FMC Corporation has just announced that Swanson Russell will be their communications agency of record for their North American crop business.
Effective immediately, Swanson Russell will work with FMC to provide public relations, strategic marketing, media planning, interactive and advertising support for FMC herbicide, insecticide and fungicide crop protection products.
FMC recently added Swanson Russell as an advertising agency to provide additional support for its growing communications needs in 2011 in addition to supporting its Authority® portfolio of residual products. After further evaluating its product portfolios and projected growth, FMC made the decision to reassign all North American Crop business to Swanson Russell.
On a plane back to Denver, I was listening to the conversation taking place in the row immediately behind me. I heard a gentleman ask of his seat-mate, “Are those crop circles down there?” To which the other man responded, “No, that’s the edge of the field where the water doesn’t reach.” Also knowing the answer, I was about to chime in with: “Alex, what is center-pivot irrigation?”
But, when I was a kid, my dad used pipe irrigation. I remember trudging out through the mud and getting the 4-wheeler stuck, just to switch socks on the pipes and flip which row the water was running down. From the time my brother was 8, he dreaded “laying pipe.” Those long metal (and later PVC) pipes had to be placed at the end of the field rows, by hand, and it was a tedious, time-consuming task. Not to mention, the pipes weren’t lightweight!
The invention of the center pivot has impacted agriculture in a positive way by decreasing the amount of hand labor, increasing efficiencies (uniform application of water and inputs), and enabling irrigation to be done on land that had not been able to support crops in the past. It can also be done on all types of terrain, flat or hilly (ever tried to get water to run uphill?).
And, in doing a little research for this story, I came across an obituary for Robert Daugherty, “A Nebraska manufacturer who reshaped the landscape of rural America by pioneering the use of mechanized center-pivot irrigation systems that watered fields in a circular pattern, died Nov. 24, 2010.Mr. Daugherty began his career in the 1940s as part owner of a machine shop that built farm implements in a simple steel shed. By the time he retired as chairman in 1996, his company, now called Valmont Industries, was doing more than $550 million in business a year.”
And you just thought this was a close-up picture quiz.
Until we walk again…
- Telvent announced that its agriculture brand, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, released the agriculture industry’s first complete content application (app) specifically designed for the Apple iPad.
- Syngenta Seeds announced that it will out-license its soybean germplasm to independent seed companies through GreenLeaf Genetics LLC to make its high-performing soybean genetic pipeline more widely available to growers.
- Hoosier Ag Today will again offer a free daily seminar at the Indiana/Illinois Farm Equipment Show, Dec. 14-16 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
- Merial announced the launch of its “Best in Class” initiative, a campaign focused on providing dairies access to valuable information and educational tools to help ensure healthy cows, the highest standard of milk and profitable operations.
The incoming Republican chairman of the House Agriculture Committee is very unhappy with the proposed Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) rule that he says will likely result in a “tremendously devastating” impact on the livestock sector.
During the special live 200th episode of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen program last week, Congressman Frank Lucas (R-OK) said the proposed rule includes language that was defeated in the three previous farm bills.
“Congress wouldn’t give them authority. It’s a set of rules that they tried to go through the courts to force implementation and a half a dozen court cases rules against them. So, if you can’t get the elected officials to do it, and you can’t get the courts to implement it, then you use the rulemaking process and that’s where we are right now,” said Rep. Lucas. “We had a hearing back in July in the livestock subcommittee where, in a very bipartisan way, we attempted to get the administration and USDA’s attention: Don’t do this. They’ve gone forward anyway and they are continuing that process.” Lucas says the GIPSA rule is “contrary to the will of Congress, contrary to the opinion of the courts in past cases, and I just don’t think it’s good for us.”
Rep. Lucas also talks about the death tax proposal and plans for writing the 2012 Farm Bill.
Watch the episode here.
The number of PRRS Area Regional Control and Elimination (ARC&E) projects continues to grow in hog producing areas of North America.
“It actually grows like every month,” says Dr. Laura Batista, a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim (BIVI) PRRS Area Solutions Team, who organized the recent ARC&E workshop and update in Chicago. “Last year I think we were supporting five and now we’re about 14 projects.” Some of the newer projects include Iowa County, IA and north central Illinois, just outside of Chicago.
Laura says they expect the number of projects to continue growing. “Because some of the projects are not in densely populated areas, we consider some of them pilot projects,” she said. “We need to separate those areas in little clusters. So I think we are going to go to projects where there is more pig population.”
BIVI embraced the concept of ARC&E for PRRS (Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome) about three years ago and created the Area Solutions Team to help coordinate research and support the efforts of ARC&E working groups.
