The American Phytopathological Society (APS) is the first meeting I have heard about having to move because of the flooding in Nashville, but I am sure there are lots more, just not many ag-related.
The APS meeting, which I attended last year in Portland, Ore., is still being held August 7-11 but they don’t know where yet. They sent this notice out to potential attendees, “As many of you know, the city of Nashville and the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the site of the 2010 APS Annual Meeting, recently sustained severe flood damage due to unprecedented rain in the area. The Gaylord Opryland Resort is currently closed for repairs and is not expected to reopen for several months. The 2010 APS Annual Meeting is not canceled, but can no longer take place in Nashville. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes and we are doing our best to make a smooth transition to a new location over the original meeting dates.”
Meanwhile, the CMA Country Music Festival is scrambling to find new hotel rooms for people who were planning to stay there for the event June 10-13. The Music Festival is still being held as planned – but it will be interesting to see how well they can get the downtown area cleaned up for that event, since the flood impacted all of the Festival’s downtown venues. CMA has announced that 50 percent of the net proceeds of 2010 CMA Music Festival will be donated to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for flood relief. We have attended the festival, formally known as Fan Fair, for the past three years to cover the New Holland-Michael Peterson Celebrity Tractor Race, but that was already not happening this year so we are not planning to attend.
If you haven’t seen it, this YouTube video shows flooding at the Opryland Resort – it’s pretty ugly. Officials are not putting a dollar figure on the damage, but it is likely to exceed the $50 million flood insurance policy they had and the hotel will probably be closed until October.
CME Group announced the submission of a petition to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for approval to list twelve new agricultural swaps to be available on CME ClearPort.
The North American Equipment Dealers Association and Spader Business Management have formed a partnership to promote training, 20 groups and consulting services for equipment dealers.
Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Rod Nilsestuen certified the results of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board 2010 Board of Directors election. Click here for complete results.
Peanut growers have a new, more effective option for disease control this season: Quash Fungicide.
Many 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 are to save the Earth from global warming, (cows fart you know), reduce chronic disease, save you money at the grocery story, cure and prevent cancer and prevent childhood obesity. While I will acknowledge all of the issues mentioned above are issues in their own right, I must say that not eating meat will not solely cure any of the above problems.
People have been eating meat since biblical times so I’m not quite sure why everyone is “hating” on meat these days. The latest campaign I’ve come across encouraging people to go “veggie” is from The Cancer Project. They currently have a series of PSAs encouraging people to eat more veggies to help prevent cancer. The ads focus on preventing cancer in general as well as one specific to the prevention of prostate cancer and one on how to “keep our children cancer free.”
In one ad the “Veggie Hunter,” a scientist, searches the jungles around the globe in an attempt to discover remedies to save us from cancer. Ultimately he finds the “cure” in the veggie isle of his local grocery store. In another ad, “Protective Gear” mothers search for ways to keep their children safe from harm only to discover the easiest solution consists of feeding her children a healthy vegetarian diet for the prevention of obesity and cancer.
While vegetarianism may be right for some, it is not right for all. I do agree that it is very important to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains every day. But I also think (backed up by thousands of research studies) that eating meat is also a healthy way to prevent cancer, obesity and other diseases.
Yesterday was the anniversary of Agriculture.com. I did not know that until Curt Blades sent along this image of the site from way back then. I can remember the Netscape browser.
It’s hard to believe the #1 community for farmers launched a decade and a half ago. When we went live, only 46% of farms had computers.
Our first measurement of internet access among farmers was in 1997 – and it showed 13.1% of farmers with some sort of internet access.
To put things in perspective – here is an image of the site from 15 years ago (note the Netscape browser).
It looks a little different today in my Firefox browser!
How would you define it? The reason I’m asking is that I’ve had a few “industry” folks say they don’t know how to define AgWired or what category or budget to put it in. I think that’s interesting on several levels. Is AgWired a media outlet? Is it a public relations tool? Is it just a “blog” (whatever that means)? Are industry communications professionals having trouble coping with the changes in technology?
Here’s some information that might help you decide how to define AgWired. It was started in August, 2004. There are 8,217 story posts with 2,088 comments. The posts all have at least 1 of 221 categories assigned to them. Since the beginning of this year there have been over 70,000 visits and over 123,000 page views according to Google Analytics. Visitors come from 163 countries. The top five are United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany and Australia. The top 10 states in the U.S. for visitors are in order: MO, CA, IL, NY, TX, IA, MN, WI, FL, OH. There are almost 2,500 subscribers to the site RSS feed according to FeedBurner. Between our three associated Twitter accounts we have almost 3,300 followers. We’ve posted almost 6,000 photos online so far this year to Flickr in event sets, some of which have had over 4,000 views. We’ve uploaded 52 YouTube videos this year with some upload views as high as almost 7,000. The AgWired widget is published on 54 other websites and has had over 115,000 views. And of course we’ve got FB fans and subscribers and followers in other social channels as well. There are just too many audio files posted to try and give you a complete number of downloads but it’s huge.
