The Livestock Publications Council just held a design and writing workshop in Boise, ID. Wish I could have been there Diane.
The first ever LPC design and writing workshop held west of the Rocky Mountains was held May 28-29 in Boise,Idaho. And for those who made the effort to get there certainly got their money’s worth. The speakers were exceptional and the attendees got to really dig in with their questions which turned it in to a very personalized experience for everyone. The tours on Wednesday included a mint farm and distillery and a fascinating tour of the Amalgamated Sugar Company where they process sugar beets and turn them in to sugar products. The day culminated with tours of a local distillery that makes potato vodka and fruit brandies followed by a delightful evening outside at Bitner Vineyard where we were treated to a tri-tip beef dinner and other Idaho products including Idaho potatoes.
A huge thanks goes to committee chairman Maggie Malson. Maggie is the editor of the Line Rider and News Brief (Idaho Cattleman’s Assn.) and is a past student travel winner for LPC. She took on this project on her own to bring attention to the Northwest and also as a service to LPC members (and potential members) located in the Northwest. She also wanted us to see the beauty of Idaho and that we did! Let’s just say that she went over the top in getting this task done and for those who took advantage of the workshop were not disappointed. Also credit must go to Kelli Toledo,Trailhead Designs,who created the promotional materials. Kelli is one busy gal,but took time to help us out with her incredible design talent. Thank you Kelli!!!
The dedicated IFAJ/AMS planning committee is meeting early this morning to continue planning for the 2009 combined IFAJ Congress and Ag Media Summit. We’ve been reviewing the program and fine tuning things.
Sponsorship packets are almost ready and will be published soon. For those of you who have been AMS sponsors, keep in mind that in 2009 we’re going to be having hundreds of international agricultural journalists coming to the event.
My little part is the IFAJ 2009 Congress website which is up and running. If anyone would like to help, please let me know. Right now I’m seeking input and feedback on the site.
This week I attended a portion of the AAEA/LPC Regional Design & Writing Workshop in Johnston, IA. Some of you are probably thinking, “Why didn’t he stay since he so obviously needs help?” Yeah, but I had other places to be too.
So in this week’s program you’ll hear from LPC Executive Director Diane Johnson who talks about the workshop and the fun and games we did last night. The Workshop was held at Pioneer Hi-Bred’s Carver Center and I also spoke with Jerry Harrington about how he got involved in providing us with the auditorium where the Workshop was held. You can see pictures in the Workshop photo album.
After I left the Workshop I visited the Iowa Soybean Association office to conduct some precision ag interviews for Precision Pays. While I was there I got to meet Linda Funk, Executive Director of The Soyfoods Council. We talked about the Soyfoods Podcast project we’ve been working an and you can learn more about why they decided to use podcasting in the program.
This week’s program ends with music from the Podsafe Music Network. It’s called “Writings on a Page” by Jonathon Dewveall. I hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening.
You can download and listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 166 (16 min MP3)
Or listen to this week’s ZimmCast right now:
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The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired which you can subscribe to using the link in our sidebar. You can also subscribe in iTunes
The AAEA/LPC Regional Design & Writing Workshop is about to kick off here at the Pioneer Carver Building in Johnston, IA. This is a beautiful facility and we appreciate Pioneer providing us with this location.
I think there are about 80 people participating which is a great turnout. I’ve got a couple interviews and more pictures that I’ll post later. I’m not actually staying for the workshop though. I’ve got some interviews scheduled over at Iowa Soybean Association and then I’ll be heading back to ZimmComm World Headquarters in Holts Summit, MO.
Today’s program includes topics like, “Shifting Demographics of Agriculture” and “What You Should Be Doing in Photography, Writing and Design.” It’s a good one and I wish I could stay for it.
We certainly had some fun tonight at the AAEA/LPC Regional Writing Workshop Reception. Diane “Vanna” Johnson had volunteers help her run a very good Jeopardy game.
