I Make America will continue to demand Congress takes action and passes a well-funded, multi-year highway bill. Their inaction is hampering American workers and manufacturers’ efforts to get back to work rebuilding and modernizing our roads, bridges and highways. America’s stagnant economy, high unemployment and the declining resources in our communities demand a sense of urgency from our political leaders in D.C.

The third AG CONNECT Expo will be held January 29-31, 2013 at the Kansas City Convention Center, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), which started the global agribusiness trade show in 2010. The show is now on a biennial schedule synchronized with Agritechnica, the global agriculture trade show in Hanover, Germany, owned by the German Agricultural Society, DLG. The two global agriculture trade exhibitions – Agritechnica in Europe and AG CONNECT Expo in North America – coordinated timing of their show dates for the convenience of exhibitors and attendees with global business interests.

“Agriculture today is increasingly global, and AG CONNECT Expo is a global trade show offering industry professionals the best information and the best people possible, without boundaries,” said Tim Merrett with Deere & Company, who is serving as AG CONNECT Expo 2013 chair. “We have succeeded with this goal and will continue to provide a quality gathering place for sharing global agricultural ideas and management trends.”

Exhibit space sales for AG CONNECT Expo 2013 are now open, and deadline is September 15, 2011 to receive priority status with the first round of exhibit space assignments.

AG CONNECT Expo and AEM will be visiting with attendees at the 2011 AMS InfoExpo next week in New Orleans, so we will be sure to find out more there!

“We’re calling on all Americans to send in their photos to the Picture a Better America Photo Contest. We need to show our elected officials that our roads, bridges and highways are crumbling and America needs Congress to pass a fully-funded highway investment bill this year,” said AEM President Dennis Slater. “The time is now for Congress to invest taxpayer dollars in projects that will create meaningful jobs and will make our roads safer.”

I think you’ll be especially interested in the America Grows Here Category. You’ve got until July 15 to enter and you can get full details on the website.

Have you ever eaten corn on the cob? Are you wearing a cotton shirt? America is a world leading provider of these products and more. Without investment in American infrastructure, our products, crops, and the machines that harvest them, will sit idle in our fields instead of feeding and clothing the world. Show the natural beauty of America’s farms and fields, by submitting a photo today!

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“Feeding the World – 9.3 billion people for dinner in 2050″ is the theme of Alltech’s lecture tour this year that kicked off during AG CONNECT Expo on Saturday. Dr. Mark Lyons, International Project Director for Alltech, says AG CONNECT was a great place for them to start. “We have operations in 90 countries, we’re selling into almost 120 countries,” Mark said. “So for us, it’s an excellent venue. Having a stop in Georgia is one thing, having a stop here at this event is much different.”

Now the lecture tour moves on to stops along the eastern part of the U.S. and then the western part. “We’ll have 23 stops in North America and over 100 stops globally,” Mark said. “It culminates in our symposium in May in Kentucky. It’s a very important part of what we do. We estimate that we get in front of about 20,000 people a year.” There were several hundred at the event in Atlanta.

Listen to my interview with Mark here: Dr. Mark Lyons

Watch Mark’s portion of the lecture tour here:

2011 AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

Martin said that one of the differences for this show from last year was having a lot more visitors and he credits having other organizations holding their meetings at the same time with helping. He says the location was very desirable for exhibitors. They use the show to hold their own meetings with dealers and customers. He says they want the show to attract big growers who are looking to invest. He also makes a point about how the show is put on by a non-profit organization, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Martin also talks about the relationship with AgriTechnica, the largest European show, and says they have even invested in AG CONNECT Expo. Beginning now the two shows will run in off set years.

You can listen to my interview with Martin here: Interview With Martin Richenhagen

I have several more interviews to post from AG CONNECT Expo but am transitioning over to the AFBF Annual Meeting so I’ll see you from there. Our show photo album is now complete. I hope you enjoy them.