We’re working on a project to obtain fresh demographic data on our visitors/fans/subscribers/followers but in the past we’ve found a very unique mix of farmers, ag media, ag adv/pr agencies, agribusiness marcomm pros, farm groups and consumers. From the beginning I have had in my mind’s eye the membership of the National Agri-Marketing Association as the target for the content posted here. That target has grown as the site has developed and become such a big resource for so many people.
So, what is AgWired? Besides the questions above is it the community that Chuck and Cindy built? How valuable is that community and who is it valuable to?
If you answer all these questions correctly we will be very much in awe of you!
The European Union has approved the use of Novus International’s MINTREX chelated trace minerals as feed additives for all species.
Specifically, the EU registration applies to MINTREX® Zinc (Zn), MINTREX® Manganese (Mn) and MINTREX® Copper (Cu).
“Our MINTREX chelated trace mineral line has been successfully addressing animal welfare challenges and cost-versus-performance issues for chicken producers in the EU since late last year,” says François Fraudeau, Vice-President Europe, Middle East and Asia. “Feeding a high quality and bioavailable trace mineral is important to maximizing the growth potential and wellbeing of production animals. Through its efficient absorption, animals fed MINTREX minerals will be healthier, have better muscle growth and optimal structural integrity of bones, footpads, hooves and skin.”
The 2010 Corn Utilization and Technology Conference (CUTC), is scheduled for June 7-9 in Atlanta and has more to offer than ever before. I’m looking forward to another CUTC and stopped in the National Corn Growers Association office recently to get a preview of the program.
CUTC has been expanded to include new topics that will be of value to many audiences, such as life cycle analysis of new technologies, land use issues, aquifers, water quality and usage and greenhouse gas emissions. “The CUTC is a very interesting conference in that it really looks at the technical issues around corn and corn milling,” says National Corn Growers Association Director of Biofuels & Business Development Jamey Cline, who is chairing the plenary session “Land Use Conundrum…Corn, an Advanced Biofuel?” which will focus on the role land use criteria played in the decision that corn does not currently meet the qualifications of an advanced biofuel. The session will include both presentations and a panel discussion and will also explore how the United States will meet its greenhouse gas reduction mandates given that corn is currently the only significant source of ethanol in today’s marketplace.
CUTC will be held at the Atlanta Hilton Hotel in downtown Atlanta, Ga. Registration information is available on-line.
Listen to my interview with Jamey talking about CUTC in general and his session in particular.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will host the day-long “National Summit of Rural America: A Dialogue for Renewing Promise” on June 3 on the campus of Jefferson College near St. Louis.
“This Summit will be an opportunity for rural Americans to share their vision for creating a more prosperous and promising future for rural America,” said Vilsack. “The Obama Administration is committed to strengthening rural America, and now farmers, ranchers, and foresters from throughout the country can have the opportunity to engage with key policymakers and community leaders to discuss the priorities and policies necessary to keep its future bright.”
This National Summit culminates the Rural Tour Secretary Vilsack led last year and visited 22 states to begin a conversation with farmers, ranchers, and people who live in rural communities. It will feature plenary and breakout sessions on issues including rebuilding and revitalizing rural America, creating new jobs, improving infrastructure, improving farm competitiveness, and encouraging innovation in renewable energy.
If you want to attend the summit, you have to register through the USDA Rural Tour website. USDA says early registration is recommended as attendance will be limited due to space constraints.
Hogs on the hill could mean different things to different people. In this case we’re talking blogging hogs as in the pork industry and Capitol Hill. That’s because Hogs On The Hill is a blog and “The voice of the U.S. pork industry with a swine’s eye view.”
Welcome to Hogs on the Hill, a blog that will offer commentary on issues of importance to the U.S. pork industry. We hope you’ll visit often, and feel free to comment on any of our posts.
The NAMA ABEF was the big winner in this year’s R+K Q+A promotion.
This is the second year R+K sponsored its text message promotion, coined “R+K Q+A,” during the annual NAMA conference, held this year April 20–23 in Kansas City. Working in partnership with NAMA leadership and Commodity Update, R+K executed the promotion, which consisted of a series of questions that conference attendees were encouraged to answer via text message. For each text message received, R+K made a donation to ABEF, which funds leadership programs, a national marketing competition and scholarships for agri-business students. R+K donated all proceeds to ABEF, raising $1,800 for the organization.
