Local Beef At Your Neighborhood Supermarket

Laura McNamara

Weis Markets says it’s a first. It’s the first time a supermarket chain has offered locally raised beef. But, consumers in Pennsylvania can now find Pennsylvania Proud Choice Angus Beef at 23 neighborhood Weis Markets stores. “Buying local is one of the hottest trends in food today but it’s been a hot trend for us since 1912,” said Norman S. …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Beef

Crystal Egg Award Winners

Chuck Zimmerman

The Crystal Egg Award winner have been announced by the U. S. Poultry & Egg Association. They’re designed to “recognize excellence in the production and distribution of marketing materials designed to promote an exhibitor’s participation in the 2008 International Poultry Expo / International Feed Expo.” The entries were judged by marketing specialists outside the association. “The quality of entries we …

Ag Groups, Poultry

Cotton Everyday

Laura McNamara

Cotton Incorporated wants consumers not just to know, but to feel the natural attributes of cotton. That’s why the company has developed a new branding campaign, “A Natural Part of Everyday Life.” The campaign will run in approximately 85 malls throughout all 50 states. “A Natural Part of Everyday Life” spotlights the new Natural(TM) trademark while showcasing images of people …

Ag Groups, Agribusiness, Cotton

Tree Farmer of The Year

Laura McNamara

The 2008 Washington State Tree Farmer of the Year goes to David Robbins of The Hama Hama Tree Farm. The Washington Farm Forestry Association says the award is meant to recognize David’s exceptional commitment to enhance his forest land. The tree farm is mostly composed of Douglas-fir with scattered stands of alder, hemlock and cedar, and supports a sustainable harvest …

Ag Groups, Environment, Farming

How Hot Dogs Are Made

Chuck Zimmerman

I’ve never really had a major interest in how hot dogs are made. They’re just plain good to eat and that’s good enough for me. I kind of like the ones that fill up the bun. Add some relish, mustard, ketchup, onions, cheese, banana peppers and you’ve got yourself a gourmet meal on a bun. The American Meat Institute has …

Ag Groups, Video

Cherries Fight Arthritis Pain

Laura McNamara

Forty-six million Americans have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. That’s one in five American adults. With that figure expected to rise more than 40 percent by 2030, it’s certainly not an issue to ignore. That’s where the cherries come in. The Cherry Marketing Institute is highlighting a new study by the University of Michigan that suggests tart cherries might help naturally reduce inflammation …

Ag Groups, Food

Biodiesel Reigns in Food Prices, Boosts Livestock

Laura McNamara

Diesel consumers wanting to alleviate soaring fuel prices and high grocery bills should consider using biodiesel. The Missouri Soybean Association says biodiesel helps extend the nation’s limited fuel supply. Plus, it creates an abundance of livestock feed. The state’s House Transportation Committee recently held a hearing on legislation that would require all diesel fuel sold in Missouri to be blended …

Ag Groups, Biodiesel, Dairy, Livestock

Milk Producers With Issues

Chuck Zimmerman

At the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Washington Watch program there is a session called the Issues Forum in which ag groups make representatives available for interviews. During this session I interviewed Sarah Olson, Communications Coordinator, National Milk Producers Federation. Sarah is relatively new to NMPF and says that as they look to the future, communications will change. For example, …

Ag Groups, Audio, Dairy, NAFB, ZimmCast

American Farmland Trust Working on Farm Bill

Chuck Zimmerman

Last week I had the pleasure to spend a couple of half day sessions doing some media production training with Jennifer Morrill at American Farmland Trust in Washington, DC. It worked out very well since I was attending the NAFB Washington Watch. At the Washington Watch Issues Forum I also got to interview AFT President, Ralph Grossi. (Jennifer took the …

Ag Groups, Farm Policy, NAFB

Cookbook Targets Nutrition for Children

Laura McNamara

The Wheat Food Council is celebrating its 35th anniversary and wants to use the milestone to help promote nutrition for children. That’s why the council is releasing a cookbook that’s meant to benefit a non-profit organization dedicated to influencing children’s eating habits through education. In celebration of its 35th anniversary, the Wheat Foods Council today unveiled Food for Thought from …

Ag Groups, Food, International, Podcasts, Wheat