2011 AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

According to Thomas the economy is recovering but at a very slow pace. I asked him if there was room for optimism and he said it was more like “less room for pessimism.” He says that things are pretty good for the ag sector of the economy. With people around the world building wealth they’re spending more on food. As he put it, “It doesn’t look too bad right now.” and “The world is getting wealthier and as it does that it is changing its diet.” He doesn’t see this trend reversing. I thought he made an interesting observation that in talking with ag groups they “have a good sense of history.” So the bottom line is that the ag sector is relatively healthy compared to the rest of the economy but we should keep in mind that the world has changed, mostly for the better, and make financial decisions accordingly.

You can listen to my interview with Thomas here: Thomas Cunningham Interview

2011 AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

The winners from left to right are:
Next Generation of Ag Award — Elliott Marsh from Statesboro, Georgia
Ag Woman of the Year — Beverly Hall from Baxter, Tennessee
Community Advocate Award — Ray Bowman from Frankfurt, Kentucky

You can see more photos from the opening ceremony in the
2011 AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

Now we are starting the second AG CONNECT Expo, which will be held every other year after this year, and Charlie says the show has really come together this year to be what they envisioned. “It’s certainly a larger footprint than we had last year,” Charlie says. “It feels like people really stepped it up a little bit more this year and it’s really looking good on the show floor this year.”

Charlie says it worked out very well for them to team up with American Farm Bureau, as well as other groups such as the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, to have co-located events. “That’s kind of been the strategy all along is to have key meetings associated with it and then have the trade show and the educational events as part of the trade show. We’re trying to be as efficient as we can with everybody’s time.”

Listen to my interview with Charlie here: Charlie O'Brien

2011 AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

I spoke with Josh Daniel, State Vice President from Oconee County, and Beth Hickey, State Vice President
Stephens County, about their involvement in the expo. “We’re helping with some of the educational breakout sessions and with some of the other educational opportunities and tours that AG CONNECT is offering,” Beth told me.

They are both very excited about meeting people from the agriculture industry all over the world. “It’s really a joy to meet people in the industry and seeing the way it’s growing and changing and always learning more about agriculture,” said Josh.

Listen to my interview with Josh and Beth here: Georgia FFA at AG CONNECT

2011 AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

There are already more media folks here than last year in Orlando. In fact, Julie Harker with Brownfield Network commented that last year it was just her and Chuck here!

I took photos and recorded Julie interviewing show director Sara Mooney, who says they are happy being co-located with the American Farm Bureau annual meeting this year. “We’re really excited about it,” Sara said. “We’re going to have over 380 exhibitors on the show floor with AG CONNECT and American Farm Bureau Trade Show Pavilion.”

In addition to the exhibit hall, Sara says there’s also an extensive education program, with over 30 brand new sessions and topics as well as Innovation Theater sponsored by Successful Farming. The show, which is sponsored by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), officially opens this evening with the grand opening ceremony and will run through Monday afternoon.

Listen to Julie’s interview with Sara here: Sara Mooney

2011 AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

We’ll be on the floor throughout the next several days conducting interviews, attending educational sessions and taking lots of photos. Speaking of photos, I have started the official ZimmComm photo album: 2011 AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

Thank you to AG CONNECT Expo for making it possible for ZimmComm to cover this show. It is the 2nd one and we’re looking forward to many more in coming years.

Grand prize winners receive a round-trip for two to AG CONNECT Expo 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia and will be honored at AG CONNECT Expo during the “Celebration of Agriculture” reception on Preview Day, January 7.

You can see more about the winners here including their video entries. You can watch Beverly’s below.

Registering in advance saves over 30 percent off the show registration fee. Attendees can also save money by registering in advance for the extensive educational programming that will take place at the show. Go online to www.aem.org for full details and to register.

The next Ag Connect Expo will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, January 7-10, 2011 at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. So far, the educational program is taking shape and Sara said it will be bigger, better and have more offerings. AEM is also planning to expand the Innovations Center as well as adding days and sessions on the show floor as well as more seating. Sara noted that all the sessions were full this past January.

While next year’s show is still a work in progress, Sara said that they are taking into account all the feedback from the attendee surveys and focus groups to ensure that the next show will be even better. Next year there will be a broader scope of exhibits, more floor space and they will bring back their signature elements.

On a closing note, Sara mentioned that Ag Connect Expo has been selected to participate U.S. Department of Commerce’s Buyer Program. Approximately 35 shows are selected for the program each year, and this will be the second year Ag Connect has been selected.

