Michael and Joe also delved into energy issues, renewable fuels and where all that fits in with public policy. Joe says the National Biodiesel Board is aiming to have biodiesel replace five percent of the national supply of diesel fuel. He says that is equivalent to the amount of diesel the U.S. if refining and importing from in Iraq. In other words, he says the National Biodiesel Board is aiming to replace the diesel fuel we get from Iraq.

Some critics arguing against renewable fuels point out that the alternative fuel sources will never fully replace the need for oil. But, Joe says that’s not the point, “That’s like saying if you can’t do everything than you shouldn’t do anything.” Joe says The National Biodiesel Board simply doesn’t share that frame of thought. That’s why it has launched the BioTrucker Fuel Card. The card offers card holders cash price on all biodiesel fuel at 5,000 participating locations and special discounts at select truck stops all without any transaction fees. Those interested can sign up for the card at BioTrucker.com.

Both Michael and Joe lauded the farmers that make up the nation’s ag industry. Joe says agriculture is a powerful industry that fosters cutting-edge, technological innovation. “Ag is slow to move but powerful to respond,” Joe said.

You can listen to the entire broadcast of the Dave New Show with Michael and Joe here:
cma-08-xm.mp3

I also got some videos of Michael and Joe while they were singing and strumming their guitars. You can watch the videos here:

2008 CMA Music Festival Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the CMA Country Music Festival is sponsored by:

Right before heading out I spoke with Farm Progress Show Manager Matt Jungmann and he gave me a wrapup on the show so far. He says that not only the attendees seem to be happy but they’re getting very happy comments from exhibitors. Matt says that on the first two days of corn harvest the corn was running at about 15-17% moisture and 175 to 180 bushels.

Listen to my interview with Matt here: fp-07-jungmann-wrap.mp3

Or you can download it here: Matt Jungmann Interview (2 min MP3)

AgWired coverage of the 2007 Farm Progress Show is sponsored by

There are 5 key issues for these folks to work on as identified by the organization. Besides the face time with elected officials NRECA wants to generate more public awareness of these issues back home and certain issues are more important in some states than others. So, we produced several versions of the same basic release, which contain links to sound bites from Glenn English, NRECA CEO and local leaders in the areas being targeted.

You can listen to my interview with Glenn English here: Glenn English Interview
Don’t you just love this artistic photo shot of me interviewing Glenn? Ok, so it wasn’t supposed to turn out this way – but I think it looks cool!

You can also open each of the releases we produced using Glenn’s audio and other individuals in Arizona, California, Georgia, North Dakota and Oregon. These were sent to radio station reporters in each state and surrounding states. Additionally, we produced a more general one to send to farm broadcasters in other areas.

NRECA Release Arizona
NRECA Release California
NRECA Release Georgia
NRECA Release North Dakota
NRECA Release Oregon
NRECA Release Farm Broadcasters

That’s followed by a class in ethics. Sounds to me like something some real senators and representatives ought to attend!

Later on today official registration begins before this conference kicks off tomorrow.

NRECA has hired ZimmComm to produce and distribute Talking News Releases from their conference and Southeast AgNet has us providing their network with some coverage from the NAFB meeting. Both meetings will feature some interesting speakers and topics which we’ll bring to your attention.

Maybe I’ll see you in DC!