Ray Gilmer is the group communications manager for US Crop Protection at BASF and he is shown here moderating the BASF media event at Commodity Classic. Chuck and I knew him in a former life as communications director for the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, so it was a pleasure to see him again after many years. I talked with …
Tom Dorr at National Ethanol Conference
Once again I got to hear our Undersecretary for Rural Development, Tom Dorr. He was first up on the program here this morning at the National Ethanol Conference to speak about the farm bill and focus on renewable fuel policies and provisions. He says the ethanol industry is going through some growing pains, or put another way, transitional challenges. He’s …
Shannon Brown is Corn Fed
I don’t know about you but I love being corn fed and I love Shannon Brown’s song. I got to meet her this afternoon here at the National Ethanol Conference and she and her band performed an awesome show. If you’re going to Commodity Classic you will not want to miss seeing her and the other stars who will be …
Bob Dinneen Says the Ethanol Industry is Sound
The Reverend of Renewable Fuels got up and preached a powerful sermon today on the state of the ethanol industry. Bob Dinneen, President of the Renewable Fuels Association, gave his annual state of the industry speech this morning. He was also presented with a plaque in appreciation of his 20 year anniversary of leading the organization from RFA Chairman, Chris …
Jack Youngblood Likes Ethanol
After a very foggy start the golf tournament at the National Ethanol Conference is underway. RFA President Bob Dinneen got everyone started here this morning out at ChampionsGate golf course. Bob’s pictured here on the left with NFL Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood. Just before he gave everyone the send off I spoke to him about the Conference. Bob says …
Seed Stamina From BASF
Thanks to the folks at BASF you can hear Craig Lindholm talk about the new registration of their Stamina fungicide seed treatment. Listen to Craig here: craig-lindholm.mp3 The recent registration by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of a new BASF seed treatment, to be marketed for corn seed under the name Stamina® fungicide, gives growers their best chance yet to …
New York Giant Checks Out New Holland T-5000
At the National Farm Machinery Show New Holland introduced a new line of tractors. Pictured behind Tom Lano and me is one of their T-5000 Series tractors. I spoke to Tom who says they’ve received real good feedback on these tractors which have increased horsepower. You can listen to my interview with Tom here: nfms-08-lano.mp3 New Holland’s beefy new 70- …
Re-branding Story From Steve Rhea
I just posted an announcement about Rhea + Kaiser’s new branding initiative and today I had the opportunity to speak with Steve Rhea about it. Steve says that they really wanted to build on their values of honesty, discipline and respect. It’s a complete brand makeover which includes a newly designed website, logo, stationary and everything you’d expect. He says …
Marketing Farm Machinery
If you’ve never attended the National Farm Machinery Show then you really owe it to yourself to wander around the largest indoor show of its kind in the world. I mean it’s big. I didn’t stay for the whole show this year but I think I covered some ground anyway. While there I spoke with Dan Smaldone, Media Manager for …
Getting igenity Right
Merial sponsored the media room once again at this year’s Cattle Industry Convention. Thanks to Wendy Mayo, Bader Rutter, for helping make us comfortable and setting me up with an interview with Kevin DeHaan, igenity. In case you’ve wondered about igenity then you can hear Kevin explain it. I’ve always found it to sound complicated but I think in this …