Pictured here are the first round of contestants for the competition. It wasn’t easy and sometimes the audience didn’t have the answer.
Our emcee was Tom Trebek, local celebrity. He did an awesome job of keeping the contestants honest.
We had categories that ranged from photography to the history of AAEA/LPC/ACT. I think we learned as much from watching as competing.
It was pretty dark in the room but I did capture a few minutes of video for those of you who missed tonight’s festivities.
I’m not sure what Diane “Vanna” Johnson has planned for us in Johnston, IA tomorrow night but I’ll be there and you can count on learning more here on AgWired.
It’s a social gathering prior to the Midwest Regional Design & Writing Workshop which takes place at Pioneer’s headquarters on Thursday. I’ll be there for a while too.
Prior to and after all this agricultural journalism fun and seriousness I’ll be doing some interviews (ag journalism?) with the John Deere AMS folks and at Iowa Soybean Association for Precision Pays. It’s nice to stay busy don’t you know?
I know the deadline’s today but maybe you can get your registration in still for the Livestock Publications Council and AAEA Midwest Regional Workshop on design and writing. It’s going to be held April 10 at the Pioneer offices in Johnston, IA. If you come in early the night before then you can play games with Diane Johnson at the Stoney Creek Inn. What kind of games do you have in mind Diane? Go to their website to get registered right away.
You can also keep in mind the first ever LPC Workshop on Sales and Marketing which will June 16-17 in Kansas City. Yes that’s a sales workshop. I think it only makes sense. Who isn’t involved in sales today? Do you “pure” editors think you don’t do sales when you’re out at a conference? Of course you do. This is a great idea for anyone in ag communications today.
The ever lovely Executive Director of the Livestock Publications Council, Diane Johnson, has been here at the Cattle Industry Convention interacting with her peeps.
I caught her outside the convention center at the end of the day with Todd Johnson, Executive Director of the Kansas Beef Council. No, they’re not related.
Diane does a lot more than just run LPC. She’s very actively involved in the Ag Media Summit and the IFAJ Congress that will be taking place in Ft. Worth next year.
The Livestock Publications Council held their annual lunch today and the featured speaker was Andy Groseta, incoming NCBA President. Andy welcomed everyone and told the group how import their efforts were in delivering information vital to American cattlemen. The luncheon is actually still going on. I had to leave to attend a different one and am posting this in between.
I asked him if/how he uses the internet and he admits that it’s taken him some time to get used to it. He proudly pulled out a Blackberry and held it up and said that today it’s all about getting information quickly. He said that although the older folks may be hesitant to get too involved with computers the younger generation is having no problem with it.
You can listen to Andy’s remarks here:
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Last night the Livestock Publications Council held their annual Gala at the American Royal and it was a big success with attendance well above last year. Diane Johnson did her usual excellent job of making sure that everyone had a good time.
I was there for a while and will post some pictures of the LPC Headliner and Hall of Fame inductees when I get some more information from Diane.
Pictures from the event are also in the photo set I’m working on for the Country Living Association.
The American Agricultural Editors’ Association and Livestock Publications Council are pleased to host the latest Midwest Regional Design & Writing Workshop. The Nuts & Bolts of Ag Communication will be held April 10, 2008 at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., Johnston, Iowa. Be a part of the design and writing tune-up! For more information, contact: Diane Johnson (LPC) at dianej@flash.net or Den Gardner (AAEA) at ageditors@aol.com.
Diane Johnson, LPC Executive Director gave us an update on some of the regional workshops as well as the Gala Banquet at the American Royal in a few weeks. Then we heard from Deb about her award which she received last night.
I didn’t use a picture of the YMCA at the Ag Media Summit but I did post the video.
If you didn’t have any fun at the Ag Media Summit then you should stop by the rally for the Livestock Publications Council annual Gala.