Registration opens in August but you can pre-register now by going www.agconnectexpo.com.

You can learn more about the Summit by listening to my interview with Sara.

2010 National Agri-Marketing Conference Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2010 National Agri-Marketing Conference
is sponsored by: . They know.

For other types of farm-related equipment covered in the AEM survey, overall 2010 demand for most products in the U.S. and Canada is expected to improve after 2009 business declines. All categories are predicted to be in the plus column for 2011 and 2012.

You can read the full results online.

The Ag Leader booth was one of the ones displaying the “New Product” banner. I asked Mike what was new. He says there have been several new products released recently by the company including their new INTEGRA display. The 12.1 inch screen combines the operation control options Ag Leader is known for, with a built-in full-featured steering and guidance system including an on-screen lightbar.

Mike says most of the growers he spoke with know they need to implement precision technology but are asking questions about how they can use it in their operation.

You can watch or listen to my interview with Mike below:

AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

Bellandi told me that her organization represents manufacturers that produce equipment for small to medium sized farmers. This includes equipment used for soil preparation to silos to tractors and harvesters. Brazil has been manufacturing equipment for 30 years and currently exports to more than 60 countries.

She noted that not only is Brazil diversified in its production of machinery, but its agricultural industry is also diversified. Brazil grows tobacco, coffee, cotton, soybeans, tropical fruits, vegetables, beans, rice and sugarcane. “Brazil is a very agricultural powerful nation,” said Bellandi.

Since AG CONNECT Expo was an international show, I asked Bellandi about Brazil’s efforts in helping other countries with their efforts. She told me that Brazil has developed a direct planting technology that is something other Latin American countries are very interested as are many countries in Africa. She also noted that while sustainability is a very important aspect for the ag industry in Brazil, it is not yet important in developing countries.

“What you have to understand is the stage they are in right now. They have to feed their people and they have practically nothing in many countries. So environmental issues are not very important for them. We’re trying to show them they could start thinking about it a little bit differently. But in Latin America, we’re beginning to influence them,” Bellandi.

To get people thinking about environmental issues, ABIMAQ has produced a free video called “The Earth hanging by a drop,” that demonstrates how ecosystems are affected by global warming.  To receive a free copy of this video and to learn more about the organization, visit ABIMAQ’s website.

AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album.

Listen to my full interview with Alida here.

To wrap things up I spoke to Charlie O’Brien, VP Ag Services for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. He says that they’re extremely pleased with the show. Attendance neared a total of 8,000. He says that the show committees have all met and the common theme among them was “quality, quality, quality.” Meaning that they have all been impressed with the quality of the booths, the sessions and the people on hand to answer questions. Looking forward they would like to broaden the scope of the show with more exhibitors. They’ve already got a large portion of next year’s floor space sold. He also heard from exhibitors that they were grateful for the integration of educational sessions into the show.

Next year’s show will be in Atlanta, GA January 7-10 so make your plans now. You can watch my interview with Charlie or listen to and download it below:

AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

Here’s some quick stats for you. There are currently 7,000 registered. The final numbers will change since we’re not at the end of the show yet by the way. Of those 7,000 there are 2,000 producers with an average or 2,900 acres and 80 percent say they are decision makers. There are 1,800 agribusiness and 800 dealers. The balance consists of all the people working out on the show floor. There are 312 exhibitors using 167,800 square feet of space. About 20 percent of attendees are from outside the U.S. and there are 67 countries represented and 49 out of the 50 states in the U.S. (Hawaii) didn’t have anyone here.

AG CONNECT Expo – Press Briefing from Chuck Zimmerman on Vimeo.

You can listen to Sara and Charlie below:

AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

AETC Luncheon – AG CONNECT Expo – Darrin Drollinger, AEM from Chuck Zimmerman on Vimeo.

AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

Our emcee for the program was Doug DeVries, John Deere. He welcomed everyone and introduced two of his competitors, Martin Richenhagen, AGCO and Jim Walker, Case IH who also made welcoming remarks. I recorded their remarks which you can listen to and download below:

AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

Martin says says that although the U.S. is one of the biggest countries in farming, the biggest farm shows are in Europe and they wanted to change that by having the industry association (AEM) put on the show so that the money made goes back into the industry. He says this gives companies a real vested interest in the show. In fact, he says “we feel pretty much like shareholders.” He really likes what the AEM staff has done with the show.

