I spoke with David afterward. He says he talked about what’s next in regards to social media and digital and how some of the technology shifts are being dictated by our behaviors and the ways we now communicate and do business. He especially zeroed in on the changes in media and talks about a Media Cloverleaf (Mainstream, New Media, Social and Owned). He also shared some polling study information from what they call the Trust Barometer. One of the findings was that traditionally academics and technical experts have been perceived as the most trustworthy. Last year the third most trusted individual was a financial industry analyst but this year it’s someone like yours truly ie. someone like you! I think you’ll find some great information in my conversation with David.

Listen in on my conversation with David in this week’s program: Expert Opinion Via Social Media

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsor, GROWMARK, locally owned, globally strong, for their support.

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

Most recently, Cosand provided integrated-marketing counsel to a broad range of agriculture, financial services and healthcare organizations through his company, Cosand Strategic Marketing in Indianapolis. Before that, he was chief executive officer of The Jackson Group in Indianapolis, and was a vice president at both Price/McNabb, Charlotte, N.C., and Marketing Technology Inc., Philadelphia. Cosand also held senior manager positions at Crow’s Hybrid Corn Company, Milford, Ill., and Callahan Seeds, Westfield, Ind. A Purdue University graduate, Cosand has served on several non-profit boards and as a director for Central Restaurant Products, Indianapolis.

McCormick Company’s new office in Indianapolis is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2012.

According to McCormick, they will serve USCP from the company’s Amarillo, Texas, location with assistance from staff in the Kansas City office.

USCP is headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, and is a producer-funded organization with focus on crop improvement, high-value markets and renewable fuel opportunities for grain and forage sorghums.

To start off, Diane says that things are going well with the celebration this year of a couple of milestones with various clients like GROWMARK – 30 years and Bayer at 26 years. Another development is the agency diversification into different industries like construction equipment and higher education. Diane says they’ve also been going through a cultural revolution internally. One example is a renewed effort to liven up client presentations so they become more enjoyable and educational.

There are a number of additional changes that have taken place at the agency during the last year. To learn more about them listen in on my conversation with Diane: Rhea + Kaiser a Year Later

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsor, GROWMARK, locally owned, globally strong, for their support.

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

Seasons greetings from everyone at Gibbs & Soell. As we look back on our 40th anniversary we are grateful to our clients, employees and friends whose support makes our existence possible. We salute everyone who helped celebrate this milestone by giving back. Please visit our Facebook page to read our stories.

Heather says that purchasing decisions are becoming more and more important for farmers trying to meet the food needs of a growing population. So Paulsen conducted this study to find out how farmers are making those decisions. The study verifies some of the logical assumptions you might make like how important the input is from older farm family members. They conducted fourteen interviews with farm families throughout the midwest.

Sara says one of the most fascinating thing that came out of their study is that there is a lot of brand assimilation in farm families and there are several reasons for that including, familiarity, consistency, integration and relationships. Basically, it’s influence that comes down through the generations. For agrimarketers, this offers some challenges to break through that influence. She says that decisions are being made throughout the year now without the traditional seasonality that we used to have.

You can listen to my interview with Sara and Heather to learn more about the study here: Paulsen Thought Paper

2011 NAMA Trends in Agriculture Photo Album

Beth says the big project for NAMA is going to be implementing the new strategic plan. That plan includes three strategy areas that are: Increase our strategic partnerships on both the local and national level; Communicate with members and partners more effectively and Grow NAMA membership in non-traditional segments. Beth says NAMA is a growing organization and in great condition.

Listen to my conversation with Beth in this week’s ZimmCast: Beth Burgy New NAMA President

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsor, GROWMARK, locally owned, globally strong, for their support.

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

The renaming of the Rhea + Kaiser Account Management and Planning—or AMP—department, formerly known as Account Services, reflects the team’s role as comprehensive account leaders who provide smart, strategic counsel and cultivate big ideas.

The R+K AMP team includes Kimberly Bergmooser, Kim Berns, Laura Boynton, Jodi Carreon, Paul Durham, Julie Dykstra, Jim Haist, Neil Johnson, Sarah Lenkaitis, Cheryl Muzinic, Jeff Walter and Claudia Zellmann.

In the Lincoln office, Nass was promoted from graphic-tech specialist to graphic designer. She began her career with Swanson Russell in 2004 as a production artist. A native of Lincoln, Nass graduated with an associate degree in graphic design from Southeast Community College in Milford, Neb.

