Some corn powered baseball is going to happen in Normal, IL on Tuesday evening and Cindy and I will be on location courtesy of the Illinois Corn Growers. We’ll be at the Crib, the Corn Crib to be precise, for the home opener of the Normal CornBelters. They’ll take on the Windy City Thunderbolts at 7pm. The Corn Crib is presented by Illinois Corn Growers. You can hear Lindsay Mitchell explain more about the sponsorship in her latest podcast below. Look for some awesome live agriblogging to happen here starting late tomorrow evening. Illinois Corn Marketing Board Chairman, Jim Rapp, will throw the first pitch!
The Normal CornBelters are starting their 2010 inaugural season as a member of the West Division of the independent Frontier League. The Frontier League is comprised of twelve teams in the Midwest and is not affiliated with a Major League Baseball team. Today, the West Division consists of Evansville Otters of Evansville, Indiana. The Florence Freedom in Florence, Kentucky. The Gateway Grizzlies in Sauget, Illinois. The River City Rascals in O’Fallon, Missouri. The Southern Illinois Miners in Marion, Illinois.
Here is the first in a series of posts from Zachary Larson, Borlaug Summer Intern at Nanjing Agricultural University in China:
It has almost been a week since I came here to China, and it has been quite an incredible week. I have experienced enough in this city in just five days to easily make this the most memorable trip I have been on, but I still have almost three months more of activity here in China. I was expecting to be welcomed with a streak of hot weather much more comparable to Texas or Louisiana, but my first initial day here was also the day of a large cold rainy spell.
Beyond the weather, I was pleasantly surprised when I was finally able to see Nanjing Agricultural University. This university, while still perhaps lacking in some areas compared to our own agricultural universities, is still quite good. The campus scenery in and around Nanjing is quite incredible. While the buildings around here range from incredibly old to just constructed, the hodge-podge scenery of this place gives it a certain character that every university seems to develop.
I quickly got used to walking around and saw many unique places in and around the university. Just like any university, this place has a gigantic library, several incredibly scenic student buildings, cafeterias, surrounding restaurants, and plenty of sketchy (but yet very tasty eateries). But, compared to American universities, the landscape is obviously different, and this shapes the students lives in and around the university. (more…)
How about another John Deere story? The company is going to build a museum in Waterloo, IA to focus on the history of the tractor and engine design manufacturing.
Construction on the John Deere Waterloo Tractor and Engine History Museum will begin in late 2010 with opening of the facility scheduled for late 2011. The museum will be an addition to John Deere attractions in Iowa, Illinois and Germany as well as visitor centers at John Deere factories around the world.
“The public is interested in learning more about the company’s past, present and future,” said Bill Becker, director, global brand management. “This new museum will complement other John Deere-branded properties by amplifying the tractor and engine history of the company and enabling visitors to explore the development and capabilities of these products more in-depth.”
The tractor and engine museum will include artifacts and interactive exhibits to celebrate the rich history and dynamic growth of the tractor business at John Deere, which today is the world’s leading provider of agricultural equipment.
Deere currently operates a historic site in Grand Detour, Illinois, where John Deere started his business in 1837. In addition, Deere offers the John Deere Pavilion and John Deere Store in Moline; the John Deere Harvester Works visitors’ center in East Moline, Illinois; the John Deere Forum in Mannheim, Germany; and visitor centers in other John Deere’s facilities.
John Deere is renewing its plan to build a marketing and sales center in northwest Olathe, KS.
This 126,150 square-foot facility will house up to 500 marketing professionals who will provide support and service to John Deere sales branches and agriculture and turf dealerships in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
“The decision to resume construction reaffirms our commitment to the ag and turf equipment business and to the local area,” said John Lagemann, vice president of agriculture and turf equipment, sales and marketing. “The building will feature new construction technology to support efforts to build according to greener, cleaner environmental standards.”
As originally intended, this state-of-the art facility will meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Certification, Gold Level.
The new single-building facility will have expanded meeting and training rooms, new technology for digital communications and information systems, and an open-office atmosphere to facilitate teamwork in strategic and tactical marketing initiatives. There will be unimpeded visibility to the outside and excellent utilization of natural light.
Construction for the new building will begin this June and is expected to be completed in August 2011.