A new tool is available to hay and forage producers, locally and nationwide, to help them harvest a better quality crop: Dur-Adjust features a dual spring and rod system for DARF Hay Rakes.
Sci Protek Inc. has secured exclusive global licensing rights to a new technology, a yeast, that will help manage the spread of one of the worst diseases affecting crops such as wheat and barley.
QC Supply and Gillis Ag Systems have joined forces and are looking forward to providing the industry with an expanded range of products along with improved engineering, technical support and installation service.
Pfizer Animal Health announced the first recipients of a new $2 million scholarship program for U.S. veterinary students.
AgWired sponsor Leica Geosystems has added Daryl Southard, inside sales representative, to their North American Agriculture Solutions group. He started in early April, and is based out of Leica Geosystems’ Ag Solutions headquarters in Denver.
With nearly a decade of sales and product development experience in GPS navigation and premium networking systems, Southard is a great fit for the Leica agriculture team in North America. Previously, Southard worked in sales and product development.
“Daryl is a great addition to the team and brings with him a wealth of experience managing inside sales of technical products,” said Harlan Little, NAFTA business manager. “Daryl has a great ability to connect with our customers and will provide additional training and sales support. We look forward to bringing his skills and talents to bear in our business.”
Syngenta was honored this week at the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) International Convention in Chicago with an award recognizing achievements in crop productivity innovations that help feed the world.
BIO annually honors companies in the categories of “Healing, Feeding and Fueling the World” based on a pre-conference poll of attendees. Syngenta was named the “Buzz of BIO” award winner in the “Feeding the World” category by attendees at this year’s BIO International Convention.
“The Buzz of BIO contest has been a popular part of our pre-convention activities. BIO International Convention attendees voted for their choices and Syngenta was the winner this year in the Feeding category. Congratulations,” said John Craighead, Managing Director of Investor Relations & Business Development, Biotechnology Industry Organization.
In a year when much of the world has been impacted by the economic downturn, Alltech’s symposium will focus on a number of key issues critical to the success of a business. Building on the company’s previous symposia, the 2010 Symposium, ‘A Time for People, Profits, and Planet’ will drill down to the factors crucial to a company’s survival.
This looks like it could be what’s for dinner tonight. The Beef Board’s new advertising campaign is premiering this month with a tagline of “29 Lean Cuts. One Powerful Protein.” Print ads like this one include recipes. The recipe for the meal in the photo is posted after the break below.
“This campaign reinforces consumers’ passion for the great flavor beef provides, while helping consumers identify the variety of lean options beef offers,” said Weldon Wynn, rancher from Star City, Arkansas, and vice chair of the industry’s Joint Advertising Committee. Beef farmers and ranchers from across the country direct the Beef Checkoff-funded “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.” campaign. “I’m proud to be part of this exciting venture in helping Americans get to know the many great tasting lean beef cuts available,” said Wynn.
The new print advertisements feature plated shots of beef with an homage to each cut’s personality. For example, the T-Bone advertisement zeroes in on a beauty shot of the steak and points out: “When all the steaks get together, they call this one boss.” The ad for the Filet Mignon, also known as the Tenderloin, reassures you that “’mignon’ is just fancy talk for mouthwatering.”
The print advertisements will appear in monthly national magazines with an emphasis on food, health/fitness, parenting, lifestyle and men’s sports. Radio spots on nationally syndicated radio shows and satellite radio, combined with an outdoor advertising campaign in select markets, will follow shortly after the print ads launch. Public relations, health professional outreach, social media and retail promotional efforts round out this integrated effort. (more…)
It’s now time to think Agricultural Media Summit. Registration is now available online (pdf). This is the joint meeting of: American Agricultural Editors’ Association, Livestock Publications Council and ABM Agri-Council plus the annual meeting of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow.
If you’re looking for the best place to promote your company or organization’s products and services, then you’ll want to be at the 12th Annual Ag Media Summit in St. Paul, MN, July 24-28, 2010. This annual get-together, the largest meeting in the United States of the ag industry’s top writers, editors, photographers, publishers and ag communicator specialists, begins with pre-meeting tours on Saturday, July 24, followed by the AMS program July 25-28. We invite you to participate as a sponsor or an exhibitor at our InfoExpo or both, and be a part of this important agricultural media event.
This industry-wide gathering of agricultural communicators offers one of the best opportunities for professional improvement and industry networking. More than 600 attend this event each year, and the InfoExpo annually exceeds 75 booths. Check out the sponsor brochure for more information. See you in St. Paul as we go Rolling On The River AMS Style.