Listen to my interview with Laura here here: Laura Batista
2010 BIVI PRRS Area Regional Control Workshop photos
Here’s a company that I did not get to talk with at the recent NAFB convention Trade Talk session. However, the Ayrstone AyrMesh seemed very interesting and I thought I’d bring it to your attention. It sounds good and maybe ZimmComm World Headquarters could use it to improve our wifi experience! If you’ve used one please leave a comment about your experience.
Now you and your Internet have the run of the place.
New for people living and working in open spaces: the Ayrstone AyrMeshTM Wi-Fi system. This long-range Wi-Fi provides Internet to your entire farm, homestead or open space by broadcasting your broadband Internet connection. Use your farm Wi-Fi to save time inside, outside and all around your place:
* Follow your tractor maintenance manual from your laptop instead of wasting time printing it out
* Key-in data about your farm animals from the barn instead of taking notes in a notebook
* Furnish Internet access to visitors, employees, contract workers
* Provide all your kids Internet access at homework time instead of the lineup next to the computer
* Take your home office out to the porch or under your favorite tree instead of staying cooped-up in the house
The AyrMesh network extends your home network to your open spaces including workshops, stables, garages, outbuildings and even pasture, without the chore digging in cables. Each AyrMesh Hub provides up to a half-mile of Wi-Fi coverage. Extend your coverage up to 2 miles by linking AyrMesh Hubs through Wi-Fi. Ready to purchase the Ayrstone AyrMesh system?
Sometimes getting hit by a snowball doesn’t hurt.
Take the Heibing Snowball Fight for example.
Via Twitter I got hit by a snowball from Ron Martin.
You can share the “love” too.
The sponsor for one of the National Agricultural Aviation Association/BASF Scholarship winners this year is Waylon Woods, Wood’s Aviation. He’s pictured here (right) with scholarship recipient Matt Kollars. I visited with them during the NAAA convention to find out why Waylon sponsored Matt and what Matt plans to do with his scholarship.
Waylon says that he worked with Matt during the summer and was impressed with his work ethic. He appreciated his work and his help. He wasn’t surprised when he won and he knows the scholarship will help him a lot. With BASF as my sponsor for NAAA convention coverage I had to ask Waylon what he thought about their products and he says that this year he was “100 percent BASF.” I don’t think it gets any better than that.
You can listen to my interview with Waylon here: Waylon Woods Interview
Matt is planning to use the scholarship to continue his flight instruction since he can use the funds to not only get finished but in a more timely manner than he would have been able to otherwise. He says it “means a ton to me.” Matt says it has been a dream of his to fly and ag is a very exciting part of the industry. He hopes to one day have his own business.
You can listen to my interview with Matt here: Matthew Kollars Interview
2010 NAAA Convention Photo Album
AgWired coverage of the NAAA Convention is sponsored by 
.
Earlier this week I had the opportunity to interview retired farmer Merle Anderson for my Between the Lines blog (Three Pieces of Advice From the Father of Ethanol). For those who truly know, love and respect Merle, he is none other than the “Father of Ethanol”. Thirty four years ago, Merle got a group of farmers together in Minnesota (he was a farmer in Climax, MN) to see how they could find a home for their surplus crops and their answer: ethanol. For the next 30 years or so, corn happened to be the only crop for ethanol that took off, but if Merle is right, other crops will have their day in the sun too.
Yet despite the successes of the of corn ethanol industry, there is something that is really bugging him and that is the lack of support from the food industry whom he feels should be supporters of a product that helps the food industry, not hurts, them.
Below is a letter to the editor from Merle that we have received permission to reprint. After you read it, you will definitely be looking at groceries in your cart a bit differently – even though you grew the food.
When I walk through the big doors of the Modern Grocery Store it seems like I’m walking through the pearly gates of Food Heaven.
Then I stop and ask myself if farmers produce most of the basic food items in these places, why does the Grocery Industry Lobby join in a lawsuit against farmers and renewable fuels?
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has lobbied against farmers by blaming ethanol for the high cost of food. Not true! The cost of food is up because of three plus dollars a gallon for fuel prices. Cost of processing, wrapping, boxing, and transportation is where your increased costs are.
The GMA has recently joined with Big Oil and others opposing groups in a lawsuit against the EPA because E15 was partially approved in our cars and pickups.
So as I wander through Food Heaven it causes me to ask these questions: (more…)
Registration is now open for the 2011 National Agri-Marketing Conference. Really. I know you were waiting for this moment. Give a registration as a gift for that person you love or want to reward. Just an idea.
And how about you agrimarketing companies? Do you have your sponsorship locked in yet? Now is the time!