What better timing could there be to meet a dairy farmer from California? You know what I’m talking about. Let’s meet Ray Prock, Ray-Lin Dairy. Ray serves with me on the board of the AgChat Foundation. We got together on the phone today to talk about the Foundation and farmer use of social media. He’s one of the ones who’s walking the talk.
Ray is a second generation dairy farmer in Central CA working to secure a future for the third and future generations to one day help feed the world as farmers. Ray sees social media as a great way to connect with others and to have conversations about what, why and how farmers feed, clothe and fuel today’s ever growing population. He says, “The Agchat Foundation is a way to focus social media efforts across all segments of Agriculture in one coordinated effort whether farmers or ranchers, veterinarians or Extension agents, salespeople or bankers.” You can follow Ray on his blog, on Twitter or on Facebook.
If you’d like to support the AgChat Foundation you can now make a donation on the website or at this link. We’re also seeking sponsoring companies and organizations. Feel free to contact me, Ray or any board member for more information.
You can listen to my interview with Ray below and also watch a video from the AgChat Foundation YouTube Channel of him talking about our plan for technology scholarships.
Happy National Hamburger Day. At least I think it is National Hamburger Day. I have found some conflicting information about this online. However, I’ve seen enough pointing to today to make it official enough for me. So, when you’re planning your grill schedule today or anytime this holiday weekend don’t forget the burgers!
Here’s an excerpt from National Beef Ambassador Malorie’s post on the Beef Ambassador blog about today.
My dad makes a GREAT stuffed burger, which he invented himself, and I’m not sure if he’d want me to disclose the recipe to you all quite yet. But I found a few interesting recipes that you might be willing to attempt! This one sounds really easy to make and enjoy. Click here to discover the instructions for a stuffed bacon burger! Or try these cheese stuffed burger logs. And even more interesting these burger stuffed peppers! It all sounds so yummy! If you end up trying these new recipes, let me know what you think!
You can also find some good info here and here and here.
OK. While I’m in a YouTube mood and tired of the whole Ohio dairy animal abuse story, let’s watch something a little more lighthearted. Müller Dairy says, Thank You Cows. Here’s their mission.
“To bring sustainable dairy goodness from the heart of Shropshire for the good of everyone.” And over the last 18 years we’ve been doing just that. We believe that this effort has led to stronger relationships with our local farmers, better quality Müller products and happier customers.
So while we thank dairy farmers everywhere for all their hard work, dedication and care for their cows, let’s remember to Thank The Cows!
I saw a statistic yesterday that this Dale Peterson for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture spot was the most watched news video on Google last week. I think I can understand why. I don’t know anything about the man but I’ve contributed to the almost 1.3 million times this video has been viewed. Why can’t we have more people speak openly like this? It’s amazing how many are so afraid to say what they believe. Yes. I do like the message and I love the imagery and I’m not afraid to say so.
Dale Peterson, Alabama Agriculture Commission, ICAUCUS endorsed candidate fighting the fight to save our country. Some people recognize the enemies from within & without. We need fighters today, people that are not afraid to stand & tell the Government NO!!! Help Dale Stand & Defend our Country, it starts 1 state at a time.
There are some great comments posted too. Here’s a sample:
I normally hate republicans, but Dale is the badass Steven Seagal of republicans.
Hahaha! Wow! Is this guy related to Chuck Norris by any chance?
By Jeebuz! After watching this video – I was able to skip my testosterone supplement!
Most EPIC political ad EVER.
I’m moving to Alabama so I can vote for this guy.
The People’s Choice BBQ Contest at World Pork Expo, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health, features three of Iowa’s top competing Pit Masters. The two-day event will occur June 9 and 10, near the Pfizer tent, #60, north of the Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Exploring both the benefits and adversities of farming in the diverse lands of Galilee, the Jesreel Valley, and lands bordering the Dead Sea, the 2011 Eckert AgriTour will escort as many as 50 U.S. and Canadian farmers through the land of Israel, Jan. 4-13, 2011.
CNH and OJSC KAMAZ, the newly formed industrial joint venture, has started the assembly of the New Holland Agriculture new tractor models T9060, T9040, T8050, with 535, 435 and 325 hp respectively, as well as the 300hp CSX7080 and the 272 hp CSX7060 combine harvesters at its Naberezhnye Chelny plant in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia.