Hansen, who joined the Lincoln office in 2007 as a student runner, was promoted to associate account manager. Originally from Aurora, Neb., she received her bachelor’s degree in business marketing from University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2009. Hansen’s primary account assignments will be Rain Bird, Turfco and Project Evergreen.

Crouch joined the Omaha agency in 2001 as a graphic designer and is now an interactive art director. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Dana College in Blair, Neb. Crouch assists healthcare clients with email marketing, digital advertising campaigns and online branding.

In the Omaha office, Williams was promoted to associate account manager. She began her career at Swanson Russell in 2010. A native of Knoxville, Iowa, she graduated with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and animal science from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Williams’ clients include handles Merck Animal Health, Global Animal Management, eyeD, Land O’Lakes Purina Mills and the Nebraska Children’s Home Society.

The new Orange Dot blog features posts from employees on a wide range of topics. Blog categories from each area of focus educate readers on that specific industry, while the “Agency” category provides insight into Swanson Russell activities and general industry tips.

Steve started the new venture just last month. Steve says he’s focusing on small to mid sized businesses and wants to help them, “Stand Out In A Crowded World.” He’s offering a “complete array of implementation services, from mainstream advertising and public relations to new media, interactive services, motion media and more.”

Listen to my conversation with Steve in this week’s ZimmCast: Engle Creative Solutions

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsor, GROWMARK, locally owned, globally strong, for their support.

The program ends this week with music from Music Alley, called “Natural Solution” by RION-I. I hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening.

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

At this year’s World Dairy Expo I visited with Brittany Unterweger, Account Supervisor for the agency. The agency was having a very busy week since they work with about ten different clients that are involved with World Dairy Expo. Brittany says the agency focus goes beyond the dairy industry though, into overall food systems, “from farm to plate, from producer to consumer.” She says there has been an internal shift within the agency to move beyond just agriculture. Interactive has also grown tremendously and that includes app building and the further development of their blog, Field Assignment.

Brittany says that she’s excited to have a more holistic approach with the food systems concept so they can helpt their clients see the big picture. She says their client list has been growing and that it’s an exciting time at Charleston|Orwig.

Listen to my conversation with Brittany in this week’s ZimmCast: Visiting With Brittany Unterweger

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsor, GROWMARK, locally owned, globally strong, for their support.

The program ends this week with music from Music Alley, called “Make You Happy” by The Milkmen. I hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening.

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

2011 World Dairy Expo Photo Album

Organizations interested in 2012 pro bono marketing services can download more information at www.harvest-pr.com. Applications are due Monday, Oct. 31, at 5 p.m. PST. The recipient will be announced Dec. 1, 2011.

The AgChat Foundation has been a recipient of the grant and as a board member I can say we have truly appreciated the work done for the Foundation by Harvest PR & Marketing. They played a key role in the early development of the organization.

“It’s been a thrilling 10 years, but I firmly believe the best is yet to come,” says Broadhead.

According to Martin, focusing on areas such as technical writing and digital strategy further positions R+K to remain in a constant state of discovery and maintain momentum heading into 2012 and beyond.

Erin says we’ve got a lot packed into the program which includes hearing from farmers themselves. She says “We design Boot Camp to offer not only an introduction but introductory information to the junior staffer or someone who is new to the ag industry where we want to show them the producer side of things.” She wants to remind people that when you register for Boot Camp you get a one year membership in NAMA.

In the photo our group attended a dinner this evening where we learned some networking skills. I’ll more on that tomorrow morning.

You can listen to my interview with Erin here: Erin Nash Interview

You can find photos from this year’s Boot Camp in my 2011 NAMA Boot Camp Photo Album.

AMR Management Services (AMR), a full-service association management company (AMC) serving national, regional and local client partners, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Drake & Company (DrakeCo), an accredited AMC based in Chesterfield, Mo.

“I have known Steve Drake for more than 15 years and have always admired his commitment and passion to our industry,” said John Ruffin, CAE, AMR President and CEO. “I am honored that he would trust me to continue his commitments to the DrakeCo clients and team members.”

“John’s offer came at an opportune time for me,” said Steve Drake, President of Drake & Company. “It allows me to start slowing down while continuing my passions of speaking about generational differences, social media and consulting with associations to develop strong boards.”

AMR will maintain the DrakeCo office in Chesterfield, Mo., in addition to its headquarters in Lexington, Ky. Steve will be staying on to serve as a consultant to AMR through the transition and will be available ongoing to serve AMR’s clients and others through speaking and consulting engagements. In addition, all the DrakeCo employees have joined the AMR team and will continue supporting existing DrakeCo clients. DrakeCo Vice Presidents Hugh Whaley and Brian Reuwee will be retained as vice presidents in the new organizational structure while Nick Ruffin will oversee the day-to-day activities of the combined company.

