I’ve got to find out is there’s anyone in central Missouri participating in this. I like this idea! It’s the Bon Appetit, “Eat Local Challenge.” I will warn you that the website opens with this very pretty flash animated segment and music. Aaargh! They are the bane of a web surfer’s life. At least you can skip it. I guess web designers feel compelled to use all the tools.
My Market News From USDA
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced that USDA’s new market news web portal is on line and providing instant, real-time access to daily and historical reports on agricultural commodities. The new portal is at: http://marketnews.usda.gov.
Baking Show In China
Yes I think we’re getting international attention! The releases are now coming in from China. This is an interesting sounding show – Interbake China. It’s the 10th China bakery exhibition and it sounds like a big one. If I counted right they are expecting 530 exhibitors from 83 countries. That’s a lot of baking information to take in at one show! It’ll be held next May 12-14. You can see pictures from this year’s event here.
Surfwax Look Ahead RSS Title Search
We’re all about agricultural marketing here at AgWired and especially the “cutting edge.” That’s why I keep pointing you to the new ways you need to look at things or the news things you need to look at. Like, searching on the internet. Check out this new RSS title search function from Surfwax. Thanks to Stephen Baker at Blogspotting for the announcement!
THE Blogging Software
I’m often asked what software I use for AgWired and our other blog sites. It’s WordPress and I can’t say enough good about it, especially the latest version. This is open source software and although there’s no charge to download and use it they will accept donations.
MyPyramid Lacking In “Buzz”
What’s the buzz about the USDA Food Guide Pyramid? Not much according to a recent report by BuzzMetrics, the word of mouth advertising measuring and tracking people. In fact they characterize it as “indifferent.”
Taiwanese Goodwill
CornTalk, a weekly program for the Missouri Corn Growers Association, features an interview with a familiar voice to Missouri corn growers! Fred Stemme, the current vice president of marketing for the National Corn Growers Association and former director of communications for MCGA, discusses last week’s visit by the Taiwan Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission. The mission toured the United States following the signing of the Sept. 14, intent-to-trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan. Included in this high-profile tour was a stop in Missouri. Fred provides details of the event and also highlights the important role that this longstanding and important trading partner plays in the U.S. corn economy.
EPIC Growth & Plans
In just a few short months the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) has really put together some fantastic projects to promote ethanol as an excellent renewable energy fuel source. The organization has grown in membership and boasts significant backing for its future. Plans are being made now for 2006 and we look forward to what they have in mind. To find out more I interviewed EPIC Executive Director, Tom Slunecka for this week’s ZimmCast. Tom talks about the organization, some of their research and ways they are continuing to promote ethanol to the public.
Samuelson Sez On Growing Points Website
I was wondering what Orion was doing after U. S. Farm Report and lo and behold there he was in my latest issue of Pioneer Growing Point Website email. He’s “What’s New.” And it’s Samuelson Sez. You have to register to enter the Growing Points website but I can get you that far. Now it features Orion’s words of wisdom, the latest on animal id.
Propane, Running All Around My Brain
The folks at PERC (Propane Education & Research Council) have teamed up with AgWeb.com to offer growers a tool to compare energy costs. The release says AgWeb.com has about 250,000 visitors per month. That’s a lot for any website much less one targeting agriculture. AgWired’s getting there but we’re not that high. So what about all those growers who want to use this tool but don’t or can’t get online? They can order the ag cost estimator in a printed format by contacting PERC at (866) 840-1075 and requesting item #PRC001020!