Sustainability is the buzz word for agriculture these days, but what it really means on the ground is a matter of perspective. That’s why BASF Crop Protection is bringing agricultural thought leaders and media together in Chicago June 8-10 to discuss a grounded approach to agricultural sustainability.
Participants will focus on collaboration between producers and industry stakeholders to improve agricultural sustainability, differing industry and public perception, and continuous improvements shaping the future of sustainable productivity in the U.S. and globally.
The event will feature discussions with BASF senior agricultural leaders, including Stefan Marcinowski, member of BASF’s Board of Executive Directors; Markus Heldt, President of BASF Crop Protection; and Peter Eckes, President of BASF Plant Science, along with representatives from multiple agricultural perspectives. BASF will also share its in-house analysis tool, which can measure the sustainability of products and production processes.
“BASF is creating a forum to discuss agricultural sustainability and practical solutions to help growers,” said Stefan Marcinowski. “Farmers have a tremendous responsibility to produce more than ever while continuing to protect the environment for future generations. Our conversations with representatives from stakeholders throughout the value chain will help to bring together the many visions of agricultural sustainability to a practical point of what growers need from all of us.”
In addition to focused discussions on the scientific and practical aspects of agricultural sustainability, BASF will present a U.S.-based example of its sustainability analysis tool. This scientific model compares the social, economic and environmental profiles of products and production methods. The tool can help provide tailored solutions to help growers run their businesses profitably while keeping the environmental impact of farming to a minimum and meeting the needs of society.
Panelists from throughout the agricultural value chain representing growers, economists, manufacturers, and consumer interests will share their views on sustainability and what it means to farmers. Featured speaker, Roger Thurow, former correspondent of The Wall Street Journal and co-author of “Enough: Why the World’s Poorest Starve in an Age of Plenty,” also will share his perspective.
Agwired will be there to share the thoughts and opinions of presenters and panelists, including photos, video and audio interviews. Next best thing to being there!
The alleged dairy cow abuser has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty, but the emotional storm stirred up yesterday after a video depicting animal abuse on an Ohio dairy released by activist organization Mercy For Animals (MFA) is far from over.
Notice use of the word “alleged.” No one has been found guilty of anything yet. However, the owner of the dairy farm (not the star of the video who was arrested) has been receiving death threats and has not even received the benefit of the doubt from many ag industry commentators.
The video is disturbing on many levels. Many people are unable to watch it even once, let alone more than once. Which is why I question how anyone who cares deeply about “mercy for animals” could have endured recording that for four weeks. If it were me, it would have only taken one incident to immediately contact the local authorities. The people shown in the video punching, kicking, stabbing, and viciously attacking these defenseless animals are clearly sick human beings who should be held liable for their individual actions.
What is also disturbing is that most of the videotaped abuse appears to be for the enjoyment of the abuser, which is just sick and demented. The worker who was arrested talks about how much he enjoys abusing the animals. This is not normal behavior for decent human beings, who make up the vast majority of dairy farmers (and hopefully humanity in general!). As Ohio Farm Bureau Federation spokesman Joe Cornely pointed out during an interview yesterday with Buckeye Ag Radio Network, using this video to tar an entire industry is basically like using a situation where someone abuses a pet to draw the conclusion that “all pet owners abuse their pets.” Since MFA tags this horrible video “ditch cruelty – ditch dairy,” should we ditch pets as well so no animal will ever be abused again?
It is also important to note that even the experts that MFA quotes on it’s own website indicate that this is extremely unusual. “The video depicts calculated, deliberate cruelty, based not on momentary rage but on taking pleasure through causing pain to cows and calves who are defenseless. In my opinion, the individuals shown are twisted and dangerous,” said Colorado State University animal science professor Bernard Rollin. Veterinarian Dr. Geoff Ball points out, “This footage should be seen as a red flag for child, spousal and other forms of violence.” (more…)
I visited with my good friend Derry Brownfield at his cabin yesterday and was surprised to see that he’s got some Longhorns now. They were grazing across the pond from us so I was able to snap this photo.