It’s time to rally the troops for the LPC Gala and have an end of summer get together for friends of LPC! Mark your calendars Wednesday night, August 29th O’Dowd’s Irish Pub (ZONA ROSA) – private room. Time: right after work, 5:00ish
Come for dutch treat drinks and, if you wish, stay for dinner. This is an informal gathering to put our game plan together for the Gala and see all of our LPC friends before the crazy fall sale season starts.
I’m getting a lot more work done in airports today than I planned on thanks to United Airlines. My short connection in O’Hare turned into a 4 hour (I hope it doesn’t get worse) delay waiting for the next flight to Kalamazoo after several hours delay getting out of St. Louis. Lots of people in my boat since you could probably auction a seat here in concourse E/F. I just like to share my pain. Sorry.
First up you’ll hear John Walter, AAEA president. He feels humbled to be joining the ranks of some great ag journalists in holding the position of president.
Next up is Kyle Haley, LPC president. Both these guys think things are going very well in their organizations and are hoping to continue the efforts started by their predecessors.
The program ends with music from the Podsafe Music Network and Sonny Combs and Kitty Kat Rodeo. The song is “Like a Fool.” Since he wrote and asked that we feature his music I am only happy to oblige.
You can download and listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 131 (11 min MP3)
Or listen to this week’s ZimmCast right now:
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 6 or above) is required to play this audio clip. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired which you can subscribe to using the link in our sidebar. You can also subscribe in iTunes
While AAEA was meeting so was LPC. Here’s new LPC president Kyle Haley alongside now past president Lisa Bryant.
It sounds like LPC is doing great both in membership and financially. I know their involvement with AMS has helped this just like it has with AAEA.
I interviewed Kyle and will feature that interview in next week’s ZimmCast. You’ll hear him say how well their regional meetings and the annual GALA in Kansas City are doing for example.
One thing I heard in both meetings this morning as I tried to wander back and forth were references to Howl at the Moon. I’m thinking that’s one of those, “What happens in Louisville, stays in Louisville” kind of things. If anyone has any comments about that please feel free to add them here. I was a good boy last night.
The Agricultural Media Summit is shaping up to be an awesome event this year. It’s only 2 weeks away! This year’s event is record shattering because we already have the most attendees, most exhibitors and most sponsors ever. The coolest thing is that I made the highlight list.
AMS – which began in 1999 – is a partnership of the American Agricultural Editors Association (AAEA) , American Business Media AgriCouncil (ABM) and the Livestock Publications Council (LPC). It also hosts the annual meetings of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) and Agricultural Relations Council (ARC). AMS focuses on professional education and networking for reporters, editors, designers, sales staff, publishers, public relations professionals, corporate communications practitioners and students involved in media and communications within the agricultural community.
Attendance will be at an all-time high of nearly 550, according to Diane Johnson, AMS registration coordinator. The attendees are coming from 33 states and three countries. This year’s attendees include a 17-member delegation from Mali, Africa. They are exchange students at Oklahoma State University. A record 75 exhibitors will be at the AMS Info-Expo according to Den Gardner, AMS exhibitor coordinator. This is the third successive year the trade show has sold out.
Dan Glickman, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, will keynote the conference at an 11:30 a.m. luncheon on Monday, July 30. And country singer performer Michael Peterson will entertain and motivate conference attendees at lunch on Tuesday, July 31.
Other highlights of the professional development program include:
• In addition to talking about interpersonal intelligence, Michael Bugeja, director and professor of the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University, will unveil his newest book Living Ethics Across Media Platforms in a session with the same name.
• Bill Luster, Louisville Courier-Journal photographer, will talk about finding the right angle and other challenges facing news photographers.
• Brian Throckmorton, Lexington Herald-Leader, will speak on Creativity in Headlines.
• Chuck Zimmerman, co-owner of ZimmComm New Media, will present two sessions on blogging.
• Sheila Coles of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation will focus on listening for better interviews.
• Syndicated cartoonist Leigh Rubin will talk about staying inspired, motivated and creative.
It’s about design and writing. To find out more about the program and to register contact Diane Johnson. The program is on March 29 and the deadline to register is March 22.
