Good morning from Phoenix, AZ and the National Ethanol Conference. We’re going to stream the opening remarks and state of the industry speech for you starting at 8am MST. On the stage will be Renewable Fuels Association Chairman, Chuck Woodside and President/CEO Bob Dinneen. After their remarks I’ll post the audio and recorded video for you as soon as I can.
So, feel free to send a link to this post to your friends and neighbors who are interested in ethanol for a look at what’s ahead for the industry. Just click on the player below to begin the feed.
Post Update: Here’s the recorded version of our live feed from this morning.
Emily Krueger of West Salem, Ohio, competed against 47 other college students or recent graduates to win the American Farm Bureau’s 2011 Collegiate Discussion Meet at the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference.
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. helped seedstock producers add value through its Range Ready Health Warranted Breeding Stock program and has now extended its offering to include the Range Ready Quality Feeder Calf program.
The soybean checkoff and American Farm Bureau Federation have partnered on a joint Internet Facebook page (www.facebook.com/NationalFoodCheckoutWeek) to promote national Food Check-Out Week, Feb. 20-26.
Asking “When was he born?” might be a polite way to ask “How old are you?” But I’m allowed to ask that question of ancestors long gone.
This photo is of Jonathan Henry, my Grandmother’s great-grandfather, born in 1848. This was taken in 1898. He farmed along the Missouri River until it rose out of its banks and washed away the farmland. As any good farmer would do, he tightened his suspenders (and his belt), forged ahead, and purchased another piece of land for each of his five boys.
To go back to Jonathan’s story though, I oftentimes hear mention of a farmer with his trusted steed. Horses have been an important part of farming since the 1800s (and still remain so in some parts of the country and some farming operations) – this horse and buggy in particular were once used to transport jugs of water out to the men in the field. I felt a little guilty as I packed an insulated mug of Folger’s coffee for my husband this morning.
And I have to note that the horse and buggy required a great deal of work: constantly maintaining horse health, fly nets had to be kept in supply (the strings over the horse’s back pictured here), blanket pins. It’s quite unlike tossing my coat in the car (which is already warm from our insulated garage) and off I go.
I don’t need to ask how old he was…Jonathan Henry died in 1932.
Some of the best food I ate in Louisville at the National Farm Machinery Show was cooked up in the food booth run by Ruth Ohlendorf. I was a repeat customer starting with catfish one day and rainbow trout on another. Mmm. Mmm.
Ruth says they cook around 2,000 pounds of catfish and 1,000 pounds of trout during the show. That’s a lot of fish. Her customers love it and she says she gets a lot of repeat business. Ruth is a good ambassador for the Kentucky Aquaculture Association.
According to Sean Dorosz, New Holland, farmers are becoming increasingly aware of new Tier 4 standards. He told me that they are asking questions based on familiarity with the subject.
During the National Farm Machinery Show New Holland had a special location just to conduct Tier 4 tractor clinics and answer questions. Sean is conducting a session with some of them in the photo and you can hear him present following my interview with him.
You can listen to my interview with Sean that is followed by audio of him doing one of his presentations in the booth to a group of customers here: Sean Dorosz Interview
The National Ethanol Conference in now underway in Phoenix, AZ. Cindy and I are here and will covering the conference on Domestic Fuel. We started out cool and wet for this morning’s golf tournament. So much for a warm dry desert experience. I’ve still got quite a few stories to post from the National Farm Machinery Show and will do that during the next couple days.
Here in Phoenix I sat down with Bob Dinneen, CEO, Renewable Fuels Association (pictured center) for our annual preview of the conference. Bob says attendance is up and the networking opportunities like today’s activities provide are going to be used by those attending to get some work done. Featured speakers include James Carville and Mary Matalin who will provide their perspective on policy. He says this is going to be a pivotal year for the ethanol industry.
It’s time for American Ethanol to take the stage at the Daytona 500 this weekend! It will be NASCAR history as every car will be powered by Sunoco Green E15 – a blend of 15 percent American ethanol. This fuel change, which will become standard for all three NASCAR series this year, represents a shift in professional racing toward a more sustainable, environmentally friendly, domestic fuel source.
At the National Farm Machinery Show, the American Ethanol car was on display in the Kentucky Corn Growers booth. On hand to talk about the partnership was Dennis Duchene who works for the Richard Petty Driving Experience. He’s a NASCAR guy and as you’ll hear, a cheerleader for American corn growers.
The National FFA Organization will celebrate National FFA Week Feb. 19-26, 2011. Infinite Potential is the theme this year and members are encouraged to envision, discover and achieve their potential within their communities.
The week of George Washington’s birthday was designated by the organization as National FFA Week in 1947. “George Washington made a lot of contributions to agriculture and the development of the United States,” explains Landan Schaffert, national FFA secretary. “He had a very diligent work ethic, an honest character and also was very good at record keeping. Those are all things that we hope for our members to accomplish in the National FFA Organization.”