As always it was a nice relaxing afternoon visiting with Derry and members of his family and other friends who came along. Need to take time to do that more often.
“Saving rainforests isn’t just for treehuggers anymore.”
That’s the message past National Corn Growers Association president Fred Yoder of Ohio has about a new report showing that ending deforestation could boost revenue for U.S. producers by between $196-$267 billion by 2030.
Yoder participated in a conference call today releasing the report, entitled “Farms Here, Forests There: Tropical Deforestation and U.S. Competitiveness in Agriculture and Timber” which was authored by Shari Friedman of David Gardiner & Associates on behalf of the National Farmers Union and Avoided Deforestation Partners.
“American farmers and ranchers know the importance of being good stewards of the land,” said National Farmers Union president Roger Johnson, who recently returned from a weeklong trip to Brazil where he studied the interaction between agriculture and deforestation. “With family farmers fighting to hold onto their land, we’ve got to make sure we’re not being undercut by irresponsible practices like deforestation.”
Among the key findings of the report are that ending deforestation through incentives in US and international climate policy would boost U.S. agricultural revenue by $190 to $270 billion between 2012 and 2030. This increase includes $141 to $221 billion in direct benefits from increased production of soybeans, beef, timber, palm oil and palm oil substitutes. Soybean-producing states like Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana and Nebraska each stand to gain between $2.6 and $6.8 billion in increased revenue if tropical deforestation is halted by 2030. The U.S. beef industry would gain between $53 and $68 billion by 2030 if deforestation is halted, with the largest increases in revenue going to Texas, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma.
Registration is now open for this year’s BlogWorld and New Media Expo. I attended last year and am hoping to do so again this year schedule permitting. If you really want to hone your new media and social networking skills then this is the place to do it. It would be cool to have other ag folks there!
Join us at the World’s Largest New Media event and learn about Content Creation, Distribution and Monetization strategies, step-by-step techniques and bleeding-edge tools from the most successful Bloggers, Podcasters, Social Media Pro’s, Internet TV and Radio Broadcasters, and Podcasters! From the premier educational sessions at the Social Media Business Summit and BlogWorld Conference, to the resource-rich New Media Expo, to Amazing Networking events…it’s One economical trip, One weekend, One Big Show you can’t afford to miss!
The Conservation Technology Information Center has just released a new report dealing with the “S” word. That would be sustainability and it’s no surprise that agricultural biotechnology will play a key role in this issue as farmers work to feed a growing world population. You can find an executive summary here.
Keeping agriculture environmentally sustainable while improving productivity is a growing challenge, and a new report shows that agricultural biotechnology is a key tool in overcoming it.
Biotech crops help growers around the world increase yields, improve crop quality and characteristics, and adopt sustainable farming practices such as conservation tillage — all vital to keeping up with the world’s growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber.
The booklet — “Facilitating Conservation Farming Practices and Enhancing Environmental Sustainability with Agricultural Biotechnology” — was developed by the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) to dig deep into the data surrounding the adoption of biotech crops. (more…)
One of the global partners with Alltech for the upcoming World Equestrian Games is Southern States Cooperative, Inc.. Representing the company during the Alltech Symposium was F.E. Carter, pictured second from right. This was a group photo of the people I interviewed during a reception for the global partners.
F.E. is a big fan of the Alltech Symposium and really appreciates sessions on topics like branding since that is something he says his company takes very seriously. He says that as a feed partner with Alltech in the upcoming games he looks forward to opportunities to promote their brand.
During the Alltech Symposium the media had an opportunity to take an urban garden tour. I could not make it but I did meet the tour guide, Rebecca Self, Education Director for Seedleaf.
The purpose of Seedleaf is to increase the amount, affordability, nutritional value, and sustainability of food available to people at risk of hunger in central Kentucky.
Rebecca says their goal is to nourish the community in Lexington and with an agricultural connection. She says they hope to be a bridge for urban people to understand where their food comes from. The urban garden tour was set up to showcase some of the downtown gardens they’ve helped foster.
She says the education information they provide covers all aspects of building, planting and caring for an urban garden. The organization is relatively new having started in 2008.
You can listen to my interview with Rebecca below.
The Corn Farmers Coalition announced today they will return to Washington this summer with a major educational program aimed at policymakers and opinion leaders who affect the fate of America’s family corn farmers.
