National Ag Day Keynote Speaker

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Chuck

At the National Ag Day dinner in Washington, DC our keynote speaker was USDA Under Secretary Michael Scuse. He welcomed us to this day of celebration.

He starts out describing his support of ariculture today by saying, “Our farmers and ranchers are the best in the world, bar none.” He has a lot of statistics that show how well American farmers have done in recent years. It’s time to remind people you know to thank a farmer.

You can listen to and download his remarks here: Michael Scuse, Deputy Under Secretary of Agriculture.

2011 National Ag Day Photo Album

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House Ag Chairman Lucas Addresses Ag Day

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Chuck

We’ve got youth in agriculture here at National Ag Day from just about every organization you can think of including the FFA. Introducing our lunch speaker today was Victor Salazar, Connecticut FFA state president. He was introduced by Orion Samuelson and I’m thinking that alone made an impression on him. But then it was his turn to do the introduction and he did an awesome job. I’ve got his intro on the audio file you can listen to below.

U.S. Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK), Chairman of the House Ag Committee, thanked, “Mr. President,” which got a good chuckle since we were in the Capitol Bldg. He says the last time he came in third in a political contest was for FFA Reporter in Oklahoma once upon a time. He then talked farm bill and budget and says it’s going to be a tough year. He asked everyone to help educate members of the House who may not fully understand the business of agriculture.

You can listen Victor and Chairman Lucas here: Ag Comm. Chrm. Lucas Comments

2011 National Ag Day Photo Album

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A Voice For Ag Day

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Chuck

The man with the voice no one will forget, Orion Samuelson, WGN, emceed the National Ag Day Mix & Mingle Luncheon today. I spoke with Orion before the program got started to get his thoughts on Ag Day and learn what we’ll be doing this celebrate American agriculture day.

Orion says that we’ve had Labor Day to honor labor in the fall forever and now in just the last 30 years we have a day to kick of the spring that celebrates those who work on our farms. Attendance here is at an all time high. It’s very appropriate that we’re having three meal time functions! After all we’re honoring those who put food on our table as well as on our backs and in our cars.

You can listen to my interview with Orion here: Orion Samuelson Interview

I now have a photo album started with all my luncheon photos. Thanks to the USDA “internet man” for his help! I’ll add to the album after tonight’s dinner too: 2011 National Ag Day Photo Album

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National Ag Day Activities

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Chuck

I finally made it to Washington, DC but not without missing last night’s Agri-Pulse reception with Michael Peterson. Here’s the Agri-Pulse banner crew in action before the party.

I was able to attend the Mix & Mingle Luncheon and have lots of photos. We’re going to have the big dinner tonight at USDA and I’ll have lots of photos from it as well. I have tried uploading them with both a Verizon Mifi and my iPhone but no luck. Not much in the way of a signal even at the entrance to the building. So, I’m waiting on a USDA IT person to see if I can get on some kind of internal access. Until then, I’m not going to be able to upload anything else.

I have lots of audio and interviews to share and will be featuring them all week as we celebrate American agriculture and the farmers who feed us.

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Students Getting Ready for National Ag Day

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Chuck

Students At Ag Day Training Students are getting a little training today for tomorrow’s National Ag Day activities. I am not there yet. In fact, the snow in Missouri caused my flight to be canceled. However, I’m now scheduled for a late flight out tonight. So I’m going to miss the reception this evening with Michael Peterson.

Someone is taking photos and you can see more of the students in action in this AgDay Photo Album.

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Welcome To Ag Week

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Chuck

Welcome to Ag Week. The National Ag Day activities will be celebrated tomorrow in Washington, DC and all over the country. I will be in the nation’s Capitol to attend Ag Day activities with support from the Agriculture Council of America and the American Seed Trade Association. During the next couple of days I’ll be featuring interviews and photos from the events as well as getting to know my sponsors better.

Things will start off with an Agriculture Appreciation Reception hosted by Agri-Pulse this evening that features my friend and musical artist Michael Peterson. Then tomorrow morning we’ll have the National Ag Day Coffee followed by the National Ag Day Mix-and-Mingle Luncheon. At the luncheon we’ll have approximately 100 student delegates from FFA, 4-H, AFA and The Consortium in attendance, along with Outstanding Farmer of the Year honorees. Finally we’ll have the National Celebration of Agriculture Dinner, hosted by the Agriculture Council of America.

So, I’ll see you from Washington, DC after what I hope will be a pleasant drive to the airport. We got surprised this morning in central Missouri with 3-5 inches of snow!

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March 15 is National Ag Day

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Cindy

This year marks the 38th anniversary of National Ag Day on March 15, an event which will be celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country as well as in the nation’s Capitol.

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) has three major Washington DC events planned this year – Coffee with the Secretary, the Mix-and-Mingle Luncheon, and the National Celebration of Agriculture Dinner. John Deere will once again partner with ACA, as well as Successful Farming and DTN-The Progressive Farmer, to sponsor the DC events.