AGCO has invited about 1,500 dealers and customers to the show and they’ll have some new equipment on display. The idea has been very well received according to initial feedback.

AGCO is also sponsoring the first ever AGCO/AEM/AgChat tweetup following tomorrow’s opening session/reception at approximately 6pm in the news media center which is located in room W221 of the convention center.

AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

You can listen to or download my interview with Martin below:

It’s on my phone even though it does cost $1.99. As we get closer to the show I’m sure there will be more data available. It’s got a download function that lets you download exhibitor handouts for example.

You can download the app via iTunes here.

Register to attend AG CONNECT Expo 2010 by Friday, January 8, 2010 and save over 30% on the onsite fee.

Do you have a holiday greeting card you’d like to share with AgWired fans? If so, please send them to me and I’ll do my best to feature them here over the next few weeks. Please don’t hesitate to send if it mentions Christmas too. I and everyone I know are okay with that. After all, it’s the reason for the season.

So if you have not made plans to attend AG Connect Expo 2010 in Orlando on January 13-15, take this snow day to get on line and make your reservations.

Besides offering the opportunity to get away to a warmer climate, Expo 2010 will provide a world-class event for the global agriculture industry—bringing together the latest in equipment, technology and ideas. The show was developed by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) with the support of a variety of industry organizations and companies, including Agwired and parent company ZimmComm New Media.

Find out more about what AG Connect offers from previous posts here on Agwired – including this interview with AEM’s Charlie O’Brien, and one with expo director Sara Mooney about the show’s awards program.

The grand prize winner of each of the three award categories will receive a free trip to AG CONNECT Expo 2010, including roundtrip airfare for two to Orlando, Florida, from anywhere in the continental U.S. Nominations are due by the end of this week, November 28. Then online voting will start on December 4. All winners will be announced on December 18 and I’m sure we’ll have them posted here.

“AG CONNECT Expo’s awards are a way for our trade show to put a spotlight on the significant contributions that those in production agriculture make to our quality of life,” said Sara Mooney, the Director of AG CONNECT Expo. “We want the awards to draw attention to those whose work and accomplishments this year exemplify ‘advocating for agriculture.’”

You can listen to my interview with Sara below and read more about the awards by clicking on the “more” link.

The AG CONNECT Expo 2010 Ag Woman of the Year Award recognizes the achievements of women in farming operations, in their communities or in the agriculture industry as a whole. This award celebrates the role of women in agriculture and their contributions in operations, education, land stewardship, and business.

The AG CONNECT Expo 2010 Ag Innovation Award recognizes the innovative spirit of agriculture and its creative contributors to the industry. This award celebrates those individuals who have advanced their farming operations or practices within agriculture through trailblazing processes and creating a value-added innovation to their farm or to agriculture as a whole.

See more NAFB and NAMA Trends photos here.

This includes Farm Journal Media’s “Leave a Legacy” project, forming the basis for a show Plan for Success Workshop to be held in conjunction with AG CONNECT Expo 2010. “Leave a Legacy” is a nationally recognized effort to provide family agriculture operations with expert succession planning – an essential process for continued production of abundant food, fuel and fiber at the necessary levels of high efficiency.

The alliance is between DLG (German Agricultural Society), the organizer of the world’s largest agriculture machinery show Agritechnica, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), organizer of the new agricultural trade show AG CONNECT Expo, scheduled for January 13-15, 2010 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Agritechnica is held on odd numbered years with the next show scheduled for November 10-14, 2009 at the Fairgrounds in Hanover, Germany.

Both Agritechnica and AG CONNECT Expo 2010 are organized with a focus on providing a world-class event with top value and the highest quality experience for registrants. The philosophy shared by the shows is to provide customers with the full agriculture trade show experience. For 120 years the DLG exhibition has highlighted technological advances favored by agriculture producers. AG CONNECT Expo 2010 has a parallel concept that will provide a global gathering place in the United States for agriculture producers, manufacturers and agribusinesses.