During the week, national officers will travel to different parts of the country to visit FFA members, participate in special events and meet with leaders of the agriculture industry. Individual chapters initiate events throughout the week to promote FFA and agriculture in their classrooms and communities. Events include community service projects, educational lessons for elementary students and promotional programs for students, teachers, and alumni.
With mobile apps on my mind, my attention was caught by a billboard in the Monsanto/Asgrow booth at the National Farm Machinery Show for AsgrowMobile.com. It’s not an app but a smartphone friendly website for growers to find the latest soybean information that includes a Rep/Dealer Locator, Seed Resource Guide, Yield Information and more.
I spoke with Kirby Bacon, Asgrow, who describes the new mobile web site: Kirby Bacon Interview
During the National Farm Machinery Show Farm Industry News presented their 2011 FinOvation Awards at an evening banquet. Our sponsor, New Holland, won in the Tractors, High-horsepower, 4-wd category for their T9 Series Tractors. Seen with their award are Abe Hughes, VP Sales/Marketing, North America (left) and Sean Dorosz, Tractor Marketing Segment Manager.
I spoke with Abe earlier in the day at the New Holland exhibit. He says he has put together a leadership team and plan to rejuvenate the New Holland brand. Abe says there is a lot of buzz at the New Holland booth because of all the new products they’ve introduced recently, many of which are on display here at the show. He says that you should see that New Holland employees are “now speaking with a passion and an energy.” Looking ahead Abe says there is good news but some cautionary notes. On the good news side, commodity prices are up and global food demand is up. On the cautionary side though he says that raw material shortages are showing up. He encourages dealers and farmers to get their orders in as soon as possible
Enjoy his enthusiasm for the brand in our discussion.
Today is the final day to register on-line for Commodity Classic, March 3-5 in Tampa. It’s an event you don’t want to miss!
The 16th Annual Commodity Classic will help growers set sail for a successful 2011 by offering educational sessions on topics such as the new pesticide application permits, crop insurance and sustainability. “There is no better time to improve one’s marketing skills then now with record commodity price levels,” said Commodity Classic Co-chair Charles Cannatella. “Growers can increase their profitability from attending one of the marketing sessions during Commodity Classic.”
In addition to educational opportunities, attendees will enjoy exhibits from over 220 companies in 870 booths at the trade show. Escape the winter blues and embrace the sun while learning from ag industry experts, networking with fellow growers, and attending association banquets and events. The Commodity Classic grand finale will be the Evening of Entertainment on March 5. Described as “the best harmony band in the world,” the Little River Band will delight the crowd with a performance of their unforgettable melodies.
I got a birds eye view of the New Holland exhibit at the National Farm Machinery Show. Mike Harvey and I did a video overview of what’s on display from the top of a New Holland CR9060 Combine! You can find all the technical specs for these combines here.
The tour includes the new PowerStar tractors, hay and forage equipment, precision ag products as well as the new line of skid steer loaders.
Thanks to Gene Hemphill for taking our photo from the floor.
Tweeters met at the Farm Journal booth at the National Farm Machinery Show. It was a truly international tweetup! Yours truly was behind the camera and we had participants from Canada as well as the USA!
One of the subjects that he loves to talk about is how Novus is helping producers feed a growing and hungry world population. But he says it’s not just about quantity of food but also affordability of food. I think you’ll hear how passionate Gio is about this subject in my interview with him. He takes a very global perspective. He says they are working with producers on three key areas: education, using Novus products that allow for less overall inputs and maximizing the utilization of inputs.
Wyffels Hybrids recently rolled out nine new hybrid families for 2012.
James Glassford has joined AgriLabs’ executive management team as V.P. of Marketing.
Steley, the first 24/7 Online Auction website specifically for livestock, allows consumers to buy and sell cattle genetics worldwide.
Pharm Solutions Inc. announced Weed Pharm, a horticultural BIOPESTICIDE, has received EPA approval for use on organic crops for non selective control of herbaceous broadleaf weeds and weed grasses.
It’s “like candy for pullers.” That’s the Championship Tractor Pull taking place after the National Farm Machinery Show closes for the day.
I had to spend a little time seeing the big indoor show and have some photos uploaded for you.
This invitation-only event stars the nation’s best drivers and their ground-pounding machines – Pro Stocks, Super Stocks, Modified, and Alcohol Tractors as well as Two-Wheel and Four-Wheel Drive Trucks. The drivers compete in four exciting evening performances and an additional pull on Saturday afternoon. Drivers are not only gearing up for the unequaled thrill of winning at this nationally recognized pull, but also for the chance to bring home a share of more than $200,000 in prize money.
It has been a busy day at the National Farm Machinery Show. I’ve been doing interviews all day and adding to the photo collection. So, lots of stories will be forthcoming in the next few days.
Agwired congratulations go out to GROWMARK System employees who were recognized at the recent 2011 National Council of Farmer Cooperatives’ (NCFC) Information Fair, a communications contest that recognizes excellence in the publications, member relations, and marketing products of farmer cooperatives.