The events honor National Agriculture Week and mark a nationwide effort to tell the true story of American agriculture and remind citizens that agriculture is a part of all of us. A number of producers, agricultural associations, corporations, students and government organizations involved in agriculture are expected to participate.

In addition to public service announcements and other educational programs, ACA and partners will sponsor students to attend the Washington D.C. events. Representatives from FFA, 4H, AFA, the Consortium, and Student NAMA will visit with legislators, participate in a mix-and-mingle luncheon, and attend special events throughout the day.

The winners of the National Ag Day Essay Contest will also attend the events. High school students around the country have submitted written or video essays about the importance of agriculture with the theme “American Agriculture: Your Food. Your Farmer.” One winner in each category – written and video – will receive $1,000 and round-trip airfare to Washington, D.C., for recognition during the Celebration of Ag Dinner. The Ag Day Essay Contest is sponsored by CHS Inc., the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal, National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB), National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA), Country Living Association and McCormick Company.

AgCareers.com Gingerbread Cookies

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Chuck

Decorate your own gingerbread cookies courtesy of AgCareers.com.

Happy Holidays from all of us at AgCareers.com!

We invite you to decorate “virtual” gingerbread cookies. Click here to begin decorating.

Enjoy! These cookies have no calories, but they are deliciously fun.

Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year!

Sincerely,

The AgCareers.com Team

Ag Day Essay Contest

Posted on December 8, 2010 by Melissa

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) calls on 9th to 12th grade students to submit an original, 450-word essay or a two-minute video essay about the importance of agriculture. This year’s theme is “American Agriculture: Your Food. Your Farmer.” and the deadline is Feb. 4, 2011.

The theme presents an opportunity for students to address how the agriculture industry continues to feed a growing population. Entrants may choose to either write an essay or create a video that acknowledges the many ways today’s growers are providing a safe, stable food supply and sustaining the significant role agriculture plays in everyday life.

The national written essay winner receives a $1,000 prize and round-trip ticket to Washington, D.C., for recognition during the Celebration of Ag Dinner held March 15 at Whitten Patio at the USDA. During dinner, the winner will have the opportunity to read the winning essay as well as join with industry representatives, members of Congress, federal agency representatives, media and other friends in a festive ag celebration. The video essay winner wins a $1,000 prize, and the winning video will play during the Celebration of Ag Dinner.

This is the 38th anniversary of National Ag Day.

All written entries should be sent to: Ag Day Essay Contest, Agriculture Council of America, 11020 King Street, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS 66210, or submitted by e-mail to essay@agday.org. Students may upload video essays here and follow the directions on the page, or students may choose to mail video entries to the address above on a CD. Click here to read official contest rules and for more details regarding entry applications.

Richard Knowlton in Meat Industry Hall of Fame

Posted on May 14, 2010 by Chuck

The Meat Industry Hall of Fame is profiling their inaugural class members. Richard “Dick” Knowlton is the first one that I’ve received information on.

Meat and poultry production has been a primary component of the nation’s agricultural productivity—a bedrock of our security and economic might. Meat and poultry processing has responsibility for industry growth that has provided many communities with robust economic activity, millions of jobs and a legacy of accomplishment and progress.

The MEAT INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME®.was created to be a repository of that history and a shrine to the leaders and legends whose vision, skill and dedication shaped and sustained the meat industry as the leading sector of food production.

Richard L. “Dick” Knowlton, a member of the inaugural class of the Meat Industry Hall of Fame®, began his career at Hormel Foods in 1956 as a merchandising manager and eventually became president and chief operating officer in 1979 and chairman in 1981. He managed Hormel Foods to consistent profitability and propelled the once staid, old-line meat packing company into the future by spearheading a company-wide emphasis on development of value- added products.

Among his many business accomplishments, he managed the company through a massive re-invention of its product lines to become a modern retail powerhouse. He built a $100 million state-of-the-art processing plant in Austin, Minnesota that in 1982 was the most productive in the industry and featured robotic technology that was years ahead of the industry.

Celebrating The Great American Steak Out

Posted on March 20, 2010 by Chuck

Thank you America’s farmers and ranchers for all you do. I want to especially thank Michigan’s beef producers. Sorry you had to put up with that silliness from your Governor.

I made some steak choices today and they were good. Never let a little sleet and rain stop a good steak to celebrate Ag Day.

If you’ve enjoyed a good steak then feel free to post onto Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm’s Facebook page or on the Great American Steak Out. I have.

Ag in the Classroom

Posted on March 20, 2010 by Amanda

Earlier this week, my sister, Kaley, and I participated in Ag in the Classroom, an annual event held at the 4-H grounds in Mitchell, SD. Educational stations were set up to teach students about beef, dairy, pigs, sheep, horses, soil and farm safety. Kaley and I hosted the beef booth, complete with a baby calf, arial photograph of our farm and a table displaying beef by-products.

