LPC Royal Gala Tonight

Posted on October 30, 2009 by Chuck

LPC Royal Gala The 2009 Livestock Publications Council Heritage Center Royal Gala preparations are underway. The event is this evening. Wish I could be there.

As you can see in this photo by Diane Johnson, they’re working really hard.

Royal Gala 2009 Here’s the details if you can still make it out:

Friday, October 30, 2009
American Royal Headquarters
Kansas City, Missouri
6 – 10 PM Social Hour, Dinner, Dancing
Unveiling of the 2009 Honoree Temple Grandin
2009 Headliner Award Winner
Announcement of the 2010 Honoree
Silent and Live Auction
Ticket Cost $50/Person

You can find silent auction items here.

Livestock Publications Council Boot Camp

Posted on October 8, 2009 by Chuck

It’s time for another Livestock Publications Council Boot Camp. This is for designer, writers and photographers. It happens the day before opening day of deer season in Missouri just in case you wanted to know that.

Speakers and topics will include:

Adobe InDesign & Adobe Illustrator – Presented by Shari Holloway and Amber Martin, EDJE Technologies

Writing Better Headlines & Cutlines and What’s New in AP Style – Speakers from the Courier Journal – Andy Alderette, Editing Manager, Jim Kirchner, News Operations Manager

Videography & Photography – with Crystal Young American Angus Assn. Director of Public Relations, Creative Media Coordinator

November 13, 2009 – 8 am to 4:30 pm

Workshop will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott by the airport and Expo Center, 819 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209
800-321-2211 or 502-368-5678 – Room rate: $109

IFAJ Congress/Ag Media Summit Update

Posted on August 4, 2009 by Chuck

ZimmCast 227 - IFAJ/AMS Report Although I could not attend the combined IFAJ Congress/Ag Media Summit that doesn’t mean I’m not in touch. I just got off Skype with Greg Lamp, Corn & Soybean Digest, and Co-Chair of the event. He had a short break before the afternoon activities get underway.

Greg says the mix of U.S. and international visitors has worked out great and the event is a success. Many of our international guests commented that the “cowboy spirit” they’ve experienced is just what they hoped it would be. Greg says he’s caught that spirit too. Sounds like a lot of hats and boots are going home from this conference.

So listen to my chat with Greg to hear how this year’s event has been going. Just click on the audio player below.

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.

AgWired coverage of IFAJ 2009 is sponsored by:
and

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

IFAJ/AMS Leaves Mark on Texas

Posted on August 3, 2009 by Cindy

One of the coolest parts of the IFAJ/AMS Big Ol’ Western Welcome Party was pretty hot – branding boards with personal brands. Dozens of ag media types, both American and international, took the branding iron in hand and left their marks.

IFAJ/AMS Our buddy Harlen Persinger – photographer extraordinaire – really got into it and designed a nice brand for himself. Check out the photo album for lots more photos.

There were at least 600 people who attended the party last night at Fort Worth Stockyards that included great music and dancing, as well as some good ol’ Texas barbeque. It was really a fun time for all!

IFAJ/AMS 2009 Photo Album

AgWired coverage of IFAJ 2009 is sponsored by:
and

Tour de Texas This Summer

Posted on April 21, 2009 by Chuck

Thank you to Greg Lamp for pointing out that you can attend post IFAJ/AMS tours this year even if you’re not a member of AAEA, LPC or IFAJ. So how about some NAFB’ers joining in the fun?

Looking for a whole new way of seeing the U.S.A. this summer? Look no further. The Ag Media Summit in conjunction with the International Federation of Ag Journalists is offering three post tours immediately after the Summit. What an opportunity to see more of Texas than just Fort Worth, and be able to get photos and stories along the way.

There’s no early sign-up discount for these tours so you can mull it over for awhile before you decide. Also, if you want to bring a friend or family member along, there are no restrictions. You don’t have to be an AAEA, LPC or IFAJ member to join this inquisitive group of Texas travelers.

For details on the three tours, log on to www.agmediasummit.com or www.ifaj2009.com. In the meantime, here’s a quick recap of the Texas tours planned for you this summer. Continue reading →

IFAJ and AMS Planning Meeting

Posted on March 1, 2009 by Chuck

IFAJ-AMS Planning Meeting The IFAJ/AMS planning committee got together since so many of us ag media types were in town for Commodity Classic. Yesterday the group went to Billy Bob’s and the Stockyards before heading to the upcoming conference hotel, the Worthington Hotel in downtown Fort Worth.

Cindy and I joined the group for a reception meeting last night. The local convention and visitor’s bureau and hotel provided a tour and hosted our reception. We covered the program, which is mostly set now, including speakers. I’ll have more information about this shortly here on AgWired and I’ve got quite a bit of new information to get posted this week on the IFAJ 2009 Congress website.

For those who don’t know, this year the Ag Media Summit is overlapping with the IFAJ Congress for the first time. It’s going to be a big meeting and I’m looking forward to a great program.