Last year’s Conference was the highest attended in a decade! NAMA has created a more concentrated promotions plan for our 2011 sponsors and partners than ever before. The earlier you sign up, the more exposure you receive!
Take a look at the other companies already supporting our industry and getting their names out there. Then contact NAMA to find out which sponsorship best suits your budget and goals.
More than 1,200 agri-marketing professionals will be in Kansas City, April 13-15, 2011. Make sure they notice your company and your support of ag marketing.
Here’s a Christmas party to put on your list. Next week the Gateway (St. Louis) Chapter of NAMA will be holding a dinner and you really need to make your reservation today if possible. C’mon Gateway members and anyone interested in agrimarketing who will be in St. Louis next week.
Not only will it be a great get-together but it’s also going to support a good cause. Half of the proceeds from the party will go to Stray Rescue of St. Louis to help them grow and to support their new shelter facility. Now there’s a better way to help animals than giving to the HSUS! Here’s the details:
Date: Wed., Dec. 15, 6pm
Location: Upper Cellar of Copia, 1122 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63101
Cost: $25/person or #40/couple for dinner
RSVP ASAP: Mandy Heth
Andy Vance, formally with ABN Radio, has officially announced his new gig will be with Feedstuffs.
“I’m very excited to announce that I’m joining Feedstuffs and Feedstuffs Foodlink as a featured contributor, writing for Feedstuffs’ weekly print and online editions, and providing exclusive online audio and video content,” Andy says on his blog “The Angle.”
According to Feedstuffs, Andy starts his new job next week. “The challenges before agriculture today are indeed immense and, by nature, quite complex. They include such critical things as determining the unintended consequences of abandoning the modern food supply chain and even who has the right to impose their beliefs on the plates of others. We are excited to have Andy joining our team to provide his prospective on these and other related issues,” said Sarah Muirhead, Feedstuffs editor and publisher and co-creator of Feedstuffs FoodLink.
Vance is an agricultural journalist, commentator and entrepreneur who is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading agricultural communicators. An active member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB), he received the 2006 NAFB Horizon Award recognizing excellence in farm broadcasting and promise for the future. He also received the 2009 Excellence in Agriculture Award from the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. Most recently, he led the broadcast team at the Agri Broadcast Network, earning the 2010 NAFB Newscast of the Year Award, national runner-up in the 2009 NAFB Newscast and Marketcast of the Year Awards and NAFB News Service Awards in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Vance also has become one of the nation’s foremost authorities on “new” and “social” media in agriculture.
Congrats to Andy and to Feedstuffs on this exciting new partnership! Hope to hear equally good news about Lindsay Hill’s future soon.
It is always sad to report a death – in this case, the death of a very well-respected agricultural radio operation.
The ABN (Agri Broadcast Network) was founded in 1972 by the late Ed Johnson and has a rich history of service to Ohio’s agricultural community. In 2007, the network was taken over by Lindsay Hill and Andy Vance, who got their start as farm broadcasters at ABN and launched the Buckeye Ag Radio Network (BARN) in 2005.
Today, Lindsay made the sad news of the network’s ceasing operations official on their website.
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for your support of ABN Radio through the years. As the producers of the food, fiber and fuel that sustain our daily lives, farmers- and those of you employed in every aspect of agricultural production – are truly the backbone of America. It has been our most sincere pleasure to share your stories over the years.
With that in mind, it is with great regret that I share that today marks the final day of operations for AdVance Broadcast & Communication, Ltd.
I’d like to thank our advertising partners and friends who have supported this journey through the years. And, express my sincere appreciation to each of you for tuning into your radios to join us “on the farm” everyday.
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.
We know from experience how tough it is to have your own business, having been through it ourselves, so we sincerely wish our friends at ABN the best of luck in future endeavors.
Maybe it’s the renewable nature of the fuel. Maybe it’s the fact that the fumes from some of it smells likes french fries. Maybe, my personal favorite, it helps this country get off its foreign oil addiction. Well, whatever your reason for believing in biodiesel, the National Biodiesel Board is inviting you to put your thoughts onto video:
The best of the best clips will be used during the 2011 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, Feb. 6 – 9 in Phoenix, showcased on the National Biodiesel Board’s web site, Facebook Fan Page, and other communications where biodiesel is at work.
Make your voice heard as our industry moves forward!
The statements must be submitted in the following format: “I believe in biodiesel because….”
You can check out the National Biodiesel Board’s site and see how some of the NBB’s staffs’ examples to get you started. My personal favorite is my friend Jessica Robinson’s video, where she mentions her best friend’s husband, who is in the Marine Corps serving overseas.
