Commodity Update Offering Rich Media Messaging

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Chuck

Commodity Update has evolved to include Rich Media Messaging services in partnership with Farm Journal Media. This allows the company to deliver charts, graphics, audio, and richly designed commercial messages directly onto the phones of farmers who subscribe to the service. The company employs a proprietary technology to deliver these messages, under an agreement exclusive in the agri-marketing sector.

Mobile is the fastest growing segment of the marketing mix. But most communications to date – under SMS format – have been limited to 160 characters. Even within these constraints, CommodityUPDATE has built the largest and most powerful information system delivered to growers, and has fundamentally changed how farmers interact with information and agri-marketers engage with their customers. Now, with the addition of Rich Media Messaging capabilities, the company can deliver even higher levels of engagement and interactivity.

“Mobile marketing continues to advance rapidly in the Ag space,” says Joel Jaeger, Commodity Update Founder and CEO. “Our Rich Media Messaging platform expands the level and sophistication of content that can be delivered to end user farmers, and, like our text messaging service, does so through a channel that does not require a ‘Smartphone’. This makes it accessible to perhaps three times the audience that can be reached through Apps or Mobile Web-based campaigns.”

Commodity Update powers our AgWired Mobile service. To get AgWired updates via text just text “agwired” to 46786.

Messages that Matter: Consumer’s Attitudes Toward Food System

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Joanna

The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) has just released insight into what influences the segment of society most capable of changing consumer attitude toward today’s food system. The report, “Messages that Matter” is based on CFI’s Consumer Trust in the Food System research that has taken place over the past four years. The most recent study specifically focused on “early adopters” because of their ability to drive social change and found that using a platform of shared values is critical for building trust in today’s food system.

“If we are going to be successful in changing attitudes we must not only increase consumer knowledge but also change what they currently believe,” said Terry Fleck, CFI’s executive director. “This document is a key component in our mission to increase consumer trust and confidence in today’s food system.”

Key areas of focus included nutrition, food safety, humane treatment of farm animals, and responsible use of technology in food production. Specific attitudes and beliefs of consumers were tested and the results were used to determine what the most effective messages and programming elements would have the most positive impact on changing attitudes.

The research determined that “early adopters,” which represent about 13 percent of the population, are opinion leaders who can influence other people. While they have a higher level of concern about food safety, animal welfare and other food system issues they are also information seekers who are willing to consider credible sources.

“We encourage organizations to use this information to help shape their approach to communicating the benefits of today’s food system to consumers,” said Fleck. “We think organizations will find it very helpful in developing programming and messages.”

For more information about the study, visit www.foodintegrity.org.

Meals in the Field

Posted on September 8, 2009 by Amanda

More than one-hundred Illinois farm families will be reminded to stay “Alert, Aware & Alive” as they enjoy a complimentary lunch meal delivered to where they are working during the September 20-26 National Farm Safety & Health Week. Farm Credit Services of Illinois is sponsoring the annual “Meals in the Field” program to help promote farm safety. Growing up with meals on wheels out in the field, I imagine that receiving meals while doing field work was a great hit amongst the participating farmers and ranchers!

The theme of the 2009 National Farm Safety & Health Week is “Rural Roadway Safety: Alert, Aware, & Alive.” From Monday through Friday, each of Farm Credit’s 20 branch offices selects at least one farm family to provide a lunch meal. The Farm Credit staff serves the lunch wherever the farmers are working that day – whether that is in the field, in the machine shed, or around the kitchen table.

Agriculture continues to rank as one the most dangerous occupations and industries in North America and across the globe. Illinois farm-related deaths increased for the second consecutive year last year. Farm fatalities in the state numbered 33 from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 – up from the 29 deaths in 2007-2008. Roadway collisions were the second leading cause of death; tractor rollover is number one. Especially during the long harvest work days, farmers are reminded to take breaks and drink plenty of water to help them stay alert while operating machinery – both in the field and on the public roads.

4-H Flag Destined for Outer Space

Posted on July 22, 2009 by Amanda

4-H had a big role in shaping my life. I still remember my first purple ribbon, my first speech, my first batch of 4-H cookies, my first show steer and my first trophy. I can remember how much those “firsts” meant to me because I had spent years as a Clover Bud, waiting my turn to FINALLY be in 4-H. Without a doubt, 4-H helps fine tune kids’ talents and passions. It helps young people explore new possibilities, and it strengthens a child’s ties to agriculture. So, when I heard that 4-H was going to space in a monumental trip, I was excited to see this youth agriculture program still going strong. As reported by AgWeb Blogs, 4-H was destined for outer space.

The Space Shuttle Endeavour headed into space last week as part of the STS-127 mission. On board was the National 4-H flag. The Endeavour is delivering the final components of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Kibo laboratory to the International Space Station. The 16-day mission included five spacewalks and the installation of two new space station components and equipment.

Azeem Ahmed, 17, who is an avid space enthusiast and 4-H member from Alabama and President of the Alabama 4-H Council, made the original request to NASA to have the flag flown with a future space shuttle mission.

“4-H is more than green and white – it is a collage,” Ahmed said in a news release. “It is agriculture and it’s also healthy living, leadership and citizenship and science, engineering and technology. Science, engineering and technology is one of the missions of 4-H, and by flying a 4-H flag into space, I hope we shine a new light on 4-H.”

Running with Team ZIP

Posted on May 23, 2009 by Amanda

sl271584 A few months ago, I signed up for a half-marathon with my sister, Courtney. To boost our motivation, we joined Team ZIP (Zinc/Iron/ Protein), a group of runners who believe in the power of protein in the land of lean beef. We demonstrate that beef gives us the strength we need to cross the finish line by participating in running, cycling and triathlon events across the country. On May 16, just a week after my graduation from SDSU, Courtney and I ran our hearts out on behalf of America’s farmers and ranchers.

sl271569 This was my first half marathon, and I was proud to hear my name called as I crossed the finish line, announcing that I was running in support of beef. My jersey proudly said, “Beef, it’s what’s for dinner,” and it earned me quite a few comments and cheers throughout the race. Although my muscles were sore from the intensity of the race, my heart was proud of myself for finishing the race within my goal time.

If you are a runner or are interested in promoting agriculture in unique ways such as this, I encourage you to check out Team ZIP. There is a great bunch of folks that are a part of that group, and they are not only dedicated to living healthy, but also in protecting the integrity of the agriculture industry. I’m so proud to be a part of this group!

Mobile Markets For Christmas

Posted on December 6, 2006 by Chuck

Merry Christmas From Midwest Seed Genetics One of our advertisers is Commodity Update and I can’t tell you how excited I am to watch this company grow. There are a lot of ways Joel’s product can be used and here’s one he shared with me today. One of his clients is Midwest Seed Genetics. Their lucky customers will be receiving a Christmas card from the company with the cover pictured here.

Inside the copy will read, “Our passion is helping you succeed. To that end this holiday season we are pleased to offer you a way to stay informed while you’re on the go. It’s our gift to you. The enclosed gift card provides a complimentary gift subscription to a service that will provide commodity market information directly to your cell phone. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and great success in the year to come.”

Here’s what the gift card looks like.

So their customers will receive a very useful tool to help them stay on top of the markets as long as they’ve got cell phone service. Do you know any farmers (your customers) who don’t have a cell phone? Can you think of a better gift for a farmer this Christmas?

Great idea guys. In fact it’s so good that Joel says Silveus Insurance is doing it too!