] I featured some of the career possibilities these participants heard about during the Science in Action day. Today, we hear from the students [...]
Colin
Chuck, I think there needs to be a more compelling reason for farmers to use social media. Tell a farmer he can chat with his friends and share funny pictures on twitter and he doesn’t really care. He already chats with his friends in person. Give a farmer social media tools that can increase his yield, sell at a higher price, improve his efficiency, etc. and I bet it numbers change.
AgWired » Blog Archives » Get AgWired on iPad Flipboard
[...] want you to use the AgWired app on your iPhone, iPod Touch or Android phone. And you can use it on your [...]
Enter Precision Laboratories Mix Tank App iPod touch Giveaway | farmerweek.com
[...] Vice President of the agricultural chemistries business and Daniel Ori, Marketing Specialist in a recent ZimmCast with them. Improving crop protection strategies will most likely lead to more tank mixing. [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Ag Communications Groups United for Japan Relief
[...] North American agricultural communications organizations have joined together in an effort to provide support for the people of Japan as a result of the earthquake and [...]
Brenda
Even though the average age of farmers is in the mid to late 50s, I look closely at the multi-generational farms, where the son/daughter or grandkids will be coming up after them or is currently farming full-time with them. These younger farmers (early 20s to mid-30s) who currently farm with their dad/mom are educated and “hard-wired”. Many of them are already engaged and are influencing decisions on the farm “now” a lot more than you think they do. I agree that we need to provide a compelling reason for using social media beyond social interaction or “shooting the breeze”. Telling the truth about agriculture is one very compelling reason for farmers today. Get out there and counteract the viral “nonsense” that is spreading about ag.
Mark
Chuck,
Thanks for the poll. This substantiates what I have already assessed anecdotally. Social media has a few years before it replaces morning coffee. As much as is shared between producers, much is not shared. Technology must have practical applications to be adopted.
Social Media Alert – “Social Media” | SMLRT
[...] that the Royal newlywed getaway car was an Aston Martin converted to run on 85 percent … read more See more stories on Google: read [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » Novus Celebrating 20 Years of Innovation with Integrity
[...] Novus International Chief Sustainability Officer Joyce Cacho said during the company’s recent “Science in Action” day. “We started celebrating in January in India, we’re currently celebrating in China and [...]
AgWired » Blog Archives » A Vision For The Agri-Business Educational Foundation
[...] AgWired News From the world of Agribusiness 05.03.2011 Subscribe to AgWired [...]
Advanced BioFuels USA » Royal Wedding Car Runs on 85 Percent Ethanol
[...] [...]
Sarah Hubbart
We are so glad that you will be joining us! Thanks again to NCBA and USB for making your trip possible. See you soon.
Today’s Links May 4, 2011 | Information Architecture Blog
[...] TribuneReactions Mixed After Corps Blasts Holes in Bird's Point LeveeFOX2now.comWBEZ -AgWiredall 3,823 news [...]
Thinkyhead
I would be curious to know that the fellow in the video is alright in terms of his cholesterol, blood pressure, and respiratory function. It’s not polite to point out, I know, but he has extra pounds of fat on his body that might indicate or lead to other issues. Of course, not necessarily, it’s more the ‘brown’ fat – internal fat – than the familiar jolly fat one has to be concerned about. Being young, he still has a good chance of being fit, but definitely I would make sure he’s getting a good healthy and complete diet as well. Meat is good in moderation, remembering that we need very little protein from day to day, and animal fats (saturated fats) are problematic for arteries that can get blocked. So, lean meat, if you do supplement your protein. Cheers, and I’d love to point out that you still need your greens people, and you should be eating more most of you! Much love, and may all the cells of your bodies be happy!
Kai
Hi, any information on the sample size?
Mary
Chuck, I am sorry to say, but you are misguided about the Corn Growers and Soybean Growers. They are not sustianable farmers in the least, Just the opposite. Most of them are aligned with GMO products from Monsanto that is killing the sustainability of agriculture on the entire planet in the name of greed and profit….
Chuck
Thanks for your comment Mary. Those are some wild and unsubstantiated claims you’re making there. I’m sure all the hard working farmers and people who works at companies like Monsanto would disagree. I don’t think there actually is such a thing as “aligning” with GMO’s. Maybe they “use” them but . . .
Sounds like you need to look into some facts and scientific data.
Thomas Redick
You can’t beat those backers in terms of foundation support. It will be interesting to hear how they reconcile the feed-the-world claims of the “organic-only” crowd and the other 99% or so of agricultural production. Anyone with a lick of sense knows we may need both, so hedge the bets and find the middle path to maximum productivity with minimal impacts. Tom Redick, GEEC, LLC, President CAST, counsel to growers etc.
Patrick
Cases of abuse are widespread and well-documented and the abuse is not an isolated incident. Any time someone turns on the video camera, they can find abuse because it is standard industry practice–and for a very good reason. Abusing animals adds a large percentage to the profits of factory farmers. The more animals crammed into smaller spaces, moved quicker through assembly lines, and treated as machines instead of the creatures they are, the more money they make. That’s why the tail-dock