Preventative fungicides and plant health will be the topic of RFD-TV’s “Monday Night Live” with BASF on May 10.
The show will feature an expert panel to discuss how growers are controlling disease, realizing Plant Health benefits and maximizing yield with preventative fungicides like Headline fungicide from BASF. Among those on the panel will be our friend Ken McCauley, a Kansas farmer and former NCGA President, Marc Eads, a crop consultant in northern Indiana, and BASF technical expert Nick Fassler about how Headline fungicide can minimize labor costs and improve ROI.
During the hour-long show, the panel will discuss grower results using preventative fungicide applications and show you how to get the most out of every acre. Plus, you can call-in and visit with the panel of experts who will answer all of your fungicide questions.
RFD-TV “Monday Night Live” with BASF will air at 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central) on Monday, May 10. RFD-TV is available on most rural cable television networks. Find out where in your area by going to the RFD-TV schedule on line.
Honestly, the name is great. What do you think of when you first hear, “Honest Honey”?
Four North American honey marketing companies and importers – Golden Heritage Foods, LLC, Burleson’s Inc., Odem International, and Dutch Gold Honey – today launched the Honest Honey Initiative and pledged to help protect the quality and reputation of the U.S. honey supply, as well as the sustainability of U.S. beekeepers and honey businesses. The initiative seeks to call attention to illegal sales of honey in circumvention of U.S. trade laws, a practice that the organizers estimate cost the United States up to $200 million in uncollected duties in 2008 and 2009 combined and threatens a vital segment of U.S. agriculture.
The group unveiled a website, HonestHoney.com, an educational resource providing information about where honey comes from and ways consumers, honey companies, food manufacturers and retailers can take action to eliminate illegally imported honey.
Since “ag geek” Willie Vogt just wrote an iPad review I figured it was time for me to provide you with another one. You really can’t have enough geek gadget information can you? I know a lot of you are trying to decide if you should get one now that the 3G version is out. I don’t have a 3G iPad because at this point I am content to use wifi only. So here goes.
To start with, I use this device quite a bit. It is great for taking to Coffee Zone in the morning where there is good wifi. I can take a productive 30 minutes to enjoy some Rocket Fuel, read my email and perhaps respond to some, check my Twitter feeds and all my news feeds. The apps I’m using for this are the built in email app, NetNewsWire, AP, NYT, Reuters, USA Today and Twitterific. I have Tweetdeck but I fell out of love with the desktop version since it’s such a memory hog and actually locked up my computer at times. I never liked the desktop version of Twitterific but the iPad app is excellent. If they come out with an iPad version of Tweetie though I will probably be switching since that’s my favorite for the iPhone and desktop. So for all you farm folks you might think of this as your tool that allows you to keep your fingers clean at the coffee shop when you catch up on news and do some online work. No more ink stains from the printed word. Apologies to my publications friends.
At home I mostly keep the iPad in the living room. I can grab it and sit in my recliner and do all the above in addition to reading books with the iBooks app (iTunes book store) or Kindle app. No Barnes & Noble app out yet but I’ll get it when it is. I’ve read several books now and both iBooks and Kindle are excellent reading experiences.
Web browsing with the built in Safari browser is fun. With good wifi you can pretty much do most of the same things you can do on your computer except anything that requires Adobe Flash. This hasn’t been an issue with me since I just reserve those things for when I’m on my iMac or Macbook Pro. (more…)
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.
The American Phytopathological Society (APS) is the first meeting I have heard about having to move because of the flooding in Nashville, but I am sure there are lots more, just not many ag-related.
Specifically, the EU registration applies to MINTREX® Zinc (Zn), MINTREX® Manganese (Mn) and MINTREX® Copper (Cu). 
The 
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will host the day-long “National Summit of Rural America: A Dialogue for Renewing Promise” on June 3 on the campus of Jefferson College near St. Louis.
BIO annually honors companies in the categories of “Healing, Feeding and Fueling the World” based on a pre-conference poll of attendees. Syngenta was named the “Buzz of BIO” award winner in the “Feeding the World” category by attendees at this year’s BIO International Convention. 
The show will feature an expert panel to discuss how growers are controlling disease, realizing Plant Health benefits and maximizing yield with preventative fungicides like Headline fungicide from BASF. Among those on the panel will be our friend Ken McCauley, a Kansas farmer and former NCGA President, Marc Eads, a crop consultant in northern Indiana, and BASF technical expert Nick Fassler about how Headline fungicide can minimize labor costs and improve ROI. 
In this week's program Chuck talks with David Armano, Global Innovation and Integration.