Gibbs & Soell conducted a survey this year on the subject of how consumers perceive what a company is doing to be more sustainable. The agency has a Greentech & Sustainability Practice to assist customers in this area.

The 2011 Gibbs & Soell Sense & Sustainability® Study – the annual survey that gauges consumer and business perceptions on the corporate commitment to “going green” – shows a disturbing gap in communications.

The message is crystal clear: Many companies have taken steps on the path toward sustainability, but their stakeholders remain skeptical of their progress. More details about the study can be found online here.

Learn what else is new with Gibbs & Soell in this week’s program: Getting With Gibbs & Soell

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsor, Growmark, locally owned, globally strong, for their support.

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

Lynn has a long background in agribusiness with several companies. That work took him all the world after which he joined the “agency world.” He wound up in Texas with McCormick Company and just about four years ago they formed The Hondo Group. They moved the office to Austin to be near a good talent pool due to the University there. He says they’re “providing innovation in traditional spaces.” One of the new things about The Hondo Group is their Kinita mobile platform that allows for the deployment across all smartphone systems at once.

Listen in on our conversation as Lynn talks about some of their clients and social media success stories: What's New With The Hondo Group

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsor, Growmark, locally owned, globally strong, for their support.

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

I visited with Tom Flynn III, President, Lessing-Flynn, this week to learn what’s new. The first thing I learned is that they’re “old.” LOL. Actually, the agency was started in 1907 making it one of the oldest agencies in the country! Talk about longevity. The agency has about 14 on staff locally in Des Moines. They are doing work for companies like Vermeer, Ag Leader Technology, Schillinger Genetics, Iowa Corn Growers and others.

Tom says that changes in communications technology presents an opportunity for their clients. They have embraced it (social media) and hired someone to be a “driver” for it within the agency first by establishing Ad Mavericks. By doing so they have shown their clients that they have the expertise to be good advisers on how to enter the social media world. Tom also says that they have added a number of new folks to their staff recently that have added a lot of energy to their business. He says they’ve brought great ideas and talents that they didn’t have before. And the good news is that growth is happening.

Listen in on our converstation in this week’s program: Learn About Lessing-Flynn

This week’s program ends with some music from Music Alley. It’s called “Little Bridgid Flynn” by Bill Grogans Goat.

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsor, Growmark, locally owned, globally strong, for their support.

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

The win adds to Martin Williams’ roster of business and global corporate clients, which includes Cargill, Syngenta, Pfizer and Raymond James. Kinze is one of the largest,
privately-held, agri-business companies in the United States, specializing in high-tech equipment for planting and hauling grain.

Essex will report to Pamela Von Lehmden, senior vice president and director of the Midwest Brand and Food Practice. She will also work closely with Linda Eatherton, director of Ketchum’s Global Food & Nutrition Practice.

At the event, he’ll talk about the seven shifts to make your businesses faster, smarter and more social.

The first 100 people who attended received a copy of Jay’s book, The Now Revolution.

Thanks to Neil Neumeyer for the photo.

In an earlier study they found that the adoption rate of new technologies like internet penetration between rural and urban people is nearly the same. In this study they wanted to see if rural lifestylers were making decisions outside the normal research processes. Here are some key findings:

1. The rural lifestyle consumers are adopting social media practices at the same rate as general consumers.
2. Like general consumers, rural lifestyle consumers rely on two different types of influencers to help them form brand perceptions and make purchase decisions: micro influencers and macro influencers.
3. The sales process has been altered to reflect a continuous feedback loop between current customers and prospective customers.

Get the full scoop on what Paulsen learned: Interview with Paulsen Marketing

Thanks to Denny Eilers for taking the photo.

2011 Agri-Marketing Conference Photo Album

After donning your After-Party hat you just headed up the escalator to the restaurant where hot, steaming and syrupy, sticky pancakes awaited. I made it and was really glad since I realized about half way through the Brownfield Party that I hadn’t eaten since lunch! Mmm, mmm. Thank you Rhea+Kaiser!

2011 Agri-Marketing Conference Photo Album

I spoke with Roger afterward. He says he feels humbled and honored. He’s says the ag industry is a big family and he owes the award to a lot of people. He says NAMA has connected him to a lot of good people. Listen to our conversation: Roger Reierson Interview

2011 Agri-Marketing Conference Photo Album