2009 Commodity Classic Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2009 Commodity Classic
is sponsored by: and

LPC Holds Lunch Meeting at CIC

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Chuck

A little ditty about Rick and Diane . . . sounds like a song. Actually it’s Rick Coyle, Northern Ag Network and Diane Johnson, Livestock Publications Council. I really have no idea what they’re doing here in the news room at the Cattle Industry Convention.

I do know that the Livestock Publications Council is having a lunch meeting today and I probably won’t be able to make it. Maybe someone will share a note and a picture from it though (hint, hint, Diane).

Cattle Industry Convention Photo Album

Happy Holidays

Posted on December 17, 2008 by Chuck

Happy holiday this time comes from the Livestock Publications Council.

To all of our LPC friends and associates, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We look forward to a brilliant 2009.

Diane Johnson
Livestock Publications Council

I’ve been asked if I’m going to put all these in a Flickr set. Hmm. No probably not. Unless you think I should . . .

Get Your Gala On

Posted on October 22, 2008 by Chuck

If you haven’t made your reservation for this year’s Livestock Publications Council Royal Gala then what are you waiting for?

There is still time to confirm your plans for the 5th annual LPC Royal Gala which will be held next Friday, October 31, in Kansas City at the American Royal headquarters.

This fundraiser is designed to celebrate and honor this year’s inductees into the LPC Hall of Honor. We will induct Greg Henderson, Drovers, into the LPC Hall of Fame and honor Bud Snidow, retired from the American Hereford Association, with the Headliner Award. The proceeds will continue the development of the LPC Heritage Center which is an ongoing project to have a permanent home for historical items from livestock publishing and the home of the Hall of Honor where the plaques of all of the honorees are placed.

There will also be a silent auction, wonderful food and fine wine plus dancing and seeing your friends in LPC and livestock publishing. Tickets are still available — Click here for complete details.

AMS Awards and Memories

Posted on July 30, 2008 by Cindy

AMS Awards The Ag Media Summit 10th Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday night was an evening of fond memories and awards for achievement and service.

Among the awards presented were the AAEA Lifetime Achievement Award to Claude Gifford, long time associate editor of Farm Journal and USDA director of information, and to the late Larry Harper, editor of the Missouri Ruralist.

AMS Awards The AAEA Distinguished Service Award went to Dwayne Best of SD State University’s Dakota Lakes Research Farm. LPC’s Headliner Award was presented to Bud Snidow, Jr., with American Hereford Association for 32 years and currently serving at the organization historian at the age of 90.

LPC’s Hall of Fame award was given to Greg Henderson of Drovers, the first chairman of AMS in 1999. And the Andy Markwart Horizon Award winner was Corey Geiger, Hoards Dairyman.

A power point presentation showed 10 years of memories, some of them bittersweet, and a salute to American agriculture. We hope to get that posted here at some point.

Ag Media Summit Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the Agricultural Media Summit is sponsored by:
and

Board Meetings In Progress

Posted on July 27, 2008 by Chuck

LPC Registration is now open here at the Ag Media Summit and after lunch the first programs will start.

The board meetings of the two main ag journalism groups are going on right now. Here’s the Livestock Publications Council going at it hard and heavy.

I’ll try to get a report from LPC after lunch and post later.

AAEA While LPC is meeting, the American Agricultural Editors Association
is also getting some work done.

I’m sure next year’s AMS, which will be combined with the IFAJ Congress is a big topic of discussion in these meetings. There’s a need to make sure we integrate multiple programs and it should provide an opportunity for AMS growth too.

AgWired coverage of the Agricultural Media Summit is sponsored by:
and

LPC Works Out West of the Rockies

Posted on June 16, 2008 by Chuck

LPC Tour - Courtesy of Maggie Malson and Mike Shipman 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!!!

Photo taken during the tour courtesy of Maggie Malson and Mike Shipman. You can find Mike’s blog here.

Planning IFAJ/AMS 2009

Posted on April 16, 2008 by Chuck

IFAJ/AMS Meeting 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.

Writing and Podcasting in Iowa

Posted on April 10, 2008 by Chuck

ZimmCast-166 - Writing and Podcasting 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: Listen To ZimmCast ZimmCast 166 (16 min MP3)

Or listen to this week’s ZimmCast right now:

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Learning How To Design and Write

Posted on April 10, 2008 by Chuck

AAEA/LPC Regional Writing Workshop 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.

AAEA/LPC Reception

Posted on April 9, 2008 by Chuck

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.

Fun And Games

Posted on April 8, 2008 by Chuck

LPC/AAEA Games 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?

LPC and AAEA Regional Workshops

Posted on March 31, 2008 by Chuck

LPC Sales Workshop 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.

A Couple of Johnsons

Posted on February 8, 2008 by Chuck

Diane and Todd 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.

2008 Cattle Industry Convention Photo Album

Andy Groseta Talks At LPC Lunch

Posted on February 7, 2008 by Chuck

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:

2008 Cattle Industry Convention Photo Album

Podcast: Play in new window | Download