Nearly 300 students attended this event, and it’s truly an honor to be able to work with area fourth graders and teach them about agriculture, food products and the hard work farmers do each and every day. They ask so many questions, and they get incredibly excited to pet a baby calf. This event only reaffirms my belief that educating our consumers should be our number one priority. Have you shared the agriculture story today?

Ag Day Essay Contest Winner

Posted on March 19, 2010 by Chuck

ag-council-america The Agriculture Council of America has announced the 2010 National Ag Day Essay Contest winner. Her name is Christine Vanek.

ACA called upon seventh- to 12th-grade students nationwide to submit original essays of 450 words about the importance of agriculture in the U.S. Using this year’s theme, “American Agriculture – Abundant, Affordable, Amazing,” students were encouraged to focus their essays on the importance of agriculture and how the industry continues to overcome new challenges. These include keeping food affordable, meeting the demands of a growing population with fewer acres, working with legislative influences, and addressing consumer concerns.

Vanek, a 12th-grader at Greenhills School, Ann Arbor, Mich., was named the national winner of the 2010 contest during the Ag Day event held at the USDA Whitten Building Patio. Vanek read her essay to industry representatives, members of Congress, federal agency representatives, media and others at the Celebration of Agriculture dinner in Washington, D.C. The following is an excerpt from her essay:

“At seventeen, I have come to admire the work my grandfather and all American farmers do. It is thanks to the abundance of American agriculture – from the corn, soybean, and wheat fields of the Great Plains to the expansive fruit orchards in the South – that I, along with the rest of the country, have access to a wide variety of affordable, safe, nutritious foods.”

Michigan Meat Day

Posted on March 18, 2010 by Chuck

When a Governor sticks her foot in her mouth it’s a really public thing.

Here’s just one of the responses to Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm declaring National Ag Day as Michigan Meatout Day. It’s a Facebook invite and I’m attending. How about you?

Happy Ag Week

Posted on March 15, 2010 by Chuck

ZimmCast 252 Happy Ag Week to you. Isn’t American agriculture amazing? You bet it is and it’s time to thank our farmers and ranchers for the abundant supply of safe economical food, fiber and fuel they produce for us. And without a lot of thanks in urban areas and increasing pressure from governmental regulations.

Thank you farmers for all you do!

In this week’s program you can hear my conversation with Linda Tank, CHS, Inc., who is Chair of the Agriculture Council of America, the coordinating group for National Ag Day which we’ll celebrate officially on March 20.

In our interview Linda talks about this year’s celebration and we note the new communication channels now available to help get the message out about the importance of agriculture. She points out that there will be a big three part celebration in Washington, DC on Thursday. Wish I could be there. Here are the planned activities:

Coffee with the Secretary

The coffee will take place at 8:00 a.m.on March 18 on the Whitten Patio of the USDA.

Over 3,500 industry leaders have been invited. This includes sponsors, commodity group leaders, Ag Day supporters, members of congress, etc. Also in attendance will be students from AFA, FFA & 4-H who will be making Hill visits after the coffee concludes.

Seating is limited to 150 people. The Secretary is confirmed and will speake briefly and the coffee will conclude by approximately 8:30 – 8:45 a.m.

There is no charge for the coffee but attendees do need to register so we have a list for the security staff at the USDA.

Mix & Mingle Luncheon

11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Washington, D.C.

Complimentary admittance to Luncheon

This is a standing luncheon and featured speakers include an Outstanding Young Farmer Honoree and national officers from AFA, FFA & 4-H.

National Ag Day Dinner & Cocktails

5:30 p.m.
USDA Whitten Building Patio, Washington, D.C.

Tickets: $100 per person, or $1,000 for a reserved table of 10
Hosted by the Agriculture Council of America in recognition of Ag Week.

The pork for the dinner will be donated by the National Pork Producers Council and will be prepared by Chef Mark Salter from the Inn at Perry Cabin. Seating is limited (we have about 20 seats left).

INVITED GUEST SPEAKERS:
Senator Blanche Lincoln, Chair, Senate Ag Committee
Congressman Collin Peterson, Chair, House Ag Committee

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsors, Novus International, and Leica Geosytems for their support.

You can listen to this week’s ZimmCast below.

The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired. Subscribe so you can listen when and where you want. Just go to our a Subscribe page.

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Preparing For Ag Day and Week

Posted on March 12, 2010 by Chuck

Spring is near and that means so is AgDay which is coordinated by the Agriculture Council of America. This year you can follow AgDay on Twitter and Facebook. AgDay also has a blog now too.

Tune in to the ZimmCast on Monday for an interview with ACA Chair, Linda Tank, CHS, Inc.

Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless other across America join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture. This year, Ag Day will be celebrated on March 20, 2010, and Ag Week during the week of March 14-20, 2010.

International Grain Marketing Overview

Posted on February 14, 2010 by Chuck

USGC International Marketing Conference Here at the International Marketing Conference and Membership Meeting of the U.S. Grains Council we received an international program overview which consisted of presentations from various country directors. Seen here is Dr. Hussein Soliman, Egypt Director.