“The vast majority of farms in America, and 95 percent of corn farms specifically, continue to be family owned and operated ventures. They aren’t some myth, but are a critical economic engine that provides most of the food, feed and fiber produced in this country,” said Darrin Ihnen, president of the National Corn Growers Association. “This awareness is important to our survival.”
Corn farmers from 14 states and the National Corn Growers Association are supporting the Corn Farmers Coalition program to introduce a foundation of facts seen as essential to decision making, rather than directly influencing legislation and regulation.
“Our mission is to put a face on today’s family farmers, showcase the productivity and environmental advances being made in the industry, provide factual information on how innovative and high tech corn farmers have become,” said Ihnen. “This is a corn farmer image effort designed for thought leaders in Washington. When all the business news out there seems to be negative, corn farmers have a great story to tell.”
The Corn Farmers Coalition will launch a major advertising campaign June 1,that will put prominent facts about family farmers in Capital Hill publications, radio, frequently used web sites, the Metro and Reagan National Airport. The program, which puts a focus on family farmers telling their story, will continue until Congress recesses in August.
Among the corn farmer faces in the ads that will be popping up around DC are Kurt Hora and his family from Washington, Iowa and John & Sue Adams of Atlanta, Illinois (pictured). Listen to or download their comments from this morning’s press conference here:
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will have over 60 different countries represented and one of those is Portugal. I met Ingrid Van Dorpe, Premix, during last week’s Alltech Symposium. Her company is one of the global partners in the games.
I asked Ingrid what she thought of this year’s Symposium first and she says it provides her with a glimpse of the future of animal nutrition. She takes home not only nutrition information but also other business information like branding and she feels more energized. Turning to the Games she says she expects to receive some good promotion for her business while bringing more attention internationally to the value and benefits of good nutrition for their animals.
This is a heads up in case you haven’t heard about it. Yesterday the Associated Press published a story about a video that was allegedly taken undercover at an Ohio dairy farm by the group Mercy For Animals. It is a shocking and disturbing video and whoever is actually involved should be put in jail for a very long time. If you click through and watch the video be warned. It’s graphic and bad.
Regardless of who is responsible for the violent acts in the video this will be used by animal rights activists to tarnish the image of good dairy farmers everywhere. This is a group of militant vegans with an agenda so it is good to question their credibility and motivation. We’ll do an update on the story when more information comes to light. You can get some perspective from a story by the ABN Radio Network which contains an interview with Joe Cornely, Ohio Farm Bureau. Michele Payn-Knoper has also offered some perspective on her blog.
In this week's program Chuck talks with David Armano, Global Innovation and Integration.
David conducted a presentation on delivering expert opinion via social media to an audience at the start of International Poultry Expo week. He's got some great information about who consumers trust and how you can use today's consumer behavior to help communicate your message.
Some corn powered baseball is going to happen in Normal, IL on Tuesday evening and Cindy and I will be on location courtesy of the Illinois Corn Growers. We’ll be at the Crib, the Corn Crib to be precise, for the home opener of the Normal CornBelters. They’ll take on the Windy City Thunderbolts at 7pm. The Corn Crib is presented by Illinois Corn Growers. You can hear Lindsay Mitchell explain more about the sponsorship in her latest podcast below. Look for some awesome live agriblogging to happen here starting late tomorrow evening. Illinois Corn Marketing Board Chairman, Jim Rapp, will throw the first pitch!
Participants will focus on collaboration between producers and industry stakeholders to improve agricultural sustainability, differing industry and public perception, and continuous improvements shaping the future of sustainable productivity in the U.S. and globally.
Notice use of the word “alleged.” No one has been found guilty of anything yet. However, the owner of the dairy farm (not the star of the video who was arrested) has been receiving death threats and has not even received the benefit of the doubt from many ag industry commentators.
That’s the message past National Corn Growers Association president Fred Yoder of Ohio has about a 
One of the global partners with Alltech for the upcoming 
During the Alltech Symposium the media had an opportunity to take an urban garden tour. I could not make it but I did meet the tour guide, Rebecca Self, Education Director for 
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In this week's program Chuck talks with David Armano, Global Innovation and Integration.