Thanks to Diane Johnson for sending in a couple pictures from the Livestock Publications Council meeting that took place at World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI. Pictured first are Terri Smith, Select Sires Inc., JoDee Sattler, Dairy Business Communications, Cathy Bewley, Select Sires Inc.
Yesterday Livestock Publications Council hosted its first ever breakfast event during the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. It was an opportunity for LPC friends in the dairy industry to get together and hear more about LPC’s purpose and upcoming events. It was well attended for the first ever LPC organized function at a dairy event. We’ll definitely have a second one next year!
I wish I could have been there. Well, not really. I’m in Sarasota for my high school reunion. Went to the beach today for a while before driving around the old home town (Sarasota, FL).
This picture is Diane Johnson, LPC executive director (left) and Melissa Muegge, Allflex communications director.
The Livestock Publications Council invites you to A Royal Gala, October 20, 2006 ~ 6–10 p.m. It’s going to be held at the American Royal Headquarters, 1701 American Royal Court, Kansas City,MO. You should plan to dress up for a High Class Casino Evening with your friends while raising funds for the development of the new Livestock Publications Heritage Center.
The invitations are in the mail, but go ahead and mark your calendar for the Royal Gala and Casino Party in Kansas City on October 20. This is the continuation of fundraising efforts to create the new Livestock Publications Heritage Center. The new plaques in the Hall of Honor will be unveiled during the Gala which are the formal photos of the winners of LPC’s Hall of Fame and Headliner winners. The announcement of the 2007 winners will also be a part
of the evening.
The Livestock Publications Council just held a design and writing workshop in Boise, ID. Wish I could have been there Diane.
The dedicated IFAJ/AMS planning committee is meeting early this morning to continue planning for the 2009 combined 
This week I attended a portion of the AAEA/LPC Regional Design & Writing Workshop in Johnston, IA. Some of you are probably thinking, “Why didn’t he stay since he so obviously needs help?” Yeah, but I had other places to be too.
After I left the Workshop I visited the Iowa Soybean Association office to conduct some precision ag interviews for Precision Pays. While I was there I got to meet Linda Funk, Executive Director of 
The AAEA/LPC Regional Design & Writing Workshop is about to kick off here at the Pioneer Carver Building in Johnston, IA. This is a beautiful facility and we appreciate Pioneer providing us with this location.
We certainly had some fun tonight at the AAEA/LPC Regional Writing Workshop Reception. Diane “Vanna” Johnson had volunteers help her run a very good Jeopardy game.
Our emcee was Tom Trebek, local celebrity. He did an awesome job of keeping the contestants honest.
I’m not sure what Diane “Vanna” Johnson has planned for us in Johnston, IA tomorrow night but I’ll be there and you can count on learning more here on AgWired.
I know the deadline’s today but maybe you can get your registration in still for the 
The ever lovely Executive Director of the 
The 
Last night the 
The 
The 
I didn’t use a picture of the YMCA at the Ag Media Summit but I did 
This week on the ZimmCast you get to hear from the new presidents of the 
Next up is Kyle Haley, LPC president. Both these guys think things are going very well in their organizations and are hoping to continue the efforts started by their predecessors.
While AAEA was meeting so was LPC. Here’s new LPC president Kyle Haley alongside now past president Lisa Bryant.
The 
The 
It’s almost time for the second round of the 
Thanks to Diane Johnson for sending in a couple pictures from the Livestock Publications Council meeting that took place at World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI. Pictured first are Terri Smith, Select Sires Inc., JoDee Sattler, Dairy Business Communications, Cathy Bewley, Select Sires Inc.
I wish I could have been there. Well, not really. I’m in Sarasota for my high school reunion. Went to the beach today for a while before driving around the old home town (Sarasota, FL).
The 
Digital cattle news pioneer, Rob Cook, is now working for Vance Publishing after the company acquired CattleNetwork.com.
