USFRA’s Communications Advisory Committee and Ketchum began their work together in March of 2011. Since that time they have worked together to create a movement that focuses on bringing the voice of farmers and ranchers to conversations centered on food and food production. Over the past fourteen months USFRA and Ketchum have implemented many successful events and tools to help farmers and ranchers have that conversation, and explain the importance of continually improving today’s agriculture. Today’s news remains filled with stories questioning the integrity of the entire food production chain, and USFRA, in response, has initiated recently the “Grow What You Know” Rapid Response System that allows farmers and ranchers to be alerted of topics in the media that lack a farmer and rancher voice. USFRA will also host two additional Food Dialogue events over the next six months to continue the conversation about how food is grown and raised.

The alliance provides seamlessly integrated services that increase companies’ efficiency and effectiveness by optimizing planning, management, marketing and measurement efforts. Organizations can learn more by contacting Linda Snell at (847) 274-3061.

Sally says MustangRED works with a network of industry professionals to provide full service communications services. Sally has been in the business for a long time and really understands a wide variety of types of agricultural businesses, including government relations work. So, if you’re in need, give Sally a call!

Shelly was here to speak on “Closing the Trust Gap,” and her comments on how individuals and companies can accomplish this are spot on. I fully agree with her idea that you used to spend money on media and then you got business. Today you spend time on media and you get business. Now, that media is yourself and/or social media (mobile website, blog, podcasts, social networking, etc.). Of course time is money but to utilize these tools properly you have to invest time and give it time to develop. She also made a point of saying how big a mistake it is to think you can hire the company president’s just out of college daughter to run your social media accounts. If you think about that hard enough for a minute you’ll understand why. However, it happens and it is a setup for potential disaster.

You can hear an excerpt of Shelly’s comments here: Shelly Kramer Talks Blogging

2012 Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit Photo Album

Thanks to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and United Soybean Board for their sponsorship of our coverage of this year’s Summit.

In case you didn’t make it to Chef Ray’s breakfast you can still learn a little etiquette from him.

2012 Agri-Marketing Conference Photo Album

Up first is Best of Show – Advertising

Client: South Dakota Corn Growers Association, Sioux Falls, SD – Teddi Mueller

Audience: Youth and school children in urban and rural areas of South Dakota.

Next up is Best of Show – Public Relations

Client: Case IH, Racine, WI – Julie Rudnick

Audience: Farm owners/operators, farm managers, used equipment purchasers and part-time farmers.

Congratulations to all the Best of NAMA award winners. You can find the complete list in the current issue of AgriMarketing Magazine.

2012 Agri-Marketing Conference Photo Album

You can listen to Greg’s remarks after receiving his award here: Greg Guse Award Remarks

2012 Agri-Marketing Conference Photo Album

Here’s a little info about Ray:

I’m Ray. Work? Not really into it. But, I do own the Kaiser Roll Diner. And, I’m the resident chef @ the 2012 NAMA Pancake Breakfast..after the AFTER party (Brownfield’s shindig). Midnight. 4/19. Be there. Don’t make me come after you.

Founded in 1926, McCormick Company is the 10th-oldest integrated marketing communications agency in the United States, according to the American Association of Advertising Agencies. Today, McCormick is an independent, employee-owned agency that provides strategic and creative expertise to help its clients grow. McCormick (www.mccormickcompany.com) has locations in Amarillo, Texas; Des Moines, Iowa; Indianapolis, Ind.; and Kansas City, Mo.; as well as in Canada and France.

I visited with Lyle about his recognition at the meeting and he says he’s very honored and humbled to be part of the inaugural presentation and especially to be inducted along with an ARC founder, Don Lerch. Lyle talks about how the communications business has changed over the years from before we had integrated marketing and how agencies have adapted. When it comes to today’s social media world he says the role of the public relations professional has not changed but how a message is delivered has.

Listen to my interview with Lyle here: Interview with Lyle Orwig

2012 ARC Annual Meeting Photo Album

Here’s why:

McCormick Company announces that it will no longer be the agency of record for Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business. Instead, the agency will focus on new opportunities in the agriculture industry as well as other core practice areas.

McCormick will continue to focus on its existing portfolio of clients, as well as new opportunities this change presents. New business always has been a hallmark of the agency, with McCormick posting 10 percent growth in 2011.

McCormick Company, founded in 1926, is a sales communications firm whose 130 professionals work in its offices located in Kansas City, Amarillo, Des Moines and Indianapolis.

Post Update: Here’s where the Pioneer account is transitioning to.

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, has announced it will move its U.S. marketing communications agency support to Ogilvy & Mather to better integrate its strategic communications effort within the worldwide DuPont business. The business will be managed by Ogilvy’s operating unit in Minneapolis, The Lacek Group LLC.

Agency responsibility will transition throughout 2012 from McCormick Company, Kansas City, to The Lacek Group.

Kathy, previously Controller, Accounting, joined R+K in 1988 and has been a member of the agency’s management team since June 2010. She will continue to manage all accounting functions and to guide R+K on the path of continued financial strength and growth. Kathy earned a B.A. in business, major accounting, from Governors State University in University Park, Ill.

The highlight of the event was a new rendition of the song Ring of Fire. Accompanying the band to sing the new lyrics were the current USB Chair, Vanessa Kummer and other past Chairmen. I just happened to capture the moment on video for your viewing pleasure. I know John will really appreciate this. You’re welcome John and congratulations on your very deserved award! You’ll hear Lance Burditt, Osborn Barr, explain why John is so deserving of this award. In the photo John is responding to all the love by making a few comments.

You can read the lyrics here (.doc).

2012 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Rob brings more than 20 years of public relations and integrated marketing and communications experience to R+K, most recently serving as senior vice president/director of public relations with Cramer-Krasselt in Chicago, where he led successful PR initiatives for national brands such as Sealy, AirTran Airways, Crocs, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Heinz, Kenmore.com, Porsche, TransUnion Interactive and University of Phoenix.

Rob has extensive experience in brand planning, media relations, media training, event marketing, community relations and events, social media program implementation, external and internal corporate communications, executive media and presentation training, speech writing, national crisis communications, and Corporate Social Responsibility program development and management.

Rob earned a Bachelor of Science in journalism degree from the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas. In addition to his career in public relations, he owns Merritt Distributors, LLC, an Illinois wine distribution business.

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