Earning first place honors were: Amy Bradford, corporate communications manager, and Ann Kafer, director, Corporate Communications & Marketing Services, in the Multimedia Presentation category; Dorothy Ahlenius, Corporate Communications & Marketing Services administrative coordinator, and Bradford in the Annual Meeting Promotional Materials category; and Jenny Haycraft, marketing communications manager, Karen Higgins, graphic designer, and Marty Dunton, GROWMARK FS seed business manager, in the Advertising Catalog/Product Guide category.
Second place honors were given to: Bradford in the Internal Identity/Awareness Campaign; and Haycraft, Dr. Jeff Bunting, crop protection marketing manager, and Kevin Black, insect and plant disease technical manager, in the Advertising Catalog/Product Guide category.
Third place honors were earned by: Haycraft, Bunting, and Black in the Advertising Catalog/Product Guide category.
Honorable mention went to: Haycraft, Dunton, Higgins, and Lance Ruppert, FS Seed sales and marketing manager, in the Advertising Catalog/Product Guide category; and Haycraft, Dr. Howard Brown, manager, agronomy services, and Mike Scheer, manager, agronomy marketing and communications, in the Direct Mail category.
NCFC is a national association representing America’s farmer cooperatives. There are nearly 3,000 farmer cooperatives across the U.S. whose members include a majority of our nation’s more than 2 million farmers, ranchers and growers.
On rolling out and cutting and frosting Christmas cookies. When I start making cookies the first of December and don’t finish until about a week before Christmas, and when my freezer is overflowing with about 30 dozen cookies, 6 different kinds, I just really don’t feel like going to all that hassle. Is that a Christmas cookie crime?
I’m a professed “love to cook and bake” kind of girl. But I think that love only goes as far as what kitchen ettiquette has imposed on me in 2011. This cookie cutter and donut cutter (L to R respectively) belonged to my grandmother’s grandmother. That would be … my great, great grandmother. I think. Either way, she was born in 1860 and married at the age of 31. I’m guessing she was using these cutters about that time; my great-grandmother and my grandmother both used them, too.
That was back when everything was homemade and homegrown. And on days when I just don’t feel like “taking care of my man” (and by that I mean the old-fashioned version of welcoming him home to a kitchen full of homemade biscuits, gravy, corn, green beans, turkey and stuffing), I have been known to open a bag of rice and make it on the stove. Yes, I said a bag of rice. The kind that’s pre-packaged and processed and only costs $1.39.
No one ever said I was Betty Crocker.
But I do own some cookie cutters of my own. Maybe someday I’ll once again decide that frosted shapely sugar cookies are worth the time. I doubt, however, they’ll get as much use as these.
Major corn and soybean producers and agribusiness suppliers will convene this August for the NFocus Forums for Agribusiness.
“We are providing the opportunity for 30 to 40 large-acreage corn and soybean producers to meet in one-on-one private sessions with key suppliers,” says Kim Nicholson, managing partner of NFocus Partners, LLC. “With the number of producers farming 5,000 acres or more of corn or soybeans having grown four-fold in just the past 5 years, the purchasing dynamics and supplier needs for this producer group has changed dramatically. What makes the NFocus Forums for Agribusiness efficient is that it brings together key decision makers from both major producers and suppliers in an organized strategic setting.”
NFocus Partners is partnering with BeckAg to pre-screen forum participants. Suppliers will have the option of 10 to 15 meetings with producers who are matched to suppliers and their products and services. “Suppliers will have agendas and pre-call planning information well in advance of the meetings to allow for customized presentations for each producer,” says Stephanie Liska, president of BeckAg.
The NFocus Forums for Agribusiness will be held August 22-25, 2011, at Legacy Lodge, located at Lake Lanier Islands, Georgia. For more information, visit www.nfocusforums.com/home.
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 of the best food I ate in Louisville at the National Farm Machinery Show was cooked up in the food booth run by Ruth Ohlendorf. I was a repeat customer starting with catfish one day and rainbow trout on another. Mmm. Mmm.
According to Sean Dorosz, New Holland, farmers are becoming increasingly aware of 
The 
It’s time for 
With mobile apps on my mind, my attention was caught by a billboard in the Monsanto/Asgrow booth at the National Farm Machinery Show for 
During the National Farm Machinery Show Farm Industry News presented their 
Today is the final day to register on-line for 
I got a birds eye view of the New Holland exhibit at the National Farm Machinery Show. Mike Harvey and I did a video overview of what’s on display from the top of a 
Tweeters met at the Farm Journal booth at the National Farm Machinery Show. It was a truly international tweetup! Yours truly was behind the camera and we had participants from Canada as well as the USA!
The 
It’s “like candy for pullers.” That’s the 
It has been a busy day at the National Farm Machinery Show. I’ve been doing interviews all day and adding to the photo collection. So, lots of stories will be forthcoming in the next few days.
Agwired congratulations go out to 
Major corn and soybean producers and agribusiness suppliers will convene this August for the 
In this week's program Chuck talks with David Armano, Global Innovation and Integration.