Starting today we’re launching a new feature on all the ZimmComm New Media news websites, including AgWired. This is a weekly quick-vote style poll which we’re affectionately calling the ZimmPoll.
The ZimmPoll is designed to gauge your opinions on a range of topics, including agriculture and agribusiness, emerging technologies and consumer trends. Look for a new poll each week in the sidebar on AgWired and on DomesticFuel.com, PrecisionPays.com and WorldDairyDiary.com.
The ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea + Kaiser. “Target-audience opinions and insights are key to the success of all of our businesses today,” says Diane Martin, president and CEO of R+K. “We hope ZimmComm readers will benefit from – and have a little fun with – these real-time opinions of their ag industry peers.”
Start now and stay tuned for a new ZimmPoll each week. You’ll see results immediately, and we’ll also publish a weekly results recap where you’ll be able to share additional comments and ask questions about the week’s poll question.
ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.
Who is Novus International? Well, loyal AgWired fans know and at the recent NAFB convention Trade Talk session a lot more people found out. Pictured are (l-r) Jared Hux, Wendell Knehans and Tracy Barfield.
I spoke with Wendell about this question of just who Novus is. He says Novus is the company that puts together the micro ingredients for a healthy animal’s diet. As he puts it, “We make the other herbs and spices, nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants that complete the animal diet.” This creates healthier and more productive animals and a low cost food source for humans. Also of key importance to Novus is sustainability. Wendell says, “Novus wants to do the right thing for animal agriculture socially, environmentally and economically.” That’s their 3 part commitment to sustainability and their definition of the word.
You can listen to my interview with Wendell here: Novus International - Knehans Interview
While speaking with Jared I learned all about oxidative balance. It’s the balance between the “good stuff and the bad stuff in the animal.” So for Novus it’s all about animal nutrition. Jared points to their work in poultry to create “healthier eggs.”
You can listen to my interview with Jared here: Novus International - Jared Hux Interview
NAFB Convention Photo Album
Our good friend Sally Behringer has a new job with our good friends at Blasdel Cleaver Schwalbe Communications. She’ll be an account manager on several key public relations accounts. The photo is from last week’s agency open house (party).
Behringer has more than 20 years of experience in agricultural public relations and marketing communications. She has served clients in the areas of companion, equine and production animal health, animal nutrition, agricultural chemicals, biotechnology, international agricultural policy and economics, agricultural equipment and other related areas.
Leigh Ann Cleaver, partner, BCS Communications, says adding Behringer to the BCS team builds upon the company’s extensive suite of marketing communications services. “Our business provides senior-level, experienced professionals who work with clients every day to help them accomplish their goals. Adding Sally to our experienced account team enhances our public relations services, especially in the areas of media relations, event management, trade show marketing, media training and communications.”
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has more members than ever before.
According to new AFBF membership figures, there are now 6,279,813 member families that belong to the nation’s largest general farm organization, marking 50 consecutive years of membership growth. State Farm Bureaus overall reported a total 2,149 more member families this year than in 2009.
American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman credited strong agricultural advocacy programs at the local, state and national levels and the growing portfolio of services offered by state Farm Bureaus for the organization’s 50th straight year of membership growth.
Lots of state Farm Bureau meetings are being held around the country this month. Here in the home state of ZimmComm World Headquarters, Missouri Farm Bureau elected a new president yesterday. Blake Hurst of Atchison County will replace retiring Charlie Kruse, who has served as president for 18 years. Blake is not only a successful row crop farmer, he’s also a successful freelance writer who has had numerous agriculture-related articles published in The American Enterprise, 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 Delusion.”
Congressman Frank Lucas (R-OK) has been selected to chair the House Agriculture Committee in the 112th Congress.
“It is an honor to continue in this leadership role of the Agriculture Committee where I have served since I was first elected to Congress,” Lucas said. “As a lifelong farmer from a diverse, agricultural state, I have lived the real world challenges farmers and ranchers face across the country. I will continue to be a strong voice for production agriculture and rural America.”
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall says they believe Rep. Lucas will be a good chairman to represent the interests of rural America in general and beef producers in particular. “Under the leadership of Rep. Lucas, we expect the Environmental Protection Agency, USDA’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration and other departments within this administration to be held accountable for regulations that will stymie the success of innovative and creative cattle producers who are the very best stewards of the land,” Colin said in a statement from NCBA. “Rep. Lucas understands the importance of agriculture. He is aware of the unique challenges facing agriculture and is ready to pursue opportunities for the entire industry.”
« Previously Posted
Recent Posts »
In this week's program Chuck talks with David Armano, Global Innovation and Integration.
